Tangled Up (Bachelors of Buttermilk Falls #2) (15 page)

“Okay.” He watched her disappear into the kitchen.

Needing some fresh air, he grabbed his coat and stepped outside, heading for the pier. He stopped at the edge and looked out on the water. Just two days ago, he’d been on Mitch’s boat docked right in that very spot, sharing intimate details about his life with Abby.

She was the one woman whom he trusted to share all those things. He’d said something to upset her and he really didn’t know what.

He regretted his outburst, but did she really think he’d make love to her if he’d just found out hours earlier that he was going to be a father to another woman’s baby? What kind of man did she think he was?

He cast his gaze out onto the lake and then rode the ripples all the way back to shore. Caitlin’s baby couldn’t be his, could it? The troublesome brunette had been known to play with the truth for her own personal gain, but how would she benefit by saying the baby wasn’t his?

There was one way to find out. Turning toward the inn, he headed up the hill to his car. He’d give Abby some time alone. Right now, he needed to have a second talk with Caitlin.

A
bby parted
her hair and began braiding each side, tucking a loose red strand behind her ear. She’d tried on her pirate wench costume this morning, but ultimately decided that anything matching Brandon’s wasn’t a good idea.

Emma had stopped by earlier with her costume, giving Abby an alternative. Under normal circumstances, she would have enjoyed wearing and embracing the spunky princess.

Now, all she wanted to do was jump in her bed, hide underneath the covers, and hibernate until spring. Instead, she pulled the purple cape over her shoulders and smoothed her blue skirt.

How was she going to look Brandon in the eyes tonight after yesterday’s conversation where she’d basically questioned his moral judgment for making love to her when he knew Caitlin was pregnant.

Even after he insisted it wasn’t his—and the jury was still out on that as far as Abby was concerned—his outburst on how he’d feel if Caitlin wasn’t telling him the truth gutted her.

It was exactly what Abby was doing. Keeping secrets that would ultimately hurt him.

Not wanting to burst into tears then and there, she’d hightailed it into the kitchen to get started on the food prep. Shortly after, she heard his car pull out of the driveway, and he never came back.

He did text her last night saying he was sorry for leaving without saying good-bye and attached a picture of his pirate costume.

She grabbed her phone from her nightstand and pulled up the text, staring at the gold hook. Tonight was supposed to be wonderful for them on so many levels. He’d show off his hard work on the inn while sharing his plans for its future, and she would give all the guests scrumptious samplings from her Taste the Magic menu.

Now, if she got through it in one piece, it would be a miracle.

It
was
possible that Caitlin’s baby wasn’t Brandon’s, but what if it was? When he learned that Abby was also carrying his baby, would he choose the woman who he could actually remember sleeping with or the woman who took away the memories of them being together?

All of it was too much. For a fraction of a second, Abby contemplated not telling him about the spell or that her baby was his.

But she couldn’t do that. She wasn’t that person. She’d made terrible choices this month, but she was going to tell Brandon the truth—all of it.

She’d lose him, that much she was sure of, but she never really had the whole Brandon to begin with—the one who remembered their first six weeks together.

Her doorbell rang, and she headed to answer it while loosening the cape around her neck.

“Well, look at you, my sweet sister.” Emma sauntered in in her long sparkly blue gown, her blond hair in one long, pretty braid.

“Hello. I’m glad you are here.” Abby giggled. “And no, I’m not going to suggest we build a snowman.”

“Darn.” Emma snapped her fingers in fake disappointment. “You look adorable. Brandon is going to love it.”

“Yeah . . . I was thinking maybe I’d stay in the kitchen and avoid him tonight.”

“He didn’t call today?” Emma asked.

“No.” Abby’s face fell, and she tried to lift it back up to no avail. “Tonight was supposed to be our night—unveiling the inn and announcing Taste the Magic.”

Emma came over and tugged on Abby’s braids. “It’s still your night. The food is fabulous. Word is going to spread quickly. Why, I bet orders will start flooding in for the holidays.”

“That would be nice.” She might need something to occupy her time while she licked her wounds once Brandon learned the truth. “God, I hope Caitlin doesn’t spend the entire evening gloating.” The thought of her prancing around the party like she’d thrown it herself made Abby’s stomach turn.

“I still can’t believe she’s pregnant,” Emma said. Abby had told her the shocking news when she stopped by earlier.

“Yeah. I should have known she’d make a grand re-entrance.”

Getting into character, Emma stretched out her hand. “Maybe I can try to turn her into an ice sculpture or something.”

Abby gave a thumbs up at that suggestion. “Please do. Although, I guess I don’t want you to freeze her baby just because it has Satan’s offspring for a mother.”

“You still think it could be Brandon’s?”

Shrugging, she slid on her tall black boots that completed her outfit nicely. “I don’t know. He really believes she’s telling him the truth, but wait until you see her. She looks like she’s farther along than she’s saying, which would mean she got pregnant around the time they were together.”

“Well, try not to let her ruin this evening.”

Abby took one last look in the mirror at the deflated redhead staring back at her. Where was her fight? The old Abby Stevens—who always showed a little feist—needed to come out and get her game face on.

“You know what? I’m not going to let that evil tramp ruin this evening. Tonight is way too important to Brandon, and it is to me, too.” She took a deep breath, raised her head high, and headed past Emma to the door. “Let’s do this.”

“
H
ave you seen Abby
?” Brandon asked, taking the beer bottle Mitch offered.

“Yep, she’s in the kitchen with Emma.” The Buttermilk Tavern owner reached behind him for a stuffed mushroom, popping it into his mouth. “Sure do love what they’re whipping up in there.” Grabbing another, he grinned. “And that they make sure I’m the first to taste it.”

Brandon smiled, his gaze resting on the plate of assorted appetizers behind the bar for Mitch. They did look amazing—a mix of fun finger food and fancier selections.

He couldn’t wait to try all of them and congratulate Abby personally with a hug and hopefully a little lip lock. He’d been so caught up in getting into his costume and then giving his early arrivals tours that he hadn’t greeted Abby with a proper pirate’s kiss. He was about to fix that.

He turned for the kitchen but was intercepted by Tom and Bridget, both sporting their seventies bling. “Well, if isn’t my good friends, Sonny and Cher.” Brandon chuckled, unable to ignore Tom’s bright yellow bell-bottom pants and blue rhinestone jacket. “Nice threads. I never thought rhinestones and polyester particularly went together, but you make it work,” he joked.

“Dude, you don’t even know how long it took Bridget to convince me to wear this getup.”

“You look hot, Baby.” Bridget gave him a reassuring kiss and then swung her long black wig to the side.

“What we won’t do for our ladies, right, Brandon?”

Brandon nodded his agreement since he was only in his getup because Abby had told him to be a pirate. He’d planned on wearing a suit and looking more like James Bond. “Blarmy right, mate.”

“The inn looks fabulous, Brandon,” Bridget said.

“Thank you. I’ve had a lot of help. Speaking of which, will you both excuse me? I need to talk to my bar wench, and she’s hiding in the kitchen.”

“Wait!” Bridget grabbed his arm. “You can’t go in there.”

“Why not?”

“Um . . . we just tried, and Abby kicked us out,” she said sheepishly. “Said she has a ritual—no guests in the kitchen until she’s done cooking.”

“Really?” She hadn’t told him she’d be barricading herself in there all night. Well, he was going in, and he’d suggest a new ritual that hopefully she’d find way more satisfying. One that began with his taking her into his arms and kissing her silly because that’s what he wanted to do and wasn’t going to wait another hour to do it. “I think I’ll go give it a shot.”

Tom stepped in for his wife. “Dude, you know how the Stevens girls roll. Probably doing a little abracadabra. Poof. Look . . . Here’s a plate of mini grilled cheese sandwiches . . . alakazam.” He grabbed a little sandwich from the table behind them and popped it in his mouth. “Magically delicious.”

Bridget swatted her husband, not being able to resist grabbing one for herself. “Very funny.” She turned to Brandon. “You must be so proud of Abby.”

“I am.” He smiled because Bridget made it sound like he and Abby were more than business partners. God, he hoped they were moving in that direction.

Taking a swig of his beer, he looked around the crowded room. Maybe he should give Abby a few more minutes in peace. He wasn’t really buying the superstition nonsense and suspected she might be avoiding him.

There was so much to talk about, including the second conversation he’d had with Caitlin yesterday afternoon. After threatening to get a lawyer for a DNA test to be performed when the baby was born, she finally told him who the father was. He knew from how emotional she got she wasn’t lying.

He wouldn’t be able to tell Abby what he learned—it wasn’t his place to. He also felt sorry for Caitlin because he could tell she had strong feelings for the father.

He glanced over at the door that separated the kitchen to the main room and adjusted his hook. Would Abby really kick him out if he just poked his head in for a minute?

Who was he kidding? He wouldn’t be in there a minute. Not when he wanted to get the beautiful redhead alone to tell her how hard he’d fallen under her spell.

He’d done a lot of thinking the last twenty-four hours, and he planned on putting it all out there. He was crazy about her, and she needed to know. Tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity to tell her.

If she didn’t feel the same or was still harboring feelings for her baby’s dad, he’d back off. It’s not what he wanted, and he’d hate doing it, but he’d respect her decision.

Just then a familiar face came through the front door. “Shiver me timbers! Ahoy, bucko.” He rushed over to greet Jason. “When did you get back, mate?”

“Like an hour ago, Captain Swift. Nice hook.” Jason pointed to Brandon’s hand. “I hope I can come in without a costume.”

“We’ll let ye in. Did you bring any rum?”

“Sorry.” Jason opened up his jacket. “None here.”

“Come on.” Brandon waved for Jason to follow him to the bar. “I’m running out of pirate phrases, anyway.”

“Look at this place.” Jason’s face lit up as he gazed around the room. “I go away for a couple of weeks, and you decide to open up an inn.” He shook his head amused.

“What can I say? I get restless.” Brandon smiled, taking a moment to scope out the room. His guests were having a blast mingling, dancing, and drinking. “Pretty cool, huh.”

“Yeah, it’s awesome.”

“I’ll give you a tour, but let’s get you a drink first.” He motioned to Mitch. “A beer for my best mate.”

“Aye, aye, captain.”

“Is Emma here?” Jason asked, nodding to the dance floor then shaking his head. “Please tell me she’s not
that
nun.”

Brandon followed his gaze to the backside of a nun twerking to the beat. “No, that would be Betty. She’s been out there all night.”

“Thank God.” Jason laughed.

Betty turned around and curled her finger, trying to lure Mel—dressed as a priest—to join her.

Jason took the beer Mitch offered. “So, where is my beautiful girlfriend and her fireball cousin?”

“They’re in the kitchen. Apparently, it’s a ‘no Brandon’ zone for the evening.”

Jason arched his eyebrow. “Really? How are things going with Abby?”

“Good . . . I think.” At least he hoped. Truth was, after yesterday, he wasn’t quite sure.

“The blog seems to be going well. You two look like you’re having a lot of fun.”

“Yeah, it’s been amazing. The off-camera time has been freakin’ fantastic, too.” His thoughts easily went over to the place in his memory bank that held both their evening gazing under the stars and the awesome movie night that ended in the mind-blowing time in his bed.

“You’re welcome,” Jason said and sipped his beer.

“For what? Recommending me for the blog assignment?”

“That and for encouraging you to finally ask Abby out on a date?”

Brandon studied his friend. “When did you do that?”

“Jason!” Emma came dashing over, throwing her arms around her boyfriend. He pulled her in for a long kiss. Envy shot straight through Brandon because he really wanted to be doing the same thing to Abby right now. This waiting until she was finished cooking was for the birds. If Emma could come out of the kitchen, then he could go in.

Besides, what pirate waited around for his fair lady? Certainly not Captain Swift. He tapped his hook on Jason’s shoulder to get the lovebirds’ attention.

“Hey, Emma. I hate to interrupt, but is it okay if I go in the kitchen now?”

Emma smiled. “Of course it is, but I think you should maybe hit the dance floor first.” She nodded to the center of the room where Abby stood, chatting with Betty and Mel.

“I think I will. Carry on.” His breath hitched as his heart sped up with each step. She looked adorable in her costume, although it was a far cry from a slutty bar wench.

“Ahoy, lass.” He removed his pirate’s hat and bowed. “Ye look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you,” She smoothed her dress. “It was a last minute change. Do you really like it?”

“Yarr! You’re gorgeous.” He dumped the pirate speak, put his hat back on, and offered his hand. “Care to dance?”

She giggled, touching his hook. “As long as you don’t stab that in my back.”

Brandon led her to the center of the dance floor. “I’d never hurt you.” He was no longer just talking about his fake hook.

“I know.” She wrapped her arms around him, her fingers played with his hat for a second before their eyes met. “I’m sorry, Brandon.”

“For what?” He reached down and touched one of her red braids.

“Lots of things.”

“I’m sorry, too.” He drew her closer as they swayed to the music, enjoying the feel of her arms wrapped around him and knowing in his heart Abby was the woman for him. Now, if he could get her alone to tell her.

He smiled, breathing in her delicious strawberry scent. Although, right now, he wanted to continue holding her and never let go.

“Well, don’t you two look precious? I see someone has snagged my ex-wolf.” Caitlin came up to them dressed in black, wearing a long red hooded cape.

“Not now, Caitlin.” Brandon tightened his hold on Abby. Given the information he knew about the baby’s father, he didn’t trust that Caitlin wouldn’t blurt out that name here. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d created a scene in public. He didn’t need that drama.

“Oh, I think we’ll do this now.” Caitlin crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.

Abby stepped out of Brandon’s embrace but laced her hand in his. “Caitlin, I’m sorry that we hurt you, it—”

Caitlin cut her off, shaking her head. “You don’t get to talk. You two are a piece of work.”

Abby scoffed. “That says a lot coming from
you
.”

Brandon watched as the two squared off.
How did he and
Abby hurt Caitlin?

Something was going on. Why were people all of a sudden saying things that he couldn’t remember happening? “Abby, when did we hurt her?” Abby’s gaze met his and she blinked. Her hand trembled in his. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Of course, this is about her.” Caitlin threw her hands up in the air. “It’s always been about your precious witch, hasn’t it?”

“What are you talking about? We just got together this week.” He paused, “I mean . . . um . . . Caitlin, this is really none of your business.”

Abby turned to Brandon, tears in her eyes. “Can we talk somewhere private?”

Caitlin didn’t seem to care that her presence was upsetting Abby. “Want to know why I left town when I did?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “Because I saw you two making out on my parents’ front porch!”

Brandon’s gaze shifted from Abby to Caitlin. “This summer when I was staying at your family’s cottage rental? That never happened.”

Caitlin shook her head, her anger aimed directly at Brandon. “Why are you lying? Just admit you dumped me for her.”

Emma came over, stepping in between Caitlin and Abby. “I think you need to leave right now,” she said to Caitlin.

“Oh, please. Like I’d listen to anything you have to say.” Caitlin pointed a finger at Emma. “This is all your fault. If you hadn’t cast the Batter Up spell on Brandon, he would have never seen
her
name in his batter,” she said in disgust, waving her hand in Abby’s direction. “He would have proposed to
me
that night like he planned on doing.” Her voice cracked. “This baby would be
his
.”

“I’ve never done Batter Up.” Brandon looked at Emma. “Have I?”

Emma glanced over at Abby and then grabbed Caitlin’s arm. “You and I need to have a little talk.”

Brandon nodded to Jason that he needed backup on this one, and his best friend and Emma ushered a hysterical Caitlin into the kitchen.

“Brandon,” Abby started.

He grabbed her hand and led her across the room and out to the front porch where they could be alone. “What was Caitlin talking about?”

“I can explain all of it.”

“Did Batter Up really happen? Did Emma perform the spell on me?”

“Yes.” Her eyes watered up. “She did.”

“And it spelled out your name—you’re my soul mate?”

“Yes, but—”

“Did Caitlin see us making out this summer?”

Abby wrapped her arms around her middle and looked away

“Abby? Was she telling the truth in there?”

“Yes.” She paused, visibly shaking. “I mean, I didn’t know she saw us. I’m just as surprised as you.”

“I think I’m a lot more surprised,” he deadpanned. “Why don’t I remember any of it?”

“Brandon, I’m so sorry.”

That was the third time she’d said those words. He grabbed both her hands. “Abby, you need to tell me the truth. Why don’t I remember kissing you last summer?”

A tear slid down her cheek. “Because I cast a reverse memory spell on you so you’d forget.”

“
B
randon
, wait . . .” Abby flew down the hill, following Brandon toward the water. The cold wind chilled her to the bone.

Once he fully processed what she’d done, she knew he’d ask the inevitable question. This was not the way she had wanted him to learn the news about their baby. Her chest tightened as she raced down the hill after him. “Brandon, please stop.”

He spun around, his eyes full of anger. “Abby, it’s freezing out here, and you don’t have a coat. Go back inside.” Not waiting to see if she did it, he bolted straight for the dock.

“I’m not going anywhere until you let me explain,” she called out.

Brandon reached the dock’s end, yanked off the plastic hook and hat, and threw both to the side. “You cast a spell on me so I would forget that we were together. Do I have that right?” he asked, not turning around to face her.

Abby pulled her cape in, trying to block out the cold air. “Yes. It was a reverse attraction spell that made you forget.”

Brandon threw his head back and let out a big sarcastic laugh. “Because my developing feelings for you was a bad thing. Is that why you did it?”

“No,” she said, taken aback. “That wasn’t it at all. You didn’t have feelings for me. We were just having sex.”

“And you think I go to bed with just anyone?” He spun around in time to catch her eyebrow shooting up. She brought it down.

“I don’t know. You were with Caitlin briefly, and you seemed to like the bachelor life. You never admitted that you had feelings for me.”