The Wishing Season (25 page)

He kissed her again, soft and gentle this time, savoring her mouth before kissing each corner of her lips, her cheeks, her forehead.

He leaned against her. “He didn’t kiss you tonight?”

She forked her fingers through the hair at his nape, loving the feel of it. “No. Just a hug.”

He growled.

She held back a smile. “I’ve never heard that sound from a human. I kind of like it.”

“You’ll hear it again if his hands come anywhere near you.”

He cradled her face, giving her a long look that softened over the seconds. For all his masculine features, he had the longest eyelashes. They mesmerized her as he blinked.

Worry clouded his eyes. “I know we haven’t even had our first date, but I don’t want to share you.”

Her heart sighed. “I don’t want you to.”

Another long, slow kiss later, they parted. PJ’s heart hammered, her breaths came quickly. What he did to her . . .

“I can’t get enough of you,” he said, seemingly reading her mind.

“Kind of lucky we live in the same house then.”

The house. She hadn’t meant to bring it up. What would happen if she won? She wasn’t about to ask. Not now when things were finally heading the right direction. When their love was as fresh and fragile as a newborn.

Either he didn’t notice the mention, or he let it pass. “It’s getting late. I have to be up early.”

He lifted her from the counter, then set a soft kiss on her lips. “I want to take you on a date next weekend.”

“I think that can be arranged.”

He rewarded her with a slow, crooked smile. “Night, Sunshine.”

“Night.” Even as PJ went to her room and changed into her pajamas, her feet still hadn’t touched the ground. She wasn’t sure they ever would.

Chapter Thirty-Two

PJ
SAID GOOD
-
BYE TO HER CLASS AS SHE STEPPED OUT ONTO
the porch. The day had been unseasonably warm, and even now, as darkness swallowed the landscape and crickets chirped to life, the temperature was mild enough for short sleeves.

She sank onto the swing, giving a final wave. Class had gone well, but she’d been eager for it to end. When she’d awakened this morning Cole had already left for work, and she was in class when he returned.

He hadn’t called or texted, and she feared he’d changed his mind. That he regretted the kiss. That second thoughts had crowded out the emotions so plain on his face last night.

She should take him a plate of the beef Bourguignon they’d made in class. But he’d been home long enough to grab dinner, and maybe she wouldn’t be welcomed.

The screen door creaked open, and he slipped outside. He was silhouetted by the porch light, and his expression was a mystery.

“Hey,” he said, walking toward her.

She wished she could read him better, but it was dark, and the one-word greeting gave little away.

She made room for him on the swing. “Hey.”

Her heart rate sped as he eased down beside her, as his thigh pressed against hers. He stretched his arm across the back of the swing.

“Long day,” he said.

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

He gave her a long look, then leaned closer, bringing his warmth and manly smell with him. “’Cause I couldn’t wait to do this again.”

His lips touched hers softly, tentatively, a butterfly’s wings. A touch so gentle yet it shattered her.

His arm tightened around her, and her heart did a slow roll. How had she made it all day without this? All these years? She hadn’t known what a kiss was until Cole. It was a starlit sky on a summer night. It was a glass of iced tea after a long run. It was a warm, soft bed at the end of a trying day.

He kissed her cheek, her jaw, that sensitive spot on her neck. Every molecule of air left PJ’s lungs, and she didn’t even miss it.

“You smell so good,” he whispered, taking a long second to nuzzle that space between her neck and shoulder. “It was the first thing I noticed about you.”

Her breath caught in her throat at the feel of his lips. “The first thing?”

“My eyes were closed. Someone knocked me out cold.”

“You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

She felt his smile against her skin. “It’s too much fun to remind you.”

Thinking of their introduction reminded her of their circumstances. She didn’t want to think about it, but she already felt so invested in this, in him. She had to be smart this time around. Go in with eyes wide open.

“We should probably talk, don’t you think? I mean, given our situation?”

He groaned, lifting his head. His nose brushed her cheek, making a shiver dance up her spine.

“If I win the house,” she said, “will you leave Chapel Springs?”

He sighed, drawing circles on her arm. “Probably.”

She swallowed hard. “There are other houses . . . Maybe you could find something else here.”

“Real estate isn’t cheap here, Sunshine. You know that. It’s the same reason you won’t rush out to buy a building if I win. The overhead would eat all your profits.”

He was right. Real estate in tourist towns didn’t come cheap. There were other communities where he could score a better deal and have a chance of making it. She didn’t really have that option. Her dream was here, in Chapel Springs. It was home, the place she wanted to sink down roots, marry someday, raise a family.

He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I don’t want to think about this right now. This is all so new, and you know what? I’ve wanted you for so long, I just want to enjoy you.”

Warmth curled through her at his words. He was right. There was plenty of time for this. They didn’t have to plan everything out. Things would work out as they were supposed to.
Please, God.

She snuggled into his side, and he tightened his arm around her, setting a kiss on top of her head. The swing squeaked rhythmically as he set it in motion.

She wanted to enjoy him, too, while it lasted.

She frowned as the last phrase formed in her mind. Then she pushed it away, sinking into the warmth of Cole’s embrace.

Chapter Thirty-Three

T
HE LAST WEEKEND OF
M
ARCH MARKED THE
T
ASTE OF
Spring Festival and the beginning of tourist season. PJ had a booth, featuring her wild berry cheesecake and blueberry cobbler. She’d closed the restaurant for the weekend, knowing the booth would be more profitable and hoping the treats would tempt people to try out The Grille.

The weather was cooperating on the festival’s first day, offering clear, sunny skies and temperatures in the sixties. Booths from local eateries lined the river walk, and it teemed with neighbors and tourists alike. A local band played country music on the riverfront stage, and people milled on the lawn, snacking on food and catching up with their neighbors. The smell of grilling hamburgers fragranced the air.

PJ handed two bowls of steaming cobbler to a customer and rang him up while Shaundra sliced a fresh cheesecake behind her. Callie and Nate were coming to relieve them soon, and Cole was meeting her here at seven, ten minutes away. Tonight was their first date.

PJ had slipped away half an hour earlier to touch up her hair and makeup and change into fresh clothes. Just thinking about tonight made her stomach do a flip-flop. They’d decided to walk
around town, eat festival food, and catch the main band at nine o’clock.

When the line was finally gone, PJ helped Shaundra with the pies and restocked the forks and plates.

“This place is hopping,” Shaundra said.

“I hope we made enough cheesecake. I thought the cobbler would be more popular, with the cooler temperatures.”

“We may run out of both before it’s over. My feet are killing me.”

PJ checked her watch. “Callie and Nate will be here soon.”

Shaundra finished plating the pies and covering them with wrap. “And then it’s date time.” She waggled her brows.

“How’d you know about that?”

“I have my ways.” Shaundra unwrapped a package of napkins and stacked them by the plates, a mysterious look on her face. “Okay, fine, Cole told me. He couldn’t decide what to wear. Had all his shirts out last night, scowling at them.”

He was worried about what to wear? A smile crept over PJ’s face.

“Yeah, sweet, right? He’s a little rigid with the rules, like curfew and stuff, but he’s a good man. You guys make the cutest couple. Oh, customer.”

PJ turned with a ready smile and nearly dropped the big cobbler spoon on the trampled grass. Keaton stood on the other side of the table in a button-down and khakis.

A hopeful smile curved his lips. “Hello, PJ.”

Her heart thundered. Not like it used to. She didn’t want him here. The flop of hair over his forehead didn’t seem boyish anymore. It barely moved in the breeze, like it had been sprayed in place.

His smile faltered.

“Hi. You want some cobbler? It’s blueberry, served warm with a crunchy oat and pecan crumble topping. Or there’s cheesecake, freshly made with a thick graham cracker crust and topped with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.”

His forehead furrowed.

“Or not.” She clamped her lips shut.

“I didn’t come for dessert. We need to talk.”

“How’d you find me?”

He shrugged. “Small town. Everyone’s proud of their local chef.” His lips curled up. “So am I.”

She felt Shaundra’s appraisal and checked her watch. Cole would be here in six minutes. “This isn’t a good time.”

His mouth tightened. “There doesn’t seem to be a good time, PJ. I just need ten minutes. After all we meant to each other, it’s the least you could do.”

After all your lies, I owe you nothing.
She pursed her lips to hold back the words. Upsetting him would serve no purpose.

“Five minutes.” Maybe she could have him on his way before Cole arrived. She pulled off her plastic gloves and edged out of the booth. “I’ll be right back, Shaundra.”

“I got it covered.”

Feeling Shaundra’s eyes, PJ led him behind the booth to a vacant area near a dogwood tree, avoiding an empty bench just yards away. No reason for him to get comfortable. She turned, crossing her arms.

He stopped and tucked his hands into his pockets. “You changed your phone number.”

“You wouldn’t leave me alone.”

“Why do you think that is, PJ?”

She looked into the deep blue eyes she used to think were striking. Now they just seemed cool and calculating.

“You should be trying to save your marriage, Keaton. You have a little boy who needs you and a wife who—”

“I don’t love her. You don’t know how it is. We haven’t had a real marriage in years. She doesn’t talk to me like you or look at me the way you do. Our marriage was over a long time ago.”

“A marriage is over when divorce papers are signed, and I hope you won’t let that happen. I don’t belong in the middle of this, Keaton.”

He set his hand on her arm. “You belong wherever I am.”

She stepped back, letting his hand fall, bumping the trunk of the tree. “That’s not true. It’s over, Keaton. You need to move on and leave me alone. I’m trying to get on with my life, and I don’t want you sending me letters and flowers and showing up at—”

He took both her arms. “You don’t mean that. Don’t you remember how things were between us? I love you, PJ. I can’t stand being apart from you anymore.”

She closed her eyes. “Stop, Keaton.”

“Why, because you still feel the same way?”

Nice wasn’t working. She drilled him with a look and spoke firmly. “What we had is over. You need to go home and leave me alone. Please. I don’t want you here.” She turned to go.

He grabbed her arm. “She doesn’t even love me. She just wants the lifestyle I provide.”

“That isn’t my concern.” She tried to pull away, but his grip tightened like manacles.

Suddenly he was wrenched backward. He didn’t let go, and PJ stumbled forward.

Cole’s nostrils flared. “Get your hands off her.”

“You again. This is none of your business, pal.”

“She’s my business, and I’m not asking again.”

Keaton’s eyes swung to PJ. “Is this your new boyfriend? You’ve already found a replacement, is that what this is about?” His hand tightened painfully on her arm. “Is it?”

Cole grabbed Keaton and swung, planting his fist in Keaton’s face. PJ stumbled backward into the tree.

Keaton caught his balance. His face darkened. A trickle of blood ran from his nose, and he wiped it with the back of his hand.

The crowd around them stilled, watching.

“I’m just talking to her. This has nothing to do with you.” Keaton walked toward her.

Cole stepped between them. “She doesn’t want to talk to you.”

“Get out of my way.” Keaton tried to edge around him.

Cole shoved him hard. Keaton staggered backward, colliding with a trash barrel, and Cole surged forward.

PJ grabbed his arm. “Cole, no. That’s enough.”

He stopped. His jaw flexed, and he glared at Keaton. “Stay away from her.”

An ugly look came over Keaton’s face as he pulled to his feet. He pointed at Cole. “I’m pressing charges, pal. You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

Cole’s arm flexed under PJ’s hands.

Sheriff Simmons approached from between the booths. “All right, that’s enough.”

Keaton walked toward PJ again, and Cole tore his arm loose from PJ’s grasp and shoved him back.

“That’s enough, I said.”