Winning Charlotte Back, page 8
“Oh, good. You’re home.”
Had she conjured him up just by thinking of him? Because there he was in all of his masculine glory, standing on her patio beside the bag of mulch. He looked better in his paint-stained T-shirt and basketball shorts than most men did in a tailored suit. She’d never admit that to him, though.
“There’s no fooling you.”
“I need a favor.”
“And yet you came to the one person guaranteed to tell you no. You look so much smarter than that.” Actually, he looked sexy, but that information was need-to-know and he didn’t.
“It won’t take long,” he continued as if she hadn’t just shot him down. “Maybe an hour or so. And you’ll be saving my life.”
The charming smile he flashed made her heart go pitter-patter, which only annoyed her. She refused to be attracted to him. “Actually, since you’re probably the last person I’d do a favor for, it won’t take a minute. And as for saving your life... Need I say more?”
He sighed and his broad shoulders slumped. “You’re never going to forgive me. I get it now. I kept hoping that you would relent, that you would see me as the man I am now, but you’re not going to. Don’t worry—I won’t bother you again. I’ll let Bobby keep visiting you. I just won’t accompany him.”
Her heart plummeted to her feet, shocking her. Wasn’t this what she wanted? Hadn’t she been planning to tell Rick to leave her alone?
Leave her alone. “Alone” definitely described her. She’d rebuffed every offer of friendship that had ever come her way. Was she going to run off another person seeking to become a part of her life? How much more was she willing to sacrifice on the altar of pride?
And really, just what did she want Rick to do? How many apologies did she need before she forgave him? Or did she intend to hold on to her anger until she became a bitter, unforgiving old woman? A lonely, friendless old woman.
“Wait.”
Rick paused, but kept his back to her. For a moment she wondered whether he would turn or walk away. Maybe it was too late. Finally he spun around. “What?”
This was the moment of truth. Could she actually forgive him? Once she said the words, there would be no going back. She blew out a breath. Incredibly she felt relief at the idea. She was ready to release the anger that had held her captive for most of her adult life. “I accept your apology. I know I said it before, but this time I mean it. I forgive you.”
Just saying the words was like a weight was lifted from her shoulders. No, from her heart. Forgiveness really was freeing. She felt so liberated she said it again. “I forgive you, Rick.”
He looked at her speculatively, as if he wasn’t sure she meant it. “Really?”
She smiled. “Really. So what did you want?”
He grinned sheepishly. “I’m going to the grocery store and I’d like adult company.”
“Why do you need company at the grocery store, of all places? Scared of getting kidnapped by a lonely and desperate woman?”
He laughed and shook his head. “I really hate that sense of déjà vu.”
She couldn’t help but ask. “Déjà vu?”
“You know. Wasn’t I just here pushing this cart? Didn’t I just buy bread? And milk?”
Charlotte laughed. “I know what you mean. I put it off as long as I can. You’ve seen my pantry. Old Mother Hubbard has nothing on me. I need to go shopping myself.”
Rick hesitated as if afraid to push his luck. “The thing is, I’m not only shopping for me and Bobby. I’m holding an open house to let people see my practice and I’m not sure what to serve. I thought you might provide a bit of guidance. And you can pick up your groceries at the same time. It’s a win-win.”
She looked down at her clothes, which were a little dirty from gardening. “I’m not dressed to go out.”
His eyes swept over her body, and darn, didn’t that crazy fizzy feeling grow in her stomach. He lifted one corner of his mouth. “You look fine to me. Who dresses up to go grocery shopping?”
A Shields did. Children of Charles Shields represented him wherever they went and should never be dressed in less than their best. But then, she was no longer obligated to please anyone other than herself. She took off her gardening gloves and brushed her hands over her shorts. “Let me get my purse.”
* * *
Rick checked the time then opened the door. Although he wasn’t going to officially open his practice until Monday, he was holding an open house today so the people of Sweet Briar could meet him. He hadn’t hired a nurse yet but he’d scheduled interviews for tomorrow. Two of the candidates looked promising. He’d hired a receptionist-slash-file-clerk who was starting tomorrow. Things were moving right along.
Several people were milling around waiting outside. He smiled and stepped out of the doorway, letting everyone enter. “Welcome. I’m Rick Tyler.”
“I’m Joni Danielson,” the first person to come in said. She was a pretty woman with a bright smile on her face. “We haven’t met yet. I’m the director of the youth center.”
He grinned. “My son, Bobby, has mentioned you often. You’re becoming one of his favorite people. Next to his best friend, Nathaniel.”
“He’s a great kid. Very enthusiastic.”
“Thanks. Look around. Get yourself an appetizer and some punch. Maybe we can get together and talk later. Bobby has mentioned a couple of upcoming field trips and I’d like to get the details if you have time.”
“I do.”
She continued inside and another person followed her. Rick shook many hands. Some people he remembered from the past, some he didn’t. He hoped they’d give him the opportunity to provide them with good health care. He handed out business cards listing the office number and hours. Flyers with the same information were stacked on the reception desk as well.
Each time the bell over the door rang, he looked up, hoping to see Charlotte. Each time he was disappointed. She knew about the open house. He’d placed his food order the day they’d gone grocery shopping. She’d been in favor of the stuffed mushrooms and pinwheel sandwiches. Somehow she’d convinced him to get a fruit platter instead of a vegetable tray, claiming no one would eat the carrots and broccoli. Despite how well they’d gotten along, he hadn’t managed to get her to promise to come today.
The open house lasted two hours. When the last person left, he closed the door and leaned against it. Though it seemed most of the town had attended, it hurt that Charlotte hadn’t bothered to stop by. Telling himself to get over his disappointment, he pushed away. He’d taken a step when there was a knock on the door and the knob turned.
“Am I too late?” Charlotte asked, poking her head inside.
His heart leaped in his chest as he opened the door. “Not at all. Thanks for coming.”
“I almost didn’t come.”
“What changed your mind?”
“I remembered that I’d forgiven you. Since I’m no longer holding a grudge, I was free to see your office.” She smiled as if what she’d said made perfect sense.
Dressed in a black-and-white sundress and white sandals, she looked like a dream. Smiling, he took her arm and led her inside. As she passed by, her floral scent wafted around him, tempting him to pull her near. His arms ached to hold her close, but he’d forfeited that right long ago. Besides, she was more likely to slug him than return his embrace.
She turned slowly, looking around. “I love the way this waiting room looks. You chose a great wall color and you did a great job painting. The chairs look really comfortable. Why do you have a television? Planning on keeping people waiting a long time?”
“No. But it’s a good way to keep waiting family members occupied. Especially kids. I’ll have some books and magazines, too, but as a father I know nothing occupies a kid like watching TV.”
“True.”
“Let me show you the rest of the place,” he said, putting his hand on her waist. She jumped slightly but didn’t move away. She felt warm beneath his touch and his palm tingled. Bypassing the reception area, he led her into the first examination room. There was a scale by the open window and a breeze blew through, gently moving the blinds. A table was against one wall, ready for the first patients. The stainless-steel sink glistened.
“Nice. Again, I love the colors you chose. Very soothing.”
“Thanks.”
Charlotte walked out the room and he followed. After showing her the other examination room, he led her to his office. The desk and guest chair took up most of the small space, so they had to stand close together. The warmth from her body drew him to her. He looked into her eyes. They were so clear. So open. So beautiful.
He wanted to kiss her. As he moved closer, she blinked and stepped back, bumping into the desk. The sparkle in her eyes had dimmed and she gave him a bland smile. He thought she might say something about what had almost happened but she didn’t. Apparently she was going to pretend she didn’t feel the same pull he did. That was fair, he supposed, given how badly he’d hurt her. But still, her behavior was contrary to everything he was discovering about her. Charlotte was no shrinking violet. She was strong. Direct. She didn’t pull her punches.
Or was that an act? Had she become so adept at putting up barriers to protect herself from the pain of rejection? His chest ached as he contemplated that his thoughtlessness had caused her so much pain. He’d gotten what he’d wanted at great cost to her.
“Well.” Charlotte rubbed her hands together, looking over his shoulder. “Thanks for showing me around. I’m sure you’ll be busy in no time.”
She started for the exit and he stepped in front of her. She was retreating, turning into the remote woman she’d been before. No way was he going to allow that to happen. They’d made progress in their relationship and he wasn’t going to move backward. “Surely you aren’t going to leave me with this mess to clean up.”
“Actually, I am.”
“That’s not at all neighborly. What will Bobby say when I tell him you didn’t help at all?”
She laughed. “You’re kidding, right? He’ll definitely take my side.”
“True. You can do no wrong in his eyes.”
“However. Since I want him to learn how to be a true friend, I’ll lend a hand.”
“Thanks.”
“But just one. I’ll take care of the food and gather up the cups and saucers. You’ll have to handle everything else.”
“Deal.”
Cleaning with Charlotte was nice. She didn’t talk but rather went about her task with an efficiency that was astounding. And he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. He was drawn to her beauty and the gentleness that existed beneath the hard exterior she showed the world. Every once in a while her softness peeked out. Maybe if she was treated with kindness, her softness would appear regularly.
“I’m done,” Charlotte said, breaking into his musings.
“Me, too. I just need to tie the garbage bag and put it in the dumpster. Wait a minute and we can walk out together.”
He hurried off before she could find an excuse to leave. “How about lunch?” he asked when he returned.
“How can you be hungry? You had a ton of food.”
“I was busy talking to everyone, so I didn’t eat. Most of the town showed up.”
“That’s good.”
“So how about lunch?”
“What about Bobby?”
“He’s at the youth center. You were right about that place, by the way. He loves it. He’s already made a best friend. Since he likes to spend most of the day there, it’s just you and me. How about Heaven on Earth? I’ve heard the food there is great.”
A cloud passed over her face and her look of uncertainty had him hoping she wouldn’t say no.
“If you would rather go somewhere else, we can do that. I just thought you might like something a little nicer. And you look so beautiful in that dress it would be a shame to waste it on the diner. But we can go there if you prefer.”
Her spine straightened. “No. Heaven on Earth will be fine. And you heard right. The food there is delicious.”
* * *
Charlotte looked around the restaurant and expelled a pent-up breath. Although most of the tables were filled, she and Rick had managed to snag a good table in a quiet corner. Not that any table could be considered bad. Far from it. Brandon Danielson was talented, and not just in the kitchen. He’d designed the room so that no table, even those placed in corners, felt cramped. No, it wasn’t the restaurant causing her unease.
“So what’s good?” Rick asked, putting down his menu.
Charlotte looked away from the other diners and focused on the printed page. She’d only eaten here a couple of times, and those had been business dinners. Brandon’s sister, Joni, waitressed for Brandon from time to time, so Charlotte preferred not to dine here. Joni was Carmen’s best friend and didn’t like Charlotte. Not that she had ever come out and said so. She was too classy for that. Whenever they met she was unfailingly polite. She just didn’t treat Charlotte as warmly as she did every other person in town. Of course, since Charlotte hadn’t gone out of her way to be friendly, either, she couldn’t hold Joni’s attitude against her.
“I thought you knew about the food.”
“Only that it’s good. What do you like, Charlotte?” Rick put his hand on hers, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand.
Distracted, she blurted out the first thing she thought of. “Paella.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Really? I thought you didn’t like shrimp.”
How did he remember that? It had been a throwaway comment made years ago. Despite herself, she was pleased he remembered. “Not for me. For you. I know you like shrimp.”
“All seafood. Okay. I’ll try that. What are you going to get?”
“I’ll try the chicken stuffed crepes.” She slipped her hand from under his. She couldn’t think with him touching her.
They placed their orders with the waitress who smiled broadly at Rick and nodded stiffly at Charlotte. Charlotte didn’t recognize the woman, not that it mattered. Her reputation preceded her. Over the years she’d told herself that she didn’t care how much she was disliked and that small-minded jealous people couldn’t hurt her. She’d lied. Every snub, no matter how well deserved, hurt. Unfortunately, it was too late to change things in Sweet Briar. She wouldn’t make the same mistakes in the future.
In her new town, nobody would know anything about her. They wouldn’t know she’d been abandoned by her fiancé on her wedding day. She wouldn’t be a laughingstock, or worse, an object of pity. Nor would she have to live up to her father’s impossible standards. She wouldn’t be an unfriendly snob. She could just be plain old Charlotte Therese Shields. Whoever that was.
After the waitress walked away, Rick placed his arm on the table and leaned in close. Even after all this time she recognized the intensity in his eyes. He was about to start a serious conversation. One she was sure she didn’t want to have.
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Technically that was the truth. His question was broad enough to encompass any number of topics.
“With that waitress. Do you know her? She was borderline rude to you. I have half a mind to complain.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Why not? Did you have some sort of conflict with her?”
“Are you serious?”
“You bet I am.”
He sounded more than serious. He was furious. On her behalf. Her heart skipped a beat. She’d never had an advocate before, someone willing to take on the world for her. She’d always had to fight her own battles. If necessary she still could. But taking on the world was tiring. Still, this wasn’t a battle worth fighting. Especially for Rick. She’d be gone soon, but he was making Sweet Briar his home. He didn’t need to make enemies by defending her.
“There’s no conflict.”
“Then what’s with her attitude?”
“You really don’t know?”
“No.”
He hadn’t been in town long, so it was possible no one had told him. She wasn’t vain enough to think that she was the subject of every conversation. Still, she didn’t want him to know how badly she’d alienated everyone. Oh, he’d find out eventually, of that she was certain. But he wouldn’t hear about it from her. “It’s really nothing, Rick. You’re an attractive man. Even a woman having a horrible day would find time to flirt with you. Me, not so much.”
He didn’t seem convinced, but thankfully he let the matter drop and they chatted about inconsequential matters until their food arrived. He waited until she took a bite of her crepe before lifting a forkful of paella to his mouth. The expression on his face was pure bliss.
“Wow. This is the best thing I’ve eaten in my entire life.”
“Better than half-baked chicken and black rice?”
Rick laughed so hard she thought he would choke. “I wasn’t going to mention that meal.”
During the early days of their relationship, Charlotte had attempted to prepare a romantic dinner in order to impress Rick. The chicken had been bloody and the white rice had burned. Calling the meal a disaster would have been generous.
She laughed with him. “That was my first attempt at cooking a meal. Charmaine was the one who liked hanging out in the kitchen with our mother. I planned on being the tycoon and taking over the family business. My skills are only marginally better now. Lucky for me there are more restaurants in town than there were twelve years ago. Otherwise I’d starve.”
“In other words, I shouldn’t come to your house hungry.”
“You can come. Just be prepared to leave the same way.”
“Fair enough. But I can cook. I needed to learn in order to keep Bobby fed. Feel free to come over anytime you want a home-cooked meal.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Not that she planned to ever act on it. Even though she’d forgiven him, they weren’t friends. So why was she having such a hard time remembering that? Perhaps because she was having more fun with him than she’d had with anyone else in years. And would being friends with Rick actually be that bad? It would be nice to have a friend even for a short while.
