Chapter Twelve

“I’m stuffed.” Mel pushed her plate away and sat back. “Ugh, I’ll be lucky not to end up facedown in the stacks this afternoon for a nap. And now that you know I’m a sushi addict, please remind me not to overindulge next time?”

She stopped and bit her lip. Assuming there is a next time.

Thankfully, Adam didn’t miss a beat. His feet tangled with hers beneath the table. “I can think of lots of other things to keep you awake in the afternoon. I bet there’s all sorts of hidden alcoves in that library, perfect for a sexy rendezvous.”

“Oh, there are, but my job is to keep the place quiet and orderly.”

He chuckled, sending ripples of awareness though her whole body. “Don’t worry. I’m good at keeping secrets.”

“I know.” She grinned and straightened, detangling her feet from his. “We should get back. Lunchtime’s nearly up.”

Adam paid the bill, despite Mel’s insistence they split it, then they walked outside. Tourist season was in full swing, even here in the middle of nowhere, and the local craft festivals were bringing in bargain hunters from far and wide. Mel took Adam’s arm and walked him down to the end of the building and around the corner, giving them a modicum of privacy.

After a quick glance around, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in for a kiss. Sweet, hot, and a tad risqué given the situation, Mel was breathless when she finally pulled away. Her words came out soft and panting. “Are we still on for tonight?”

He gave her a quizzical stare. “What did you mean when you called this a date earlier?”

“Oh, nothing.” Liar. Mel could tell herself until the cows came home she was still in control of her emotions where Adam was concerned, but it wasn’t true. Hadn’t been since that first kiss in her foyer. She’d set out to seduce him, but her feelings for him went so much deeper now. She hadn’t expected her heart to get fully involved so fast, and despite the ticking time bomb of her brother’s return and the side-eye looks they’d gotten from the townsfolk inside, she wasn’t ready to give Adam up. Not yet.

Not until their deadline.

“You’re still planning to date other people,” he said.

It wasn’t a question, and her pulse stuttered. For a brief moment she thought she saw a flicker of pain in his blue eyes, but it disappeared so quickly she might’ve imagined it. Besides, she was too scared of the answer she might get if she asked him if he wanted them to be exclusive now, if he wanted to try to have a real relationship with her.

“Sure. Yeah,” Mel said, stepping away from him and smoothing a hand down the front of her snazzy pink-and-white sheath dress with the shorter skirt and the boatneck top. Not something she ever would’ve worn before, at least not without a nice cardigan atop it, but then she was a different person now, wasn’t she? Yes, she was. She forced a confident smile she didn’t quite feel. “That’s what we agreed to, right?”

“Right. Just confirming we were still on the same page.” He exhaled slowly, his warm breath fanning her face, a hint of a frown around his lips. “I’ll meet you at Clem’s after work. But I don’t want to be out late. Okay?”

Nodding, Mel blinked hard at the sting in her eyes. This was the mess she’d created, her deal. He’d been clear about his rules going into it, so she couldn’t really be surprised he was still going along with her original plan. Adam had agreed to help her with her search for a guy, and he would keep his word because he was steadfast.

It was one of the things she loved most about him.

She swallowed hard. He’s not yours to love.

Mel did her best to look excited about the evening ahead. Distance. That’s what she needed. To put some space between herself and this man who had her so torn and twisted she didn’t know if she was coming or going. If he didn’t want to be with her after James came home, she’d quit him cold turkey, painful as it would be, because that’s what he wanted. In fact, maybe she’d take baby steps now. Starting tonight. “Okay.”

“Well, aren’t you two cozy?” Lilly said, crossing the street to join them. Adam moved away, and Mel missed his warmth immediately. Her best friend raised a brow. “But there’s nothing going on, right?”

“Right.” Mel turned on her heel and took off down the sidewalk toward the library, Adam and Lilly trailing beside her. “We met for lunch. As friends, to catch up. Last time I checked it’s a free country. You got a problem with that?”

Lilly held up her hands, shooting Adam a quick glance. “No problem at all. I do need to see Mr. Fixit here, though, if you don’t mind. Car issues.”

“Oh, uh, sure.” Adam stopped and started backing toward his garage. “Can you stop by Victory Vets later, though? Busy day. Engine rebuild and all. I’ll work you into the schedule.” Adam gave Mel a wave, his smile awkward. “See you tonight.”

Mel watched him walk away before returning her attention to her best friend. “We’re going to Clem’s after work. You want to come?”

“No.” Lilly kept pace beside Mel’s brisk steps as they ate up the block between Fukiyama’s and the library. “But I think we need to have a talk.”

“About what?”

“James called me last night.” Lilly’s scowl and rigid posture proclaimed that the conversation hadn’t been filled with glitter and rainbows.

They stopped at a small courtyard outside the library and took a seat on a wrought iron bench the local Lions club had installed the year before in honor of Point Beacon’s fallen veterans and first responders. Mel was late already, but being head librarian did have its perks.

Lilly frowned down at her hands, seeming out of sorts. She was usually the life of any party, always happy and breezy and ready for fun. But today, the corners of Lilly’s pink glossed lips slanted downward, and her dark brows were knit. “Mel, you know I love you and only want the best for you, right?”

“Sure.” Mel nodded, her concern growing. “What’s wrong?”

“Adam’s a fun guy, but this thing between you two, I’m worried.” Lilly shook her head and stared out across the courtyard. “I don’t want you to get hurt because you got in over your head. Believe me, I know what that’s like, and it’s not fun.”

Mel narrowed her gaze on her friend, sensing this had just as much to do with what had happened between Lilly and James all those years ago as it did with what was going on with Mel and Adam. “I hate that you’re worried, Lils, but I can take care of myself.”

“He’s helping you with more than dating advice, isn’t he?” She met Mel’s eyes, then looked away again. “Don’t answer that. I can tell. You’re my best friend, and Adam’s great, but he’s not the kind of guy who’ll settle down. There’s no way this can work. You’re nice and sweet, and he’s…not. You’re too different.”

Mel bristled. “As my best friend, I’d think you’d be more optimistic.”

“It’s because I know you so well that I say this.” Lilly’s tone turned earnest. “Once a player, always a player, Mel. I’m sorry to say that, but it’s true. He’s not looking to settle down and get married. He’ll never be interested in anything long-term.”

“And you think I am? Look, Adam was up-front with me from the beginning about what we were doing.” Mel crossed her arms. She’d thought the makeover would help with people making assumptions about her life and her feelings, but apparently not. “I went in with my eyes open, and I’m not expecting any more from him than he’s willing to give. We have an agreement. Nothing more.”

Never mind those words hurt to say, the lies cutting like razor blades.

She might’ve gone into this with her eyes open, but along the way her heart had opened, too. Now there was no closing it, not without a lot of anguish. When she was with Adam, she felt comfortable, like she belonged. Perhaps down the road maybe the sparks between them would cool and she’d meet someone else, someone she felt the same connection with, no matter how impossible that idea sounded.

Lilly exhaled slowly. “You wanted to make changes. I get that. I do. But thinking he’ll ask you to take things to the next level is setting yourself up for disaster. I can already see you’re falling for him. From the way he was holding you and kissing you on the corner, you two are well past the friendship mark. Please heed my advice, okay? I’ve been where you are, and it didn’t end pretty. If you keep walking the same path you’re on, you’ll only fall harder and deeper, and it will only hurt more when it’s over.”

Mel gave a mirthless laugh. “God, why is everyone so concerned about me? I’m not an idiot. I’m well aware of Adam’s reputation. I spent too many years tagging along after him not to know what he’s really like. But did you ever stop to think I want to sow some wild oats, too? This is the first time I’ve gotten beyond a first date with a guy in months. I don’t know where any of this is going to lead, but I can tell you that I can handle it, regardless of what James might have told you.”

Truth was, if Adam gave her even the slightest inkling he wanted a future with her, she’d be all over that like white on rice. No sense denying it anymore. She’d been in love with him for over a decade. He ticked all the boxes on her wish list and more. But Mel wasn’t stupid. And she wasn’t naive, either, despite her lack of relationship experience.

“Your brother doesn’t want you to get hurt,” Lilly said. “Neither do I. You have so much to offer the right person.”

“Really?” Mel gave her friend some serious side-eye. “Are you going to give up photography and write greeting cards instead?” Lilly chuckled, and the tension between them dissolved. “I’m not sure about the whole ‘so much to offer’ thing. I mean, I’ve been sitting on that shelf for a while now, and I’ve never been enough for anyone. Sometimes I wonder if I ever will be.” Lilly started to speak, but Mel raised a hand, cutting her off. “No. Please, listen. I’m not saying Adam won’t break my heart. What I am saying is I love you, and James, too, but you guys need to mind your own business and let me get on with things, yeah?”

“But—”

“But nothing.” Mel pushed to her feet. “If I want your advice, I’ll ask for it. Same with my brother. Lord knows I’ll get an earful when he’s back in town anyway. But my life and my choices aren’t up to either one of you. You don’t get a vote.” She squared her shoulders, proud of herself for taking a stand. “Understand?”

“Understood. James is not happy, though.” Lilly snorted. “He pulled out the big guns by calling me last night.”

Mel rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Forget it.” Lilly pushed to her feet. “I need to get back to my studio.” She smoothed a hand down the front of her cute polka-dot top and jeans. “The mayor’s office is supposed to call me about a new project they want me to work on. And thanks for the invite tonight, but I think you and Adam will have enough to talk about without me involved. Talk to you later.”

Mel stood there for a moment, thinking about everything and savoring a few more precious seconds of summer sun. People milled past, some she recognized as locals, some she pegged as tourists, all of them going about their business without a care.

Satisfaction swelled inside her. Things with Adam might be a mess right now, but telling Lilly and James to stay out of her business felt good. She should’ve done it a long time ago. Hopefully they’d listen. Her steps felt lighter when she finally walked back into the library and headed for the circulation desk.

…

Adam regretted his decision more by the minute as he sat at the bar in Clem’s and watched Mel play pool with some random dude across the room. He clenched his beer bottle tight and stared as the guy made his moves on Mel.

Hard to believe they’d only been here forty-five minutes. Then again, Mel was wearing those damned jeans again, the ones that cupped her butt to perfection. From the sway of her hips to the sparkle in her eyes, Adam had known right off he was in trouble.

He’d plopped down on a stool at the bar while she’d taken off immediately to charm all the single men in the room. Now he’d almost wished he’d ordered something stronger than ale to dampen the envy searing hot inside him. Lord knew he needed all the patience he could muster to keep from punching that dude into next week each time his hand grazed Mel’s butt when she leaned over to make a shot. The guys in the bar had zoomed in on her newfound hotness, gathering around her like bugs to a zapper. Adam growled and took another sip of his beer.

Mel’s husky laughter drifted through the air, its sensual tone rivaling the country tunes streaming from the old jukebox against the wall. His muscles tightened, and sweat prickled his skin as Mel carried on with her new male friends.

Adam didn’t like the fact that those dudes could make her laugh so easily. Didn’t like the way Mr. Handsy had pulled out his cell phone and was punching in Mel’s digits, either. And he really disliked how every single man in the room stared at her as she crossed the room toward Adam.

At last, she slid onto her stool beside him with a satisfied smile. “That was fun. Did you see he asked me for my number? That never happens. Usually they can’t get away from me fast enough.”

“Hmm.” Adam watched her over the rim of his bottle, feeling even worse now for getting irritated. Mel didn’t belong to him. She wasn’t his property, and they certainly weren’t a couple. He’d flat out told her that wasn’t even a possibility before they’d started this whole crazy project. He couldn’t be mad at her now. He was only here to help. Her hard work was finally paying off, and he had no business ruining it by getting petty and jealous.

His thoughts snagged.

Okay, fine. Yeah, maybe he was a little jealous, but that didn’t mean anything, really. They’d slept together. That was bound to create some kind of bond. Didn’t mean that bond came with any strings or deeper emotions attached. He swiped a hand over his forehead, perspiration slicking his skin. He didn’t do commitment. He didn’t do love. He’d been clear on that. This shouldn’t even be coming up. Nope. He shook off the errant thoughts.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Mel leaned in so her sweet cherry scent tickled his nose. “Promise you won’t judge.”

“Never.” He felt the urge to kiss her silly until they both forgot about this bar and this night and everything else except each other.

“The number I gave that guy was made up.” She giggled, mischief glinting in her gaze. “That’s so bad, right? But he’s just not my type. Too buttoned-up and bossy.”

Happiness burst inside Adam like fireworks. She didn’t like that dude who’d copped a feel. Good. He took her hand and kissed her fingers, laughed. “He’ll live, don’t worry.”

“So you don’t think I should apologize?”

“What? No.” Adam stood and dug out his wallet, tossing a couple bills on the bar. “I’m starving. You want to grab a burger or something? I know the perfect place.”

“Uh, all right.” Mel grabbed her purse and followed him toward the door. “Are you sure I shouldn’t—”

“I’m sure.” He herded her outside, his eyes drawn like a magnet to her delectable curves. Seriously, those jeans and the new slinky tops she’d bought were the best purchases ever. He even dared to put his arm around her shoulders, because it was dark, and no one was around, and it just felt so good to touch her. Her birthday was drawing closer, so he wouldn’t have many more opportunities.

The perfect place he had in mind was a little dive diner called Boxers. Full of 1930s kitsch with silver steel walls, black-and-white tile floors, red leather booths, and enough privacy for them to cuddle without worrying about being seen. They walked half a block to the restaurant, enjoying each other’s company and the warm night air. In the distance, a lonely train whistle blew, and the breeze carried the rustle of crops and the smell of fresh growing things.

For the first time in a long time, Adam felt hopeful. For himself, for the future.

They rounded a corner, and Mel stopped short, her smile wide. “I love Boxers!”

“Me, too.” What he loved more was the feel of her arm around his waist and the way she hooked a finger through his belt loop as if she couldn’t bear to let him go. Loved the connection they shared, the way her touch gave him both strength and purpose. She’d always made him feel special and important and cared for, even when no one else did. “Best burgers in Indiana.”

“Amen.” They walked inside and grabbed the last booth farthest from the door. “We used to have a place like this not far from the dorms when I was in college. Not nearly as good as this, though. More like a greasy spoon. But man, the all-nighters we spent there, cramming for finals.”

“No late-night after-bar munchies?” Adam asked, opening his menu.

“Nah.” Mel gave a sad little chuckle. “I was usually the girl who was in bed by ten. I never went to the bars when I was in school. Too busy studying. No frat parties, either. Never invited.” She shrugged, picking up the daily specials card from the condiment holder. “Doesn’t matter now, I guess.”

His heart ached at her wistful tone.

“What are you having?” Adam asked, to change the subject.

In the end, they both ended up with the same thing—cheeseburgers, fries, and chocolate malts. And man, if he’d thought seeing her in those jeans was sexy, then watching Mel eat a hamburger was a damned erotic experience—the way she groaned with pleasure after every bite, the way she licked the ketchup and grease from her fingers, the way her head fell back, eyes closed as if she were…

“Can I get you two anything else right now?” the server asked, interrupting Adam’s wicked thoughts.

“Uh, no,” Mel said. Good thing, too, because Adam didn’t think he could’ve formed words to save his life at the moment. “Thanks so much. And I’ll take the check, please.”

He waited until the waitress left, then took a big gulp of water to clear the lump in his throat. “I’ve got the bill.”

“No.” Mel slapped his hand away from the check on the table. “I’m paying tonight. You’ve paid every other time. I need to chip in here. Partners, remember?”

“C’mon, Mel. It’s not right. I invited you.” He tried again to grab the paper slip and failed. “Please?”

“Stop. You came to Clem’s to help me out, and I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. Let me do this.” She hailed the server and handed her the check and money, along with a generous tip. “There. Done.”

Adam exhaled, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Thanks.”

He wasn’t used to other people doing things for him. Wasn’t used to all the things he felt and experienced when he was around Mel, if he was honest. He didn’t know if he was up or down these days. All he knew was that whatever all this joyous chaos was inside him, it was not love.

Was it?

No. Everything he’d ever seen of love, apart from the Bryants’ home, was pain and loss and devastation. He wouldn’t do that to Mel. Wouldn’t risk everything on that, either. Adam’s palms itched. Mel didn’t have a clue about his inner turmoil. She might’ve been the one trying to gain her confidence, but it seemed he was losing his, at least where she was concerned. “Listen, Mel. About our deal…”

“Yeah, it’s going pretty well, right?” she said, finishing the last of her malt. “I’m sorry about leaving you sitting at the bar by yourself so much, but I had to act while I had the courage, you know? And I think it turned out pretty well. It wasn’t as hard as I thought to walk up to those guys and start talking. Lilly would’ve been so proud.”

“Yeah, sure. Cool.” He wiped his damp hands on his jeans. His stomach knotted, the same way it used to on the first day of school when he’d have to walk in wearing the same old clothes he’d worn the year before when all the other kids had new stuff. He opened his mouth to tell her they should end things early but chickened out in the end. Instead, he bought himself more time. A few more days to summon all his courage for the final goodbye. “Uh, are you ready to try something else? A bigger event?”

Mel’s eyes widened as she tilted her head. “Like what?”

“A wedding.”

Her nose scrunched. “Who’s getting married?”

“Miguel, from the garage.”

“Oh!” She grinned. “That’s right! I forgot with everything else going on. Camille must be close to her due date by now, right?”

“She’s seven months, I think.” Adam smiled back. He liked that she remembered that.

“Are you sure you want to take me?” Mel asked.

“Positive.” Adam couldn’t think of anyone he’d rather sit through the ceremony with.

“But the guys know me. James will be even more pissed when he gets home. Not that it matters, I suppose. You know he’s coming home on the thirteenth now, right?”

“I know.” James had left that info in one of the many voicemails he’d clogged up Adam’s mailbox with. He’d also stated in no uncertain terms that if Adam so much as laid a finger on his little sister, there’d be hell to pay when he got home. Good. Maybe a brawl would knock some sense into Adam’s head again. Besides, he was tired of hiding. No one had to know he and Mel were sleeping together, or that Adam had gotten in so deep emotionally that he wasn’t sure how he’d ever go back to the way things were before, or even if he wanted to at this point. But he would. For Mel. Because that’s what he’d promised. “It’s fine. The guys are cool.”

“Really?” She seemed to consider the idea for a moment. “Well, it would be a great place to practice my skills, beyond beer and pool.” Her grin widened. “Okay. Yes, I’d love to go. When is it? Is it here in Point Beacon?”

“Chicago, actually. This coming Saturday. Camille’s family is from there. If you can take off work, I thought we’d drive up Friday night and spend the weekend. Come home on Sunday. Will that work? We can share a room or…” He swallowed hard, his head thumping in time with his pulse. “Or you can get one of your own, whatever you want.”

Please stay with me. Please stay with me.

“Oh, well.” Mel’s cheeks colored pink, and his chest squeezed with yearning. “Probably makes more sense to just get one, right?”

“Right.” Adam released the breath he’d been holding and grinned like an idiot. “I didn’t want to make the decision for you.”

“I’ll have to go shopping again, to buy something appropriate.” She glanced over and caught his eye. “Don’t worry. I’ll do it online this time, now that I know what to look for.”

He’d never admit it to anyone, but he’d actually enjoyed walking through that fancy mall with her, seeing her delight at all those shoes and clothes and stuff. “Awesome. It’ll be fun. Not sharing a room, I mean.” He scowled, stumbling over his words like a fool. “Uh, no. I, uh, I mean that’ll be fun, too. I mean the wedding will be cool. They’re doing a traditional Mexican ceremony and reception.”

Dumbass.

Mel giggled, and Adam’s poor battered heart came alive. Man, she was so beautiful. Sweet and kind and so generous with her time and attention and affection. She reached across and took his hand. “You seem almost as jittery as I was when we started working together.”

He gave a self-effacing shrug. “Guess the tables have turned, huh?”

“Yeah.” She smiled. “Thanks for asking me.”

“Thanks for saying yes.” He laughed. “I can’t believe you make me so nervous.”

“Maybe I’m rubbing off on you.”

“Maybe.” He laced their fingers together, liking the sound of that way more than he should. Their gazes locked again. She scooted out of her side of the booth, and he followed. They walked out of the diner together, hands entwined.

“I’m excited about this weekend.” She rested her head against his arm as they strolled toward his bike parked outside Clem’s. “I hope everyone’s as cool as you say with this.”

“They are. Trust me.” He kissed the top of her head as they waited at the corner to cross the street. The more they talked about the wedding and the weekend in Chicago, the more excited he became, too, despite knowing he’d soon have to let her go.

But he would let her go. He had to.

He had too much riding on this to allow his heart into the equation.

If he kept Mel, he’d lose everything else—his best friend, his surrogate family, Victory Vets. The realization struck hard, knocking the air from his lungs.

This weekend would be their last one together before James came home and everything changed. It would be their long goodbye. They’d agreed that her birthday was the line in the sand, the end. That was good. He could get out before he messed things up anymore. This weekend would be nice; they’d part on good terms. Then he’d have a few days to get his head straight again before seeing James and hopefully salvaging their friendship and their business partnership. Things with Mel only felt so intense because they’d spent so much time together over the past few weeks. Time apart would help. Things with her weren’t that serious.

It was settled. They’d go to Miguel’s wedding, have a good time, then be done.

This weekend would be the end.