by SJ McCoy
Diego shook his head. “Whatever you say, my friend.”
Ted got to his feet when Audrey and Izzy came back to the table.
“More champagne?” suggested Diego.
“No, thanks,” said Izzy. “We were thinking we should get going.”
Ted’s heart sank. Perhaps the question wasn’t whether he and Audrey should leave without Diego and Izzy, but rather whether Audrey wanted to leave with him at all. He caught her gaze and was relieved when she smiled.
“We thought maybe we should take a cab back to the lodge now. I imagine there’ll be a long line to get one after the band finishes.” She hesitated and Ted would swear that he saw Izzy kick her foot. “Since we’re all staying over there … we could share a cab and have a drink at the bar when we get back … if you’d like?”
Ted was thrilled that she asked. He didn’t get the chance to reply before Diego answered for him. “Absolutely. We should go.” He got to his feet with a grin.
Audrey gave Ted a shy smile. “I didn’t mean right this minute. I need to say goodbye to Ally and Brayden first.”
“Can we come and wish them a happy birthday?”
“Of course.”
As they made their way through the crowded bar, Ted spotted Richard watching them. He caught Ted’s gaze and visibly tried to turn his frown into a polite smile. It didn’t quite work.
Ted already despised the man. The way he’d fawned over him when he realized who he was made Ted’s skin crawl. He’d known too many men like that—men who valued money and influence over anything else. He gave him a curt nod and couldn’t help putting his hand in the small of Audrey’s back as they found her daughter, Ally.
Ally kissed Audrey’s cheek and smiled at Ted. “Thanks for coming, Mom. It was lovely to meet you, Ted. I hope we’ll see you again soon.”
“I do, too. And happy birthday, to you.”
“Thanks. I don’t know where Brayden got to, but don’t worry about him, Mom. You guys get going.”
Audrey looked around. “I’d like to say goodnight to him.”
“You’ll see him tomorrow.”
Ted got the impression that Ally wanted her mom to go. He understood why when he saw Brayden coming toward them, with Richard and his wife in tow.
Ally blew out a sigh. “I tried.”
“It’s okay,” said Audrey. “We can be civil.”
“I know you two can; I mean him! I saw what he did when you were all dancing.”
“It’s fine,” said Audrey. “Leave it. I just want to say goodnight to Brayden, and then we’ll go.”
Ted watched her hug her son. It was obvious how much she loved her children—and how much they loved her.
“We’re leaving now. Thanks again for having us here.”
“Thanks for coming, Mom.” Brayden turned to Izzy and hugged her. “Thanks, Aunt Izzy.” He stood back and looked at Diego, apparently wondering whether this was someone whose name he should remember.
Diego smiled. “Thanks for having us.”
“I don’t believe we’ve been introduced,” Richard said to Diego.
Ted had to hide a smile as Diego put his arm around Izzy and she played right up to it, leaning against him with a smile as he extended his hand. “Diego Águila. And you must be Richard?”
Richard nodded.
“And these are your children?” Diego continued. “Ally and Brayden, the birthday twins and …” He stared at Natalee and frowned. “Your younger daughter?”
Ted had to bite back a laugh at the way Richard scowled, and Audrey and Izzy tried not to laugh.
“Actually, this is my wife, Natalee.”
Diego took her hand and kissed the back of it with more bravado than Ted would ever be able to muster. “Forgive me.”
Natalee’s cheeks flushed as she nodded and gawked. It was obvious that she was bowled over.
Richard took her other hand and pulled her away. “Come on, we’re leaving.”
Diego tried to look apologetic after they’d gone. “Did I do something wrong?” he asked innocently.
Izzy slapped his arm with a laugh. “You did wonderfully—and you know it.”
Ted had to wonder by the way Diego grinned whether he was really as indifferent to Izzy as he’d made out.
Audrey chuckled. “I should feel bad, but I don’t.”
Ted pressed his hand into the small of her back. “I get the impression that he made you feel bad for far too many years.”
She turned and looked into his eyes, and he wanted to tell her that it was time she started to feel good—and that he was the man to help.
~ ~ ~
When the cab pulled up outside the lodge, Izzy jumped out, and Diego quickly followed her.
Audrey couldn’t help but wonder if Izzy had been completely honest about her lack of interest in Diego. There seemed to be quite a spark between them, and although Izzy played it off that they were just doing whatever it took to give her and Ted a chance, she’d guess that there was more to it than that.
They all stood at the bottom of the steps that led up to the lobby.
“A drink in the bar, then?” asked Ted.
Audrey nodded and looked at the others.
Izzy slipped her arm through Diego’s. “I’m afraid I’m absolutely pooped.”
Diego faked a big yawn. “I also am too tired.”
Audrey exchanged a glance with Ted, and he laughed. “Can you make it any more obvious, guys?”
Izzy laughed. “You’re the one who isn’t going along the with it. We tried. You two go ahead. Have a drink; we’ll see you tomorrow.”
Audrey’s heart began to pound in her chest. She wasn’t nervous; at least, she hadn’t thought she was until now.
Diego took hold of her hand and kissed the back of it. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Audrey.”
It was an over-the-top kind of gesture, one that Audrey would normally think of as comical, but when Diego did it, she could understand why Natalee had been so flustered.
“It was lovely to meet you, too.”
Ted smiled at Izzy.
She waved a hand. “No need to say anything. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Ted laughed and moved closer to Audrey as they watched the two of them walk inside.
Audrey’s heart was still racing, and when he turned to look at her, she understood why; it wasn’t nerves—she was excited!
“Are you okay with this?”
She nodded. “I am. I think they could have been a little more subtle about it, but … I guess we’re all grown-ups, and at least, we know that we have good friends who care about us.”
“We do. I was thinking about that as we listened to them chatter on the ride back here. If nothing else, we have similar taste in friends.”
Audrey laughed. “They’re a pair together, aren’t they?”
“Definitely.” He offered her his hand. “But I have to say, I’m more interested in talking about you than talking about them. Do you want to go to the bar and get that drink?”
She sucked in a deep breath. Izzy’s words earlier had stuck with her. She’d told her to go for a romantic walk on the beach, and that sounded so good. She hadn’t done anything like that since before she met Richard—and that was more years ago than she cared to count.
Ted’s smile faded. “Or would you rather call it a night?”
She caught his hand and shook her head rapidly. “No! I was wondering if you’d like to go for a walk on the beach? It’s such a pretty night.” There. She’d suggested it. Even if she never saw him again, at least he’d be that wonderful man she’d taken a romantic walk with.
He nodded happily. “I’d love to. I walk down there every morning when I’m here.”
“Do you come here often?” She laughed as soon as the words came out of her mouth. “Sorry, that sounds like a cheesy pickup line.”
“I was hoping it was one.”
She looked up into his eyes, and he stopped walking. Her breath caught somewhere in her c
hest when he put his hands on her shoulders. He had such a kind smile, and his eyes … she felt as though he really saw her—and that he liked what he saw.
She couldn’t help it; she stepped closer to him.
He looked down at her lips and then back into her eyes. He didn’t need to speak, the question hung in the air between them. She nodded and closed her eyes as his fingers slid over her cheek and into her hair.
His lips were warm and soft as they brushed over hers. It was the slightest touch, but it ignited something inside her, and she clung to him as the tentative kiss became something more. She’d never been kissed like that in her life. It started out slow and sweet and turned into something deep and passionate. Somehow, he made her feel sexy and safe all at the same time, like he would ravage her and defend her—and as she clung to him, she longed for him to do both.
~ ~ ~
When Ted finally lifted his head, he looked down into her eyes and tightened his arms around her.
“Damn,” he breathed.
She shook her head in wonder. “Yeah, something like that, though, I think wow was the word I was going to go for.”
He brushed her hair away from her face. “You’re a beautiful woman, Audrey.”
“Thank you.” She looked away and then looked back at him. “You make me feel beautiful.”
His heart clenched in his chest as he guessed that was a feeling she hadn’t had in her marriage. “That’s good to know, but you don’t need anyone else to do it for you. You need to know—need to believe it. Beautiful is not a title someone else can bestow upon you, or ever take away from you. It’s who you are.”
A look of doubt crossed her face.
He dropped another kiss on her lips. “I’m not sweet-talking you, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m simply telling you the truth.”
“Thank you.”
He could tell that she was struggling to believe him. Whether that was because she didn’t see herself as beautiful or because she doubted his motives for saying it didn’t really matter. He knew better than to push it. He took hold of her hand and continued on their walk, leading her down the path between the trees. A few minutes later they were out on the beach.
She was right when she’d said it was a pretty night. The sky was clear, and a million stars twinkled overhead. The moon was still low in the sky, and it illuminated a shining path across the lake. He turned to look at Audrey and smiled when he saw the expression on her face.
“It’s so beautiful,” she exclaimed. “I wanted to come out here the moment we arrived but hadn’t had the chance yet.”
“I’m glad I get to be the one who shows it to you for the first time. It’s a beautiful place, and this evening is perfect.”
She looked up into his eyes. “It is.”
Part of him wanted to believe that she meant being here with him was perfect. But she was only talking about the moonlight, he was sure.
They walked hand in hand down to the water’s edge. He felt so comfortable with her that they’d walked quite a way before Ted realized that maybe he should be making conversation.
“How do Ally and Brayden know Summer Lake, if you’ve never been before?”
“They came up here with a group of friends last summer and fell in love with the place. And,” she smiled, “they ran into Eddie here. Apparently, they’ve known him for years.”
“Do you know how?” Ted was curious about that.
Audrey shrugged. “I don’t know. Perhaps because of the band? Ally sings sometimes. How long has Eddie been here?”
“A few years now.”
“I bet you miss him, don’t you? I’m lucky that Ally and Brayden both live in Ventura most of the time.”
Ted nodded. It didn’t seem right to explain his history with Eddie yet. He’d come to terms with the mistakes that he’d made, and he wasn’t avoiding talking about it. But it was more important on this first date—at least, he hoped it was the first—to talk about her and get to know her better. “We’ve grown closer in the last few years than we’ve ever been. I try to get up here as often as I can. Eddie’s fiancée, April, is a wonderful young woman, and her son Marcus …” He smiled. “He may not be blood, but he’s my grandson.”
“Aww. That’s wonderful. I’m looking forward to the day I get to have grandbabies. I’m not holding my breath though. Neither of my two are in a hurry.”
“They have time.”
She laughed. “They do. I’m the impatient one.”
He slid his arm around her shoulders as they walked. “What do you do for fun?”
“I work a lot. Izzy and I go out to dinner. I meet up the with kids when they have time.” She shrugged. “I suppose I’m a boring old fart really, oh, but I do love to walk on the beach.”
He hugged her into his side. “How dare you call my new girlfriend a boring old fart?”
He meant it as a joke, and almost wished he could take it back when her eyes widened in surprise. He didn’t want her to think he was coming on too strong.
To his relief, she laughed. “It’s sweet of you to stand up for her, but you don’t know her very well.”
He raised an eyebrow. “I’ll bet that if she gives me the chance to get to know her, I’ll be able to prove that she’s not boring at all.”
“Oh, yeah?” She raised her chin.
“Yeah.” He held her gaze, hoping that she would give him the chance.
“Well, if you’re still interested in seeing each other again after this evening …”
“I am. Are you?”
“Yes.” There was no hesitation when she answered. He got the impression that she was as attracted to him as he was to her. And it was something more than just physical.
“Good. What are you doing tomorrow?”
She sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m having lunch with the kids before they leave, and I’ll no doubt spend the morning with Izzy.”
“That’s okay. I’m spending time with Eddie and the family, too. But not in the evening. Do you want to have dinner with me?”
Her smile was back. “I’d love to.”
“Great.”
She shivered, and for the first time, he realized that she must be cold. He took his jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I should have thought.”
She dropped her gaze and then looked up at him through long lashes. “Don’t apologize, please. I … I hadn’t noticed the cold until just now. I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy.”
He chuckled. “The champagne must be wearing off.”
“It wasn’t the champagne.”
He closed his arms around her. “No?”
“No. It’s you.”
He couldn’t help but pull her in for another kiss. She was so open and honest. He got the feeling that she was way out of her comfort zone, that she wasn’t used to being with a man, but she wasn’t hiding anything or being shy. Her lips were full and soft, and they opened up to him willingly. He shifted his hips away from her at the thought of her opening up for him and letting him in. He wanted to hold her closer, press himself into her softness, but he knew that might be too much. They were going to see each other again; there was no hurry. He knew it would be better to take his time—even if the ache in his pants begged to differ.
When they finally came up for air, he’d swear he saw desire in her eyes, but he forced himself to ignore it. Instead, he took hold of her hand and started leading her back toward the path that would take them back to the lodge.
“We should get back. It’s late, and you’re cold.”
She looked as though she was about to protest, but instead, she nodded. “You’re right.”
He saw her back to her room, promising himself the whole way that he would see her safely inside and leave her there.
“Goodnight, Audrey.”
She searched his face and he could tell she was wondering what he was thinking.
He cupped her face between his hands. “Just so we’re clear; I’m forcing myself t
o be a gentleman. I’m not saying goodnight because I want to, but because it’s the right thing to do.”
“What if I don’t want to say goodnight yet?”
His heart leaped into his throat, and the ache in his pants intensified. He closed his eyes and dropped a kiss on her lips. “You’ll make it even harder for me to walk away, but it’s still the right thing to do.”
She smiled and nodded. “You’re a good man, Ted.”
He had to laugh, and then he had to explain. “Sorry. It’s just that’s one of Diego’s little sayings. A good man is hard to find—and a hard man is good to find.”
She laughed with him. “I’ll have to take your word for that.”
“You’ve found one.”
“Will I find him again tomorrow?”
He nodded.
“Okay. In that case. I’ll say goodnight.”
He backed her against the door and kissed her deeply. He didn’t want to leave her with any doubt about the fact that he wanted her.
She certainly left him with no doubt that it was mutual. Eventually, she pulled away and gave him what he could only describe as a wicked smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”
“Tomorrow.” He stood staring at her door for a few moments after she’d gone in. It’d be so easy to knock and go in with her. He adjusted his pants and turned away with a sigh. Easy wasn’t always best, though—in any sense.
Chapter Seven
Audrey woke early on Sunday morning as she usually did. She rolled over and looked out of the window at the lake and the mountains, still gray in the early morning light. It was so beautiful here.
She sat up and piled the pillows behind her then hugged her knees to her chest with a smile. She felt beautiful here. Though, that had a lot to do with Ted. She reached up and touched her lips, remembering the way he’d kissed her. To use his own word—damn! He was a good kisser.
She felt as though she was still a little worse off for the champagne. She felt a little light-headed and tingly. Perhaps it was the champagne, or perhaps, as she’d told him last night, it was Ted. She closed her eyes and could see his face. He was gorgeous! He had such kind eyes and his smile … She sighed. What was happening to her? She was like a young girl, sitting in here in bed swooning over the guy she’d met last night.
