An Inconvenient Plan (Happy Endings Book Club, Book 10)

by Kylie Gilmore

  “I suppose you’re right,” she said softly.

  Desperate to salvage the situation, he leaned close and spoke from the heart. “Listen, the book was supposed to show I’m relationship material. I don’t care what our parents say. We deserve a chance. Your mom’s not gonna bail on my dad just because we might screw up a few times, right?”

  Her eyes widened. “I thought our parents wanted us to make amends.” She leaned down and whispered, “Are you saying they don’t want us to be together?”

  He hesitated before admitting, “My dad told me to keep my distance. Be civil and that’s it. He thought we’d bring too much drama to the family, destroy the peace for all the family functions, holidays, birthdays, you know, but I say fuck that.”

  She straightened, her fingers covering her mouth, her eyes shiny.

  Shit. He’d said the wrong thing. He was supposed to be making a romantic gesture and he’d upset her.

  “Don’t worry about my dad,” he said urgently. “It’s not gonna destroy their marriage. Your mom loves him.”

  She nodded woodenly and returned to her seat. Then she just sat there, staring at the floor.

  His chest ached, throat tight, gut churning. Now what?

  Claire took charge like a general. “Ladies! Back to our read. And hand Mad that cowboy book. Turns out it’s her favorite because her and Park do a lot of cowboy role-play. She plays the horse.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “I do not!” Mad protested hotly.

  The women jumped on that, teasing Mad relentlessly. It was absurd to picture them doing the cowboy rodeo game, both of them raised in the suburbs of Connecticut. But he couldn’t even muster a smile. Not when Hailey looked so stricken.

  Romantic prince of her dreams he was not.

  ~ ~ ~

  Hailey sat at book club, shaken by the turn of events. All this time she’d feared her mom flaking on Joe would turn the Campbells against her when it sounded like Joe was already against her. She couldn’t even assure Josh her mom would stick around if there was a real issue in keeping the family peace. Her mom flaked whenever things got stressful. She swallowed hard, really hurt over Joe’s decree. Sure, he didn’t mind her being friends with Mad, and he’d said she’d be like a daughter since he was marrying her mom, but he didn’t want her for his son. Josh should’ve told her that before he’d kissed her. She’d been worried about the family consequences, and he’d only said their parents wanted them to make amends. Joe must’ve thought she and Josh would never work out because of the way they fought all the time. She’d worried about that too, right up until Josh had kissed her. She’d never felt that kind of passion with anyone else. It had made her think maybe they were meant to be together. Then he blew her off and she’d cooled toward him. Now here he was being sweet to her. So where did that leave them now?

  She stared at the cowboy book sticking out of her purse. He’d brought her a gift, and he’d braved book club with all of her best girl friends and his sister, who was sure to tease him. And he’d taken it seriously, reading the book and contributing intelligently to the discussion. It was clear he wasn’t there to make fun of romance, or of her. And even though Mad, the tricky bitch, had set him up with that cowboy book, the fact that Josh had asked what she might like as a gift must mean he cared for her. He respected what she loved. That went a long way, given their rocky history. For too long she’d felt he was secretly—or not so secretly—laughing at her. Tonight he’d been dead serious. He wanted her to know he was relationship material.

  She stroked Rose’s wiry fur. Maybe dropping her dress the first time she was alone with Josh had given him the idea she was using him for his gorgeous body. She was a woman of passions, but at the time she’d thought it would bring them closer together. With all those pent-up feelings she’d had for him and, believing she needed his rock-steady self in her life, she’d gone for it. Admittedly, not one of her finer moments, she’d been a little tipsy and a lot worked up over her mom and Joe moving in together. Her clumsy attempt at seduction should’ve been a red flag that her breakdown was coming six weeks down the line when her mom and Joe got engaged.

  She cared about Josh. And when they weren’t fighting, like tonight, she was drawn to him. He was the kind of man she could count on. She’d seen him in action, the way his younger siblings and friends turned to him. He’d been there for her during her sobfest at their parents’ engagement party. So why couldn’t they seem to get in synch?

  Now Josh was in the kitchen with Jake while the women talked to Claire about her pregnancy and how she was feeling. She kept tuning into the twin deep rumbles, working out who was who. They were identical, but Jake was much more open and expressive, Josh always reserved. They laughed at similar stuff, though, finished each other’s sentences, and occasionally spoke in unison. It must’ve been great growing up with a twin. Like having a best friend with you all the time.

  Claire squeezed her arm. “Could you help me carry some pitchers of water? I put fruit in them so they’re tasty. My version of nonalcoholic fun.”

  “Of course.” She handed Rose over to Mad so she’d have both hands free. Mad didn’t even interrupt her conversation, still talking as she cuddled Rose. Mad was like Rose’s second mom since she’d taken care of her for a couple of weeks before giving her to Hailey as a gift from all of their friends.

  The moment they arrived in the kitchen, Claire announced, “Time for the fruity drinks.”

  Jake and Josh turned at the same time. She could tell them apart because Jake kept his dark brown hair neatly trimmed, his jaw clean-shaven, and his clothes were designer. He also moved much faster than his twin. Josh ambled, like nothing was worth rushing for, really laid-back. His dark hair was long enough to curl at the nape of his neck, always a little rumpled, his jaw stubbled, and his clothes well worn and casual.

  Jake smiled at Claire like she was the best woman on earth.

  Hailey swallowed down a pang of jealousy and turned to find Josh staring at her with a question in his eyes that she didn’t know how to answer. All she knew was she felt something strong for him, yet she feared the consequences of getting tangled up with him. Going against the family that she’d wanted to be a real part of for so long, sneaking around, probably fighting some more with him, which would be so much more hurtful once her heart was deeply involved. And, if it didn’t work out, the damage would affect more than just the two of them. The risk felt too high.

  She headed to the refrigerator, feeling Josh’s eyes on her.

  “How’re you?” he asked when she passed by.

  She stopped and turned back to him, falling back on good manners. “I’m fine. How’re you?”

  He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets. “Good.” His dark eyes were full of question again.

  “Good,” she echoed.

  “I can see why you like book club,” he said. “It’s cool to talk with your friends about something you love. It’s like a, uh, bonding experience.”

  Her jaw dropped at the unexpectedly insightful observation. “Very true. I had originally intended it to be more of a vehicle to get single people together. That’s when I first invited you to it. You know, a singles book club, but we never did get an influx of men, so it turned into a sisterhood focused on romance.”

  He gazed into her eyes, his voice low and husky. “I should’ve accepted your invitation back then.”

  “Oh.” Her cheeks flushed. “Well, that was a long time ago. Water under the bridge.” Water. She was supposed to be helping Claire with the water.

  “We got it!” Claire sang as she walked by with two pitchers of fruity water. Jake followed with another pitcher and a stack of red plastic cups.

  Suddenly it was just her and Josh in the kitchen. She gulped, holding her hands behind her back and then dropping them to her sides. Why was this so awkward?

  He closed the distance between them and leaned down to her ear. “I didn’t come here because I wanted to dish about a book.”

/>   She licked her lips, her heart thumping unnaturally hard. “Okay.”

  He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed the back of it. Just like in the historical romance they’d just read! “Hailey…” He took both her hands in his.

  “Yes,” she breathed.

  “I want a courtship, a slow burn between you and me. This is either going to be for real—make it worth both our time—or not at all. I should’ve said that the moment I realized we belong together.”

  Her breath caught. “When did you realize that?”

  “When you were giving me hell at Garner’s for trying to get you alone to talk right before the prince showed up. You refused to spend any time with me because you were hurt over my rejection, which was only because I was trying to do the right thing, by the way, nothing personal. Now I think the right thing is to be with you, not keep my distance.”

  Her brows furrowed, thinking on that. “Why would you think we belong together when I’m giving you hell? Do you like when I get mad at you?”

  He squeezed her hands. “I like when you’re real with me.”

  “Oh. That was after my embarrassing breakdown in your office.” She shook her head. “I’ve had too many embarrassing moments with you.”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “I admit it was hard to watch you cry because of the sympathy I had for you, but I was glad to help in any way I could.”

  Her heart squeezed at the sweet sentiment. She hadn’t known he’d felt especially sympathetic at the time, but she’d been such a mess she wasn’t sure she would’ve caught it. She gazed into his eyes, trying to figure out next steps—closer or away. His gaze back was serious, sincere.

  She gulped. “I don’t know. I’m really worried. Our family is against us and maybe they have a point. We fight so much and, if it didn’t work out, there would be hurt feelings all around.”

  His big hand slid under her hair, cupping the back of her neck and pulling her in close. Her breath hitched, her stomach dipping, throbbing between her legs. His words ran hot over her lips. “Give us a chance.”

  His head slowly lowered as his fingers tangled in her hair, tipping her face up for his kiss. She closed her eyes and waited, practically vibrating in anticipation. Finally his lips brushed over hers gently, and then again. She’d never felt gentleness from him. She wasn’t sure if she wanted that. It felt too tame, not Josh-like at all.

  He straightened, dropping his hand from her hair. She nearly cried in disappointment. That was it? Two tiny kisses she barely felt?

  His voice sounded gravelly. “I’m off tomorrow night. Come over to my place for our first official date. I’ll make you dinner.”

  “So we’re just going to go behind your dad’s back?”

  “This is about us, not anyone else.” He smoothed her hair behind her ear and placed a warm kiss on the sensitive spot just below her ear, giving her a shiver. “I want to cook you an amazing dinner. It’s my one good thing among many flaws.”

  She laughed a little, though she was still worried. “Well, if it’s your only good thing.”

  He grinned. “I do have another good thing, a great thing, but we’re not going to do that tomorrow night, so don’t even worry about it.”

  She looked away, embarrassed because she’d been the one to throw herself at him like some desperate nympho. “I wasn’t worried about it.”

  “I mean, after your dress hit the ground—”

  “I got it! Okay, Josh!”

  He cradled her face with both hands. “You’re so easy to rile up. I’m teasing you, not fighting with you.”

  She calmed down. It was hard to be irritated when he was holding her like she was special, his gaze tender. “I’ll have to think of some good stuff to tease you back with.”

  “You could try.” His hands dropped to her shoulders. “Now before this goes any further, I gotta know you like me for me, not just my pretty face and hunky bod. I’m relationship material.”

  She smiled, tickled by his turn of phrase. “I like you for more than just your pretty face and hunky bod. Definitely relationship material.”

  “Excellent.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her like he meant it. Yes! This was the kind of kiss she loved from him. He had this way of holding her, one hand in her hair, the other on her lower back, keeping them in full body contact as his mouth sealed over hers. Not gentle, thank God. He was aggressive, hungry, devouring her. She’d just reached desperately horny level, arching her hips into him in a silent demand for more, when he set her a foot away from him.

  “Go back with your friends,” he said gruffly. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “No. Why?” Her gaze dropped to the bulge in his jeans and she smiled, thrilled she’d gotten to him as much as he’d gotten to her. Slow burn would never work between them and she was glad. This kind of passion was rare and something she’d always dreamed of.

  She walked back to her friends on shaky legs, praying that she’d done the right thing in taking this next step with him.

  Chapter Twelve

  Josh was tense. She felt it the moment he answered the door for their first official date. Was it because the stakes were high in making this work? Because he was out of his mind with lust he could barely control? She’d spent a little too much time last night imagining what it would be like to be with him naked—wild, out-of-her-mind levels of passion—which was not-so-coincidentally why she wore an off-the-shoulder white jersey knit dress that fit her like a second skin, ending mid-thigh, with black stilettos. But first—a civilized date that would set the tone for the rest of their relationship. No pressure. Geez, now she was tense.

  He gestured toward the sofa, keeping his distance. “Make yourself comfortable. Hope you like steak.”

  He’d made an effort to look nice, from his clean-shaven jaw to the scent of spicy woodsy cologne to his clothes—a pale blue button-down shirt with gray pants and leather dress shoes.

  “Steak sounds good.” She set Rose on the floor with her wubby, a ratty green bear, and set her purse by the sofa. Then she turned and walked over to Josh. Probably more of a strut, boobs forward, hips swaying. Why wear the dress if she wasn’t going to work it? “You look very handsome tonight.”

  “Thanks. You look nice too. You could wear a sack and still be stunning, but you know that, don’t you?”

  She was momentarily speechless. It was the first time Josh had commented on her appearance, and it was quite the compliment.

  He turned back to the kitchen. “How do you like your steak cooked?”

  “Medium well.”

  “Got it.” He stopped and turned back to her. “How about Rose?”

  She beamed, loving the way he looked out for her fur baby. “She’s never had steak. I’d imagine medium well would be just fine with her.”

  He flashed a smile that warmed her like sunshine. She’d so rarely seen Josh smiling at her. He was pure masculine beauty.

  He went into the kitchen and she followed him. It smelled wonderful. The appliances were white and on the newer side. Various cooking utensils, measuring cups, and bowls sat on the one long laminate counter. A small square table with a white tablecloth in the corner was set for two with a glass vase of roses with baby’s breath and unlit long white candles in silver candlesticks. A nice romantic touch.

  He gestured toward the vase of roses. “Those are for you. I had to put them in water so they’d bloom in time for dinner.”

  “Aww, thank you.” She bent low and breathed them in. “They’re lovely.”

  He walked over to the counter and reached into a plastic bag. “I got Rose a chew toy. It’s made from recycled fire hose.” He ripped the tag off and placed the toy in her hand. It was an orange rectangular toy that made a crinkle sound.

  “Omigod, we love it. How cute is this?” She went to the living room and knelt next to her fur baby, offering the toy. “Rose, what do you think?” Rose sniffed it and then licked it. Hailey dropped the toy on the floor and Rose le
aped on top of it, rolling all over it and licking with great enthusiasm.

  Hailey looked back over her shoulder at Josh, standing in the kitchen doorway, smiling at Rose’s antics. He was irresistibly sexy, doting on her dog, cooking for her, but she was determined not to throw herself at him. He wanted a slow burn, something real. She wanted something real too. It was just hard to wait now that she’d gotten a taste of passion.

  She stood and smoothed her hair. “You have any wine?”

  “Yeah, a nice merlot. I’m letting it breathe. I’ll pour us both a glass. The steaks have been marinating all night. I’ve got twice-baked potatoes in the oven. Spinach with mushrooms too. And for dessert—”

  “You bake too?”

  “It’s strawberry shortcake from Garner’s. Not too sweet.”

  She crossed to him. “Yum. So is this your typical first date?”

  “No.” He went back to the kitchen and checked on the potatoes in the oven. “I usually don’t invite women here.”

  She flushed, thrilled to be one of the few women invited in. Hard to believe she’d once thought his place was a den of sin. “Why not? Is it your private sanctuary?”

  He straightened and closed the oven door. “Because most women wouldn’t find my place impressive, but you’ve seen it before so…” He pulled two wineglasses from a cabinet and poured them both some merlot. He handed her a glass.

  She deflated at his casual remark. “Thanks.” She took a sip. “Anything I can do to help?”

  “I got it. Just relax.”

  She took a seat at the table, watching him get out a large pan, adding butter, and then the mushrooms. It was strange to be with Josh like this, such a domestic scene, so peaceful. “Why do you think we fight so much?”

  He glanced over his shoulder at her. “You’re so easy to rile up I couldn’t resist. I mostly thought it was fun.” He went back to cooking, pushing the mushrooms around with a wooden spatula. “Why did you keep coming back for more?”

  She stared at his broad back. Why did she keep tangling with him? Half the time she’d been so furious she’d wanted to strangle him. And now…she just longed to touch him, kiss him, taste him. Oh, boy, she really had to stop thinking about getting him naked.