Just a Kiss (12 page)

R
iley watched Paige as she scouted out Dylan at the punch bowl. The man's face lit up with a smile as he caught sight of her approach.

They talked through three songs, gradually shifting toward a corner, out of the way. A few minutes later Dylan seemed only too happy to abandon the spot, pulling her onto the dance floor. As if the universe was conspiring against Riley, the band segued to a slow song.

Dylan took Paige into his arms, resting his hands on the curve of her hips. They swayed together, Paige's hands resting on his shoulders. She looked comfortable in his arms, content.

The ache that had begun during the wedding ceremony spread through Riley's body. If only it could be him. If only he'd been patient enough to wait out Paige's relationship with Beau. If only he'd been there for her as she'd grieved the loss. Maybe her feelings would've changed. Instead he'd run away.

Dylan leaned close to catch something Paige said, taking the opportunity to gather her closer.

Every muscle in Riley's body went tense as he forced his eyes away. Was he some kind of masochist, that he had to watch?

It should be him out there with her. He should be healthy and whole and working to win her over instead of watching from a distance while someone else wormed his way into her heart. He tugged at the tight collar as a suffocating heat rose up his neck. Was there any air in this place?

“Don't you think it's about time you told her?”

His eyes flew to Aunt Trudy. She was giving him one of those looks. Her lips tight, one of her sparse brows cocked at an angle.

He made himself settle casually back in his seat. “Told her what?”

“I may be old, but I'm not blind.”

“I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Don't you give me that. I've watched you pine away for her for years. Watched you die a thousand deaths while she was with your brother. Now's your chance, young man, and you're wasting it. You know you Callahan men only love once. It's proven true for generations.”

“Stay out of it, Aunt Trudy.”

She crossed her arms, scowling. “I've never known you to be a coward, but I'm starting to wonder.”

His spine stiffened as heat flooded his face. A coward? He'd gone off to war. Had watched his friend bleed out. Had lost a flipping leg. He clamped down on the words and focused on Aunt Trudy instead.

“That's pretty ironic, coming from you.”

“Don't you sass me, young man.”

“Sheriff Colton's been after you for years, and you've turned
him down time and time again. Despite the fact that you clearly have feelings for him.”

A flush rose to her cheeks. “That's altogether different.”

“And why is that?”

Her mouth opened, then closed. Then opened again. And closed. “It just is,” she said when she finally collected herself. She snapped her head away from him.

“The only difference is . . .” He leaned forward, planting his elbows on the table. “It's easier to tell someone else what they should do than to do it yourself.”

As if the universe was also conspiring against Aunt Trudy, Sheriff Colton wandered over. He lowered himself into the empty seat on the other side of her and greeted them both.

Riley felt sorry for Colton's bad timing. Aunt Trudy had already turned her back to him. He took pity on the man. “I heard the reunion went well. Must've been nice seeing all your old friends.”

Sheriff Colton straightened his tie. “It was good to catch up with the gang. Hadn't seen some of them in ten years or more.” His eyes drifted to Aunt Trudy. “You're looking awfully nice tonight, Trudy. I like your dress.”

She muttered something Riley couldn't hear.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“I can get it myself.”

Zac and Lucy stepped off the dance floor and took a seat at the table, bringing some much-needed distraction. Riley complimented Lucy on the decorations, and they made small talk until Zac and Lucy became absorbed in each other again. Across the table Miss Trudy was still giving the sheriff the cold shoulder.

The music shifted to a faster song, and Riley's eyes found Paige
and Dylan on the edge of the dance floor. His whole body sighed in relief as they separated and began dancing independently as the jiggy beat of “Country Girl” filled the space.

His eyes slid over to Dylan. He moved effortlessly to the beat, taking Paige's hand and spinning her until she laughed. On top of everything else—looks, money, and working legs—the man had rhythm.

Riley's eyes swung back to Paige, to the smile on her face. The joy sparkling in her eyes. The ache inside about made him double over. If he loved her—and he did—shouldn't he want this for her? Shouldn't he want her smiling and laughing and happy? Even if he wasn't the one making it happen?

Aunt Trudy's rising voice drew his attention back to the table. “Well, you're the one who left me, Danny Colton! Don't you forget that!”

A pink flush rose into Colton's face, clashing with his red mustache. “It was the NBA, Trudy. What did you expect me to do? Turn the Celtics down? It was my dream.”

“If you loved me you would've told me that instead of keeping it all a big secret!”

Two angry slashes formed between his brows. “You knew I loved you.”

“Could've fooled me. Seemed you couldn't leave me in the dust fast enough!”

His face turned mottled red. “And what about you? I'd barely unpacked my bags in Boston before I got word you'd married Tom Barclay.
Tom Barclay
, Trudy! How do you think that made me feel, huh? So much for your love.”

“I was pregnant, you big buffoon!”

Colton blinked at her with slack-jawed shock.

Aunt Trudy's eyes widened as if she just realized what she'd said. She snapped her mouth shut.

“Shazam,” Zac said quietly.

“Oh boy,” Riley muttered.

Aunt Trudy sprang to her feet and dashed away.

A half second later, Colton scrambled off in the opposite direction. His height made him visible even as he skirted the crowd. He went out the front door.

“I'll go talk to her,” Lucy said.

Zac helped her up. “I'll come with you.”

Riley stared after them long after they disappeared into the crowd.

Aunt Trudy had been pregnant when she'd married Uncle Tom? But she'd never had any children. She must've miscarried after the wedding. Surely she wouldn't have given the baby up for adoption after going to the trouble of getting married. Besides, there was no keeping something like that a secret in a town the size of Summer Harbor.

And clearly this was the first Colton was hearing of the child they'd conceived.

Riley palmed the back of his neck. What a mess. Colton was ticked Aunt Trudy had moved on so quickly, and Aunt Trudy was angry that Colton had deserted her in her time of need. Maybe now that the truth was out they could finally work through it.

He didn't know how long he sat there pondering the pair of them. He was dimly aware of toasts being made and more music and dancing as he sat guarding Paige's little purse.

Sometime later Paige flopped into the chair next to him. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair tousled and sexy. “Whew! That band is really good, isn't it?”

“Run out of dance partners?” He didn't mean to sound so grumpy, but why'd she even ask him to be her date if she was going to spend the night dancing with every guy here?

“I needed a breather.” She fanned her face. “It's hot in here.” She chugged down the punch she'd brought with her. “Where's Miss Trudy?”

“She went out for some air.”

“Is she okay? I saw the sheriff over here.”

“There was a—quarrel. Lucy and Zac went after her.”

“What happened? Did they—” Her eyes narrowed at some spot over his shoulder, then toggled up to his, widening. “Oh no. Dance with me.”

“Thought you were tired.”

“Scott won't leave me alone, and he's headed over here.”

“So ask Dylan.”

“He had to leave. I need you to dance with me right now, Callahan.”

“I couldn't dance when I had
two
legs.”

“Funny.” She popped to her feet and grabbed his hands.

He let her pull him up. For just a second he forgot about his leg, and he wobbled a moment.

Paige, on some kind of avoidance mission, didn't even notice.

Ten seconds later they were in a shadowed corner of the dance floor. The sultry strains of “I Don't Dance” began floating through the room. His heart cheered the slow song selection while his brain sent up warning flares.

Paige came closer, her hands sliding up his lapels and stopping at his shoulders. He set his hands at her waist, praying he wouldn't fall as they shifted their weight slowly from one foot to the other.

The heat of her body seeped through the thin material of her dress. Her fingers moved at his collar, sending a hum of electricity down his spine.

“Thanks for the rescue,” she said. “He's a nice enough guy, but he's way too young for me.”

He looked down into blue eyes that were filled with gratitude, and something inside him puffed up.
You're no hero, Callahan.
But the way she was looking at him made him feel otherwise.

“No problem.” Except his heart was beating a million miles per hour, and he was having thoughts he was pretty sure she'd smack him upside the head for.

He couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from hers.

“See, you can dance.”

“The song title would suggest otherwise.”

“You're doing great. You've been working really hard. I can hardly even tell a difference.”

“My gait's not quite right.”

“You're being too hard on yourself. You should be proud.”

A couple box-stepped nearby and Paige pressed closer, avoiding a collision. Riley's hands slid around her back before he'd given them permission to do so. One of her arms had wound around his neck, and the other hand lay flat against his heart. He hoped she couldn't feel how fast it was beating.

“So what happened with Sheriff Colton?”

Hoping to distract himself from her proximity, he told her the whole story. Paige gasped when he told her the secret.

“She married your Uncle Tom because she was pregnant? With the sheriff's baby?”

“Apparently.”

“Oh, wow. She must've miscarried, right?”

“I guess so.”

“No wonder she's so crotchety with him.”

“He didn't even know about the baby. You should've seen the look on his face. He was shocked. Devastated.”

“And Miss Trudy just walked off after that?”

“More like ran. I don't think she meant for it to come out. She was pretty flustered.”

“Oh, poor Miss Trudy. Poor Sheriff. We should do something.”

He gave her a look. “We are. We're staying out of it.”

“But—”

“It's none of our business.”

She closed her mouth, but he knew Paige. She wouldn't leave well enough alone.

P
aige frowned at Riley. Everything in her wanted to see Miss Trudy and Sheriff Colton get their happily-ever-after. But her frown didn't last long. How could it, when she was staring into Riley's deep green eyes from inches away?

His hands burned against her back, and it was taking everything in her not to press closer and lay her head against his chest.

He let go with one hand and reached for the chain around her neck, gently pulling. The ring she wore on the necklace slid from under her dress, sending a shiver down her arms.

He held the ring in his palm. “Still wear it, huh?”

She nodded. It was the only thing she had of her dad's. He'd worn it every day. It was
his
father's airborne ring from World War II.

“He would've been proud of you, you know.” Riley dropped the ring, letting it slither back under her dress.

“Thanks.” She didn't want to think of her dad tonight. It only reminded her of how alone she was. Of being abandoned. First by her dad's death, then by Darleen's departure.

And let's not forget Riley. He abandoned you too.

Over his shoulder she could see Beau and Eden dancing, their
foreheads together, their eyes closed. They seemed so happy, so in love. Paige felt a conflicting mix of joy and envy. Sometimes it seemed like everyone had someone except her.

Her eyes fell to Riley's lapel, where a white rose was pinned. All the Callahan men were wearing one, plus Eden's dad. Miss Trudy and Lucy wore lovely matching corsages made with sweetheart roses. They were family.

“What's wrong?” Riley's voice vibrated against her hand.

She smoothed his already-smooth lapel. “Nothing. I was just thinking about the wedding.”

“You were frowning.”

She gave him a wry smile. “I'm a single woman in my midtwenties. Weddings do that to us.”

“There's half a dozen men in this room who'd snap you up in an instant if you gave them a second look. You'll find someone, Warren.”

She didn't want just someone. She wanted
him.
Any uncertainty about her feelings for him had dissipated the instant his arms had closed around her. He was home. Maybe she was a little confused about that family thing. Maybe that played into it somehow. But she was definitely in love with him. And that knowledge scared her to death.

“Don't be sad.” His arms tightened around her.

Giving in, she rested her head against his chest, curling her fingers into his lapel. They were barely swaying, his thighs brushing hers. He was so big and strong. He made her feel safe and cherished.

She wanted to freeze this moment in time, stay in it forever. If she closed her eyes she could even pretend they were really together. That he loved her the same way she loved him.

But that wouldn't be real. She'd only be lying to herself. Maybe Riley had noticed she was a woman, but it didn't matter. He wasn't interested in her the same way. She remembered Lucy's advice to talk to him and barely contained the dry laugh. Hadn't he practically begged her to dance with someone else? Hadn't she had to force him onto the floor with her?

The joy of the evening seemed to drain right out of her, leaving her limp and depressed. The poignant strains of the melody tugged at her emotions.

Riley was independent now. He'd surely be moving out soon, and his time at the shelter was almost up too. It would be good for him to manage on his own, to find something productive to do. She should be happy for him.

But those same things would take him farther away from her.

And maybe that was for the best. Maybe these stupid feelings would go away if they weren't together 24/7. The thought brought a strange mixture of hope and sadness.

Who was she kidding? She turned into his chest and breathed in his familiar spicy, clean scent. She'd gotten used to having him around. She wanted to keep him like a sweet stray puppy. Wanted to love him and take care of him.

Her hand slid down until her palm lay over his heart. How had her feelings changed so quickly? And how on earth would she keep him from guessing? She wasn't exactly known for her poker face.

And she knew Riley. If he found out, he'd do whatever he had to do to make it easier on her. He'd withdraw from her, put distance between them. He'd skip family outings so she could go without feeling uncomfortable.

And she couldn't allow that. He needed his family now more
than ever. Was she going to have to give up not just Riley, but the only family she had? It seemed too much to bear all of a sudden.

Her breath felt stuffed into her lungs, and she couldn't seem to empty them properly. Her eyes burned, and she blinked trying to get herself under control. But all those emotions were roiling inside. She was going to burst with them. She needed to get out of here before she lost it.

She pulled away from Riley, trying for a smile as she averted her eyes. “I-I'm going to get some air. It's too hot in here.”

“Paige . . . ? What's wrong?”

She pretended not to hear as she made a beeline for the back door. She kept her eyes down, praying no one would stop her. She was a hot mess, and one look in her eyes would give that away.

When she reached the door she opened it, stepping out onto the deck. There were twinkle lights even out here, but thankfully she had the space to herself.

She walked to the balustrade that overlooked the broad inlet and slipped into the shadows, her hands finding the wooden railing. The air was laden with salt. The water kissed the grassy shoreline in rhythmic ripples. It was a sound that had always soothed her before, but it wasn't working tonight.

She drew in a deep breath of cool air, letting it invade her body before she blew it out in one shaky exhale.

So this was what a broken heart felt like. She'd thought that's what she had when Beau broke up with her. She knew better now. This was so much worse.

Get a grip, Paige. This isn't a tragedy. Nobody died.

But it did hurt. It hurt badly. Like when her dad died. Like when Darleen moved away the second her dad died. She actually ached in the center of her chest as if her heart really had broken
in two. She placed her palm there as if she could hold it together somehow. Why didn't anyone want her?

The music grew louder as the door behind her opened. She hoped whoever it was wouldn't see her over here in the shadows. Or maybe it was just a couple looking for a nice quiet place to—

“Paige?”

She blinked away the tears that had gathered even as her heart kicked into gear. She had to get it together. And quick.

She turned and tried for a smile, hoping the shadows would hide the anguish that had rolled in like a heavy fog. She squeezed the handrail until the wood cut into her palms. “Feels much better out here. All those warm bodies in there . . .”

Her voice faded away as she ran out of steam. Her eyes found the moon, hanging over the cove like a glowing ball. Maybe Riley would see she was fine and go back inside.

But his footsteps were getting louder, his gait sounding a little uneven on the wooden planks. All the standing during the ceremony and dancing had probably tested his stamina. And now she'd dragged him outside to check on her.

He stopped beside her, a hairbreadth away, his hand close to hers on the railing. A breeze wafted across the deck, teasing her with his spicy scent.

“You okay?” His voice, so deep and delicious, scraped over her, raising chill bumps.

She shivered.

“You're cold.”

“No.” She winced, realizing she'd just given away a perfectly good excuse for her reaction. “The breeze feels good after all that dancing.”

They stood in silence, listening to the night sounds, so
familiar. Her family had kept their boat just down this inlet, around the corner. She and Riley had spent so many hours out there talking, swimming, rowing.

“I never know what to say to you at times like this,” he said.

“Times like what?”

“When that sad look comes into your eyes. When I see you looking around at everyone else, at other families, and your chin gets that little dent.”

“Oh.”

“I know you got royally gypped in the family department. But you'll always have us Callahans. Always have me. You know that, right?”

Her eyes burned. She swallowed hard against the growing lump. She'd always have him. But not in the way she wanted.

“Do you ever hear from Darleen?”

Paige gave a short laugh. “No.”

It shouldn't hurt. The woman had never been her real mom, not in any way that counted. But she was the only mom Paige had ever known. And she had just walked away that summer. Moved back to Augusta where her sister lived.

“Your dad loved you. I know he didn't stand up for you sometimes, but he did love you. If he hadn't, he wouldn't have brought you into his family, put up with all Darleen's animosity.”

“I know that.” She'd settled all this a long time ago. She was at peace with her upbringing. But that hollow space inside remained, despite the Callahans' efforts to include her.

That wasn't her biggest problem, however. Not right now, with Riley inches away and a sultry breeze blowing in off the harbor. She drew in a breath, the snug bodice of her dress hampering her lungs' expansion.

Her eyes flickered over the dress. So much for capturing his attention tonight. So much for making him see her with different eyes. So much for the curls and the makeup and the sexy kitten heels.

He'd never see her as anything more than his poor little orphaned friend. Her eyes filled with tears until the darkened seascape went blurry. She swallowed against the lump in her throat, trying to get control.

“Hey . . .” He took her chin in his hand and turned her toward him. Their eyes caught and melded. The pity there only made her feel worse.

“Don't cry, honey.”

He pulled her to him and, weak as she was at the moment, she went right into his arms. The endearment warmed her from the inside out. So much better than him calling her by her last name. Why couldn't things be different? Why couldn't he want her the way she wanted him?

She clutched at his back and buried her face into his chest. He felt so good, so strong. For the hundredth time she whispered a prayer of thanksgiving that he'd come back alive. She'd come so close to losing him over there. Maybe he'd never be hers, but he was still alive. Still here. His heart beating against her cheek. And that was enough. It would have to be.

He set his chin on top of her head. His sigh stirred her hair, making every follicle tingle. “I'm sorry I've been such a tool lately.”

“You haven't been.”

He gave a wry laugh. “Liar.”

“Okay, maybe you have been. But I understand. You've had a lot to deal with.”

“And I've been taking it all out on you.”

“It's okay.”

“Not
just
you, though. I'm a nondiscriminating kind of guy. I take it out on all my close friends and family.”

She gave a little laugh. Only Riley could make her laugh at a time like this. It only made her love him more.

He rubbed her bare arm and another shiver passed through her. The roughness of his jaw tugged at her hair as he laid his cheek against her head.

“I hate it when you cry,” he said softly.

“I hardly ever do.” Despite her best efforts, her voice wobbled.

“That's why I hate it so much. If you
are
crying, I know you must really be hurting.”

She felt a prick of guilt. He didn't need to be worrying about her. He had enough stuff of his own to deal with. Worse stuff. She was so selfish.

“I'm fine. It's just the wedding. Weak moment.” She blinked back the tears and pulled away, but his arms didn't loosen enough to go far.

Her chin wobbled despite her efforts, and she bit her lip to still it.

His thumb swept across her cheek, leaving a trail of heat. Their gazes caught and held. Something flickered in the depths of his eyes, making her heart do a slow roll.

She couldn't have looked away if she tried. And why would she want to when he was finally looking at her in a way she'd only dreamed of?

Or was she imagining things?

His thumb had stopped its slow, delicious movement, making her aware of how close he stood. Of his body's warmth. Of their
breaths mingling between them, a tantalizing taste that only left her wanting more.

He leaned closer. Or maybe she did. Their breaths became one, and then their lips touched. Soft and reverent. Heart-stopping.

It should be weird, some part of her brain argued. He was her best friend. But it wasn't. His kiss was everything she dreamed it would be. Supple yet strong. Commanding yet gentle. Familiar yet new.

Her heart, as if making up for lost time, raced in her chest. She slid a hand up his arm, delighting in the feel of soft flesh over solid muscle.

His fingers slid to the delicate skin of her neck, making a shiver of delight pass through her. He cupped her face, his touch making her insides melt even as his lips did things that made her knees threaten to buckle.

Riley. This was
Riley
, and he was kissing her. Surely it had to mean—

“Paige? It's time for—”

They sprang apart.

“Whoopsie.” Lucy stood on the threshold, her eyes darting between them. “Uh, sorry . . . they're, um, cutting the cake. I'm going now.”

“We'll be right there.” Riley didn't sound the least bit shaken.

It seemed impossible, given her own condition. The way her heart pummeled her ribs, the way her breath quivered in her throat.

She dared a look at him as Lucy disappeared, but he was already heading for the door, his eyes averted. “We should get back to the party.”