Her heart was pounding loudly and she assumed her eyes were as round as saucers, but somehow she managed the words, “You fell asleep.”
His brows gathered together as he reached up and rubbed the back of his neck. “What time is it?”
“Three o’clock.”
He raised his chin and looked at her directly for the first time and could not have missed the wide eyes and pale skin. “What’s wrong? Have you had a reaction?”
She definitely had but not in the meaning he meant. She released the air in her lungs; relieved he apparently was unaware of the pilfered kiss. “No. I accidentally knocked into the coffee table. I’m sorry if I woke you, I didn’t mean to.”
“No problem. I should head home anyhow.” He bent his head to massage the knotted muscles behind his shoulders and noticed the pillow beside him. “You brought me a pillow?”
A revealing blush crept into her cheeks. “You looked uncomfortable.”
He gave her a crooked grin. “Well, I have had better. I think my neck is permanently bent.”
Aimee watched as again he gave that same shoulder a rub and wished she had enough nerve to offer to do it for him. With a start she realized he had gotten to his feet and unexpectedly reached down and took her hands into his own, drawing her to her feet.
“I better let myself out and you better get back to bed. We’d hate to see a recurrence of your illness.”
She nodded and allowed him to steer her in the direction of her bedroom, but he stopped short of the doorway. “Goodnight Aimee.”
Standing barefoot in her short robe with her long blonde locks flowing freely about her shoulders, she turned and looked up at him. Something in his eyes caught her breath and held her spellbound for mere seconds but felt more like eternity. It was a look she had only witnessed once before. That Saturday evening when Sheila had barged in on them unwanted, she thought she had recognized the same look as the one she had imagined moments before the near kiss.
“Goodnight Colin.” The throaty response nudged the smallest embarrassment, but Aimee was too mesmerized by his hypnotic gaze to care.
He, on his part, did not appear to have noticed. His expression and eyes did not falter, retaining their hold on her pale face. Their dark depths softened gently as they roamed over her soft cheeks, and eyes slightly swollen from lack of sleep. His gaze had absorbed her complete control, yielding any remaining power she had over herself. Her feeble legs were on the brink of collapsing when he at last broke the gaze and turned to leave.
“Goodnight Aimee.” Then he was gone.
It was impossible to sleep after he left; her head swam of fanciful dreams. The bittersweet savor of a stolen kiss lingered shamefully on her lips. The bewildering and glorious depth it took astounded Aimee. She had always imagined what it would be like to kiss Colin, but never could she have imagined such a sensational force. If he hadn’t been the sole proprietor of her heart before, he had unknowingly sealed its remaining claim.
Where before she might have been strong enough to leave their friendship as it was, she doubted now she would have the strength to abdicate her right not only to his heart and soul, but now also his touch.
Around nine o’clock the following morning, she was woken from her sleep by the pounding on the front door. Barely able to focus, she stumbled out into the other room and peered through the peephole. Surprised, she saw Colin on the other side wearing blue jeans and a loose turtleneck sweater.
Swinging the apartment door open, she gaped at him. “What are you doing here?”
“Good morning,” he offered instead, then breezed past her. “I thought you could do for some fresh air today.”
Closing the door behind him, Aimee frowned. “I thought you were going to work down at the garage?”
“I am, and you’re coming along. It’s about time you saw your new car.”
Sirens rang in her head. “I-I don’t think that’s a good idea. I might get in your way.”
“No you won’t because you’re going to help me paint.”
“You’ve bought the paint?” Her stomach curled horribly.
“That baby’s a beaut, but unfortunately has gone grey over the years. She could use the facelift.”
Shaking her head, Aimee protested, “I’m still not feeling well.”
“Exactly, which is why I think getting some fresh air will make you feel a whole lot stronger.”
She bit her lip. “I can’t go anywhere, Colin. I-I, uh, haven’t even had breakfast yet.”
“Good, neither have I.” He led the way into the tiny kitchen. As if it was his own place, he opened the fridge, retrieved a carton of eggs as well as a package of bacon.
Aimee watched in agony, her insides in turmoil as she realized she had not told him about the loan. He looked so at ease and happy in her kitchen, she loathed the very idea of causing his anger. Especially if it was to be directed at her. Her bottom lip started to tremble without warning, and Aimee had to bite down hard to try and control it. The pain inflicting pain only brought tears to the brim of her rounded eyes.
“How many pieces of bacon would you like this morning?” He turned to look at her. The smile on his face vanished immediately and concern lit his eyes instead. “What’s wrong?”
Shaking her head, she dared not to attempt her voice.
Putting the spatula in his hand down, he took a few steps towards her. “What’s wrong Aimee? Are you really that sick?”
Shaking her head again, she knew she had to tell him. She no longer could keep the awful truth from him. “T-the bank turned me down for a loan.”
He didn’t react at first. Actually he looked more like she had spoken foreign to his ears. Then as her words sunk in, the crease above his forehead deepened. “Why are you crying?”
The question took her by surprise; maybe he hadn’t heard her correctly. “I don’t have the money to pay you back.”
As the words came out, the pent up tears flowed freely and childish sobs were torn from her chest. The brows above his startled eyes rose before he moved, closing the remaining distance between them and taking her into his arms. “It’s all right Aimee. Don’t cry.”
She wailed loudly. “No it’s not. You’re going to hate me.”
He chuckled softly and pulled her weeping face into his chest and petted the tousled hair down her back. “Don’t be foolish, I’ll never hate you.”
“Yes you will and you won’t talk to me again, like you did the past two weeks.” She hadn’t meant to say that, especially in such a childish manner but the words were out before she could snatch them back.
His hand stilled and he went rigid. After a pregnant pause, he said, “I had my reasons Aimee, I’m sorry if I hurt you.”
Pushing herself out of his embrace, she was disappointed when he obligingly dropped his arms and stepped back. With eyes watering and bloodshot, she looked up at him. “Y-you didn’t hurt me. I just thought that—well—I figured—”
“Aimee.” His controlled voice cut her off. “If you’re upset about the past two weeks you should have told me. If you’re upset about the loan, don’t be. Like I said before, I’m in no rush to be paid back.”
Perplexed, she studied his face before swiping at a stray tear. “You can’t afford to be out that much money.”
“I wouldn’t have loaned it to you if I hadn’t.” He grinned suddenly. “Besides, if I hadn’t been so arrogant, I would have called you first.”
“True.” She grinned back, a tidal wave of relief flooding her heart. “I’ll pay you back. I promise, and I’ll even pay you the same interest rate as the bank.”
“Sounds fine.” Then cocking his head, he studied her face. “Better now?”
“Yes.” Feeling slightly ashamed she had misjudged his reaction, she lowered her chin and avoided meeting his eyes.
“Good, now can we eat? I’m starving and we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us,” he paused. “That is if you’re interested in helping?”
“Very much.” Relieved to have everything out in the open, she turned toward the kitchen and pulled out a frying pan ignoring a nagging thought. Not everything had been cleared. He had touched lightly on the reason for his absence in the past two weeks but Aimee dare not risk their friendship any further. She feared his reasons would not be very attractive and only knowing would put a strain on their friendship.
A little over an hour later, wearing an old tracksuit and her hair pulled high in a ponytail, they arrived at the garage to begin work on her car. At first sight the vehicle appeared in better shape than she imagined, but a brief summation from Colin as he pointed out its impairments made her realize there was a lot more work involved.
Colin turned toward the back of the garage where a portable audio system was perched on a utility cabinet and slipped a disc into the CD player. The classic rock sounds of the Eagles drifted from the speakers as Aimee and Colin donned their protective smocks before taking a paint gun each. Only too happy to be working alongside him, Aimee had honestly thought she would have only gotten in his way. As it turned out, their voices only echoed of laughter as the task of spraying the car turned into a messy stint of inadvertent mishaps. There were times she could have sworn he had purposely directed his nozzle in her direction. Far too soon the job was completed, and the duo stood side by side looking upon their accomplishment speckled in white paint but very proud of the finished project.
Aimee in particular who rarely participated in this type of labor had a certain glow in her eyes. “I’m actually looking forward to getting this baby on the road.”
“Well I’m glad to finally hear it.” Colin grinned and grabbed a clean rag from a nearby cupboard. “I was beginning to fear I had bullied you into agreeing to the car.”
“And you should,” she agreed, taking the rag from his hand and jokingly whipped it at his arm.
“It’s too bad really we won’t be able to have her ready for the car show. It would be fun to see her win something.”
Aimee looked up from wiping the paint scattered over her face. “When’s the show?”
“This weekend.”
Her brows tilted upward, surprised this was the first she had heard of it. Every year it was an annual event in which he participated, entering his purple barracuda in the Southwestern Fall Fair Car Show. The past two years he held the championship for the Best Dodge and the Best Vintage Overall and had even gone so far as to say Aimee had been his good luck charm. She had accompanied him both years and would happily be by his side again this year. Smiling, she waited for him to ask.
“Not that I think you would be a threat to my title,” he stated with a cockiness and grin to the side of his mouth, “I am after all undefeatable.”
“We could put that theory to the test.”
“How’s that?” He quirked a brow at her.
“Loan me your car for the day.”
Colin through back his head and laughed. “Sheila would love that.”
Aimee’s smile faltered. “Sheila?”
“Yeah, she’s coming to the show on Saturday.”
“I thought she didn’t like things like this.” And why you always asked me instead, she silently added.
“So did I. But I asked her and she said yes.”
“You asked her?” Surprised, she uttered the words unconsciously.
Colin looked at her before rolling his eyes heavenward. “I had too. It would make things a lot easier if she was more like you, but if I want this relationship to work I’m going to have to work harder at it.”
“I see.”
“Do you?” He studied her closer. “You’re still coming, aren’t you?”
Looking into his questioning eyes, his words echoed in her brain. “If she was more like you” then you wouldn’t be the least bit interested, Aimee thought sadly. Sighing, she turned away, “All kidding aside, I’m afraid not. I’ve got plans with Elsie this weekend.”
“Who’s Elsie?”
“From work.” She reminded him, ignoring the irking thought she had talked enough of the woman, yet he obviously had not been paying attention.
“That’s right.” He nodded, but added, “You’re not just saying that because of Sheila?”
“Why, Watson, whatever gives you that idea?” She bit her lip. When would she learn to control those quick snide remarks?
“It is because of Sheila.” Colin sighed, slightly annoyed. “Aimee, give me some credit. The woman is my fiancée. If she wants to come along, why should I stop her?”
“Because she’s boring.” Damn, there she went again and sounding childish to top matters.
“Not to me.”
That stung and had Aimee biting back words demanding to be released. Instead, she said in what she hoped sounded platonic, “Then you won’t need me there.”
“I don’t need you there.” He threw back, insulting her unexpectedly.
“Fine.” Indignantly she turned on her heel, tossing him the dirty smock as she marched out of the garage.
“Aimee!” He called out before dropping the smocks and coming after her. Grabbing her arm he pulled her to a stop. “That’s not what I meant.”
“I don’t care.” She wiggled her elbow trying to free it from his tight grasp.
He didn’t let go. “I don’t need you there, I want you there.”
Aimee stopped struggling, looking slightly ashamed. “I’m sorry.”
Shaking his head he dropped her arm. “Lord, you have one hell of a temper lately. I tell you, you and Sheila would get along splendidly. Both of you hit the ceiling wherever I’m concerned.”
“Me and Sheila are nothing—” Her words dropped off, as he turned and looked at her exasperated. “I’m sorry.”
Reaching down for the smocks he hung them up on a couple of pegs on the back wall before donning a clean one. “How about we drop the subject of Sheila and enjoy the rest of the day?”
Aimee grinned. “Deal.”
“Good, now would you mind changing the CD and making some coffee for lunch? I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. I’ll just finish up here and then we’ll eat.”
“Don’t rush, I’ll prepare the food.”
He gave her a wink before saying, “That’s my girl.”
Happily she went over to the sound system and dug out an Alan Jackson disc from his selection, then continued into the small office where a small fridge stored their lunch. Glancing around her, Aimee couldn’t find a clean area in sight. Opening the tall cupboards behind Colin’s desk, she uncovered a tarp used in the winter to protect his Barracuda while in storage. Pulling it out, she cleared the desk, folded the tarp in half than using it as a makeshift tablecloth covered his desk. From the same cupboard she dug out two mugs and scrubbed them hard before retrieving paper towels from the bathroom and folded them neatly into napkins. Next she opened the food containers and laid them out neatly then stood back and observed her efforts.
“Wow, you certainly go to a lot of trouble,” Colin said from behind her. “When me and the guys eat in here, a dirty desk top has to do.”
Aimee was standing directly in front of the door to the tiny office and had not heard Colin approach. In order for him to enter he had to squeeze past her and in doing so he placed his hands on her hips and moved her slightly forward. His hands were warm on her flesh and Aimee found herself shivering at the sensation.
They sat down opposite each other and dug into the delicious caesar salad Aimee had prepared before leaving her apartment. Watching him, she smiled, realizing he must have been famished because he was eating his portion wholeheartedly. He consumed the salmon sandwiches she made as if they were the best things he had ever tasted. The percolator had finished brewing their coffee and Aimee got up to fill their mugs. From the other room she heard Alan Jackson sing his hit “Livin’ On Love”.
“This has got to be my favorite song.”
“I’m not a big fan,” he said over a mouthful.
“It’s so sweet. Uncomplicated love.”
“Original.”
“What do you mean?”
“My parents probably fell in love the same way.”
She frowned. “So. Mine probably did too. What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing.” He laughed, dropping the subject.
“What do you mean?’ She persisted.
“Okay, why doesn’t he sing about real stories? About differences, about conflicts? Take your pick.”
“Relationships don’t have to be complicated.”
“Show me one that isn’t.”
Aimee didn’t pause. “Ours.”
“Come on Aimee, I meant a real one.”
It hurt and Aimee did everything in her power to conceal the pain. “Thanks a lot.”
“You know what I mean.”
“No I don’t.” She eyed him closely. “What’s wrong with you, Colin? You’ve changed. You should take a closer look at your relationship with Sheila because the Colin I use to know use to have more feelings than this.”
He attempted a joke. “I think you just want to see me end things with Sheila.”
“Yeah.” Aimee was honest. “If it means having the old Colin back again.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
“I would happily love to see you with Sheila if she was the right woman for you.” Lord where was she getting this sudden strength to speak forthright?
“And do you have someone else in mind?”
Aimee paused, wandering what he would say if she named herself. She could hear his laughter already. “Of course not.”
“Then maybe you should mind your own business.” His straight to the point words cut her to the core. “I know my own heart, Aimee, and I don’t need any meddling from you.”
“I wasn’t meddling.” Her voice was tight.
“No? Then what do you call it?”
“A concerned friend.”
He sighed. “I apologize, but you’ve had this fascination on relationships lately. Particularly mine.”
Aimee spoke quickly. “Not really.”
“Tell the truth, Aimee. Do you truly dislike Sheila that much?”
She searched for the right words. Finally she settled for, “I just want to see you happy.”
He smiled. “And I am, now you have to let me be happy.”
“I’ll try harder.”
“Good, now what happened to our deal about not mentioning Sheila?”
She piped up. “I promise, not another word.”
“Somehow I doubt for very long, but I’ll appreciate whatever you can give me.”
Aimee couldn’t stop the smile. “I can’t help caring.”
“That’s what little sisters are for.”
“I’m not your little sister,” she retaliated quickly.
He made a face. “That’s right, I keep forgetting.”
Aimee grabbed an apple and bit viciously into it, drowning out her angry words. Forget? Lord, how she would love to demonstrate how non-sisterly she was, then see him ever forget again!
* * *
She had obviously lied when she told him she was busy on the weekend with Elsie. Elsie, as per usual, was off club hopping and spending her “selfish” years as the twenties are known as, gallivanting around town and experiencing life. Aimee couldn’t help but envy the woman. She had spent the first half of her selfish years swooning over Colin, and she was pretty certain she’d be spending the remaining half the same way. The sad truth was, she wouldn’t want to do anything but. All she ever wanted was to settle down and start a family. Particularly if those kids had dark curly hair and laughing brown eyes.
No, she had to control those wayward thoughts. She had after all promised Colin just as much. Actually, she thought, what she had promised him was she would stop meddling in his relationship with Sheila, not stop caring about him. Remembering their conversation, he hadn’t seemed to mind in the least that Aimee admitted to caring for him. But he had mistakenly thought she meant in a sisterly way. Well, then, it was his own fault for assuming.
She had wanted to go to the car show but her pride would not allow her to share the ride with that other woman. Fact was, she didn’t want to share Colin with the other woman period, therefore, when he called she backed up her story about spending the weekend with Elsie. He was disappointed she could tell but he also appeared to get over it quickly which disturbed Aimee. A little pleading on his part would have been a sweet bonus.
Instead, she decided to go home and visit her family rather than spending the entire weekend moping around the house and feeling sorry for herself. It had, after all, been awhile since she last made a trip north for a visit.
Her car co-operated almost entirely the hundred miles north to her parent’s home. With less than a mile left on her trip, however, the engine sputtered at a stop sign but with a heavy foot on the gas pedal it was on its way again. Inside the city limits of Durham she had trouble again controlling the shaking vehicle but somehow managed it down the two-lane road on which the home she grew up in was situated.
Gwen Smith was a ray of warmth as she greeted her daughter shortly before noon on that sunny Saturday afternoon. After exchanging hugs and kisses Aimee headed for the tiny bedroom at the back of the upstairs floor. It had been Aimee’s room growing up. Gwen always believed, as the only girl in the family, Aimee needed her own privacy but in doing so had to sacrifice the larger bedrooms to her brothers.
After unloading her overnight bag, she searched out her mother and found her down in the kitchen where a kettle boiled. Her father, well over the age of retiring, continued to keep himself completely involved in the management of the millwright and where he presently was as Aimee discovered. With just her mother and herself sitting over a warm cup of tea, Aimee had the wonderful opportunity to spill her woes out to her mother’s sympathetic ears. However, pride kept her mouth shut and instead she listened as her mother chatted merrily about the upcoming Fall Fair and Craft Show. “Why don’t you bring your blankets down and I’ll put them out on my display table?”
Aimee made a face, picturing the overstocked closet in her tiny apartment overflowing with hand knit blankets. Her favorite past-time had admittedly kept wayward thoughts of Colin and his latest date out of her mind, but in doing so, took up more space than Aimee intended. “Sure, why not. I’ll need the room for more soon enough.”
Gwen gave her daughter an odd look, but didn’t continue on the subject. Instead she turned the conversation toward a more popular topic around the house lately. The wedding between her brother Peter and his fiancée Hope.
While her mother talked enthusiastically about the upcoming wedding, Aimee listened partly with interest. Admittedly, a great portion was with envy. There was a strong desire to wish it were her own wedding they were planning instead.
“Hope wants a quiet little ceremony down at the chapel with just a small handful of guests. I must say, I’m a little disappointed but if that’s what they want then I suppose I must go along. Though why they couldn’t wait until spring when we could hold them an elaborate wedding instead, I don’t understand.”
“I think it sounds lovely. If you truly love someone why should you wait?”
“Or, if you truly love someone and you’re going to spend the rest of your life with them, what’s a few more months.”
“True, but still there’s something terribly romantic about rushing off to get married. When I get married—” Her voice trailed off as she realized she was embarking on a subject she wasn’t sure she was ready to discuss.
Faithful as her mother was, she graciously misconceived Aimee’s lack of wanting to broach the subject. “When you get married, dear Aimee, you are going to be my good-little-only-daughter and provide me with the biggest wedding this family has ever seen.”
Aimee smiled. “I would like that.”
“Good, now be a dear and help me prepare lunch.”
Later in the afternoon she took herself off and went into town to visit some old high school friends who joined her in a quick browse of the local shops. She loved her friends and family dearly, but it seemed no matter who she met that day asked her how Colin was doing. Being fully aware their hometown knew of his engagement made it more difficult to escape from the rotten truth of her doomed fate. She thought it would take one more question regarding the man to make her explode. It actually happened around the dinner table later that evening.
Joel, the younger of the brothers turned to her as the topic around the table consisted of weddings. “Hey Aimee, how’s Colin’s wedding plans coming along?”
“How would I know,” she snapped far too quickly.
“No need to bite my head off, it was just a question.”
“I don’t keep track of Colin Pearson’s personal life. If you want to know, call him and ask him yourself.”
“All right, all right. I got the hint.” Joel backed off defensively. “Mind my own business.”
Gwen looked at her daughter before looking at her son. “And while you’re talking to him, ask him to come by for a visit. It’s been far too long.”
“Why would he come here?” Aimee demanded. “He’s got his own family and now his fiancée, he doesn’t have time.”
“Because he’s a family friend. I think we all would like to see him again.”
“We could send him an invitation to the wedding,” Peter, who was visiting with his fiancée, said from across the table.
“Don’t you dare.” Aimee’s eyes grew fierce. That was all she needed, being at such a romantic event with the man she loved and his fiancée.
“It’s no problem, Aimee. We can handle one more.” Hope misunderstood her objection.
Looking around, she noticed the rest of the table observing her. Feeling annoyed at being put on the spot, but not annoyed at her future sister-in-law, Aimee grudgingly agreed. Thankfully everyone returned to their own conversations once more and Aimee took the opportunity to turn in her seat to face Hope who was sitting next to her.
“It really isn’t necessary. He wasn’t that big of a family friend.”
“I don’t mind, really.” Hope smiled at her.
Aimee frowned.
“He’ll probably bring his fiancée.” She hadn’t meant that much scorn to edge her voice, but was surprised at how much was revealed.
Hope raised her brows. “I didn’t realize you disliked the woman. If it’s going to make you uncomfortable—”
“It’s not that it’ll make me uncomfortable but I think it might make Sheila uncomfortable.”
“The fiancée?”
Aimee nodded.
“Well how about I send him out a solo invitation?”
“You can do that?”
Hope grinned. “It’s my wedding.”
“And you do want it small and simple.” Aimee clarified convincingly. “In that case, I’m sure he would be pleased to get an invitation.”
“You don’t think he would mind? I mean who would he sit with and later dance with?”
Aimee gave a wave of her hand. “No problem, he’s got us. Besides, he’s quite use to it. He hardly spends anytime with her anyway.” Except for this weekend, she reminded herself annoyingly.
“Really?” Her future sister-in-law sounded intrigued. “How do you know that?”
“Oh because he spends most of his free time with me.” Aimee was talking without even listening to her own words or watching the expression on Hope’s face. If she had, she would have seen the dismayed look.
“Aimee, dear.” Her mother drew her attention from the woman’s face, “Would you mind helping me clean up?”
“Of course not,” she said even as she was getting to her feet.
“Here, let me help as well.” Hope got up and followed.
Out in the kitchen the three women talked pleasantly and Aimee admitted Hope would be a joy to their family and looked forward to having her as a sister. Gwen it seemed took a liking to her future daughter-in-law as well and felt comfortable enough to bring up the subject of the hasty wedding plans.
“Gwen, I know you’re excited about the wedding but you have to understand this is between me and Peter. We don’t see any need to wait.”
“But you kids have waited so long as it is.”
“I know and that’s probably why we’ve decided now is the right time.”
Towel in hand Aimee dried a dish as she listened to the exchange between the two women. She was aware Peter had known his future wife for some time but she wasn’t fully aware of how long. “When did you first meet Peter, Hope?”
Light shone in the woman’s eyes before she recounted the memory. “Seven years ago. Can you believe it? We were students together and discovered we worked good as a team and have been together ever since.”
“Love at first sight.” Aimee’s eyes went dreamy as she pictured the scene.
“Hardly.” Hope shattered the picture by declaring, “I thought he was the geek of the class and to tell the truth the only reason I even approached him was because I thought he could help me with a term paper I had to turn in.”
“Then you fell in love?” Aimee asked.
“Nope. We bonded, but we didn’t fall in love. Actually it took me a lot longer to discover my feelings then it took him.”
“Really?” This surprised Aimee. Ever since she could remember, whenever she looked at the duo all she ever saw were two people totaling infatuated with each other.
“Afraid so. No fairy tale romance here.”
Aimee stiffened her back. “There’s no such thing anyhow.”
“True, Aimee.” Gwen said from the sink. “Only real love is far better.”
The words echoed in her brain all the next day as she drove home. However, they held no truth in her case. All it seemed they had was their friendship and no matter how much she hated to admit it, it was all they ever would. It was what she did best. Being his best friend.
In true fashion, after she returned to her apartment, emptied her overnight bag and had a quick supper, she headed for his place. The Barracuda was parked in its usual spot at the back of the parking lot and a light in the apartment’s top floor indicated he was home.
When he opened the door his hair was untidy and appeared slightly longer at the back, and he was dressed in a sloppy pair of track pants and sweatshirt. She was a little surprised at his appearance. True he was no fashion icon but he normally took care of his attire.
“Hey.” Was all he said, but he looked genuinely pleased to see her. Stepping back he allowed her in.
Just as her foot stepped over the threshold, she froze as a thought struck her. “Do you have company?”
He grinned. “Now I do.”
She sighed and continued through.
“I just finished calling you.”
Pleased, she turned to smile at him. “You did?”
He nodded. “I was bored.”
Well that explained his attire. Facing him again, she said, “Well?”
Perplexed, he frowned. “What?”
“Where is it?”
Grinning, he looked like a proud little boy as he turned and went into the other room. Aimee followed. Sure enough, he retrieved the only decorative thing in the room. A two-foot trophy with a bronze car mounted on top.
“Congratulations.” She removed the trophy from his hands and read the inscription on the bottom. “Champion Winner of the Best Vintage Overall. Still King, I see.”
“Three years in a row. Undefeatable.”
“And without your good luck charm too.” It was meant to sound like a joke but when Colin looked up he didn’t look amused.
“Never again.”
“What do you mean? It seems you did fine without me.” For some stupid, foolish reason she held her breath.
“I meant, never again am I taking Sheila.”
Oh Lord, Aimee thought she needed to sit down. Was this the moment she had been waiting for, for so long? Was Colin about to tell her he had ended things with Sheila?
“It wasn’t the same without you Aimee. Sheila didn’t enjoy it. She complained most of the time, was constantly asking questions, wanted to leave early and wasn’t even happy I won.”
“Poor baby.”
“The woman may be beautiful, but she isn’t much fun.”
The breath that escaped her lungs felt like it passed through a hole in her heart. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Her voice sounded a little uneven to her own ears, but Colin did not appear to notice. Cocking his head, he looked at her and asked, “Did you really drop by just to see my trophy?”
Smirking, Aimee responded honestly, “Actually, my car’s acting up. I was wondering if you could take a look.”
“I thought there had to be another reason.” Grinning he got up and headed for the closet where he stored his sneakers and denim coat. “On one condition. You owe me a haircut.”
“No problem.” Thinking he wanted her to pay for the next cut to the salon.
“I meant tonight. The barber’s closed and I’m in desperate need, or so my fiancée tells me.”
“You want me to cut it?” Startled, she stared at him. When he nodded, she responded, “I’ve never cut anyone’s hair before, I’d make a mess.”
“It can’t be that difficult. I don’t want some sleek fashion cut, I just need a few inches taken off.”
Aimee’s eyes rose to the very subject of their topic. Lord how she would love to get her hands into those sensuous curls but reality had her fearing the outcome. “What happens if I do a lousy job?”
“I’ll go to the barber’s tomorrow and get it fixed.”
“So why don’t you just wait—”
“Why don’t you wait until tomorrow to bring your car into the garage?” He came back quickly with.
Aimee sighed. He had her. “Okay. But my car first.”
“Yes Mom.” Then leading the way he went out to the parking lot.
Feeling suddenly very tight and high-strung, Aimee found her body rigid with tension. Since last weekend she had been yearning for a more physical touch and with that possibility very much within grasp, she was slightly nervous and greatly fearful.