Moonlight Kiss (21 page)

Richard turned his forearm over so she could see. “Work hard, play harder,” he said with a slight wince. “Not one of my best decisions.”

“The tattoo?”

“Yeah, well, maybe but I was referring to the motto. It should be the other way around, I think.”

Maggie traced the script with the tip of her finger. “I don’t know. I spent most of my life working and not playing. Maybe you’re not as wrong as you might think. Any other tattoos?”

Richard gave her a playful grin. “Want to find out?” he asked, and then put a hand over his face. “Pretend I didn’t say that. I didn’t mean to sound crass.”

Maggie reached over and pulled his hand away. “It’s okay. I asked, remember? Let’s forget it and go outside with our wine.”

“Okay.” He appeared relieved and Maggie wasn’t sure if it was because he regretted his playful remark or if he was embarrassed about other tattoos.

Either way, Maggie remained curious not only about the tattoo but the rest of his life. After they sat down in the padded lawn chairs on the back deck he remained quiet, making Maggie wonder what was on his mind. “If you’re wondering, I find tattoos sexy.”

He turned and gave her a slight grin. “I was wondering. Of course I’ve been wondering about a lot of things lately.”

Again, Maggie sensed unease, as if something was troubling him. She wondered what he was hiding away from in the woods. “You don’t have to walk on eggshells around me, Richard. If there’s something on your mind, you can speak it. I’m a good listener. And I’m here if you need a friend. I want to know everything about you.”

“Thank you. True friends are hard to find,” he said, and then looked out over the river as if deep in thought. Maggie watched him take a sip of wine. He swallowed, licked his bottom lip, and turned to face her.

Dancing in the Moonlight

R
ICK WANTED TO TELL THIS LOVELY WOMAN EVERYTHING:
who he was, why he was here, his past, his regrets, and the recent plans he’d been dreaming up lately. Most of all he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her.

But what would she do if she knew all of those things?

Right or wrong, and he admitted to himself that there was some wrong involved, he decided that Maggie needed to get to know the real man, not the image, the rumors, or who he’d been pretending to be for so many years. The past few weeks he’d felt as if he’d shed his skin and was ready to start fresh.

“So, if I may ask, why are you really here in Cricket Creek?” Maggie asked quietly.

Rick thought about how to answer. It was only fair that if she came out here and spent time with him she knew some of the truth, which, for now at least, was pretty much based on where he was going and not where he’d been. “I was at a dead end in my career and so I decided to come here and reflect on my life. Make some much-needed changes.”

“Change can be difficult. Frightening. I hope you discover what you’re looking for.”

“It’s a work in progress, but I’m getting there.” He was actually pretty excited about the idea that had suddenly come to him in the middle of a sleepless night. He wanted to share it with her so badly but now wasn’t the time.

“I can relate.” She nodded but didn’t pry, even though he could see in her eyes that she wanted to know more.

“But right now all I care about is spending the evening with a beautiful woman.”

“Oh, are you expecting company?”

Rick laughed. There was something so real and wonderful about her. “No, she’s already here.” Rick expected her to dip her head and blush or look away but instead she held his gaze.

“Why, thank you.” The breeze caught her hair, blowing it across her face. She brushed the strands away, laughing as if life was simply wonderful.

Something was different about her tonight, not just in the extra care she’d taken with her makeup, but a certain confidence that wasn’t present before. And he liked it. “Let’s get dinner started—what do you say?” When she nodded Rick stood up and offered his hand. She took it and it felt so good having her small hand in his firm grasp.

“Is there something I can help you with in the kitchen?”

“Nope, I want you to simply sit back and watch. I want to spoil you a little bit,” he said, and realized it was true. She’d been a hardworking single mom and deserved to be pampered. And he was just the man to do it.

“Well, now.” Maggie slid onto a stool and folded her hands. “I won’t have any problem doing that.”

“Sitting back?”

“No. Watching you.”

Rick looked at her and she held his gaze once more. He felt a strong pull of desire, and when she smiled it was all he could do not to walk over there and draw her into his arms. He found her slightly suggestive flirting much more stimulating than bold sexual moves. Anticipation was highly underrated. As he gathered the items he needed Rick could feel her eyes watching him with appreciation, putting an underlying sensual vibe in the room that felt almost tangible.

“More?” Rick held up bottle of wine.

“Please.” When she slid her glass across the smooth granite Rick reached for it but deliberately let his fingers linger on hers. After pouring he looked at her a beat longer than he needed to. When he saw the slight rise and fall of her chest he suspected she was feeling much of the same.

Rick unwrapped the white butcher’s paper from the salmon. “Wild caught,” he told her, and she nodded.

“Perfect. I detest when they add that artificial coloring to the farm-raised variety.”

“I thought I’d make a dill sauce. Sound okay with you?”

“Absolutely.” Maggie toyed with the stem of her glass. “Again, I’m impressed.”

“It’s just Dijon mustard, mayo, and fresh dill. Easy but full of flavor.” Rick pointed to the box containing wild rice. “Easy as well, but I will say that I’ve discovered a love of cooking that I didn’t know I possessed. The rice will simmer while I grill the fish.” He grinned. “And the salad is from a bag again. Spring greens that I’ll toss with mandarin orange slices and almonds.” He turned away and located a wooden salad bowl. “I’ll get the salad tossed, put the rice on, and then we can go outside on the deck while I grill the fish.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, and I bought a loaf of French bread from the bakery up on Main Street. Don’t let me forget it.”

“This is such a guilty pleasure watching you work.”

“There’s nothing to feel guilty about. I’m enjoying myself. Open up.” Rick leaned across the island and offered her a mandarin orange slice. God, the touch of her warm tongue against his fingers sent a hungry jolt of desire straight to his groin.

“Mmmm . . . so good. May I have another?”

“You sure can.” Rick slid a second slice into her mouth, nearly groaning when she sucked ever so slightly on his thumb.

“That’s it.” Maggie shook her head. “I can’t stand it any longer.”

Rick’s heart thudded and he looked at her expectantly.

“I have to come over there and help.”

Before he could find his voice to protest, Maggie stood beside him. “Tell me what you want me to do.”

“That’s a loaded question.”

She laughed. “How about if I slice the bread?”

“I could think of other things, but okay.”

“You’re being awfully frisky, Mr. Rule.”

“Do you like it?”

“I do . . .”

Rick’s smiled but it felt a bit forced. He didn’t like not being honest with her but told himself it was necessary for now. “The bread is on the counter behind me.”

Maggie nodded and made herself at home, finding the knife, cutting board, and bread basket. While he tossed the salad she sliced the bread. They stood close, nearly but not quite touching. Rick decided he needed to remedy that whole situation and reached from behind her to pick up the small bag of almonds. His arm grazed against her arm that held the end of the loaf.

“Would you cut me a thin slice? I didn’t realize how hungry I was until just now.”

“Sure.” When she turned and handed him the bread he stepped closer.

“Thanks. Oh, this tastes as good as it looks,” Rick said. “I wanted to hold off but just couldn’t stand it any longer.”

“Sometimes you just have to try to find out,” she said holding his gaze. “Richard?”

He swallowed the bread. “Yes?”

“I do believe that my body is about ready to catch fire with the need to kiss you.
Hot and bothered
doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling right about now. I’m ready for an appetizer and I don’t mean cheese and crackers.”

“You don’t have to ask twice.” The wild and wonderful kiss exploded in his brain. Rick could not get enough. They stumbled backward, sideways, drunk on desire until somehow, either by accident or grand design, they ended up in the great room on the sofa, in front of the gas fireplace that he’d turned on low earlier.

The waning light from the setting sun cast a soft glow through the windows.

“You’re a beautiful woman, Maggie.” He placed his hand over the wild beating of her heart. “From the inside out.”

“A glass of wine and muted lighting helps,” Maggie joked, making him laugh. God, how he loved being with this woman. It occurred to him how much he’d missed out on over the years by not being in a relationship with someone close to his age. He’d been such an arrogant dumb-ass.

And then he kissed her once more, a hot, sensual meeting of their mouths yet edged with tenderness. She threaded her fingers through his hair and then moved to his shoulders, his back, touching, massaging, exploring. “I do believe I could kiss you all night long.”

“Mmmm, I like the sound of that.” Rick held Maggie close and kissed her neck, loving the taste of her skin and the light floral scent of her hair. Although he longed to make love to Maggie he didn’t want to rush them into anything. After so many years of fast living, he was finding that taking his time was even sweeter. It felt so good having her snuggled next to him, but he eventually summoned his willpower and asked, “Should we finish making dinner?”

“Just give me a few more minutes of being in your arms.”

“No problem.”

She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed. “This is so relaxing.”

“Mmmm, I totally agree.” Rick kissed the top of her head and smiled. The heat of the fireplace warmed their bodies, and a sense of peace like he’d not known in forever washed over him. In that moment he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he wanted Maggie McMillan in his future. Now all he had to do was find the right time to tell her about his past.

That’s the Good Stuff

“T
HIS UP-AT-THE-ASS-CRACK-OF-DAWN STUFF IS FOR THE
birds,” Reid grumbled as he slapped his baseball cap on his head. “And so is leaving you.”

Addison turned from filling his coffee mug and wrapped her arms around him. “I totally agree with you.”

“You’ve been doing a lot of that lately.”

Addison tilted her head up. “Agreeing with you?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool. Does that mean you kinda like me?”

Addison lifted one shoulder. “Eh, maybe a teeny little bit.” She measured an inch with her thumb and index finger. “You might cross my mind like once or twice . . . or maybe a hundred times a day.”

Reid tucked a lock of her damp hair behind her ear. “Only a couple hundred? Well, then, I do believe I’ll have to leave you with something to think about.” He flipped his cap around, dipped his head, and gave her a deep, lingering kiss that held a promise of things to come. Pulling back, he pressed his forehead to hers and said, “God, I don’t want to go . . . This sucks so bad.”

“Well, then, I think I have to give
you
something to think about while you’re riding around on that big green tractor.” She took a step back and reached for the knot on her robe. With a slow smile, Addison parted the terry cloth, giving him an eyeful.

Reid groaned. “You’re not making this any easier, you know.”

“Just get your chores done and get your cute butt back here.” She handed him the coffee.

“So, you think my butt is cute?” Reid turned around and pointed to it.

“Your butt is awesome, just like the rest of you,” Addison assured him, and then gave him a quick, light kiss. “Call me when you take a break.”

“I will,” Reid promised, and then headed out the back door. Addison watched him walk to his truck, thinking he looked so sexy in his Wranglers and boots. He looked up and waved just before he opened his door. Addison raised her hand and smiled. Right timing or not, she was falling in love with Reid and she was powerless to stop her feelings from growing. It was hard for Addison to believe that just a couple of months ago her life had been pulled apart at the seams, but day by day, stitch by stitch, everything was coming together. Happiness surrounded her like a warm blanket and she hugged it close to her heart.

After pouring a cup of coffee she sat down at the breakfast bar and looked over some notes. Since the open house a few of weeks ago, business had been brisk, leaving her little time to head out to the Greenfield farm, but Sara kept her informed on the progress of the barn renovations. So far they were on schedule, with Sara having an autumn wedding. Mia and Cam had decided to get married at Wine and Diner but were going to wait until the barn was ready and baseball season over to have their reception there as well. Later that week Addison had a meeting with Tristan and Savannah, who were thinking about having a winter wedding with a holiday theme. Addison smiled at her notes by Savannah’s wedding. Three of her bridesmaids were residents of Whisper’s Edge, the retirement community where Savannah served as the social director, and Addison thought it was just the sweetest thing.

While Addison acknowledged that she dearly missed her parents, life in Cricket Creek was so much more to her liking than living in LA. She enjoyed the slower pace in the tight-knit community and simply loved running her own shop. Ideas never stopped coming. She planned to add prom dresses next year. Reid’s mother ran a quilting bee and they were working hard to make wedding quilts for her to sell. Her only challenge was running out of shelf space!

She inhaled a deep breath, crossing her fingers that her ended engagement with Garret was now old news and remained that way. Addison didn’t want anything to intrude on the peace she’d found in Cricket Creek. Apparently she was a small-town girl at heart but just never knew it. Thankfully, she hadn’t heard any more about Garret’s reality show, giving her hope that the idea never really got off the ground. Maybe Rick Ruleman had had the clout to squash the show, but, come to think of it, Addison hadn’t seen him in the pop news lately either. She’d never know which one of the Ruleman men had started the rumor of her having an affair with Rick, but since it had seemed to die down, Addison wasn’t about to stir that pot. She found it in really poor taste that neither of them had bothered to call her with an apology but, then again, she supposed she wasn’t surprised. It was sad, though, because Addison really did believe that Garret was a much better person than he allowed himself to be, and she hoped someday he figured that out.

Since she’d already shared a steamy shower with Reid, all Addison had to do was put on makeup and get dressed before heading down to the bridal shop. Because she still had more inventory to unpack, Addison opted for leggings and a loose-fitting floral blouse belted at the waist and comfortable ballet flats.

“Gotta love this commute,” she said as she bounded down the stairs. Her seamstress was on an as-needed basis and Cassie, the college student she’d hired as a sales clerk, worked limited hours. Most days it was still just her in the shop, but the press release she’d sent out had resulted in interviews for the local paper and in
Kentucky Monthly
, so she anticipated that business was going to pick up even more in the near future.

After unlocking the front door Addison turned on some soft music and then starting arranging some lovely headpieces she’d received yesterday. Mia had informed her that Southern ladies loved bling and she should stock a full line of tiaras. Addison had to admit that they were pretty cool.

A few minutes later Gabby from Flower Power walked into the shop, carrying a vase packed full of wildflowers. “Hey there, Addison. I’ve got a little somethin’ for you,” she said in her cute Southern singsong voice.

“They’re lovely!” Addison said as she walked across the floor. “Oh, I just love the mason jar as the vase and the raffia bow! This would make a wonderful table arrangement for rustic barn weddings.”

Gabby nodded. “Funny, but this was all I had to use as a vase when I picked flowers as a kid. Now it’s super-popular.” She shrugged. “I guess I was just ahead of my time,” she added with a laugh.

Addison smiled when she silently read the note that said:
Thinking about you one hundred times already. Reid.
“Aw . . .” Addison smiled and didn’t realize she had brought the note up to her chest.

“There must be somethin’ special about you ladies here in Wedding Row. I just delivered flowers to Maggie, the real estate lady, the other day. What’s up with you girls, anyway? And would you please send some of it my way?”

Addison grinned. “Oh yeah. I saw Maggie walking past my shop with some good-looking guy last week.”

“Yep, I’m guessing it was the same guy. Apparently he’s staying in a cabin down by the river.”

“Oh, okay.” There had been something oddly familiar about him that she couldn’t put her finger on. “Not local, then?”

“No, I think he’s from California. He had a secretary or someone call in the order for him.”

“Oh, hmmm . . . May I ask his name?”

“Richard is all I know. Seems like a real nice guy, though. He sure is sweet on Maggie,” Gabby replied.

“Good for her.”

“Well, I can see why. She’s one of those people who just lights up a room, you know?”

“Kinda like you, Gabby.”

“Oh, go on . . .”

“I’m serious. I’m surprised that some local boy hasn’t snatched you up.”

Gabby dropped her gaze for a minute and then shrugged “Maggie says that my prince will come someday. But, hey, I sure do love having my own shop. Speaking of, I’d better get on back. I’m lookin’ forward to doing weddings with you, Addison!”

“Me too, Gabby.” Addison walked her to the door and gave her a quick hug. She was such a sweet girl with a bubbly personality. Gabby was going to be fun to work with. The warm sunshine on Addison’s face prompted her to prop open the door and let in the fresh air. She waved to Nicolina, who was doing the same thing.

“Gorgeous day!” Nicolina called to her.

“Sure is!”

“Let’s get the girls together for lunch or maybe cocktails soon.”

“I’d like that,” Addison called back. She made a mental note to ask Gabby if she’d like to join them.

Addison went back inside to her task. A shipment of bridesmaid’s sample dresses was due in late that afternoon. Sometime during the week Mia and Savannah were both coming in to try on some wedding gowns. Humming along with the music, Addison bent over to get the last of the headpieces out of the box.

“Would you look at how beautiful this is!” said a female voice that sent excitement rushing through Addison.
Mom?

“Did you have any doubt?” answered the unmistakable voice of her father.

“Mom? Dad?” Addison stood up so fast that her head hit the inside of the cardboard box and she fell backward, landing on her butt. The tiara that she was holding slid across the hardwood floor, stopping at her mother’s feet.

“Check this out.” With a laugh her father picked it up and placed it on her mother’s head. “Suits you, my beautiful Indian princess.”

She gave him a shove but looked into a nearby mirror. “Oh, I believe it does.”

Addison watched them for a moment. There was something different in the way they were acting toward each other.

Her mother held out her arms. “Are you going to come over here and give us a hug? We’ve missed our baby girl so much!”

With a little squeal of delight Addison scrambled to her feet and ran over to her parents. “I didn’t know you were coming!”

“We wanted it to be a surprise,” her father explained, and gave her a huge hug, lifting her up and spinning her around like when she was a child.

“Mom!” Addison turned to her mother and hugged her in a dancing circle. “Look at you and Dad—so tan! Did you enjoy Hawaii?”

“Your dad had to drag me from work but I’m so glad he did. We had a wonderful, relaxing time.” She leaned over and snaked her arm around his waist. “Just what we needed.”

“This is awesome that you’re here!” Addison nearly jumped up and down with excitement. “I can’t believe it! What do you think? Do you like it?” Addison grabbed her mother’s hand. “Do you?”

She tilted her head to the side and laughed. “No, I don’t like it, Addison. I love it! Give us a grand tour!”

Her father pointed to his camera. “Do you mind if I take pictures?”

Addison shook her head, bubbling over with excitement. “No, of course not. Just make sure you send them to me.” She led them through the shop, chattering on about every detail. Her parents gushed at everything, making her nearly burst with pride. She stopped at the display of jewelry. “These pieces were made by Nicolina, Uncle Mitch’s wife.”

“Oh, simply beautiful. I’m very impressed. You know how I adore unique jewelry.”

“Her shop is in Wedding Row too. You should go see it. How long are you here for?”

Her mother pulled a face. “Oh, sweetie, just for tonight, I’m afraid. I have to speak at a conference tomorrow in Nashville, so we rented a car and we’re planning on driving there in the morning.”

Addison raised her eyebrows. “We?”

“Yes, I promised your dad that if he would travel with me more often I’d cut back and stay home more often.” She looked up at him. “After Hawaii we decided that we liked traveling and spending time together.”

He chuckled. “Well, now, Mel. Imagine that.”

Her mother smiled up at him. “I do think absence has made my heart grow fonder.”

His answer was to lean down and give her a quick kiss.

“You guys are so cute.” Addison’s heart swelled. Seeing the rekindled love in her parents’ eyes gave her a surge of hope. She’d known that her mother’s busy work schedule was taking a toll on their marriage. “So the Hawaii trip did the trick? At least
something
good came out of my engagement to Garret.”

“Have you heard from the little twerp?” her mother wanted to know.

“Mel . . .”

“Sorry. I just . . . Oh, never mind.”

“Not a peep,” Addison answered. “I’m not even sure if his reality show is actually going to happen.”

“I sure hope not,” her father grumbled. “People should pick up a good book instead of watching that crap.”

“Dad, I couldn’t agree more. Not only that, but Garret is actually a talented musician. He could do so much more with his life. But that’s no longer my worry,” Addison said, and then changed the subject. “Why don’t you go upstairs and check out my loft apartment? It has a river view.”

“I’d rather see it with you,” her mother answered. “Why don’t we come back later and have appetizers? I’ll bring them. We want to head over and see the stadium and track down Mitch for lunch. How late are you open, sweetie?”

“Only until five tonight. My hours will get longer when business picks up.”

“Well, then, let’s do appetizers and then go out to dinner,” her mother suggested. “Don’t you agree, Paul?”

He nodded. “I’ll call Mitch and see if he and Nicolina can join us. I’m sure Mia will want to come too.”

“Sounds good!” Addison said. “I’m beyond excited to see you both.” She walked them to the door and did another happy dance, but then paused. Should she invite Reid? Would asking him to meet her parents be too forward? And what would her parents think about her already seeing someone new?

Addison walked over and sat down in the big chair where Reid had massaged her feet. She couldn’t walk past it without thinking of him.

“Hey there, Addie. Why are you looking so glum?”

Addison looked up to see Mia walking toward her. “Do I look sad?”

Mia sat down on the ottoman. “Well, more like pensive. Dad just called and said that your parents are in town.”

“You just missed them.”

“Well, then, why the sad puppy-dog face? Aren’t you glad to see them?”

“Yes, I’m super-pumped! Mom always did like surprises. What brings you here?”

“Oh, I have someone interested in a wedding. I could have called but I wanted to get out of the office for a little bit. After losing in extra innings last night both Noah and Ty were grumpy.”

“ I still haven’t used the tickets that Reid and I won. I’ve been meaning to do that.”