Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio Read online

  She let him lead her back to the Jeep and help her inside.

  “Now, for that breakfast I promised you,” he said after he’d hopped behind the wheel. “Is that Homestead place okay? That was the only eating establishment this one-horse town seemed to have. I dropped Andy off there.”

  “Andy came with you?” Nick’s roommate, Andy, was one of those guys who seemed to have the ability to make everything he touched turn to gold. She’d never been sure how he did it exactly.

  “Well, yeah. I needed moral support in case you refused to give it another go.” He reached over and took her hand.

  “I haven’t agreed to anything but breakfast yet,” she said sternly.

  He waggled his eyebrows at her and headed for town.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Emma

  Emma was lost in a landscape. She was growing fonder each day of the paintings in Lydia Ann’s store. They made her want to pick up a brush and try her hand at painting. Although, based on the drawings she’d done as a child, she knew that wasn’t a talent she possessed. But the colors… Oh, the colors! She loved the way they swirled together.

  The jingling bell pulled her from her reverie, and she moved forward to greet the customers. Lydia Ann was in the back, settling a dispute between the twins. From what she could gather from their earlier screams, Mary had torn the arm off of Katie’s favorite doll. The little girls had seemed content to settle the dispute on their own by arguing, but Lydia Ann had seen fit to step in. Things had gotten much quieter since their mother had intervened.

  Kelly stepped inside the shop, followed by two men. Emma’s smile froze as she got a good look at the man with Kelly. She was dimly aware there were two men with her, but once her gaze locked on the taller one, all else faded. Even though her perusal of People was always short-lived, she recognized that the guy looked enough like Matthew McConaughey to be his twin. Or maybe his younger brother. Emma realized the buzzing in her ears was Kelly’s voice. She shook her head slightly and gathered her wits.

  “Sorry.” She forced her eyes to Kelly’s face. “What were you saying?”

  “This is Nick,” Kelly said, gesturing to the man on her right. “He’s my,” she paused and looked at Nick, “friend,” she said finally. “And this,” she said, turning to the Matthew McConaughey look-alike, “is Nick’s roommate, Andy.”

  Emma flashed an uncertain smile at the two Englishers.

  “Guys, this is Emma. She’s my only friend in Charm.”

  “Hello.” Nick sent a bored nod her way and immediately began looking around the shop. Emma couldn’t help but notice his disdain for the merchandise.

  Andy held out a hand to shake. “Charmed,” he drawled with a smile. “Is every girl in Charm as enchanting as you?”

  “Um, no?” Emma smiled uncertainly. “I mean, yes?” After a brief handshake, she pulled her hand from his and cast a desperate glance in Kelly’s direction. Her friend was walking around the shop with Nick, and they were speaking in low tones.

  “I’m sure they’re not or this town would be the tourist capital of the world.” His brilliant blue eyes were the color of the ocean. She gulped slightly and sought for a reply. None came, and she just stood, staring back, aware that her face was unbecomingly flushed. If this were one of her daydreams, she would know exactly what to say to have him eating out of her hand.

  “Andy, cut it out.” Kelly had returned to the scene. “Emma, ignore him. He’s originally from Lexington, Kentucky, and he plays up his Southern drawl because it makes the girls swoon. He’s always been the biggest flirt on campus. Maybe in the entire USA.” She nudged him with her elbow. “I told you not to bother any of the girls around here. They’re not used to your high-powered tactics.”

  That brought Emma to her senses.

  “I’m used to such tactics,” she asserted. “I mean, we do have men where I come from. And they flirt. I was just—trying to be professional. I am in charge of the shop right now, you know.” She attempted to look dignified, knowing a flaming face made that difficult.

  “And, just for the record, I wasn’t flirting,” Andy stated in a serious voice that contained only a hint of the drawl he’d spoken in before. “I was appreciating natural beauty.” He took Emma’s arm and steered her away from the other two. “Show me around this shop you’re in charge of.”

  Emma had herself under control. What on earth had caused her to act so foolishly over the way some guy looked? She must stop looking at movie magazines. Now she’d have to prove she wasn’t just a backward girl who wasn’t used to flirts.

  “Here is our selection of needles.” Emma cast her eyes down demurely. “The size you use depends on which project you have in mind. And over here are our patterns. I can show you the local favorites, or—”

  “Patterns?” he interrupted. “You’re making fun of me, aren’t you?” He tilted her chin up to stare deeply into her eyes.

  “No. I was just showing you around, like you asked.” She chuckled.

  “And now you’re laughing at me.” He pretended to pout.

  “Laughing with you, perhaps?”

  “You really are enchanting.” His voice held a note of sincerity it had lacked before.

  “Andy,” Kelly spoke from behind them, “I’m going to show Nick the rest of town. Are you ready?”

  “I think I’ve already seen the important part.” He motioned toward Emma and grinned.

  “Emma, can you go with us?” Kelly’s voice was filled with resigned amusement. “Andy’s so boring when he gets a fixation.”

  She was a fixation for someone like him? Emma was now completely herself again, free from any form of infatuation. Or so she told herself.

  “I need to stay and keep the shop open until Lydia Ann returns.”

  Lydia Ann entered from the back just as Emma finished speaking.

  “Emma, by all means, go with your friends. It’s almost lunchtime anyway.”

  “I can stay if you need me,” she replied.

  “I’ll be fine. Go and enjoy yourself.” Lydia Ann smiled impartially at the group and turned to tweak a quilt into place. Left with no dignified recourse, Emma pasted on a smile and left with the others. Andy put a hand to her elbow as if she needed guiding from the shop. She stiffened but resisted the urge to shake it off.

  “Don’t listen to Kelly,” Andy begged in a mock-serious tone. “I don’t get fixations. I just know what I like when I see it.” He looked pointedly at her. And winked.

  “You know, it’s hard to know when to take you seriously,” she said with disapproval.

  “That’s what makes me so irresistible.” He grinned. “Women like a mystery, you know.”

  “When I want a mystery, I read a book,” she answered tartly.

  “Witty as well as beautiful.” He nodded in approval. “I like it.”

  “Hey, you guys coming?” Nick turned to ask.

  “We’re here,” Andy assured him. “Just lead the way and we’ll bring up the rear.”

  They reached the Jeep and Nick opened the passenger door. Emma climbed into the backseat. Kelly began to climb in beside her, but Andy stopped her. “You can have shotgun,” he said, grinning as he slid in next to Emma.

  Nick started the engine. “So I guess it’s the Homestead again?”

  “Actually, there’s a place called the Carpenters Café inside of Keim Lumber that I hear serves really good sandwiches,” Kelly said. “Why don’t we grab a bite there?”

  At the mention of Keim, Emma’s stomach fluttered. Would Noah be working today? What if he saw her with an Englishman? What would he think?

  “It doesn’t matter to me. Just lead me to food.” Nick adjusted his rearview mirror and pulled the Jeep onto the road.

  Kelly gave him directions, and they were on their way.

  “Do you get to ride in motorized vehicles very often?” Andy spoke directly into her ear, as the wind whipped through the Jeep.

  She leaned toward him. “Every now and then. We hire a
driver to take us places sometimes. But not on a regular basis.”

  “Wow. That’s cool. You must save a lot on gas.”

  She shrugged. “I guess.”

  Nick pulled the Jeep into the parking lot, and they climbed out.

  Emma smoothed her dress and tried to tidy her hair. The forceful wind had taken its toll, and she could feel a few loose strands.

  As they entered the café, Andy, again, placed his hand at Emma’s elbow, in a gesture she still found irritating. She endured it and scooted into the booth, giving him room to sit beside her.

  The waitress brought menus over, and Andy leaned toward Emma. “What looks good?” He spoke as if they were on a secret mission together, and Emma instinctively pulled back slightly as she scanned the room. She finally picked up her own menu and stared blindly at it.

  As Nick and Kelly ordered, Emma saw him. Noah was sitting alone at a table in the far corner. They locked eyes. He lifted a casual hand in greeting before turning back to his meal.

  She waved back, but he was already focused again on the plate in front of him.

  Andy nudged her.

  “Huh?” She looked around the table and found all eyes on her.

  The waitress stood beside the table, her notepad poised, waiting on her order. “Oh. Sorry.” She glanced at the menu again. “I’ll have the Charmin’ Chicken Sandwich, please. And water.” The waitress hurried off to the kitchen.

  “Emma.”

  Her head snapped up so fast she felt her jaw crack. Noah was standing beside their table.

  “Hello, Noah,” she managed. “You remember Kelly.”

  He nodded. “Nice to see you again.”

  “And these are her friends, Nick and Andy.”

  “Welcome to town.” He turned to Emma again. “Are we still on for Saturday?”

  “Jah. Just come by the store after lunch. I’ll be ready.”

  “Sounds good.” He glanced at the newcomers. “I hope you have an enjoyable meal.” He tipped his head and left.

  “Wow. Next time you think you’re hot stuff, Andy, you should think of him and reconsider.” Kelly giggled.

  Andy groaned. “So you think he’s hot stuff, do you?” He smiled. “I’ll have you know, I can be the strong, silent type.”

  “You couldn’t be silent if your life depended on it.” Kelly raised an eyebrow at him. “But you’re welcome to try.”

  “I guess she told you.” Nick chuckled.

  Emma was thankful for the diversion. She didn’t think she could’ve spoken if her life depended on it. Noah was just a friend. So why did seeing him rattle her so?

  The waitress delivered their food, and they settled into a friendly banter. It was obvious the three Englishers were used to hanging out together. She considered the interaction between Kelly and Nick. She could see why her friend had a hard time walking away from him. And Andy was, for lack of a better term, dreamy. But maybe a little too smooth-talking for her.

  “There are some really pretty places around here,” Kelly said. “It’s hard to get used to the sidewalks rolling up before midnight, but the countryside is really worth seeing.”

  “Emma, give us the down low on the local scenery,” Nick said.

  “I haven’t been here long,” she replied, “and I haven’t been far out of town. But there’s a nice spot a few miles from here with a fishing pond and a nice view of the countryside.”

  “Perfect,” Nick replied. “Let’s go have a look.” He wiped his mouth, dropped his napkin on the table, and pulled a billfold from his pocket. “I’ve got this. You guys gather yourselves and let’s hit the road.”

  They slid from the booth, and Andy held out a hand to help Emma up. She stood and smoothed her skirt nervously.

  “Um,” she began, “actually I probably need to get back to the shop.” Even to her own ears, she sounded regretful.

  “Come on, Emma.” Andy slipped into his Southern drawl again. “We won’t be gone much longer.” He held the door open for her and they stepped out into the bright sunshine. “Thirty more minutes?” he pleaded.

  She felt her resolve melt. “Well, I guess thirty more minutes won’t hurt.” She smiled. “Let’s go.”

  They climbed into the Jeep and headed toward the pond.

  Emma couldn’t stifle the guilty thrill that coursed through her as they zoomed along. Had this been a sports car instead of a Jeep, it would have almost fulfilled one of her many daydreams.

  “Emma? Is everything all right?” Kelly called from the front seat. “Is he driving too fast for you?” She turned slightly in the seat to look at Emma.

  “Everything’s fine.” Emma forced a smile. She may have been comfortable hanging out with Kelly, but throw in two handsome English guys and a fast vehicle, and she was way out of her element. She glanced down at her simple cotton dress. Would she feel more at ease if she were dressed like them? She must look so out of place.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” Andy said. He nonchalantly slipped an arm around her shoulder, and she stiffened. Just as casually, he removed his arm but cast her an apologetic look.

  “Just enjoying the day is all.”

  She smiled nervously back at him. However, as the ride continued, she was so caught up in the novelty of speeding down a highway with the wind whipping around her that she forgot her companion in the sheer joy of the freedom. She was struck by a sharp pang of disappointment when they actually came to a stop. The scenery was beautiful, but she would have preferred more of the magical ride.

  “We can only stay for thirty minutes,” Andy declared as they climbed out of the Jeep. He winked at Emma. “That was the only way we could get our tour guide to come with us.”

  “I’m hardly a tour guide. In fact, I’ve only been here one time before.”

  Kelly raised an eyebrow. “Would that have been with Noah?” She grinned. “I’d let him be my tour guide, that’s for sure.”

  Nick looked at her in disgust. “Come on, you’re bruising my ego talking about that guy.”

  “I dare say it would do your ego some good to be taken down a notch.” Kelly paused. “Or maybe two.” She looked at him pointedly.

  “Now, now.” Andy stepped between them. “Let’s all play nice or Emma’s going to hitch a ride out of here.”

  “Sorry,” Kelly murmured.

  “Likewise.” Nick held out a hand to Kelly. “How about we call a truce? Tell you what, the rest of the day is your choice.”

  Kelly’s smile was mischievous. “Actually, I have a little job back at the inn you can help me with.”

  Andy groaned. “Man, what have you gotten us into?”

  “An afternoon of weeding. That’s what. Hope you brought your work gloves.” Kelly laughed.

  Emma joined in her laughter. “My mamm always says weeding is good for the soul.”

  “—Says the girl who’s off the hook from an afternoon of manual labor,” Andy teased.

  “Speaking of which, we should probably get back.” Kelly led the way back to the Jeep. “But Emma, if you want to come to the inn tonight for dinner that would be great. I can come pick you up after work if you want.” She gestured at the guys. “They’re the only two guests at the inn tonight, and I know Aunt Irene won’t mind cooking for one more.”

  “Oh, I don’t know,” Emma started. She was here to help Lydia Ann, and she’d certainly been doing a lot of running around lately. “I’ll need to talk to Lydia Ann first, to make sure she doesn’t need me.”

  Kelly nodded. “Is there a phone at the quilt shop?”

  “Jah.”

  “I’ll call you later to find out if you can come.”

  Emma climbed into the backseat, and Andy hopped in beside her.

  “I’d like it if you were at dinner tonight,” he said softly, as they began the trip back to town.

  Emma gave him a tiny smile. “We’ll see.” She had to admit, having dinner with them did sound like fun. But once she found herself on the sidewalk in front of Lydia Ann’s shop, the gu
ilt she’d been suppressing gained the upper hand. Surely she wasn’t so shameless that she would consider jumping the fence. And if not, was there a place in her life for rides in fast cars with handsome Englishmen? Emma was pretty sure she knew the answer to that.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Kelly

  The screen door closed with a bang and Kelly looked up from the flowerbed where she’d been weeding. Nick walked out, carrying a tray with a pitcher of lemonade and four glasses.

  Aunt Irene was sitting at a table underneath a large umbrella. When she saw Nick walking toward her, she started to rise to her feet.

  “No, ma’am.” Nick gave the elderly woman a dazzling smile. “I can do it. You just rest for a bit.”

  “Thank you, dear.” She accepted the glass of lemonade he handed her. “I’m supposed to be the hostess, though.”

  He grinned. “Oh, I don’t mind at all. Tell you what? I’ll let you serve me an extra helping of pie tonight.”

  Aunt Irene chuckled. “That I can do.”

  Kelly wiped her brow with the back of her hand. Part of the problem was that Nick could really turn on the charm. She watched as he sat down opposite her aunt, keeping up a steady stream of conversation. She knew a lot of guys would have grumbled and complained if they’d had to weed flowers and make nice with old ladies. But Nick hadn’t so much as uttered a foul word all afternoon.

  She glanced over at Andy. His University of Kentucky baseball cap was pulled so low she could barely see his eyes. He might have gone to OSU, but he’d always be a Kentucky boy at heart. He was hard at work, weeding a bed full of brightly colored zinnias. He’d been just as congenial today as Nick. It was times like this when she started to second-guess herself. They weren’t bad guys. Just a little misguided sometimes.

  Although…she thought back to the past few years and how many sleepless nights she’d spent because of Nick. Worrying what he was doing. Or if he was even still alive. Now that he was out of college, would he finally grow up? She wished she knew the answer.