Somebody Like You (Starlight Hill Series Book 2) (16 page)

“Lucky for me, her fiancé was a fan.”   Billy smiled and flipped the steaks.

Brooke’s heart flipped right along with them. It happened every time he smiled. What was wrong with her?  

“But don’t get too excited. It’s the only thing I know how to cook. That, and scrambled eggs. I hope you can live on that.”

She felt the soft beat of her heart kick up a notch. “Fortunately, you have many other skills.”

Oh wow, panty-melting look again, which was of course, unnecessary seeing as she wasn’t wearing any.

She fidgeted in her seat, her special places indeed chafing. “Gigi came by to see me earlier today, and it wasn’t social hour. She hates me.”

“Ignore her. What did she say now?”

“She told me you’re going to audition for a sport casting job at Fox.” Brooke left out the part about how she wasn’t the right woman for Billy. Not for a grounded family man.

Billy froze for a second, then pulled a plate from the cupboard. She thought she could see the muscles bunching in his back.

Brooke stood up, and regretted it. More chafing. “It’s true, isn’t it?”  

He turned to her. “I was going to tell you.”

“So I was right all along. This vineyard isn’t your dream. I just never thought I’d see you sitting behind a desk on TV.” She couldn’t help it, but the thought of him leaving now after being gone for so long tore off a little piece of her heart.

“It isn’t my dream. Look, I owe it to my agent. She went out of her way to get me this audition.” He shut off the stove.

“Is this what you want?” Her breaths were coming short and shallow.
Get a grip, Brooke
.

He’s not yours, and he never was. Time to let him go. Again. They both traveled in different circles, and all that. She’d known it all along, just allowed herself to believe for one moment it could be different now.

Billy crossed the distance between them in one short stride and pulled her close. “I miss baseball, it’s true. But I’m not convinced sports casting is for me. I’m doing it to appease Gigi and my agent .”

Her hands went up against his strong pecs. “Won’t they make you cut your hair?”

“I thought you hated my long hair.”

“It’s growing on me.”

Billy laughed. “It took ten years, but good to know. Look, if it comes to a job offer, I’m not going to make any decisions without talking to you first.”

Her heart seemed to stutter. “You won’t?”

“Yeah. This thing between us? I’m not playing. And you—” One hand skillfully slid up her back and caressed her, making her shiver down to her toenails. “Are what I want.”

She wanted to say that he shouldn’t make promises he couldn’t keep. That he shouldn’t come waltzing back into town and make her feel like a virgin again. Like someone no man had ever touched before, because that’s what making love felt with him. New. Scary. Thrilling.

Those green eyes were talking to her again. Maybe she hadn’t imagined the tenderness she’d seen in them. Or maybe she was imagining all of this— getting caught up in fantasies she’d had many years ago. But all she could do was thread her fingers through long dark hair and say only a little of what was in her heart. “Okay.”

Billy kissed her again and again, slipping his hand down to the small of her back. She tensed a little as his finger slipped inside the back of her jeans, obviously searching for a string.

He stopped kissing her and smiled against her mouth. “Not wearing any underwear?”

“Um, no. It’s laundry day.”

He pulled back and held her gaze for a long moment. “Sexy.”

“I didn’t do it to be sexy. Honestly, these jeans are kind of uncomfortable with no panties on.” She squirmed under his touch.

“Let’s see what we can do about that.” One hand on her stomach, he slowly backed her out of the kitchen and up to the family room couch.

She fell back on the couch willingly, but tensed as he unzipped her jeans and slowly slid them off. Stripped half naked, she felt as vulnerable as a lamb.

Both his hands swept down her legs from the top of her thighs to her knees. “So soft. Is that better?”

“Not really,” she said, reaching to pull off his shirt, and letting him know what she wanted. All of him. Her palms went up against his warm, hard chest, feeling the pulsing beat of his heart.

“You’re right. You’re way ahead of me.” He smiled, stood up and didn’t tear his gaze away from her as he slowly unbuttoned his jeans.

“Hurry.” She couldn’t stop staring, watching him undress for her, biting her bottom lip in anticipation.

“Please never wear underwear again.”

“I can’t promise that,” she said. “Because of the chafing.”

By the time they got around to eating dinner, the steaks were cold.  

Whoever said some things were worth waiting for (Pop, more than likely) wasn’t exaggerating. Billy still couldn’t stop thinking of Brooke— the way she tasted, the sweet way she said his name as she came. His own rolling climax always left him feeling an unexpected pinch in his heart. He had one word running through his mind and it hadn’t been the one he’d expected. Not ‘more’, although that one was a no-brainer. The one word that hit him scared him as much as it surprised him. Mine.

One day in Los Angeles, and he already couldn’t wait to get back to Starlight Hill, but now he sat across from Gigi in his least favorite LA bistro, the one which made him feel like some kind of antique. This was a place to be seen, according to Gigi, but he didn’t care to be seen. Was it too much to ask for a burger, hold the fame?

He’d already satisfied both Gigi and his agent with the audition. With no idea how he’d done, he decided to put the whole ordeal to the back of his mind. They couldn’t pay him enough to sit behind a desk and critique other players. To talk about their injuries, and try to forget that not long ago that had been him on the field, trying to play through the pain. Getting criticized for every failure.

Speaking of injuries. “I’ve been working a little with the local high school team. There’s a new way to throw that can prevent injury, especially the Tommy Johns elbow. The trick is getting the kids to throw the new way.”

“High school coaching?” Gigi asked.

Billy grinned. “The Starlight Hill Panthers.”

“And I’ll bet you’re their only claim to fame.”

“Hey, they haven’t done too badly without me. State Division two years in a row.”

“Really. State Division. Well, that’s sweet.” Gigi took a sip of her iced tea.

He didn’t much appreciate her tone. “
Sweet?
It’s where dreams start.”

“Don’t tell me you’re considering coaching high school baseball. Billy, we can do much better than that. Just give this broadcasting thing a chance.”

He stared at her. “I am. What do you think I’m doing here?”

“I know it’s hard being on the other end of the game, and suddenly being the one to critique and comment from an armchair.”

“Yeah.” He was fairly certain she didn’t know the half of it, but he let her continue.

“But what you have to add to the game is still important. No one knows the way another pitcher feels but one who has already been there. You know the stress, the pressure. Most of all, you know the game.”

He did know the game, which is why he could do some good out on the field with those kids. Teaching them early on how to avoid career-ending injuries. Gigi wouldn’t understand.

“Are you about ready to go?”

“Let me just visit the ladies room,” Gigi said as she got up.

Billy pulled out his cellphone and checked for messages from Brooke. Nothing except her last text this morning, a simple:
miss u.

Brooke happened to be the single thing he missed most about Starlight Hill. He missed her smile, missed the way she hadn’t worn panties, hell he even missed arguing with her, which was plain weird. Sure, he’d known the sex would be great between them but even he’d had no idea how mind-blowing.

He quickly texted Brooke:
Steak tomorrow night, clothing optional.
He hit send
just as Gigi came back from the powder room with a tall brunette in tow.

He stood as Gigi made the introductions. “Billy Turlock, meet Jonie Taylor. You won’t believe this, but she’s one of your biggest fans.”

“Nice to meet you.” He was no idiot. If Jonie was a fan he was the Easter Bunny.

She fondled his hand and licked her lips, tossing her hair back. “I can’t believe I’m meeting you. Have you thought about acting? You definitely have the looks for it.”

He coughed. “Acting?” Although truthfully, it could be said he was doing a good job acting like he was interested in having this conversation.

“I’m an actress and I need someone to help me run lines.”

“I’m sure Gigi knows someone who could help. Good luck with that.” Billy took a seat and went back to his phone. Brooke hadn’t texted him back which meant she was working. He probably should let her do that.

Jonie took her cue and said goodbye, while Gigi sat back down. “That was impressive, and borderline rude.”

He looked up from his phone. “Was that some kind of a test? To see how vulnerable I am to a beautiful woman? Because it was a little too obvious.”

Gigi pursed her lips. “It was a test, but not the way you thought. I didn’t see you check her out once.”

It took him half a second to realize she was right. He hadn’t even checked out her ass as she walked away, and he was an ass man through and through.

He swallowed. What the hell was wrong with him? “And your point?”

“My point is that your general manager has entered into dangerous territory. I know it’s her on your mind. Isn’t it?”

Billy put away his phone. He’d just texted Brooke to be sure to forget to wear panties again. “Yeah. So what?”

“Have you considered the fact that as your general manager, you’ve probably given her more leverage over you than any other woman? Ever?”

Here we go. Gigi was about to bring up a sexual discrimination lawsuit, an abuse of power allegation. “Say what you have to say. Go ahead, don’t let me stop you.”

“She’s got you where she wants you. Boss-employee relationship. There’s already that photo of the two of you on the blog. All she has to do is make an allegation of improper advances and suddenly you’re making front page news.”

He couldn’t deny they’d been improper with each other, not that either one of them had any complaints. “You don’t know her.”

“Maybe you think you know her, Billy, but the need for money can and will change people. Once upon a time she might have been a friend, but now she’s the woman who wanted the vineyard you bought.”

He hadn’t thought of it that way. Not Brooke. He’d been fooled before, but this was different. They had a connection, and he wasn’t imagining it. This was his second chance, dammit, and he wouldn’t blow it.

Then again, Brooke had wanted to buy the vineyard and he wouldn’t soon forget how pissed off she’d been to lose it. But she’d also been the one to resist coming to work for him.

Until he’d sweetened the pot. There was an uncomfortable pinch in his gut. “I appreciate your concern, but you’re wrong.”

“I know about the photo of the two of you on that insipid blog. Did it ever occur to you that she might have been the one to hire a photographer?”

“Not for a minute.” He’d seen how upset she’d been, worried Gigi would find out and make her life hell.

“She knows most of the people in town, and maybe she wanted them to know she was with you.”

“What would that accomplish?”

“It’s proof, in case she ever wants to sue you. She would wind up owning the vineyard if she plays her cards right.”

“If she wanted proof, she could have a lot better than that lousy photo.”

Gigi held a hand to her neck. “For the love of all that’s holy, please don’t tell me you’re sending nude photos to each other. Sexting, or whatever you kids are calling it. Please tell me you’re not doing that, or I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

“Calm down. I went to fame school, didn’t I?” No nude photos of him, even though he wouldn’t mind receiving a few from Brooke.

“I don’t get it. Why her?”

“Because it was my idea.” Seemed like all his life he’d been chased by girls, and then women. Sad women who didn’t seem to want to be anything but an attractive accessory to him.

But one girl had never chased him. He hadn’t allowed himself to think what might happen if she didn’t feel the same. No way were those amber eyes lying to him. She was all in. 

Of course, she had wanted the vineyard before she’d ever wanted him.

*****

Brooke felt good about progress towards opening date. They were on target to open on time as long as nothing went wrong. Even better, Billy had been asked to open up the city’s parade with the Boy Scouts, a nice segue to their Grand Opening. If all went as planned, maybe this year might be the one to erase the trajectory of all her past holiday failures. She wasn’t exactly Ms. Christmas.

And tonight, only one week from the upcoming dreaded start of The Holidays that began with stuffing the ass of a dead bird and eating until passing out, Eileen and Giancarlo would have their first date. Brooke was standing by, ready to hear a full report as soon as Eileen returned from her date.

She had a good feeling about this. Even if Giancarlo was at least a decade younger, Eileen was in great shape and looked much younger than her years. They’d probably go out a few times, keep each other company, and who knows what might develop? Maybe a nice romance for Eileen, and Billy would thank her once he found out. She happened to love the many ways he said thank you.

Brooke had poured herself a glass of Merlot and sat down on the couch to watch a marathon of
Sex Sent Me to the ER
when there was a soft knock at her front door. She opened it to find a rather disheveled looking Eileen, her dress a little rumpled. Her hair stuck out in the back. Unnerving, as Eileen was one of the most put-together women Brooke had ever met.

“I thought you were going to call me.” Brooke waved her inside.

Why did Eileen look so flushed and so— Oh. No.

“Whew. That was something.” Eileen plopped down on Brooke’s couch.

“I thought you two were going out to dinner.” Where had things taken a wrong turn? Dinner. That was all she’d arranged for these two sex maniacs.

“Oh we did, dear. And afterwards to his place for a movie.”

“His place?” Brooke tried to keep the rising panic out of her voice. And here she’d thought she could trust Giancarlo. He looked so harmless. What the hell did she know?

“Yes, it was a good movie. The one about a man who comes home from war an
d
”

“Eileen! What happened? Are you okay?” Brooke sat next to Billy’s mother on the couch.

“Heavens, yes. Better than ever. Only I didn’t know sex had changed so much.” Eileen patted her hair, smoothing it down in the back.

“You had sex? With Giancarlo?” Billy would kill her for this. His sainted mother having sex with Giancarlo. On the first date! All Brooke’s damned fault. Because she didn’t want to share the menu.

“Don’t worry, we were safe. You know, I’ve read about this before but I never thought it would happen to me. It really is true that Italians make the best lovers. No wonder my ex-husband hated them.”

Brooke swallowed her wine like it was a shot of Whiskey. “So you’re okay with all this? He didn’t hurt you did, he?”

“Hurt me? Oh my dear, no. In fact, it was all my idea. He thought we should wait. He’s such a gentleman, really.”

Such
a gentleman. Brooke wished he were here right now so she could tell him how
much of a gentleman
she thought he was. She cleared her throat. “Did you by any chance mention to Billy that you were going on this date?”

“No, and I don’t want him to know, either. A mother can’t share these types of things with her sons. But that’s what I have you for.” She patted Brooke’s knee.

Brooke got up to pour herself another glass of wine. “I don’t feel comfortable keeping this from him.”

“You want me to tell him I had my first real orgasm tonight? What are you thinking?”

Brooke went from filling up her glass halfway to filling it to the rim. She’d prefer a shot of anesthesia right now, but this would do. “I was thinking maybe you could just tell him you’re dating Giancarlo.”

“Sure. Well, there’s nothing wrong with him knowing that. That is, if I decide to keep dating Giancarlo. Could I have some of that, please?” Eileen gestured to the wine.

“Wine? You’re drinking wine now?”

“I was thinking about what you said. Being a bit decadent once in a while won’t kill me. And my son and father do own a winery.”

Great, she was being all kinds of a good influence for Billy’s mother. She poured far less than a half of a glass and handed it to Eileen. “What do you mean if you decide to keep dating him? I thought it went …well.”

“It was fantastic, but if that’s what I’ve been missing maybe I shouldn’t just rush into settling for the first man that comes along.”

“But I thought you said Giancarlo was a real gentleman.”

Eileen took a sip of wine. “He was, but shouldn’t I see what else is out there? What do you think?”

What she thought is that she didn’t want to see Billy’s mother meet some serial killer and wind up on
Dateline
. Eileen waited, as though she expected an answer from Brooke’s vast wealth of experience. “I think you should date one man at a time, and see how it works out.”

Eileen sighed. “I do wish I could talk to Henrietta about all this. She’s my oldest and dearest friend. What a bitch. If I told her what I did tonight, she’d blab it all over town. I
do not
want my sons to hear about this. A woman’s got to draw the line somewhere, and I know you’ll be discreet.”