Chapter 9 #2
“I’ve called a couple of places nearby and they’ll get back to me within an hour. I should have a couple for the auction night.”
Chelsey’s shoulders relaxed a little at the news. She started pacing and twisting her watch. He didn’t recognize the watch or the nervous habit. When had she started it? What had started it?
Chelsey kept pacing until she realized Rich hadn’t moved. “Was there something else? Please tell me it’s good news.”
“I don’t know if you knew I did a tour in Afghanistan?
” Rich didn’t wait for her reply. “I know from first-hand experience what it’s like to come home and try to live a ‘normal’ life.
Some of us are lucky to be able to work and keep a job while some have a hard time getting off the streets.
What vets need is a hand up instead of a handout. And a little respect.”
Rich ducked his head. “Ms. Hooper, I just want to tell you that what you’re doing with this here auction is a wonderful thing.”
Chelsey put a hand on Rich’s arm. “I had no idea.”
Neither did Taylor. He’d always seen Rich as the “handyman” around Juniper.
If you needed something fixed, you called for Rich Tanner.
He was a hard worker, got the job done and didn’t complain.
To find out he was also a veteran for his country put Rich in a totally different light for Taylor.
He’d respected Rich before, but now there was more to Rich than Taylor could’ve imagined.
Chelsey blinked several times then cleared her throat before she spoke. “Then this auction is in your honor.” Chelsey moved as if to hug Rich.
“Hey, now.” Rich’s face grew red. He held up his hands and backed away from Chelsey. “I have a very jealous wife.”
Taylor chuckled. “You don’t have a wife.”
“I know that, but when I do finally snag one, she’s going to be the jealous type. Now I gotta see a man about a crapper.”
The handyman veteran hurried to the parking lot, then leaned against his old truck as he took a phone call.
“That man sure likes that crappy word, doesn’t he?” Taylor said as a way to lighten the mood.
“I had no idea about his history.” Chelsey shook her head. “Some woman is going to be lucky to ‘snag’ him.” Chelsey’s lip twitched as if she were trying not to smile. “My mom washed my mouth out with soap the first time I said ‘crapper.’”
Taylor lost all train of thought when Chelsey glanced at him with wide, light hazel eyes.
He involuntarily took a step closer to her.
Her gaze widened as the electricity between them skittered across Taylor’s skin.
He smiled as red creeped up Chelsey’s neck.
She stared at him for a long moment, a question written on her face.
“How are things going here, Chelsey?”
A tall, broad-shouldered man came over and stood by them. The last time Taylor saw Dan Walker he had a lot less gray hair. Dan was a nice guy and all, but Taylor wished he hadn’t showed up just then. Taylor was pretty sure Chelsey had wanted to kiss him.
Chelsey cleared her throat. “Did you get a chance to visit Corbin?”
Chelsey trying not to look at him was as distracting to Taylor as their almost kiss. Electricity sparked between them still and by the pink in Chelsey’s cheeks, she felt it too.
He waved a hand in the air. “As soon as his mother left, I looked in on him. And he’s fine.” He glanced at Chelsey. “I looked in on Wendy, too.”
“How is she?” Chelsey grabbed his arm.
“I visited her right before I came over.” Dan chuckled. “She insisted that I tell you ‘You got this, girl.”
“That’s sweet.”
Dan turned to Taylor. “Were you able to use the information I gave you?”
“Yes. I put it in my report.”
“Glad I could help.” Dan turned to Chelsey. “Any more leads on another bachelor?”
Chelsey leaned forward a little and he caught a hint of coconut and sandalwood.
Please don’t ask, please don’t ask.
“I think we’re fine with our numbers. We have a couple more baskets than bachelors that I think we’ll auction off at the end, right after Mason McCormick, who will be sure to bring in a huge bid.”
Dan clapped his hands together. “I’ve ordered lunch for the staff today and then I’m closing the office to send everyone over to help you, since we’re down one without Wendy. I’ll make sure Heather brings you and Taylor some food as well.”
“That sounds great, thank you.” Chelsey gave Dan a quick hug.
“I’ve known you for a long time and I know you probably haven’t eaten today.”
Chelsey folded her arms. “I had—”
“A granola bar?” Taylor and Dan said at the same time. They nudged each other and chuckled like they were high school buddies.
“Seriously? We have work to do out here and you’re elbow bumping?” She rolled her eyes.
Dan snapped his fingers. “I had some floral arrangements made in your mother’s name that I’d like you to use tonight, if that’s okay with you. A pot of bright daisies…”
She opened and closed her mouth before she nodded then threw her arms around him again. “That’s more than okay.” Her eyes watered. “You’ve always been thoughtful. Thank you for remembering my mom, especially this time of year.”
Dan stepped back. “This is too mushy for this time of day. I’ve gotta go.”
Taylor and Chelsey watched him walk away. Right before he turned the corner, he winked at them. “Sorry for interrupting the kiss.”
Taylor covered his mouth as he choked out a laugh. Chelsey’s face was as red as a ripe strawberry.
She rubbed the back of her neck. “I’m going to count baskets.” She turned away.
Wait for it.
Chelsey glanced over her shoulder with a shy smile.
Yes. Chelsey still liked him. Taylor rocked back on his heels as his heart sped up. What was he supposed to do now? He didn’t want to scare her off by going after her. He didn’t want to be separated from her either.
“What are you waiting for man? Go after her.”
Taylor startled at the nearness of Rich’s voice.
Rich grinned at him. “Did I sound like John Wayne?”
“Who?” Taylor thought it might take a miracle to have a nonchalant conversation with Rich after the way Chelsey smiled at him and their “almost kiss.”
Rich shook his head. “All the good movies are wasted on the youth.”
Taylor smiled. “My dad cries every time he watches The Cowboys.”
“Sounds like a good man.” Rich paused. “I have another John Wayne quote. ‘Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.”
“I’m not sure—”
“You’re still in love with Chelsey Hooper and afraid of that emotion.” Rich clapped a hand on Taylor’s shoulder. “It’s time to get back in the saddle and I’m here to help.”
“I don’t like that mischievous look, Rich.” Taylor took a couple of steps away from his former high school boss.
Rich put a long arm over Taylor’s shoulders and lowered his voice. “I know the perfect place for a stolen kiss.” He jerked his hitchhiker thumb in the general direction of the gazebo.
Taylor’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of kissing Chelsey. It didn’t feel right to steal one from her, though. The thought swirled in his head as Rich gradually tightened his hold on Taylor’s shoulders.
The thought of kissing Chelsey’s soft lips made his palms sweat, just like the first time he wanted to kiss her at the roller rink.
That building held a lot of memories for him and it was hard to think about tearing it down.
It would take a lot of funds to bring it up to code and make it a place people would want to rent for social events.
He hoped to hear before he flew out from Dad on what the city council decided to do with the place.