Honey groaned. “Why do you have to say things like that?”
“Like what?” She sounded genuinely confused.
“Have kids now or you never will. Doom and gloom! You’re making me feel old. And what makes Christian so perfect anyway?”
“He’s charming, presentable, has a good job, and loves our daughter. What’s not to like? And most important, he makes you laugh, right?”
Honey thought about that. Did Christian make her laugh? Not lately. Not for a while.
“Besides, you’re so much alike. You’re both outgoing, fun-loving people. You even sort of look alike with your light hair and eyes. Opposites don’t really attract, you know. Couples who get along the best are the ones who have the most in common. Dr. Phil said that just the other day on TV.”
“Mmm hmm.” For some reason, Honey thought’s shifted from Christian to Trevor, who pretty much was her opposite--big, dark, outdoorsy, introverted, and a fix-it guy--then immediately she felt guilty. She didn’t even know him and was making comparisons to Christian, the man she’d made a commitment and promise to?
Suddenly Honey thought of her sister. Of a promise she’d made and broken so many years before. “Mom, do you ever think about my sister?” Where had that come from? She must still be groggy from sleep. It wasn’t a subject they discussed, ever, and Honey wished she could take back the words.
“Hayley?” There was a pause. “Not a day goes by that I don’t.” Her mom’s voice was now slow and serious. Great, she’d depressed her mom. Honey was even more sorry she’d brought up the subject.
“Yeah, me too,” said Honey. “Anyway, I’d better go and get ready. Love you. Give Dad a kiss for me, okay?”
After she hung up, Honey gathered her things, headed for the bathroom, and tried to put her sister out of her mind. She showered, but couldn’t find her straightener and was forced to dry her hair into curls. She went downstairs to find Trevor waiting.
He smiled when he saw her, his gaze going to her hair and lingering. “Good morning, Goldilocks.” His voice was deep, raspy. “Ready for porridge?”
Immediately cheered, she laughed, then felt guilty because of her mother’s mention of the importance of laughter in relationships. She was being ridiculous.
“Porridge, huh?” She couldn’t help the lingering smile.
Trevor grinned back then scooped porridge from a crockpot on the counter into a bowl. He set it in front of her with a spoon and a flourish. “It’s a special recipe. Top secret.”
Honey seated herself and tasted it. Oatmeal, apples, brown sugar and pecans? “Mmm. It’s really good.”
Trevor grinned as Elizabeth traipsed into the kitchen.
“You want some?” he asked.
Elizabeth sat at the table. “Sure.” She glanced at Honey. “I like your hair curly.”
Honey self-consciously put a hand to her hair. “Thanks. I usually straighten it, but I couldn’t find the straightener. I think I left it in the bathroom yesterday because it was still hot. I have no idea what I’ve done with it. Has either of you seen it?”
“What does it look like?” asked Trevor.
“It’s oblong, black and gold with a long cord.”
“Oh, that’s what that was,” said Trevor, obviously amused. “I took it and put it in my fishing box. I thought it was a lure.” He winked. “I’ll get it out and put it on your bed.”
Honey shot him a mock glare. “Very funny.”
Trevor put a bowl in front of Elizabeth, then joined them. He flashed Honey another smile. “Good?”
Honey nodded and realized she really did like the guy. Strictly as a friend, of course.
“It is good,” said Elizabeth. “I can’t believe you made this.”
“Just because I’m younger than you doesn’t mean I can’t cook.”
Elizabeth snorted. “It’s not because you’re younger. It’s because you don’t know how to cook.”
Honey looked between Elizabeth and Trevor. Younger? He was younger that Elizabeth?
Trevor indicated the bowl in front of Elizabeth. “What’s that you’re eating then? Hmm?”
Elizabeth didn’t look that much older than Honey.
“I’m still trying to figure out where you got it from,” said Elizabeth. “Is this some kind of package deal you dump in the crockpot and heat up?”
“I made it from scratch,” Trevor said, his tone offended.
Honey stared at Trevor, trying to guess his age.
“As if,” said Elizabeth. “You know what I think--”
“How old are you?” Honey blurted the words.
Trevor and Elizabeth both turned their heads to look at her.
“Me?” asked Trevor. “Thirty-two.”
Honey sat back, continuing to stare at him. He was only thirty-two? He was only three years older than her?
“What?” asked Trevor.
Honey shook her head. “Nothing. I guess I just thought you were older.”
“It’s the beard,” said Elizabeth. “I keep telling him to shave it. It’s weird to hide your face.”
Honey’s gaze dropped to the beard. Not a speck of gray in it. What had she been thinking?
Her chest suddenly tight, Honey turned her attention to the porridge and gave it a stir. Somehow she’d felt safer with him being older.
“Honey, I’m at your disposal after work,” said Trevor. “I thought we could go look at the property you want to purchase from my dad.”
Honey suddenly wasn’t so sure she wanted to be alone with him.
“Do you want to go?” he prompted.
“I’m not sure what time my class will finish today,” she stalled. “Do you want to go, too, Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth glanced between Trevor and Honey. “To look at property? Thanks, but no thanks.”
Honey looked at Trevor once more and his brows rose in question. Well, what could it hurt? His being so close to her own age didn’t make any difference to their relationship. She was still engaged. And maybe he could help her push the deal through. Maybe it would even be fun. After all, they were friends, right? “That would be great,” said Honey. “Thanks.”
***
At five-fifteen, Trevor was leaning against his truck when Honey pulled up in her car. He’d been there for ten minutes and couldn’t wait to see her again.
As she got out of the car, her fluffy curls made him smile. He’d lain awake the night before wondering if he’d imagined those spirals, and this morning, when he’d seen the straightener on the bathroom counter, had given in to temptation and hidden it. Her hair tumbling around her face was as sexy as he’d remembered. He crossed to her car. “Hi, Honey.”
After he said the name/endearment, she shot him a suspicious look, and he had a hard time keeping his expression normal. Let her wonder how he’d meant it. He held out a hand simply because he wanted to touch her.
Honey extended her own. “Hi.”Her handshake was firm, the skin soft, and he wondered if she felt the same sizzle of electricity, because her eyes flickered to his, then she quickly pulled away and glanced down.
The last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable, so, clenching and unclenching his own tingling hand, he turned, walked a few feet away, and looked at the property. “So, what do you think?”
Honey joined him and glanced around at the land, her gaze lingering on the Victorian mansion, before lifting her face to his. “I actually came out here the other day and took a look. It’s a nice piece. Has your family owned it for long?”
Trevor nodded. “Since I was a kid.” He hesitated, wondering how to broach the subject. “Now, who exactly are you purchasing this for?”
Honey’s brows pulled together. “I’m almost embarrassed to say I don’t have a lot of information. My boss, Nick Alexander, wants the property, and is buying it under his name, but I don’t know why or who for.” She glanced around again. “And I can’t imagine he’d want it for himself. It’s not the type of property he’s usually interested in.”
Trevor was relieved. She obviously didn’t know anything about her boss’s plans.
“What do you think?” she asked. “Do we have a deal?”
Trevor blew out a breath. “My dad has the final say.”
Honey’s fine blonde eyebrows drew together. “Are there problems? Is there anything I can help with? I checked the property against other sales in the area and the offer is a good one.”
Trevor shifted on his feet. He’d like to just tell her the truth and get it out in the open. Her boss wanted to swoop in and get the property for a quick turnaround because he’d heard of the upcoming deal with a huge hardware chain. But his dad wanted the shyster taught a lesson, and Trevor wanted more time with Honey, so...he’d stall. “I don’t know. Maybe my dad has a sentimental attachment to it or something.”
Lame excuse, he acknowledged, but repeated to himself his new mantra of ‘all’s fair in love and war.’ This deal had the makings of both.
Honey looked even more confused. “Then why is he selling?”
Trevor shrugged, felt his face warm, and was glad for the beard.
Honey dug in her briefcase and handed him a contract. “I already signed it today at lunch in front of a notary. Why don’t you and your dad think about doing the same? Or, if it isn’t what you want, then tell me so. No hard feelings. Okay?”
She seemed so adorably confused, and was being so reasonable, Trevor felt like a jerk. He took the paperwork.
The door to the lawyers’ office opened and Van Williams moved down the steps and strolled across the lawn toward them. Trevor was actually glad for the interruption.
“Hello.” The lawyer’s lips split into a wide grin.
“Hi, Van,” said Trevor.
Van nodded a head toward Honey. “Ms. Stevens. Good to see you again.” He looked at Trevor. “So is this property actually being sold?”
Trevor shrugged. “Maybe.”
“Maybe?” Van nodded. “Well, maybe we like it here and maybe we’ll cause you some problems if you try to sell.” Van dropped the pretend smile and stared aggressively into Trevor’s eyes. Crossing his arms, Trevor stared back. “Okay. You go right ahead and do that.” Trevor didn’t smile, but wanted to. The guy was a pompous idiot and insane, to boot, if he thought his intimidation tactics were going to work.
“Maybe I will,” said Van.
“All right, then.”
“This isn’t over yet,” said Van.
“No, it’s not,” replied Trevor.
“Don’t say you haven’t been warned.”
“I won’t,” said Trevor.
Van tipped an imaginary hat to Honey. “Nice to see you again, Little Lady.”
“Nice to see you.”
Van turned and slowly strolled back across the grass.
After he went inside, Trevor turned to Honey. “Okay then, Little Lady.”
A surprised laugh escaped her, and Trevor laughed, too. A moment later, Trevor, still smiling, said, “Sorry about that. I had to get him excited. He thrives on confrontation and I didn’t want to disappoint the guy. But there’s a buyout clause for your boss, so don’t worry. The contract is all in order.” After a beat, Trevor asked, “Are you hungry? Would you like to get some dinner?”
“Uh...” Honey hesitated and looked away.
Trevor realized he was holding his breath.
“Thank you, but I already grabbed a bite to eat because I have to spend the night studying at the library.”
Disappointment settled deep in Trevor’s gut. He was pretty sure she hadn’t eaten, but didn’t push it. He liked her more and more, and she had reason to be nervous, so he couldn’t fault her instincts. He wanted to get to know her better in spite of her fiancé.
But in the meantime, she was going to be there, living in his house, for two and a half more weeks. He didn’t want to push too hard and scare her off. He had time to take it slow. “Okay. Maybe another day?”
Honey nodded. “That would be great.”
Trevor walked her to the car and held up the paperwork. “I’ll talk to my dad and let you know.”
Honey smiled up at him and something clenched in the region of his heart. “Thanks,” she said.
Trevor nodded. “See you later, Honey.”
Again she looked at him suspiciously, as if she realized he meant the name as an endearment. “Okay. See you.”
As Trevor walked back his truck, he let himself grin. There was definitely no faulting her instincts.
***
Honey drove down the road toward Trevor’s cabin. It was only nine-thirty, but it had been a long day and she was tired and ready for bed.
Christian hadn’t called all day, and okay, she was depressed about it. But still, she was positive issuing the ultimatum had been the right thing to do. Hanging up repeatedly wasn’t fiancé-type behavior, or even something friends did to each other. And right about now she was feeling like she could use a friend.
She’d been tempted to go to dinner with Trevor earlier, but had felt uncomfortable. She had a hard time reading him and wondered what he wanted from her. Just friendship she could handle, but part of her sensed he might want something more. It was hard to say what was on his mind, when his beard covered any expression on his face.
And to be honest, she wasn’t really uncomfortable with him so much as uncomfortable with the feminine way she felt around him. She wasn’t sure if it was because he was so big and masculine himself, or if it was the way he looked at her.
But she probably wasn’t being fair to him. He certainly hadn’t done anything inappropriate. Still, she felt a little nervous around him. Or perhaps nervous was the wrong word. Tense? Excited? Agitated? She just didn’t know.
Honey pulled into the driveway and noticed Trevor’s truck was gone. She parked, shut off the engine, and sat there for a moment, unsure whether she felt relieved or disappointed. A tiny voice in her head said disappointed, but she quickly squelched the thought.
She carried her things inside and found Elizabeth on the couch watching TV. “Hi,” said Honey.
Elizabeth looked over her shoulder. “Oh, hi.” Her voice sounded a little hoarse. “I thought you were Trevor.” She turned back to the television. “But I guess he wouldn’t be home yet. He’s been called out to arrest a poacher.”