Harlequin Special Edition September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Maverick for Hire\A Match Made by Baby\Once Upon a Bride (9 page)

Cecelia seemed to melt into him for a moment, then drew back, seemingly surprised at her own response. “You kissed me,” she whispered. “Why did you do that?”

“I don't know,” he said, pulling back and mentally swearing at himself. “It was the lesson.”

“The lesson?” she echoed indignantly.

“I didn't mean to kiss you. It just sort of happened. I'm sorry,” he said.

She scowled and rose. “You are sorry,” she agreed. “As sorry as can be.” She stomped away.

“Wait, Cecelia,” he called, but she was gone. He raked his hand through his hair. Why
had
he kissed her? What had happened to him? He'd clearly gone crazy and he needed to rein himself in.

* * *

Cecelia felt as if her lips were burning for the next three days. Why had Nick kissed her? Surely he wasn't attracted to her. And why couldn't she just dismiss the whole incident? The memory of his mouth on hers tormented her.

Thank goodness, work kept her busy. Along with Liam and Brent. She hadn't heard back from Tim, but she hoped that would change. She was ready to change her body language at the next opportunity.

She met Liam at the bakery, and it was a much more relaxing experience. She would have to figure that out later. Brent wanted to take her for wings again in a couple of nights. She would be happy for the distraction, she thought as she arrived home early one afternoon. She walked into the kitchen and found Beth in the kitchen crying.

Cecelia felt a surge of sympathy for the woman. She cleared her throat, not wanting to intrude. At the same time, she couldn't bear that Beth was suffering. “Hey,” she said quietly. “What's wrong?”

Beth gave a quick sob and swiped at her face. “Nothing. It's nothing.”

“It doesn't look like nothing,” Cecelia said, tentatively touching Beth's arm. “Can I help?”

“No,” Beth wailed. “You can't help. No one can help. Will has rejected me. He doesn't want me coming to his house anymore. He says he can't be a total man to me. I tried to tell him he was wrong, but he wouldn't hear it.”

“Oh, Beth,” Cecelia said, alarmed. She gave the woman a gentle hug. “I'm so sorry.”

“He just doesn't understand what an amazing man he is. He tells me I could do better,” Beth said and sobbed again.

“Men can be idiots,” Cecelia said, thinking of Nick.

“Yes, they can. I'm trying to teach my son, Ryan, to be a reasonable man, but it's not easy. I think men may be instinctively bull-headed.”

“Is there any chance Will might come to his senses?” Cecelia asked.

Beth pressed her lips together and shook her head. “I don't think so. He's a very stubborn man.”

Cecelia couldn't stop thinking about how upset Beth had been. She wondered if she shouldn't have encouraged their relationship. Both Beth and Will clearly had battle scars. Still, she wondered if Will needed a little more encouragement. She knew he was swamped with the care of his grandchildren, but she was still surprised that he'd turned Beth away. The time she'd seen the two of them together, their obvious affection for each other, seemed to light up the room.

She sat down in the kitchen and ate a slice of Beth's delicious coffee cake while she brooded over the situation. She heard the sound of boots in the hallway and looked up to see Nick studying her. Her stomach took a little dip. She frowned at the sensation.

“You still mad at me about the other night?” Nick asked.

Cecelia didn't want Nick to know just how much his kiss had bothered her. She glanced at his mouth then away. “Oh, no. That was just pure craziness on your part. I'm sure it won't happen again. I'm not your type.”

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Right. Well, you look like you're unhappy about something and you're baking. That's usually a sign that you're bothered,” he said and sat across from her. “What is it?”

Her gaze dipped to the sight of his hands folded on the table in front of her. She'd always admired his hands. His palms were callused from hard work, but his fingers made her think of an artist. The combination told the true tale of part of his personality. Practical, yet artistic.

He waved one of his hands in front of her face. “Hey? Are you going to answer my question?”

Cecelia blinked. “Will dumped Beth.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “What?”

She nodded. “Yeah, and she's taking it pretty hard. He told her not to come see him anymore.”

“Wow. I didn't see that coming,” he said.

“Neither did I. I caught her crying today. She's been through so much. I hate to see this happen to her. Do you think Will just isn't attracted to her?”

He shook his head. “No. I haven't discussed his feelings about Beth, but I told you that he said his days of romance were long behind him.”

“But he seemed to enjoy being with her. You should have seen them together,” she said. “They were so cute.”

Nick winced at her description. He couldn't think of any man who wanted to be thought of as cute. He shook his head again. “I can't explain it.”

“I'm wondering if he got scared,” she said.

“Scared?” he echoed. How could that be possible? “He's a veteran who lost one of his legs and he's taking care of his little grandkids. They don't get much braver than that.”

“True,” she said. “I wonder if we should talk to him.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “We need to be careful about messing in their lives.”

“I thought you liked the idea of them getting together,” she said. “And you don't seem to mind matchmaking me.”

“You're younger and you asked for my help. Will never asked me to set him up with anyone,” he said.

“I still think we should talk to him,” she said. “When do you want to go?”

Nick raked his hand through his hair. “I don't know. This could be tricky.”

“Oh, come on. Will simply needs a reality check, and you're just the one to give it to him.”

“Me?” he said in a high voice. “When did
we
become
me?
”

“When you said it could be tricky. Do you really think I'm the best one to handle this?”

“No, no,” he said and groaned. “Okay, I'll talk to Will if you help me with a charity job I just got.”

“What is it?”

“The church preschool wants to redo a playroom,” he said.

“No problem,” she said. “Something tells me this won't require designer cabinetry.”

He laughed and shook his head. “You got that right.”

“Well, you know you can count on good results from me,” she said. “I'll be counting on good results from you.”

Chapter Eight

I
t just so happened that Nick drove past the Duncan house when he was going from one job in the morning to the lodge in the afternoon. Glancing at the house, he thought about his deal with Cecelia, but then shook his head. He had no idea what to say to Will, and he needed to get to the lodge. Every excuse in the world stomped through his mind, but he thought of Cecelia and what she'd said about Beth. The guilt tightened around him like a vise.

Groaning and swearing under his breath, he made a U-turn in the middle of the road. Might as well get it over with, he told himself. Whatever he said to Will probably wasn't going to make a darn bit of difference, but he felt obligated because he'd agreed to do it for Cecelia and though he was the last person to encourage a man to get into a serious relationship, he thought Beth and Will could be good for each other.

Spotting Will's car in the driveway, he nixed the hope that maybe the man wasn't home.

Nick pulled his truck in behind Will's old vehicle and cut the engine, wondering what in the world he was going to say. Rubbing his hand over his face, he shrugged and walked to the front porch. He rapped on the door and waited. No answer. Good, he thought. He would take that as a sign that he should keep his mouth shut. Turning around, he walked toward his truck.

“Hey there,” Will called and Nick felt a sinking sensation in his gut. “It took me an extra minute to get to the door. I'm washing clothes. Never realized how much dirty laundry a couple of little kids could produce. Come on in and have a coffee.”

“No tea party today?” Nick asked, following the man inside.

“Not with me,” Will said and chuckled. “She's at school. Have a seat. I'll be right back.”

“I can get my own coffee,” Nick said.

“I can get it, too.” Using a cane, Will went into the kitchen and returned with a hot cup.

Nick took a sip and shuddered. “That would wake you up if you were in a coma.”

Will shot him a wily smile. “That's good military coffee. You've been drinking too many of those sissy lattes.”

“Maybe I have,” Nick agreed. “How are the kids?”

“Doing good. Just trying to keep them fed, well and busy. The little one is having a harder time, but she's coming along.”

“How do they like granddad's cooking?” Nick asked.

Will winced. “Gonna have to work on that. I don't remember being so picky when I was a kid. They'll eat breakfast, spaghetti and chicken fingers and fries. I've been ordering pizza a couple times a week.”

“Nothing wrong with pizza,” Nick said.

“That's not what my doctor says,” Will said. “Or B—” He broke off and turned back to the kitchen. “I think I'll get some coffee, too.”

He returned and sat across from Nick in an old vinyl recliner. “You keeping busy?” Will asked.

“Very,” he said. “Between my independent business and working on the lodge, it feels like I'm booked from dawn till after dusk.”

“Well, you make sure you take a break every now and then. No need to work yourself to death.”

“Right,” Nick said and braved another sip of the coffee. Time to take the plunge. “So, word's going around that you dumped Beth Crowder and broke her heart.”

Will gave a heavy sigh. “That woman had no business hanging around me. She's young, pretty and can cook like nobody's business. She deserves a man who's not old and busted up like me.”

“Funny,” Nick said. “She never described you as old and busted up. In fact, she said you're a
real
man.”

Will scratched his cheek in a self-conscious gesture. “That's sweet, but being with an old man with an injury and diabetes and two grandkids is going to get old fast.”

“Hmm,” Nick said and set down his cup of coffee. “I guess you'll never know for sure.”

“I know good enough,” Will said. “Any woman would get tired of this situation.”

“I never would have believed it,” Nick said, remembering what Cecelia had said. He wondered if she was right.

“Believed what?” Will asked, throwing Nick a cautious glance as he took a sip of coffee.

“I think you're scared,” Nick said bluntly.

Will made a choking sound. “What the—”

“Yeah. A good woman is falling for you and you're too scared to take a chance with her,” he said.

“You're crazy,” Will said and stood. “Out-of-your-mind crazy.”

“I don't think so,” Nick said. “You're afraid you're going to start having some feelings for her and then she'll leave.”

Will scowled. “Well, I may be old, but I'm not an old fool. That's exactly what will happen. I've already been
having feelings
for her, as you said. How am I going to deal with having that kind of woman in my life and then her leaving? How will the kids deal with it?”

Nick watched the man wipe the perspiration from his forehead. Will was literally sweating over this. “Well, you know, it's not like you have to marry her.”

“Oh, yes, I would,” Will said. “She's that kind of woman. Good heart, pretty. She just doesn't know what she's getting into.”

“I wouldn't be me if I didn't play devil's advocate. What if you're wrong? What if the two of you fell in love and never fell out of love? What if she is the best thing that ever happened to you? What if you're the best thing that happened to her?”

Will snorted. “Don't see how I could be that good for her.”

“Would you protect her?”

“Of course,” he said.

“Take care of her if she gets sick?” Nick asked.

“Yeah,” Will said.

“Tell her she's pretty?”

Will snorted again. “How could I not? She's beautiful inside and out.”

“Will, you've had enough curve balls thrown at you during your life. Maybe this is your chance to hit a home run. But you're gonna have to come up to the plate. Otherwise, you're gonna make yourself, the kids and Beth miserable.”

Will took a deep breath and shook his head. “I gotta finish the laundry. Thanks for stopping by. Give Beth my best,” he said.

Nick shook his head. “
You
give her your best,” he said. “Take care, now. Thanks for the cup of coffee.”

Nick left the house and headed for the car. He wasn't sure if Cecelia was going to be pleased with the results of his little talk, but he'd done his best. It was up to Will now.

Nick spent the rest of the day and into evening working at Nate Crawford's lodge. It was a busy place. Nate's plans to get it up and running in time for the holidays were beginning to look like a reality. Late that night, he headed back to Strickland's Boarding House. The only things he wanted were a sandwich, a shower and his bed.

The smell of something baking wafted over him. He inhaled deeply. Chocolate chip cookies. Better than any woman's expensive perfume. He headed for the kitchen and found Cecelia placing another pan of cookies on cooling racks. She was surrounded by dozens of cookies. Her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, she was wearing jeans and a T-shirt—no red lipstick, he couldn't help but notice—and she was humming. She looked peppy and fresh. So this was happy cooking, he thought and liked the way it looked on her.

“Who's getting the cookies?” he asked.

She gave a slight jump and turned to meet his gaze. “Soccer kids tomorrow after their games. I promised Brent Mullins a few extra since he's taking me for wings again after the games are finished,” she said with a smile then glanced at the clock. “Long workday or just getting back from a date?”

“Long workday,” he said, feeling a little sting of irritation at the mention of Brent's name. “I thought Tim was your guy.”

“I like Brent, too,” she said. “So there's no reason not to spend time with him. Here, have a cookie,” she said and gave him one. “You look like you need a couple of cookies and a nap. Like preschool,” she said with a grin.

“Why are you so happy?” he asked suspiciously. “Are you getting serious about this Brent guy? Is he making moves? Wanting you to go back to his place?”

“No, Mr. Cranky,” she said. “I just had a good day. I'm baking cookies and I have a date with a nice guy tomorrow.”

“Okay,” he said reluctantly. “I talked to Will today.” He accepted the cookie and nearly inhaled it.

She gaped at him. “Oh, really? What happened?”

“Like I said, I talked to him,” he said and finished the cookie. Ready for the next, he extended his hand and she gave him another cookie.

“Well, tell me,” she demanded.

He scarfed down the cookie and shook his head. “I don't know. I was pretty rough on him.”

“Really?” she said, clearly surprised. She gave him another cookie.

He nodded and took a bite of the cookie. “Yeah. He was totally in denial. It hurts me to say this, but I think you were right. He's scared Beth will change her mind and leave him later.”

“Oh, that's sad,” she said, her smile falling. “What should we do?”

Nick met her gaze. “
We? We
are not going to do anything.
I
did enough today. It's up to Will now.”

Cecelia took a huffy breath of frustration and frowned. She closed her eyes. “I hate it, but I know you're right.”

Nick felt a sliver of relief.
Thank goodness.
“I'm grabbing a sandwich and going to bed.”

She looked at him in concern. “Are you sure you're okay? You know, you did kiss me when I had strep.”

“Your antibiotics had kicked in,” he said. “I'm okay, just tired. Thanks for the cookies. Can I have one more?” he asked.

Cecelia gave him two. “Thanks,” he said and grabbed one of the sandwiches Melba kept in the fridge for her tenants. With cold beer waiting upstairs, he was ready for a quiet night and hopefully good sleep.

While he half watched a football game, Nick inhaled the sandwich, two cookies and two beers. He took a shower and gulped down a half bottle of water and sank into his bed.

Drifting off to sleep, he saw a vision of Cecelia before him. Her hair was in a ponytail and she was dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt. Her dark eyes, however, flamed with desire for him. Her hands were warm as she touched him.

He took her mouth in a kiss and pulled on that ponytail. She rubbed her body against his...her breasts against his chest. She opened her mouth and gave him the most sensual kiss he'd ever experienced.

Feeling her fingers through his hair, against his scalp, he was caught between utter relaxation and arousal. “Can't get enough of you,” he muttered, and somehow their clothes disappeared. He felt her naked legs entwined in his and her bare torso wiggling against him.

“You feel so good,” he said.

“You feel so good,” she echoed and shimmied against him.

She felt so luxurious, so wild. “Give me all of you,” he said.

He plunged inside her and she tightened around him. “Oh, Nick.”

Her voice took his arousal to another level.

“Cecelia,” he whispered over and over. She was so soft and welcoming.

He tried to pull her against him. He wanted her close. He wanted to keep her safe, but he felt as if he was chasing her warmth. He tried to embrace her, but his arms came up empty. He gripped sheets and called her name. “Cecelia.”

He half awakened and sat up in the bed, wanting her. Breathing harshly, he looked around the room for her. But she wasn't here. It took Nick several moments to realize that Cecelia wasn't in his bed. Not only that, she should
not
be in his bed.

Swearing under his breath, he went to his bathroom and splashed his face with water. He needed to change gears. That dream had been too real. That dream had been too wrong.

Returning to bed, he told himself to think of woodworking. Woodworking was something he could control. Cecelia was something he could not control.

* * *

Though it was a chilly day, Cecelia still conducted her timing and umpire duties for the soccer kids. During their break, they devoured her cookies, juice and water, then returned to the field to make their bee clusters. Cecelia couldn't help laughing at how they clung together instead of spreading out.

Brent greeted her and she offered a bottle of water to him. “They just can't help but cluster,” she said.

“I know,” Brent said, cracking open the top and swallowing half the bottle. “Can't figure out why they persist in clustering. We position them differently in practice.”

“Maybe it's the excitement of the game.”

“Could be,” he said.

“As long as they're moving around and having fun,” Cecelia said. “I think they're a little young to be Olympic serious.”

Brent shook his head. “I'm 100 percent with you on that.” He glanced to the side of the field and waved. “My ex,” he muttered. “Looks like her new boyfriend came with her.”

“You don't like him?” Cecelia asked.

Brent shook his head. “I don't know him well enough to like him or not like him. Just as long as he's good to her and my son.” He glanced back in the same direction with a pensive expression on his face. “I better get back to my post. I'll see you later for those wings, okay?”

“Sure,” she said, but she had a strange feeling about the way he'd looked at his wife. Did he still have feelings for her? Should she be casually dating someone who still had feelings for his ex? Cecelia frowned at the thought then shook her head. She wouldn't jump to conclusions. Besides, she and Brent weren't serious. Even as she told herself that, she couldn't fight a stab of discomfort, but she forced herself to focus on timing the games.

After all the games ended, Brent showed up. “Ready for some wings?” he asked.

“Sure,” she said and they walked toward the wing shack. “I think most of the kids had fun today. They laughed and smiled a lot.”