by SJ McCoy
At least, she hadn’t been like a young irresponsible girl. She hadn’t brought him home with her. Well, to be fair, that was down to him, not her. If he’d made any attempt to come in with her, she would have willingly brought him to her bed. A rush of heat coursed through her at the thought. Part of her wished that she’d taken his hand and brought him in. If she had, he’d be here now, lying beside her.
That thought gave her pause. She hadn’t woken up next to a man in four years. She hadn’t woken up next to anyone other than Richard in more than thirty years. Wow. That was a long time. Was she ready to change it? She bit down on her bottom lip but couldn’t help smiling. Yes. She was.
She rolled out of bed and popped a pod in the coffee maker. It was hard to believe that this time yesterday she hadn’t even known he existed. Now, she was wondering if he was in the gym again. She’d love to go and see but wouldn’t allow herself to. They’d arranged to have dinner this evening. She could wait until then.
She wrapped up in her robe and took her coffee out onto the balcony. It was too cold to stay out for long, but she wanted to enjoy the fresh air and the view. As she snuggled deeper into her robe, she smiled at the memory of him taking off his jacket and wrapping it around her. He was a true gentleman. She couldn’t help but compare him with Richard; he’d always refused to give her his coat when she was cold, telling her that she should have prepared better and brought her own.
She went back inside with a smile. Richard was the past, and she wasn’t so naïve as to think that Ted was the future, but he was at least a sign that the future could be so much brighter.
She jumped when the phone on the bedside table rang and rushed toward it, filled with hope that it might be Ted.
“Hello?”
“Hey, are you alone?” It was Izzy.
“Yes. What are you doing up?”
“I’ve been asking myself that for the last half hour. I think I’m just too excited to hear what happened with you last night. So…?”
Audrey chuckled. “So, what?”
“So, did you?”
“We walked on the beach, yes.”
“Ugh! That’s not what I mean, and you know it. Are you decent? I’ll be there in a minute.”
Audrey hung up and went to the door. Izzy was only down the hall, and it was only a few moments before she knocked.
“So, tell me all about it,” she demanded before Audrey had even closed the door behind her.
“He’s wonderful.”
Izzy waggled her eyebrows. “In bed?”
“No!”
“Aww. I was hoping that you two got it on.”
Audrey laughed. “Got it on? That sounds awful.”
“You know what I mean.” Izzy rolled her eyes. “What do you want me to say? That he made mad passionate love to you?”
“Hmm, that sounds good.”
“It does? Awesome? So, even though you didn’t, you would?”
“You’re terrible, do you know this?”
Izzy nodded happily. “I should. You tell me often enough. But that’s beside the point. Answer the question.”
Audrey took a sip of her coffee and smiled at her friend over the rim of her mug. “Okay. Honestly? I would … I wanted to … and I’m hoping we will.”
“Damn, girlfriend! Yay! There’s hope for you yet!”
“Thanks. I think. Had you given up hope?”
“Not quite but I was starting to think that you might die an old maid.”
“So was I, but …”
“But Ted has reminded you what it feels like to be a woman?”
She nodded slowly. “Yes, I guess that’s about it. More than that though. He didn’t just make me feel like a woman, he made me feel beautiful … sexy.”
“Oh, Audrey!” Izzy came and hugged her. “That’s wonderful. This couldn’t be more perfect, could it? You’re here for the week with nothing but time on your hands. He’s here for the week, too. It’s a beautiful place, you’re both away from home and …” She sat down on the bed. “You have two super-king-sized beds to choose from every night. I hope you’re going to make the most of it.”
Audrey tried to hide her smile but couldn’t. “I hope so, too.”
“You have to keep me posted all week. I want to know what’s going on the whole time, you hear me?”
“I’ll check in, but I might not share all the details.”
She expected Izzy to protest, but instead she smiled.
“What, you’re not going to demand more?”
“Nope. The very fact that you said that tells me that you’re expecting things to happen and you don’t want to bonk and tell.”
Audrey laughed. “Isn’t it supposed to be kiss and tell?”
“Not in this case, no. Come on though I want to hear about last night. What did you do after we left you? You can tell me all about it, and then we can go and get some breakfast. I’m starving.”
~ ~ ~
Ted looked around as he took his seat next to Marcus. They usually came to the Boathouse for breakfast on the weekends, but Eddie had suggested they should do lunch today instead.
“Looking for someone?” asked Eddie. The gleam in his eye made Ted suspect that he knew exactly who he was looking for—and why they were here now instead of earlier. He tried to hide a guilty smile.
“You tell me.”
Eddie grasped his shoulder. “Honestly. I don’t know, but I’m hoping that you might be looking for Ally’s mom.”
He nodded, not sure what he should say.
April smiled at him. She looked pleased.
“Who’s Ally?” asked Marcus.
“An old friend of mine,” said Eddie. “And Grandad is friends with her mom.”
Marcus looked up at Ted. “I didn’t know you had friends here.”
“I don’t. She doesn’t live here; she’s just visiting for the week.”
“The week?” Eddie raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know that. I thought they were leaving today.”
Ted’s heart sank. He didn’t want his son thinking that he was staying here because of Audrey. “Ally and Brayden are leaving today. But Audrey’s taking some time off. I didn’t know that until last night.”
Eddie smiled. “It’s okay. I was worried about you staying the whole week, thinking you’d be at a loose end most of the time. I’m glad you’ll have someone to hang out with.”
Ted smiled back. Most of the time he felt like he didn’t deserve Eddie.
“Can we invite her over for dinner one night?” asked April.
“I don’t know.” Ted looked at her and then at Eddie and Marcus. He’d missed out on too many years of his son’s life. He knew how lucky he was to be included in it now and he didn’t want to mess anything up by not being completely honest with all of them. He winked at Marcus. “Don’t laugh at me. I know I’m a bit old for this, but I’m kind of hoping that she’s going to be …” He hesitated to say it.
“Your girlfriend?” Marcus asked.
He nodded and they all smiled at him.
“That’s awesome, Grandad. You should bring her over for dinner. Are you going to marry her?”
He had to laugh. “Slow down at bit. I’m getting ahead of myself thinking of her as my girlfriend. We don’t really know each other yet. I’m going to have dinner with her tonight, since I know you guys are busy, but from there … I don’t know what will happen.” He turned to April. “I’d love to bring her for dinner if she wants to come, but …”
“I totally understand. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Just know that you’re welcome if you want to bring her. And we understand if you don’t—and if you get the chance to spend time with her, know that we understand that, too.”
“No. I’m here this week to spend time with you guys. You come first.”
Eddie nodded. He understood. “Whatever works best for you, Dad … there she is.”
Ted turned and saw her walking out onto the deck with Izzy and her children. His smile faded when he
saw Richard following not far behind.
Eddie caught his gaze. “Don’t tell me you’re jealous?”
“No! I just don’t like the man. It sounded as though she didn’t have the best life with him.”
April looked over and nodded. “I don’t like the look of him. He’s mean. You can tell just from his mouth and his eyes.”
Ted felt the same way, and he was glad of their support, but he was here to have lunch with them, not to sit here watching Audrey. She glanced over and caught his gaze. He lifted his hand and smiled. The way she smiled back at him made his heart race.
April nudged him with her elbow. “I don’t think you need to doubt whether she’s interested in you.”
He shook his head happily. She was obviously as pleased to see him as he was her. He was looking forward to this evening, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to enjoy the afternoon with his family.
When they’d finished eating, Eddie nodded to where Audrey was sitting. “I’d like to say goodbye to Ally and Brayden on the way out. April didn’t get to see them last night.”
Ted nodded. He was more than happy to stop by their table.
“Can I wait for you at the truck?” asked Marcus.
April nodded. “You can, but don’t go off, okay?”
“Sure.”
Ted watched him saunter away and smiled. “He’s come a long way in the few years I’ve known him,” he told April.
“He’s grown up so much.” To his surprise, she gave him a hug. “I hope you know how grateful I am.”
“Eddie’s the one who’s made the difference in his life.”
“He is, and Marcus loves him so much. But you helped us all. And you’ve made us a family. He loves you, too, you know. And so do I.”
Ted hugged her into his side. He was moved. He had helped them out when they first got together, and April’s ex-husband had been threatening them. He knew April appreciated what he’d done, but this was the first time she’d ever said she loved him.
He had to clear his throat before he spoke. “I love you, too, April.”
Eddie caught his eye and nodded, and Ted felt as though his heart might overflow.
He jumped when a hand came down on his shoulder. “I thought I’d find you here. I’m almost ready to leave,” said Diego.
“Do you want to come and say goodbye to Audrey before you go—and Izzy?”
Diego chuckled. “I’m on my way to bid the lovely Audrey farewell.”
Ted raised an eyebrow. “Not Izzy?” He couldn’t help but wonder what might have happened last night.
“Not yet. I’m giving her a ride home.”
“I see.”
“No. You don’t. It’s just a ride.”
“Which you offered out of the goodness of your heart and not in the hope of impressing her by taking her in your private jet?”
“Ted, Ted. When will you understand that when I wish to impress a woman, I don’t use the jet?”
His son, Zack, appeared by his side and laughed. “It’s true. You know it’s true.”
Ted had to laugh. “Okay. But I don’t think we need to discuss what you do use—not in front of a lady.” He gave April an apologetic smile, but she just laughed. “I’m going to talk to Ally. I’m staying out of this.”
They all followed her across the deck of the restaurant to where Audrey’s family were sitting. Audrey got to her feet and came to Ted.
He couldn’t help it; he smiled at Richard as he pecked her cheek. “We’re leaving, and I wanted to say goodbye to Ally and Brayden.” He felt as though he needed to explain why he’d come over.
“And I have come to tell Miss Isobel that her chariot awaits whenever she is ready,” Diego announced.
Ted and Audrey both turned to see what Izzy’s reaction would be.
“Can you call it a chariot when it has wings?” she asked.
Ally grinned at Diego. “You’re flying her home?”
“I could hardly leave her behind.”
Audrey chuckled beside Ted and he raised an eyebrow at her. “Tell me you see what’s going on here? It’s not just me, is it?” she asked in a low voice.
“I thought it was just me. Diego insists she’s not interested.”
“So, does she. But I’m not buying it. Are you?”
He shook his head. “Not for a minute.” He spotted April watching them and smiled at her. “Audrey this is my daughter-in-law, April.”
April stepped forward with a smile. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“You, too,” said Audrey.
“I told Ted already, but I’ll tell you as well. You have an open invite to come over for dinner any time you like this week—but no pressure to come if you’re both too busy.”
Ted glanced sideways at Audrey, wondering how she’d feel to know that he’d already told April and Eddie that they planned to see each other this week. To his relief, she looked happy about it.
“That’s so sweet of you. Thank you. I don’t know what we’re planning yet—”
“You’re here for the week?”
They all turned to see Richard standing there. Ted was tempted to say yes, we are. But it wasn’t his place to say it. He was happy when Audrey did.
“We are. Are you leaving today?”
Richard nodded. “I have client meetings tomorrow.” He smiled at Ted and offered him his card. “Feel free to give me a call whenever you’re looking for any ad help.”
Ted took the card and looked at it. “Thanks, but Audrey has me covered.”
Richard’s smile faded. “I see.”
Ally came and wrapped her arms around Audrey. “You guys have a great time this week. Call me when you get home, won’t you?” She smiled at Ted. “It’s my turn to have you both over for dinner.”
Ted recovered quickly. He knew she was making a point to her father. He didn’t know why she felt the need to do that, but he was happy to play along. He gave her a hug. “Thanks, Ally. We’ll call you when we land.”
Richard scowled at Audrey. “You’re flying home, too?”
She looked at Ted. “Are we?”
He nodded. He didn’t see any reason why not. “We are.” He smiled pleasantly at Richard. “It makes life that much easier, don’t you think?”
Richard nodded.
Ted wasn’t normally one to play one-upmanship like that, and he didn’t feel great about it, but the way Ally smiled at him made it worth it.
He turned and kissed Audrey’s cheek one more time—for no-one’s benefit but his own. “I’ll see you later.”
She nodded and held his gaze for a moment. She was silently thanking him, and any guilty feelings he’d had about Richard melted away. He’d do anything to see her smile at him like that.
Chapter Eight
Audrey set her book down on the table and stared out at the lake. It had been a beautiful afternoon and, after she’d said goodbye to the kids and Izzy, she’d come back over here to the lodge to make the most of it. She had plans to hike and drive around the area and even do some shopping at the plaza while she was here, but this afternoon was the first time she’d had to herself in weeks. She’d changed into her shorts and brought her book out onto the balcony. Sitting in the sun and reading was one of her favorite things to do.
It was getting a little chillier now, and she went inside to get her sweatshirt and poured herself a glass of pineapple juice to take back outside. She noticed that her phone was flashing; she’d plugged it in to charge and forgotten about it. That wasn’t like her. She picked it up, feeling a momentary dread that something might have happened—that someone needed her and hadn’t been able to get hold of her.
There were two voicemails—one from Izzy and one from Ally—and a text from Ted. She checked on her daughter first.
“Hey, Mom. I just wanted to say thanks again for coming this weekend.” Ally laughed. “And also, you’re welcome! Ted’s awesome! I want to hear all about it. And tell him from me that he’s a star for going along with me
in front of Dad. I know you’ll say you don’t want to hear it, but Dad’s pissed! He is sooo freaking jealous. He’s jealous that you found someone so much better than him. But he’s jealous that someone else gets to be with you, too. He’s an idiot, and I think he’s just starting to figure that out. Anyway. Call me when you get a chance. If you don’t, then have lots of fun and call me when you get back. Oh, and sorry if I put you on the spot by saying I expect to see you both when you get back. Sorry, but also not sorry. I’d say Ted was pretty happy about it. Okay. Gotta run. Love you. Call me.”
Audrey smiled to herself. That was typical Ally. All over the place and full of love. She’d call her later to make sure that she’d gotten home okay.
She checked Izzy’s message next.
“Hey, you! Just letting you know that I’m home. Don’t worry about work this week. I have it covered. I promise you. You enjoy yourself. Have fun with Ted—and keep me posted. If you don’t call me, I’ll only call you, and you know what a wonderful sense of timing I have. Seriously, Audrey. I hope you have a blast this week. Love you, girlfriend. Talk soon.”
“Oh, I’ll be calling you, Miss Isobel.” Audrey told her phone. “You just flew home in a private jet with a very handsome man, and you didn’t even mention anything about it in your voicemail? Ha!”
She sucked in a deep breath and clicked on the text message from Ted.
I hope you enjoyed your day. The highlight of mine was seeing you at lunch time. Meet me in the lobby at seven?
She pressed her lips together but couldn’t hold in her smile. To her amazement, butterflies were swirling in her tummy. She hugged her phone to her chest, then set it down hurriedly, feeling stupid. She wasn’t a girl! She was a grown woman—with a daughter who was too old to behave like that. Still, it was a nice feeling. Butterflies and excitement at the thought of going on a date—that was something she hadn’t thought she’d experience again in her life.
She picked the phone back up and tapped out a reply.
I can’t wait.
She looked at it for a few moments and then deleted it.
I’m looking forward to it.
She frowned. That didn’t seem enthusiastic enough. She deleted that, too, and stared at the screen. Then she let out a little laugh. This was ridiculous!
