Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) (31 page)

After
a long, hot shower and some food, I fell right back to sleep. My body was
demanding it, and Evelyn was encouraging me. She even called the PTA president
for me. I wasn’t sure I had ever been so spoiled. This time, though, when I
woke up, the other Turner was in my room. He had moved my corner chair next to
my bed and was perusing my sketchbook—without my consent, I might add.

“What
are you doing?”

He
lowered the book and smiled like I had made his day. “Watching you sleep. It’s
one of my favorite things to do, but I prefer it when you’re in my arms.”

I
preferred that too, but I didn’t mention it.

“You
make these little sighing noises all through the night.”

I
sat up and took a drink of the water Evelyn had left on my bedside table. My
throat needed all the help it could get.

Andrew
watched me with interest as I drank deeply.

I
set the glass down. “What time is it? Did I sleep all night?”

He
moved from the chair to the edge of my bed with my sketchbook in hand. “No.”
His grin and proximity were going to be my undoing.

“Where’s
Drew?”

“My
mom took him out for ice cream—in Evergreen—so we could have some time alone.”

I
looked at my phone. It was seven in the evening. I couldn’t believe I had spent
all day in bed sleeping. I still felt exhausted. “Thanks for taking care of him
today … and me.”

He
scooted closer.

I
ran my hands through my hair. I wasn’t at my finest.

“You
look gorgeous.” It was like he could read my thoughts.

“And
you’re a liar.”

The
sketchbook fell to the wayside and he made his move. His lips covered mine
before I registered what had happened. It was a brief kiss, but emotion filled me
when his lips pressed against mine.

I
had missed the feel of them together. “You’re going to get sick.”

“Then
we can lie in bed together, or you can take care of me.” His lips hovered over
mine.

“You
think so?”

His
hands found my hair and tangled themselves up. “I’ve missed you, Rachel. Do you
think you can ever forgive me?”

I
wanted to. I wanted him, even if we didn’t make sense. He could have any woman
he desired. I leaned closer and rested my forehead against his. I breathed him
in, trying to gain the courage I needed to take this leap with him. “What about
Drew?” I whispered.

“He
wants us together.”

“But
what if it doesn’t work out?”

“Then
we will do what’s best for our son, but this—” He kissed me ever so lightly.
“This has nothing to do with Drew. This is between a man and a woman, you and
me. Maybe Drew is how we met, but I want you for you.”

I
needed to hear that. I took a deep breath, and maybe another for good measure.
“I forgive you.”

He
kissed me hard, just once. I don’t know how serious he was about wanting to
share my germs. “Good. Now I can romance the hell out of you.”

A
tiny laugh escaped.

“I
love that sound, almost as much as you sighing in your sleep.” He moved next to
me and put his arm around me.

I
curled up into him and felt like I had come home.

He
picked up my sketchbook and opened it to the picture of Drew and him sleeping
amongst the Christmas aftermath. “Did you draw this?”

I
nodded against him. “I was going to give it to you for Valentine’s Day.”

He
let out a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry for being such an idiot. I should have spent
that day with you. I wish I would have listened to you in the first place and
never ran.”

“I’m
sorry you didn’t get to fill your dad’s seat, and that your party lost.”

He
pulled me closer and kissed the top of my head. “You are too good for me.”

“True.”

He
laughed, but it was subdued. “I don’t think my dad would have been impressed
with how I handled the situation. He would have never put his own ambition over
me or my mom. I don’t ever want you to think that my career is more important
than you or Drew. I was shortsighted. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“You
did promise you would make it up to me.”

“You
shouldn’t talk to me like that when I’m holding you in your bed.”

“Really?
I’m sick.”

“And
naïve.”

“Gee,
thanks.”

“Rachel,
you have no idea how crazy you drive me. How hard it is for me to resist you.
More than anything, I want to treat you the way you deserve. I want to show my
son how women should be treated and handled with care, especially his mother, but
you don’t know how tempting you are.”

“I’m
sure the bedhead and sweats are a real turn on.”

“You
have no idea.”

My
fingers motioned circles on his jersey-covered chest. “So, where do we go from
here?”

“For
starters, I’m going to love you how you need and want to be loved.”

I
sat up as fast as my tired body would allow me. “Love?” I choked out. I wasn’t
ready for love. It wasn’t that I didn’t think I could fall in love with him,
but I wasn’t going there yet. I wanted him to romance the hell out of me first,
however that worked—it sounded good. I was going to have to let those words of
his sink in.

My
panic produced a giant smile on his face. He brushed some of my hair back with
his hand. “Yes, love. I’ve been falling in love with you from almost day one,
but I’ve been doing it all wrong.”

“Wrong?”

“You
know those love languages?”

I
nodded.

“Heidi
… Is it okay if I mention her?”

“Of
course.”

He
tapped my nose. “We did couples therapy.” He sounded embarrassed. “Our
counselor suggested that we learn what love language or languages we spoke
best. See, for me, if you touch me and tell me I’m pretty, we’re all set.”

I
tried to laugh, but it came out more liked a strangled screech.

“And
for Heidi, she liked presents, which worked well because that’s a major way I
show people I love them, but you … you’re different.”

“Enlighten
me, Dr. Phil.”

He
drew closer and I held my breath. The heat was back in his eyes. “You show your
love by giving of yourself and your time. You want nothing less in return.” He
drew close enough that our lips almost touched. “Lucky for you, I have all the
time in the world to spend with you.”

“Lucky
me?”

“Very
lucky.” His lips skimmed mine.

“I
see you’re still eating your arrogance bran.”

He
groaned before throwing caution to the wind. When our lips met, that passion was
ignited. Even in my tired state, he had me revved up. I threw my arms around his
neck and pulled him to me. The kiss intensified, but the fire was put out as it
barely got started. He released himself from my hold and caught his breath.
“You’re going to be my undoing.”

“Do
you want me to stop?”

“No.
I want us to start, but this time I don’t want there to be an end.”

So,
where to begin? Andrew thought that inserting himself into my life, or should I
say our life, was a good place to start. It was a good thing Andrew was patient
and determined. Being in a relationship didn’t come naturally for me. I was far
too independent for my own good, and maybe a little afraid to let go. He had to
remind me that our worlds had collided, and we needed to be a part of each
other’s lives.

My
first day back to work after being sick, he showed up at lunch time hoping we
would spend that time together. And it’s not that I didn’t want to, but I
didn’t expect it. I had a routine, and he was anything but routine.

“What
are you doing here?” He didn’t even knock.

“I’m
here to take you out to lunch.”

“In
public?”

He
met me at my desk, shaking his handsome head at me. “Are you ashamed of me?”

“No,”
I laughed. “This is just new to me.”

He
took my hands and pulled me out of my seat. He wrapped me up in his arms. “If
you want to stay here, we can order in. Your couch looks inviting, and I’ve
missed your lips; but I would really like to take you out.”

I
clung to him tighter and soaked him in. I reveled in being in his arms. “I know
a place.”

He
rubbed my back and kissed my head. “Are you feeling better?”

“Much.
Maybe you should become a doctor in your free time.” He did a great job of
nursing me back to health over the weekend.

“I’m
only playing doctor for you.”

“I
accept.”

He
let go of me and took my hand. “We better go before the couch wins.”

I
laughed at him as he hurried us out of my office.

We
headed over to Jessie Belle’s café.

“You
know we’re going to be the center of attention, right?”

He
picked up my hand that he was holding as he drove and kissed it. “I’m used to
it. Are you okay with it?”

“If
it means being with you, yes.”

“Keep
talking like that and we’re headed back to the couch.”

“There’s
always tonight after Drew goes to bed.”

He
chuckled. “Speaking of which, Drew said I could kiss you, but not in front of
him.”

“And
what did you say?”

“I
said I would try my best, but that I liked kissing you, so he should get used
to it.”

“And
how did he take that?”

“He
asked if we were going to make a baby.”

“What?”

“It’s
true.”

“He
sure feels comfortable around you. How did you answer him?”

He
grinned over my way. “I told him I’d like to, but his mom hadn’t approved my
application yet.”

I
rolled my eyes. “You did not.”

He
kissed my hand again and laughed at his own joke.

It
reminded me, though, that we needed to talk to Drew about sex. I had been
reading a book about the best age-appropriate ways to approach it. I supposed I
should talk it over with Andrew first. I kept having to remind myself that we
had a dad in our midst. Not like he would let me forget, but he deserved to be
part of the decisions.

Once
we were parked, we walked hand in hand to Jessie’s café. We stopped at the door
and looked at each other like this was it. We were coming out into the open. I
took a deep breath before he opened the door
. I can do this
.

As
predicted, all heads turned our way, including Jessie’s and Cheyenne’s. They
were both at the counter. Jessie’s smile was inviting. Cheyenne tried her best
not to scowl, so I’ll give her that. I pulled Andrew along to greet my friends
and properly introduce him. I knew he had met both, but I hadn’t been around
for it.

“It’s
about time, Rachel Laine,” Cheyenne started off with. Leave it to her.

I
looked up to find Andrew taking it all in stride. “Andrew, I believe you’ve met
Cheyenne already.”

He
held out his hand to take hers, but she wasn’t biting. “Yes, we’ve met.” So she
was still a little bitter.

Jessie
smacked her across the counter. “Don’t pay attention to her. Welcome, Andrew,
and thanks for playing on my team.” Her face was radiating pure joy, or was
that revenge?

“I’m
looking forward to it,” Andrew replied.

“Join
us at the counter?” Jessie suggested.

Andrew
acted like he was good with that, so we took the two seats next to Cheyenne. I
sat next to Cheyenne. I think Andrew was afraid of her.

Jessie
let us settle. “So, I was just telling Cheyenne that Aidan Bates is also
joining the team this year.”

“Really?
How did that happen?”

“Who’s
Aidan?” Andrew asked.

I
forgot he wasn’t up to speed yet, but Cheyenne jumped in before I could.

“He’s
probably the best looking guy in town—mysterious, great butt, amazing eyes—”

“We
get the picture,” Jessie interrupted. “Anyway, Larry’s family is moving and I
was telling Pastor Bates we were one player short, so he volunteered his
brother, said it would be good for him.”

“Does
he play well?”

“I
hope so, but we have Andrew now.” Jessie was still in heaven over it.

I
turned toward Cheyenne on my right. “Are you interested in Aidan?”

“No
… but he’s easy on the eyes.”

“Good
to know. Andrew was wondering if you wanted to meet Paxton Matthews?” He was
the Stallions’ quarterback.

It
was like I handed her the key to Macy’s and told her she could have anything
she wanted. “Why are you even asking? When?”

“Sometime
during Memorial Day weekend I’m throwing a house warming party for a few close
friends.” Andrew informed her. “Jessie, you and your family are invited as
well.”

Cheyenne
no longer looked like she wanted to rip out his throat. I almost thought she
was going to kiss him. She probably thought about it.

“If
Paxton Matthews will be there, Blake may even be happy about going,” Jessie
replied.

I
would have to fill Andrew in later about everyone’s little quirks, like Blake’s
need to be unsociable, but he had a burning desire to make his wife happy, so
that usually won out. “By the way, Blake is doing a great job. The lobby and
reception area look fantastic.”

“That’s
great, Rachel, but what time is the house warming party?” Cheyenne butted in.

“Rachel
and I haven’t discussed that yet. We’ll let you know.” He gave me a quick peck
on my lips.

Cheyenne
stood up. “I’m out of here. I can see that you guys are going to be one of
those
couples.”

“And
what are those?” I asked.

She
waved her hand between Jessie and me. “Like all of you. Domesticated and
sappy.”

“Bye,
Cheyenne. We love you, too.” Jessie shooed her out the door. She turned back
toward us. “I’m off to my parents to get Tristan. I hope you enjoy your lunch.”

“Thanks,
Jessie. Give your little guy a squeeze for me.”

“I’ll
give him several. I still can’t get enough of him. My mom is lucky he’s too
mobile now for me to bring him into the café.” She scurried off to collect her
son.

I
turned my attention back to Andrew, who didn’t look so out of place here. “So,
what do you think of Merryton so far?”

He
leaned in and stole another kiss. “As long as this is where you and Drew are, I
like it just fine.”

“If
I haven’t mentioned it before, thank you for moving up here.”

“You
can thank me by coming to a private house warming party on Saturday,” he
whispered in my ear.

I
was feeling warm all right. How could I refuse? “I’ll be there.”

“Perfect,
now tell me what’s good here.”

~*~

The
private house warming party was dubbed Valentine’s Day by Andrew. It was only
two months late. For a moment, I thought it might be a V-Day massacre. My
parents were back in town and ready to spend some time with Drew, but Andrew
had asked his mom to watch him while we were on our date.

My
parents were less than thrilled that I was seeing Andrew again, and that he had
become a permanent fixture in our lives. The rest of Merryton were like his
cheerleaders, but my mom and dad remained on the sidelines of the opposing
team. The only other teammates they had were the Rileys, and that didn’t sit
well with them, either.

“Does
Andrew have to be part of everything Drew does?” My father lamented.

“Dad,
listen to yourself. He’s Drew father; that’s the way it should be.”

“How
do you know that for sure?”

“We
had a paternity test done.”

“Really?”

“Yes.
After that Rex guy made those idiot claims, we did it to shut him up, or anyone
else Sydney may have been with.”

My
dad cringed. I’m sure he didn’t want to think about all the men Sydney had been
with, including Andrew. But we wouldn’t have Drew if they hadn’t. “I hope he’s
paying you child support now,” he grumbled.

I
took my dad’s hand and rubbed it. Our workday visits were not what they used to
be. “He’s put a large sum of money into a trust for Drew. He’s offered monthly
payments, but I don’t want them.”

“Why
in the world not?”

“Because
our relationship goes beyond Drew. And taking a check from him every month
doesn’t feel right.”

The
look of disgust on his face was telling.

“Dad,
I’m sorry that bothers you, but Andrew is my choice. Drew’s never been happier,
and frankly, neither have I. Drew is not lacking in things, and he’s more than
loved by his family—all of his family. I don’t need Andrew’s money, and what
Drew needs most from him, he gets in abundance.”

For
a second, I thought my dad’s top would blow. His balding head looked pretty
red, but he took a deep breath and squeezed my hand. “You really like this
guy?”

I
nodded.

“I
hope you know what you’re doing.” He got up and walked out of my office.

I
sat stunned on my couch trying to hold back the tears. That’s when Andrew
popped in. Our new receptionist never bothered to call and let me know he was
coming back. I assumed she figured it was okay, and it was. He was all smiles
until he saw I was anything but.

He
joined me on the couch and without a word I turned into him and found comfort
in his embrace.

“Is
it your dad?”

“How
did you know?”

“I
ran into him in the parking lot. I think he wanted to run me over.”

“You
may want to steer clear of him.”

“Not
going to happen. You and Drew are my family, which means your parents are,
too.”

“They
don’t see it that way. I don’t get it. I’ve tried to do everything right in my
life. Why can’t they trust me?”

“I
don’t think it has anything to do with trust. I’m sure they’re afraid of what I
might do to you. I can’t say I blame them. Maybe if you told them my
application for procreation was still pending, they would feel better,” he
teased.

I
laughed against his chest. “I don’t think that’s going to help the situation
any.”

“Tell
me what will. I don’t like seeing you unhappy.”

“You
can’t fix everything.”

He
took my face in his hands and peered into my eyes. “For you, I would try.”

When
he talked like that, I found myself wanting to lock my office door and kiss him
senseless, but we had more pressing matters. “Maybe my parents could watch Drew
on Saturday instead of your mom.” I wanted everyone to be happy, or at least
get along.

“Hmm.”
Andrew thought about it. “My mom would like to get to know your parents,
especially your mom. Do you think that would work?”

“I
could probably talk my mom into it.”

“Drew
will have a double grandma date. And I will get you all to myself.” He kissed
my forehead. “It’s all going to work out.”

“Okay.”

“We
better sign that policy. I need to get back to my place before the movers show
up.”

“Are
you sure you really want to do this?” I still couldn’t believe he was moving up
here.

His
lips crept their way down my face and neck, leaving a trail of kisses as they
went. “Oh, yeah, positive.”

I
was positively falling for him. I sighed as he nuzzled my neck. “You’re speaking
my language.”

He
worked his way back up to my ear. “How do you do that?”

“What?”

“Be
so sexy and innocent at the same time.”

“I’m
not trying to be.”

“I
think that’s your secret.”