CHAPTER FIFTEEN
WHITNEY
When Nick called to say he’d spoken to JoEllen, Whitney said, “Why don’t you stop by after work to tell me about it, and I’ll treat you to a homemade meal? You’ve been so nice, it’s the least I can do.”
“Sounds good. Thanks, I will. See you then.”
After the call ended, Whitney was at a loss. She knew a lot about fixing small healthy meals for herself, but she needed a suggestion for a “guy” meal for Nick. In the end, she decided to stick to one of her favorites—a shrimp pasta dish that was easy to make. She got in her car and went to the market for shrimp. The lemon, butter, and caper sauce would be easy and refreshing on a summer day. That, French bread, and fruit and cheese for an appetizer would do nicely. She’d even splurge and choose a nice Chandler Hill rosé to accompany the meal.
While she was picking up what she needed, Pam Sawyer, the mother of Elissa who played the mouse in the play, saw her and walked over. “I want to tell you how thrilled Elissa is to be part of the play.”
“She’s not just part of the play, she’s the star.” Whitney grinned. “She’s adorable and so bright. And she loves to act.”
Pam laughed. “She’s a ham all right. Feel free to tell her to calm down, if necessary. She can get carried away.”
“No worries. She’s perfect for the part. I understand you and your husband are teachers in the Lilac Lake school district. I’m concerned about Jamie Thompkins. He’s working on the sets for the play and is doing a great job. His father, though, is against him doing any activity that doesn’t involve sports.”
“I’m familiar with the situation. I’ve found it best to be nonconfrontational with any parents like that. As long as no harm is done.”
Whitney gripped the lemon in her hand. “I suppose you’re right. But I’ve seen that Jamie is afraid of his father. It bothers me.”
“I’m sure it does. Other people have concerns too and we’re all keeping an eye on the family. In a small town, it’s possible to do that.”
“I’m learning a lot about small town living. I hope we can count on you to spread the word about the play and the baseball clinics Ross Roberts is putting on some Saturday mornings. He’s helping me out by doing it, and I want to support him.”
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the kids. Elissa’s brother is very interested in attending Ross’s clinic after missing the last one.” Pam’s kind dark-brown eyes matched her dark curly hair. She smiled at Whitney. “I hope we can be friends. I’d like to help you with the program you discussed with Angelica Hammond at the Community Center.”
Whitney laughed. “This small-town interaction is unbelievable. I’d love your help and your friendship.”
“Well, then,” said Pam, obviously pleased. “I’ll see you at next rehearsal to see how you’re handling the program.”
“Thanks,” said Whitney meaning it.
They parted, and all the way home, Whitney thought how lucky she was to find someone like Pam reaching out to her.
Later, she was still feeling pleased about that connection when Nick pulled up in the driveway. Whitney didn’t know who was more excited to see him—she or Mindy.
Whitney opened the door and stood back as Nick entered carrying a bottle of wine. “It’s my night off so I can be a little more festive.” He bent to give Mindy the attention she wanted.
“Two nights off in a row?” Whitney said grinning. “That’s terrific.”
“In some ways, I’m always on call. But for tonight, I’ve left word not to contact me unless it’s a real emergency.” He handed her the wine and grinned. “I want this time to be … special. A chance to enjoy one another.”
Her mind darted to the scene last night when he’d asked for a goodnight kiss. She’d wanted to give him a real kiss but had decided at the last minute not to. A pure case of nerves. Yes, she could act her way through anything but when it came to her innermost feelings, her first instinct was to protect them. Especially after the debacle with Zane. But then she’d allowed herself to kiss Nick and had thought about it ever since.
They walked into the kitchen.
When Nick saw the table set for two with a crystal vase holding a single yellow rose in the center, he grinned. “Very nice.”
“Truthfully, I’m not much of a cook, but I do like setting a pretty dinner table.”
“Being here is a real treat. I go to the café a lot for meals, but it’s nice to do something different.”
Nick opened the bottle of wine for her while she set out a plate of cheese and crackers decorated with a small bunch of chilled grapes. Then, instead of heading out to the patio where it was hot, they went into the living room. Soft music played in the background lending a little romance to the air. Whitney had decided Dani was right. It was time for her to enjoy being with Nick to see if the flames Dani had talked about were real. She was tired of being alone, scorned, and fighting melancholy.
As soon as they were seated on the couch, Whitney raised her glass. “Here’s to us!”
He grinned and lifted his glass. “I like that.”
They each took a sip and then Nick set his glass down. “I need to tell you about the meeting I had with JoEllen.”
Seeing the seriousness on his face, Whitney immediately grew concerned. “How did it go?”
“I guess I could say it went well, but the situation is complicated. I’ve gone so far as suggesting that JoEllen speak to a professional counselor. I even gave her the name of Nora Schinberg, a woman I trust here in town.”
“What’s the story?” Whitney asked, placing her wineglass on the coffee table in front of her.
“It’s a family situation of one daughter being perfect; the other always failing. JoEllen is trying to build friendships in a destructive way and is making a lot of mistakes that are adding to her problems. She says she’s sorry she left that note on the porch, that she didn’t realize how serious it was to do something like that.”
“It’s the trick of a kid, not someone her age,” protested Whitney.
“Yes, I agree. That’s why I think she needs help. I’ve seen bad guys in my job. She’s not one of them. Mixed up, yes. Angry. Unhappy.”
“I’ll let it go, but I’m not going to tolerate more of her antics toward me or my family. I’m tired of the way people think they can say or do anything without any repercussions for their bad behavior.”
“Understandable. And as I’ve said, I’m here to help in any way I can.” He reached over and took hold of her hand. When he gave a gentle tug, Whitney leaned over and accepted the kiss he offered.
His lips were soft and yet confident as he deepened the kiss.
The world around Whitney disappeared. She fought to keep her mental balance for a moment and then gave in to the pleasure that filled her.
When they finally pulled apart, Whitney could only stare at him as memories of their long ago summer together met with the present in a heart-stopping moment.
He looked as thunderstruck as she felt. She’d never experienced anything like the feelings running rampant inside her—tenderness, lust, and peace. And hunger.
Nick reached for her, and she threw herself into his arms, wanting more, much more.
###
Later, lying together, Whitney stroked his naked chest, loving the hard muscle beneath his skin. She couldn’t seem to get enough of him. Gazing up at him, she said, “That was nothing like our kisses of the past.”
He grinned and hugged her closer, enough for her to know he was aroused again. “We’re all grown up now.”
Tears sprang to her eyes, startling them both. “Oh, Nick. It feels so right, us together.”
“I wasn’t sure how much longer I could wait to be with you. I’ve wanted this for a long time. Since we were kids, really. But I knew I had to let you go.”
“And now? I’m not sure what’s happening, but I don’t want it to stop,” said Whitney. “GG is always telling us that life is full of circles. Maybe this is one of them.”
He cupped her face in his strong hands. The look in his eyes told her there was more than lust between them. “I’m here for you, Whitney. I know what I want, but it has to be right for you. And after this, I won’t be all that patient.”
She traced his lips with her finger before placing her lips on his. She knew what she wanted too. Darned if it took her so long to realize it.
###
As they dressed and then ate dinner, they talked and talked.
Nick told her about his foolish decision to marry Crystal whom he’d always liked, but something had been missing. He explained it was more a marriage of convenience for both of them who were still living in town at that time when so many of their friends had moved on to other places and careers.
Whitney told him the gritty details of her relationship with Zane, how it had affected her decision to leave Hollywood.
“But that’s not the end of your acting career, is it?” Nick asked with a look of concern. “Acting, singing, dancing is what you do, who you are.”
“I’ll always want to be able to do certain jobs if they’re offered to me, but what I’ve realized is that I can have a full life away from acting. In fact, that’s what I’m choosing to do. Lilac Lake is a wonderful community, and I can have a rich life here, working on Zane’s charity, doing things I like. But if an opportunity comes up for a part that I want, I’ll take it, providing everything is right with it.”
“Good,” said Nick. “That’s one thing I learned from Crystal the hard way. I don’t want to repeat that mistake. But my life is here in Lilac Lake. My mom is still here, and I’m keeping an eye on her.”
“As you’ve done since you were a child. I remember that,” said Whitney, giving his hand a squeeze.
“Yeah, I guess that’s how I got started in police work,” said Nick, pulling his fingers through his dark curls. As a kid, he’d protected his mother from her violent husband until she found the strength and courage to end the marriage.
They took ice water out to the patio and continued talking. Whitney noticed with amusement that Mindy stretched out by Nick’s feet, a sure sign of trust and affection.
When at last, Nick stood and said, “Guess I’d better go.”
“Do you want to spend the night?” Whitney asked, feeling suddenly shy. When had she ever said that to a man with so much hope?
“Are you sure?” Nick said, and she knew he was asking for more than the invitation she’d extended.
Whitney decided not to mince words. “Yes, I want to see where this relationship takes us.”
Nick wrapped his arms around her. “Me, too.”
Whitney looked up at him. “But I don’t want to make a big announcement about our being together. I want to be free of any expectations from others so we can enjoy ourselves at our own pace.”
“As police chief I’m privy to a lot of information about folks in town. No need for us to be part of that kind of gossip.”
Satisfied, Whitney snuggled against Nick’s chest, wondering if this was the new beginning GG had hoped for her.