She's Just Right (A Fairy Tale Romance) (17 page)

She forced herself to go back to studying, but immediately started to think about Trevor. Had she hurt his feelings by ditching him the way she had? Was she just attracted to him because she and Christian were going through a bad patch and he was an easy way out?

She couldn’t stand it. She needed to hear Christian’s voice. To get some reassurance that they really were supposed to be together. Or to confirm that they weren’t. She dialed, listened to the ringing and then finally his voice mail.

Anger tightened her chest, and Honey rolled her shoulders, determined to throw it off. He probably had the phone turned off. He was on vacation, after all.

The emotional roller coaster she was on had to stop. She’d had enough. She was not going to waste her chance to study because of a couple of men. She was going to ace the test in the morning, ace the class, and get her brokerage license. Right now, that was all she needed to think about.

 

Across the table from Honey, Laura smiled and handed the waitress the menu. “The Oriental Salad for me, please.”

Honey closed her own menu. “I’ll have the same. The picture looks delicious.”

“Trust me. It’s fabulous.” The young waitress smiled. “I’ll be back in a few.” She tucked both menus under her arm headed inside.

Honey looked around at the other tables on the patio, most filled with patrons, and shaded by both large umbrellas and palm trees. “It was a good idea to sit outside. It’s a perfect spot.”

Laura grinned. “I absolutely love it here. I always try to get the patio in good weather.” She paused, and in a more serious tone said, “Honey, I’m so glad you could come today. Trevor told me you’re staying in a hotel now. Is everything all right? He didn’t offend you or anything, did he?”

Honey felt her face heat and looked down. “Oh no, of course not. We get along great. He’s a fantastic host. I’m, uh, just ah...”

What should she say? That she’d had a make-out session with Laura’s son and now felt incredibly guilty about it because she was engaged to another man? She should have prepared for the question.

Finally, she said, “I’m just having to study more for my brokerage class and didn’t want to get in anyone’s way or anything. It had nothing at all to do with Trevor,” she fibbed.

“Oh, I’m sure you weren’t in the way!”

Honey shrugged.

Laura sighed. “I suppose you do need peace and quiet to study. I’m happy to hear the two of you parted on good terms. You know, I would love it if Trevor could find someone just like you to marry.” Laura reached forward and patted Honey’s hand.

Honey’s face started the slow burn again and she reached for her glass of water and took a drink. “Oh, ah, thanks.”

“Did I ever tell you that I was engaged to someone else before I married my husband?”

Honey shook her head and stayed silent.

Laura nodded, her brown eyes dancing. “I was. The break up wasn’t pretty, but I’ve never regretted my choice. Not the way both Trevor and Elizabeth have.”

Desperate to avoid talk of Trevor, Honey asked, “Elizabeth?”

“Yes. She’s in a tight spot right now.” She sighed again. “I just wish our kids would listen to us when it comes to choosing spouses. The number one thing you have to watch for is signs of selfishness.”

“That’s good advice.” Immediately Honey thought of Christian and the immature way he avoided her calls when he was angry, and the way he liked everything just so, all the time.

But that wasn’t selfishness. He simply lacked patience. That was something he’d improve at as he aged, and as they had children. She was sure of it.

Laura took a drink and set down her own glass. “Did I ever tell you about the volunteer work Trevor does? In the fall he puts on field trips for all the sixth-grade classes in the area. And if someone ever needs help with anything in the community, like hauling wood, or moving, or anything at all, he’s always the first to volunteer. I know his dad relies on him a lot. There isn’t a selfish bone in his body.” Beaming, Laura didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed that she was so obvious in her attempt at matchmaking.

Honey squirmed in her chair. “He’s a very nice guy. You know,” Honey searched desperately for another subject, “I remember how pretty the roses are in your front yard. I’ve been meaning to ask you what kind they are?”

Laura shot her an amused glance, but thankfully, went with the change of subject. As they chatted, and the conversation steered clear of Trevor, Honey relaxed, waiting for a good opening so she could ask about the land deal.

Ten minutes later, Honey still hadn’t come up with a graceful way to introduce the subject, when the waitress placed the yummy-looking oriental salads in front of them.

Just as soon as they’d dug in, one of the other diners approached. “Hello, ladies.”

Laura smiled. “Oh, hello, Van. Honey, this is Van Williams. Van, Honey Stevens.”

Van’s smile was all teeth. “We’ve met. How are you, Ms. Stevens?”

Honey set her fork down to smile up at the tall, well-dressed lawyer. “Fine, thank you. It’s nice to see you again.”

“I’m glad you think so, because you may be seeing a lot more of me in the days to come.”

“Really? How so?” asked Honey.

“We at Williams, Brindle, and LaRue have decided we’re not going to sit back and take whatever it is you care to dish out. We don’t want the property sold and that is final.”

“Oh. I see.” Honey looked down, then up again. “Mr. Williams, this is simply a straightforward sale. I’m sure the new owners will be glad to work with you on your lease.”

Van twisted his lips in amusement, and it threw her for a moment.

Finally, she continued. “I assure you that most owners want their properties rented and in good repair. I’m sure you’ll find that not much changes when the property trades hands.”

He shot her a smug smile. “Just don’t be surprised if things don’t work out the way you want them to.”

Laura looked intrigued. “What do you mean?”

“Just that I may know something that you don’t.” The smugness now permeated his voice. “Things are being put into place.” He nodded and tapped the side of his nose. “Good afternoon, ladies.” On that cryptic note, he left.

They watched him go, and after he disappeared into the restaurant, Honey looked at Laura. They both chuckled.

“I guess this is as good a time as any to bring up the land deal,” said Honey. “Mr. Williams may get his wish simply by default. I’m having a really hard time pinning your husband down to the sale. I was hoping you could talk to him for me. Maybe find out if he really wants the deal or not?”

Laura looked surprised. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize. Of course I’ll talk to him. In fact, why don’t you join us this Saturday? Our family and some friends are going on a picnic. I’ll make sure you get a chance to talk to him.”

And see Trevor again? Honey’s gut reaction was to say no and use going home for the weekend as an excuse, but she hesitated. If she was in a group of people, seeing Trevor wouldn’t be a problem. And she did need to take care of the deal once and for all. If she just made sure she wasn’t alone with the guy, it would be fine. “Sure. Okay. That would be great.”

“Wonderful. I’ll have Trevor pick you up on Saturday at three.”

The thought of being alone with Trevor in the cab of his truck had Honey taking a quick breath. “That’s okay. I can drive myself.”

Laura shook her head. “The picnic isn’t going to be at the house, and the spot is kind of difficult to find. It’ll be easier all around if Trevor just picks you up. Unless that’s a problem?”

Dismay tightened Honey’s chest. She’d told Laura there was nothing amiss between her and Trevor. And now Laura had promised to help Honey with the land deal. How could she back out?

Anyway, Saturday was five days away. Surely she’d have talked to Christian and would feel better about the whole situation by then? Maybe he could even come? Then they could follow Trevor to the picnic. Honey smiled brightly. “Not a problem at all.”

 

On Saturday afternoon, Honey waited in the hotel foyer and when Trevor’s truck headed up the drive toward the covered entry, her heart started beating faster. With hands that suddenly shook, she grabbed her purse and the plate of cookies she’d bought at a local bakery, and stood.

She took a breath. Cool, calm, and controlled. That was her. She certainly had nothing to feel nervous about. They were both adults and could meet again without it being a big deal.

Butterflies took up residence in her stomach, and as Trevor’s truck came to a full stop, goosebumps broke out on her arms.

Oh, for heaven’s sake
. The kiss had been a mistake. Obviously they’d both felt the same because in the week since, he hadn’t called even once.

Men.

She had talked to Christian, though. Twice. He’d been agreeable enough, but uninterested in coming to Redding, and had volunteered to work instead. The fact that she’d kissed another man hadn’t come up. She winced. Time enough for that when she saw Christian next.

She took another breath and slowly went out to meet Trevor.

He rounded the truck and came toward her just as the hotel doors slid apart.

Honey swallowed. Freshly shaven, wearing jeans and a white shirt that emphasized his muscular body, he was even more attractive than she’d remembered.

He smiled and looked so happy to see her she couldn’t help but feel flattered. An answering smile tugged at her lips. The last time she’d seen him they’d shared a kiss that had kept her up nights the rest of the week. Her gaze briefly dropped to his mouth then quickly back to his eyes again. She flushed and couldn’t hold his gaze.

“Hi,” said Trevor.

“Hi, yourself.” A smile, genuine and giddy, took up residence on her face. She lifted the plate. “I hope you like cookies.”

“Love them.” He hurried and opened the passenger door for her.

She slid inside the truck, but holding the plate made it a little awkward and she was thrown off balance.

Trevor reached out to grasp her upper arm, and heat immediately radiated up and down her skin. It was a relief when his hand finally fell away and she remembered to breathe again.

He shut the door and went around to get in. They both put their seatbelts on. “All set?” His smile charmed her. Honey thought she’d be uncomfortable, that she’d feel embarrassed, but he was as courteous as ever, no knowing leers or staring at her mouth or anything.

She caught herself staring at his again, though, and looked away. The cab of the truck suddenly seemed too small and she tugged on her seat belt. “Yes. All set.”

After a week of trying to convince herself otherwise, the attraction between them sparked bright and strong, making her feel like an idiot. “Have you had a good week?” she asked.

“Sure. What about you?”

“I’ve been crazy busy with this class I’m taking. One more week and it’ll be over, though.”

“That’s great. You’ll be going back to Napa next weekend?”

“Yes. Back to work.” The conversation was a little stilted. Nothing like the ease they’d had before when she’d been staying at his cabin. She kept up the impersonal chit chat as Trevor drove to the outskirts of town and pulled to a stop beside a large deserted field.

Honey looked around but didn’t see anyone. “Is this where the picnic is?”

“No. I just wanted you to take a look at this property.”

Honey followed his gaze to the big empty field. “Is it yours?”

“Yes. I’m selling it.”

Honey looked back at Trevor. “Do you want me to list it?”

“It’s already been listed and we already have a buyer.”

“Oh. Good.” So what were they doing there?

“You know the piece of property on the other side of town. The one you’re interested in purchasing?”

Honey straightened. “Yes.”

“It’s a good piece. The buyers for this one actually looked at that one first.”

Honey nodded. “Oh?”

“The thing is, ultimately they went with this one.”

“Is there something wrong with the other?”

“No. That’s not it. This one just turned out to be better suited to their needs.”

He seems to be trying to tell her something, but for the life of her, Honey wasn’t sure what it was. “That happens sometimes.”

Trevor nodded. “Anyway, I just thought you should know. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Trevor waited for a car to pass, then pulled back out into traffic.

Confused, Honey asked, “Did I just miss something?”

“What?”

She arched her brows. “The property. I feel like you were trying to tell me something.”

He glanced at her, then back to the road. “Just that it sold.”

Honey stared at him. If that were pertinent, she didn’t see how. “Oh. Okay. Are you worried I won’t be able to sell the other piece? You know I already have a buyer, right?”

“I know. I think my dad’s planning to talk to you about that tonight.”

“Great.” She was glad to hear it.

Still a little confused, Honey turned her attention to the beautiful tree-lined drive, and finally started to relaxed. They chatted about his family, her family, their jobs, and twenty minutes later, drove up over a rise. A huge lake appeared out of nowhere, surprising her. “Oh, that’s a pretty sight,” said Honey.

“That’s Shasta Lake. It’s the largest reservoir in California.” Trevor drove the truck toward a nearby dock and finally turned into a parking lot. “Between my job and family parities, I spend a lot of time here.”

Honey felt a flicker of unease. “Are we eating by the shore?”

Trevor parked and shifted toward her. He pointed to the houseboats lining the dock like shoe boxes off to the left.

“On our houseboat.”

Incredulity, and sudden fear had Honey’s heart pounding. “On a houseboat? On the water?” Horror froze her in place. She slowly shook her head. “Oh, no. No, no, no. I can’t do that.” Honey couldn’t believe that after all she’d told Trevor about her sister, he expected her to go out on the water! Hurt tightened her chest.