When I Fall in Love (14 page)

Chapter 16

A
smile spread across Tayler's face. Rollin's mere presence excited her. Everything about him made her want to be with him, under him and in his arms.

“Tayler,” Nicole called out.

Tayler turned back to Nicole. She didn't remember what they were talking about. “What?”

Nicole laughed. “The conference.”

“Oh, ah, let me think about it. When will you start working on it?”

“I've already started. That's why I need you back in Chicago now so you can help me.”

Rollin had started down the steps, but stopped. He looked at Tayler and she saw a flash of concern cross his face.

“Nicole, I need a few days to think about it.”

“Come on, Tayler. This is an opportunity for our organization to get more exposure, which translates to more sponsorships.”

“What conference is that?” Rollin asked.

“I'm trying to get my girl here to come back to Chicago and help me with a woman's empowerment conference. We've run a lot of small community workshops all over the Unites States, but this organization can take us to the next level. I'm talking international.”

She turned to Tayler. “Who can talk to these young girls and help steer them in the right direction better than you? Tayler, I know how passionate you are about things like this. I just think...”

Nicole kept yapping but Tayler was checking out Rollin's facial expression to see if he seemed to care if she left or not. If she stayed the full two months, she'd still have several weeks before she had to leave. But was she ready to leave him?

“I don't see why this can't wait another month or so,” Tayler said once Nicole finished.

“Sounds like she needs you,” Rollin added.

Tayler and Rollin locked eyes. His face was expressionless. Did he even care?

“Yes, I need you,” Nicole pleaded. “Besides, you look so relaxed now—what will a few more weeks do?”

Tayler had submerged herself into this slow-paced life and wasn't ready to get back to the rat race. She turned to Nicole, who'd talked her into this vacation in the first place.

“This place was your idea. I'm down here out of the fire, but you want me to jump back into the flames.” She shook her head. “I'll think about it and let you know before you leave.”

Nicole stood up. “Okay, do that. I need to run and get with the family. You know how it is. I'll holler back at y'all.”

Tayler walked over and gave her friend a hug. “Nicole, don't get me wrong. It does sound like an exciting opportunity.”

“Think about the publicity after you're promoted. It's a win-win situation.”

Nicole gave Rollin a hug as she stepped off the porch. “Later, peoples. Y'all have a blessed day, and don't do anything I wouldn't do.”

Rollin's arms hung at his sides as he continued down the stairs with a slack expression on his face. He headed around the side of the house. After Nicole pulled off, Tayler called out to him.

“Where are you going?”

“I've got work to do,” he muttered.

* * *

The next morning after breakfast, Rollin and his crew went to the farmer's market, but they didn't ask Tayler if she wanted to go. She'd enjoyed her last trip and had wanted to see what the Saturday morning crowd was like. However, ever since Nicole's visit, something in the air had changed.

Later in the evening, Tayler brought her laptop into the library to look up the Ladies of Distinction organization.

A few minutes later, Rollin walked in.

“Are you ready to eat?”

She looked up. “Are you cooking tonight?”

“No, Rita is, but if you're ready she can prepare everything and go home early. I don't want her to overdo it.”

“Sure, I'm ready.”

He stared at her for a few seconds before saying, “Nicole shows up and you start working again.”

“I'm not really working. Just doing a little research.”

He walked over to her and looked down at the computer screen. “You're ready to get out of here, huh?”

“No, that's not it. But I'm leaving in a few weeks, anyway.”

He reached out and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. “Don't remind me.”

“But if I decide to help her, I should leave on Monday.”

He dropped his hand and looked away. “You're going, aren't you?”

She shrugged. “I don't know. Do you want me to stay?”

He crossed his arms and cocked his head. “What do you think?”

“I think if you want me to stay, you need to say so.”

He shook his head and backed away. “It's not my place to tell you to stay or go. You're a grown woman.”

“I know I'm grown. I didn't need you to tell me that.”

He held up his hands. “Do whatever you want. Like you said, you're leaving in a few weeks anyway, right?”

She watched him back out of the room, shrugging as if he didn't care what she did. She'd wanted him to ask her to stay. No, she wanted him to
beg
her to stay. She needed to know that the love they'd made meant something to him. As it had to her.

* * *

Rollin walked back into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator. He closed the door harder than he'd intended.

Rita turned from the sink, where she stood washing dishes. “Don't take it out on the refrigerator.”

He swallowed a gulp of water. “Don't take what out on the refrigerator?”

“You know what I'm talking about.”

He backed against the counter and crossed his ankles.

“She's a guest, Rollin.”

“I know that.”

“Then why are you trying to beat up the refrigerator?”

He laughed. “I'll never understand women.”

“And I'll never understand why you moved her into a room next to yours when you knew you were attracted to her.”

He snorted. “It wasn't my idea.”

“Then you let her set you up.”

“Yeah, like a fool.” He took another swig of water.

“No, baby. Fools don't get their hearts broken.”

He almost spit up. “It was not that serious.”

Rita stopped, grabbed a towel and turned to Rollin. “Did you forget who you're talking to? I know you, baby. I know you don't open up to people the way you've opened up to Tayler. If she was just another guest, she wouldn't have been sharing your bed every night.”

He lowered his water and stared off at the floor.

“It's a dangerous game you started playing. You're gambling with your heart, and from the looks of things, not winning.”

He took a deep breath. “So what do I do?”

“Let her know how you feel.”

He laughed and shook his head.

“Suit yourself, but you'll never know how she feels until you share your feelings.”

He finished off his water and pitched the bottle into the recycling bin next to the back door. If Tayler had any real feelings for him, she would have told him by now. They'd spent every night lying in each other's arms and not once had she expressed any sort of love for him.

“She's ready for dinner, so you can cook and leave early tonight.”

Rita gave him a sad smile. “Yes, sir.”

He walked out of the kitchen and out the back door. He'd have to chalk Tayler up to a lovely diversion. She'd kept him from focusing on his Whole Foods deal, and he didn't have any more time to waste on her. He didn't care if she left tomorrow or Monday. The sooner she got out of his life, the better. He didn't know if his heart could take her staying much longer.

* * *

“Girl, we work good together,” Corra said, as she and Tayler put the finishing touches on the fund-raiser. “I can't wait for the night of the ceremony. The school board is so excited about the money we've collected so far.”

“So am I,” Tayler admitted. “If we'd had more time I think we could have equipped every classroom.”

“This is so freaking exciting. Even Rollin gave us a donation.”

“That's great.”

“Thank you for working with him on this. You guys are going to look great up there together as MCs.”

“Is that what we're doing?” Tayler was discovering that Corra was a pro at leaving out details, just like Nicole.

“Yes, I didn't tell you?”

Tayler laughed. “No, you didn't.”

“Well, I need you guys to introduce me and read off all the sponsors. You know how they like to be recognized in front of everyone. Plus, if I put Rollin's name on the flyer as MC, I'm guaranteed a big crowd of females.”

Tayler laughed. “So why don't you MC with Rollin—a brother-and-sister team?”

“No, I need to be announced. And Rollin and I would probably get into an argument up there. People don't need to see that. Besides, you two look good together. You're two very attractive people who obviously have the hots for each other.”

Shocked that Corra had detected anything between them, Tayler played dumb.

“Corra, there's nothing between me and Rollin.” Tayler hated to lie to Corra, but she had to.

“I hear you, but I know what I see. Rollin hasn't had that goofy grin plastered on his face for weeks for nothing. If there's nothing between you two, there should be. He's a good man, and I know he cares about you.”

Tayler thought about what Corra said all the way back to the B and B. From Nicole this morning to Corra this afternoon, everyone was seeing what she hadn't wanted them to see. How come she couldn't have sex with that man without getting all emotionally involved? How come she couldn't just go back to Chicago with beautiful memories of a wonderful man? Instead of falling in love with him.

* * *

She walked into the B and B brain tired and ready to take a nap before dinner. The house was quiet. She proceeded down the hall and opened the door to her room. Something didn't feel right. She didn't see her suitcase against the wall where she'd left it. She walked over and opened the closet door. It was empty.

“What the hell is going on?” Could someone have come in and stolen her clothes? She stormed out of the room in search of Rollin or Rita. In the kitchen, she noticed Rita had prepared dinner and left everything on the stove. That meant Rollin wasn't too far away, since he would be serving dinner.

When she walked back out into the hallway, Rollin was coming down the stairs.

“Rollin, what happened to my things?”

“They're upstairs in your room.”

She looked at him surprised. “Oh, you moved me back upstairs?”

“Yeah, hope you don't mind. You weren't using the room downstairs, anyway. I don't think I forgot anything, but you can double-check.”

“You could have waited until I got back, you know.”

He continued down the stairs and past her. “I needed to get it over with. I've got a busy evening.”

First her eyes followed him as he walked into the kitchen. What the hell had gotten into him? Then she followed him. The minute she reached out for the kitchen door, it opened and she fell forward into Rollin's chest.

“I'm sorry,” she said as she caught herself. His body remained stiff and he didn't touch her.

“Dinner's ready. I've set the table. You can have a seat.”

He looked at her with a blank expression on his face. She turned around and saw one place setting. He wouldn't be joining her.

“What happened to the music this evening?” There was always music playing from the library. Lately, it had been their favorite R&B choices.

“I didn't put any on.”

“Mind if I do?” she asked.

He shrugged and turned to walk out. “Help yourself.”

She went into the library and fished around until she found the Maxwell CD.

When she returned he'd placed the food on the table, but Rollin was nowhere around. She sat down and fixed her plate. He walked in.

“Got everything you need?” he asked sternly.

She looked around the table. “How about sweetener for my tea?”

He went into the kitchen and returned with a container of sweeteners.

“And how about some lemon for my tea?”

He frowned, but turned around and went back into the kitchen. Tayler knew she was messing with him, but couldn't help herself. He needed to lighten up.

He returned with a saucer of sliced lemons and set them in front of her. “Is that enough?”

She snapped her fingers. “Damn, Rollin, I forgot to ask you for some—”

He learned over, placing both hands on the table, and stared at her. “Tayler, let's not play this game.”

“Then tell me what's wrong with you.”

He straightened up. “There's nothing wrong with me. Do you need anything else for dinner?”

She looked up at him with a wicked grin on her face. “Can I have anything I want?”

He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “Look I don't have time for you to play with me tonight. I've got work to do. Just leave your dishes on the table when you finish.” Then he turned to walk out.

“Rollin, I haven't been playing with you. We're grown and knew what we were getting into, right?”

He stopped and looked back at her. “Yeah, we just had a little fun, right?” he asked, his words dripping with sarcasm.

Chapter 17

T
ayler woke up Sunday morning with a decision to make. Was she leaving Monday or not? After breakfast she rode out with Kevin, thinking about how much she would miss these morning rides. They were a part of her routine now.

Rita had invited her to church, and she took her up on the invitation. In church she ran into so many people she'd met over the last couple of weeks. Corra and Rollin were there, but Rollin managed to keep his distance. Still upset, she assumed.

After church, she helped Rita out in the gardens, the whole time contemplating whether or not she should stay. She mentally weighed the pros and cons of her departure. Participation would mean a lot to the Color of Success, but leaving so soon would hurt any chance of building upon what she'd started with Rollin.

She felt all alone in her decision process.

“You're awful quiet this afternoon,” Rita said as Tayler placed another long-stem rose in the basket she held.

“I'm sorry. I have a lot on my mind today,” Tayler said.

“Did you enjoy the service this morning? I thought the reverend did an exceptional job today.”

Tayler slipped her hands into her back pockets. “I really enjoyed it. The service reminded me of going to church with my grandmother in Rockford, Illinois, when I was a little girl. And I hadn't thought about that in years.”

“Is that where your family's from?”

“Some of them. We're pretty much scattered all over the globe, though.”

Rita smiled and took the shears from Tayler. “That's enough flowers. I'm getting ready for a couple of guests tomorrow.”

“That's great,” Tayler said in reply.

“Wallace will be back to pick me up in a minute for afternoon service. Are you going to be okay here alone?” Rita asked.

“I'll be fine. I'm sure Rollin will be around somewhere.”

“You know, Tayler, Rollin's not a perfect man. And one of his major flaws is his inability to deal with his feelings. Right now, he's hurt pretty bad and he doesn't know how to express it.”

“How did I hurt him?”

“He gave you his heart, and he doesn't do that often.”

“What do you mean?”

Rita smiled. “I've said too much already. Why don't you talk to Rollin?”

“I would, but he won't talk to me. I'd hate to leave with us not speaking.”

“So, you're going back tomorrow with Nicole?”

“I haven't made up my mind yet. But I won't leave without letting you know.”

“Well, I hope you decide to stay, but if you don't, please talk to Rollin before you go.”

“I'll try to.”

When Rita left, Tayler was in the library balled up on the couch listening to love music and wishing Rollin was there with her. She must have dozed off, because she woke to the sound of someone in the kitchen. She got up and stretched. The music had stopped and it was dark outside.

She found Rollin in the kitchen fixing himself something to eat. She stood in the doorway for a few minutes without saying a word. He looked up and noticed her.

“Can I get you something?” he asked in a businesslike tone.

“Yeah,” she said and walked on in. “An explanation.”

He turned away from her and poured his drink down the sink. “For what?”

“For starters, your funky attitude. Ever since Nicole's visit, you've treated me horribly. What did I do to you?”

“If my attitude has been less than hospitable, I apologize.”

“Don't give me that bull. After spending nights in your bed, I think I deserve to be treated better than a guest, don't you?”

“After spending nights in my bed, I wouldn't expect you to be eager to leave, either.”

“Rollin, you knew there was a possibility I'd leave after a month. I've been here three weeks. Regardless, I wasn't staying longer than two months anyway. As much as I like it here, I do have a job to go back to.”

“So why wait? Leave tomorrow with Nicole. I'll be glad to refund you for the nights you don't stay.”

“I don't need a freakin' refund—you can keep the money. What pisses me off is how you act like what we shared meant nothing to you. Maybe that was your plan all along. Huh? Is that what you do, romance the guest and have them spend time in the proprietor's bed? Then you get Rita on your side to make you appear to be such a good guy.”

Rollin paced the kitchen floor, rubbing his hand across his close-cut hair.

Tayler didn't care if what she said hurt him or not now, she was pissed beyond belief. “Or maybe you and Corra set this whole thing up. Is that why she never comes over? You probably asked her not to, planning to seduce me the whole time.”

He stopped and snapped on her. “Seduce you! What the hell are you talking about? All I had to do was touch you, and you gushed like a river. I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't planned to seduce me. Maybe you and Nicole set this whole thing up.”

“Don't be ridiculous.”

He frowned. “Don't you be ridiculous. I'm running a business here. I don't go around sleeping with my guests. If I did, do you think I'd still be in business?”

She threw her hand up in the air. “Oh, so how did I get so lucky?”

He pounded his fist against the countertop.

She jumped.

“From the minute you stepped out of the car that first day, I knew I was in trouble. Now I'm tripping because I'm too emotionally involved to pretend you don't mean anything to me. But all I can do is stand back and let you leave. That pisses me off,” he yelled.

“And you think it doesn't bother me?” she shouted back.

“It must not. You just roll in here, break a brother's heart and go on your merry way.”

“Rollin, what was I supposed to do? I tried avoiding you, but that didn't work.” Couldn't he see the situation she was in?

“Just what you did—nothing. Go back to Chicago. Nicole needs you.” He turned around and stormed out the back door.

Tayler stood there staring at the door. Then what he'd just said hit her like a ton of bricks and she ran to the back door. He was gone.

He'd fallen in love with her, and she'd broken his heart.

* * *

“Honey, I wish you'd wait for Rollin to get back before you leave.” Rita wrung her hands over and over as she tried to get Tayler to stick around until Rollin and Kevin returned from the fields that morning.

“I can't, Rita. He made it pretty clear last night that he wanted me to leave.”

Tayler had packed and called Nicole, and she was ready to hit the road. She only hated that she wouldn't get to see Corra one last time before she left.

“Well, you be careful. That's a long drive.”

“I will,” Tayler said.

Rita pulled her into an embrace and Tayler felt as if her heart was shrinking. Through watery eyes she watched Wallace walk out onto the porch with his head down.

“We're sure going to miss you,” Rita said after letting her go. “Your stay was the longest we've ever had. I feel like you're a part of the family now.”

Tayler's heart broke a little more. Wallace walked over to give her a bear hug. “Let me grab that for you,” he said and took her suitcase out to the car.

“Tell Rollin I'll call him.”

Rita nodded. “Give him a little time—he'll come around.”

Minutes later, Tayler was riding out of Danville with tears in her eyes when she passed a black monster truck that resembled Rollin's going in the opposite direction. She looked in her rearview mirror, but the truck kept going.

* * *

Rollin stood outside Corra's door and knocked for the third time. He could have rung the doorbell or used his key, but he didn't want to wake or startle the kids, so he kept knocking. The porch lights finally came on. It was late. Too late to be here, he now realized.

The door swung open and Corra peeked out in her robe with a purple bonnet on her head. “Rollin, what's wrong?”

“I need to talk to you,” he said and walked in past her.

“Don't you know what time it is? It's after ten and you'll wake the kids.” She closed the front door and followed him into the den.

“I'm sorry, but you'll have to find someone else to MC the fund-raiser.” He sat down and raked his hand down his face, tired from the couple of beers he'd had since he found out Tayler left.

“What do you mean, I need to find someone else?” she asked, flopping down across the couch from him.

“Tayler's gone.”

“Gone where? Rollin, what are you talking about? I've told everybody you're going to be the MC. You and Tayler are a team. I need you guys.”

Rollin stood up and scanned the semidark den. “Didn't you hear me? She's gone back to Chicago. She left this morning.”

Corra stood up. “What! Why? What did you say to her, Rollin?”

Rollin dropped his head and grabbed his temples to stop the pounding in his head. “I don't know why I came all the way over here. I could have just called you.”

“So there was something going on between you and Tayler?” she asked with such enthusiasm he was certain now that he'd made a mistake.

“Yes, and no.” He walked over to pick up the TV remote.

“Then give me a good reason why she left before the fund-raiser ceremony, and without calling me.”

“She went back to work on some conference with Nicole. Her vacation's over.”

“But I thought she was staying two months? We already mapped the whole program out with you and her as MCs.”

“Well, she won't be here.” He turned on the TV.

“I knew there was something going on between you two. Rollin, what did you do or say to her?”

“I didn't do anything.”
That's the problem. I didn't stop her from leaving. I encouraged it.

“You have real feelings for Tayler, I know, and she has feelings for you. It could have been the start of something beautiful.”

He laughed and headed for the door. “That's what I thought, too, but instead of it being the start of something, it was just a summer fling.”

“You don't know that. Is that what she said?”

“She didn't have to. She left.” He opened the door and stepped outside.

“Rollin, you're my brother and I love you, but you are the most stubborn man there is. If you don't show up for the fund-raiser, look for yourself another family. The kids and I will disown you, and that's all there is to it.” She slammed the door behind him.