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Chapter Ten
"A woman, especially, if she have the misfortune of knowing anything, should conceal it as well as she can." -Jane Austen
Spring rolled in like a lamb, leaving the lion's roar far behind. The days turned sunny, and as the snow melted into oblivion, flowers and trees peeked their heads out, deciding it was safe to finally come out and play.
He'd cleared the weekend to work on his brother's shed and swung by to pick up Luke and Ella. He smiled as they trotted out and climbed in the truck. "I'm surprised you wanted to come with us," he said to Ella. He took in her loose jeans, rain boots, and hooded sweatshirt. Though it was warmer, they'd be working outside so he'd told them to dress warm.
"I wanted to meet your brother," she offered, buckling her seat belt. "Also Kennedy said to come and keep her company while you do manly things."
Luke grunted from the back. "That's right, Mom. Maybe you can make us lunch while we build the shed."
She rolled her eyes at his poking. "Wise guy. Turn on the HGTV channel and half of the contractors are women. Is this how I raised you to think of females? Or have you been hanging out with Connor too much?"
They laughed. Connor threw up his hands. "Hey, if you want to take over, I'll be happy to prepare a meal in the warm house."
"Point taken. I'll stay inside."
"Good choice."
He drove out to Verily, radio blaring loud, windows cranked halfway down. He was so used to being with them it was almost like his own family. He'd grown close to both of them, and other than the odd electricity that crackled between them, Connor settled into a comfortable routine of companionship.
He never thought about the kiss. Well, hardly ever. Sometimes, the memory snuck up in the night, taunting him with the brief flash of her body underneath his, the sweet taste of her lingering on his lips. He'd never been affected by a simple kiss, but Connor figured it was the typical male game of wanting what he couldn't have. He wasn't about to risk losing Ella and Luke over a physical reaction that would pass after one tumble. He'd done it again and again. The next morning, Connor rarely felt anything but the need to move on. He'd never hurt Ella like that by playing games. She'd become too precious.
He refused to delve further into his strong feelings for the two people next to him, choosing to do what he did best. Just enjoy the day, moment to moment.
He drove past the familiar white sign welcoming them to Verily, and headed down Main Street. Nate had been begging him to move here, but the rents were a bit pricier, and his current place was a shorter commute to work. Still, he loved the small Hudson River town. Quaint and artistic, shops lined the streets, lights strung over the large oak trees, and popular cafes set up tables and chairs for guests. They passed the used bookstore, the Barking Dog bakery, and Kinnections, the matchmaking agency owned by Kennedy and her two friends, Kate and Arilyn. The dog park was packed on a sunny afternoon, and he grinned at the crowds of people with leashes gathering for social time.
He reached Nate's house in a few minutes and pulled into the driveway. They'd moved out of their old apartment and bought a small cottage house with a spacious yard, quirky slanting red roof, and a wraparound porch. His brother came out with Kennedy at his side.
"Hey," Nate said in his standard greeting. He grinned and leaned in for a half hug. "Good to see you, man."
"You, too. Looking good, little brother. Growing your hair?"
Kennedy laughed and enveloped him in a bear hug. "No, he's refusing to see Bennie for a trim until he finishes this round of testing on his current prototype. He's living in the lab. Thank goodness you're here to force him to breathe some fresh air."
Connor hugged her back. His future sister-in-law--well, one day he hoped--was a vibrant, commanding woman who stole Nate's heart at first glance. Her looks were dazzling, from her caramel-colored hair, curvy body clad in designer clothes, and whiskey gold eyes. But she was so much more than knee-buckling good looks to Connor. She was a friend, supporter, and made his brother happy. She challenged them both on any bullshit, pushed them to their limits, and loved them unconditionally.
She was family.
"Gonna help us build this shed, Ken?" he teased. "Bet you have cute little pink work boots and a matching hammer."
She tossed her hair in dismissal. "As if. Now introduce me to this charming young man who's going to break a million hearts."
Luke flushed from the attention but stared at Kennedy like she was a movie star. "I'm Luke."
"Nice to meet you, Luke." She shook his hand. Nate followed. "I've heard great things about you. Thank you for helping us build a shed. Nate has so much equipment, we can't jam it in the house any longer. Hi, Ella! I'm so happy you came to keep me company."
They hugged. He didn't get much information, but it seemed she'd already had her consultation, counseling appointment, and was moving forward with securing a date via Kinnections. He trusted Kennedy would keep her safe and set her up with the right man.
His gut squeezed at the sudden thought she wouldn't really belong to him anymore. But of course, that was stupid. They were only friends, neighbors, and teacher/student. Ella had never been his in the first place.
He shook off the strange emotions and ruffled Luke's hair. "Okay, dude. Let's get to work."
Ella and Kennedy wished them luck and disappeared into the house.
The supplies had already been delivered and were spread out in the backyard. He'd marked out the ground on his last visit, and the plans had been carefully plotted and confirmed with the proper zoning authorities. He called them over and explained the drawings to Luke, going over safety rules and the jobs he'd be responsible for. The boy listened and took it all seriously, his face etched with excitement for his first official build.
"Luke, the first thing we do when we're getting ready will set the tone for the day. Know what it is?"
He shook his head. "What?"
Connor shot his brother a knowing look. "Take control of the music before your partner does. If you don't you'll end up getting tortured by Mozart or bad country songs. Power up my phone, young man."
Luke laughed and turned away.
Nate gave him the middle finger.
Yeah. It was going to be a great day.
Ella sat at the high counter in the breakfast nook, her gaze sweeping over the house. "I love your place," she said, taking in the gorgeously designed pieces that made the rooms pop. From the canary yellow rug to the massive red vase filled with exotic dried blooms, her senses were filled with delight. Lush green plants scattered about, the furniture was comfortable, yet elegant, in rich fabrics of velvet, leather, and linen.
The kitchen gave off a cozy, but airy feel with bright white cabinets and polished gleaming tile, paired with a natural wood table and sturdy chairs with Monet-type cushions. "Did you used to study art?" she asked.
Kennedy laughed and leaned against the counter. "Lord, no. But I'm obsessed with beauty in all forms. I love when things come together to please individuals in a visual and spiritual sense." She wrinkled her nose. "Wow, that sounded pompous."
"No, I know exactly what you mean! You were the one who put the photographs up in Connor's place, weren't you?"
"Guilty as charged. Connor is wonderful but decor is not one of his strong suits. Like most men, I'd have to say."
"Agreed."
"Now, let me ask you a question and you promise to give me an honest answer."
Ella swallowed. Her heart pounded furiously, and she prayed Kennedy didn't want to ask about her and Connor. About their relationship. She wanted to relax this afternoon and indulge in some girl chatter she'd been sorely lacking. She wanted fun and laughs and gossip, but not about her. "Of course." She held her breath.
"Do you really want coffee or can I just open up this bottle of wine? It's five o'clock somewhere."
Her shoulders slumped in relief. "Yes. No, I can do better than that. Hell, yes!"
Kennedy grinned and grabbed a corkscrew. "I knew I really
liked you from the beginning. Are you excited for next week? It's makeover time."
She tapped her unpolished nail against the swirling gold granite. "I think. I'm nervous, though. I've always been a huge believer in appearances not being important."
"You sound exactly like Nate. I understand, but I don't agree. It's not about making you into someone you're not. It's about becoming a better you. Someone you like and can be comfortable with. I believe it's important to make a strong first impression and give yourself an opportunity to dive deeper. Make sense?"
Ella sighed. "I guess. Arilyn's counseling session was helpful, but I still have reservations about Luke adjusting to my dating. He's been so happy lately. I don't want to wreck anything."
Kennedy poured the Chardonnay into two glasses and slid one over to her. "I understand completely. But Luke also needs to see you taking care of yourself and being happy. You shouldn't have to deny that part of yourself in order to be a good mom. It's been two years, Ella. You're ready. We already found a fabulous match and Arilyn is working on getting a date set up."
She sipped her wine and tried hard not to think about Connor. "You're right. I'm definitely ready, and I'm excited to explore this new chapter."
Kennedy slid on a stool across from her and lifted her glass. "I know it's scary, but I promise you, it will be worth it. Sometimes we have to be brave enough to open up to someone new. Break out of our routine. Now, tell me about Connor."
