Summer in Good Hope (A Good Hope Novel Book 2) (8 page)

Nothing but the best for Rory.

Prim brought the fluffy towel to her cheek, sighed again. One thing about Rory was he’d helped her see that life should be lived to the fullest, whether that be using premium towels or seizing every moment.

It was sadness, not anger, she felt today. Genuine sadness at the loss of a good man who’d still had so much life to live. Sadness that his adventures had always mattered more to him than her. Sadness that despite her efforts to keep his memory alive through pictures and stories, his sons’ memories of their dad were few and faded with each passing day.

With a towel wrapped snugly around her, Prim opened the bathroom door and listened. Hearing only the movie and childish chatter, she slipped back into the bathroom.

She took a few minutes to blow-dry her hair, a rare luxury. Since Callum and Connor were still occupied when she finished, Prim padded into the bedroom and flung open the closet door. Normally, she put on the first thing she grabbed. But she had a few minutes now and could be selective.

It was silly to be so concerned with what to wear to a community barbecue where you’d likely see more jeans and flip-flops than anything else.

When Ami had called to remind her of the event, Prim had to stop herself from asking her sister if she knew if Max was coming.

It shouldn’t matter if he was at the party or not. It wasn’t as if the kisses they’d shared had meant anything more than she was young with a healthy sex drive. And Max was an attractive man. And a sweet guy.

She danced her fingers across her lips. There had been tenderness in his kiss, but also an underlying passion.

It had been two years since she’d been intimate with a man. But when Max kissed her, she yearned for more. The fact that she kept imagining Max naked simply showed she was normal. End of story.

But just because any romantic dreams he stirred would remain untapped for the next twelve years didn’t mean she had to show up at a party looking like someone’s dowdy maiden aunt. Prim gave the closet her full attention.

Her hand settled on the hanger of a dress she’d purchased on a whim last summer. The fit-and-flare sleeveless cotton of distressed ivory covered with carnations in varying shades of pink had made her skin look peaches-and-cream pretty.

Prim remembered that day well. She’d been feeling blue and, with the boys at an all-day birthday party, she’d been on her own. Instead of moping at home, she’d called a friend and gone shopping.

After slipping it on, she impulsively decided to straighten her hair. The primping had nothing to do with Max and everything to do with the fact she was a Bloom. Bloom women took pride in looking their best. Which was why, when the twins’ attention remained focused on the movie, Prim grabbed her makeup bag and used the opportunity to work a little additional magic.

C
hapter
E
ight

“Look at all the cars.” Charlotte McCray glanced around the nearly full parking lot, a look of stunned surprise on her pretty face. “This is like Grant Park on the Fourth.”

“There are probably about as many people here. Tonight is for anyone—and I mean anyone—involved in the planning or execution of this year’s Independence Day celebration.” Max stepped from his vehicle into the late afternoon warmth. The surrounding land, owned by the Rakes family for generations, was some of the most beautiful on the peninsula. “Lots of community events are held at Rakes Farm. I’m surprised you haven’t been to one.”

“I may own a business here, but I spend far more time in Chicago than in Good Hope.” Charlotte stepped from the vehicle and smoothed the front of her dress. The deep purple made her blue eyes look almost violet in the light and was the perfect foil for her brown hair and ivory complexion. “Even after four years, I still feel like a tourist.”

Max could believe it. Until that night at the Flying Crane, his path had never crossed hers. That wasn’t especially surprising, considering he didn’t frequent high-end salons and she had yet to join any of the service organizations on the peninsula. Still, they’d become acquainted over drinks and pretzels, and a friendship of sorts had developed. Last month he’d started handling the tax work for the Golden Door, the pricey salon and day spa she owned.

Weeks ago they’d agreed to a date to explore the possibility of expanding their friendship. He’d actually forgotten all about that promise until she’d called and told him she was available tonight for a movie and the barbecue.

What would Prim think when she saw him with Charlotte?

A knot formed in the pit of Max’s stomach. It was ridiculous to feel as if he were cheating on Prim when they weren’t dating. Heck, he and Prim didn’t even have
plans
to date.

But the kisses they’d shared had meant something to him. If he wasn’t mistaken, they’d meant something to her as well. None of that changed the fact that Prim had made it clear she wasn’t dating until her boys were grown.

And even if Prim was open to exploring a relationship with him, after his breakup with his previous girlfriend, Lori, he was wary of starting up with someone whose heart wasn’t free.

He’d known Lori was on the rebound last year when they’d started dating, but she’d insisted she was ready to move on. When she went back to her ex-boyfriend six months later, he realized she hadn’t been ready. Unfortunately, knowing that hadn’t lessened the pain of their breakup. Max wouldn’t knowingly put himself in that position again.

“Do you have any idea?”

Max slowed his steps. Though he was as good as any guy at multitasking, he’d obviously let his mind wander too far off course.

Pasting a smile on his face, he turned to Charlotte. “Pardon me?”

“Not important.” She gave a laugh, waved a dismissive hand, but he saw hurt in her eyes.

Instantly contrite, he gave her hand a squeeze. “Tell me.”

She hesitated only a second.

“I was simply wondering if you could tell me some people I might know who’ll be here tonight.” Charlotte brought a finger to her brightly painted lips, effectively drawing his attention to her mouth.

Nice enough lips, though they lacked the pouty fullness of Prim’s.

With great effort, Max pulled his attention back to the conversation, determined to stay focused. “You’ll likely see many of your clients. And you said you’ve met Jeremy Rakes. He’s hosting the event.”

“Excellent.” Charlotte looped her arm through his as they strolled up the sidewalk toward the sound of music and laughter.

Jeremy’s three-story home blazed with lights. Though his backyard was the size of a football field, the Good Hope mayor had also opened the main level of his home tonight.

As they passed lilac bushes heavy with flowers, Charlotte’s fingers tightened around his bicep. “Blue is a good color on you.”

Max glanced down at his short-sleeved twill shirt, then back up. He shot her a wink. “I aim to please.”

“You do.” She gazed up at him through lowered lashes. “You please me very much.”

Having a gorgeous woman openly flirt with him should have made his evening. Instead, Max shifted his gaze and said nothing as they rounded the house.

Jeremy Rakes, current mayor and a friend since childhood, had gone all out this year. Chinese lanterns in a variety of vibrant colors had been strung across the endless, perfectly manicured patch of green. Red-and-white-checkered cloths covered numerous picnic tables that held side dishes ranging from the commonly seen watermelon slices, deviled eggs, potato salad, and baked beans to the more unusual grilled pineapple and mac ’n’ cheese bites.

For those who didn’t like pork, Floyd Lawson, Cherries board member, manned one of several large grills that included shrimp-and-vegetable skewers in addition to burgers and brats. The retired CPA, wearing an I Like Pig Butts and I Cannot Lie apron, lifted tongs in greeting when he spotted Max.

Though Max firmly believed Floyd could have done more to keep the Cherries out of their current financial difficulties, he liked the man and admired his civic involvement.

Steering Charlotte in that direction, he stopped by the grill. “Great apron.”

“It’s a favorite. And who’s this lovely creature?” Without giving Max a chance to perform introductions, Floyd wiped one hand on the apron, then stuck it out to Charlotte. “Floyd Lawson, retired CPA. Most around here call me Santa.”

“Ah, Charlotte McCray, business owner.” The brunette’s lips twitched. “Most call me Charlotte.”

Floyd did his ho-ho-ho laugh while patting his jiggling belly.

Noticing Charlotte’s perplexed look, Max explained Floyd played Santa Claus every Christmas.

“I can see you as Santa.” Charlotte studied him thoughtfully. “Your beard is the right length and color, but the hair is too short. Do you let it grow out or wear a wig?”

Floyd appeared startled, as if no one had ever asked him that question.

“Charlotte is a hair stylist. She owns Golden Door,” Max explained.

“Ah.” Floyd nodded and fingered his hair. “That’s why you’re so focused on the white stuff.”

“Occupational hazard.” Charlotte studied him through lowered lashes. “If you ever need a trim, stop and see me.”

She was actually flirting with the old guy, Max realized, bemused.

“If I could afford your prices, I’d take you up on that offer.”

Charlotte just laughed and turned, obviously ready to move on.

“One thing, Max, before you leave.” Floyd’s serious tone stopped them both. “I’d like to ask you to keep an eye on Primrose. She’s been special to me ever since I taught her in Sunday School and she asked more questions about math than Jesus.”

Max chuckled but Floyd didn’t crack a smile.

“The thief hasn’t hurt anyone yet, but most of us think it’s just a matter of time until he surprises someone at home. She’s alone in that house with those boys.”

“Prim is cautious and very safety minded.” Max kept his tone light but felt a chill at Floyd’s words.

“The burglar is becoming bolder.” Floyd pointed the tongs at Max. “He entered the last house when the family was out for dinner.”

“Burglar? In Good Hope?” Charlotte appeared more curious than distressed. Not unexpected, considering her home base was a city of three million where crimes like this were an everyday occurrence. “I heard a couple of customers chatting about a string of burglaries, but I thought it was happening somewhere else.”

“Nope.” Floyd lifted a couple of brats to the warming rack. “This crime spree is happening right here in Good Hope. And I’m serious about you watching out for Primrose, Max. This guy could be dangerous.”

“Primrose?” Charlotte arched a brow.

“She’s my neighbor. She and her sons recently moved back to town.”

“Promise you’ll watch out for her,” Floyd pressed, a bulldog tilt to his whiskered jaw.

“Of course, I’ll watch out for her.”

A look of relief crossed Floyd’s face. “Good. That’s good.”

“Come on, Charlotte.” Max took her arm. “There are lots of people here I want you to meet.”

“It was nice visiting with you, Mr. Lawson.” Charlotte gave Floyd a jaunty wave as Max pulled her away.

Once they were out of earshot, she tugged him to a stop. “I think Santa Claus is into matchmaking. Is Primrose young and pretty?”

“Floyd may be many things, but not a matchmaker. Prim lives next door. In Good Hope we look out for each other.”

Charlotte merely lifted a shoulder, let it fall, then turned to survey the scene spread out before them.

Groups of men in shorts, jeans, and khakis and women in bright summer dresses dotted the lush yard. Scattered tables, strategically placed, held guests who preferred to eat sitting down.

In the far back of the yard, men tossed horseshoes while children played badminton or croquet. Callum and Connor were part of a group of children at the net. Instead of attempting to hit the birdie, the two redheads held their rackets like swords and fenced with each other. The exuberance of their play made him smile.

He searched for Prim and spotted her by the beverage tables speaking with her father and sister. Beck wasn’t there, but it was a given that where you saw Ami, her husband wasn’t far away.

“Thanks for inviting me.” Charlotte’s hand returned to his arm in a gesture that felt a little too proprietary. She slanted him a flirtatious look that he was beginning to realize was as much a part of her as those bright red lips.

“Max Brody,” Cory called loudly from several feet away, a smile breaking over his face. “I hoped we’d run into you tonight.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Max saw Prim whirl at the sound of his name.

Their gazes collided.

His heart stumbled.

She was breathtakingly beautiful this evening in a dress covered in pink flowers. The reddish cast to her strawberry-blond hair glistened in the glow of the lanterns.

She’d straightened the wiry strands into a sleek style worthy of a fashion model. While he preferred the wild and untamed look, Prim was a rare beauty either way.

Regaining his inner balance, Max offered her a smile, but she’d already turned her attention back to Steve.

“We went to a movie earlier,” he heard Charlotte say to Cory and his wife, Jackie. “A chick flick with a happily ever after. Max indulged me.”

She tightened her hold on his forearm.

Max forced an easy smile. “It was a good movie.”

Jackie sighed. “I love the ones with happy endings.”

That didn’t surprise Max. He imagined life was hard enough for this family without being depressed at the movie theater. Now that his hair had grown out, no one looking at Cory would ever guess he’d been near death last year. He always had a smile on his face as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

Jackie’s unsteady gait and reliance in recent months on a cane gave some indication of her declining condition. But she’d never let MS define her.

“We enjoyed spending time with you at the beach the other day.” Jackie paused, then appeared flustered, as if realizing Max had been with another woman that day. “I love the weather we’ve been having lately, don’t you?”

Charlotte ignored the weather comment and smiled up at Max. “You went to the beach during the week?”

Max shrugged. “My schedule opened up for an afternoon.”

“Next time your schedule opens up, call me.” Charlotte batted her heavy lashes. “I’ve got a new bikini I’ve been dying to show off.”

Cory chuckled. “You’re a fool if you don’t take her up on that offer, Brody.”

Jackie gave an exaggerated sigh. “I switched to a one-piece this year. After three children, it seemed time.”

“You’re as beautiful as the day I married you.” Cory looped an arm around his wife’s shoulder, leaned over, and kissed her cheek.

Max smiled at the easy display of affection, but Charlotte appeared to have grown bored with the conversation. She shifted her gaze, then stilled, like a hunting dog spotting its prey. “Isn’t that Jeremy Rakes?”

Following the direction of her gaze, Max saw it was indeed Good Hope’s mayor helping Floyd flip burgers. Tall and lanky with blond hair just a little too long, Jeremy was friendly, approachable, and extremely intelligent. All those characteristics, plus the fact that he sprang from one of the peninsula’s oldest families, explained how he’d been able to win the mayoral race last year though he wasn’t even thirty.

He was also single, although in recent years he’d been seen frequently in the company of Eliza Shaw. Max looked for the Cherries’ executive director in the crowd but came up empty.

“Let’s go say hello,” Max offered.

“No. You mingle. I’ll discuss my business with him, then hunt you down.” She wiggled her fingers in a casual gesture. “Back soon.”

“Sounds good,” Max murmured, though Charlotte was already too far away to hear him. He turned to Cory and Jackie. “Floyd mentioned there’s been a lot of talk about the burglaries.”

“It’s kind of scary, not knowing where this criminal will strike next.” Jackie glanced at her husband. “I was worried it might be a gang thing, but Sheriff Swarts told Hadley he’s convinced the break-ins are the work of a single individual.”