Always With Me: Whisper Lake #1

by Barbara Freethy

  The door chime pealed once more, and she jumped, hoping Tammy hadn't come back to say she'd changed her mind. She was ready to tell whoever walked through the door that they were closed, but it was Zach.

  His smile vanished when he saw her face. "What's wrong?"

  She came around the counter and threw herself into his arms, needing his solid body to hang on to.

  "What's happened, Gianna?" he asked worriedly.

  "I think I might have found my mother."

  Chapter Twenty-One

  "Your mother?" Zach echoed, gripping her arms as he looked into her eyes. "Who is she? Where is she? Did she just come in here? Because you look like you saw a ghost."

  "Jill's friend Tammy was just here. She confirmed that the girl with the locket was Jill Harper. She said they were friends as kids and when I asked her if Jill had gotten pregnant, if she'd had a baby, she couldn't deny it. The more we talked, the more it became obvious that Jill did have a child that she gave up for adoption, even though Tammy was reluctant to say much about it. I told Tammy that I want to talk to Jill."

  "And?"

  "She took my name and number and said she'd pass it on to Jill. Her last name is Kenner now. She's married and has two girls. I have sisters." She swayed at that dizzying thought.

  "Okay, slow down."

  "I can't. My heart is racing."

  "Completely understandable. Can you close up? Can we go upstairs and talk?"

  "Yes. I was going to do that as soon as she left, but I wasn't sure I could walk as far as the door." She stepped out of his embrace. "I'm okay now. I'm just a little shocked, nervous, and scared." She moved over to the door and turned the bolt, then flipped the sign to Closed. "What if she doesn't call me?"

  "Let's hope she does. And whatever happens, it's better to know than not to know. Even if she doesn't call, you have her last name now. It might not be that difficult to find her on your own."

  "But do I have the right? She gave me up for a reason. Maybe she isn't interested in me turning up again. She made the decision to give me to someone else." She blew out a breath. "I'm spinning out a little."

  "I can see that. Do you have plans tonight? Do you want to get some dinner? Maybe start with a stiff drink."

  "I'm supposed to drop by my parents' house." She groaned. "How am I going to do that? They'll see that I'm upset. They'll ask why. My father will be angry if I tell him what's happening. I can't handle it."

  "Is it a special occasion? Can you cancel?"

  "I think I could. I left it kind of open-ended. Maybe I'll tell my mom I'm not feeling well."

  "Whatever you want. But if you decide not to go over there, I'd like to have dinner with you."

  "Aren’t you supposed to be talking to the Carvers tonight?" she asked, as she turned off the lights in the showroom, and they took the back way up to her apartment.

  "Helen asked me to come by tomorrow night. Ron has a meeting this evening."

  "Sorry."

  "It is what it is," he said, following her into the apartment. "Do you want to eat here or go out?"

  "Let's stay in. I'm not really up for a night out, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be glued to my phone all night, praying for it to ring. I have wine here, and while I don't have a lot of groceries on hand, if you like breakfast for dinner, I'm your girl."

  He smiled. "I love breakfast for dinner. I also love that you're my girl."

  "I only said that in the context of breakfast."

  "I'll take what I can get."

  Zach took a seat at the table while she opened a bottle of red wine and poured them each a glass. She set one in front of him and sat down. "I hope you like red wine with your eggs."

  "I'm easy. What else did Tammy have to say? Anything of note?"

  "She asked if I still had the locket. I said I'd lost it a long time ago. She told me it was Jill's most treasured possession." She paused. "I've been thinking about how the locket went missing, and I had a crazy thought."

  "I know what you're going to say," he replied, a smug look in his eyes. "You think Theresa Harper took it."

  "I do. But why would she have done that?"

  "Because she didn't want anyone to link you with her daughter. I had the same thought earlier today. I was in the old camp dining room, and I was thinking about Theresa serving up food and always keeping an eye on us. I'm sure she noticed the locket hanging around your neck every time you went up to fill your plate."

  "It still seems like a bold move to make."

  "Lying to you last night was bold, too."

  "I don't know why she did that. Did she really think I'd give up that easily?"

  "She obviously doesn't know how stubborn you can be."

  She made a face at the teasing smile on his face. "You're stubborn, too. You keep showing up even when I tell you we're done."

  "After what happened earlier, did you really think I was going to stay away from you?"

  She shook her head. "No, and I was hoping you wouldn't," she admitted. "Today was wonderful; I've been completely distracted ever since then."

  "Me, too."

  "I just don't know what happens next…"

  "We don't have to know now. We'll figure it out." He set his wineglass down. "Do you want me to cook?"

  "Do you know how to cook?"

  "According to Hailey, I am the king of pancakes."

  "Well, if you're the king, then I think you should do the honors. And you're in luck—I have pancake mix, along with eggs and bacon."

  "Perfect."

  "Do you want me to help?"

  "No, you sit and relax."

  "Okay, I'm not going to argue." She sipped her wine as she watched him move around the kitchen with quick and efficient movements. She could get used to him cooking for her. She could get used to a lot of things when it came to Zach.

  As Zach mixed the eggs, she picked up her phone and texted her mother that she wasn't feeling well, and she'd catch up with her tomorrow. Her phone rang one second later.

  "Hello, Mom," she said. "I'm fine. I just have a headache. I hope you weren't already cooking."

  "I'm always cooking, but I'm not concerned about the food. I'm worried about you. You're not trying to avoid your dad, are you? Because I had a long talk with him, and he agreed to back off on criticizing your decisions."

  "That must have been quite a discussion."

  "He's had time to think things over. He knows it's your life, and you have to live it as you see fit. Plus, he appreciates the fact that you came home to help Lois."

  "I'm not trying to avoid him. I just want to stay home and rest tonight. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night."

  "Why not? What's going on?"

  "Nothing really. I was at Chloe's. She hasn't heard from Kevin in a few days, and she needed some support, so Keira and I spent some time with her."

  "That was kind of you. I hope everything is all right with Kevin."

  "Me, too."

  "Well, I'll let you go then. But let's make sure we get together soon. I can't believe you're living less than a mile away, and I've only seen you once."

  "I'm going to be here all summer, so we'll have time."

  "Take care, hon."

  "You, too."

  She set her phone down, feeling a little guilty for not being completely honest with her mother, but thankfully her mom hadn't asked about her search for her biological mother, so she hadn't had to tell a direct lie. She hadn't even been lying about her headache; there was an aching pain behind her temple.

  "Dinner is almost ready," Zach said. "Unless you want to change your mind and head over to your parents' house; I won't hold it against you."

  "No. My mom will be fine."

  She got up and grabbed some silverware out of the drawer, setting the table as Zach put their meal together. Five minutes later, she was enjoying one of the best breakfasts she'd had in a while.

  "Okay, you are the king," she said, stabbing her fork at a pancake laden with maple syrup. "The panca
kes are light and fluffy, the eggs are perfect, and the bacon has just the right crisp."

  "I'm glad you're happy."

  "My headache is even starting to go away. I guess I needed to eat. I missed lunch."

  "So did I," he said, exchanging an intimate look with her. "We were a little busy."

  "Just a little."

  "You surprised the hell out of me."

  "In what way?" she asked curiously.

  "In every way. Just the fact that you wanted to be together in the meadow, in the daylight."

  "I wanted to be the girl in my picture again. Actually, that isn't even true, because the girl I drew wasn't me back then—it was who I wanted to be."

  "That's probably true for the boy in the picture, too." He set down his fork. "In case you were wondering, I picked up a few more condoms."

  "I wasn't wondering," she said with a small laugh, although she shivered a little at the look in his eyes.

  "Well, just so you know."

  "I'll keep it in mind, but I'm not sure we could do better than we did today."

  He leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "Challenge accepted."

  She laughed. "It was not a challenge."

  "Oh, I think it was." He paused as a hard knock came at her door.

  She started in surprise. "I don't know who that is. I usually buzz people into the building."

  "I'll get it," he said, getting to his feet.

  "Gianna?" a male voice said, adding another knock. "It's me."

  She caught Zach by the arm. "That's my dad."

  "You better get it then."

  She walked over to the door and quickly opened it. "Dad, what are you doing here?"

  "Your mom said you're sick and you can't come to dinner. If that’s because you're avoiding me, it's not necessary."

  Her dad's gaze moved past her to Zach, to the kitchen table, and to their empty plates. His eyes filled with anger. "You're not sick at all. You're on a date."

  "This isn't a date."

  "Who are you?" He gave Zach a scathing look.

  "Zach Barrington," Zach said evenly.

  Her dad turned his gaze back to her. "You have another man already? I thought you were taking some time for self-reflection."

  "I am. Zach is an old friend. We went to camp together."

  "Zach," he murmured again, a new light in his eyes. "I've heard that name before. He was that kid you cried over for weeks."

  She flushed, realizing how many people had experienced that heartache along with her. "That was a long time ago. We're friends now. He's designing the remodel of the camp. And I'm not avoiding you, Dad. I really do have a headache. Zach just stopped by. We made some eggs. It wasn't a big plan." She felt like she was sixteen again, defending her actions when she really shouldn't have to. "I'm sorry for the late cancel. I know it isn't going to make things better between us, but frankly I don't know what will. You're really angry and disappointed, and I can't change that."

  "I'm worried about you, Gianna."

  "I know, but I'm fine. I'm getting my head together. I'm taking actions that I need to take."

  His gaze narrowed. "You're looking for your birth mother?"

  "Yes, and I think I've found her. To be completely honest, I didn't want to tell Mom that tonight, and I was afraid she would ask. That's the real reason I cancelled."

  "Who is she?"

  "Her name is Jill Harper. She's Theresa Harper's daughter. I don't know if you know her, but she ran the dining hall at Echo Falls Camp."

  "The biological mother wasn't supposed to be from Whisper Lake," he said. "Where does this woman live?"

  "I'm not sure. Her mom lives on the north shore. I met one of Jill's friends today. She's going to have Jill call me. I don't know if she will, but I hope she does. I have to know the story of my existence, Dad. I don't need a relationship with her, but I need to know who gave birth to me."

  "And you also want to know why she gave you up," her dad said heavily.

  "I do," she admitted. "But it doesn't change the fact that I love you and Mom, that I consider you my parents."

  "We love you, too," he said gruffly. "I'm sorry I came down on you so hard about your broken engagements. I do want you to be happy. I just don't know if your expectations are too high."

  "They should be high, don't you think?"

  He gave her a half-hearted smile. "You're right. They should be high. I'll leave you to your…whatever this is." He tipped his head to Zach, who had resumed his seat at the table. "Sorry for barging in."

  "No problem," Zach said. "For what it's worth, I think you raised one hell of a good daughter."

  Her dad gave a slow nod. "I know we did. Good night, Gianna. Call your mother tomorrow. Or better yet, come by the house."

  "Are you going to tell her about Jill?"

  "No, I'll let you do that, when you know something real, when you're ready."

  "Thanks, Dad." She gave him a hug and then walked him to the door. "By the way, how did you get in the building without me buzzing you in?"

  "I have a key. Lois gave me one years ago. Who do you think she calls when the sink gets clogged up?"

  "Good point. Bye." She closed the door behind him and then walked back to the table and sat down. "So, that was my dad."

  "He didn't like me at all."

  "He doesn't even know you. That actually didn't end up as bad as I thought it would when he first got here. He got the wrong idea when he saw you and me having dinner. He thought I blew them off for a date. But he came around."

  "Because you were honest with him, and he loves you."

  "I love him, too."

  "So, you cried over me for weeks?"

  She rolled her eyes. "That's what you got out of the conversation?"

  "It's the part that interested me the most."

  "You already knew that you broke my heart."

  His gaze turned more serious. "You broke mine, too, Gianna."

  "Which begs the question, what are we doing now? Aren't we headed for more of the same, Zach?"

  "I don't know. But I think we should find out—on a bed this time."

  "I wasn't talking about sex."

  "I know, but still." He got up and extended his hand. "It's time for me to make good on your challenge."

  She slid her fingers into his. "It wasn't a challenge. And aren't you at all concerned that this is going to hurt a lot more if we keep doing what we're doing?"

  "No. Because we've already jumped off the cliff. Only time will tell if we land on our feet. But in the meantime, it will be a hell of a ride."

  "Well, when you say it like that…"

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  It was a night she'd always remember.

  Gianna rolled on to her side and smiled with pleasure at the sight of Zach sleeping so peacefully in her bed. The covers around them were tangled from their passion, and Zach's hair was wild, long strands falling over his forehead. There was a shadow of beard on his jaw, and his slightly parted lips only made her want to kiss him again. She would have thought that making love three times would have satisfied her, but it had just made her want more.

  She put her hand on his arm, feeling the heat of his skin. He stirred slightly but didn't wake up. She should really let him sleep. It was only seven. She doubted he had anything he had to get to, and she didn't have to be in the store until one. They could have some morning fun and then a big breakfast.

  As her stomach rumbled, she wondered if food might have to come before the fun. But Zach had cooked most of what she had in her refrigerator. Maybe they could go down to the café, see Chloe, and order up some blueberry waffles or Chloe's famous veggie omelet. That thought made her even more hungry.

  She snuggled up closer to Zach, resting her head on his shoulder, gently stroking the line of one massive scar across his chest. It still hurt her to think about how Zach must have suffered the night of the fire. Even though he and Rebecca had had problems, he'd loved her, and he'd lost her. He'd almost lost
Hailey, too as well as his own life. But he'd made it, and hopefully he was on his way to getting Hailey back.

  Which made her wonder how their relationship could possibly fit in with that one…

  If Zach could get partial custody or even visitation, he'd be focused on rebuilding his relationship with Hailey, as he should be. Considering what she knew of the Carvers, she thought Hailey would be better off with Zach. Or at least with both her grandparents and the man she'd thought of as her father for the last four years.

  Zach would be a great dad. She'd seen the way he and Hailey had hugged with so much love and emotion. And knowing how hard he was working to stay in that little girl's life impressed her beyond belief.

  Any child would be lucky to have him as their father. Any woman would be lucky to have him as the father of her children.

  A small sigh escaped her lips as she realized how far ahead she was getting in her thoughts. This was just supposed to be fun and spontaneous, a live in the moment fling. She did not need to be considering Zach for the role of dad to her future kids.

  Moving away from Zach, she slid out of bed and grabbed her robe from the closet.

  "Hey, where are you going?" Zach mumbled, blinking his sleepy green eyes.

  Her stomach clenched as desire and love ran through her. No, not love. Just desire, she told herself.

  "I'm hungry," she said. "I'm going to take a shower and then rummage around in the kitchen, but I'm thinking we should go to the café."

  "Good idea," he said, sitting up in bed. "I used up most of your eggs last night."

  "We can check on Chloe, too, although I'm hoping she's at home and not at the café. But knowing her, I doubt it."

  He swung his legs off the bed and stood up. Her mouth watered at the sight of his very attractive male form.

  "Let's shower together," he suggested, a wicked sparkle in his eyes. "It will be faster."

  "Really? You and me in a hot, steamy shower, is going to be faster?"

  He gave her a happy, sexy grin. "Well, it will be better."

  "I don't know."

  His smile faded, his gaze narrowing on her face, as he walked over to her. "What's wrong?"