Moonlight Kiss

you listen.” She pointed at him, lest there be no mistake. “You think you know all about me, don’t you, Reid Greenfield? That I’m a spoiled, rich socialite born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Well, I’m not!” She patted her chest so hard that Reid winced. “I grew up in a middle-class suburban neighborhood outside of Chicago. My dad was an art teacher at the local high school, and my mother tried without much success to sell her books on finance. They struggled. In fact, my mother is a Seminole Indian raised on a reservation in Florida, and my dad is the son of a plumber.”

“Addison, I—”

“My mother didn’t set out to become famous, only to help real people manage their money. She certainly saw plenty of poverty. They are two of the most humble, grounded people I know.” She swallowed hard, but, thank God, held her tears in check. Reid quit trying to stop her. Raising her hands she said, “I went to college on an academic scholarship and got engaged to my best friend before he became famous. Aiden and I weren’t meant to get married, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t deeply hurt when he cheated on me. I lost his friendship out of the whole mess and had to weather the gossip and mean accusations. And Garret? Yeah, I rebounded with Garret, who made me laugh like crazy and brought me out of my nerdy shell and helped me fit into a society that I never felt comfortable around. Yeah, he’s a big kid, selfish and spoiled and terribly insecure. But I didn’t cheat on him with his father. I’ve never cheated on anyone or anything, despite what everyone is saying about me behind my back and to the media. You can believe me or not believe me . . . I really don’t give a damn what people believe anymore. Especially you.” She pointed at him again.

“Why especially me?”

“Because . . . because you’re a judgmental jerk with your head so far up your ass you can’t see daylight.”

Reid almost laughed. Curse words coming out of her mouth just seemed funny. But he didn’t laugh because, unfortunately, she was right. With her hands fisted on her hips, she angled her head at him and glared, even as her eyes glittered with unshed tears.

“Now get out of my store before . . . before I . . . pick you up and . . . toss you to the curb,” she sputtered. She stomped her foot, apparently forgetting she was barefoot, and winced.

Reid jammed his thumb over his shoulder. “You want to grab a cold beer? I think you could use one. I know I’m dusty, but I can fit in at Sully’s.”

“Are you serious? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“No, I’m serious.” He gave her a slight shrug. “But you’d have to wear shoes.”

She looked down at her feet and then back up at him. She took a couple of steps closer and then tilted her head up.

Reid held his breath.

“I wouldn’t drink a beer with you if you were the last man on earth.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Okay, I guess I deserve that.”

“You think?”

Reid nodded slowly. “Yeah.”

“Well, and I hate to tell you, but I’ll be a frequent visitor on your farm. Renovations to the barn will begin soon, and I’m going to be consulting with Sara whether you like it or not. I would appreciate if you’d stay out of my way.”

“I will.”

“Good.”

“But, Addison?”

She arched an eyebrow.

“I’m sorry. I was way out of line. And I’m really impressed with the shop.”

She remained still and silent, unrelenting, and yet there was a vulnerable set to her mouth that hit Reid in the gut. He knew he’d been dead-ass wrong, and he’d screwed up his chance with a beautiful, funny, smart woman. The urge to pull her into his arms and hug her tightly was so damned strong but he was pretty sure he’d get a knee where he didn’t want it, and so he nodded once more and turned around and walked out of the store.

13 Defying Gravity

ADDISON IGNORED THE THUMPING OF HER HEART AS SHE pulled her Mustang into the front driveway of the Greenfield farmhouse. If she ran into Reid she’d smile politely and give him the cold shoulder. Of course, seeing him actually made her body warm instead of cold but she’d never let him know it. She supposed, however, that Reid had gotten the message after her tirade last night. Afterward she’d felt a little bit embarrassed, especially when she realized much later while lying in bed that he must have seen her dancing and singing along with CeeLo Green. Why did it have to be that song? She gripped the steering wheel and shook her head. “Because that’s the way my life goes, apparently.”

At least the Sunday afternoon sunshine felt good on her cheeks. Although the upcoming grand opening of From This Moment sent a nervous flutter through her stomach, getting away for a while and taking in the country scenery felt amazingly freeing. She reminded herself that beautiful inventory filled every nook and cranny of the shop and that for all intents and purposes she was ready to open. She’d hired a local seamstress, and for now she’d concentrate on the paperwork and wedding planning. If the consulting end of the business accelerated, she’d hire an assistant to help her out. Mia promised to do what she could, but her job at the baseball stadium picked up with the beginning of the season, and coupled with watching Cam play baseball, she wouldn’t be around much.

Stepping out of the car, Addison smiled at the picture-perfect farmhouse appearing before her, serene and welcoming. Abundant flowers provided a burst of color against the white background. Wicker furniture and fat baskets of ferns on the front porch called for lazy afternoons of sipping on sweet tea. A big oak tree graced the front lawn, reaching up to the sky with open arms. A tire swing hung from a thick branch, making Addison imagine laughing children—but definitely not an adorable young Reid—being pushed high in the air. The top of a tall silo peeked over the house, as if watching over it. Addison’s smile deepened. This was a slice of Americana, a postcard into the past, and she admired Sara for doing all she could to preserve her family farm.

Addison inhaled the country air, fragrant with cut grass, sweet flowers, freshly turned earth, and a hint of hay. The late-spring day felt almost hot, but thankfully lacked the steamy summer humidity hovering right around the corner. Still, Addison was glad she’d worn cool white shorts and a short-sleeve light blue blouse. A thin gold belt and plaid Sperry Top-Siders gave the casual attire a touch of class with a businesslike edge.

Smile still in place, she started toward the sidewalk leading to the front steps. But out of the corner of her eye she spotted something big and furry galloping in her direction. At first Addison thought it was a fat little pony. No . . . Oh God, it . . . Is it a wolf? She stood, rooted to the spot as the animal raced across the yard and straight for her. Would it attack? Bite? She took a shaky step backward, wondering whether to bolt for the front steps or dive into her car. Before she could decide, the big ball of brown fur ran around her in a circle as if closing in for the kill. His deep bark struck terror in her heart. A scream bubbled up in Addison’s throat but fear squeezed her vocal cords. Mind racing, adrenaline pumping, she wondered if there was anything in her purse that the dog would like to eat, like maybe a T-bone steak, so she could run like hell. But she could only think of chewing gum and didn’t suppose that would do the trick unless the dog wanted minty-fresh breath.

After another deep bark the huge dog skidded to a stop and then pounced. The big paws came up on her shoulders, making Addison stagger backward and wonder if she should fight or play dead. The big furry head leaned in . . .

And licked her.

He happily lapped one cheek and then the other. Letting out her held breath, Addison giggled first from repressed hysteria and then from absolute relief that the big animal was actually a gentle giant.

“Little John, down!”

Little John paused in his licking but his paws remained. He looked at Addison as if asking permission for one