Claiming the Single Mom's Heart (12 page)

“I only recently met her, so I couldn't say.” Claire didn't need to know how close he'd come to kissing her. “But I don't think she'd take advantage. I was thinking more of Baydlin. You know I'm filling in for Mom at election-related events, right? She'd hardly started chemo when he was raising questions about her fitness for office.”

He glanced back through the door to the patio, noting that while he'd stood there jawing with Claire, a surprising number of guests had arrived, mingling as Dad fired up the gas grills.

“Hey, sis.” He touched her arm. “Could you find Luke for me? Rio needs him to bring out more folding chairs. I'm supposed to be setting up tables for the kids.”

“Sure.” Then she leaned close, her eyes twinkling and voice lowered conspiratorially. “Let's have lunch sometime next week, okay? You need to catch me up on your love life.”

He laughed. “That shouldn't take long.”

“No one special yet, Grady?” She eyed him with concern and, once again, heat stole up his neck. “I know Jasmine left a bad taste in your mouth, but don't give up hope. We serve a big God. It can happen when you least expect it.”

“Don't think I'll hold my breath.”

She made a pouty face. “You're a wonderful man, and you deserve a wonderful woman. It's a matter of time. One of these days you're going to turn around and, when you least expect it, there she'll be.”

She gave him a hug, then headed off.

He stood there a moment longer, contemplating Claire's ever-optimistic words. Then he pushed open the door and stepped out onto the patio—just as Sunshine rounded the corner of the inn.

Chapter Twelve

S
unshine's breath caught as she looked across the crowded patio—and right into Grady Hunter's eyes.

More handsome than ever, he stood looking at her with an intensity every bit as potent as what she remembered from last night. Despite the many times she'd replayed those moments in her mind, wondering if it might have been a dream, maybe she hadn't made it up?

Which meant it was all the more important to steer clear of him this evening. She'd given it considerable thought—and prayer—and concluded she had no business falling for a Hunter. Her history and that of his family were too intermingled, went too far back. When the time came that she could finally prove her suspicions against Grady's ancestors, she didn't want a romantic entanglement holding her back from claiming what rightfully belonged to her and her daughter.

With considerable effort, she broke eye contact and strode purposefully into the midst of the gathering just as Elaine Hunter joined her guests. For a moment Sunshine thought she'd restyled her sandy-brown, previously shoulder-length hair, then immediately realized the sassy new cut was a wig. She'd heard a few days ago that not too long into chemo, Elaine had courageously had her head shaved in anticipation of losing her hair. She'd started chemo barely a month ago and had lost weight. Nothing drastic, but the fullness had left her face. She was looking better, though, than Sunshine would have expected from what Grady had told her about how sick his mother had been.

This image of a still somewhat plucky Elaine should dispel any hopes Irvin Baydlin had of discrediting her with voters.

But before Sunshine could make her way through the crowd to thank her hostess for the invitation, Irvin suddenly appeared at Elaine's side. Obviously fawning over her from the looks of it. But surely he didn't believe Grady hadn't shared the snide remarks he'd made about her at the parent-teacher meeting. Then again, maybe Grady hadn't, for fear of distressing his mother and Irvin was betting on that.

Looking around for other familiar faces, she spied Delaney talking to an older woman—Josephine Hunter—and edged her way in their direction.

Delaney's smile brightened as she saw her. “Grandma Jo, have you met Sunshine Carston?” She quickly made introductions.

“I'm delighted you could join us this evening, Sunshine,” the older woman acknowledged. “It's long been a family tradition to gather town council candidates for a relaxing, nonpolitically focused evening. A chance to get to know one another and each other's families on an informal basis.”

Was that no-politicking comment intended as a reminder to a newcomer who'd barged her way into the town's affairs?

“I appreciate the invitation.” Although she attempted to stay focused on the immediate conversation, her radar couldn't help but note Grady moving among the guests, heading to where Mr. Baydlin remained glued to Elaine's side.

A protector by nature. That was Grady through and through.

Her stomach fluttered as again she recalled how he'd prevented her from falling last night. Held her gently but securely. And when she'd looked up at him...

“I understand you have a daughter, Sunshine. A kindergartner?”

“Yes. Tessa.”

“She's a sweetie,” Delaney chimed in. “Black hair and big brown eyes.”

Ah, good. Grady had reached his mother's side and Irvin was slinking off. But she didn't much care for the smugly satisfied look on her fellow candidate's face. No doubt he'd been pumping Elaine under the guise of concern for her health.

With the mouthwatering scent of grilled meats and vegetables now filling the early-evening air, she chatted with Delaney and Mrs. Hunter awhile longer, then introduced herself to others she didn't know, including several of Grady's family members. It was nice, however, not to be expected to discuss the upcoming election. She hadn't realized how stressful that had become this past month, feeling pressured to somehow steer the topic to her campaign and solicit feedback from potential voters.

Across the way she again saw Grady, surrounded by a group of jabbering kids as he set up card tables and his brother, Luke, brought in folding chairs. She recognized Luke and Delaney's eight-year-old daughter, Chloe. But were any of the other children Grady's nieces and nephews? One laughing little fellow, about two years old, was lifted high into the air and settled on the big man's broad shoulders. Naturally, that set off a chorus of “Do me! Do me!”

From across the patio, his gaze was drawn to hers. But her smile hadn't even reached her lips before he looked away to give the youngsters his full attention.

As the sun dipped farther behind the towering ponderosas, adults and children lined up at a long, makeshift buffet to fill plates with hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers. Potato salad. Baked beans. Cheesy potatoes. And more.

Now cast in shade, the patio was considerably cooler, although nowhere near the chill of the previous night. A fire crackled in the big stone outdoor fireplace and the strategically placed propane patio heaters were lit, offering warmth and a cozy glow, as well. Nevertheless, she was glad to have brought along a jacket.

Plate filled with food, she scanned the surrounding tables, looking for a place to sit. She'd hardly taken a step when Grady, a piled-high plate gripped in his hands, appeared at her side.

“I need to speak to you.”

Please don't let him bring up last night.

But his expression gave nothing away. “Um, sure.”

He nodded to one of the empty tables, then led the way. When they were seated, he poured them both a glass of iced tea and spread a napkin across his lap. Then he leaned toward her, his tone, to her relief, all business.

“I thought you should know that Mom said Irvin was trying to pin down her opinion of you.”

“Why would he do that?”

“He probably figured Mom knows you better than he does, that she might shed light on something juicy he could use against you in the campaign.”

She crumpled inside. “So your mother—?”

“Was on to him immediately and deflected his not-so-subtle inquiries. But she thought you should know, seeing as how he'd unfairly targeted you at the parent-teacher meeting.”

She glanced across the patio to where Grady's mother and father sat, deep in conversation with those at their table. She wouldn't have expected Elaine, her opponent, to thwart Irvin on her behalf, let alone warn her of his intentions.

“Please thank your mother for me, will you?”

“I will.” Then he motioned almost self-consciously to their plates. “Food's getting cold.”

* * *

For an excruciatingly long span of time they ate in silence. Side by side, elbows mere inches from each other, he was acutely aware of the petite woman seated next to him. Her sweet scent. Her graceful movements as she reached for her tea glass. The way she occasionally paused to lift her cloth napkin to her lips...

He drew in a deep breath. He wasn't often at a loss for words, but his mind roamed unsuccessfully for a topic of conversation. Maybe it hadn't been a good idea to sit down together. Had his family noticed them sitting off by themselves? Irv?

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair, suddenly feeling as if all eyes were on them.

“What did you think of the presentation I put together, Grady?”

Her soft words startled him but, relieved, he gratefully responded. “I'm ashamed to admit I haven't had a single minute to look at it. Another project took precedence.”

Disappointment clouded her eyes. Had his seeming indifference to her work hurt her?

“I've been up to my eyeballs,” he said quickly, “in preparations for the grand opening two weeks from today. You know the old Murphy's Law? Well, multiply that times ten this past week.”

“I'm sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, it's been wild. A delay in a number of deliveries. The guy who designed the website had problems with the host server. And there were unexpected issues with obtaining final approval paperwork. But—” He managed a smile, hoping he'd convinced her that he hadn't put off reviewing her presentation because he considered it of no value. “After Herculean effort on the part of those involved, everything's been resolved. Things should settle down next week.”

“Good.”

Once again they lapsed into silence. Resumed eating.

This was ridiculous. Maybe he was stuck-up for thinking her thoughts were gravitating back to last night as did his. But this couldn't go on. Abruptly he pushed back his empty plate and downed the remainder of his tea. Then he clasped his hands on the table in front of him and pinned her with a determined look.

“Okay, let's stop tiptoeing around each other and get this out in the open.”

Startled eyes met his, her face flushing.

“I think we both know that something happened between us last night. Or rather, almost happened. And it's built a barrier that can't be allowed to remain since we'll be seeing each other on a regular basis at political events.”

After a moment's hesitation, she placed her fork on her half-eaten plate and settled her hands in her lap. Despite her wary gaze, a faint smile touched her lips. “From the looks of your mother tonight, your stand-in duties may be a thing of the past.”

“Don't let appearances fool you. It's been several days since her last chemo treatment and today she spent most of her time in bed, resting up for tonight.” He tipped a look of mild reprimand in her direction. “And don't try to change the subject. I think I wouldn't be speaking out of line if I said that there's an...attraction. You know, between us. And it came to a head last night. Would you agree?”

For a moment he thought she'd deny it, but then she nodded.

“I like you, Sunshine. I'm under the impression you think I'm okay, too.” His eyes searched hers, but she only stared back at him, her feelings masked. “I may be mistaken, but I don't think either of us is looking for a relationship right now.”

“I—” She paused. “That's correct.”

He relaxed only slightly, disturbed that her confirmation didn't shoot off any fireworks of relief. “Please don't take my reluctance to get involved right now the wrong way. As I said, I like you. You're a beautiful, bright young woman. But it's tricky dating a woman with a kid. I don't make a habit of it.”

She gave a brittle laugh. “You make it sound as though involvement with someone's child is something undesirable. That surprises me. I was under the impression you like children.”

“I do. And that's exactly why I'm careful about who I date. I don't want to hurt a kid when things don't work out between the adults.”

“Is that experience talking?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Well, don't lose any sleep over sharing that with me. I don't take it personally. To be honest, the last thing I need right now is another romantic entanglement.”

“Because of your ex? From what you've told me, it doesn't sound like you should spend too much time mourning the loss of him.”

“He's very talented—a musician in a country band. He has a great sense of humor. Works hard. Charms the socks off the ladies. Like you in those respects.”

That comparison left a sour taste in his mouth. “So if he was such a great guy, what happened?”

She stared across the patio for a long moment, the flicker of light from a table candle illuminating the softness of her face. Her troubled eyes. “We were young. Or at least I was. He's nine years my senior. You know, one of those classic little-girl-without-a-strong-male-role-model-goes-looking-for-one scenarios.”

“Not surprising.”

She shrugged. “Anyway, we got married when I was nineteen. And things were good for several years. It was exciting traveling with him and his band. They were popular throughout the Southwest, with Nashville-bound stars in their eyes. But then...” She quirked a smile. “Pregnancy.”

“He wasn't happy about that?”

“At first he was. But once Tessa was born, it became harder and harder for me to be on the road. To help with the driving, the set up and breakdown. The kid stuff I had to drag along irritated him. And the diapers. A baby crying when he was trying to sleep. No longer having me at his beck and call.”

“Sounds like a selfish jerk.”

“Sometimes. But he was a man with dreams—ones that didn't include hauling around a diaper bag. He wanted me to leave Tessa with my mom.” Her voice drifted off, then came back strong. “Don't get me wrong. I love my mother, but she could be hard to please. I grew up with a cloud of disapproval hanging over my head, so there was no way I was going to leave the offspring of a man she'd warned me about in her care for long stretches of time. I did everything I could, though, to make things work, to stay on the road with him. But it wasn't enough and he said adios.”

“Does he keep in contact with you? With his daughter?”

“Are you kidding? The band continues to struggle. They live out of cheap hotels and campers on the back of their trucks. I expect to hear anytime now that they've broken up, gone their separate ways. With only sporadic paychecks, of course, there's rarely a child-support payment. Nor does Jerrel Carston want any part in Tessa's life. Or mine.”

Grady's hand clenched, resisting reaching down to take Sunshine's in his. It was that tenderhearted thinking last night that had got them where they were now. Confessing they weren't ready for a relationship.

“So you see,” Sunshine said almost brightly, “why I neither take offense that you're cautious about involvement with some woman's kid, nor am I hurt by your honesty about your feelings about me. We're on the same page.”

“So we're good?”

“We're good.”

Then, why doesn't it feel good?

She glanced at her surroundings, where others had finished their meal and were moving from table to table to greet fellow guests. “I guess I'd better get out and mingle.”