First Choice, Second Chance, page 15
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Kyle stood at the edge of the bleachers, watching as Mason balanced two Styrofoam cups and a plate of nachos. Lila walked beside him carrying another plate with a soft pretzel as they headed for the bleachers. His hand curled into a fist at his side, and he finally let the sneer work across his face.
Little whore thought she could go back to his brother, did she? He wouldn't be surprised if they'd been meeting in secret all this time. When an old buddy of his had told him they'd been seen together, he had to come up and see if it was true.
He hadn't expected her to actually be with him or for him to feel this raging jealousy. He had gone after her before as a way to get to Mason. It had been fun snaring her away from him. Then he realized marrying her would be a good business move for him. His account sure had benefited from it. It had been a simple thing to work the contracts in his favor. She never took the time to read the whole thing. She hadn't paid much attention to the money, either, which made it even easier to move it between accounts. She had trusted him. That might be the one thing he missed the most.
Well, he would get her trust back. It wouldn't be difficult. He couldn't see why she'd want to stay in this small town with that pity job she'd gotten. He could give her so much more. He had to figure out how to convince her and be a bit more discreet when she did come back with him.
Chapter 23
Before
Kyle stood across the street and watched as Lila leaned across the seat and brushed her lips over Mason's. He clenched his fist at his side. Patience. He needed to have some patience. She was spending more time with him. It wasn't too hard to pull her away from his brother when he spent more time with his tractor and cows than her. The same thing had happened with that girl, Cassie, a few years ago. She'd been amazingly easy, and he'd quickly grown tired of her.
That had a smile spreading across his face. He could use his brother's preoccupation. He'd already made comments to make her think Mason wasn't right for her. Every one she'd brushed off so far. He didn't think it would take too much to have her believe it. After all, how could she be more interested in his brother? He was just a plain farm boy. A sneer twisted his face. He'd always hated the farm, feeling tied to it, the way his brother connected with it and their parents. He'd never understood the easy bond the little brat and his father had shared over it.
Kyle couldn't wait to get back to Pittsburgh, where he'd spent the last several years. He was more like Lila than Mason. His brother would never leave this place. She had to see that, didn't she?
No way could she choose that little snot over him.
She laughed at something his brother said, and it had him grinding his teeth. How could anyone find him amusing? Then, she jumped down to the ground, her skirt floating around her legs. Something very different than irritation had his jaw clenched now. Damn, he wanted to get his hands on those legs. He had to get her away from that little asshole.
Then, she turned away from him. He waited for the truck to start up and pull away from the curb. He would never understand why she'd rather ride in that thing than his car. She deserved nicer.
As she crossed the street, he started toward her. "Hey, Lila," he called out to her. "I wondered if I'd see you around again."
She stopped and turned to him. Surprise flickered through her eyes, and her body went rigid for a moment. Then, she must have recognized him. A soft smile spread over her face. "Kyle. I wasn't sure you were still around. I haven't seen you for a few days."
He reached up and brushed a curl away from her face. "I wouldn't leave without saying good-bye to you. What kind of cad do you think I am?"
She let out a little giggle. Oh, that sound went straight through him, sending the blood draining lower. Why did his brother have to have her? The little asshole didn't deserve this. "Since we're not in a relationship, I don't think it would make you a cad." The reminder his brother had her instead of him was like a bucket of cold water over his head. Before he could stiffen and step away, she slipped her arm through his. "How long are you in town, anyway? I know you just graduated, but I didn't know if you had a job lined up yet."
The blood didn't drain into his lap this time. Instead it swelled in his chest. He'd never felt like this with anyone else. They hadn't ever even kissed. Not that he didn't want to. She would be loyal to his brother. He couldn't push it, or he would never draw her away from him. He shook his head. "Nothing yet. Thought I'd enjoy the summer before I had to get to work."
Her smile tightened a little. "Must be nice to have that freedom," she murmured. Then, she seemed to shake that away. "Are you helping your dad on the farm, too?"
He didn't bother to hold back the scoff and held one hand up. "Does it look like these hands have seen farm work?" She stiffened beside him, and he realized it had been the wrong thing to say. "Anyway, him and Mason have it all handled. They don't need me. I'd probably mess up their routine, anyway." His back teeth ground together. He'd never belonged there. He didn't have a mind for doing menial labor. He was good with figures and business sense. That would be wasted here. He'd taken on an extra course load in school so he would be able to get away from this place for good even sooner. He'd only come back to pack up all his things and make the move to Pittsburgh official. He already had a place lined up with a buddy from school.
Why was he still here?
"I should be getting home," Lila said, pulling away.
He didn't want to let her go, though. "Maybe we could get something to eat," he suggested.
She hesitated then shook her head. "I don't think Daddy will let me. I have another concert coming soon. He almost didn't let me leave practice to see Mason."
An idea formed in the back of his mind. "Well, let me walk you home. Maybe we can change his mind."
She still seemed a little hesitant, but he was determined to win both her and her father over. It would be his biggest weapon against Mason. Lila's father didn't care for their relationship. He could be a great ally.
Lila fell into step beside him. He didn't want to say anything else to push her away, so he kept his mouth shut on the short walk down the street. When they reached her house, Luca stood on the porch. His hard glare softened slightly as they walked up to the porch.
"You said you were going with the other one."
"I did, Daddy. I saw Kyle when Mason brought me back. We were talking, and he offered to walk me back here."
"He is a good boy. Unlike the other."
A spark of satisfaction went through him. Lila huffed out a breath and stepped away. "Daddy, Mason is good, too. You just refuse to see it. Now, I know I need to get back to practice."
"Sir," Kyle said before she disappeared into the house. "I hoped I could take Lila out sometime. With your blessing, of course." What was up with him? He'd never asked a father's blessing before, but this could be his in with Lila.
The man practically beamed, and he glanced back at Lila. "Now, this is how a young man is supposed to act. His brother could take some lessons." He turned back to Kyle. "I would be happy to let you take her to dinner."
"Daddy. I'm with Mason. You don't get to decide who I can see."
Kyle forced a smile across his face. "It's dinner, Lila, just as friends. I won't try anything, I promise."
She still hesitated at the door. Her father decided for her. "She'll be ready when you pick her up."
Her eyes sparked, like she would argue. Then, a smile worked across her face. "Fine, we'll go to dinner as friends."
He pasted on one of his smiles that had always convinced people he was sincere before. "Of course. I'll pick you up at six."
Then, he turned and walked away. He could pretend to be her friend for now. When Mason broke her heart, he'd be the one there to pick up the pieces.
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Mason made his way toward the edge of the stage as Lila finished her last song. This had been the third concert, the third fair, of the summer. He didn't care too much for the crowds, for all the noise of the midway, the yelling of the carnies. He liked to watch Lila perform. He could see how it tired her out, too. He couldn't help but think it wasn't really where she wanted to be, either. Whenever he'd try to bring that up, she'd shut him right down, claimed she loved being on stage. She never felt more alive than when she sang.
That statement might be true, but he knew what he saw when she was up there. She might love being on the stage, love singing, but not in front of all those people. She wouldn't admit it, so he'd let it drop. He wouldn't push her to admit this dream she'd been chasing wasn't the one she really wanted. He was determined to show her he'd always be here for her. No matter what her dream was.
He pushed away all of those thoughts as he watched her pass behind the curtains. She'd go to her bus for about five minutes, long enough to freshen up, then come back through a small opening in the fence to sign autographs and get pictures. Each of the fairs was pretty similar. At least these smaller ones. The big fair, the one marking pretty much the end of the season, was set up differently, and only those who had special tickets would get back to her. For now, he could go wait for her by the table or by the fence, as long as security didn't find him.
She came back through the fence, where the fans waiting in line erupted in applause, but he held back, and waited for the line to thin down. He stood there for probably close to an hour until there were only a few people left. Then, he headed her way and stopped again when he realized who the last person in line was.
No.
The word was nearly a shout in his head. What the hell was he doing here? He nearly started forward before rational thought took over again. This was a public concert. Kyle had as much right to be here as anyone else. It didn't mean he had to like it.
Her laugh carried through the night air and his stomach clenched. He was charming her. It's what he was good at. Mason knew he was only here because of him. If Lila wasn't with him, she never would have even caught his attention. He didn't know why, but it had always been this way. Whenever Mason got interested in something, or someone, Kyle would swoop in and try to steal it. When he played baseball, Kyle joined the team, even though he had never wanted to play before. Same thing with football and 4H, when he started showing cattle. He made every activity miserable for Mason. Until he would rather stay on the farm, the one thing Kyle never seemed to have any interest in taking from him.
His anger continued to build as their voices continued, her laughs punctuating the air. The laughter stopped when he strode forward. He pressed a hand on the corner of the table, slapping it down harder than he'd planned. Kyle looked over at him, a slow satisfied smile spreading over his face. He'd always known how to get under his skin, to rile him up. He realized that was the whole point now. He'd walked right into it. Lila's head whipped around, and he saw the worry in her eyes, the guilt. He struggled to hold back his temper.
"Are you ready for me to take you home?" Mason asked.
Lila shook her head. "I meant to tell you, but you've been so busy. Kyle's taking me. Daddy said it was okay if I stayed out a little later, so we're getting something to eat. I was hoping you could join us."
Mason's stomach twisted. He didn't think he could stand sitting at a table with them. Watching his brother flirt with her. Seeing her giggle at his advances. He'd feel like a third wheel on a two-wheeled vehicle. What killed him even more was her father seemed to bless this. He had never said she could stay out past her curfew with him. Why Kyle? Was Luca trying to destroy them? Why would he rather her be with Kyle? He'd never cared for anyone but himself before.
"No, that's okay. I'll leave you two to it. I guess maybe I'll see you tomorrow," he said to Lila, refusing to even look at his brother. "Call me."
"That's okay," his brother said as he turned away. "We enjoyed ourselves last night, too."
That had him freezing. He looked back, and Lila was scowling at Kyle, but she didn't deny the words. He could see the smug glee on Kyle's face. When she did turn to look back at him, he thought he saw guilt in her eyes. "It was only dinner," she said. "Nothing happened, Mason. We're just friends."
His mouth had gone too dry to speak, so he turned away again. He could already feel a crack in his heart. How could she choose his brother when she had him? Why wasn't he enough? He didn't stop until he reached his truck. He pounded his fist against the steering wheel once, then slammed it into drive and pulled out of his parking spot in the field, spinning grass and dirt from under his tires. He couldn't go home, not yet.
Mason dug out his phone, bringing up Brian's number. "You having a party out there tonight?"
"Of course, man. What's up?"
"I'm coming." He tossed the phone down on the other seat, where he figured Lila would be sitting tonight. Now, he had images of her doing the same things with Kyle she'd been doing with him. He had to stop. She wouldn't do that to him. He wouldn't believe it. Kyle might be a charmer, but she had to see through it. He couldn't think she'd ever hurt him like that.
Chapter 24
Now
Mason swiped his arm over his forehead, and barely missed smacking himself with the wrench in his hand. Even as they moved through October, the heat didn't want to give way. That could change as quickly as the wind. He blew out a breath then went back to tightening the bolt. Nothing he could do about the weather or the fact the tractor was on its last legs. It would hopefully see them through this harvest at least.
It wouldn't really matter after that. Without a farm, they had no need for a tractor.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready for dinner with Lila?"
Mason turned at his father's voice. He wasn't leaning too heavily on the cane. One nice thing with the weather holding off. As long as it stayed warm, he didn't have as many bad days. "Not going out tonight," he said, turning back to the tractor.
"Why not? You've barely seen her the last week, not since the football game."
"Been busy," he muttered.
"You can take time for dinner. You'd been seeing that girl pretty much every day until that game. Hell, Mason, you dropped over 200 dollars on your night up to Erie. What the hell's gotten into you now?"
Mason tossed the wrench back into his tool box. "He's back." He growled the words. "He basically came up to us and said he wants her back. What am I supposed to do? I wasn't enough to keep her back then. Why should I think that's changed?"
"Because she's smarter now. She knows what he is. She's too smart to go back with him."
"I don't know if I can trust her to know that." He wanted to kick one of the tractor's tires. Instead, he toed the dirt with his boot and kicked a rock across the yard. "I told her I love her, Dad, several times. Over and over again, and she still hasn't said it back. I told her it doesn't matter. I don't need to hear it."
"But, you do."
Mason let out a breath. "I do. I know she feels something. I know why she won't say it. Damn, Dad, he really screwed with her. I knew he was an ass, but how could he have messed her up so bad?"
"There are times, lots of 'em, when I'm ashamed to call him son. I've never been ashamed to claim that title with you, Mason." His hand came down to his shoulder. "Trust her. She wants to be with you."
"I don't know if I can handle it again if she doesn't. I think it's better if I take a step back until she decides what she wants to do. If she goes back with him, there's nothing I can do about it. I'll be able to go on. I did last time."
His father let out a little snort. "You call that going on? You were drowning. I didn't think any of us would be able to pull you out. We didn't. Her coming back did. She's not going to leave you again."
"I'm afraid I'll sink right to the bottom if she does."
His father squeezed his shoulder again. "That's why you've got to trust her. I saw her face when you brought her here for dinner. She's not going to let go of you this time."
"She nearly panicked when I asked her."
His father chuckled. "She wouldn't be scared if she didn't love you back."
"I don't know, Dad."
He shook his head. "You're as stubborn as your old man."
Mason froze for a moment then he burst out laughing. "That would be you, Dad."
"Then, I'd know something about it, wouldn't I?"
Mason shook his head and bent down to close up his tool box. "This thing's ready to go on Monday. We can get the corn harvested and then…?" He trailed off and looked up at his father. "I don't know what to do then."
His father's eyes looked lost. "I know, Mason. I don't know what else to do with it."
Mason swallowed and looked away. "Anyway, I'm going to go get cleaned up. I'll be up for dinner."
He put his toolbox back in the barn then walked over to his house. When he got there he didn't clean up. He sank into a chair at the table and laid his head down. The thought of not being with Lila killed him. He had to protect himself somehow. It would be easier if he pulled away now.
He swore when tires crunched on the gravel outside.
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Lila walked up to the porch, resisting the urge to wring her hands. It had been just over a week since the Homecoming game. Since Kyle had barged back into her life. Almost as long since she'd seen Mason. She missed him so much. They'd talked on the phone every night, but it wasn't the same. She needed to see him.
He claimed to be too busy with the farm to get away and come see her. She didn't buy it. They were getting ready to harvest the corn, but he'd come to see her when they were doing the hay, or she would come to him. He seemed to think even that wouldn't work. They had been spending every day together. Now this. She didn't understand what had happened.
Actually, she was afraid she did. She hoped he would prove her wrong when she went up to the door. She gave a quick knock then opened it and stepped inside. She figured they were past needing to worry about etiquette. She'd rather surprise him instead of letting him ignore her. "Mason, are you in here?"
