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“Mads.”
She shook her head, but he took her into his arms. She melted then, because she’d started to fall for this man. He was kind and gentle, fun-loving and talented. He’d treated her well this summer, and she didn’t want to be the one to hold him back. She’d said she’d support him.
He’d also said he wouldn’t be gone much, at least for a little while,she reminded herself.
“I can’t control this,” he murmured. “Don’t be mad.”
“I’m not mad,” she whispered.
“You’re upset.”
“I’m not going to a family picnic when I’m not family.”
He pulled back and looked at her. “You would if I were there.”
“But you’renotgoing to be there, Kyle. We’re not married or engaged. It’s weird.”
“I don’t see how.”
Of course he didn’t. “It’s fine,” she said. “I’ll take the cake over to your mother’s tomorrow.” She didn’t say she’d take it for the picnic, nor did she say she’d stay. His mother was counting on her to bring a cake, and she’d do that.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “This is just a road bump I didn’t know about.”
She deflated, but she didn’t know. “I know.” She fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, the ones right above his belt. “Go, and show that guy that you’re the best guitarist there is and that he shouldn’t have any regrets over signing you.” She looked up at him, and he crushed his lips to hers.
Maddy hadn’t been kissed like this before, and it was wild and exciting for several strokes before Kyle settled. “Thank you, Mads,” he said, the words practically an exhale. “Thank you for believing in me.” He kissed her again, this time slower, with more control and an equal amount of passion.
Then he was gone. Out the door and down the steps, his mind likely already on the chords, the music, his suitcase, something else. Maddy stood at her front window and watched him drive away. “Dear Lord,” she sighed. “Bless him to find what he’s looking for in Nashville.”
* * *
The following morning,Maddy pulled up to the biggest house on the family lane. It was the first turnoff if she was driving onto the ranch, and a couple of rows of very tall trees separated this road from anything else on the ranch.
House upon house stood here, and she didn’t make it down far enough to get to the one Kyle lived in. She’d been there a few times now, but he normally came to her cabin. She didn’t have a roommate, and they could always guarantee they’d be alone at her place.
Two trucks and two cars had already been parked in front of Kyle’s mother’s house, and Maddy gathered her courage close and stitched it together as she parked along the road where the dirt met the grass. She got out and retrieved the freshly baked almond and strawberry cake from the backseat, and then proceeded to take it up to the house.
She rang the doorbell, and out here, where it was quiet and secluded, the dinging and donging carried on the still air. A few seconds later, someone yelled, “Just come in!” and Maddy hitched her bravery a little higher.
She just went in, expecting to find several people in the house. Perhaps Sierra and Holly baking with their mother. Maybe even a few people from the lodge. Maddy honestly wasn’t sure.
She’d been invited in by a male voice, and only Kyle’s father stood in the front of the house where she could see. The living room spread before her, leading back to a giant family dining table, where Max Stewart laid down a bright red napkin before turning toward her. “Ah, Maddy.”
“I just brought the cake, sir. I told your wife I would.” She lifted the heavy dessert as if he couldn’t see it. “It’s best refrigerated. I’m not sure if you have room…” She trailed off and kept walking into the house.
Max grinned at her, making her feel like she did belong. “We’re not eating for hours,” he said. “You didn’t need to bring it right now.”
She slid the cake onto the long island, the touch of the cool, gray granite against the back of her hand sending a chill through her. “Actually, I did, because I can’t make it later.” She gave him a sympathetic smile—at least she hoped she did. “See, Holly needed someone to work the ice cream booth this afternoon, and I said I would.”
Max frowned, and Maddy didn’t need to tell him she’d volunteered for the extra shift last evening.
“But I didn’t want Sharon to not have the cake. I promised I’d make it, and I made it.” She smiled at the beautiful piece of culinary art. “Should I put it in the fridge?”
“There’s no room,” he said. “Sharon’s been cooking for days for this.” Max looked at the cake and then Maddy again. They’d squared off in the narrow place between living room and kitchen, and Maddy wasn’t sure what his expression said. “Maybe you could keep it at your place and bring it right before we start.”
“I can’t make it,” she said again. She’d met Kyle’s father before, but in passing, and she didn’t know much about him. She checked his ears for hearing devices, but he didn’t seem to have any.
“I’ll call Holly.” Max picked up his phone from where it lay on the counter.
