Everything I Wish For (Lupine Valley #5)

6. Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Lauren

After my showings, I came home to a third bouquet of my favorite flowers on the kitchen table. A mixture of roses, peonies, daisies, and chrysanthemums. All in varying shades of pink, purple, and creams.

In front of the vase was a handwritten note from Brad that read:

I had a great time on our first date, can’t wait to do it again. Maybe we’ll even get to date 3. - B

The reminder of his third date rule makes me blush and the man isn’t even in the house. I was so caught off guard when he said that, I never even thought he would think about having sex, not that I would mind if he wanted to get me in between the sheets. In fact I’d really fucking like that. It’s got me thinking that maybe a little friends-with-benefits deal might work out. Besides when it ends. Or he finds a woman to love that isn’t me.

And all this thinking is coming to a head tonight when I see Brad again for the first time. All week either he was working or I was at a showing and it just didn’t work out. Until now. And all I can think about is sex with Brad.

I need to get my libido under control.

Tonight we are going to dinner at the Robertson’s house. My palms have been sweating all day despite the temperatures hovering around negative outside. Mrs. Robertson has known me since they moved to town in high school. And she was always able to tell when we were lying better than my mom, or Lacey’s.

Brad is picking me up in five minutes and I’m pacing the kitchen to calm my nerves. Maybe I need a shot.

I laugh at the thought. His Mom can sniff that out faster than a lie and she’d know I was nervous. She always said it was because her Daddy made his own moonshine and the smell has a way of finding her nose. Needless to say, I grew up terrified of southern women.

I will never forget the first time she caught us out by the maple tree in the back of their property. Lacey, Brad and I snuck the bottle of vodka from the liquor cabinet, ready to fill it with water when we went back in. Why kids think that will work is beyond me now.

“Here, quick. You go first.” I thrust the bottle of vodka at Brad.

“What? Why me? Momma always taught me that ladies go first.”

“Give it to me. I’ll go first.” Lacey rips the bottle out of his hand and knocks the cap off. “Here goes nothing.”

She brings the bottle up to her lips and tilts it back. I doubt she got much when she throws her head forward, pulling the bottle from her lips.

“Why do people drink this?” Her face scrunches up and she covers her mouth like it might automatically come back up.

“It can’t be that bad!” I tell her, taking the bottle from her and trying my own shot. “Oh, my God! It is that bad!”

Why did we think this was a good idea? Oh right, because we’re fifteen and wanted to fit in at the senior party next week.

“Guys, maybe we should just go put it back before Momma notices,” Brad says nervously.

“No. It’s your turn. Don’t be a baby.” I place the bottle back in his hands. “And if you don’t want Momma R finding us you better do it quick so we can make it back inside.”

Hesitantly, he brings the bottle to his lips, grimacing as he pours it back.

“Bradley Robertson! I know you ain’t out there with my vodka sneakin’ shots! Y’all better get your behinds back in this house NOW!”

“Oh, shit, she’s mad, mad!” Lacey says running back to the house, not wanting to be last. The last one in always got it the worst.

“Hey! You two better not leave me back here alone trying to get this cap back on!”

I waited for Brad to get the cap back on and we clasped hands to run back to the house together.

Ironically thinking about the first time she caught us sneaking shots of their liquor has calmed me down. If we survived that night, tonight might not be that bad. Maybe I’m worrying about nothing.

The door opening makes me jump. “L, you ready?” Brad calls out, shutting the door behind him.

I meet him in the living room. I dressed up a little more than usual to make a good impression as his girlfriend. And I can tell it hasn’t gone unnoticed by Brad. His eyes rake over my body as I walk toward him.

“You know this is just dinner at my parents right?” He holds up his hands, “Not that I’m complaining, you look gorgeous. But are you comfortable?” He nods to the knee high, heeled boots I’ve chosen to match my favorite cream sweater dress.

“Yeah, I’m good. I got slippers in my purse. I know how your Mom feels about shoes in the house.” I pat my purse as I grab it off the bench by the door.”

“Good call.” He kisses my forehead and I’m momentarily stunned. “Get used to it. Momma is going to be expecting lots of touching and kissing, remember?”

“Right. I will, but it’s just us, so it was unexpected,” I quickly explain away my reaction.

He places his hand on the small of my back and guides me out of the house, locking the door up for me with the key I gave him last year. His hand hasn’t left my body, and even through my coat I can feel the burn of where he’s touching me.

Get yourself under control, woman.

It takes all of five minutes to get to his parents house and I’m not any less nervous than I was when he picked me up. “What if she knows?” I ask quietly.

“What?” He turns to face me in the cab of his truck.

“What if she knows we’re lying?” I ask again.

He places his hands on my trembling ones in my lap. “L. Look at me.” I turn to face him, the guilt of dragging everyone into this mess of a lie weighing on me. “If she knows, and that’s a big if, then we’ll deal with it when we get there. She’ll understand. I’m sure of it. She herself read your mom the riot act when she set you up with that child.”

He lets go of my hands and hops out of the truck before coming to my side to get me. I know better than to let Mrs. Robertson see me open my own door. She’d not let Brad hear the end of it for the rest of the night.

“Come on. Time to face the firing squad.” He holds out his hand, palm up, ready for mine. I place my hand in his and take a deep breath.

“Oh they’re here! Al! Come look at these two lovebirds,” Mrs. Robertson gushes from the front porch of their old farmhouse.

We walk up the front steps hand in hand onto the large wrap around porch. What I wouldn’t give to get my hands on remodeling this home. It’s beautiful. I’ve loved it ever since the first time Brad invited me over. I remember when it went up for sale and I tried to convince my parents with a PowerPoint presentation, a new skill from school, that we should buy it and move. Needless to say I wasn’t successful and the Robertson’s moved in shortly after.

“Come in, come in, it’s freezing out here!” She pulls me into the large foyer of the home. The heat emanating from the old wood stove in the corner of the kitchen wraps around me like her hug. She smells like buttercream frosting and I’m hoping she made red velvet cupcakes for dessert.

“Momma, do I smell what I think I smell?” Brad asks her while giving her a bear hug. He’s the definition of a Momma’s boy. But not in that entitled asshole way, in the way that you know he’ll treat you like a queen because he loves his Momma.

“You sure do, baby. You know I wouldn’t invite y’all over and not make your favorites.” She leans over to whisper to me, “And I packed a to go box for you already, baby girl.” She winks and walks away into the kitchen.

The sizzling on the pan lets me know she’s making her famous fried chicken. A family dinner staple. Mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw fill the table already.

“Mmm, Momma R this smells so good.” I come up behind her at the stove. I learned real quick as a teenager that she is Momma R, and not Mrs. Robertson. “What can I do to help?”

“Nothing, baby girl. Nothing at all. You just sit and tell me all about this trip y’all got planned behind my back.” She stares at me over her shoulder, the look we all got when we tried to do something without her knowing.

“It’s just for Ethan’s wedding. I wish you were coming,” I say honestly. I love spending time with Momma R. I’ve spent more time with her recently since my own mom left for Florida.

“Oh you know I can’t get Al to leave this darn house. Even if it is for some dang sunshine in the middle of this awful winter.” She shakes her wooden spoon at the man in question sitting in his recliner with Brad watching football.

“So, where are y’all staying? Is it romantic?” She waggles her eyebrows in my direction drawing out the word romantic .

“It’s an all inclusive resort in the Keys. Vivian and Mom have found the most beautiful beach at sunset to hold the ceremony and the reception will have a wall of windows for the views. Everyone has a room there too. So it’ll be nice getting to see everyone for more than just a few days at a time.”

“I’m bummed that I won’t get to see your Mom this year for her extended trip.” She pouts at missing her friend.

“I know, I’ve been told by everyone how late I am on decorating without Daddy to help me.” I’m really sad that I’m missing time with my daddy. I look forward to this every year.

It’s the first time we’ve missed decorating together since I was little. And probably the first time I’m going to miss the Lupine Valley decorating contest since I won’t have time between showings, fake dating Brad, and going to Florida.

“You tell me when and I’ll get Al on over there to help you and Brad.” She nods as if the decision has been made for everyone involved.

Brad comes in just as she’s giving out the orders to set the table. “What are you volunteering me for now, Momma?”

“Decorating your girl’s house for Christmas. She’s behind.” She winks at me. “Speaking of, why haven’t you already done that, son? You know better.”

“Momma you know I’ve been taking extra shifts so we can go to Ethan’s wedding. I haven’t had any time.” He looks at me and shrugs before handing me the pile of plates.

I chuckle, “Don’t worry I’ll put him to work, but not until after we get him a suit for the wedding. I don’t think he can wear jeans and a flannel in the Keys.”

He groans in response to finding him a suit, and having to shop. I know how much he hates shopping and since this was so last minute I highly doubt he has any clothes dressy enough for Vivian’s dream of a black tie affair.

“Oh what does your dress look like?” She spins around to ask me as the thought hits her.

“Vivian actually picked out beautiful dresses. They’re floor-length velvet gowns the color of Christmas Poinsettias. Each bridesmaid got to pick out their own style, and mine is an off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline, mermaid style. So it’s fitted to about my knees then flares out.”

“Oh baby girl, you’re going to look so beautiful in that. Like a holiday Barbie.” She kisses my cheek as I reach for the silverware.

“And what exactly are we getting me for this shindig?” Brad asks.

“I was thinking a black suit, with a red tie to match, and a nice crisp white shirt,” I say proudly. “Or maybe a black shirt.” I actually envisioned him coming with me as my date in my dreams before this convoluted plan of mine came to life.

“You’ll look so handsome. I think your Daddy has a red tie. Y’all can go look after supper. Now y’all come sit and eat while the chicken is hot.”

We all pile around the table, holding hands on top of the table. We know better than to take a bite before grace has been said.

Once that’s been done and everyone has a plate piled high, Brad asks, “So are we putting lights on that tree tomorrow? You can’t come home from Florida and not have a Christmas tree ready.”

“I think if we don’t put up the lights outside first, the town will riot.” I laugh.

“No, Daddy and I will do that on Monday, right old man?” He nudges his Dad with his elbow.

“Sure thing, baby girl. It’ll be done before you get home from work.” He goes back to his fried chicken. He’s always been a man of few words Especially when Momma’s fried chicken is involved.

“So, tell me, how did you two avoid the gossip all this time?” Momma asks, staring at both of us waiting for an answer, assessing our faces for any traces of a lie.

“I already told you Momma. It wasn’t exactly front page news for people to see us out together all the time.” Brad shrugs, reaching for his second helping of mashed potatoes.

“Well you certainly made front page news last weekend.” She pretends to fan her face about the photo posted on facebook.

“We were ready for everyone to know since we’d finally told you and Mom. We just didn’t want people to get invested in our relationship if it wasn’t going to work out,” I offer.

“Wasn’t going to work out? Shoot. Y’all been skirtin’ the issue since you was sixteen.” Al contributes.

“That’s right. We’ve all been waiting for you to finally get together. You’re just a perfect mix,” Momma says proudly.

“And that is exactly why we didn’t want you to know. Too many people would be invested, have questions, and anytime we went somewhere there would be gossip and rumors. We just wanted to take things to the next level without the prying eyes around this town,” Brad says.

“I get it. But you could have told me ,” she says smugly.

“I’m sorry, Momma. You’ll be the first to know when I buy a ring.” He winks at me.

I nearly choke. A ring? This man is getting his Momma’s hopes up a little too high for a fake dating scheme.

His Momma and him go off on a tangent about where he’ll buy the ring, and if he’ll ask my Dad’s permission, and if he’ll take her, and what kind of ring he wants for me. And in that moment, I’ve never felt the thankfulness for Al’s quiet behavior that I do now. I join him in finishing our meal with a few smiles, and a lot of fried chicken.

“I can’t believe you said that to your Momma last night! Ring shopping?” I stare at him as he hands me my coffee and I haul my butt up into the seat of his truck.

“She bought it didn’t she?” He acts like this is no big deal.

“She’ll be devastated when she finds out this was all fake!” I yell at him.

“She’ll be alright. I promise. So where to first?” He puts the truck in drive and backs out of the diner parking lot.

We came to fuel up before a day of shopping. I will definitely need the energy to deal with him trying on clothes and dealing with anything in the city and the large crowds.

“How do you know?” I cross my arms across my chest.

“Who says it isn’t real?” He winks, and merges onto the highway. In order to go shopping we need to drive into the city.

I stare at him. Did I hear him right?

“Now, where to?” he asks again.

“Um... The mall?” I sputter out.

He nods, turns up the country station, and reaches across his center console for my hand.

“Brad, do you think this is real?” I ask him after thinking about his comment for a few minutes.

“Depends, L. Do you want it to be?”

“I…uh… I don’t know,” I answer. Am I ready to admit my feelings for him?

“Well then, it’s as real as we want it to be until we figure out where we stand.”

What the fuck does that mean? I make a mental note to text Lacey when I get home. Although, I already know she’ll yell at me for not admitting how I feel right here and now.

The rest of the ride into the city passes in silence between us. Brad sings along to all the songs on the radio and I sit here trying to fix the jumbled mess of thoughts in my head.

He pulls into a parking spot, and, per usual, hops out and comes to open my door. Those southern manners are drilled deep.

“I’m going to kiss you. You’re overthinking. And we need to shut that brain off.” He boxes me inside the car. Sometimes I hate that he knows me so well.

“Okay,” I whisper before his mouth crashes on mine.

He wraps his hand around the back of my neck, pulling me close to him, my legs spread to slide on either side of his body. His tongue tangles with mine, and I moan.

In the few times that he’s kissed me, nothing ever spoke of him thinking about it before it happened. A drunken kiss here or there when I pressed against him to pass him in the hall at The Bar. A moment of opportunity, not want.

Before I’m ready he pulls back, ending the kiss and removing his body from mine, letting the frigid November temperatures permeate my coat.

“Come on, before you turn into a snowman.” He grabs my hand and leads me into the warmth of the mall.

We go into the first store we see that has men’s clothing. He and his dad found the perfect tie last night, it’s the exact color of my bridesmaid dress with an embossed paisley design giving it a nice texture for a plain black shirt.

“How about this one? It fits the theme?” He holds up a suit jacket that is green with Santas and Christmas trees all over.

I giggle, “I don’t think Vivian would like that for her black tie affair.” I walk to the rack behind him and pull out a simple black suit, “How about this one?”

He takes the suit from me and goes to try it on in the dressing room, grumbling the whole way.

When he walks out my jaw hits the floor.

First, how unfair is it that he looks this good in the first freaking thing he tries on? Second, how unfair is it that he just looks that good? I take him in, all of his hard muscles covered by a black suit, with the too tight black shirt stuck to his body, showing off his muscled abs beneath it. I’d say he needs a bigger size, but then I’d lose my view.

“I can’t tell if your stunned silence is good or bad?” he questions me when I realize I’ve not said anything or picked my jaw up off the floor.

“Definitely good. I think this is the one.” I say nodding my approval.

“That was too easy.” He laughs and heads back into the dressing room to change.

“Girl, you better hide that man wherever you’re going, or you better be good at fighting women off.” The older sales lady chuckles from behind me.

“Don’t I know it.” I sigh and sink back into the wall where I was leaning.

Brad pays for his items and grabs my hand to lead me back into the mall.

“Shopping really works up an appetite.” He rubs his stomach for the full effect.

“You tried on one suit.” I roll my eyes.

“Hey, it’s not easy looking this good,” he jokes.

“Someone has a big ego.” I bump into him, knocking him off kilter.

“And someone didn’t think about the fact that she was outside a half door in the dressing room when the sales lady openly admitted to ogling these abs.”

Shit.

“Don’t worry, these are all for you, L. Only you.” He kisses me on the forehead and leads me around a busy area of the mall where holiday shoppers have already started for the season.

“I can’t believe Santa is already at the mall.” I point to the jolly old fella in the middle of the mall in front of his constructed workshop covered in glitter.

“Oh come on! We have to go get a picture.” He pulls me in the direction of Santa.

“I am not sitting on Santa’s lap.” I put my foot down, stopping before the start of the line.

“Okay, fine, sit on my lap. You can pretend I’m Santa.” He winks.

“If you were Santa, I’d build a chimney right now for you to come down and eat my cookies.” I slap my hand over my mouth. My cheeks flush with heat. Maybe he didn’t hear my stupid joke that snuck out before my brain could filter it. I peek over my hand and he definitely heard me.

“Is that so? Maybe I should talk retirement with Santa instead of Christmas wishes. Although the two do seem mutually exclusive.” He laughs and pulls me into the line.

“Just you two?” The girl asks as we get to the front. Clearly looking for the children in tow.

“Yup, just us.” Brad smiles as big as a toddler on Christmas morning.

She points us through the gate after he pays for our photos.

Santa holds out his arms. “Ho, ho, ho, what can Santa do for you this evening?”

“Well Santa, she said that she’d build me a chimney and let me eat some of her cookies if I was Santa, so I guess we need to talk retirement for you. Is that a possibility?”

I choke at his brazen words, “Brad!” I swat his arm.

But he just turns and winks at me. “Come on, let’s go, naughty girl. I know you’re getting coal, but I’m still on the nice list.”

He stands next to Santa and pushes me onto Santa’s knee.

“I want whatever she wants,” he whispers to Santa.

The girl at the checkout, oblivious to anything that Brad is saying, tells us to look at her and smile. We do, and Santa is still laughing when we walk away with two photos in hand.

“Okay, how about Christmas movies and tree decorating next? Of course after a stop at the winery. I noticed you were down to the last bit of your wine.”

“Yes! That sounds like the perfect day!” I jump up and down in excitement. “Can we get pizza for dinner too?”

“Abso-freaking-lutely. Do I ever say no to food?”

The drive home is more comfortable silence. Unless I’m in my own head. The more time I spend with Brad in our fake relationship, the more I want to let myself believe this could be real. It would be too easy to let it be real. But what would happen to our friendship? What if everything implodes?

He reaches across the truck and squeezes my thigh tight, leaving his hand there, drawing circles with his thumb.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?”

I look over at him and smile innocently, “Nothing, just excited for tonight.”

He furrows his brows and I know that he doesn’t believe me for one second, but luckily he doesn’t seem like he’s going to push me.

The winery is packed when we arrive, but Brad offers to run in and grab my wine so we can get home to decorate and so I won’t get distracted by shopping and tastings.

When he gets back in the truck, he holds up the three bottles of wine with a smile at his bounty.

“You’re the best.” I reach out and take the bottles into my lap.

“I know, but I’m glad you’re getting on board with that. So what movie are we watching first?”

He looks at me after turning back onto the road.

We both laugh and at the same time say, “Elf!”

It’s the first Christmas movie we watch together every year. These are the days, and the moments I couldn’t risk losing with him. If I open my mouth and say I want this to be real, then there’s a chance I can lose him and everything we have as friends. I’ve wanted him for longer than I haven’t, but now that he’s acting like he wants me, I’m scared.

“Want to grab some fried pickles while we wait for the pizza?” I ask him.

“Do you even have to ask?”

I don’t. I know he does. It’s our go to appetizer at both the diner and The Bar.

It’s still early so The Bar isn’t too busy yet and we’re able to get our two favorite spots.

“What can I get ya?” Bennett asks. I raise my brow and he smirks, grabbing the tequila to make my favorite raspberry margarita and slinging a beer down the counter for Brad.

Gunnar’s friend owns a brewery in his hometown, and he always sends his new brews here for testing. Brad is all too happy to always choose those and Bennett doesn’t even have to ask.

“Roman is experimenting with a coffee stout for the winter. And next week we’re getting an ale with a hint of cranberry for Christmas.” Bennett hands me my margarita.

Brad scrunches his nose, he’s not big on the flavor. “I’ll try the cranberry but it’s not my favorite. So I guess I’ll be a good reviewer. But this coffee stout smells fantastic.”

Mack, the chef, comes out with our plate of fried pickles. “You guys staying for dinner too or grabbing take out?”

I guess everyone knows how predictable Brad and I are. Would he get bored having such a predictable relationship? Would he want someone else after a while?

While I’m lost in my thoughts, Brad answers for us. “We’re gonna grab a supreme to go if you don’t mind.”

“Sure thing.” She disappears back into the kitchen.

“What are you two lovebirds up to this evening? Heard it’s supposed to start snowing soon.” Bennett leans on the bar on his elbows to talk.

“I heard that, but thought it was later tonight.” Brad sips his drink, but I notice the subtle stiffening of his spine.

“I think ten? Hoping the boss lets us go early. I think it’ll be slow.”

It’s cute he thinks that it will be slow with the snow. “You know they’ll just walk here for their beer, and you live over the bar.”

“Shh. Don’t say all that out loud. Gunnar is probably listening to you right now.” Bennett looks all around and directly at the security camera.

We all laugh because Gunnar is anything but a strict boss. Bennett could text him right now and say he was closing up and he wouldn’t care.

“So Bennett. Since the whole world knows about my love life, how is yours going?” I ask him before tossing back the rest of my drink.

Bennett recently had a break up when his boyfriend had to go back to Colorado for the winter. He was working at the golf course here for the summer, but works at a ski resort for the winter season. He was pretty devastated and made us bring him out for a girls night with us. It was the best time I’ve ever had.

“Girl. It’s drier than the damn Sahara Desert around here. It’s not like some super hot gay guy is just going to casually stroll up in little old Lupine Valley.”

“Hey you never know what’s going to happen around here.” Brad winks at me over the rim of his beer.

Mack comes and places the pizza box on the bar in front of us, we drop some cash for Bennett and our drinks and head back to my house to decorate the Christmas tree. I can’t wait. Christmas movies, decorating, and snow, it’s the perfect night.

I thought that I could handle the fake dating and when it ended, but I’m worried about losing everything I had today. I want more than anything to be with Brad, but I don’t want to lose the friendship we have. He’s always there for me, whenever I need something built or fixed, whenever I want someone to watch a movie with, someone to grab dinner with when I don’t want to sit at the diner alone. Without him, I’d do absolutely everything alone.