Page 34 of Love You
Hell, no. The clingy fabric would accentuate her muffin top. “That’s okay.”
“What about some shorts? You’re going to melt in jeans.”
Then her legs would burn. Even with sunblock, her pale skin was no match for a Glory Junction summer. “I’m fine.”
She limped outside to find the bikes had been fully loaded. Apparently, there was no way she was getting out of this. At least she knew the trail was flat from having ridden it when she’d first moved to Glory Junction with big plans to get fit . . . and find a man who could make her feel like a woman. Unfortunately, both goals remained on her to-do list and she hadn’t moved any closer to getting them done.
“Ready to move out?” Win had also changed into a bike jersey. No muffin top on him. Not even love handles.
“Let’s do it,” Russell said. He was way too into this.
She’d give Remy credit. He was a little overweight, a lot out of shape, but unlike her, a good sport. Sue, on the other hand, was lean and looked as if she worked out regularly but probably in a gym. The hike had winded her too much for someone who routinely climbed.
Darcy took the wheel and drove to a small lot near the public beach. In no time at all, Win had the bikes unloaded and ready to go. He handed out helmets, waters, and more sunblock.
“How you holding up, hot stuff?” He adjusted her chin strap, lingering a little longer than he should’ve, especially in front of an audience.
“I’ll live.”
He winked. “That’s the old spirt.”
Twenty minutes into the ride and her bottom and legs screamed. How was it that she remembered the trail being flat? There was a restroom up ahead and she used it as an excuse to stop. The others, even Remy, were pedaling at a steady clip so she told them she’d catch up. Ha!
She took off her helmet and stuck her entire head under the faucet in the sink and pressed a wet paper towel to her face. When she came out of the bathroom she found Win waiting for her.
“Where are the others?”
“Up ahead. You okay?”
No. If she had less pride she would’ve sat on the ground and cried. “My ass is on fire.”
His mouth curved up in a sympathetic smile. “It’s almost over and I think it’s going pretty well, don’t you?”
She did. The group seemed to be enjoying themselves. “As long as I don’t wind up in the emergency room.”
“Come here.” He crooked his finger at her but she wouldn’t budge. “Come on, Darce.” He reached for her, brushed her hair behind her ears, and put the helmet on her head. “We’re almost done. When we get to TJ’s I’ll ride back and bring the van.”
She nodded, feeling like a big baby. Getting on her bike, she made a resolution to work out more, or at all, and tried not to wince from saddle soreness. When they arrived at TJ’s she nearly threw herself off the bike and kissed the ground. Instead, she got a second wind and raced around the house to the backyard to make sure the food had been delivered.
Rachel had outdone herself. A red-checkered cloth covered a round table, set with real dishes, not paper. The plates were blue ceramic with bright red anchors in the middle and had matching cobalt glasses. The centerpiece: a pail of white hydrangeas and a circle of votive candles. Darcy didn’t know if Rachel had brought the tableware or whether it had come from Deb and TJ’s kitchen. Wherever it had come from it was beautiful and so perfect for the lakeside setting.
A long table facing the water sagged with platters of sandwiches, bowls of salads—potato, coleslaw, fruit—baskets of chips, and pitchers of ice tea and lemonade. On a smaller table, Rachel had laid out a dessert spread. Brownies, cookies, and miniature cupcakes with the GA logo. Whoa, when had she had time to do that? As soon as they got back to town, Darcy planned to personally thank her. Rachel had gone above and beyond and as much as she hated to accept it, Win had been right about the picnic. It was impressive while seeming casual and intimate. Better than a restaurant, more creative.
Darcy stretched her sore muscles and took the time to really look around. TJ and Deb’s place was gorgeous. The yard backed right up to the lake with expansive lawns, a dock, and a boathouse. The main house was a rustic three-story with light brown shingles and chocolate brown trim and scads of windows to take advantage of the lake views.
Win had unlocked the front door so Remy, Sue, and Russell could use the bathroom and wash up before lunch. Darcy had every intention of going inside and snooping through the rooms. It just didn’t get much better than this, she thought as she peered out over the water. And better yet, she was off that stupid bike, even if she was walking bowlegged.
Win came outside, scanned the spread as if it was no big deal, poured himself a glass of lemonade, and gulped it down in one drink. Not one word. She supposed she should be used to it after working for Lewis for two years.
Darcy figured it was a good time to go inside, freshen up, and take a tour of the house. She pushed past him and pretended not to hear him when he called after her.
She went around to the front, not sure if the back door was unlocked, and let herself in. Jeez Louise, the place was awesome. Not stuffy like her parents’ mausoleum but not quite as lived-in as Nana’s country cottage. A perfect in between. Touches of comfort everywhere, including colorful toss pillows, kilim rugs, and tons of family pictures.
She took a quick whirl around the kitchen, and peeked around the main floor where she used the powder room. Then she dashed upstairs and poked her head into a couple of bedrooms because she was nosy that way. Back on the main floor, she locked the front door, fearful that Win would forget. Glory Junction was a safe town but there had been a slew of break-ins the previous summer. She went in search of the back door to the yard and found it on the bottom level of the house, which had been tricked out with a big-screen TV, pool table, and a big comfy seating area.
The house was as different from Win’s studio apartment as the two brothers were. TJ was methodical while Win was haphazard. TJ bordered on intense while Win was more chill than an easy chair. At least she’d thought he was. Today, he’d proven that he wasn’t as laid-back or as haphazard as everyone thought.
Believe it or not, I know what I’m doing. And I actually have a strategy.
