Page 26 of One Hot Texas Summer (The Prentice Brothers of Sweet Ridge #1)

“W e never did discuss how things went with your dad,” Kelly commented as she placed one of the table arrangements on the mirrored plate in the center of the table.

“Yeah, we kind of got sidetracked,” Tate said from beside her.

How she was getting any work done when he was practically glued to her side amazed her. Her skin still tingled from everything they’d done the previous evening and that morning when she’d shown him a few of her tricks.

“It was a good sidetrack for sure. But was it hard to leave him?”

Tate sighed and threaded his fingers through his hair, mussing it up and reminding her of how it looked when they’d woken up that morning.

“It was hard, but he looked so happy to finally be home. Tyler was great as well. He had made sure that everything Dad needed was within reach. I called Dad while you were in the shower and he sounded good. A little tired, but I think it’s because he was so excited to be back in his own home and not a room at a facility. ”

Even though she had a million more things to do, she went over and embraced Tate, inhaling his woodsy scent. “I’m glad, and I know you were worried about how Tyler would be with him.”

“I was and I shouldn’t have been. We’re family, and I need to let go of the control a little bit. I took on everything after Dad had his stroke. I couldn’t help it. But I now see that letting Tyler in helps me as much as it helps him. Although, I am still worried about the festival.”

Kelly released her hold on Tate and went back to work in setting up the flower displays. She ignored the tinge of guilt; she still hadn’t told Tate she’d sent the final plan in without him looking at it. “What are you worried about?”

“Well, the rehab center said that, as part of Dad’s recovery, I had to keep him away from stressful situations.

Having the farm full of people for three days straight for the festival, not to mention all the time it’s going to take to assemble and disassemble the stands, is not a stress-free environment. There’s going to be so much activity.”

If the roles were reversed, she’d feel the same way. “I promise I will do everything I can to make sure that we keep it as stress free as we can for your dad.”

While she knew it was a tall task, it wasn’t impossible, and if she explained it all to Macy, she was sure Macy would understand as well. They’d speak to the volunteers and ask them to be as quiet as possible.

“I appreciate that, but it’s not going to be easy. Maybe between the two of us we can achieve it. Although, you’re going to be busy with the flower arrangements, aren’t you?”

It was going to be a mammoth task getting arrangements ready for two sites, but she had a plan, and when she had one of those everything always worked out.

“Yes, it’s going to be crazy busy, but I like that. And barring any unforeseen dramas that will keep me away from the farm, I’ll try to be there as much as possible.”

“Kel, I appreciate that, and even though I’ll be busy with the harvest, I’ll be able to oversee the arrangements as well.

I don’t want you working yourself ragged just for me.

” Tate placed a soft kiss on her lips. The urge to sink into him and prolong the kiss was strong.

As if he could read her mind, he pulled away.

“In a few hours, I’m going to show you just how much I appreciate your words. ”

A shiver of desire thrummed through her, and her heart rate kicked up a couple of notches. “I like that idea.”

He laughed. “I think I need something to cool me down. Do you want a soda or water?”

“Water would be great.”

“On it.” He turned and headed for the ballroom exit. She would never get tired of looking at his ass in jeans.

“Tate?” she called out. He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Thank you for coming with me. As much as I would’ve understood if you’d canceled, I’m glad you didn’t.”

A soft smile played across his lips. “Me too, Kel. Me too.”

*

A few hours later, Tate opened the door to their suite, and Kelly walked in and collapsed in the closest chair. “Thank goodness that’s over.”

“Are all brides as difficult as this one?”

Kelly laughed. “No, thank goodness.” Prior to the wedding her bride had been super relaxed, but today, she’d turned into bridezilla, hating every arrangement Kelly had created for her.

Fortunately, her mom had stepped in and calmed the bride down and reminded her, with pictures from her phone, that everything she wanted Kelly had provided.

Of course, the bride hadn’t apologized, but when her mom made the final payment, the amount had been increased by a couple of hundred dollars.

Kelly understood the pressures of getting married, and weddings turned the sanest of people into crazy ones.

“Well, I have to say you handled her tantrum better then I would’ve. I probably would’ve collected all the flowers and walked out. Or maybe done something to them all.”

“I could never ruin anything I’d spent hours creating. You’d feel the same if you were in my shoes. I guarantee it.”

“I suppose so.” Tate dropped a kiss on her forehead.

She really wished he’d aim a little lower and kiss her on the lips.

He’d been nothing but a gentleman while she’d been working.

But she wasn’t on the clock now, and tonight was their last night at the hotel before they had to head back to Sweet Ridge and the arrangements for the festival.

Life was going to be crazy, and the chances of her spending time with Tate without a million prying eyes was going to be very slim.

“What do you want to do for dinner?” she asked. “Do you want to go out somewhere? Or go to the restaurant in the hotel?”

What she really wanted to do was order room service. Now that she’d stopped, the late night and busy day was catching up to her.

“Nah, I think we’ll stay in and order room service.”

“Did you read my mind?”

Tate laughed and again the sound did jittery things to her insides. “I can tell you’re exhausted, Kel. I plan to pamper you tonight. Don’t you worry about anything. I have it all worked out.” He disappeared into the bathroom, and she heard the sound of water running.

“Now this is something I could get used to,” she murmured and closed her eyes, tiredness pervading every part of her.

I shouldn’t get used to this. Shouldn’t get used to being pampered.

But why shouldn’t she get used to it? Wasn’t this what she wanted? To be number one in someone’s life. Right this second, Tate was putting her needs above his, and she felt cherished. And, did she even dare voice her inner thought?

Loved.

She felt loved by Tate, but that was impossible.

He couldn’t love her. They hadn’t spent a lot of time with each other, and even though last night had been amazing, mistaking chemistry and wild, hot sex as happily ever after could be so dangerous.

Too many women had succumbed and found out that their prince wasn’t a prince after all, but the villain.

Was Tate a villain?

Again, she dismissed the thought. Anyone who did what Tate did when his father had his stroke wasn’t a villain.

God, why was she thinking so much? Hadn’t she decided to just go with the flow and see what happened between her and Tate?

Falling for Tate hadn’t been part of the plan, though.

Today, he’d silently worked beside her. Taken her instructions and followed through on them correctly.

Got her drinks before she even asked for them.

He’d worked his way past the barrier around her heart, the one she’d erected after Edwin had hurt her. All without her knowing.

A brush of fingers down her cheek startled her. She blinked a couple of times before her vision narrowed in on Tate squatting beside her chair. A sweet smile on his face and a look of such caring in his eyes it took her breath away. “Hey,” she said.

“Hey yourself, your bath is ready.”

She recalled the water running when he disappeared into the bathroom but the idea that he was drawing a bath for her hadn’t even entered her consciousness. “You drew a bath for me?”

“Yep. You looked like you needed one after today.” He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the top of it. Such an old-fashioned, gentlemanly action that her heart stilled for a couple of moments before kick-starting again.

“Thank you. No one has ever done that for me.”

Tate rose effortlessly from his squat, and because he still had her hand, he tugged her up. He secured her closely to his side and led her toward the bathroom. “Well, I’m glad I can be the first.”

The aroma of jasmine filled the air as they entered the room. Gentle swirls of steam rose from the foam laden bathtub. “Tate, it looks wonderful. I can’t wait to sink into it. You’ll never get me out.”

“That’s a good plan, although I’m not sure you turning into a prune would be a good thing. But I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen.” He gave her a gentle push toward the tub. “Go and soak. I’ll order dinner. Do you want anything in particular? Like a burger or steak or salad.”

Food was the last thing on her mind, and she really didn’t care. All she wanted was to get in the bath. “Anything is fine.”

“Okay. But if you don’t like what I order, just remember what you said.”

Kelly laughed. “Noted.”

Tate shut the door behind him. Kelly stood looking at the white door for a few moments, wondering how the hell she’d gotten so lucky.

*

Tate leaned up against the bathroom door and blew out a breath.

The temptation to suggest to Kelly that he join her had kept him company as he filled the tub.

He’d been ready to put his thoughts into action, but he’d found her in the chair, her eyes closed, her hair falling out of the updo she’d had it in while she worked, and he’d known that he would put aside his needs and desires and concentrate only on Kelly and what she needed.

Through the door he heard her moan of delight and pictured her up to her neck in water and bubbles.

The image made his dick jump against the zipper of his pants.

All day he’d been semi-hard around her. The way she moved from table to table, her hands adjusting the arrangements had been lyrical and effortless.

The fine sheen of moisture on her forehead suggested it wasn’t easy, but she’d made it look that way. He’d been in total awe of her.

Tate had known she could create beautiful arrangements. The work she’d done for this wedding was amazing and he couldn’t wait to see her designs for the Founders’ Day festival brought to life.

His grumbling stomach pulled him from his internal musings, and he headed over to the table where the leather binder with all the hotel amenities sat. Fifteen minutes later dinner was ordered and he had a glass of champagne in his hand.

“Knock, knock,” he said before turning the handle to the bathroom.

“Come in. Oh, you’re already in here. You know you’re supposed to wait for permission to enter.” Kelly’s voice didn’t hold any hint of annoyance, just humor.

“I figured you wouldn’t mind so much when you saw what I have in my hand.” He held up the flute filled with champagne.

“Hmm, on this occasion I’ll forgive you. Do I have to get out? Is dinner here?”

Kelly standing, the water sluicing from her body, bubbles in tempting places on her gorgeous flesh, was a vision he would love to see.

Again, his body sprang into action. He really needed to get himself under control. “Um, what did you ask?” With his mind full of a wet, naked Kelly, he’d completely blanked on what she’d asked him.

“Is dinner here yet? Do I have to get out? And can I have my drink, please?”

“Oh, right. Umm, no, dinner will probably be another forty-five minutes, the kitchen is busy so you don’t have to get out. And here.” He held out the glass for her.

“Thanks.” She took the glass with one hand and kept hold of his hand with her other.

Her eye contact remained locked with his, and he tracked the movement of the glass as she brought it to her lips and took a delicate sip.

Kelly still hadn’t released his hand, and he wasn’t in any hurry to lose contact with her.

“You know what?” she said conversationally as she placed the glass down on the tiled ledge behind her.

“What?” he answered. If it was what he thought, he was okay with it.

“I’m lonely.” Tugging his hand, with more strength than he expected, he tumbled toward the tub.

Tate could’ve stopped himself from falling into the water, but he didn’t because he wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him. What he did though was maneuver himself so he didn’t crack his ribs on the edge of the porcelain tub.

Water splashed up and over the sides, landing on the white tiles with a loud splash. Kelly’s giggles filled the room, and he grabbed her face with both hands. “You are so going to pay for that, Ms. Turner.”

“Really? How do you plan to punish me, Mr. Prentice?”

“Just you wait and see.” He lowered his head and open-mouth kissed her. Both of them moaned at the contact, and Tate knew in that moment that he’d found his home with Kelly. Now all he had to do was convince her that they belonged together.