Chapter 18
18
S ydney eyed the collection of boxes in the corner of the living room. “Are you planning on running away from home?”
Petra waved a hand. “Supplies for the art studio started to arrive, and since I haven’t been allowed to go into the building for the past week, the stash has been piled here instead of being put away where they belong.”
“Good thing your party is tonight, then.” Sydney leaned back in her chair, extending her fingers toward the lit fireplace. “Are you ready to celebrate?”
“I suppose.” It wasn’t that Petra didn’t want to enjoy the festivities. She completely agreed that a test run for the artist studio was a good idea.
The problem was that strange aching sensation still lingered. “Maybe I need you to prescribe something to adjust my perkiness.”
“Well, if you’re having troubles in the bedroom?—”
“That is not it at all,” Petra assured her quickly.
Sydney nodded sagely. “Ah, so you broke another bed? Or you haven’t broken another bed?”
“You’re terrible.” No, the sex was just fine. Aiden was just fine. Heck, things at High Water were better than fine.
Yet something still felt so terribly off.
Petra shook her head, focusing on other things. “Did I tell you that Jinx and I had a nice long talk? Turns out she signed up on the sly for the flute lessons. She’s been practicing in the barn so that none of us would know. She figured it was going to be a Christmas present until Sasha convinced her to jump the gun and play last week.” The sense of pride Petra felt was out of place but undeniable. “She’s good.”
“Spoken like a true mama bear,” Sydney said softly. “I’m glad she’s doing well. I think she’s doing better than well. When I saw her earlier today, she looked a match for any teenager, arm in arm with Sasha Stone. Brilliant matchup right there, have to tell you.”
Petra was still wrapping her brain around the mama bear comment.
Something of what she was feeling must’ve shown on her face because Sydney leaned over and grabbed her fingers. “You need to never play poker. And also, as your friend—and we are good friends—I feel as if the time has come to ask if you know what you’re doing.”
Petra paused for a second. “Regarding what?”
Her friend shrugged. “I’ll continue to support you one hundred percent, but when you told us about coming to live at High Water, it began from a place of desperation and the immediate need to get Jinx out of trouble. It’s now over two months later. We’re no longer in panic mode. Maybe it’s time to reconsider the lies.”
“Jinx is nowhere near ready for me to not be here—” Petra began before Sydney lifted a hand to stop her.
“Of course not. I’m not suggesting that at all.” Her serious expression softened. “It’s not you being here, helping at High Water and supporting Jinx that needs to be fixed. It’s the part about pretending to be engaged to Aiden.”
Shit .
Petra stared at Sydney for the longest time before her friend patted her fingers and then stood. “And that’s the end of this house call. I’ve got a couple things I need to do before returning. I’ll be back in time to join the party.”
She gave Petra a hug then vanished before Petra’s brain had caught up enough to even say goodbye.
A second later, the door opened again. This time Tansy rushed in, Jake hard on her heels.
“Hey, Petra,” Tansy said happily. “Have a nice visit with Sydney?”
Nice? If two-by-fours to the head and heart could be considered nice, she supposed it was.
“Sure.” Petra opened her mouth to ask a question, but Jake interrupted.
“Sorry, Petra. Tansy, will you stop running away.”
“Running was required because there’s nothing more to talk about, but you continued to flap your gums. I figured escape was easier than breaking my hand trying to stop the babble of noise.” She kept walking, headed to the kitchen. “Because if there’s anything worse than being told someone doesn’t think you know what you’re doing, it’s having somebody tell you that over and over and over again.”
“I never said you don’t know what you’re doing,” Jake snapped. “Only that we’re supposed to do this together, and your approach makes no sense whatsoever.”
Tansy leaned against the island, smiling at Petra even as she raised her hands in frustration. “I make no sense. That’s what the man just said.”
All other thoughts pushed aside, Petra ping-ponged her gaze between two of them. “What are you up to? Not that I want to organize my own party, but Tansy, I thought you were prepping things for tonight. Why are you here in the house?”
“Because he was in the kitchen in the studio.” Tansy batted her lashes at Jake. “And he seems to know what needs to be done, so I’m letting him do it.”
“I wasn’t trying to tell you what to do,” Jake insisted. He hesitated. “Well, maybe a little.” He turned toward Petra for support. “I was trying to figure out when we need to start cooking the chicken wings, but Tansy seems to think that ‘when they need to start’ is a sufficient answer.
“Relax, Jakey. Got it under control,” Tansy sing-songed.
“Is there something wrong with you writing down the times that we need to start? It seems that’s what a reasonable person would do,” Jake complained.
“Great, so now I’m unreasonable.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Tansy turned on him, fists planted on her hips as she glared daggers. “I did that once, on my final exam for level II chef training. Never again am I inflicting that level of minutia on my brain.”
Petra couldn’t help it. She snickered loud enough it caught both of their attention. She swallowed hard trying to hide her amusement. But really, poor Jake. “Tansy, I love you dearly. Would you please go up to the kitchen and make sure all of the things for my birthday party are ready on time?”
“I love you too, and I’ll absolutely do that.” Tansy blew her a kiss then marched past Jake, close enough to knock him with her shoulder.
He swayed on the spot but was smart enough not to say anything.
Petra waited until Tansy left the room before coming over and squeezing Jake’s shoulders. “You are a very organized man. I can totally understand how Tansy’s seemingly scattered approach would be hard on you. But that same approach has produced all the food for a highly successful café, and also many special events around Heart Falls over the years. And, I might add, it seems to have put meals on this table at least seventy-five percent of the time when you were supposed to be our cook.”
He opened his mouth then firmly closed it. “You’re right.”
That admission was only half of the battle. “If you’re supposed to be working together in the kitchen, probably the easiest way to do that without you getting an ulcer is for you to ask her what you should help with.”
“It’s really hard not knowing what’s coming next,” Jake muttered softly.
“It is, but you’re a big boy. I think you can handle it.”
He snorted before wrapping her up in a hug. He patted her on the back the way he would’ve one of his brothers. “You’re a good one, Petra. Thanks for the advice.”
“Any time. Now,” she shoved him toward the door, “would you please get out there? Because I want this to be an awesome birthday party. I’m sure Tansy’s got some carrots for you to peel or something.”
Jake muttered under his breath slightly, but he obediently headed for the door. The door clicked shut before Petra breathed her own sigh of relief.
Sydney’s words of wisdom were still churning in Petra’s gut. Being here at High Water was supposed to only be a temporary thing, but clearly, that kind of thinking couldn’t continue.
Which meant starting back at square one.
What did she truly want?
She had moved all the way here to Alberta, away from what had been her hometown, to start a new life. What she’d found were people she cared about and a young woman who was blooming because of being in a safe environment. Petra had gotten to spend time with her brother and sister-in-law, and she’d gotten to know the Skye brothers better.
But mostly, the part her brain kept turning to again and again was Aiden. Her temporary distraction, her lover who had rapidly grown into a trusted friend.
Maybe Sydney was right. Maybe something at the very core of what they were doing needed to change.
Did she want this to still be pretend? And how on earth did she change it if that’s not what she wanted?
It didn’t seem like the thing you up and told a guy. Hey, you know this pretending to be engaged thing that we’re doing? I think we should actually consider getting married down the road.
Aiden would either think she was feverish or he’d be looking for the nearest exit, stat.
Frustration washed in, again, and Petra once again fell back on distraction to avoid thinking too hard. She hopped on her computer and got to work, the numbers dancing before her mixing with snippets of conversation. Moments repeated over and over, especially the ones where she and Aiden had shared tidbits from their lives. Things that had made them happy. Things that had made them think.
What was it they’d said way back then? That first day when she’d convinced him it was okay for them to be lovers?—
She racked her brain, and slowly it came back. They’d said they would do this—the friends with benefits—until it wasn’t working for one of them.
Well, just being friends wasn’t working anymore. If Petra wanted them to stop the casual sex because she wanted it to be more than casual—that was within the letter of the law.
Wasn’t it?
She was staring motionless at her computer screen when strong fingers landed on her shoulders, massaging lightly. Aiden bent and kissed the side of her neck.
“You’re obviously jumping at the bit to put your party hat on,” he teased. “Come on, it’s time for the birthday girl to get ready.”
She rose, kissing his cheek as she slipped past him, the start of a plan falling into place. Not now, and not until everyone had gone home, but Sydney was right. It was past time to talk about dropping the pretending.
Petra slipped on a new blue blouse and pulled herself together, then stared into the mirror and straightened her shoulders. “I think it’s going to be a good evening.”
Even as she crossed her fingers and hoped she wasn’t about to turn her birthday party into a non-celebration of epic proportions.
The party was a raging success.
An extended group of ladies that Aiden had been informed were a large portion of the local Heart Falls girls’-night-out posse had shown up, and every one of them had brought their significant others. Zach and Julia were there, along with Sasha Stone’s parents, and Chance Gabrielle and Rose Fields, and too many others to keep track of easily.
It meant a good-sized party was happening with music and impromptu dancing.
The food, plentiful and delicious, had shown up like magic right when the last of the guests arrived. For some reason, Jake’s scowl deepened with every compliment, and it only got worse when Tansy had tied an apron on him boasting an image of a frazzled cat and the words It’s fine. It’s all fine.
In one corner of the room, Sasha and Jinx were playing board games with a group of other teens. Sasha had been invited to stay for a sleepover afterward, and the mere idea that Jinx felt comfortable enough to invite a friend over made everything in Aiden’s heart soften.
But Aiden’s gaze most often went to Petra as she wandered the room, accepting birthday wishes and hugs. She had a glow tonight, the delicate bright blue shirt making her pale eyes shine.
Aiden couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
“I don’t know why you’re not over there standing next to Petra,” Declan complained between sips from his long neck beer. “Even when you’re talking to us, your mind is obviously somewhere else.”
“I need a little dose of you guys,” Aiden offered cheerfully. “It is her party. She needs to do the butterfly thing and give everybody a chance to enjoy her company.”
“She is pretty amazing,” Jake agreed, finally undoing the knot on the apron and pulling it off over his head. “And well liked. The turnout is great. People seem to be enjoying themselves, and the space is perfect for this kind of event. We should consider renting it for parties when we don’t have artists in residence.”
Declan began suggesting possible other parties they could arrange in the future, and as his brothers chatted back and forth, Aiden listened without hearing and went back to staring at Petra.
The outside door opened, and a rush of cold air swept in, swirling around the room. An older couple pushed through the door with wide smiles on faces that seemed eerily familiar. The woman especially looked recognizable, and all it took was a single glance between her and Petra to make the connection.
Holy shit. Petra’s parents had just walked into the room.
Zach and Julia noticed before Petra did. Both of their expressions went from happiness before, as if following a cue card, flashing to panic. Their heads snapped on a swivel to Petra then across the room to Aiden.
Oh shit. Shit, shit, shit .
Aiden had to get to Petra’s side to warn her. “Sorry guys, gotta run.”
Jake didn’t move out of the way, peering over his shoulder and making a fantastic roadblock. “What’s got your— Oh. Who are they?”
“Petra’s parents,” Aiden muttered hurriedly before pushing past them.
The softly said fucking hell behind him was amusing and appreciated all the same.
Zach veered off and met Aiden in the middle of the room while Julia headed straight to intercept her in-laws as a greeting committee. A second later, she was enveloped in hugs and happy exclamations.
Zach tugged Aiden to the side of the room. “The congratulations about the baby will keep them distracted for a minute, but Christ, man. What are you going to do?”
“Get to Petra then make it up as we go along,” Aiden said. “Who’s the bigger worry? Your mom or dad?”
Zach paced at his side as they made their way across the room to where Petra stood with her back still to the door, unaware of the drama that was about to hit. “They’re both equally dangerous. If it helps, both Julia and I are here for you guys.”
“Thanks. That means a lot.”
Zach veered away to greet his parents, and Aiden didn’t bother with the niceties, just smiled at the ladies Petra was talking to as he slipped his arm around her waist. “Sorry for interrupting, but I need to steal Petra away.”
He got a bevy of amused grins in return even as he backed Petra up and leaned his lips to her ear. “Don’t panic, but your parents just showed up.”
She cursed softly. “Are you kidding me?”
“They’re here, currently talking to Julia and Zach, but how do you want to do this? Do you want me to take off so you don’t have to deal with introducing me?”
“Of course, they have to show up right now.” She closed her eyes, her face contorting in a mass of frustration and confusion. “No, you’re not taking off. They’re reasonable people, and if I tell them that we should speak privately, they won’t make a fuss.” She squared her shoulders then glanced behind her. “But maybe we should try to be closer to the door than in the middle of the room to keep potential damage to a minimum.”
“After you.”
He kept his hands to himself, thinking that would make it easier if she decided at the last moment not to mention the fiancé thing. Although it was a roll of the dice that no one else would mention it.
Someone else dropping the bomb would probably be worse, especially springing it on them out of the blue.
So he was shocked when Petra linked her fingers in his and gripped tightly, pulling him to a stop in front of her parents. “Mom. Dad. What are you doing here?”
“You might no longer be living under our roof, but you’re still our little girl. Happy birthday, Petra.” Her mom threw her arms open, and Petra slipped in, accepting a massive hug.
Aiden smiled, his expression tightening slightly as he noticed Petra’s dad was eyeing him oddly. But the man returned his focus to his daughter an instant later, offering her a massive hug as well. “Plus, you know it was a good excuse to come visit. We needed to celebrate the coming baby and see your brother and Julia.”
Suddenly, their attention turned. “And who is this young man?” Petra’s mom asked brightly.
Aiden was far too aware that there were locals watching with some confusion.
Petra laughed, a bright sound full of reassuring humour. “You’re such a kidder, Mom. Hey, Aiden and I wanted to talk to you. How about we?—”
A nearly deafening high-pitched clatter echoed through the room, followed by rapid clapping.
Tansy and Sydney stepped forward. Tansy held a vibrating dinner bell in the air as she glanced around the room. “Okay, everybody out of the pool. Grab your coats and head down to the fire pit. We have a surprise in a few minutes, accompanied by the best s’mores you have eaten in your entire life.”
“Adult beverages will be served,” Sydney added. “Nonadult ones as well, and don’t think I’m not watching you, Sasha Stone.”
Sasha stuck out her tongue, but she joined the others as the crowd grabbed coats and headed outside.
At first Aiden thought they’d managed to dodge a bullet when Chance Gabrielle paused to offer the older couple a warm greeting. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Petra and her fiancé have been the most delightful addition to Heart Falls.”
If Aiden could’ve dropped through a hole in the floor at that moment he totally would’ve.
Recovering quickly, Petra’s dad smiled tightly. “That’s wonderful to know.”
“Come on, Chance, Tansy is waving at us.” Rose dipped her head politely at the Sorensons even as she pulled her fiancé out the door.
Petra shuffled her parents to the side, waiting until the room had cleared to continue. She took a deep breath and made introductions.
“Aiden, these are my parents. Pamela and Zachary Sorenson. Mom and Dad,” Petra stepped closer and slid her arm around Aiden’s waist, firmly fixing him to her side. “This is Aiden Skye. Co-owner of High Water ranch with his brothers.”
“I’m going to hold off on the nice to know you part.” Zachary shook his head as he focused on his daughter. “Petra, what’s going on?”
“Yes, that’s what I’d like to know as well.” Pamela eyed them with something close to horror. “You’re engaged?”
Aiden opened his mouth to answer but Petra beat him to it. “We’re dating. But there’s a small complication that, because of confidentiality reasons, I can’t share?—”
“They’re your parents. You can share,” Aiden offered softly.
“Why does this feel like when Zach announced that he’d accidentally gotten drunk and married in Vegas?” Pamela asked. “And that he’d been pretending he and Julia were together. But they really were together…”
“It’s not like that,” Petra assured them.
“The complicated parts of this aside, I’m still concerned. You’re already seriously dating someone?” Zachary asked. “Sweetheart, it’s only been a short time. Is this some sort of rebound? Because I know that young man back home did a number on you?—”
“What?” Petra demanded. She took a step back, anxiety so clear in the tension in her body that Aiden wanted to scoop her into his arms and protect her. She turned to her parents. “You knew about Curtis?”
“We knew you were seeing someone, but when you suddenly decided you didn’t want to live in town anymore, we figured out things had gone sideways.” Her mother spoke softly, sympathy in her voice. “It’s not a failing for a relationship not to last. Not everyone is meant to be together. That’s why you date.”
“But that doesn’t mean you should jump into another relationship immediately.” Zachary eyed Aiden. “I hope you’ve been treating my daughter with the respect she deserves.”
What a nightmare of a tangle. “Of course, sir. But at the same time, this is becoming the kind of conversation where I need to politely tell you to butt out. Petra is a grown woman, and she knows her own mind. She’s not in any danger, and I would do anything to keep her safe and secure. So other than that, I don't want to be rude, but?—”
“Don’t stick my nose in your business?” Zachary demanded.
“Zachary, Aiden is right. Although, this is not about us telling Petra what she can or cannot do with her life.” Pamela eyed Petra with a sincere love. “It’s just that it’s so fast . That’s the part that worries me.”
“Holy shit.” Petra turned to Aiden, her expression turning from concern to one of excitement and discovery. As if she had just solved some sort of huge puzzle. “That’s it . That’s what’s been bugging me.”
“Excuse me?” Now Aiden felt as if he wasn’t part of this conversation.
She grabbed him by the hand and tugged him toward the door. “Excuse me, Mom, Dad. Go enjoy the surprise and visit with Zach and Julia, and we’ll catch up later. I’m glad you’re here, and everything’s going to be fine, but right now, Aiden and I need to talk.”
A minute later, he had been pulled out the door into the wintry cold, dark night. Aiden went willingly, and they ended up in his rooms on the ground floor. The ones that he hadn’t been doing a whole lot of work on lately because he was enjoying living in the house with Petra.
“So, that went well,” he started.
She turned on him. “I figured it out. I know what’s been bothering me this entire time.”
Entire time? “I think you’re three steps ahead of me in this conversation,” Aiden warned.
“This whole fiancée thing just came up out of the blue, right? I mean, Declan threw it at us that first day when Danielle was there. Hey, here she is, Aiden’s fiancée, Petra . And at that point we’d had, what, three hours in each other’s company this go round? But we had to roll with it. Which has been a thing, but here’s what gets me. I kept looking at the calendar as the days flew past. It was Oh, we’re engaged , and then Oh, it’s one day until Jinx arrives , don’t screw this up , and then it had been a week she was there, and a month, and now it’s over two months.” The longer she spoke, the louder and more intense she got. “It seems as if we keep doing the next thing and never stop to realize what’s really going on.”
“What is going on?” Aiden asked loudly but with complete sincerity because he was so lost.
“Not what we should be doing.” She took a deep breath and bounced a couple of paces away, looking around the room as if waiting for a cue. She spun to face him, shaking her hands in the air for emphasis as she spoke loud and clear. “Spending time pretending that we’re together is the last thing I want.”
Aiden froze. His stomach fell all the way down to his toes. He had not seen that one coming. “Really.”
She took a deep breath then nodded firmly.
“Then I’ll get out of your way. I’ll do it right now.” Seconds later, the door slammed shut behind him as fury whipped through his veins.
He veered away from where the partiers were gathered by the fire pit and stomped his way back to the main house. The snow along the western path was tracked up and dirty with mud from the gravel drive. A perfect match to his suddenly foul mood.
This was not what he’d been hoping for at all. But damn if he was going to make the woman put up with his sorry ass when?—
He was only feet away from the porch when something smacked into the back of his head, knocking him forward and covering him with a fine dusting of ice and cold.
He twisted on the spot, cursing whoever had the gall to hit him with a freaking snowball right now. Then he spotted Petra bearing down on him like a freight train.