John pointed to the sand trap and chuckled. “Don't worry. We have a whole bucket full of balls. You'll get one on the green eventually.”
She handed him the nine iron and smiled. “I'm glad you suggested coming out here after dinner. I wasn't ready for our night to end yet.”
“Me neither.” He swung and watched the golf ball sale through the air. “Can you imagine their electric bill? I bet it costs them quite a bundle to light up the range every night. I'm surprised we're the only ones out here. Although, I couldn't have planned it better myself.”
“I'd be humiliated if anyone saw how horrible I am at golf. It's much harder than it looks.” She stepped up to the tee. “This one is going in the hole. Watch.”
She hooked her index finger with the pinky of her other hand, lined up her stance, took a deep breath without losing sight of the ball, and swung. John laughed, and she glanced down at the tee. The ball was still there. “Dammit.”
“Here. I'll help.” He guided her back into position, wrapped his arms around her, and set up her hands. “When you swing the club behind your shoulder, don't look away from the ball.”
His breath brushed her cheek and she shivered. He was a good sport, and obviously had patience. She sucked at golf, but he didn't seem to mind showing her ways to improve. He trained dogs for a living, and as long as he didn't throw her a treat, she was all for learning.
“There. Don't move. Whatever you do, don't take your eyes off the ball on the tee.” He moved back, letting her go. “Relax â ”
“How am I supposed to do that? I'm afraid to breathe and screw up.” She blew out her breath.
“Would it help to know that from back here, your stance looks great?”
She wiggled her butt. “Hey mister, you're supposed to be watching my swing.”
“Oh, I am.” He chuckled.
Determined to show off, she lifted the club back and swung. The twang of her club arching around her and the small vibration in the palms of her hands gave way to jubilant dancing.
“I did it!” She shimmied, holding her arms above her head.
“I knew you could do it.” John swept her up in his arms and kissed her.
She froze but the longer he kissed her, she softened and gave him back everything he put into the kiss. Then, as suddenly as the kiss had begun, it was over. She moistened her lips, and a pang of regret filled her. She expected too much. After experiencing Grayson's kiss last night, how could she expect to feel the same spark, the same overwhelming sensations with John?
The lack of feelings came from her, not John. She laid her hand on his jaw and smiled. She'd love to give John everything, but Grayson owned her heart, and there wasn't enough left to give someone else. John deserved so much more.
Unwilling to let go of him, she leaned into him and sighed. “I don't think being rich is all it's made out to be. Sure, you get to dress in the latest fashion and you can do anything you want, but there are drawbacks too.”
He rubbed her back. “Like what?”
“I don't know. It seems like it would be a lonely life. You could never be sure of who your friends truly are or what they thought of you. Everyone is too busy trying to climb the ladder and use each other to gain entrance into some party or business transaction. I bet none of them have ever stood out under the stars and talked about their dreams and wishes â instead they probably talk about the stock market and who was seen driving around in a new BMW.”
“What kind of things do you wish for, Shauna?” John asked.
She shrugged. “Frivolous things that all normal women think about, I suppose.”
“Give me the scoop. Being a man, I'm clueless about what women want.”
She leaned back without letting go of him. He gazed down at her, and she could tell he was serious.
“We dream about finding someone to love us, who will never leave. It's not about finding someone who'll stick with us, but who can't live without our love. Sometimes, it seems like an impossible task,” she whispered.
“You make it sound too complicated.” He winked. “Men are more basic in their wants and needs.”
“Maybe so.” She stepped back. “It's the whole Venus and Mars thing. It keeps us guessing.”
“That's true. I know you mystify me.” John sighed.
“You mean, I'm unconventional.” She stared out over the lawn. “I'm trying to grow up into what people expect. It seems like one week I'm making headway, and the next I do something that sets me back.”
“Whoa ⦠who says being yourself is wrong?” John leaned back and tilted her face up to look into her eyes. “You shouldn't worry about what other people think. Besides, I like you.”
“Gee, thanks.” She laughed and slipped out of his arms.
“No, Shauna. I mean it.” He grabbed her hand and kept her near. “You're charismatic and free thinking. That's appealing.”
“Yeah?” She thought it over. “I guess.”
“How about I buy you a drink in the lounge before we call it a night?”
“Deal.” She picked up their used clubs and put them back in the rack.
He took her arm and guided her along the path, back to the main building. Low-lying lights lit the way, and she tilted her head back and took in all the stars spackling the black sky. She stifled a yawn. Everything about tonight was perfect and yet, she felt like there should be something more. Nights were made for lovers, and John was more than attentive. She should be satisfied.
Inside the lounge, couples moved to the soft music of a live band. John led her to the bar, and ordered two glasses of wine. She shifted on her seat to look out at the dancers, her foot swinging to the music.
“Would you like to dance?” John asked.
She patted his leg. “No, that's okay. I'm kind of tired. I think the excitement of today has caught up with me.”
John nodded. “It's almost midnight. You're going to have a hard time getting up for work in the morning.”
“I'll live. I enjoyed myself tonight. It's worth a few hours of lost sleep.”
Halfway through her wine, she yawned again. Setting the glass down, she leaned toward John. “I'm afraid the wine was a bad idea â it's relaxed me too much. I'm not trying to be rude.”
“Of course not. Let's call it a night and I'll take you home.”
In no time, they were in the car and on the way to Shauna's house. She reached over and held his hand. They rode in comfortable silence. Before she knew it, John had pulled up to the house, walked her to the door, and embraced her. She reached up and kissed his lips gently.
“Thank you for tonight. I had a wonderful time.” She smoothed the front of his shirt. “If there's a next time, watch out. I'm going to conquer golf and surprise you.”
He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her forehead. “You did great and there definitely will be a next time. I'll call you soon, okay?”
“I'd love that.” She nodded. “Good night.”
“Night, Shauna.” He stepped away and jogged back to his car.
With a deep sigh, she went into the house. Making sure not to make any noise, she took off her heels and tiptoed down the hall. At her bedroom, the door across the hall opened. She stopped.
“Dad?”
“Did you have a nice time?” Tony Marino rubbed the top of his balding head.
She crossed the area and kissed her dad's cheek. “Yes, I did. John's a nice man.”
“He is.” Tony frowned. “You okay?”
“I'm fine, just tired.” She walked back to her room and paused at the door. “Good night, dad. I love you.”
“Love you too, buddy.” Tony disappeared back inside the master bedroom.
After taking off her makeup and slipping into an old T-shirt, Shauna climbed into bed. She closed her eyes. She really liked John, but she couldn't muster up any excitement about any future dates. She heaved a sigh.
I'm tired, that's all.
She smiled into her pillow. Her dad was the best. How many fathers waited up for their twenty-four-year-old daughter after a date? He was the one thing keeping her from going out and purchasing her own home. Who was going to look out for him and make sure he ate and got enough rest?
Sure, he'd survived with her gone before, but he wasn't getting any younger. She flipped over onto her side and pulled the blanket up over her shoulder. He'd never dated or showed any interest in getting married again after her mom left. Belinda Marino had ruined her dad's life, and Shauna would never forgive her.
“I've rounded up five people, besides myself, who've committed to coming to Cottage Grove during the twenty-seventh through the thirtieth of September.” Grayson handed a sheet of paper over the desk to Shauna. “Two of them wanted reservations at the hotel here in town, and I've already reserved the top floor for them in my name so no one questions their arrival before you make the big announcement. It's not uncommon for me to host out of town guests at the hotel, so we're safe there. I just hope that's enough rooms for their entourage. Gary, Dominic, and Bruce will be more comfortable staying at my house.”
“Great.” She passed over several envelopes. “Since you're in contact with your friends, you can pass along the updated schedules and what will be asked of them down to the smallest details.”
“Fine. What's next?” Grayson asked.
“I go public.” She wrinkled her nose and placed her hand on her stomach. “It's make it or break it time with the business owners and the city council. I know they're going to throw all the problems this will cause within the community out in the open, but I'm prepared.”
“What happens if they turn you down?”
She grinned. “I won't let them.”
“Then why are you nervous?”
“Honestly?” She leaned her elbows on the desk and cradled her head. “I feel like I'm still proving myself on the job. Everyone still views me as Tony Marino's wild child. This is important to me, and I want to show everyone how I've grown up and I'm no longer the irresponsible kid who ran unsupervised in the neighborhood because her dad was too busy keeping a roof over her head.”
“I think you put too much emphasis on your childhood.” Grayson tapped the folder against his knee. “Your dad did his best.”
“I know that, but ⦠” She shook her head.
“But what?”
“Haven't you ever noticed how no one ever outruns their past in Cottage Grove? I imagine William Turner, the oldest living resident, is reminded daily of the time he hid the mascot at Cottage Grove High when he was sixteen. The man's almost a hundred years old, and people don't let him forget.” She glanced out the window. “According to everyone, I'm still the poor girl who made a fool out of herself over a guy after her mother ran away.”
The silence in the room had her wishing she could take her confession back. She rolled backward in her chair and prepared to stand when Grayson cleared his throat, stopping her.
“I don't hold that against you.”
She laughed bitterly. “Oh, yes you do. How many times have you thrown my actions in my face since I've been back?”
He nodded in agreement. “I shouldn't have done that, and I apologize.”
“Well ⦠” She hid the fact she wanted to throw her arms around him in thanks. “I appreciate that, and I am sorry. If I could turn back time, I would've done things differently.”
“No.” His eyes softened. “To do so would've changed the woman you turned out to be.”
Simple words that shouldn't have meant anything to her. But there they were, out in the open. Her breath caught and she was glad she was sitting down. It was the first sign that she was doing the right thing by coming back to Cottage Grove and putting herself back in Grayson's life.
“I â ”
The intercom buzzed. “Ms. Marino?”
She held up a finger, wanting Grayson to wait while she answered the call. “Yes, Ella?”
“Everyone is gathered in the conference room, and ready for you.”
“Thank you. I'll be right there.” She looked to Grayson and raised her brows. “Well, this is it. Wish me luck.”
He stood up as she stepped around the desk. “You won't need luck. They'll be falling over themselves wanting to help.”
“I hope so.” She swiftly inhaled. “I'm afraid they'll say no and I'll never find out if I can pull this off.”
“Don't be. Think of them all naked, listening to every word you say.” He gave her his lopsided grin.
She dropped her gaze to the front of his shorts, and squeezed her eyes shut when she realized what she'd done. He chuckled, and hooked his finger under her chin, raising her face. A shimmer coursed through her spine and she met his gaze.
“Good luck,” he whispered, right before he kissed her.
He took her lips with a gentleness that surprised her, savoring, tasting, and enjoying her. Her mouth opened and jubilation swept her away. The shock value alone had her forgetting the task ahead of her, waiting in the other room. The fear of failure disappeared for that brief moment.
She let herself melt under his caress, an intimate tango between his full lips and hers. The kiss went on through her sigh and his groan. She slipped her hand under the hem of his shirt, her fingers sprawling against his skin, so hard and hot.
From out of nowhere an annoying sound persisted. A sound she knew well.
Damn, damn, damn.
She cleared her throat. “I'm coming, Ella. You can shut off the intercom.”
She pulled away and rested her forehead against his chest. “I have to go.”
“Mmm.” He cupped her face and tilted her chin, placing one more kiss upon her lips. “Go blow them away.”
She straightened her dress and smoothed her hair. She laughed, the sound more hysterical than a womanly giggle. She blew out her breath, shaking her arms and loosening the tension.
I'll show them all I can do this.