Hershey's Choice Read online

  “Thank you for the drive. You’re much better company than my brother.”

  “No problem. I only live five minutes from here.” She smiled. An awkward silence filled the air in her car. If this evening had been their first date, the anticipation of a kiss would remedy the uncomfortable silence. Did Ryan want to kiss her? Could it be the reason why he lingered?

  Ryan shifted in his seat. “Would you like to come in? There’s not much—”

  “I’d love to.” Damn! Again, she needed to think before speaking. “I have a bone in my purse for Hershey.”

  “You have the bone from your steak in your purse?”

  Britt laughed. “No, silly.” She’d assumed Ryan would attend Kevin’s bachelor party. He was her reason for arriving late. Choosing the right outfit took over an hour. Nathan’s persistent phone calls didn’t help speed the process. When she bought a salad at the grocery store earlier, she found herself wandering the dog food aisle. On impulse, Britt bought a box of large dog bones. Why she put one in her purse before she left for the restaurant, she couldn’t explain. “I’m not taking any chances with Hershey and my wardrobe. I plan to be ready for any sudden appearances.”

  “Good thinking.”

  She followed Ryan up the pathway. The two-story house was breathtaking in a combination of brick and vinyl. “This is your house?” The executive home didn’t come close in comparison to Dylan’s small bungalow.

  “Took every penny I saved, but well worth the wait and money. I have three acres with over two hundred feet of water frontage.” Ryan unlocked the door.

  Barking came from the other side of the door.

  “It’s me, Hershey.”

  The dog stopped barking.

  She took a step backward as Hershey greeted Ryan, bouncing from paw to paw in the front entry. He then spotted her and immediately lunged forward. Britt quickly bent to her knees and met the dog’s fury of kisses to her cheek.

  Hershey paused and sniffed, moving by her feet in a slow circular motion.

  Ryan grabbed the dog’s leather collar. “Hershey, no.”

  “He’s fine. He probably smells the bone.” She opened her purse.

  The Lab sat at attention and lifted his left paw.

  “Good boy.” She patted his head and rewarded him with the bone.

  “I’m sorry. I thought he was going to pee on your shoes.”

  Britt stared with wide eyes. “What?”

  “A long story.” Ryan shook his head. “Come, I’ll show you around.”

  The well-planned home featured a vaulted entrance and an open hallway, expanding to a large kitchen, dining area, and a great-room with a stone fireplace and custom staircase. A four-piece bath, laundry room, a spare bedroom with a small ensuite bath, and a large family room completed the first floor. On the second level were three more bedrooms and a master featuring a walk-in closet and an ensuite bath with jet tub and separate shower. Throughout the house were hardwood floors and strategically placed skylights.

  Back in the great-room, Ryan opened the patio doors leading to a multi-level deck. The treed lot offered Ryan privacy and an elegant lifestyle with amazing views of the lake. From the kitchen, an attached double-car garage and a private dock ended the tour.

  “The house is an empty shell right now. I still have a lot of work to do.”

  The kitchen, furnished with appliances, was the only completed room. The great-room held two winged-back arm chairs and Hershey’s pillowed bed by the fireplace. The spare room downstairs operated as an office with a computer desk and chair, and the only other room with furniture was the master bedroom, containing another pillow for Hershey, a dresser, and a king-size bed.

  “Your home is exquisite. What do you do for a living?” Damn! Again, she had spoken out-of-turn. “My apologies. I don’t mean to be nosey.”

  “I’m an engineer.”

  His smile put her at ease. Britt sat on one of the arm chairs he offered.

  Ryan sat across from her, and Hershey lay by her feet. “I make a good living.” He chuckled. “I’ve developed several projects in town and across the harbor. I worked on King’s Pier.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “You’re the brain behind that area?”

  He smiled and nodded.

  “Impressive.” An attraction to Ryan already existed, but a hot, good-looking guy with a working brain was even more appealing.

  “The bonus of my job is I get to take Hershey to work most days.”

  “I wish I had a job I loved.” She leaned to pet Hershey’s head. The dog’s appreciation showed by his wagging tail.

  “You don’t like your job as a wedding planner?”

  “I’m actually an event planner. I organize birthday parties, corporate functions, baby showers, and other events.” Britt liked her job, but she didn’t love it.

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “Not really. I get the jobs no one else wants.” Her disrespectful boss’s fault. “Planning a party on someone’s small budget can prove difficult when they want the world.” She glanced around the room’s bare walls and empty space. Britt would jump at the opportunity to transform the vacant area into a homey living room. “Kevin and Cara insisted I plan their wedding, but if they went through the company I work for, they would have been assigned someone else. So, I’ve been doing the work after hours and during my vacation this week. Accepting outside projects is considered a no-no by the company. If my boss found out I’m organizing Kevin’s wedding, he’d fire me.”

  “Your boss is a jerk.”

  “That’s one of the names I’ve called him.” Her cheeks warmed.

  “How did you, Kevin, and Nathan become best friends?”

  His question didn’t surprise her. Most people were curious how a girl could be friends with two guys and have no physical relationship. “Our fathers worked for the same company. My dad drives a big-rig. As a child, I wanted to hang out where he worked and watch the trucks drive in and out of the warehouse. I met Kevin and Nathan there. Our dads are close friends. We saw each other at family functions and company parties. We grew to become really good friends. They’re my brothers.”

  “And your protectors. They watch over you, especially Nathan.”

  Ryan’s blue eyes darkened. He shifted in his seat as if uncomfortable in his chair, or uneasy with this conversation. Was Ryan jealous of Nathan? The possibility made Britt’s pulse flutter. “Since Kevin met Cara, he’s with her a lot. Nathan and I have been left on our own. I guess he is pretty protective. I’m sorry about the things he said about your mother.”

  “No need to apologize. I should offer an apology for my mother. She shouldn’t have treated you so badly. I intend to have a candid chat with my outspoken mother.”

  “No!” Britt stood, awaking Hershey from his dream. “Please don’t. I don’t want to give your mother another reason to dislike me. If she were to think we were dating.” She didn’t need to see the embarrassment on her face. She could feel the heated flames warming her cheeks. “Not that we are. We were at the same party, and I drove you home. We weren’t alone, until now, and we didn’t kiss in the car or here in your house.”

  Did I say those words out loud? She wanted to twitch her nose and disappear. “I should go.” Britt raced toward the door, not waiting for Ryan. “Thank you for showing me your home.” She bent and kissed Hershey’s head. “Bye, big guy.” She opened the door and quickly closed it behind her, leaving no question as to why Ryan had labeled her Ms. Crazy.

  Chapter Four

  “You said what?”

  Britt held the phone away from her ear, fully expecting Nathan’s surprise. “I know my thoughts are to stay in my head. I didn’t mean to voice anything out loud about dating or kissing. The words fell from my tongue. He must think I’m a complete idiot.”

  “Maybe he’s a little slow and didn’t grasp your admission of wanting to ravish him in your car.”

  Nathan’s laughter didn’t make her feel any better. “You’re not helping.
Maybe I should find a new best friend.”

  “If the wheels were turned, you’d be the one poking fun and loving every minute.”

  He was right. “The chance of Ryan missing the suggestion of my blunt comment is slim. However, running for the door like a mad woman had to be a dead-giveaway.” Britt sat cross-legged on the sofa. She wished Nathan was here to empathize over her lack of common sense, but work kept him busy at the bakery. His shop was in its busy season, so their pizza and movie nights were few and far between. They hadn’t talked since Kevin’s bachelor party the night before. Britt spent an exhausting day checking off items on her Kevin and Cara wedding to-do list then decided to enjoy a date night for one.

  “You’re rusty. You have to play coy. Don’t show all your cards, let the guy chase you.”

  Hearing Nathan’s voice calmed her, even if his comments were irritating. “I don’t want Ryan to chase me. He’s Grace Jerome’s son.” She twisted the fringe on the pillow around her finger. “I need to stay away. I’ve tried.” Liar! Just thinking of Ryan made her smile. “There’s something about him. I get nervous and stupid. I act like a silly school-girl. My mouth starts saying things it shouldn’t voice out loud. I become a blubbering fool.” Nathan’s silence made her regret the confession. “Nathan, are you still there?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m processing what you said. I knew you’d be swept off your feet one day, but I didn’t think you’d fall so easily.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You like this guy. You really like Ryan.”

  “I do not. We met a few days ago.” Britt didn’t believe in instant attraction and definitely not love at first sight.

  “You’re crushing hard.”

  She placed a hand on her hip. “I’m not.” Okay, I am.

  “This is big. I can’t wait to tell Kevin.”

  Gripping the phone, she shook her head. “You’ll do no such thing. He’ll tell Cara and the rumor will spread.” The doorbell rang. She sighed, relieved and ecstatic this conversation had to end. “My pizza is here. Promise you won’t say a word. If you value our friendship, you’ll keep your big mouth shut.” She clenched the phone in her hand.

  “I promise to keep quiet. But we need to talk. Tomorrow night, we’ll have dinner and a few drinks.”

  Britt turned the door handle. “I might escape to the cabin tomorrow. The wedding plans are set, and I would love a day away. Besides, if you think a few glasses of wine will make me admit I’m crushing on—” Her words quickly trailed into dust as she opened the door to Ryan and Hershey standing on her front step.

  “Hi,” Ryan said, smiling an adorable smile.

  Why did his presence make her pulse accelerate so easily? “Hi.” She managed to find her voice. Hershey pushed past Ryan’s leg. “Hey, big guy.” She patted his head. “This is a surprise.”

  “If you’re busy, say the word, and we’ll come back another time.”

  She followed Ryan’s gaze to the cell phone, still in her hand. “Oh.” Britt held the phone to her ear again. “I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.” Nathan said something she didn’t completely hear because she hit End and tossed the phone on the sofa. “What are you doing here?”

  “I got your address from Kevin.”

  She glanced over Ryan’s shoulder seeing Patrick, her neighbor and pizza delivery guy.

  “My girl, Britt. How’s it going?”

  Britt lived in a small subdivision of townhouses. Within the first set of six adjoining houses, she owned the first house, and Patrick lived with his parents at the opposite end. He worked pizza delivery to save money for college. “Hi, Patrick. How are you?”

  Ryan and Patrick nodded a greeting. Ryan stepped aside, tugging Hershey’s leash, but the dog held his stance.

  She grinned and took the leash from Ryan’s hand. Hershey sat, seeming very content to lean against her leg.

  Patrick passed Britt her pizza. “I’m good, but deliveries are slow tonight. Mr. Wells home yet?” He extended his hand to the dog, but Hershey’s interest followed the pizza box.

  “Not until next week.” She reached for the money in her pocket and added a generous tip. “How are your parents?”

  Stuffing the money in the pocket of his jeans, he beamed a wide smile. “They’re both doing well. They worry about how to pay for my tuition next year. I’ve contacted a few construction companies.” He shrugged. “No luck yet. I had hoped the work I did for my uncle the last few summers would give me a foot in the door. The more cash I bank, the less out of my parents’ wallets.”

  “You have construction experience?” Ryan stepped forward.

  Patrick scratched Hershey’s head. “Yeah, I worked with my uncle on several projects. Unfortunately, he moved out west last year. So, pizza delivery this summer.”

  Ryan reached behind and pulled out his wallet. “I’m Ryan, a friend of Britt’s.” He passed Patrick a business card. “I work with several contractors. Fax me a reference from your uncle and give me a call tomorrow. I’ll forward your info to a few guys I know.”

  Patrick stumbled on the front step. “For real?” He stared at Britt then at the card in his hand. “Mr. Jerome, thank you.” He shook Ryan’s hand. “Thank you.” He grinned. “Enjoy your pizza.” He rushed to his car and waved as he drove away.

  Britt’s crush on Ryan deepened. Why did this guy have to be so awesome? Something must be wrong with him. Other than being the dragon lady’s son. “That was nice of you. You don’t even know Patrick.”

  “You do, and he seems like a good and hardworking kid.”

  “He is. Patrick won’t let you down.” The leash tugged in her hand. Hershey’s sniffing intensified.

  “We should go.” Ryan reached for Hershey’s leash. “We’re interrupting your dinner.”

  “Are you hungry? There’s plenty.” She waved the box in front of Ryan’s nose. He smiled a make-her-knees-go-weak grin. “Bacon, hamburger, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and salami. A meat-lover’s heaven. I’d love some company, and I don’t think Hershey is going anywhere until he samples the goods.”

  Ryan laughed. “If you’re sure there’s enough?”

  Britt placed the pizza on the coffee table and unhooked Hershey’s leash from his collar.

  The dog quickly began a nose inspection of the living room.

  “I have a habit of ordering a large because Nathan is usually here.”

  “Is Nathan coming?”

  “No, he’s working. Tonight is pizza and movie for one.” As much as she didn’t want to admit the fact, she felt giddy with excitement at the thought of spending the evening with Ryan, Britt also itched with curiosity over his reason for being here. “Kevin gave you my address?”

  “Oh, right.” Ryan turned to the door. “I forgot something in my truck. I’ll be right back.”

  She smiled at Hershey who sat beside the coffee table then spotted her reflection in the mirror. “Holy disaster.” Thinking the evening would be spent alone, Britt hadn’t bothered to reapply her makeup after her shower. She wore a faded, baggy sweatshirt and a pair of frayed, jean shorts. Her hair had originally been tucked into a tidy bun on top of her head, but now resembled a dishevelled mop. What she wouldn’t give to have a pencil of eye-liner and a hairbrush within hands-reach.

  Britt heard Ryan’s footsteps on the front porch. “Hershey.” She tapped her leg for the dog to follow her to the kitchen. “Your owner did call me Ms. Crazy. I definitely look the part now.”

  ****

  When Ryan returned, with the clothing bag draped over his arm, he saw Britt setting paper plates, napkins, two glasses, and a bottle of soda on the coffee table.

  Hershey lay at her feet, chewing a bone.

  “I hope you don’t mind,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if he’d be allowed any pizza, so I gave him a chewy dog treat.”

  He thought Britt lived alone. No dog and no Mr. Wells coming home next week. She had made it perfectly clear she was unavailable, and maybe he misunderstood he
r hilarious comment about marriage. Was there an ex-Mr. Wells who still lived here or a boyfriend who coincidentally had the same last name? “You have a dog?” He preferred to know about the latter, but thought it impolite to ask.

  “I wish.” She stared at Hershey. “I love dogs. I briefly owned one as a child.” Britt’s gaze found his.

  For a moment, Ryan clung to the hope of her being boyfriend-less.

  “The couple living across the street own a Dalmatian. I dog-sit when they’re away.”

  “That’s nice of you.” He remembered his reason for stopping by. The excuse he gave Kevin to get Britt’s address. He didn’t dare confess the real reason he wanted to know where she lived. Ryan passed her the clothing bag. “Your coat. Cleaned. No more coffee stain.”

  She unzipped the front of the bag. Her eyes widened. “I can’t believe the stain came out. Thank you.”

  “The mishap was my fault.” He pointed to Hershey. “And his.”

  Britt placed the coat in the closet by the door. “Please sit. Hopefully, the pizza is still warm. Is soda okay?”

  He nodded, reaching for a plate and a slice of pizza. “Mmm, this is good.” The first bite offered pure delight to his empty stomach. He hadn’t given lunch much thought. He’d been too busy at several work sites going over design plans. And when he stopped by Cara’s to inquire on Britt’s address, he refused to give into his sister’s offer to feed his growling stomach. “Busy day?”

  “I wrapped up last-minute details with Kevin and Cara. Everything is on schedule for the wedding, and Mrs. Jerome…your mother is handling the rehearsal dinner Friday night.”

  Ryan was certain her cringing shoulders were not from the spicy meat, but from the mention of his mother’s name. His mother made her feelings quite clear regarding Cara’s wedding planner. He had no idea at the time that the rogue of a woman, who had thought nothing of disregarding the all-mighty Mrs. Jerome’s wedding directions, was Ms. Crazy from the park. The same woman he now couldn’t go a day without seeing.

  “I apologize for the mess. I wasn’t expecting company.” She snatched the napkin from her lap and wiped a drip of tomato sauce from her sweatshirt.