Orange Blossom Brides (17 page)

“Travel? Oh, dear, your grandmother just got you back home.”

“It’s a good move for the business.”

“But not for settling down.”

“I’m not ready.”

She shook her head. “You are stubborn.”

“What can I say? It runs in the family.”

“Then remember this. You can’t escape love. Your grandparents had an abiding love. Even your mother and father, before he passed. I know you can’t see it because of the way your mother left. She was heartbroken, Max. I don’t agree with how she handled the situation, but I can understand why. The memories were too much for her to bear.”

Just like his memories of his mother not loving him enough.

“I have no doubt you’ll fall in love one day. Just keep your heart open.” Dorinda patted his cheek and went to wait on customers.

He considered the older woman’s words. His father’s passing away became too much for his mother to handle? He’d never stopped to consider that. Was seeing her son daily a reminder of what she’d lost? That still didn’t justify her actions, but he could almost understand. Loving another person was not for the faint of heart. It took dedication. Commitment. Qualities Max possessed, but he didn’t know if he could risk sharing them with a woman.

He finished off the last of his coffee and waved goodbye to Dorinda as he exited the coffee shop. A lot to take in, this ah-ha moment. He headed down to the beach to walk by the water where he did his best thinking. City workmen were busy assembling booths for the fish fry. Saturday would be another celebration in Cypress Pointe.

Security jobs, an intern and a fancy benefit were about all he had to celebrate right now. He wasn’t about to complain. This was what he wanted. Because, while he may wish for more with Lilli, he wouldn’t expose his heart only to be trampled again by an important woman in his life.

CHAPTER TWELVE

T
IRED
AND
OVERHEATED
, Lilli exhaled a relieved sigh when her shift helping out the animal shelter at the Merchants Association Annual Fish Fry ended. Jewel, who had been working beside her, whipped off her apron and grabbed her purse.

“You’re really going to leave me?” Lilli asked as she handed out her final cold soda.

“Sorry.”

Lilli grinned. “No, you’re not. You’re up to no good.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because of the mysterious grin you’ve had all afternoon. And the fact that you keep looking out into the crowd like you’re searching for someone.”

“You got me.” Jewel grinned unrepentantly. “I’m meeting Bart.”

“Really? When did this start?”

“Today. Officially.” She tried to shrug it off, but couldn’t downplay her giddiness. “We’ve been talking since that day we met him on the sidewalk and Max tried to take Bart to the police station.”

“So how long has this crush been going on?” Lilli asked.

“Awhile.” Jewel’s eyes lit up when she spoke. “A few months ago I ran into him at Cuppa Joe. We caught up and...I don’t know, things clicked. For me, anyway.”

“I’d say for him, too.”

“What have you got planned for tonight?” Jewel asked.

“I’ll head home to my quiet apartment,” Lilli said, fighting off impending gloom.

“Sounds boring. If you want you can meet us for dinner.”

“You’re a wonderful friend to offer, but three’s a crowd. I’ll be fine by myself.”

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure.” She gestured toward the beach. “Now go. Have fun.”

Jewel grinned and hurried off.

Her shift now over, Lilli realized she didn’t want to go back to her apartment for another Saturday night alone. Puffing out a heavy sigh, she brushed off her pink tank and denim shorts. Even though she’d been protected by a canopy, she still felt hot and grimy after hours spent doling out sodas under the hot sun. She ran a hand over the damp strands falling from her ponytail and tucked them into place, hoping for the best.

Instead of going straight to her car, Lilli decided to walk off her restlessness. Dodging families and couples enjoying a festive day out, she inhaled the salty air, finally relaxed and headed toward the pier. The late-afternoon sun angled over the beach, elongating shadows as it slowly began its descent.

What a romantic scene. Her thoughts strayed to Max and his mysterious plans. She had to face the fact that she liked the guy way too much. Even though he’d kissed her senseless the other night, he hadn’t been in touch since. Maybe he just wasn’t into her.

On that depressing note, she trudged through the sand, squinting against the sun to make out the shapes of adults and kids splashing in the water. When she reached the pier, she strolled the entire length of the wood structure to the far end. Water lapped against the pylons and a stray gull swooped by her. In the distance she heard voices and laughter, the aroma of fried food lingering in the air. A breeze swept over her cheeks. For a moment she forgot about the hustle and bustle her life had become and enjoyed the reprieve from it all. She’d take ten minutes to recharge her batteries before heading home. With only a week to go before the event, the pressure was on.

Worry about it later.

She stepped from the railed section down a few steps to an open platform used for public fishing. All the fishermen were enjoying the town revelry, leaving this popular fishing spot deserted. And Lilli all alone. It shouldn’t bother her; she’d been alone all her life. Her parents, always so busy, had forgotten about her a vast majority of the time. Looking around at the happy families enjoying the fish fry, she regretted what she’d never had.

Thinking about family made Lilli reflect on Max’s grandmother, Laverne. She’d viewed the photos Max had delivered, one part envious and the other touched by the way the couple looked at each other, with a wealth of love Lilli had never experienced in her life. The shining eyes said it all, the hopes and dreams of the young couple. Just talking to Laverne, Lilli knew the older woman still treasured the memories of her husband. Lilli wanted that. Sure, she loved her job and the satisfaction that came with it, but realized she also wanted a husband who loved her, a man to be her partner and friend. Someone to be there for her.

An image of Max popped into her mind. Instead of brushing it away as she normally would, she allowed herself a small smile, indulging in the luxury of a fantasy where they were a loving couple.

She laughed out loud. Even though Max had kissed her like there was no tomorrow, he didn’t seem inclined to move their relationship forward. Maybe it was better this way.

Lowering herself to sit on the scratchy wood platform, she dangled her feet over the water and closed her eyes. Images of weddings and handsome grooms filled her mind, and for once she let them. Yes, her heart still ached a little, but not nearly as much as it had just a few weeks ago.

The minutes stretched out until Lilli lost track of time. For the first times in months she felt rested and ready to take on the world. She opened her eyes, glimpsing the cobalt sky streaked with orange and pink as the sun dropped lower to the horizon.

In the distance she heard the heavy thump of footsteps headed her way, causing her to tuck her sweet dreams away for another time. She’d been fortunate up till now that no one from the festivities had come here to watch the beautiful sunset, allowing her to indulge in wishful thinking. With her solitude over, she stood. A fish jumped and a gull swept by again, startling her.

As she came upright, her foot slipped on the end of the platform and she wavered toward the water. Suddenly a strong arm looped around her waist, yanking her back against a solid body.

“W-what in the world?” she stammered.

“Didn’t want you to end up in the water.” The deep voice in her ear sent shivers up and down her spine.

She twisted around as he loosened his hold. “Max? What’re you doing here?”

He shrugged, not letting her move away from him. Not that she planned on going anywhere.

“I didn’t think you’d be here today,” she said.

“I recall saying maybe.”

“Oh, well, then I guess I need to thank you for saving me. Again.”

He grinned crookedly, and her stomach flipped. What was it about this guy that got to her? A man with a calendar filled with other women’s names. A man who gave cryptic answers about having other plans. A man who kissed her, only to apologize after. How he made her heart race even while he offered her no promises. And why did she like it?

He settled his hands on her hips. “By all means. Don’t let me stop you. You can thank me for my heroic deeds anytime.”

If she didn’t know any better, she’d believe he liked saving her. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

They stood close, staring at each other. Lilli knew she should do something, say something, but all reason flew from her mind as she stared into his smoky eyes.

Max cleared his voice. “I was thinking about heading back and getting something to eat. Care to join me?”

Should she? She had all sorts of tasks to get home to, but not one of them seemed as important as staying here with Max. She’d be crazy to turn him down.

“I could eat something.”

He smiled but didn’t move. His hands flexed on her hips. “Then let me escort you.”

“Hmm. You can look at this as a practice run for your volunteer groom duties. Minus the tuxedo.” She meant to be teasing, but when Max frowned, she realized she’s made a mistake.

“Sorry, Lilli. I cancelled my subscription to GQ. Besides, it’s a fish fry. Who dresses up for that?”

“Look, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Of course you didn’t.” He quirked a brow. “Just like you don’t trust me to pick out a tux?”

“You didn’t sound like you had much experience with tuxedos and I only wanted to help.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve been dressing myself for a long time. I think I could have handled it.”

Covering up her embarrassment, she pointedly looked him up and down, as though she questioned the wisdom of that. “Fine. I won’t help anymore. Pick out your own tux and forget any pointers on being a gentlemanly groom.”

“Hey, I can be as gentlemanly as the next guy. Besides, it’s not about the shopping, it’s about your—”

Lilli silenced him by grabbing a fistful of shirt and pulling him to her for a kiss. It took only seconds for Max to become fully invested, his hands tightening on her hips. She shivered in the warm air as he pressed his firm lips over hers. Running her hands up his chest to his shoulders, she tilted her head for better access, forgetting time and place as she lost herself in the moment. She twined her fingers behind his neck, brushing them through his hair. All that mattered was keeping Max close. So close that he would never forget her or how she affected him. And the heat of his kiss told her he was more than affected.

Max finally broke the moment. “What the...?”

“After you left my apartment so abruptly the other night, I wondered if it was because I didn’t do it for you.” She smirked. “Apparently I do.”

Satisfied by making her point and enjoying his kiss at the same time, she turned from Max, intending to march down the pier, her head held high. Just then, the marauding gull from earlier streaked toward them.

Lilli screeched and jumped out of the way, tugging Max with her. She took a step back and realized she’d stepped into thin air. With her mouth gaping, she teetered over the water before dropping straight into the Gulf.

As soon as she went under, she quickly kicked upward. She broke the surface to catch her breath, but a splash coming from Max’s direction hit her in the face. Salt water filled her mouth and she spit it out, coughing. Within seconds he surfaced beside her as she trod water, still trying to breathe.

“Lilli,” he gasped.

“I’m fine. I can swim,” she called out.

Rivulets of water rolled from his dark hair over his face, his strong arms sweeping through the water as he stayed upright. “Let’s get to the shore.”

They only had to swim a few yards before the water grew shallow. Before long she could touch the bottom, and they were slogging onto the beach.

“What happened?” Max asked as he rubbed water from his face.

“That kamikaze bird startled me again.”

They reached dry sand and fell. Lilli took one look at Max’s disgruntled face and started to giggle. Reluctantly, he joined in, until they both were on their backs, laughing loudly.

Once the merriment subsided, he turned his head to study her. “Sure you’re okay?” he asked.

She nodded.

“I figured I’d have to haul you out of the water.”

She sat up. “Hey, I know how to swim. Those years of lessons paid off.” Hiding a grin, she wrung out the hem of her shirt. “I thought maybe I’d have to save
you
for a change.”

Max also sat, brushing sand from his jeans. “Fat chance.”

She arched a brow at him, brushing her hair off her face. “Oh?”

“Navy, sweetheart.”

That’s right. She’d forgotten.

“Cypress Pointe Country Club swimming instructor,” she said, trying to one-up him.

His eyes narrowed.

“Okay, not the same thing. But I get points for trying.”

In the waning light she could make out the lingering concern in his eyes. “What you do to me—”

He suddenly stopped speaking, his eyes going dark. He leaned toward her—to kiss her again, she hoped—when the sound of voices cut him off.

With a frustrated groan, Max rolled away while Lilli looked over his shoulder. Jewel and Bart approached, arm in arm.

“Oh, this is classic,” Jewel announced.

“Did you push her in?” Bart asked Max with all seriousness.

“It had occurred to me,” Max said as he rose, offering his hand to haul Lilli up.

“Oh, please,” she said, reluctantly taking his hand.

“Let me take you home.”

“Thanks, but I drove here.” She ran her hands over her wet clothing. “I need to get changed.”

Before leaving, Lilli glanced at Max, catching a quick flash of heat in his eyes. Then he nodded, reverting to his even gaze, covering any feeling. But she’d seen it.

Oh, yeah, she affected Max Sanders whether he liked it or not.

* * ** * *

S
HORTLY
AFTER
NOON
, Lilli walked into her apartment following her usual Sunday afternoon grocery shopping. She’d started to put away the groceries when her phone rang. She frowned at the caller ID. The security company.

“Please come to the historical society office. The alarm has been set off.”

Grabbing her purse and tossing her cell phone inside, Lilli rushed to her car, still dressed in a T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops. Concern washed over her. What on earth could have happened? Something to do with the gowns on loan from Renata Ogilvy? Maybe someone had succeeded in breaking the door down.

She parked and exited the car, nearly turning her ankle in her haste. Dragging her purse over her shoulder, Lilli raced to the office. Mrs. Rumpold opened the door, pulling Lilli inside. She took a quick look around, noticing Max checking the back door. Of course he’d beat her here.

“I can’t make them leave,” the older woman stage-whispered.

“What?” Lilli dragged her attention back to Mrs. Rumpold.

“I got a call from the company monitoring the security system telling me that the alarm went off. I hurried over, only to find those two standing outside the wide-open door.”

Lilli turned the other way to find Marisa and Sissy Vandermere in the office. “The door was open?”

“Yes. Sissy has a key, but not the code to the alarm. When the alarm went off they had the good sense to stay outside until I could get here and key in the code.”

“Was anything taken?”

“No. Max arrived when I did and walked through the office. The Vandermeres set off the alarm. No burglars.”

Lilli put a hand over her rapidly beating heart. “Thank goodness it wasn’t anything more serious.”

Mrs. R. patted her own chest. “They just about gave me a coronary.”