Celebrate in Good Hope (Good Hope #22)

Chapter 7

CHAPTER SEVEN

For the next hour, Boone watched Roe with the intensity he usually reserved for game films. She appeared to embrace everything about the stroll, listening with rapt attention to the carolers, pausing to watch a puppet show put on by a local clown troupe and watching a mime mimic adding ornaments to the massive tree in the town square.

It was all entertaining, to be sure, but Boone wasn’t quite sure what to think of the Christmas Stroll. If he’d been in Denver, he wouldn’t have attended. An event like this would be too slow-paced for him and his buddies.

For them, the club scene was where it was at. Boone had to admit, though, that in the past year, he’d found himself growing bored with that scene. The younger guys on the team, fresh out of college and in their early twenties, lived for the nights they could party.

Last year, when Boone had hit the big three-O, it had started to feel as if he had more in common with the coaches than the other players.

He liked his three roommates, or rather, he had liked his roommates. Two had been cut from the team and relocated. Boone and Phil, who’d roomed together since their rookie days, had replaced the two who’d left with new players. Guys he liked well enough, but who definitely enjoyed the party scene.

Though he’d considered buying a condo and had enough money for the purchase, he’d put it off each year, not certain how long he’d be playing for the Grizzlies. Boone had already decided that if the Grizzlies cut him, he wouldn’t search for another team to sign him. He’d retire and likely leave Denver.

He’d had a good run. After being drafted straight out of college, he had eight stellar seasons with the team. That was way more than the three-year average, with most leaving the game because of an injury or being cut.

Until this injury to his spleen, he’d never missed a game. Now, he was out for the rest of the season.

Boone had to admit there were worse places to recuperate. He’d heard Krew talk about Good Hope but would never have visited the area if not for being given the use of the cabin.

When the issue with Roe had shown up, Boone had been prepared to drive back to Denver. But what she’d said made sense. The house was large, and there was really no reason they couldn’t peacefully coexist.

It was nice having someone around, especially someone like Roe. Not only was she easy on the eyes, she was easy to be around. Of course, it hadn’t even been a week, so that could change.

On the drive home, she mentioned the party tomorrow night again. His incision had been hurting, and going out two nights in a row held little appeal, especially as more snow was forecast.

It seemed prudent to save his energy for snow removal. He’d be darned if he made Roe blow snow for the second time in a week.

He was ready to tell Roe she was on her own when she casually mentioned that Fin Rakes, the hostess, was supposedly well- connected in LA and might be able to help her find a new position.

The stressed look on her face, along with the hope in her eyes, had him reconsidering.

It was clear she planned to attend the party with or without him. Even though he didn’t owe her his presence, Roe had been reasonable about the mix-up with the cabin.

Which was why, tomorrow night, he’d attend the party with her at Rakes Farm.

Roe headed up to her room shortly after she and Boone arrived home from the stroll. She fell asleep nearly the instant her head hit the pillow.

She wasn’t sure what woke her. It might have been the extra blanket she’d tossed on the bed that added a little too much warmth. Or the quiet. The apartment she’d shared in Minneapolis had been on a major arterial, and the sound of traffic had been her white noise.

When Roe found herself still awake ten minutes later, she decided she was thirsty. Tonight, she’d forgotten to put a cup of water at her bedside.

Tossing aside the down comforter, she slipped quietly down the stairs. The lights in the house were off, but the glow from several lighted outlets provided needed illumination.

Once she reached the main floor, she made a beeline for the kitchen. She was halfway to the sink when she skidded to a stop.

Boone stood at the counter, a dark figure staring out the window, a glass of water in a crystal tumbler on the counter beside him.

Obviously, she wasn’t the only one thirsty.

But she was the only one dressed.

Naked except for a tiny towel wrapped around his waist, Boone suddenly turned toward her. “Roe, hey. I didn’t hear you come down. I was in the Jacuzzi tub relaxing and came out for a drink.”

Roe’s gaze dropped to the tiny towel before she forced her gaze back to his face.

“You don’t have swim trunks on.”

“Oh, noticed that, did you?”

“Oh, I didn’t see…” Roe stammered. “I wasn’t looking. I just?—”

“It’s a private bathtub, and since it’s so late, I didn’t think I needed to dress for the kitchen. I didn’t think you would be up.”

“You’re up.” Roe nearly groaned aloud as the words slipped past her lips. As heat scorched her neck, she saw the amusement in Boone’s eyes. “I mean, you’re awake. Like I’m awake. I came down for water.”

Realizing she was on the verge of babbling, Roe clamped her mouth shut, but not before adding, “I’m thirsty.”

“That makes sense if you’re coming for water.” Boone gestured to the refrigerator. “Help yourself.”

Roe wasn’t sure if it was the motion with his hand or what, but the towel slipped. She inhaled sharply but didn’t avert her eyes.

At the last second, Boone grabbed hold of the towel. “I’m really sorry I startled you. In the future, I’ll remember this isn’t my house, and I’ll be more presentable when I leave my room.”

Resisting the urge to glance once again at the towel, Roe made a great show of taking a glass from the cupboard and filling it with water.

“I promise you’ve nothing to worry about.” His voice was a husky rumble. “I’ll get out of your way now. Good night, Roe.”

“Good night,” Roe called out without turning around.

When she did turn, it was to admire strong muscular legs, broad shoulders and an amazing backside as he strode down the hall .

Heaving a sigh, she took a long drink of water. Something told her she wasn’t going to get much sleep tonight.

Boone shut the door to his room and dropped down on his bed.

He smiled, thinking of the look in Roe’s eyes when she’d given him the once-over. If the pink on her cheeks and the brightness in her eyes were any indication, she’d liked what she saw.

Boone had liked what he’d seen, too. He was used to women being perfectly put together whenever he was with them. Roe had been anything but with her face devoid of makeup, tousled hair and sleep-creased cheek. Still, his body had reacted. Some of it was that the shirt she wore exposed long, toned legs, and beneath the thin fabric, he’d seen evidence of her luscious curves.

Roe was a pretty woman, but she was also a smart, interesting one. Right now, he liked everything he knew about her.

But she hadn’t come to Good Hope planning on being under the same roof with him. She’d been kind enough to let him stay, even though she hadn’t had to.

He wouldn’t forget that.

Besides, he was in no shape to start a new relationship. While he’d had flings in the past, Roe didn’t seem the fling type. Not to mention she was best friends with Coach Slattery’s daughter.

Becoming physically involved with her would be a mistake.

One that he wasn’t about to make, no matter how tempted he was.

Roe’s shift at Muddy Boots the next morning started out well but quickly took a nose dive. This was her first time handling a full section of six tables, and the place was hopping.

By the time she walked out the door at two thirty, she wanted to cry. The new shoes she’d purchased specifically for work had rubbed blisters on both heels, and dropping a pot pie on Boone was nothing compared to having an unreasonable “Karen” scream at her for bringing the salad dressing on the salad instead of on the side.

Even though the woman hadn’t specified, apparently—at least according to Karen—Roe should have asked. Offering to remake the salad hadn’t satisfied the woman, who’d only continued to berate her.

Roe attempted to walk that fine line between appeasing unhappy customers without letting them walk all over her. Helen had been busy with her own tables, the other servers were college girls who appeared determined to stay out of the fray, and Beck hadn’t been around.

Just when Roe was ready to lash out and tell the woman to leave, Gladys stepped forward to face Karen.

“You will stop this nonsense immediately.”

The woman, her round face flushed and perspiring from her tirade, ignored Gladys.

“Are you lazy?” Karen’s gaze remained on Roe, a viper snake unwilling to release its prey. “Or just plain stupid?”

Roe had watched videos of both men and women acting in such unbelievable ways, but until this moment, she had never been on the receiving end of such behavior. It wasn’t funny when it was happening to you.

“Did you hear what I said, madam?” Gladys spoke again, her pale blue eyes piercing the distance between her and the Karen.

“Go away, old woman.” Without bothering to glance in Gladys’s direction, Karen flicked a dismissive hand.

“I most certainly will not.” Gladys scanned the table of four. “It is you and your family who will leave. Right this instant. If you do not, I will not hesitate to call the sheriff and have you tossed out. ”

With that remark, Gladys commanded the woman’s attention. The woman opened her mouth, but Gladys steamrolled over her.

“I don’t know where you come from, but in this community, we don’t speak to anyone like you’re speaking to this sweet young woman.”

“I don’t have to listen to you.” Karen sneered. “You don’t own this café.”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” Gladys pulled her phone out of her handbag. “You have been ordered to leave these premises and told not to return. If you do not leave now, I will call the police, and you will be charged with trespassing.”

“Mom, c’mon, let’s go.” The woman’s teenage son looked up from his phone for the first time. “You’ve already made yourself look stupid.”

Karen glared at him. “Don’t you call me stupid.”

The fact that she’d called Roe the very same thing only moments before appeared lost on her.

The husband, or the man Roe assumed was her husband, rose, a long-suffering expression on his face. “The kids and I are leaving. It’s up to you whether to come with us or not.”

Gladys held up her phone and tapped the screen twice with one pointed nail. “TikTok.”

“Well, I never.” Huffing, Karen reached down and scooped up her purse. “I will not be coming here again.”

“Good.” Gladys hid her smile until the family left the café.

They’d barely walked out the door when Gregory appeared tableside to clear away the dishes.

Applause filled the dining room, and Gladys took an obligatory bow and then spoke to her admirers. “The show is officially over. Back to your food.”

Roe touched Gladys’s arm. “Thank you for that.”

“No one should be spoken to in that manner.”

“I didn’t realize you owned Muddy Boots. I thought Beck and Ami did. ”

“That’s correct. But they weren’t here. I was.”

Roe blinked. “But you told her?—”

“I’m an actress.” Gladys’s lips curved in a sly smile. “I excel in any role.”

“You were very convincing.”

“Thank you.” Gladys offered a regal nod. “Now, don’t let this incident rattle you. I’ve been watching, and you’re doing an outstanding job.”

Roe relayed all this to Boone on the way to Rakes Farm that evening. He hadn’t been there when she’d arrived home after her shift. In fact, by the time he’d walked through the door, it had been nearly six.

He hadn’t said where he’d been, and she didn’t ask. Just like it wasn’t his business where she went or with whom, what he did wasn’t hers.

Still, she was happy he would be with her tonight when she strolled into the party.

Being alone in the house this afternoon had given her time to settle after her “Karen” adventure. After making a snack, Roe had taken a long bath and soaked until every last bit of tension dissolved in the sweet-scented water. Then she’d slathered herself with creamy lotion and curled her hair. Ensconced in a soft, fluffy robe, she’d cast a critical eye over her closet choices.

It was a holiday party, which likely meant dressy. Not cocktail party dressy, but maybe close. She let her gaze linger on a simple black dress. Add a strand of pearls, and she’d be good to go.

Roe reached out her hand but pulled it back. Black was definitely always a safe choice for such events, but the color didn’t ring any festive bells.

She shifted her gaze to the red wrap dress—still with tags—that she’d purchased this fall in anticipation of the office Christmas party. On the same shopping spree, she’d picked up a pair of gold metallic heeled ankle boots that would add a stylish touch.

Roe pulled the dress from the closet just as her phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she smiled. Unlike most of her friends, who hated talking on the phone, Dakota preferred it to texting.

“Hey, you.” Roe sat on the bed, careful not to get too close to the dress she’d laid on the bed. “How’re the wedding plans coming? I feel bad that I’m not there to help. If there’s any last-minute stuff I can do to?—”

“It’s all done.” Relief wove through Dakota’s voice. “And you helped me so much in the beginning.”

“I know, but?—”

“No buts. All is done, and all is well.” Dakota’s voice held a lilt, which told Roe all was indeed well. “Now, what’s new with you?”

“You’ll never believe what happened at Muddy Boots today.” Roe went on to explain Gladys stepping into the role of café owner.

Dakota laughed. “That sounds just like her. I wish I could have been there to see it.”

“It was pretty impressive,” Roe admitted, her lips curving upward.

“So, what’s on the agenda for tonight?”

“Boone and I are going to a party at Rakes Farm. I’m hoping?—”

“You and Jason Boone.” Dakota heaved a lusty sigh. “Visions of a holly jolly end to the evening are dancing in my head.”

“Puh-leeze.” Still, Roe couldn’t help chuckling. “There is nothing at all romantic between?—”

“I can see the after-party now,” Dakota interrupted, the sudden theatrical quality to her voice reminding Roe of Gladys. “The snowy night. A roaring fire. One thing leads to another and?—”

“How many times do I have to say it?” Roe interrupted, trying to sound stern but unable to keep from laughing. “Boone is here to heal. Besides, it’s not like that between us.”

“Maybe. But I believe it’s wise to keep an open mind.” Dakota paused. “Things change, and a little yuletide fun just might be in your future.”

At 6:45, Roe strode out of her bedroom. GPS had given a fifteen-minute drive time, which meant if they left now, they’d arrive a little after seven.

Roe hoped getting to the party early would give her a chance to speak with Fin privately for a few minutes and make a connection before the other attendees arrived.

While she didn’t know Fin, she’d liked Ami instantly, which hopefully meant she would likely feel the same closeness with Ami’s sister.

When Roe reached the bottom of the stairs, she found Boone waiting, head down, scrolling through his phone. He’d gone with dark pants and a gray sweater, a perfect combination of casual and dressy.

“I’m ready any time you are.”

Her voice had his head jerking up from the phone. His eyes widened, and a look of pure appreciation crossed his face. A low whistle escaped his lips. “You look amazing.”

Roe smiled, unable to stop the rush of pleasure. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

“Red is definitely your color.”

“That’s what my mother always said.” Even during Roe’s gawky preteen years, her mom had always been her staunchest supporter.

For Lisa Carson, outer beauty was secondary to what a person was like on the inside. She’d wanted her children to be good and kind and, most of all, happy .

Which was why she’d supported Roe when she’d told her mom that working in theater made her happy. Now that Roe had her career, she knew her mother hoped she would find someone special to share her life.

“Wise woman.”

The words pulled Roe from her thoughts. When she refocused, she found Boone staring. At her mouth.

For a second, she couldn’t look away. Her heart beat like a thousand butterfly wings in her throat. She suddenly felt light-headed.

Recalling Dakota’s question, Roe considered the budding attraction between her and Boone. Did she want to act on it? More important, was it wise to act on that desire?

With no time now to give that important decision the consideration it deserved, Roe told herself that after the party, she would give it some thought.

To steady herself, she took a breath and forced her gaze to the clock on the mantel. “It’s time to go.”