like him.”
“No, I said I don’t know him.”
Jack took a deep breath and, without a care for her reaction, said, “I think you like him too much. I think you’re attracted to him and that scares you.”
The nervous laughter she forced told him all he needed to know. He’d hit the nail on the head. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Why? He’s a nice guy and I think he likes you, too.”
“Because he likes my cookies?”
“No, because whenever he talks about you, there’s emotion in his voice. You affect him, and he’s not sure what to do about it.”
She shrugged his hands from her shoulders. “You mean I piss him off. I’m fine with that.”
“He’s going to be here a lot, and I’m not running interference for you. You’ll have to figure out how to get along. I don’t want you hiding out whenever he’s around.”
Erica’s chair scraped along the tile as she stood. “I wasn’t hiding. I was trying to stay out of your way. I know how you are when you’re working.”
“Then you won’t mind joining us next time he’s here. He’s coming over Thursday night, and I offered him dinner. You know I can’t cook.”
“So order take-out.”
“Erica, do you really think any restaurant delivers in this valley?”
“Fine. I’ll pick something up for the two of you.”
“If you’d prefer take-out, I’m sure he won’t mind, but you’re joining us.”
“Why?” she whined. “What if I have plans?”
“Do you?”
“No, but what if I did?”
“Now you do.”
She huffed out a breath. “I don’t want to be involved in this, Jack. Why can’t you understand that?”
“You’re not involved with the book. You’re involved in my life. If he’s going to write about my life, he needs to know you and understand what you do for me.”
“He’ll think I’m your…your maid. Your cook and your maid. I’m completely unnecessary to the book.”
“But you’re not unnecessary to my life. You know that, don’t you?”
“Yes, but…”
“No buts. I want you to join us for dinner. You’re free to do whatever you want after, but I need you at dinner.”
“Jack, you don’t really need me at all.”
He hated that she felt that way. No matter what he said, no matter what he did, he could never convince her otherwise. “Now who’s being ridiculous?” He walked toward the bedroom he’d set up as his office. “Oh, and Erica? Make enough for four. Olivia’s joining us.”
“Who?” she asked, but her tone told him she knew exactly whom he meant.
He faced his sister. “Olivia Golden, Lyle’s roommate. You met her at the Tap.”
“You invited his waitress girlfriend to dinner? Why?”
“She’s not his girlfriend, and I invited her because I like her. Unlike you, when I like someone, I’m not afraid to get to know them.”
“Since when? I’ve been living with you for two years and I’ve yet to meet any of your girlfriends.”
“Since now. If I’m going to come out of hiding, I may as well come all the way out. I’m tired of living life on the outskirts. I’m jumping back in.”
“With a waitress?” She shook her head. Her voice held so much disdain he had to wonder what Olivia had ever done to Erica.
“She’s a teacher. She’s sweet and she’s hot and I like her.” He pointed at Erica. “You’d better be nice. To both of them.”
***
Lyle walked into the apartment and found Olivia sitting on the couch. It wasn’t unusual to find her sprawled on the sofa watching television; sitting alone in the darkened room, hugging a pillow and staring off into the quiet, wasn’t usual though.
“What’s wrong?” he asked and flipped on a light.
She squinted. “Nothing.”
Her voice sounded flat and lifeless, not filled with the snarkiness he’d come to expect. “Olivia, clearly something’s wrong.” He set his bag on the kitchen chair and took a seat beside her. When she didn’t look at him, he reached out and touched her leg. She jumped as if coming out of a trance and finally met his eyes. “What is wrong with you?” he asked again.
“Something happened at school today, and I’m not sure what to do.”
“What happened?”
She flung the pillow aside and stood up, took two steps, and sat in the chair facing him, sandwiching her hands between her knees. “This kid in my class, I took his phone away. When he came back to get it at the end of the day, he ended up tossing it across the room.”
“He broke his phone and now he’s blaming you?”
“No, no. We both leaned over to pick it up. He grabbed it first, and when I stood up, the handle on the pencil sharpener got caught between the buttons of my blouse and popped them open.”
Lyle laughed. “You flashed a kid?”
“It’s not funny. He took a picture.”
“Oh.” Lyle sat back and understood Olivia’s distress. She liked her job. He never heard her complain about the hours or the kids. “What he’d do with the picture?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay, so maybe he just showed it to a couple of his friends. No biggie.”
“You think he could show a picture of my boobs to a couple of buddies and it won’t get back to anyone?”
“Probably not. What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure who to tell or if I should tell anyone.”
“Why don’t you just wait and see what happens? I mean, if he did show a couple of friends, it’s not like he posted it online.”
“Oh, great, I never even thought of that. Where would a twelve-year-old post a picture?”
“Facebook? Twitter? Instagram?” he suggested. “Have you checked?”
“No. I’m not sure I want to.”
Lyle got his laptop and brought it back to the couch. “What’s the kid’s name?”
“Cole Hellenbrook,” Olivia said.
Lyle lifted his gaze and his brows. “Any relation to Westmoreland’s school superintendent?”
Olivia swallowed as the color drained from her face. “He’s her son.”
Chapter 18
Olivia yanked her arm away from Lyle as he dragged her toward Jack’s door. “I don’t want to be here, Lyle. I don’t know why I let you talk me into this.”
“You were invited. I wasn’t about to let you sit around the apartment moping.”
“After the reception I received at school today, you don’t think a little moping is in order?”
“Come on,” he said and rapped on the door. “I’ll bet Jack will help you feel better.”
As if the Gods had summoned him, Jack answered the door wearing jeans and a button-down shirt. The plaid’s burnt orange color made his eyes appear caramel. For just a moment, everything floated out of her mind as she stared at his perfection.
“Right on time,” he said and held open the door. He reached behind Olivia and led her to the couch with his hand at her back. “You smell wonderful,” he said in that voice that made her want to close her eyes and lay her head on his chest.
“I was just going to say the same,” Lyle said, “about the meal.”
“Erica’s been torturing me all day with the sauce. Her lasagna is the best I’ve ever tasted.”
Olivia felt as if she would burst out of her skin. She absolutely couldn’t sit there all night and pretend as though her world hadn’t crashed and burned.
“Can I get you both a drink?” Jack asked.
“I’d love a beer,” Lyle said.
Olivia nervously rubbed her hands along her pants. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“I’ve opened a bottle of red to breathe,” Jack said as he walked into the kitchen and retrieved Lyle’s beer. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
Olivia nodded, and then remembered he couldn’t see. But, wait… Hadn’t he led her to the couch, fetched a beer from the refrigerator, and delivered it to Lyle without any hesitation?
“Lyle,” Jack began, “would you mind keeping Erica company while I show Olivia the property? We won’t be gone long.”
Lyle nearly choked on his beer. “Ah, sure.” He stood up and meandered into the kitchen where Erica lorded over the stove, her back arrow straight.
Olivia stepped toward the door before she realized she’d forgotten to wait for Jack to grab her arm. He stepped around her and opened the door. The back of her neck began to tingle with unease.
Jack reached for her arm when they cleared the porch. “Why do I get the feeling you can see more than you let on?” she asked.
Jack raised his hand to his heart. “Guilty. How’d you know?”
“You’ve been moving around your house with ease.”
“I figured Lyle had told you. I have more vision than I initially admitted.”
“Why did you let me think you were blind?”
“I am blind. Legally blind. I have peripheral vision and can maneuver pretty well even outside my home. I can’t drive or read, but at least I have basic mobility.” Jack stopped before they reached the path to the river and turned Olivia to face him. “What’s wrong, Olivia?”
She felt ridiculously close to tears but fought them back with a forced smile. “Nothing.”
Jack lifted his hand to her cheek. “I may not be able to see your face clearly, but I know your voice. Something’s bothering you.” He dropped his hand. “Is it really that bad, my misleading you?”
“No, it’s not that. I should be mad at you, but I’m not. It’s something at work. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Olivia, we have absolutely no shot at making this work if we keep lying to each other. I confessed my secret. Why don’t you tell me what happened?”
Her chin slumped against her chest and she scrubbed her palms over her eyes. Could she tell him? Could she not? “I’ve been suspended from student teaching.”
“How can they suspend you?”
The thought of saying it to Jack felt like a giant fist squeezing her stomach. She’d been flirting with him as if she were as sophisticated as the women he’d been with before. She couldn’t say it. She couldn’t admit the filthy charge they’d leveled against her. “A student and his family filed charges. They’re unfounded, but it’s my word against his. There were no witnesses and his mom’s got a lot of clout. Basically, I’m screwed.”
“What kind of charges?”
She turned and paced away. Why couldn’t he be a gentleman and leave well enough alone? He had to know it was tearing her apart. “Awful charges. Untrue, baseless, and vile.”
“Olivia…” She nearly gasped when his hand closed around her arm and he pulled her into an embrace. She rested her cheek against his granite chest and had to will herself not to burrow into his warmth. “Tell me. I can help.”
“No one can help.” She clung shamelessly to him and took every ounce of comfort he offered. Lyle had listened; she’d wanted to call her mother but was afraid her mother would tell Tommy. She couldn’t let Tommy know how badly she’d screwed up. Jack offered what she needed the most: a soft place to lay her head and a friend on her side.
“Not if you don’t let me. I know people. Many of my friends are attorneys. What’s the point in having lawyer friends if you don’t need their services every once in a while?”
“I’m not sure I need an attorney. I’m not sure of anything except that my degree is in jeopardy. I can’t graduate without my semester of student teaching.”
“Then let’s get you back in the classroom.” He pulled her away from his chest and gave her a gentle shake. “What happened?”
“I went into school today to report an incident that happened yesterday. A student took a picture of me and posted it online.”
“What kind of picture?” he asked.
She explained the details of how the picture had been taken, her horror at discovering it all over the Internet, and her intent to turn him into the school for his behavior. “When I went into the office this morning, his mother had already begun the process of filing charges against me for…” Olivia swiped her hands through her hair. “God, I can’t even say it.” She looked him in the eye. “Sexual harassment.”
“So fight it.”
“It’s not that simple. His mother’s the school superintendent. There’s a process that has to be followed, but because of her position, the case has to be turned over to someone outside her jurisdiction. They’re trying to figure out who.”
“What happens in the meantime?”
She sighed. “I wait and worry. They wouldn’t even let me in the classroom today. They notified the college. My advisor said his hands are tied. This whole thing is blowing up in my face, and I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“So we’ll prove your innocence.”
She couldn’t have heard right. “We?”
The way he shrugged and rocked back on his heels made him look like a vulnerable little boy. She felt a strange web weaving around the two of them, pulling them together, binding them into some kind of union. She couldn’t have fought if she tried. And she sure wasn’t trying. Everything about him pulled her closer: his incredible good looks, his strength and support. Even the vision loss she’d worried over seemed minimal when he walked around without assistance. “I’m here without much to do but play around with some business investments and talk about my past with your roommate. I may as well help a friend if I can.”
“Are we friends, Jack?”
“I’d like us to be.” He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear after running the strands through his fingers. “I’d like us to be more than friends.”
“I’m not in a position to start a relationship right now.”
“The only relationship I’m offering is friendship. I’m here for a few months, tops. If we derive some benefit from our friendship, all the better.”
“Friends with benefits?” she muttered. After the day she’d had, his clichéd offer felt like salt in her wounds. “I think I’ll pass.”
He gripped her arms when she backed away and yanked her against his chest. “Really? You’re going to tell me you’re not interested?”
Before she could muster a reply, he dropped his head and captured her lips. Lust, sharp and dangerous, shot straight through her body and rendered her captive. Never in her life had Olivia felt totally defenseless in a man’s arms. The anger she’d felt moments before morphed into something desperate, something she’d cut her own arm off to experience. She meant to push him away, but her body betrayed her by molding to him while her hands dove into all that soft, black hair.
Erica loudly clearing her throat stopped Olivia cold. She stumbled out of Jack’s arms and would have fallen if he hadn’t grabbed her with a steady hand. Embarrassment slammed through her when Jack appeared totally unaffected by their kiss. Of course he was. Hadn’t she spent a good part of last week scouring the Internet for pictures of him with one gorgeous model after another?
“Dinner’s ready,” Erica announced, eyeing Olivia like a two-bit whore before disappearing inside the house.
Olivia couldn’t meet his stare. She stepped back when Jack let go of her arm.
“We’re not done, Olivia. We’ve only just begun.”
Her anger was back, fueled by shame at her reckless behavior. “I don’t have any say in this?”
“After that kiss, are you going to tell me I’m wrong?”
***
Erica nearly ran into Lyle when she stomped back inside the house. He’d positioned himself by the door, and she felt certain he’d seen every detail leading up to the passionate kiss she’d accidentally interrupted. Erica stormed into the kitchen before turning around and pointing at him. “You let me walk right into that.”
He lifted his hands in innocent surrender. “What did I do?”
“You must have seen them out there mauling each other. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“What was I supposed to say? You made it clear I was to stay out of your way. You wouldn’t let me help set the table or pour drinks.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “And you flew past me before I could warn you.”
“First of all,” she ticked excuses off on her fingers, “I had everything under control. Second, the table needs to be set a certain way so Jack knows where things are. And third, you’ve been trying to make me uncomfortable since you got here.”
Lyle rolled his eyes. “My breathing makes you uncomfortable.”
“That’s not true. But I refuse to fall starry eyed at your feet like every other woman in this town.”
Lyle jerked back, his brows shooting up to his hairline. “What other women?”
Erica felt her face heat and spun around to grab the water pitcher she’d filled for the table. “Never mind.”
Lyle said and stepped in her path. “No, I’d love to know what other women in town are dropping starry eyed at my feet.”
“I’m not going to stand here and feed your ego.”
“What ego? I haven’t had an actual date in…” His eyes roamed the ceiling as he did mental calculations. “Months. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not the one getting mauled on your patio. I’m the one getting his ass chewed inside.”
“Don’t get all fussy with me because your girlfriend’s playing the field.”
“I told you before Olivia’s not my girlfriend.”
“I don’t care what she is.”
“Then why do you keep throwing her and every other woman in town in my face as if I’m some kind of womanizer? You don’t know anything about me.”
“You’re right, I don’t. And I don’t want to. I think it would be best if we just stayed out of each other’s way.”
She tried to step around him, and he blocked her again. She tried the opposite direction only to have the pitcher bounce off his chest when he stepped in her path again. “What is your problem?”
He looked down at her with his piercing brown eyes full of fury. His impossibly adorable dimples flashed. “Maybe I don’t want to stay out of your way. Maybe I’m sick and tired of having you pop in and out of my mind fifty times a day. Maybe if I actually got to know you, I’d have enough reasons to stop thinking about you all the time and wondering why your cantankerous attitude is so damn appealing to me.”
“Who says stuff like that?” Erica hollered. “I’m not cant—whatever that word is. I’m pissed, and if you don’t get out of my way and let me put this heavy pitcher on the table, I’ll pour it over your head.”
When he grabbed the pitcher and challenged her with his eyes to make the next move, Erica stood speechless and fuming.
“Cantankerous, “Lyle said, “means crabby, grouchy, and generally irritable. And in your case, for no good reason.”
Olivia didn’t seem to notice the tension when she breezed inside and asked where the bathroom was located.
“Down the hall.” Erica pointed without breaking eye contact with Lyle. “Second door on the left.”
Jack sat at the table. “Are you two going to stand around flirting all night long or are we going to eat dinner?”
“Urrrrghh!” Erica grunted through gritted teeth. She turned around, grabbed the lasagna she’d worked all day to prepare, and plopped it on the table. “This was a great idea, Jack. Just great.”
Chapter 19
Man up, Jill told herself as she logged on to the computer to Skype her mom and Olivia. Ty had escaped to Cal’s to watch a game while Jill tried to firm up details of her wedding with her mom and best friend. On the agenda was flowers, food, and a final decision on the cake.
“Hi, Mom,” Jill said when her mother appeared, her short black bob tucked behind her ears. Jill swallowed when she saw the three-inch notebook stuffed with magazine articles, pictures, and fabric swatches Bobbie had set on the desk in front of the computer.
“Hey, baby,” her mother replied. “Where’s Olivia?”
“She just texted. She’s running late and she’ll join us in a minute.”
“Oh.” Her mother’s disappointment shone clearly on her face. “I thought she was excited about this.”
“She is. Or at least she was. I haven’t spoken to her in about a week.”
“If you haven’t talked to Olivia, then I guess you don’t know what happened.”
“What do you mean? Is she okay?”
“I’m here!” Olivia announced. “What’d I miss?”
Jill pasted a smile on her face and worried when she saw Olivia’s over-bright expression. If something was wrong, Olivia apparently didn’t want to talk about it on a three-way call. “You missed absolutely nothing.”
“Did you all receive the email I sent with the flower options from Butler Florist?” Bobbie asked.
Olivia’s eyes widened. She and Jill both knew the options were awful. “I did, Bobbie,” Olivia said.
“I did, too,” Jill said. “I like the dahlias from the first arrangement, but I’d like to just have dahlias in the bouquet.”
“Just dahlias?” Bobbie moaned. “Jill, that’s so boring.”
“It’s simple, Mom. You know I like simple.” Bobbie blew out a breath and frowned at her notebook. “How about if my bouquet is just dahlias and the bridesmaids carry a mixed bouquet?” Jill suggested. “Picture three, with the tallow berries and roses, isn’t bad.”
“What color dahlias?” Bobbie asked.
“I like that light rust color with the lighter tips. They complement the bridesmaid’s dresses. Do you think Butler can get those?”
“Marg said she could get whatever we wanted.”
“Okay,” Jill said, “let’s move on to food.”
After almost an hour and a half , they’d agonizingly decided to serve salmon and pork roast, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, and pumpkin soup. They narrowed the cake options down to three with Ty being the deciding vote—if he ever returned from Cal’s.
Exhausted, Jill let her mother go and told Olivia to hang up because she was calling her right away. “What’s wrong?” Jill asked without even saying hello. “That was a painful hour and a half, no question, but something else is bothering you.”
“I’m fine,” she said in the same too happy voice she’d used all night.
“Olivia! I may be a thousand miles away, but I can tell you’re lying. What is it?”
After Olivia explained everything that had happened in the past two days, Jill paced around the cabin, her mind whirling. “How can they just leave you hanging like that?”
“They have no choice. I’m a student teacher. The teacher I was assigned to could get into trouble for leaving me alone for so long with the class, so she’s too busy covering her butt to care what happens to me. The superintendent is after blood. Her kid has no record of getting in trouble because everyone’s too scared of his mom to report him. The county has to find someone to investigate who doesn’t fall under her command. In the mean time, my life’s on hold.”
“And fielding kisses from the gorgeous blind guy isn’t helping?”
“His name is Jack, and he’s…incorrigible. He sent me flowers again and invited me to dinner alone. I don’t know what to do.”
“You said the kiss was amazing. I’d think you of all people should know how to follow up on a kiss.”
“You see?” Olivia said. “That right there doesn’t help. Yes, I like to flirt. Yes, I like to date, but I don’t sleep with every guy I go out with. As a matter of fact, I haven’t slept with anyone since Flynn and I split up.”
“Really?” Jill and did a mental calculation. Olivia broke up with Flynn over a year earlier. “I thought you hooked up with Del?”
Olivia huffed. “I did, but I never slept with him.”
“You didn’t?”
“I told you he was an idiot. Do you really think I’d sleep with an idiot?”
Jill stopped pacing, afraid if she took another step, she’d cut her feet on Olivia’s shattered reputation. “What exactly do you mean when you say ‘hooked up’? I always thought you were sleeping with those guys.”
“Great. Just great. Even my best friend thinks I’m easy.”
“I don’t think you’re easy. I think we have a communication problem.”
“Hooked up means fooling around. Kissing and a little bit of groping. Nothing past second base.”
“Oh.”
“See!” Olivia said. “I’m screwed. If you think I’m a slut, obviously everyone else in town does, too.”
“I don’t think I’d worry about your reputation in town right now. You’ve got other things to worry about.”
“But it all factors in. I’ve been reading the district’s complaint and compliance process. The investigation includes my background.”
“You just started teaching. You don’t have a background.”
“So they’ll investigate my personal background.”
“Has anyone ever filed charges against you in real life?” Jill asked.
“No, of course not, but if everyone thinks I’m a slut, harassing a twelve-year-old boy won’t seem out of the question.”
“I think you’re blowing this out of proportion.”
“Really? You think getting suspended from student teaching on a sexual harassment charge is no big deal?”
“I didn’t say that. I mean you’re blowing your personal reputation out of proportion. I can’t see how that will factor into the case.”
“It will.” Olivia sounded defeated. “Dr. Hell will use everything at her disposal to crush me and protect her son.”
“So no more kisses with Jack?”
“I can’t afford to start something with him right now. Besides, he’s only interested in a fling.”
“How do you know?” Jill asked.
“He told me. He actually called it ‘friends with benefits’ before making my head explode with that kiss. Why would I put myself in a position to hurt my degree, my career, and my heart?”
Jill sighed. Thank God she didn’t have to date anymore. What a minefield. “I guess you can’t, but I hate to waste that kind of chemistry.”
“Me, too,” Olivia confessed. “Me, too.”
Chapter 20
Lyle swore when the hammer slipped from his hand and landed on his big toe. He hadn’t taken the time to put on his work boots, and it felt as if his toenail split in two under his flimsy tennis shoes. He hobbled around the cabin before going outside to find his boots in the back of his SUV.
The sun was bright as he laced up his boots. He planned to do an hour’s worth of work on the cabin before heading over to Jack’s for more interviews. The man was a charismatic storyteller and Lyle found himself thinking about his life more than he cared to admit. What would he do, Lyle wondered, if he woke up one morning and couldn’t see? He certainly didn’t have the fortune or high stress job Jack had at the time of his vision loss, but that didn’t mean his life wouldn’t change. Big time.
Jack had chronicled his humble upbringing as the son of a janitor drowning his grief over his dead wife in bourbon. He and Erica lived hand to mouth in a home filled with grief and alcohol. Jack left home at seventeen, worked his way through school, and never looked back. Lyle wondered what that was like for Erica. She was only seven when Jack flew the nest, leaving her alone with an alcoholic father. Jack was careful to leave Erica and her journey out of his story, but that didn’t stop Lyle from wondering. If anything, he’d thought of her more since the night of their uncomfortable dinner. He and Olivia hadn’t been able to get out of there fast enough.
And he had to go back. He wanted to go back. Jack was nearing the part of the story where he lost his vision. Lyle had a pretty good idea what life was like for him before: crazy work hours, an adrenaline rush from high stakes deals, and all the perks that come from wealth and good looks. He couldn’t wait to hear first hand how bad the fall felt and what Jack did when it happened.
If only he didn’t have to see Erica. He’d overplayed his hand by admitting he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Lyle wasn’t one to play games. If he liked someone, he told her and made a move. Erica had not only rejected his move, but she’d thrown it back in his face with more force than she’d dropped the lasagna on the table.
So why was he still interested? Why did she fascinate him so much? She wasn’t beautiful, not in the classic sense of the word. Sure, her hair was long, dark, and silky—not that she’d ever let him feel it. Her skin was pale as milk and as smooth as a baby’s butt, not that he’d felt more than the brush of her fingers when he’d taken the pitcher. Her features were plain: straight nose, regular mouth except for that lush bottom lip, and bold brows dark and angry as her.
Crap. She wasn’t beautiful, but she was striking. And her voluptuous body made him want to drop to his knees and beg for whatever scraps she’d throw his way. He got to his feet and willed her from his mind. He’d just ignore her. There was no other way to keep his sanity in her presence. With that decision made, he went back to work.
An hour later, after driving the four miles from his property to Jack’s, he pulled his car along the path to Jack’s house by the river. A skunk ran in front of his truck and scuttled into the brush, drawing Lyle’s attention to the field where Jack, Erica, and another man huddled around the back of a white truck. Lyle stopped to watch the three shake hands before Jack and Erica walked back to the house.
Lyle couldn’t have been more surprised when Erica broke away and met him when he opened the door to his truck. He tried to mask his unease by gathering his computer bag. Clearly, avoiding her wouldn’t work.
Erica stepped back as he climbed out of the vehicle. She’d braided her long hair into a tail down her back, and wisps of loose curls floated artfully around her face. “Want to punch me in the stomach before I meet with your brother?” he asked.
Erica looked at her feet before jerking her head up to meet his stare. He’d expected to see fury in her dark eyes, not the vulnerable tilt that left him feeling like an ass. “I owe you an apology,” she said without preamble. “I was rude the other night and I’m sorry.”
“Did Jack make you apologize?”
“Jack doesn’t make me do anything. He may have pointed out that fighting with you is going to make my life here miserable—more miserable than it already is. I don’t want to be more miserable. So, I’m sorry.”
“Well, apology accepted.” He held out his hand. Where he was from, an apology didn’t mean anything without a handshake.
It was worth all the fighting to watch her struggle with her pride. When she slipped her hand into his, the only thing he saw in her stunning face was worry. The woman was a bundle of contradictions. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t the only one distracted by their attraction.
“So, what’s going on over there?” Lyle tilted his head to where the white truck was pulling away from the overgrown pasture.
She turned as he did and walked toward the house. “Jack’s got some hare-brained idea about testing wind power.”
“Wind power?”
“He thinks there might be enough wind in the valley to sell wind power to the new ski development at Bear Stream.”
Lyle’s step faltered as realization dawned. He’d inadvertently brought a man to the valley who intended to profit from the development most everyone fought tooth and nail. Olivia’s own brother headed up the group fighting the development of the area’s only non-commercialized ski lift. He stopped dead in his tracks. “Is Jack involved with the group trying to develop Bear Stream?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” She jerked her hands to her hips, emphasizing the gentle curves in her well-worn jeans. “Ask him.”
He’d have to do that or risk getting run out of town when the truth came out. She opened the screen door for him and ushered him in with an exaggerated wave of her arm. “Can I get you anything?” she asked.
“You got any more of those lemon sugar cookies?” He was rewarded by the first genuine smile he’d ever seen on her face. All the sharp angles softened right along with his heart as it slammed into his ribcage with an almost painful force.
“I’m sure I can rustle up a few.”
***
Erica slipped outside the house with her guitar after she’d chopped the onion and peppers for dinner and straightened up the kitchen. She couldn’t listen to Jack recount losing his vision. He’d gotten pretty good at acting as though it wasn’t as big a deal as it was, but she knew better. Anything that stopped her brother from moving onward and upward had the force of a tornado and the bite of a great white shark. She didn’t want to listen to him relive those first painful weeks alone but for an assistant frantically searching for ways to help him as the business he’d built from scratch slipped through his fingers.
She dragged the Adirondack chair from the patio into the sun and strummed a slow and mournful tune. She didn’t like to look back. Everything in her past before moving in with Jack held pain, regret, and sorrow. The only thing she felt proud of in her life was helping her brother. With the publication of the book and the outing of his vision problem, she could only wonder what would happen to her. How long could she keep living with him, making meals and running errands? He couldn’t function in Hailey on his own, but back in Denver, it had become clear she wasn’t needed. She worried that when the book was written and they returned to Denver, she’d have to make plans to move out and move on with her life.
But what kind of life would she lead without the basic skills required for employment? She was a decent cook, but would a restaurant ever hire her? She shook her head and hummed along as her fingers created music from her heart.
She saw the shadow on the ground when she opened her eyes and knew she wasn’t alone. She turned, held her hand up to shield the sun, and stared up into a set of too-appealing brown eyes.
“You’re really good.”
She looked out at the river, afraid of slipping under his spell if he was nice to her for too long. “I’m just messing around.”
“I can’t wait to hear you when you’re really trying.”
She slipped the guitar strap from around her neck and stood up, needing to find level ground when speaking to Lyle. He had a way of unnerving her during the most mundane conversations. “You all done for the day?”
“We are. Jack wanted to do more, but I could tell he needed a break.”
“It’s not easy for him, reliving those days. He’s moved on, accepted his vision loss, but that doesn’t make it easy to look back.”
“I could tell.” He took a deep breath and stared out over the water. “It’s one hell of a story.”
Anger bubbled to the surface. “It’s not a story. It’s his life.”
He whipped his head around and glared at her. “I know it’s his life. I sat there and watched how difficult it was for him to tell me. For that I’m sorry, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s got an experience worth sharing. Whatever his motives, whatever his intentions, I’m glad I get the chance to tell it.”
“I hope you’ll be gentle. I mean, what I’m trying to ask is…” She rubbed her forehead. Sometimes she just couldn’t think of the words to express what she wanted to say. “Please don’t turn his nightmare into some kind of trashy soap opera. Like when everything comes crashing down on the rich and powerful golden boy. That’s what they used to call him, you know. The golden boy. He’s as dark as I am, but everything he touched turned to gold. He’s clawed his way back through hard work and determination. I don’t want you to use him and his troubles to sell books.”
“I can tell you think highly of my profession.”
Erica looked back toward the house. She knew Jack needed time to sort out his feelings. “I’m not sure he’s doing the right thing, telling everyone what happened.”
“He doesn’t seem to have any doubts.”
“We live a simple life in Denver, Lyle. He’s happy there, out of the limelight. I don’t know why he wants to open all this up again.” She frowned at him. “What in the devil are you grinning about?”
“You said my name. I wasn’t sure you knew it.”
She felt defenseless against his boyish charm. “I know your name. I’ve said it while cursing a number of times.”
“I’ll bet you have.”
Every time they spoke was like wading through quicksand. She needed to change the subject. “How’s the cabin coming? I haven’t seen you working on it lately.”
“Have you been watching for me?”
She rolled her eyes. “I haven’t heard any annoying banging coming from the other side of the river.”
“It’s coming along. I’ve done almost all I can do before they run the power.”
“When will that be?”
“A week from Thursday.”
“And then you’ll move in?” Part of her wanted him away from the conniving Olivia, but part of her knew him living within a stone’s throw was dangerous.
“Not right away. I hope to be in by Thanksgiving. My brother’s coming to visit, and it would be a lot easier to catch up when I’m here instead of Lower Fork.”
“Where is he visiting from?”
Lyle picked up a rock and tossed it into the river. It skipped four times along the surface. “Denver. He’s a pilot for Eagle Airlines.”
“A pilot and a writer?” Could she feel any more out of her league? “Your parents must be proud.”
“Mom and stepdad. Yeah, I guess. My stepdad likes that I’m not under their roof anymore.”
“You don’t get along?”
Lyle laughed. “We get along fine. I think he and my mom are ready to have the place to themselves. They still act like a couple of newlyweds.”
“Really?” Erica couldn’t imagine growing up in a family filled with love. “When did your parents divorce?”
“They didn’t. My dad died in a plane crash when I was nine. We moved out here when I was eleven and Dodge—my stepdad—leased our land until he and Mom fell in love and got married. They’ve been head over heels ever since.”
“That must have been wonderful growing up around all that love after losing your father.”
“It was. It was hard when my dad died. I really didn’t want to move out here from Atlanta, but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else. My friend Jill just picked up and moved east with her fiancé a few months ago. As happy as I am for her, I can’t imagine living so far away from my family.”
“Did you go away for college?”
He sent her a sidelong glance that made the tips of her ears burn. “If you consider Westmoreland going away. I went to Warlock State. Lived in the dorms, had the full college experience, but I wasn’t far from home.”
“You must be excited to see your brother again?”
“I am. I wish it was just him and not his wife. Her parents live on the other side of our property, just off the six north, but she won’t go anywhere without Kevin. She’s always been clingy.”
“Sounds like they’re sickeningly in love, too.”
“And have been since they were thirteen.”
“Thirteen? They fell in love at thirteen?”
“Well, it was an on again, off again thing all through college, but she finally dragged him down the aisle,” he pursed his lips, “five, almost six years ago.”
“I think that’s wonderful, falling in love with someone so deeply you can’t imagine being without them.” When she looked up, he was staring at her, and she wished she’d kept those thoughts to herself.
“I suppose I should at least try to think of it like that. Shiloh’s always been spoiled rotten, so it’s hard for me to have much sympathy for her. She’s the annoying sister I never wanted.”
“I always wanted a sister.”
Lyle reached down and picked up another rock. He tossed it in the air a few times before asking, “I’ll bet it was hard for you after your brother left home.”
Oh, no. She wouldn’t talk about her past with him just because he knew a few details. She picked up her guitar and turned toward the house. “I’d better get back. I’ll see you later.” When she reached the house and closed the door behind her, he was watching her as he fingered the rock. She had to be more careful. Talking to him had been a mistake. She couldn’t afford to make that mistake again.
Chapter 21
Olivia dropped the check off at table two and was just about to walk backward through the kitchen door with her hands full of dishes when her brother came into the restaurant. The look on his face when he spotted her told her everything she needed to know. He thought her guilty.
She pushed through the door and dropped the plates into the sink. Tommy stood behind her when she turned around.
“Take a break,” Tommy said. He’d inherited their father’s deep voice, dark hair, and penchant for ordering her around.
“Can’t.”
She tried to muscle past him, but he grabbed her shoulders. “I said take a break.”
“I’ll take a break when we don’t have customers waiting for their food.”
Tommy pulled the busboy from his post at the sink. “Wash your hands and take these burgers out to table,” he looked at the ticket, “four.” Tommy pointed at the outside door. “Let’s take that break.”
Olivia huffed out an exaggerated breath and jerked the door open. She stomped around the corner, away from the dumpster’s nauseating smell.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the suspension?” he demanded.
“Looks like I didn’t have to.”
“Damn it, Olivia. What the hell happened?”
“Don’t you take that tone with me. You’re not my father, and I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“If you haven’t done anything wrong, why didn’t you tell me you got suspended for sexual harassment?”
Olivia covered her face with her hands. “Good Lord, does everyone in town know ?”
“Everyone but me.” He stepped closer and yanked her into his chest. “Tell me.”
When she finished, he asked, “The pencil sharpener? How in the world did that happen?”
“I don’t know, but I was so surprised, I didn’t realize he’d taken the picture until it was too late.”
“The little shit. And he went home and posted it all over the Internet. Where the hell was his mother then?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me.”
“For what? This wasn’t your fault.”
Olivia looked up at her brother, standing with his hands on his hips and a scowl on his face. He had more responsibilities in his life than anyone she knew and she’d assumed he’d think she’d screwed up again. His unflappable belief in her innocence left her staggered. “You’re not mad at me?”
“No. I’m mad at the kid and the teacher who left you two alone.”
“If it wasn’t this, it would have been something else. He was out for blood because I sent him to the principal’s office last week.”
“Good. He’s got a record of bad behavior. That should help your case.”
“Nope. She sent him back to class without so much as a detention. His record is squeaky clean. Unlike mine.”
“What do you mean unlike yours? Have you been in some other kind of trouble you haven’t told me?”
“No, but they’ll check my background and see that I have a reputation.”
His face grew dark with anger. “You’re twenty-four years old. Do they expect all their teachers to be lily white? I know for a fact that’s not the case.”
Olivia’s jaw dropped. “Are you telling me you’ve dated a teacher?”
“I’ve dated lots of women. And yes, some of them were teachers.”
“When do you go on these dates? All I ever see you do is work.”
“Lately, all I have done is work.” He put his arm around her shoulder and led her back toward the door. “We’re going to fight this, Olivia.”
“If they ever find someone to do the investigation.” She hugged him before going back inside. “In the mean time, you’ve got your waitress back.”
“Let’s hope it’s temporary.”
***
Lyle needed a break. He’d been typing out his notes from his last meeting with Jack for so long his fingers were cramping. He glanced at the clock and realized it was after five, so he stood up and retrieved a beer from the refrigerator. His phone rang just as he popped the top. He took his first sip while eyeing the display. “Hey, stranger.”
“Hey, yourself,” Jill said with a smile in her voice. “How’s the book coming?”
“It’s practically writing itself. This guy’s journey is…” Lyle couldn’t quite put into words how affected he was by Jack’s story. “Let’s just say I’m enjoying my work.”
“I heard there might be another reason you’re enjoying your work.”
He leaned against the counter and crossed his ankles. “What are you talking about?”
“Olivia thinks you’re hot for his sister, although from what she’s said, I can’t imagine why.”
“I’m not hot for his sister. Jeez, Olivia’s such a juvenile.”
“You don’t find her attractive? Olivia said she was pretty, but she had an attitude.”
“She’s got an attitude, all right. From what I can tell, I think it’s justified. She had a rough childhood, which she refuses to talk about.”
“So ask your interview subject.”
“He’s very careful to skirt around my questions about her. I’m not sure, but I think something happened after he left home that he feels guilty about.”
“That sounds like heavy stuff. Are you sure you want to get involved with a woman who may have a checkered past?”
“I never said I was involved.”
“You never said you weren’t. I know you. Plus, Olivia’s got a sick sense when people are attracted. It’s kind of her thing.”
“Whatever.” Lyle pushed away from the counter and flopped onto the couch. “How’s the wedding planning?”
“Urrgh. Don’t ask. Whoever said this was fun eloped.”
“It’s not too late, ya know.”
“Speaking of the wedding, can you let Olivia know the bridal shop called and her dress is ready?”
“Why are you telling me? Why not call her?”
“I did call her, but she didn’t answer. How’s she doing?”
Lyle grabbed the remote and turned the TV to ESPN. “She’s more upset than she’s letting on. She went to work at the Tap today, which is good because all she was doing was sitting around moping.”
“No one can mope like Olivia.” Lyle heard someone talking to Jill. “I’ve got to go. Don’t forget to tell Olivia about the dress.”
“I won’t. Talk to you later.”
Lyle flicked through channels until he settled on a Rockies game in the third inning. Olivia came home just as their hotshot young pitcher shut out the side.
“Hard day?” she asked before kicking his feet off the couch and sitting down.
“I’m taking a break.” He crossed his ankles on the coffee table. “Jill called. Your dress is ready.”
“Oh, that was quick.” Olivia snatched his beer and took a swig. “How did she sound?”
“Who?”
“Jill. Did she say anything strange?”
“Strange how?”
“About the wedding?” Olivia asked.
“I don’t think she’s enjoying the planning, but…” He shrugged.
Olivia chewed the inside of her lip like he’d seen her do when she was stressed. “I think something’s going on with her.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know, but I have a sinking feeling she’s not into this wedding.”
“I just told you she wasn’t,” Lyle said.
“I know, but I’m worried she’s having second thoughts.”
“About getting married? Jill?” He scratched behind his ear. “Why would you say that?”
“It’s just a feeling I get. She seemed mildly interested in picking out her dress and the bouquet, but she’s let her mom steam roll her through the rest. It’s like she doesn’t even care. When a woman stops caring about the details of her wedding, it can mean only one thing.”
“She’d rather elope?” Lyle guessed.
“That she’s questioning her decision.”
Lyle dropped his feet to the floor and sat up. “You think she’s changed her mind about marrying Ty?”
Olivia shrugged. “I don’t know, but something’s not right. I just can’t put my finger on what it is.”
Chapter 22
Jack drifted around the store trying not to knock anything over. He was bored after only ten minutes in the used instrument store Erica had dragged him to when he said he needed to get out of the house. Erica, on the other hand, was deep in a discussion with a store employee about the merits of owning a ukulele.
He stepped outside into the cool October day. The sun felt good on his face. Jack didn’t want to wander too far; he hadn’t told Erica he was leaving and he never felt too confident walking around unfamiliar places. He edged down to the next window and wondered if it was where the enticing coffee smell originated.
“Window shopping?”
Jack spun around, unable to keep the grin off his face. Perhaps that was why he’d felt restless earlier. “Hello, Olivia. This is a nice surprise.”
“It’s a surprise.” She held something, but he couldn’t tell what. “They’ve got great coffee and pastries if you’re looking for a treat.”
“Running into you was treat enough, unless you care to join me?” Being unable to see her face and read the emotions on display irritated him. He felt sure Olivia had a face full of emotions.
“I suppose I could buy you a cup of coffee to thank you for the flowers. They were unnecessary, you know.”
“Some of the best things in life are unnecessary.”
“Like diamonds and pearls?” she asked with a laugh.
“Like stolen kisses and undeniable chemistry.”
When she stood silent, he could only wonder how his words affected her. “Am I in trouble again?”
She linked her arm through his. “Come on, money bags.
“No, I said I don’t know him.”
Jack took a deep breath and, without a care for her reaction, said, “I think you like him too much. I think you’re attracted to him and that scares you.”
The nervous laughter she forced told him all he needed to know. He’d hit the nail on the head. “That’s ridiculous.”
“Why? He’s a nice guy and I think he likes you, too.”
“Because he likes my cookies?”
“No, because whenever he talks about you, there’s emotion in his voice. You affect him, and he’s not sure what to do about it.”
She shrugged his hands from her shoulders. “You mean I piss him off. I’m fine with that.”
“He’s going to be here a lot, and I’m not running interference for you. You’ll have to figure out how to get along. I don’t want you hiding out whenever he’s around.”
Erica’s chair scraped along the tile as she stood. “I wasn’t hiding. I was trying to stay out of your way. I know how you are when you’re working.”
“Then you won’t mind joining us next time he’s here. He’s coming over Thursday night, and I offered him dinner. You know I can’t cook.”
“So order take-out.”
“Erica, do you really think any restaurant delivers in this valley?”
“Fine. I’ll pick something up for the two of you.”
“If you’d prefer take-out, I’m sure he won’t mind, but you’re joining us.”
“Why?” she whined. “What if I have plans?”
“Do you?”
“No, but what if I did?”
“Now you do.”
She huffed out a breath. “I don’t want to be involved in this, Jack. Why can’t you understand that?”
“You’re not involved with the book. You’re involved in my life. If he’s going to write about my life, he needs to know you and understand what you do for me.”
“He’ll think I’m your…your maid. Your cook and your maid. I’m completely unnecessary to the book.”
“But you’re not unnecessary to my life. You know that, don’t you?”
“Yes, but…”
“No buts. I want you to join us for dinner. You’re free to do whatever you want after, but I need you at dinner.”
“Jack, you don’t really need me at all.”
He hated that she felt that way. No matter what he said, no matter what he did, he could never convince her otherwise. “Now who’s being ridiculous?” He walked toward the bedroom he’d set up as his office. “Oh, and Erica? Make enough for four. Olivia’s joining us.”
“Who?” she asked, but her tone told him she knew exactly whom he meant.
He faced his sister. “Olivia Golden, Lyle’s roommate. You met her at the Tap.”
“You invited his waitress girlfriend to dinner? Why?”
“She’s not his girlfriend, and I invited her because I like her. Unlike you, when I like someone, I’m not afraid to get to know them.”
“Since when? I’ve been living with you for two years and I’ve yet to meet any of your girlfriends.”
“Since now. If I’m going to come out of hiding, I may as well come all the way out. I’m tired of living life on the outskirts. I’m jumping back in.”
“With a waitress?” She shook her head. Her voice held so much disdain he had to wonder what Olivia had ever done to Erica.
“She’s a teacher. She’s sweet and she’s hot and I like her.” He pointed at Erica. “You’d better be nice. To both of them.”
***
Lyle walked into the apartment and found Olivia sitting on the couch. It wasn’t unusual to find her sprawled on the sofa watching television; sitting alone in the darkened room, hugging a pillow and staring off into the quiet, wasn’t usual though.
“What’s wrong?” he asked and flipped on a light.
She squinted. “Nothing.”
Her voice sounded flat and lifeless, not filled with the snarkiness he’d come to expect. “Olivia, clearly something’s wrong.” He set his bag on the kitchen chair and took a seat beside her. When she didn’t look at him, he reached out and touched her leg. She jumped as if coming out of a trance and finally met his eyes. “What is wrong with you?” he asked again.
“Something happened at school today, and I’m not sure what to do.”
“What happened?”
She flung the pillow aside and stood up, took two steps, and sat in the chair facing him, sandwiching her hands between her knees. “This kid in my class, I took his phone away. When he came back to get it at the end of the day, he ended up tossing it across the room.”
“He broke his phone and now he’s blaming you?”
“No, no. We both leaned over to pick it up. He grabbed it first, and when I stood up, the handle on the pencil sharpener got caught between the buttons of my blouse and popped them open.”
Lyle laughed. “You flashed a kid?”
“It’s not funny. He took a picture.”
“Oh.” Lyle sat back and understood Olivia’s distress. She liked her job. He never heard her complain about the hours or the kids. “What he’d do with the picture?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay, so maybe he just showed it to a couple of his friends. No biggie.”
“You think he could show a picture of my boobs to a couple of buddies and it won’t get back to anyone?”
“Probably not. What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure who to tell or if I should tell anyone.”
“Why don’t you just wait and see what happens? I mean, if he did show a couple of friends, it’s not like he posted it online.”
“Oh, great, I never even thought of that. Where would a twelve-year-old post a picture?”
“Facebook? Twitter? Instagram?” he suggested. “Have you checked?”
“No. I’m not sure I want to.”
Lyle got his laptop and brought it back to the couch. “What’s the kid’s name?”
“Cole Hellenbrook,” Olivia said.
Lyle lifted his gaze and his brows. “Any relation to Westmoreland’s school superintendent?”
Olivia swallowed as the color drained from her face. “He’s her son.”
Chapter 18
Olivia yanked her arm away from Lyle as he dragged her toward Jack’s door. “I don’t want to be here, Lyle. I don’t know why I let you talk me into this.”
“You were invited. I wasn’t about to let you sit around the apartment moping.”
“After the reception I received at school today, you don’t think a little moping is in order?”
“Come on,” he said and rapped on the door. “I’ll bet Jack will help you feel better.”
As if the Gods had summoned him, Jack answered the door wearing jeans and a button-down shirt. The plaid’s burnt orange color made his eyes appear caramel. For just a moment, everything floated out of her mind as she stared at his perfection.
“Right on time,” he said and held open the door. He reached behind Olivia and led her to the couch with his hand at her back. “You smell wonderful,” he said in that voice that made her want to close her eyes and lay her head on his chest.
“I was just going to say the same,” Lyle said, “about the meal.”
“Erica’s been torturing me all day with the sauce. Her lasagna is the best I’ve ever tasted.”
Olivia felt as if she would burst out of her skin. She absolutely couldn’t sit there all night and pretend as though her world hadn’t crashed and burned.
“Can I get you both a drink?” Jack asked.
“I’d love a beer,” Lyle said.
Olivia nervously rubbed her hands along her pants. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“I’ve opened a bottle of red to breathe,” Jack said as he walked into the kitchen and retrieved Lyle’s beer. “Let me know if you change your mind.”
Olivia nodded, and then remembered he couldn’t see. But, wait… Hadn’t he led her to the couch, fetched a beer from the refrigerator, and delivered it to Lyle without any hesitation?
“Lyle,” Jack began, “would you mind keeping Erica company while I show Olivia the property? We won’t be gone long.”
Lyle nearly choked on his beer. “Ah, sure.” He stood up and meandered into the kitchen where Erica lorded over the stove, her back arrow straight.
Olivia stepped toward the door before she realized she’d forgotten to wait for Jack to grab her arm. He stepped around her and opened the door. The back of her neck began to tingle with unease.
Jack reached for her arm when they cleared the porch. “Why do I get the feeling you can see more than you let on?” she asked.
Jack raised his hand to his heart. “Guilty. How’d you know?”
“You’ve been moving around your house with ease.”
“I figured Lyle had told you. I have more vision than I initially admitted.”
“Why did you let me think you were blind?”
“I am blind. Legally blind. I have peripheral vision and can maneuver pretty well even outside my home. I can’t drive or read, but at least I have basic mobility.” Jack stopped before they reached the path to the river and turned Olivia to face him. “What’s wrong, Olivia?”
She felt ridiculously close to tears but fought them back with a forced smile. “Nothing.”
Jack lifted his hand to her cheek. “I may not be able to see your face clearly, but I know your voice. Something’s bothering you.” He dropped his hand. “Is it really that bad, my misleading you?”
“No, it’s not that. I should be mad at you, but I’m not. It’s something at work. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Olivia, we have absolutely no shot at making this work if we keep lying to each other. I confessed my secret. Why don’t you tell me what happened?”
Her chin slumped against her chest and she scrubbed her palms over her eyes. Could she tell him? Could she not? “I’ve been suspended from student teaching.”
“How can they suspend you?”
The thought of saying it to Jack felt like a giant fist squeezing her stomach. She’d been flirting with him as if she were as sophisticated as the women he’d been with before. She couldn’t say it. She couldn’t admit the filthy charge they’d leveled against her. “A student and his family filed charges. They’re unfounded, but it’s my word against his. There were no witnesses and his mom’s got a lot of clout. Basically, I’m screwed.”
“What kind of charges?”
She turned and paced away. Why couldn’t he be a gentleman and leave well enough alone? He had to know it was tearing her apart. “Awful charges. Untrue, baseless, and vile.”
“Olivia…” She nearly gasped when his hand closed around her arm and he pulled her into an embrace. She rested her cheek against his granite chest and had to will herself not to burrow into his warmth. “Tell me. I can help.”
“No one can help.” She clung shamelessly to him and took every ounce of comfort he offered. Lyle had listened; she’d wanted to call her mother but was afraid her mother would tell Tommy. She couldn’t let Tommy know how badly she’d screwed up. Jack offered what she needed the most: a soft place to lay her head and a friend on her side.
“Not if you don’t let me. I know people. Many of my friends are attorneys. What’s the point in having lawyer friends if you don’t need their services every once in a while?”
“I’m not sure I need an attorney. I’m not sure of anything except that my degree is in jeopardy. I can’t graduate without my semester of student teaching.”
“Then let’s get you back in the classroom.” He pulled her away from his chest and gave her a gentle shake. “What happened?”
“I went into school today to report an incident that happened yesterday. A student took a picture of me and posted it online.”
“What kind of picture?” he asked.
She explained the details of how the picture had been taken, her horror at discovering it all over the Internet, and her intent to turn him into the school for his behavior. “When I went into the office this morning, his mother had already begun the process of filing charges against me for…” Olivia swiped her hands through her hair. “God, I can’t even say it.” She looked him in the eye. “Sexual harassment.”
“So fight it.”
“It’s not that simple. His mother’s the school superintendent. There’s a process that has to be followed, but because of her position, the case has to be turned over to someone outside her jurisdiction. They’re trying to figure out who.”
“What happens in the meantime?”
She sighed. “I wait and worry. They wouldn’t even let me in the classroom today. They notified the college. My advisor said his hands are tied. This whole thing is blowing up in my face, and I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“So we’ll prove your innocence.”
She couldn’t have heard right. “We?”
The way he shrugged and rocked back on his heels made him look like a vulnerable little boy. She felt a strange web weaving around the two of them, pulling them together, binding them into some kind of union. She couldn’t have fought if she tried. And she sure wasn’t trying. Everything about him pulled her closer: his incredible good looks, his strength and support. Even the vision loss she’d worried over seemed minimal when he walked around without assistance. “I’m here without much to do but play around with some business investments and talk about my past with your roommate. I may as well help a friend if I can.”
“Are we friends, Jack?”
“I’d like us to be.” He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear after running the strands through his fingers. “I’d like us to be more than friends.”
“I’m not in a position to start a relationship right now.”
“The only relationship I’m offering is friendship. I’m here for a few months, tops. If we derive some benefit from our friendship, all the better.”
“Friends with benefits?” she muttered. After the day she’d had, his clichéd offer felt like salt in her wounds. “I think I’ll pass.”
He gripped her arms when she backed away and yanked her against his chest. “Really? You’re going to tell me you’re not interested?”
Before she could muster a reply, he dropped his head and captured her lips. Lust, sharp and dangerous, shot straight through her body and rendered her captive. Never in her life had Olivia felt totally defenseless in a man’s arms. The anger she’d felt moments before morphed into something desperate, something she’d cut her own arm off to experience. She meant to push him away, but her body betrayed her by molding to him while her hands dove into all that soft, black hair.
Erica loudly clearing her throat stopped Olivia cold. She stumbled out of Jack’s arms and would have fallen if he hadn’t grabbed her with a steady hand. Embarrassment slammed through her when Jack appeared totally unaffected by their kiss. Of course he was. Hadn’t she spent a good part of last week scouring the Internet for pictures of him with one gorgeous model after another?
“Dinner’s ready,” Erica announced, eyeing Olivia like a two-bit whore before disappearing inside the house.
Olivia couldn’t meet his stare. She stepped back when Jack let go of her arm.
“We’re not done, Olivia. We’ve only just begun.”
Her anger was back, fueled by shame at her reckless behavior. “I don’t have any say in this?”
“After that kiss, are you going to tell me I’m wrong?”
***
Erica nearly ran into Lyle when she stomped back inside the house. He’d positioned himself by the door, and she felt certain he’d seen every detail leading up to the passionate kiss she’d accidentally interrupted. Erica stormed into the kitchen before turning around and pointing at him. “You let me walk right into that.”
He lifted his hands in innocent surrender. “What did I do?”
“You must have seen them out there mauling each other. Why didn’t you say anything?”
“What was I supposed to say? You made it clear I was to stay out of your way. You wouldn’t let me help set the table or pour drinks.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “And you flew past me before I could warn you.”
“First of all,” she ticked excuses off on her fingers, “I had everything under control. Second, the table needs to be set a certain way so Jack knows where things are. And third, you’ve been trying to make me uncomfortable since you got here.”
Lyle rolled his eyes. “My breathing makes you uncomfortable.”
“That’s not true. But I refuse to fall starry eyed at your feet like every other woman in this town.”
Lyle jerked back, his brows shooting up to his hairline. “What other women?”
Erica felt her face heat and spun around to grab the water pitcher she’d filled for the table. “Never mind.”
Lyle said and stepped in her path. “No, I’d love to know what other women in town are dropping starry eyed at my feet.”
“I’m not going to stand here and feed your ego.”
“What ego? I haven’t had an actual date in…” His eyes roamed the ceiling as he did mental calculations. “Months. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not the one getting mauled on your patio. I’m the one getting his ass chewed inside.”
“Don’t get all fussy with me because your girlfriend’s playing the field.”
“I told you before Olivia’s not my girlfriend.”
“I don’t care what she is.”
“Then why do you keep throwing her and every other woman in town in my face as if I’m some kind of womanizer? You don’t know anything about me.”
“You’re right, I don’t. And I don’t want to. I think it would be best if we just stayed out of each other’s way.”
She tried to step around him, and he blocked her again. She tried the opposite direction only to have the pitcher bounce off his chest when he stepped in her path again. “What is your problem?”
He looked down at her with his piercing brown eyes full of fury. His impossibly adorable dimples flashed. “Maybe I don’t want to stay out of your way. Maybe I’m sick and tired of having you pop in and out of my mind fifty times a day. Maybe if I actually got to know you, I’d have enough reasons to stop thinking about you all the time and wondering why your cantankerous attitude is so damn appealing to me.”
“Who says stuff like that?” Erica hollered. “I’m not cant—whatever that word is. I’m pissed, and if you don’t get out of my way and let me put this heavy pitcher on the table, I’ll pour it over your head.”
When he grabbed the pitcher and challenged her with his eyes to make the next move, Erica stood speechless and fuming.
“Cantankerous, “Lyle said, “means crabby, grouchy, and generally irritable. And in your case, for no good reason.”
Olivia didn’t seem to notice the tension when she breezed inside and asked where the bathroom was located.
“Down the hall.” Erica pointed without breaking eye contact with Lyle. “Second door on the left.”
Jack sat at the table. “Are you two going to stand around flirting all night long or are we going to eat dinner?”
“Urrrrghh!” Erica grunted through gritted teeth. She turned around, grabbed the lasagna she’d worked all day to prepare, and plopped it on the table. “This was a great idea, Jack. Just great.”
Chapter 19
Man up, Jill told herself as she logged on to the computer to Skype her mom and Olivia. Ty had escaped to Cal’s to watch a game while Jill tried to firm up details of her wedding with her mom and best friend. On the agenda was flowers, food, and a final decision on the cake.
“Hi, Mom,” Jill said when her mother appeared, her short black bob tucked behind her ears. Jill swallowed when she saw the three-inch notebook stuffed with magazine articles, pictures, and fabric swatches Bobbie had set on the desk in front of the computer.
“Hey, baby,” her mother replied. “Where’s Olivia?”
“She just texted. She’s running late and she’ll join us in a minute.”
“Oh.” Her mother’s disappointment shone clearly on her face. “I thought she was excited about this.”
“She is. Or at least she was. I haven’t spoken to her in about a week.”
“If you haven’t talked to Olivia, then I guess you don’t know what happened.”
“What do you mean? Is she okay?”
“I’m here!” Olivia announced. “What’d I miss?”
Jill pasted a smile on her face and worried when she saw Olivia’s over-bright expression. If something was wrong, Olivia apparently didn’t want to talk about it on a three-way call. “You missed absolutely nothing.”
“Did you all receive the email I sent with the flower options from Butler Florist?” Bobbie asked.
Olivia’s eyes widened. She and Jill both knew the options were awful. “I did, Bobbie,” Olivia said.
“I did, too,” Jill said. “I like the dahlias from the first arrangement, but I’d like to just have dahlias in the bouquet.”
“Just dahlias?” Bobbie moaned. “Jill, that’s so boring.”
“It’s simple, Mom. You know I like simple.” Bobbie blew out a breath and frowned at her notebook. “How about if my bouquet is just dahlias and the bridesmaids carry a mixed bouquet?” Jill suggested. “Picture three, with the tallow berries and roses, isn’t bad.”
“What color dahlias?” Bobbie asked.
“I like that light rust color with the lighter tips. They complement the bridesmaid’s dresses. Do you think Butler can get those?”
“Marg said she could get whatever we wanted.”
“Okay,” Jill said, “let’s move on to food.”
After almost an hour and a half , they’d agonizingly decided to serve salmon and pork roast, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, and pumpkin soup. They narrowed the cake options down to three with Ty being the deciding vote—if he ever returned from Cal’s.
Exhausted, Jill let her mother go and told Olivia to hang up because she was calling her right away. “What’s wrong?” Jill asked without even saying hello. “That was a painful hour and a half, no question, but something else is bothering you.”
“I’m fine,” she said in the same too happy voice she’d used all night.
“Olivia! I may be a thousand miles away, but I can tell you’re lying. What is it?”
After Olivia explained everything that had happened in the past two days, Jill paced around the cabin, her mind whirling. “How can they just leave you hanging like that?”
“They have no choice. I’m a student teacher. The teacher I was assigned to could get into trouble for leaving me alone for so long with the class, so she’s too busy covering her butt to care what happens to me. The superintendent is after blood. Her kid has no record of getting in trouble because everyone’s too scared of his mom to report him. The county has to find someone to investigate who doesn’t fall under her command. In the mean time, my life’s on hold.”
“And fielding kisses from the gorgeous blind guy isn’t helping?”
“His name is Jack, and he’s…incorrigible. He sent me flowers again and invited me to dinner alone. I don’t know what to do.”
“You said the kiss was amazing. I’d think you of all people should know how to follow up on a kiss.”
“You see?” Olivia said. “That right there doesn’t help. Yes, I like to flirt. Yes, I like to date, but I don’t sleep with every guy I go out with. As a matter of fact, I haven’t slept with anyone since Flynn and I split up.”
“Really?” Jill and did a mental calculation. Olivia broke up with Flynn over a year earlier. “I thought you hooked up with Del?”
Olivia huffed. “I did, but I never slept with him.”
“You didn’t?”
“I told you he was an idiot. Do you really think I’d sleep with an idiot?”
Jill stopped pacing, afraid if she took another step, she’d cut her feet on Olivia’s shattered reputation. “What exactly do you mean when you say ‘hooked up’? I always thought you were sleeping with those guys.”
“Great. Just great. Even my best friend thinks I’m easy.”
“I don’t think you’re easy. I think we have a communication problem.”
“Hooked up means fooling around. Kissing and a little bit of groping. Nothing past second base.”
“Oh.”
“See!” Olivia said. “I’m screwed. If you think I’m a slut, obviously everyone else in town does, too.”
“I don’t think I’d worry about your reputation in town right now. You’ve got other things to worry about.”
“But it all factors in. I’ve been reading the district’s complaint and compliance process. The investigation includes my background.”
“You just started teaching. You don’t have a background.”
“So they’ll investigate my personal background.”
“Has anyone ever filed charges against you in real life?” Jill asked.
“No, of course not, but if everyone thinks I’m a slut, harassing a twelve-year-old boy won’t seem out of the question.”
“I think you’re blowing this out of proportion.”
“Really? You think getting suspended from student teaching on a sexual harassment charge is no big deal?”
“I didn’t say that. I mean you’re blowing your personal reputation out of proportion. I can’t see how that will factor into the case.”
“It will.” Olivia sounded defeated. “Dr. Hell will use everything at her disposal to crush me and protect her son.”
“So no more kisses with Jack?”
“I can’t afford to start something with him right now. Besides, he’s only interested in a fling.”
“How do you know?” Jill asked.
“He told me. He actually called it ‘friends with benefits’ before making my head explode with that kiss. Why would I put myself in a position to hurt my degree, my career, and my heart?”
Jill sighed. Thank God she didn’t have to date anymore. What a minefield. “I guess you can’t, but I hate to waste that kind of chemistry.”
“Me, too,” Olivia confessed. “Me, too.”
Chapter 20
Lyle swore when the hammer slipped from his hand and landed on his big toe. He hadn’t taken the time to put on his work boots, and it felt as if his toenail split in two under his flimsy tennis shoes. He hobbled around the cabin before going outside to find his boots in the back of his SUV.
The sun was bright as he laced up his boots. He planned to do an hour’s worth of work on the cabin before heading over to Jack’s for more interviews. The man was a charismatic storyteller and Lyle found himself thinking about his life more than he cared to admit. What would he do, Lyle wondered, if he woke up one morning and couldn’t see? He certainly didn’t have the fortune or high stress job Jack had at the time of his vision loss, but that didn’t mean his life wouldn’t change. Big time.
Jack had chronicled his humble upbringing as the son of a janitor drowning his grief over his dead wife in bourbon. He and Erica lived hand to mouth in a home filled with grief and alcohol. Jack left home at seventeen, worked his way through school, and never looked back. Lyle wondered what that was like for Erica. She was only seven when Jack flew the nest, leaving her alone with an alcoholic father. Jack was careful to leave Erica and her journey out of his story, but that didn’t stop Lyle from wondering. If anything, he’d thought of her more since the night of their uncomfortable dinner. He and Olivia hadn’t been able to get out of there fast enough.
And he had to go back. He wanted to go back. Jack was nearing the part of the story where he lost his vision. Lyle had a pretty good idea what life was like for him before: crazy work hours, an adrenaline rush from high stakes deals, and all the perks that come from wealth and good looks. He couldn’t wait to hear first hand how bad the fall felt and what Jack did when it happened.
If only he didn’t have to see Erica. He’d overplayed his hand by admitting he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Lyle wasn’t one to play games. If he liked someone, he told her and made a move. Erica had not only rejected his move, but she’d thrown it back in his face with more force than she’d dropped the lasagna on the table.
So why was he still interested? Why did she fascinate him so much? She wasn’t beautiful, not in the classic sense of the word. Sure, her hair was long, dark, and silky—not that she’d ever let him feel it. Her skin was pale as milk and as smooth as a baby’s butt, not that he’d felt more than the brush of her fingers when he’d taken the pitcher. Her features were plain: straight nose, regular mouth except for that lush bottom lip, and bold brows dark and angry as her.
Crap. She wasn’t beautiful, but she was striking. And her voluptuous body made him want to drop to his knees and beg for whatever scraps she’d throw his way. He got to his feet and willed her from his mind. He’d just ignore her. There was no other way to keep his sanity in her presence. With that decision made, he went back to work.
An hour later, after driving the four miles from his property to Jack’s, he pulled his car along the path to Jack’s house by the river. A skunk ran in front of his truck and scuttled into the brush, drawing Lyle’s attention to the field where Jack, Erica, and another man huddled around the back of a white truck. Lyle stopped to watch the three shake hands before Jack and Erica walked back to the house.
Lyle couldn’t have been more surprised when Erica broke away and met him when he opened the door to his truck. He tried to mask his unease by gathering his computer bag. Clearly, avoiding her wouldn’t work.
Erica stepped back as he climbed out of the vehicle. She’d braided her long hair into a tail down her back, and wisps of loose curls floated artfully around her face. “Want to punch me in the stomach before I meet with your brother?” he asked.
Erica looked at her feet before jerking her head up to meet his stare. He’d expected to see fury in her dark eyes, not the vulnerable tilt that left him feeling like an ass. “I owe you an apology,” she said without preamble. “I was rude the other night and I’m sorry.”
“Did Jack make you apologize?”
“Jack doesn’t make me do anything. He may have pointed out that fighting with you is going to make my life here miserable—more miserable than it already is. I don’t want to be more miserable. So, I’m sorry.”
“Well, apology accepted.” He held out his hand. Where he was from, an apology didn’t mean anything without a handshake.
It was worth all the fighting to watch her struggle with her pride. When she slipped her hand into his, the only thing he saw in her stunning face was worry. The woman was a bundle of contradictions. Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t the only one distracted by their attraction.
“So, what’s going on over there?” Lyle tilted his head to where the white truck was pulling away from the overgrown pasture.
She turned as he did and walked toward the house. “Jack’s got some hare-brained idea about testing wind power.”
“Wind power?”
“He thinks there might be enough wind in the valley to sell wind power to the new ski development at Bear Stream.”
Lyle’s step faltered as realization dawned. He’d inadvertently brought a man to the valley who intended to profit from the development most everyone fought tooth and nail. Olivia’s own brother headed up the group fighting the development of the area’s only non-commercialized ski lift. He stopped dead in his tracks. “Is Jack involved with the group trying to develop Bear Stream?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” She jerked her hands to her hips, emphasizing the gentle curves in her well-worn jeans. “Ask him.”
He’d have to do that or risk getting run out of town when the truth came out. She opened the screen door for him and ushered him in with an exaggerated wave of her arm. “Can I get you anything?” she asked.
“You got any more of those lemon sugar cookies?” He was rewarded by the first genuine smile he’d ever seen on her face. All the sharp angles softened right along with his heart as it slammed into his ribcage with an almost painful force.
“I’m sure I can rustle up a few.”
***
Erica slipped outside the house with her guitar after she’d chopped the onion and peppers for dinner and straightened up the kitchen. She couldn’t listen to Jack recount losing his vision. He’d gotten pretty good at acting as though it wasn’t as big a deal as it was, but she knew better. Anything that stopped her brother from moving onward and upward had the force of a tornado and the bite of a great white shark. She didn’t want to listen to him relive those first painful weeks alone but for an assistant frantically searching for ways to help him as the business he’d built from scratch slipped through his fingers.
She dragged the Adirondack chair from the patio into the sun and strummed a slow and mournful tune. She didn’t like to look back. Everything in her past before moving in with Jack held pain, regret, and sorrow. The only thing she felt proud of in her life was helping her brother. With the publication of the book and the outing of his vision problem, she could only wonder what would happen to her. How long could she keep living with him, making meals and running errands? He couldn’t function in Hailey on his own, but back in Denver, it had become clear she wasn’t needed. She worried that when the book was written and they returned to Denver, she’d have to make plans to move out and move on with her life.
But what kind of life would she lead without the basic skills required for employment? She was a decent cook, but would a restaurant ever hire her? She shook her head and hummed along as her fingers created music from her heart.
She saw the shadow on the ground when she opened her eyes and knew she wasn’t alone. She turned, held her hand up to shield the sun, and stared up into a set of too-appealing brown eyes.
“You’re really good.”
She looked out at the river, afraid of slipping under his spell if he was nice to her for too long. “I’m just messing around.”
“I can’t wait to hear you when you’re really trying.”
She slipped the guitar strap from around her neck and stood up, needing to find level ground when speaking to Lyle. He had a way of unnerving her during the most mundane conversations. “You all done for the day?”
“We are. Jack wanted to do more, but I could tell he needed a break.”
“It’s not easy for him, reliving those days. He’s moved on, accepted his vision loss, but that doesn’t make it easy to look back.”
“I could tell.” He took a deep breath and stared out over the water. “It’s one hell of a story.”
Anger bubbled to the surface. “It’s not a story. It’s his life.”
He whipped his head around and glared at her. “I know it’s his life. I sat there and watched how difficult it was for him to tell me. For that I’m sorry, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s got an experience worth sharing. Whatever his motives, whatever his intentions, I’m glad I get the chance to tell it.”
“I hope you’ll be gentle. I mean, what I’m trying to ask is…” She rubbed her forehead. Sometimes she just couldn’t think of the words to express what she wanted to say. “Please don’t turn his nightmare into some kind of trashy soap opera. Like when everything comes crashing down on the rich and powerful golden boy. That’s what they used to call him, you know. The golden boy. He’s as dark as I am, but everything he touched turned to gold. He’s clawed his way back through hard work and determination. I don’t want you to use him and his troubles to sell books.”
“I can tell you think highly of my profession.”
Erica looked back toward the house. She knew Jack needed time to sort out his feelings. “I’m not sure he’s doing the right thing, telling everyone what happened.”
“He doesn’t seem to have any doubts.”
“We live a simple life in Denver, Lyle. He’s happy there, out of the limelight. I don’t know why he wants to open all this up again.” She frowned at him. “What in the devil are you grinning about?”
“You said my name. I wasn’t sure you knew it.”
She felt defenseless against his boyish charm. “I know your name. I’ve said it while cursing a number of times.”
“I’ll bet you have.”
Every time they spoke was like wading through quicksand. She needed to change the subject. “How’s the cabin coming? I haven’t seen you working on it lately.”
“Have you been watching for me?”
She rolled her eyes. “I haven’t heard any annoying banging coming from the other side of the river.”
“It’s coming along. I’ve done almost all I can do before they run the power.”
“When will that be?”
“A week from Thursday.”
“And then you’ll move in?” Part of her wanted him away from the conniving Olivia, but part of her knew him living within a stone’s throw was dangerous.
“Not right away. I hope to be in by Thanksgiving. My brother’s coming to visit, and it would be a lot easier to catch up when I’m here instead of Lower Fork.”
“Where is he visiting from?”
Lyle picked up a rock and tossed it into the river. It skipped four times along the surface. “Denver. He’s a pilot for Eagle Airlines.”
“A pilot and a writer?” Could she feel any more out of her league? “Your parents must be proud.”
“Mom and stepdad. Yeah, I guess. My stepdad likes that I’m not under their roof anymore.”
“You don’t get along?”
Lyle laughed. “We get along fine. I think he and my mom are ready to have the place to themselves. They still act like a couple of newlyweds.”
“Really?” Erica couldn’t imagine growing up in a family filled with love. “When did your parents divorce?”
“They didn’t. My dad died in a plane crash when I was nine. We moved out here when I was eleven and Dodge—my stepdad—leased our land until he and Mom fell in love and got married. They’ve been head over heels ever since.”
“That must have been wonderful growing up around all that love after losing your father.”
“It was. It was hard when my dad died. I really didn’t want to move out here from Atlanta, but now I can’t imagine living anywhere else. My friend Jill just picked up and moved east with her fiancé a few months ago. As happy as I am for her, I can’t imagine living so far away from my family.”
“Did you go away for college?”
He sent her a sidelong glance that made the tips of her ears burn. “If you consider Westmoreland going away. I went to Warlock State. Lived in the dorms, had the full college experience, but I wasn’t far from home.”
“You must be excited to see your brother again?”
“I am. I wish it was just him and not his wife. Her parents live on the other side of our property, just off the six north, but she won’t go anywhere without Kevin. She’s always been clingy.”
“Sounds like they’re sickeningly in love, too.”
“And have been since they were thirteen.”
“Thirteen? They fell in love at thirteen?”
“Well, it was an on again, off again thing all through college, but she finally dragged him down the aisle,” he pursed his lips, “five, almost six years ago.”
“I think that’s wonderful, falling in love with someone so deeply you can’t imagine being without them.” When she looked up, he was staring at her, and she wished she’d kept those thoughts to herself.
“I suppose I should at least try to think of it like that. Shiloh’s always been spoiled rotten, so it’s hard for me to have much sympathy for her. She’s the annoying sister I never wanted.”
“I always wanted a sister.”
Lyle reached down and picked up another rock. He tossed it in the air a few times before asking, “I’ll bet it was hard for you after your brother left home.”
Oh, no. She wouldn’t talk about her past with him just because he knew a few details. She picked up her guitar and turned toward the house. “I’d better get back. I’ll see you later.” When she reached the house and closed the door behind her, he was watching her as he fingered the rock. She had to be more careful. Talking to him had been a mistake. She couldn’t afford to make that mistake again.
Chapter 21
Olivia dropped the check off at table two and was just about to walk backward through the kitchen door with her hands full of dishes when her brother came into the restaurant. The look on his face when he spotted her told her everything she needed to know. He thought her guilty.
She pushed through the door and dropped the plates into the sink. Tommy stood behind her when she turned around.
“Take a break,” Tommy said. He’d inherited their father’s deep voice, dark hair, and penchant for ordering her around.
“Can’t.”
She tried to muscle past him, but he grabbed her shoulders. “I said take a break.”
“I’ll take a break when we don’t have customers waiting for their food.”
Tommy pulled the busboy from his post at the sink. “Wash your hands and take these burgers out to table,” he looked at the ticket, “four.” Tommy pointed at the outside door. “Let’s take that break.”
Olivia huffed out an exaggerated breath and jerked the door open. She stomped around the corner, away from the dumpster’s nauseating smell.
“Why didn’t you tell me about the suspension?” he demanded.
“Looks like I didn’t have to.”
“Damn it, Olivia. What the hell happened?”
“Don’t you take that tone with me. You’re not my father, and I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“If you haven’t done anything wrong, why didn’t you tell me you got suspended for sexual harassment?”
Olivia covered her face with her hands. “Good Lord, does everyone in town know ?”
“Everyone but me.” He stepped closer and yanked her into his chest. “Tell me.”
When she finished, he asked, “The pencil sharpener? How in the world did that happen?”
“I don’t know, but I was so surprised, I didn’t realize he’d taken the picture until it was too late.”
“The little shit. And he went home and posted it all over the Internet. Where the hell was his mother then?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to be disappointed in me.”
“For what? This wasn’t your fault.”
Olivia looked up at her brother, standing with his hands on his hips and a scowl on his face. He had more responsibilities in his life than anyone she knew and she’d assumed he’d think she’d screwed up again. His unflappable belief in her innocence left her staggered. “You’re not mad at me?”
“No. I’m mad at the kid and the teacher who left you two alone.”
“If it wasn’t this, it would have been something else. He was out for blood because I sent him to the principal’s office last week.”
“Good. He’s got a record of bad behavior. That should help your case.”
“Nope. She sent him back to class without so much as a detention. His record is squeaky clean. Unlike mine.”
“What do you mean unlike yours? Have you been in some other kind of trouble you haven’t told me?”
“No, but they’ll check my background and see that I have a reputation.”
His face grew dark with anger. “You’re twenty-four years old. Do they expect all their teachers to be lily white? I know for a fact that’s not the case.”
Olivia’s jaw dropped. “Are you telling me you’ve dated a teacher?”
“I’ve dated lots of women. And yes, some of them were teachers.”
“When do you go on these dates? All I ever see you do is work.”
“Lately, all I have done is work.” He put his arm around her shoulder and led her back toward the door. “We’re going to fight this, Olivia.”
“If they ever find someone to do the investigation.” She hugged him before going back inside. “In the mean time, you’ve got your waitress back.”
“Let’s hope it’s temporary.”
***
Lyle needed a break. He’d been typing out his notes from his last meeting with Jack for so long his fingers were cramping. He glanced at the clock and realized it was after five, so he stood up and retrieved a beer from the refrigerator. His phone rang just as he popped the top. He took his first sip while eyeing the display. “Hey, stranger.”
“Hey, yourself,” Jill said with a smile in her voice. “How’s the book coming?”
“It’s practically writing itself. This guy’s journey is…” Lyle couldn’t quite put into words how affected he was by Jack’s story. “Let’s just say I’m enjoying my work.”
“I heard there might be another reason you’re enjoying your work.”
He leaned against the counter and crossed his ankles. “What are you talking about?”
“Olivia thinks you’re hot for his sister, although from what she’s said, I can’t imagine why.”
“I’m not hot for his sister. Jeez, Olivia’s such a juvenile.”
“You don’t find her attractive? Olivia said she was pretty, but she had an attitude.”
“She’s got an attitude, all right. From what I can tell, I think it’s justified. She had a rough childhood, which she refuses to talk about.”
“So ask your interview subject.”
“He’s very careful to skirt around my questions about her. I’m not sure, but I think something happened after he left home that he feels guilty about.”
“That sounds like heavy stuff. Are you sure you want to get involved with a woman who may have a checkered past?”
“I never said I was involved.”
“You never said you weren’t. I know you. Plus, Olivia’s got a sick sense when people are attracted. It’s kind of her thing.”
“Whatever.” Lyle pushed away from the counter and flopped onto the couch. “How’s the wedding planning?”
“Urrgh. Don’t ask. Whoever said this was fun eloped.”
“It’s not too late, ya know.”
“Speaking of the wedding, can you let Olivia know the bridal shop called and her dress is ready?”
“Why are you telling me? Why not call her?”
“I did call her, but she didn’t answer. How’s she doing?”
Lyle grabbed the remote and turned the TV to ESPN. “She’s more upset than she’s letting on. She went to work at the Tap today, which is good because all she was doing was sitting around moping.”
“No one can mope like Olivia.” Lyle heard someone talking to Jill. “I’ve got to go. Don’t forget to tell Olivia about the dress.”
“I won’t. Talk to you later.”
Lyle flicked through channels until he settled on a Rockies game in the third inning. Olivia came home just as their hotshot young pitcher shut out the side.
“Hard day?” she asked before kicking his feet off the couch and sitting down.
“I’m taking a break.” He crossed his ankles on the coffee table. “Jill called. Your dress is ready.”
“Oh, that was quick.” Olivia snatched his beer and took a swig. “How did she sound?”
“Who?”
“Jill. Did she say anything strange?”
“Strange how?”
“About the wedding?” Olivia asked.
“I don’t think she’s enjoying the planning, but…” He shrugged.
Olivia chewed the inside of her lip like he’d seen her do when she was stressed. “I think something’s going on with her.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know, but I have a sinking feeling she’s not into this wedding.”
“I just told you she wasn’t,” Lyle said.
“I know, but I’m worried she’s having second thoughts.”
“About getting married? Jill?” He scratched behind his ear. “Why would you say that?”
“It’s just a feeling I get. She seemed mildly interested in picking out her dress and the bouquet, but she’s let her mom steam roll her through the rest. It’s like she doesn’t even care. When a woman stops caring about the details of her wedding, it can mean only one thing.”
“She’d rather elope?” Lyle guessed.
“That she’s questioning her decision.”
Lyle dropped his feet to the floor and sat up. “You think she’s changed her mind about marrying Ty?”
Olivia shrugged. “I don’t know, but something’s not right. I just can’t put my finger on what it is.”
Chapter 22
Jack drifted around the store trying not to knock anything over. He was bored after only ten minutes in the used instrument store Erica had dragged him to when he said he needed to get out of the house. Erica, on the other hand, was deep in a discussion with a store employee about the merits of owning a ukulele.
He stepped outside into the cool October day. The sun felt good on his face. Jack didn’t want to wander too far; he hadn’t told Erica he was leaving and he never felt too confident walking around unfamiliar places. He edged down to the next window and wondered if it was where the enticing coffee smell originated.
“Window shopping?”
Jack spun around, unable to keep the grin off his face. Perhaps that was why he’d felt restless earlier. “Hello, Olivia. This is a nice surprise.”
“It’s a surprise.” She held something, but he couldn’t tell what. “They’ve got great coffee and pastries if you’re looking for a treat.”
“Running into you was treat enough, unless you care to join me?” Being unable to see her face and read the emotions on display irritated him. He felt sure Olivia had a face full of emotions.
“I suppose I could buy you a cup of coffee to thank you for the flowers. They were unnecessary, you know.”
“Some of the best things in life are unnecessary.”
“Like diamonds and pearls?” she asked with a laugh.
“Like stolen kisses and undeniable chemistry.”
When she stood silent, he could only wonder how his words affected her. “Am I in trouble again?”
She linked her arm through his. “Come on, money bags.
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