Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
I t was nearly six when Luke strolled up Main Street to pick up Kelsey. She was already standing on the sidewalk, waiting. He quickened his pace.
Kelsey smiled at him in greeting, raising her hand in a friendly wave. “Hey, Luke.”
“Hey there, nice night, right?” The day had been uncharacteristically warm, and though it had cooled off, it was still very pleasant. He wore a long-sleeved T-shirt with a flannel button-down thrown over it. It was just right for this temperature, but after looking at Kelsey, he wished he’d taken a little more care with his appearance. Maybe worn his favorite field jacket.
Skinny jeans encased her sexy legs and terminated in dark brown suede ankle boots. She wore an olive-green jacket with a light patterned scarf, and her dark hair hung past her shoulders in long, glossy waves. She was stunning.
He tried not to stare, but it was hard. “You look great.”
“Thanks. You do too. I like that shirt.”
He glanced down at his favorite flannel and still wished he’d worn the jacket instead. “You’re too kind. Most of my wardrobe makes me look like a lumberjack.”
She laughed. “Goes with your perennial stubble.”
He brushed his hand along his jaw, feeling the scratch of hair against his fingertips. “I hope that’s a good thing.”
“It’s certainly not bad.” She said this with a twinkle in her eye, and he had the distinct, wonderful feeling that she was flirting with him. “Ready?”
“Absolutely.”
He pivoted so that she could walk up beside him, and they strolled to the corner. The Oktoberfest was held in the park, which was a mere two blocks away. They paused to look before they crossed the street. The Arch and Vine was on the opposite corner.
“Do you usually have Saturday nights off?” he asked.
“Most of the time. Sometimes I fill in for people, but generally speaking, it’s one of my two days off from the pub. The other being Monday.”
They moved past the pub. “So you don’t have a weekend?”
She shook her head. “Not really. I get Mondays. No pub. No library.”
“Except you said you usually work. Do you ever plan to cut back?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know why I would.”
He glanced up at the almost clear, darkening sky. “Maybe you’ll fall madly in love and want to start a family or something crazy like that.”
She slid him a probing look. “Is that what you want?”
He’d walked right into that one. And he actually didn’t mind. “I don’t know. I can honestly say I really haven’t thought that far ahead. I figure those are things that happen…later.”
She paused as they reached the next corner. “I’d agree with that sentiment. I’m quite content with my life as it is. I’m busy. I love my job. It’s all good.”
Across the street, the park was lit up and lined with booths selling food, beer, and various arts and crafts. The party vibe was loud and joyous.
They crossed to the entry gate, where Luke paid the admission, which was actually a donation to charities benefiting the local area. “Where should we go first?”
They meandered into the central area, where tables were set up in clusters. A band was on stage at the other end of the park. Right now it was playing something that had all the kids up and dancing in a pint-sized mosh pit.
She glanced around. “I don’t know. I guess I could go for a beer?”
“Beer it is.” He reached to touch her lower back but wasn’t sure if he should. Why not? This was a date. He’d told her so, and she hadn’t balked. He let his hand graze the base of her spine as they moved toward the beer garden.
She slid him a quick look but didn’t say anything. Nor did she step away.
At the beer garden, they flashed their IDs and the enforcement officer gave them wristbands, which they had to don immediately.
The beer was usually only from Archer, but last year, they’d invited another brewery to join them. This year, that brewery was back, plus two more. Brewers had clamored for the chance, but Rob Archer had invited small, up-and-coming breweries. He’d always gone out of his way to help others, and this was just another way he was doing that.
It was louder here in the tent, since the sound was contained. He leaned close to her and caught the scent of honeysuckle. “What’s your poison?”
“I think I’d like to try the Brigand.”
That was one of the new invitees. “I’ve heard good things about them,” he said. “Let’s give it a go, shall we?”
They walked to the Brigand counter and ordered their pints. Along with the noise, it was warmer in here than outside. Once they had their beers, he asked if she wanted to go outside. At her nod, they moved through the crowd to the back door, which led into a contained outdoor area with tables. There was, however, nowhere to sit.
“Luke!”
He turned at the sound of his name and recognized Liam Archer standing over near the white picket fence that provided the enclosure. He was the oldest of the Archer sextuplets and ran the Archers’ real estate interests. He was also a bit of a thrill seeker and had taken Luke and his brothers skydiving last summer.
Luke waved at him and leaned close to Kelsey once more. “Do you know Liam Archer?”
“Not well.”
“Come on.” He slipped his hand against her lower back again, this time touching her a little more firmly.
They walked to Liam and his wife, Aubrey, who clutched a glass of water and, frankly, looked a bit pale.
“Hey, Aubrey, everything okay?” Luke asked.
Aubrey offered a wan smile. “Just peachy.”
Liam put his arm around her and pulled her against him. “I think we’re going to have to go. Mama-to-be here is suddenly feeling…well, not great.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.
Luke hadn’t known they were expecting. “Congratulations! Do you know Kelsey McDade?” He kept his hand against her back.
Kelsey nodded at Aubrey. “I think we’ve met.”
Aubrey sipped her water. “Yes. You’re the awesome librarian, and you’re putting together the Ribbon Ridge exhibit that I’ve heard so much about. I’d love to help in some way, if I can. I think my uncle has some photographs and other items he’d loan you. He and my aunt have been on an extended vacation the past several weeks, but they’re due back shortly. I’ll get in touch with you.”
Kelsey grinned. “Thanks, I’d love that.” She looked toward Liam. “How are you?”
“Good, thanks. My mom raves about your library. I need to stop in.”
“You should. We’re open every day but Mondays and Wednesdays.”
Aubrey’s pallor took on a greenish tinge. “Okay, babe, I need to go.”
“Let’s hit it.” Liam slammed the rest of his beer and slid them an apologetic glance. “Sorry we have to bail. But here come Tori and Sean. See you guys.”
Tori was another of the Archer sextuplets, and Sean was her British husband. She was a successful architect, while Sean operated a production company with Alaina Archer.
“Hey, Tori, Sean.” Luke reached out and shook Sean’s hand. He was a cool dude.
Tori smiled at them. “Hi, Kelsey, Luke. What’re you drinking?”
Kelsey winced. “Don’t shoot us, but it’s Brigand.”
Tori leaned forward and looked side to side before whispering, “We’re drinking that too. Shhh. Don’t tell my dad. Or Bex.”
Hayden’s wife, Bex, was the brewmaster at the pub located at the hotel the Archers owned in the hills above Ribbon Ridge. And of course Rob Archer had started Archer Brewing and still handcrafted new recipes that were brewed at their ten-plus brewpubs.
“Wait, is that George?” Sean asked, pivoting toward the tent flap.
George and Ruby moved out of the tent. They were a handsome couple. George was tall and still very athletic, his gun-metal gray hair cropped close to his head in a not-quite-military cut. Ruby was small, almost petite, really, with short white hair styled immaculately so it swept back from her face.
“It is,” Tori said. She turned to look at Kelsey. “And is that your grandmother? I met her at my folks’ house the other morning. I stopped by during a run. She’s a hoot.”
“Yes, that’s Gram,” Kelsey said.
“Are they an item?” Tori asked, her eyes lighting. “That would be so great.”
“I don’t know what they are, but they seem to be having a good time.”
Tori grinned. “That’s all that matters. We all just adore George. There’s nothing we’d like more than to see him find love.” She put her arm around Sean and snuggled close against him.
Suddenly, Luke wanted to find love. Or at least companionship. For the first time, he missed what he’d had with Paige. Not that exactly, but the promise of something…special.
He thought about what he and Kelsey had talked about on the way over, how when he thought of long-term relationships and settling down, he always assumed that would come later. But when was later?
They chatted for a few more minutes, and then he and Kelsey decided to grab some food. They finished their ale before heading out of the beer garden.
On the way out, they ran into Brooke and Cam, who were hand in hand. “Hey, bro!” Cam clapped Luke on the shoulder as Brooke and Kelsey exchanged a brief hug.
“We’re headed for some of Kyle’s killer fondue.” Another of the Archer sextuplets, Kyle was a celebrity chef and ran the restaurant up at The Alex hotel.
Brooke looked over at Cam. “Oh, that sounds so good. Can the beer wait?”
“Whatever my love wants is my fondest desire.” Cam took her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.
“I think I might gag,” Luke said.
Kelsey nudged him in the arm. “Don’t say that. It’s cute.”
“He’s my brother. There’s a law that I have to give him crap. You have a brother, right?”
“Yes, but he’s ten, so it’s not remotely similar. Plus, I don’t think the dynamic between brothers and sisters is quite the same as just brothers.”
“Or just sisters,” Brooke put in. “I have two of those, and I can attest to taunting them as much as these yokels do.” She jabbed her thumb toward Luke and Cam.
They turned and headed toward the fondue booth. A space at a table opened up, so Brooke and Kelsey grabbed spots for them while Luke and Cam went to get the food.
Cam looked over at the ladies with their heads bent together. “You didn’t tell me you were coming with Kelsey tonight.” He speared Luke with an inquisitive stare.
Luke shrugged. “No big deal.”
“Tell that to Mom. If she sees that you’re on a date, she’ll have Kelsey over for dinner faster than you can say chicken potpie.”
Luke looked around. “Is she here?”
Cam stepped forward as the line moved. “Probably. She and Dad usually come on Saturday night.”
“Well, do me a favor and keep your mouth shut.”
“Is it a secret?” Cam asked.
Luke sent him an exasperated stare. “Obviously not, but as you pointed out, Mom will be all over this like ugly on a gorilla.”
“Eh, it’s not that bad. Brooke loves her.”
“Good for Brooke.” Luke didn’t want to scare Kelsey off. Mom could be intense.
It was their turn at the counter, and they ordered fondue, sausage, and pretzels. They had to wait nearly ten minutes for the food and then carted it back to the table.
Kelsey looked up at Luke as he sat down next to her. “So we just got a text from Crystal. She’s in California this weekend, but she set up an appointment with the archaeologist this Wednesday at eleven. Does that work for you guys?” She glanced over at Cam before returning her gaze to Luke.
“Works for me,” Cam said.
Luke broke off a piece of pretzel. “Yep, I can do that. Do you know what the meeting will entail?”
Brooke answered. “Crystal said the archaeologist will do a walk on the property and a cursory search. Apparently, there are things she might be able to see without even digging.”
Cam leaned his arm on the table. “Really? That’s fascinating. I’m really looking forward to this. And I know Jamie is too. Crap, he might be gone that day. I think he’s signed up for some accounting workshop or something.”
“We could probably reschedule,” Kelsey said.
Luke heard a hint of disappointment in her tone. “Nah, we can go ahead. I imagine the archaeologist will need to come back. Jamie will get a chance to nerd out.”
“Hey, archaeology isn’t nerdy,” Brooke said. “Look at Indiana Jones.” She sent a knowing glance at Kelsey, who nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, because all archaeologists look like that and have the opportunity to swashbuckle.”
Kelsey shook her head at Luke. “That’s not a verb. You’re trying to use that as a verb.”
“Why can’t it be? To swashbuckle. I like it.” He grinned at her, and she rolled her eyes.
“The point is,” Brooke said sternly but with a smile, “archaeology isn’t nerdy.”
“I didn’t mean that it was,” Luke said, holding up his hands in mock defense. “I only meant that it’s a subject about which Jamie is interested, or dare I even say excited. Maybe he’ll go back to school and get a fourth—or would it be his fifth?—degree in that field.”
“Hello!” Mom’s singsong greeting made the hair on Luke’s neck stand up. He swiveled his head around to see her quickly approaching the table with Dad. “How wonderful to run into my boys.”
“Hi, Mom,” Cam said.
Brooke jumped up and gave her a quick hug. “Do you want my seat?”
“No, no. We’re on our way out.” Her gaze was fixed on Kelsey.
Luke stood. “Mom, this is my friend Kelsey McDade. Kelsey, this is my mom, Angie. And my dad, Sam.”
Mom shook Kelsey’s hand and then Dad did the same. “Pleased to meet you,” Dad said, “though I feel as though we’ve met before.”
“I work at The Arch and Vine,” Kelsey said.
Dad smiled. “That’s it.”
“Is that right?” Mom asked. “So you’re a waitress?”
“And a librarian,” Luke answered. “She runs the new library in town.”
Mom cocked her head to the side. “I was in there last week, and I don’t think I saw you.”
Kelsey clasped her hands on the edge of the table in front of her. “If you came in on a Thursday or Friday, you probably met Marci. She’s my assistant. I was likely upstairs working on the Ribbon Ridge exhibit.”
Mom laughed the kind of laugh that came from anxiety or discomfort. “Oh yes, of course. How silly of me. Brooke’s told me all about that. I didn’t realize you were one of the women she mentioned was working with her.” She waved her hand. “My bad. It’s lovely to meet you finally. And you’re here with Luke?” Mom smiled expectantly as she glanced from Kelsey to Luke and back to Kelsey again.
“Uh, yes.” Kelsey flicked a look toward him. It wasn’t panic. No, nothing so dramatic, but there was a shadow of apprehension there.
Time to come to the rescue. “So you and Dad are headed home? Any booths we need to see?”
“Oh yes, make sure you head toward the play structure,” Mom said. “There’s a young man over there displaying his art, and it’s just fantastic.”
Luke sat back down, hoping they’d go on their way. He sent Dad a pleading look. “Thanks for the tip. We’ll check it out.”
Dad brushed his hand along Mom’s back. “Come on, dear. I’m beat after trimming the shrubs today.” He clapped Cam on the shoulder, since he was closer. “See you boys later. Good night, Brooke—and Kelsey.” He smiled warmly as he escorted Mom away.
“So who wants to go see art?” Brooke had sat back down but now got up again.
“Me,” Cam said, picking up their trash. He looked across the table at Luke and Kelsey. “You coming?”
Luke turned toward his date, and she nodded as she said, “Sure.”
After disposing of their trash, they made their way to the arts and crafts on display and for sale. The watercolorist was quite good. He’d done a rendering of a vineyard, which Luke couldn’t seem to tear his eyes from.
Kelsey came to stand beside him. “You like that a lot.” She was close enough that he could smell her intoxicating honeysuckle scent.
“I do.”
“It’s gorgeous.”
He turned and whispered, “Not as pretty as you.”
“Now you’re just being corny.”
“Nope. I’m being honest.” He took her hand and squeezed it before turning to continue to the next booth.
When she didn’t withdraw her hand, his pulse quickened. The next booth was handmade jewelry—earrings and bracelets, mostly.
Kelsey picked up a silver bracelet from the display. A book charm dangled from the clasp. “Cute,” she murmured.
“You like that?”
She nodded. “I’m a sucker for silver. And books.” She smiled at the vendor as she set it back down.
They caught up with Brooke and Cam and had a good time touring the booths until Cam realized they’d never gone to the beer garden. Kelsey didn’t really want to go back, and Luke didn’t either. Instead, they made their way to the music area where the headlining act had just taken the stage. They were playing something in between a fast and slow song, and Luke asked Kelsey to dance.
“Seriously? I don’t remember the last time I danced.”
“Me neither.” He shrugged, smiling at her. “Sounds fun, though, right? And this is a good song.”
“I can’t argue with you there, but don’t laugh at me, okay?”
“Only if you promise not to laugh at me.”
He led her to the dance floor, which was basically an open area of grass currently populated by maybe a dozen people. They did their best to dance and twirl to the song, laughing as they collided more than once as they each tried to figure out what to do.
The song ended, and, still giggling, they traipsed back toward the periphery.
She looked up at him. “I’ve had a great time, but I’ve got a double shift tomorrow with the library and the pub.”
“But Cinderella, it’s nowhere near midnight.”
She pointed her toe. “And I’m not wearing glass slippers. Sorry to burst your fantasy.”
Yes, she was a fantasy, he realized. A living, breathing dream of what he wanted right now.
“Come on, I’ll walk you home.” He twined his fingers through hers, and they made their way out of the park.
She cast a sidelong glance his way. “You live near here, right?”
“Go a block west and then up three more blocks. Tiny rental. Okay, maybe not tiny, and it’s about to get bigger. Did I tell you that Jamie’s moving out?”
She looked at him askance as they crossed the street. “No, you didn’t. Is that a good thing?”
“Yes. I prefer to live alone.”
She mock-gasped and widened her eyes. “Me too.”
He grinned at her, enjoying her company so much. “Shocker.”
She laughed softly, the sound cascading over him like a cozy blanket. “Where’s he moving to?”
“Brooke’s old loft. He just managed to snag it right after she gave notice.”
“Damn.”
Luke stopped on the sidewalk. “What’s wrong?”
“She told me that she was moving and asked if I was interested in taking her loft. Stupidly, I said no.”
She was the person Cam had mentioned. That sucked. She looked so disappointed.
Maybe he could ask Jamie not to take it. Which, of course, meant that Luke would still have a roommate.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t you dare talk to Jamie. It’s his fair and square. Anyway, my initial response was to pass, and sometimes your gut just knows what to do. I’m going to trust that.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded vigorously. “Absolutely. Jamie deserves it—and you deserve to have your own place. I can see how much it means to you.”
She was quite simply the best woman he’d ever met. “Can I kiss you?”
She stared at him, her lips parting slightly. He heard the small but distinctive intake of her breath.
He leaned forward.
She jerked away but didn’t let go of his hand. “Ask me again when we get to my place. Sorry, I need to…process.”
He forced himself to take a deep breath. His pulse was working overtime, and points south of his waistband were getting ahead of themselves.
“So your parents seem nice.”
Now he knew she was the best woman. His mother ought to have scared her off. “My mom didn’t make you cringe with the waitress comment? You have a freaking master’s degree, for crying out loud.”
She laughed. “I’m used to that. You should see how some customers treat waitstaff. It’s disgusting.”
He hated that she had to put up with that. They turned the corner and headed back toward The Arch and Vine. “But she’s my mother.”
“And I’m sure she’s lovely. I told you a bit about my mother, right? She would’ve asked how many dates we’d gone on and whether we planned to go out again. And our answers would’ve just spurred more questions. It’s always an interrogation with her.”
“Yikes, sorry.”
They crossed the street again, and he was torn between walking faster to see if he’d get to kiss her and slowing to a crawl because he didn’t want the evening to end. Although, if he kissed her and things progressed…maybe the evening wouldn’t end at all.
Whoa there, pal. Settle.
They got to her door, and she turned toward him. “And here we are.” She looked up at him, and her eyes were pale and gorgeous in the lamplight.
“About that kiss…”
She slid her hands up his shirtfront and clasped the sides of his jaw. Coming up on her toes, she pressed her lips against his. Her touch raced through him like electricity—hot and blinding. He grasped her waist and pulled her close until her hips grazed his.
She pulled her lips from his but didn’t retreat. Her eyes opened, and the vulnerability in their depths stole his breath. “I haven’t done that in years. I don’t…” She shook her head.
He lifted his hands and cupped her face. “Thank you.” He kissed her again, softly moving his mouth over hers, wanting more but afraid to take anything she didn’t want to offer.
Her hands slipped down his neck and clutched at his collar. She pulled him closer and twined her hands around his nape. Then she angled her head and opened her mouth. That was the invitation he’d been waiting for. The fantasy he’d been dreaming of.
He thrust his fingers into the sleek softness of her hair as her tongue danced against his. Sensations exploded—her scent filling his nostrils, the sound of his heartbeat thundering in his ears, the spark of heat igniting inside him, the feel of her body pressed along his.
He kissed her like he hadn’t been kissed in years. And he hadn’t—not like this. It was like unwrapping a present he hadn’t asked for. A gift he hadn’t known he wanted, and yet suddenly didn’t think he could live without.
She arched against him. Desire pulsed through his veins, heightening his arousal. He wanted to ask if he could take her upstairs when someone wolf-whistled from across the street.
She pulled away, bringing her hand to her mouth as she presented her back to the street. Her cheeks were flushed, her gaze fixed on her door.
“Can I walk you up?” His voice was deeper than normal. More primal.
“No.” She swallowed as she turned to face him, her eyes glazed and maybe a bit…wild. “I had a great time tonight. Truly. I…I like kissing you. I’m attracted to you. But—” She turned back toward the building and inhaled slowly before exhaling just as slowly. She did this two more times, as if it were some sort of breathing exercise.
Then she pivoted back again, looking slightly calmer—more serene—than she had a moment before. “I don’t think I can do this. I’m not ready.”
“Do what?” He wanted to be clear. “I have all the patience in the world.”
She shook her head. “It’s more than… that . It’s everything. I’m not ready for a relationship.”
“Then we’ll be friends for now. Or forever. If that’s what you want. I’m here to stay, Kelsey.”
“What if I don’t want you to?” The question was low and stark, and it sliced into him like the sharpest, most well-aimed knife.
He sensed she needed a very specific answer to that. An answer that would give her the freedom she needed. That she deserved. He could only imagine the hell she’d gone through, and damn it, he wanted to understand. But now wasn’t the time to ask for that—and it might never come. “Then I’ll go.”
She stared at him another moment, blinking, before turning to unlock the door and fleeing upstairs. He stood there and stared at the closed door.
And then he did what he said he’d do—he left.