You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) (22 page)

He walked to her and caught her hand, raising it to his lips. “You nervous?”

The denial was on her lips but he knew her too well. “Just a little.”

He watched her, waiting for her to say more.

“All my life, when I’ve wanted something really badly, well, I rarely got it.” She tried to smile, but she felt her eyes fill with tears. She didn’t mean material things, but her mother’s love, a place in the world, belonging because of the person she was, not her name or her bank account.

Finn took her hand and placed it over his heart. “Don’t think for a minute that this isn’t what I want, what I’ve always wanted. You should be in my arms and I should be in yours. Is that how you feel, Hale?”

She could barely get the word out; there was a huge lump in her throat. “Yes.”

“But?”

“I’m scared that it will get screwed up. I might do something and ruin it.”

“I want this, with you.” He kissed her lips, sweetly, and his gaze returned to hers, as if he was trying to figure out what she was thinking and feeling. “No grand entrance for us tonight. Let’s take the back stairs and quietly mix with the crowd.”

She nodded as he opened the door and she stepped into the hallway. He was right. It did feel natural to be with him.

A half hour passed, the living room was filled with people, and Hale could hear the doorbell chiming as still more arrived. Finn had left her talking with Missy Temple about the plans for the Community Child Care project on Thanksgiving night. Missy was going to be the lead for the time slot that Hale and Jasmine had volunteered for. She tried to search the room for Finn, he’d gone to get drinks and she was thirsty. She missed his body next to hers. God, she was so in love, she was behaving like a teenager. She felt like she was on an emotional pendulum, excited and happy with Finn’s attention, then dreading that it might turn to shit. It was exhausting, this waiting for something bad to happen.

“My biggest worry is that the people won’t pay attention to the rule that the parent who drops the child off, must pick them up. I hope we don’t run into any problems.” Missy bit her lip.

“Well, you could take a photo of the child with the parent when they register, and if we had a printer right there, we attach the photo, the rules and have the adult sign off. Then, if there is a problem, you’d have the physical evidence of the policy. I’ve found that if you can show the evidence at the beginning, it can help defuse the situation.”

“Oh my God, Hale, you are a genius. I’m going to call everyone tomorrow, and tell them that we have to do that.” Missy hugged her.

“I think Finn told me that a police officer would be posted outside, so that should help, too.”

“The Chief said that starting at two, he would post an officer,” Missy disclosed.

“Here’s another thought, whoever is working the front counter should let dispatch know their cell number in case there is a problem and they needed to call it in. That would save time, especially if they couldn’t explain their location.” Hale gave a little shrug, she didn’t want to seem like she was pointing out weaknesses in their plan. In fact, it was a great idea and service to the community, since so many people took advantage of the holiday sales starting in the early hours of the morning. Instead of having to find a sitter or drag the kids out, parents could drop them at the Community Center starting at ten on Thanksgiving night.

“You should have been on the committee. You’re coming up with ideas that we hadn’t even considered.”

Hale was smiling at her friend’s praise, when she saw Major approach. The Benton’s guest list included every businessperson, county club member, and friend that they could think of. It made sense that Major had been invited, but she was surprised that he would actually show. She had endured a very uncomfortable telephone conversation with him after the debacle at dinner the other night. She’d told him that she was not interested in speaking with him again. He asked what her relationship was to Finn. Her first instinct had been to evade, but instead she told the truth. He made some uncomplimentary observations about him and hung up. Thankfully, he had not called again.

Major stopped a few feet in front of the ladies and put his hands on his hips. “Missy, Hale,” he greeted them without a smile.

Missy was oblivious to his demeanor. “Happy Thanksgiving, Major, did you just get here?”

Hale didn’t respond. She didn’t like the way he was staring at her, he examined her from top to bottom with a look.

“What, I’m not good enough to greet, now that you’ve moved on?” He raised the volume of his voice.

She gave him an icy smile. “Of course not, glad that you could make the party. The bar is in the family room.” She tilted her head in the direction of the doorway.

“I’m surprised to see you without the mayor by your side. Has he tired of you so quickly?” he sneered.

Missy inhaled sharply and shot a confused look at Hale.

Where the fuck was Finn, or Izzy and Jazz? She sensed everyone turning to watch this little drama. She paused, trying to come up with a reply. She straightened her spine, meeting his stare with a challenge of her own. “Is there something on your mind? You now have an audience, so please, go on, entertain us.” She made sure that each word carried across the room.

“I thought that you were an intelligent woman. You must know that Finn is using you. He is going to woo you and when he’s had you, he’ll walk away. He’s done it time and time again. I’m sure that he will take great pride in hurting you. What is it they say? Payback’s a bitch.” Major rocked forward onto his toes, clearly enjoying the moment.

“Is that what you came here to say?” Finn handed the drinks he was carrying to a man standing in the doorway, and casually moved through the crowd. “You have everyone’s attention, trying to embarrass Hale, but you’ve only managed to make a fool of yourself.” He finished that statement as he stopped right in front of Major.

Hale scanned the room. Izzy and Jasmine stood in the foyer doorway, Izzy looked furious and Jasmine’s eyes met hers. She could clearly see the concern from across the room.

Major continued. “What, no denial, Finn? Did I hit a nerve by speaking the truth?”

Before Finn could respond, Hale was there. “How dare you.” She paused, the room was silent. “Just who do you think you are to come here and act like a jealous fool?”

Major leaned in toward Hale, as if he was going to intimidate her.

No fucking way was this poof ball, peacock of a man going to shut her down now. “For the record, there was nothing romantic between us. For God’s sake, we kissed once and I’m not even sure you liked it because it never happened again. You weren’t into me and I was not into you.”

Finn snickered at that, as did others in the crowd.

Major’s face turned red. “That is no way for a lady to talk.”

“Oh my God, not another lecture about behavior.” She raised her hands toward the sky dramatically. “I went out with you socially, and now I don’t even know why. You are a snob and a bore.”

Major made a “humph” sound in the back of his throat then continued arrogantly. “Hale, I’m just giving you a warning. I know how this new,” he used air quotes, “
relationship
is going to turn out. I just wanted to share my friendly warning. You might think that Finn is falling for you again, but we all know he’s not. You hurt him and a man never forgives a hurt like that.”

She wanted to throw herself at him and rake his cheeks with her nails. The fucker had hit upon one of her fears. Fuck it, she wanted Finn, she wasn’t ashamed to tell everyone in the room. She swallowed and spoke slowly to the pompous man in front of her. “Don’t come here and spew that venom. Finn and I are together. I’ve ask for his understanding and his forgiveness and he gave that to me.”

She felt Finn’s arms encircle her waist and pull her back against his chest.

“Your kind of ugliness has no place here. You need to go. You need to go before I really show you how badly a lady like me can behave, because I’m about to kick your ass into tomorrow.” She continued staring at Major, daring him to say another word.

She felt Finn’s arms tighten around her waist.

“It’s time for you to leave, Reynolds.” Moe appeared at Major’s side and pulled on his arm.

Major tried to jerk his arm free, but Moe held fast as he maneuvered him toward the front door.

Izzy’s baritone could be heard urging the guests. “Everyone please, enjoy the bars and please eat. There’s plenty of good food in the dining room.”

Thankfully, the guests resumed talking and Hale could take a deep breath. Finn turned her in his arms so that she was facing him. He leaned into her. “Are you OK?” he whispered in her ear.

She nodded, taking refuge in the security of his tight hold. Her entire body shook as she buried her face in his neck.

“I hate that motherfucker. I’d like to take his head off.” Finn was outraged but he kept the volume low.

“Don’t.” She raised her head, rushing to continue. “He deserves it, but he isn’t worth it.”

“So you only kissed once?” He sounded incredulous. She could feel how tense he was, his muscles were so hard.

“Yep,” she answered truthfully.

“What a dumb fuck. I didn’t want to hear that you slept with him, but how could he keep his hands off you? I don’t get it.” Finn shook his head.

“He wasn’t into me.” Her body relaxed and she smiled at him.

He returned her smile. “What a dumb ass.” Finn shook his head for a moment then turned serious. “You tell me if you ever have another problem with him. I mean it, Hale. I don’t want him even looking in your direction. I don’t want him in the same room as you.” Finn looked so fierce, a mixture of protectiveness and possessiveness.

“Got it. I promise.” She ran her hand over his chest to help soothe him, and her also. She had no intention of ever talking to Major again.

Jasmine approached. “What on earth was that?”

“I am so sorry. I had no idea that he would ever attempt anything like that.” Hale apologized.

“He is the one who had better be apologizing to Moe and Izzy. I say good riddance to bad rubbish.” Jasmine pursed her lips in anger.

Finn jumped on her comment. “Izzy is outside with him?”

“He and Moe are seeing him to his car, making it clear that he is not to return.” Jasmine glanced at the doorway.

“I think you should thank me,” Hale teased hoping that they could drop this subject. “I just made this party the number one bit of gossip in this town. Another Jasmine Benton production is going down in Whitleysburg history.” She laughed and the others joined in. It made her feel good that her friends had jumped to her defense, but she hated that there was a disturbance during Jasmine’s party. Hopefully, the celebratory spirit would continue and everyone would enjoy themselves.

Finn changed subjects. “Jasmine, you look lovely, but where’s the rest of your dress?”

Hale let out a laugh, as Jasmine pretended to slap him.

“I think that you look amazing. You have to be the hottest woman here, no contest.” Hale assured her friend. Jasmine was wearing a short slip dress in a champagne color with clear stones throughout the fabrics. The view from the front was a simple scoop neck, but when she turned, the back was cut to just above her ass, in fact when she moved, you could catch a glimpse of the dimples right above the slight swell of her cheeks. It was a work of art on Jasmine.

A man that she didn’t know approached their group. “I hate to tell you, but the ice melted in your drinks so I got rid of them.”

Finn laughed. “Hey, thanks for holding them. Clay, have you had a chance to meet Hale?”

The tall man with striking blue eyes, smiled in Hale’s direction. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”

“Sweetheart, this is Clay Payne. He’s from the governor’s office.”

Oh hell, she hoped her feelings of embarrassment didn’t show on her face as she held out her hand. “Mr. Payne, thank you for trying to rescue my drink.”

He gave a charming smile as he shook her hand.

He turned his attention to Jasmine. “Mrs. Benton, you have a lovely home.”

“Why thank you. I’m so happy that you could join us.” Jasmine flashed her best pageant winner smile.

“What would you ladies like to drink? I see that both of you have empty hands.” Clay smiled warmly.

“Well, aren’t you sweet? I’d love a glass of chardonnay.” Jasmine continued smiling, quite happy to have an attractive man wait on her.

“And you, Ms. Cameron?”

“Hale, call me Hale. A tonic water with lime, please.”

“I’ll be right back.” Clay started to turn.

“I’ll join you, since it seems that you only want to serve the ladies.” Finn teased.

Missy rejoined the group. “Hale, I cannot believe that man behaved like that.” Missy ran her hand lightly down Hale’s arm. “It was very disrespectful.”

“I’m a little shocked, but I’m fine.” She hoped that she sounded confident.

Missy moved in closer. “So it’s true, you and Finn?”

Hale tried to fight the smile she felt coming on, and thought, “what the hell’ and let it out. “Yes, but it’s really new. I mean, this is only the second time that we have been out together.”