“Wel , you know me,” he said sheepishly. “I hope you’l come. Bring your friends home, you know Steffi wouldn’t mind them being at the party and we’d both like to meet them.”
“Sure,” I said. “I’l ask them.” An idea came to mind and I looked fleetingly at Col in.
“What are you doing for entertainment?”
“I thought about hiring a DJ service,” he said. “Do you have any other suggestions?” A smile snuck across my face as I looked at Col in. He glanced at me with a furrowed brow. “Possibly. Book the DJ and maybe I can come up with another form of entertainment.”
Grinning, Col in reached out to take my hand. That stunned me nearly speechless but I wouldn’t let go.
“Okay, pumpkin. Take care of the new puppy and I’l see you soon. I love you,” Daddy said.
“I love you, too, Daddy.” I flipped my phone shut and smiled at Col in. “It sure does pay to have a father who owns a department store chain.”
“Why?” Col in asked.
“Because we’l get everything at cost,” I smirked. “He told me to set you up with an account and they’l give you a card.”
“That’s not necessary,” Col in tried to protest.
“Yeah, whatever,” I scoffed. “Do you want to spend tons of money on the puppy or would you rather get a discount.” I didn’t give him time to answer. “That’s what I thought.”
He rol ed his eyes and squeezed my hand. “Was there something you wanted to ask me?” My brow puckered as I watched his face, straining my brain to remember.
“Huh?” He chanced a quick glance at me then turned his eyes back to the road.
“Something about entertainment?”
“Oh,” I said as I rol ed my eyes. “Yeah. Duh. Daddy’s throwing a party for the stepmom this weekend. Do you want to go?”
“Um,” he stammered. “That’s what you wanted to ask me?” I smirked. “Wel , that’s part of it. Daddy said you al can come up for the party. They want to meet my friends. Oh, and maybe you and the guys could play a short set or something. Daddy wil pay you.”
His smile widened as he gave my hand another squeeze. My heart flipped and I wasn’t real crazy about how much I was getting into the hand holding thing. “I’l ask Luke and Spence but I’m sure it won’t be a problem. We’re not playing this Friday because Rusty is having some sort of open mic night.”
“Wel , that’s kind of cool,” I said casual y even though my heart was in my throat.
“You can come up with me Friday night.”
“Okay,” he shrugged. My heart danced. “But I think Irelyn works Saturday morning so they probably won’t be able to come up until Saturday afternoon. I don’t know about Morgan and Spencer.”
“I’l cal Spencer when we get back,” I said as Col in pul ed into the parking lot and stopped the truck. “Let’s go shop.” I stopped at the office and greeted Len, the store manager. He set Col in up with the same discount card that I carried. Col in kept up a steady stream of protests as I guided a shopping cart to the pet department.
“Col in if you don’t shut up then I’l get you drunk again and this time,” I said as I grabbed his arm and stood on my toes to look into his eyes, “I’l kick your ass instead of taking you to bed.”
A flush washed over his face but a smirk fol owed so I knew I hadn’t crossed the line too much. Cupping my face, he kissed my nose. “Bring it, little girl. I think I can take you.”
My pulse raced and I was tempted to shove him on the display of pet beds and have my way with him. I just lifted a cool brow as his eyes lingered on my lips.
I smiled. “I don’t think you have the bal s.”
“Just wait,” he said and moved away. I was frozen, my heart stil . It took several seconds for it to start again. “What kind of food should we get?” I hurried after him and we spent a good twenty minutes browsing puppy food brands, comparing ingredients. We bickered constantly and I was sure that the other customers thought us a couple.
“Oh, these col ars are cool,” I said after we final y decided on food. I picked up a leather col ar with an intricate design etched in it. “There are two so we they could match.”
“No way,” Col in objected as he took the col ars from my hand and set them back on the shelf. “No way in hel those puppies are wearing anything matching.”
“Why not?” I asked, my curiosity level at its highest.
He folded his arms over his chest and cocked his head. “I’m a twin, remember?” I rol ed my eyes. “Duh. I’m not total y stupid
. But you and Lucas are twin people – not twin dogs. What’s that got to do with anything?” He fought a smirk as he grasped my shoulders. “Can you imagine the horror of your mother dressing you exactly like your brother?” He shuddered. “It’s not pretty.”
My eyes nearly bulged as I clamped my lips shut to hold in my laughter. It escaped in a snort and I pressed a hand to my mouth.
“Laugh it up,” he said, his eyes shining. “It’s damaging. I stil have nightmares about it.”
“Hold on,” I said, tears from my suppressed laughter leaking out of my eyes. “I’m picturing you and Lucas in matching sailor outfits with those cute little hats.” He dropped his hands and rol ed his eyes. “I don’t think she ever dressed us in anything like that…”
“Sure,” I laughed. “Wait until the next time I see her. I’l ask.” He groaned and rifled through the col ars hanging from hooks. “I’m getting Milo a blue col ar.”
“Fine, fine,” I said as I shuffled next to him, stil snickering. “I’l get Otis red. Happy?”
“Ecstatic,” he said sourly but I could see his lips twitch.
Col in carried my purchases in the house, opting to leave his in the truck. I unlocked the door and found Morgan on the floor playing with the puppies.
“Aren’t they cute?” she asked as we stepped into the living room. She picked up Otis and peppered kisses al over his head.
“Yes, they are,” I said. I took two bags from Col in and carried them into the kitchen.
I dug out the toys and returned to find Col in sitting close to Morgan. My heart stopped in my chest when they looked at each other at precisely the same time and smiled. I discreetly slipped back into the kitchen and leaned against the door to catch my breath.
That’s what you wanted to happen, remember? my conscience reminded me. And I had to agree. The sweet smile on Morgan’s face was a welcome change from the mopey look she usual y carried.
I unpacked the bags, giving Col in and Morgan a little privacy, and found a suitable spot for the dog dishes. I’d purchased a crate and a little bed but both those items were stil in the living room. I’d wait to get those.
I set the dog food on the floor and put away the dog treats. Al that was left were the toys, the col ar and the leash. I cut off the tags, trying to stal .
What if I waltzed back in the room and they were sharing a moment or…kissing?
“Hey, what are you doing?” Col in asked as he strol ed into the kitchen with the crate and the dog bed.
I forced a smile. “Putting things away.”
I grabbed the crate by the handle and situated in the corner. I opened the door and shoved the bed inside.
“There,” I said, hands on my hips.
“I need to get out of here,” Col in said. “Um, I’l cal Spencer and Luke and let you know about Saturday. I already asked Morgan and she said she’d like to go but she can’t until Saturday – she’s working late Friday night.”
“Okay,” I said, my jaw aching from the fake smile. “Thanks.”
“You okay?” he asked, his brow creased. He stepped closer peering in my face.
“Yes, I’m fine,” I said. “Thanks for the puppy.”
“Sure,” he said as he kissed my forehead. “I’l see you later.” After he left, I remained in the kitchen, not walking him out. I wasn’t sure if Morgan might want another private moment with him – maybe bond or whatever. And far be it from me to stand in the way of true love.
Chapter 8
I was mildly surprised when Col in cal ed me Thursday night and suggested we drive up to my father’s house together. I had assumed that he’d ride with Morgan –
even though Morgan hadn’t made any indications that she’d hooked up with him.
Maybe it hadn’t happened yet. I fought off the hope and agreed to Col in's plan.
Irelyn and Lucas were indeed driving up Saturday afternoon as wel as Spencer.
He’d already had plans to hang out with creepy Owen Friday night.
Col in picked me up Friday afternoon in a rented van and we set off with the windows down.
He’d left Milo with Tori, the cat lover, and I’d left Otis with my neighbor, the elderly Mrs. Wesley, who’d fal en in love with him the first time she saw him.
I avoided mentioning Morgan – quite frankly, I didn’t want to hear about it – and kept the conversation casual. We mostly talked about the puppies – just like proud parents. Once we grew bored with that, I fil ed him in on my dad and Steffi before giving him a brief description of my old high school friends.
“So, who is this enemy of yours that you got into a, and I quote, ‘pissing match’ with last time you were home?” he asked, amused.
I snorted. “She’s a spiteful bitch. I don’t think Steffi is friendly with her family so I don’t know if they’l be at the party. But, who knows – if Daddy set up this party, then your guess is as good as mine who’l show up there.” He grinned his sexy smile and my heart flew out the window. “Wel , it wil be fun, I’m sure.”
“It won’t be boring,” I mused as I glanced out the window.
When I directed him to my father’s house, he let out a low whistle. I gave him a puzzled look which made him laugh.
“You live in Dalefield when you could live here?”
“It’s not al that you would think,” I said as he parked in the horseshoe drive.
I got out of the van and waited for him to join me before I walked into the house.
Tilda embraced me as if she hadn't seen me in ages before I introduced her to Col in. He greeted her warmly as I scouted out the living room for signs of Steffi. I was eager for her to meet Col in but she was nowhere to be seen.
“Mrs. Foxworth is out on the deck, on the phone,” Tilda said. “And I have the guest rooms ready if you’d like to take your stuff upstairs.”
“Thank you so much,” I said and gestured for Col in to fol ow. He admired the tasteful art Steffi had purchased and listened as I explained each piece. I showed him to the guest room right across the hal from my room and stood in the doorway as he dropped his bag, his eyes sweeping the room.
“Damn, Bailey, this is nicer than my whole apartment,” he said.
“Come see my room,” I said as I grabbed his hand and dragged him across the hal . My room was large with French doors that opened onto a deck with a wonderful view of the lake. A set of steps led to the main deck directly below on the walkout level.
“This is beautiful,” he said as he stepped out on the deck. I fol owed him and stood at the rail, watching a sailboat graze the water. “Do you sail?”
“Yeah, right,” I scoffed. “I do have a jet ski, though. Want to try it?” He grinned at me. “Hel yeah.”
I returned his grin and grabbed his hand. “Let’s go see Steffi first then I’l take you out on the lake.” I could see the approval in Steffi’s eyes as soon as she shook Col in’s hand and it meant more to me than I could ever explain. Too bad it would never happen between Col in and me, but I respected her approval nonetheless.
After we changed into bathing suits, we hit the lake. He helped me drag the jet ski to the water and I climbed on front, making him perch behind me and wrap his arms around my waist. It took al my concentration to maneuver the damn thing through the waters but I managed. And once I was sure he could handle it, I switched places and let him drive.
By the time we got back to the house and showered, Daddy was home. He greeted Col in as warmly as Steffi had, shooting me a discreet wink of approval.
We dined out on the deck and it just felt so natural – like everything was right. I was beginning to feel al warm and fuzzy and let me tel you, it was a strange concept.
Daddy and Col in talked about the band and Steffi quizzed Col in about what songs they’d play. She made several requests in which Col in informed her they could do if she wanted. His approval rating rose and I had to suppress my laughter.
After dinner, Daddy and Col in enjoyed a glass of scotch and a cigar.
“Hey, Steffi,” I asked as I sipped a glass of wine. “Any parties going on tonight that Col in and I can crash?” Daddy chuckled and gazed upon me fondly. “Pumpkin, don’t you want to show Col in the town?”
“Not real y,” I snorted. “I would rather find a good party.”
“I think Janie Baker is having a party tonight,” Steffi said. “I heard her mother say something about it at the salon today.”
“Excel ent,” I grinned, eyeing Col in. “That’s just down the beach. We don’t have to drive and Janie is intimidated enough by me that she won’t say a word if we show up.”
“Oh, Bailey,” Daddy groaned.
“Grant,” Steffi gently chastised. “They’re young. Let them go. Bailey is smart enough not to get in any trouble, you know that.” I got up and kissed my daddy’s cheek. “We won’t be terribly late but don’t wait up.” I kissed him again. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I know,” he sighed. “I love you, too.”
“Thanks for dinner,” Col in said. “And the scotch. Excel ent, by the way.”
“You’re very welcome. Take care of my little girl,” Daddy said.
“Always,” Col in said with a smile.
Taking Col in's arm, I dragged him down the deck steps to the beach. We walked a short way in silence but I knew it wouldn’t last.
“Okay, Bailey – fess up. What kind of trouble are you walking me into?” I stopped to laugh – even wiping the tears from my eyes. “Geez, Col in, it’s not that bad. Janie doesn’t hate me, per se, but she’s not what I’d cal a good friend.” I tucked my hand in his arm. “But some people who do actual y like me wil be there so al is good.” He patted my hand dubiously. “I’l take your word for it.” When I grinned, he untucked my hand and laced his fingers through mine. “Let’s go.” We hadn't walked far when we spotted the bonfire and heard the music. I tensed a little, knowing that Veronica more than likely would be there, and he felt it.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing,” I shrugged. “We’re almost there.”
My apprehension increased as we neared the crowd and that was puzzling in itself.