One Summerhill Day (The Summerhill Series Book 1) (5 page)

Mallory:
Why not?

Ryan:
Busy

Mallory:
Could you not be such a guy and type in more than a one-word answer?

Ryan:
No

Ryan set his phone down and smiled at Caitlyn. “Sorry. Annoying family.”

She chuckled. “With a family that big, you must get text messages from them all the time.”

“Very true, that’s why I ignore a lot of them.”

His phone buzzed again, and he sighed before checking it.

Mallory:
Where are you?

Ryan:
Diner

Mallory:
Eating dinner?

Ryan:
No, dancing. Don’t come over. 5

Mallory:
5??? Dancing with 5?

Ryan:
5 words. I’m eating. Go away. 6

Ryan shut the sound off on his phone and set it on the table. “Very sorry. Done.” He got his knife and fork out of the wrapped napkin. The vibrate went off on his phone—and again and again.

“Damn it.” Ryan picked up the phone just as it went off four more times. He looked at the screen and saw the texts were from Mallory, Lauren, Mallory, Jake, Mallory, Lauren, Mallory. He sighed and shoved the phone into his pocket. He was tempted to just turn it off, but he couldn’t. “Sorry. Now they’re being obnoxious.”

“Is it your sister Mallory? She’s very nice, you know.”

“Yeah, but she can be a pain in the ass sometimes. And now she’s apparently roped in my stepsister and my brother. They do this group texting that gets really annoying. Mallory thinks she can annoy me so much that I’ll have to answer.”

“Still, you have family that loves you.”

He paused for a moment, thinking about how it would feel to be in her shoes, with no family at all. “Yeah, I do. A lot.” He speared a piece of turkey.

She laughed. “A lot of family or they love you a lot?”

He grinned. “Both, I guess. I didn’t think I would like having all the stepbrothers and sisters, but I do. Makes for great holidays and my dad is so much happier.” He changed the subject. “So I can pick you up tomorrow at noon to look for a place. Maybe a cottage?” He stuck a forkful of mashed potatoes in his mouth.

“That would be great. A cottage on the lake. Hmmm.” She gazed off into space for a moment. “Has a nice ring to it.”

They ate in silence for a bit until the front door banged open to admit a boisterous group, laughing and stomping their feet as they came inside.

Ryan heard the waitress say, “He’s over there.” He dropped his fork with a clatter and said, “Really?”

And yes, it was really them. In a matter of seconds, Mallory, Lauren, and Jake stood in front of the booth with grins on their faces.

“Uh-oh,” Jake whispered. “Maybe we should leave.”

“Hi, Caitlyn,” Mallory said with a sharkish grin. “How nice to see you again. How are you doing?”

Ryan introduced Caitlyn to his family, but he glared at them all the while, letting his ire be known. “What happened to the family meeting?”

Jake said, “We ended it. More important things to do.”

Caitlyn said, “How nice to see you here! Join us.”

“Not nice,” Ryan grumbled. “Go home.”

“We’re actually headed to the Brew House, so we thought we’d drag you with us,” Lauren said, brushing her long brown tresses behind her ear.

Caitlyn said, “Lauren, are you in health care or with the police?”

“No,” her eyes grew wide and she scowled. “I’m doing graduate work at Cornell University majoring in History. I’m the odd one more interested in the arts.”

“Oh, how interesting. The Brew House?” Caitlyn asked. “Where’s that? I know very little about Summerhill.”

“Well, if you haven’t spent too much time in Summerhill before, you definitely need to go to the Cobalt Brew House,” Jake said. “They make their own craft beers, most of them quite good. The food’s great, too. In fact—” he gave Ryan a teasing grin, “—I’m surprised my brother didn’t take you there.”

“Well, I don’t think he could have picked a better spot,” Caitlyn said.

Mallory stood and grabbed Jake’s arm. “Come on. We’ll go to the Brew House. Why don’t you join us when you’re done?”

After they left, Ryan said, “Sorry. I told you they could be obnoxious.”

“Don’t be sorry. I think you’re fortunate to have so many siblings. Are all three of them siblings?”

“Lauren’s a Grant. But I love all my step-siblings. Would you like to join them at the Brew House when we finish here?” Ryan gazed into her blue eyes, hopeful that she wasn’t about to shut him down. He liked Caitlyn, that simple. He wanted to know more about her, and he hoped she felt the same way.

“Sure.”

Ryan was surprised she had agreed to go, but he couldn’t be happier. She didn’t seem to mind his family interrupting their time together, and they did help with the awkward side of the first date. Yep, this was a first date, and he hoped it would be one of many.

Before Ryan knew it, he was leading her into the Brew House, which was crowded and noisy, the usual ambience for a Saturday night. He kept Caitlyn tucked in front of him, his hand on her waist, afraid she would get knocked over by someone and lose her balance in the crowd. They found his family at a high-top table in the corner, and as soon as they maneuvered their way over, Jake hopped out of his chair and offered it to Caitlyn.

“Caitlyn, what would you like?” Jake asked.

“I’ll have a diet coke, please.”

Jake said, “You sure? Their craft beer is quite good, and they carry wine from the local wineries.”

“No thank you. Still on pain meds for my leg.”

“Oh, of course, sorry,” Jake said. “Any better?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“So Caitlyn,” Jake started. “Did Ryan tell you I’m the smartest and the strongest of all the siblings and step-siblings?”

Caitlyn laughed. “No, he didn’t mention that.”

Lauren added, “And of course he’s the most humble.”

“She already knows I’m the best looking. Right?” Jake winked at her.

Mallory said, “As you can tell, Jake and Ryan are a little competitive. They always have been.”

“Who was always the first one to the bottom of the hill when we went sledding?” Jake bragged. “You guys know it was always me. It was an early sign of character.”

Ryan didn’t have much to say, since his siblings talked non-stop, though it was all in good-natured fun. After about forty-five minutes, he noticed Caitlyn was tiring, so he leaned over to whisper to her. “If this is too much for you, I can take you home. Don’t be embarrassed. I’m sure your leg hurts and I know how exhausting that type of pain can be.” He stepped back and gazed into her eyes. He could see the pain there, though she was making a valiant effort to hide it.

“Let me take another pill and see how it goes. I’m trying to take as few as possible, but sometimes the pain gets to be too much.” She smiled as she dug in her purse for one of the pills.

A few minutes later, she tugged on his arm and he leaned down to her.

“I think I need to go.”

They said their goodbyes and Ryan led the way through the crowd, holding her hand to keep her directly behind him so she wasn’t jostled too much. As they neared the door, a guy leaned over, clearly inebriated, and said, “Hey, cutie.”

Ryan reached over and tucked Caitlyn behind him. “Do
not
touch her.”

The guy grinned and backed off, raising his hands in the universal gesture.

And all Ryan could think of was putting his fist in the fool’s face.

Chapter Five

Caitlyn had enjoyed watching the family dynamics of the Ramsay-Grant clan. At first, she could tell Ryan was really annoyed that his siblings had followed him to the diner, but after all the joking, he had finally settled back and started to laugh with them. The siblings’ camaraderie had been so fun to watch at the Brew House. She hadn’t wanted to leave, but the pain just became too much for her.

When a drunk made a move on her on the way out of the Brew House, she had been happy to stand behind the massive shoulders of Ryan Ramsay, almost leaning into him. His concern for her was quite surprising. He had gone out of his way to take good care of her, a quality that was definitely lacking in her husband…or soon-to-be ex-husband.

They were driving toward the bed and breakfast when he veered off the road toward the lake. “How about a closer view of the lake? I know a perfect spot that won’t require much walking. But if it’s too much, I’ll understand, especially since it’s cold out.”

“I’d like that. I’m just not into crowds much, though I enjoyed spending time with your family.” The idea of spending more time with him excited her. At first, she had been uncomfortable about the dinner. She’d hoped he wouldn’t consider it a real date. After all, she wasn’t divorced yet, though she’d spoken with her lawyer since the accident, and was well on her way to having that settled. Still, somewhere along the way, her feelings had changed.

She
liked
Ryan Ramsay. He was a good looking man, hardworking, warm, funny, and she was comfortable around him. That feeling was new, since she and her husband had grown apart a long while ago. Watching Ryan’s interactions with his family had made her like him even more. But it was time to be honest with him about her situation—and not somewhere they’d be surrounded by potential eavesdroppers. Sitting with him by the lake would give her the perfect opportunity to do just that.

He parked the car by the boardwalk at the end of the lake and helped her out. The moonlight cast a golden haze on the surface of the lake, which was frozen in some spots, still running in others. There was enough water to make the slight lapping noise that she so loved to hear. When she used to vacation here as a child, her parents would leave the windows open at night, and the sound of the water against the sandy beach would lull her to sleep every night.

They sat on a bench right near the car, basking in the serenity of the night. A cold breeze set branches rustling, and she wrapped her scarf up over her face as best she could.

Ryan took her hand and said, “Don’t be upset, but there’s something I want to ask you.”

“I promise not to be upset if you promise the same, because there’s something I need to tell you.” She gazed into his green eyes and saw nothing but encouragement. There was no judgment, no censure, no insult waiting to be released—none of the things she was used to from men. “Please let me start, and then you can ask me anything you’d like.”

“Sure.” He tucked her arm inside his and waited.

She took a deep breath and decided there was no way to soften what she had to say. “I’m married.”

“Okay.”

She had expected him to pull his hand away, but he didn’t, so she continued. If he had been quick to judge her, she would have gone home. She didn’t need another man like that in her life. “We are in the process of divorcing. My lawyer’s confident it will be finalized in a few months.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. Not yet… Well, I’m not sure.” She glanced at him and he grinned at her, the warmth of his breath leaving a trail in the air. “Well, we were only married for two years, but it didn’t work out. My lawyer has all the paperwork drawn up; my ex just has to sign the papers. I don’t know if he will agree or not. We’ll see, I guess. I have never done anything like this before, so this is a new process for me.”

“You lived in Philadelphia with him?”

“Yes. It just didn’t work out, and that’s all I’d like to say at this point.”

“Accepted. And that answers my question.” He smiled. “When I pulled your things out of your car, I checked your license to make sure you had given me the correct information. The name on it was different from the one you had given me.”

“Oh.” She gave him a sheepish look. “Caught, huh?”

He laughed. “Not usually good to lie to a police officer.”

Without trying to interpret her desire to be close to him, she snuggled her head against his shoulder. His arm came around behind her and tucked her close. Oh, but he was warm, nice and warm. “Sorry, but I’m planning to take back my maiden name, McCabe. My married name was Dalton.”

“Legally?”

“I suppose not yet. I guess I still have to be Caitlyn Dalton for a while yet.”

He stopped and removed his gloves, cupping her cheeks in his hands, warming them with his thumbs. “To me, you’ll be Caitlyn McCabe.”

He kissed her then, a tender kiss that heated her all the way to her toes. A kiss so unlike her husband’s that she reveled in it for that fact alone. His lips were soft and he tasted like peppermint, warm and inviting.

When he ended the kiss, he dropped his hands and tucked her arm into his again. “Do you mind if I call you Cait?”

“I would love that. My husband always called me Caitlyn.”

“Cait it is.”

“And I promise that’s the last time I’ll talk about my husband.”

***

The next morning, Ryan showed up at the Ramsay-Grant inn for the late breakfast his stepmother often cooked. When he walked into the kitchen, a chorus of greetings echoed off the walls. Everyone present had a goofy grin on his or her face.

He took his jacket off and threw it on the hall tree, then turned to face his family. “Pardon me for being a bit suspicious, but you aren’t normally all here for breakfast on Sunday. Jake? Mallory? Special occasion?” All he got for answers were more silly grins. “Look, I’m not telling you anything. All you get to know is that I‘m helping her find a place to rent today. Got it?”

Mallory spoke first, as usual. “Did you tell her…?” She let it trail off, but all of them knew what she was talking about.

“No, I didn’t. And you’re not going to tell her anything about me, either. When I want her to know, I’ll tell her. And that goes for anyone I date. Clear?”

“Oooh, he did call it a date,” said Madison.

“That’s what I heard, too. About time, Ryan.” Jake barked.

Blake yelled out, “Leave the poor guy alone, would you.”

Shit, at least someone had some common sense. Blake just won sibling of the year.

“Did you kiss her?”

“Did you like it?”

“Do you like her?”

“Enough!” Ryan bellowed. “I’m not saying any more, so stop asking stupid questions and stop acting like horny teenagers.”

He pulled his chair out to sit as the table full of Ramsays and Grants fell silent, their faces now drawn down into scowls. “Lorraine, is there any breakfast left? Sorry that I’m late.”

His father walked into the room and strode over to clasp Ryan’s shoulders from behind his chair. “You’re late, Three.”

“Dad, you know how I feel about that.” His father’s favorite nickname for him was Three. His grandfather was Ryan James Ramsay, Sr., his dad, Ryan James Ramsay, Jr. Thus, the Three was for Ryan James Ramsay III. But he hated it. His father, unfortunately, wouldn’t give up trying.

“Fine, RJ, you’re late. What’s going on?”

“Nothing. Now may I eat or do I need to go to the diner?”

The rest of the morning went as usual. He listened to all that had happened to his family over the past week. When he finished, he took his dish to the kitchen and put it in the dishwasher before grabbing his coat.

“Aren’t you staying for basketball?” his father said. “Syracuse is on.”

“I’ll be back. I have something to do first.” He grabbed a peppermint hard candy from a dish and scowled at his laughing siblings on the way out.

“What exactly is it you’re going to do, Ryan?” Jake yelled.

Ryan ignored his brother. He was looking forward to helping Cait. Though his first thought had been to stay away from a married woman, separated or not, he hadn’t felt this way in some time…and he wasn’t willing to let it go without exploring the connection between them. Besides, she needed help with the cottage and finding out about her aunt, so he would be there for her now, and they could work out what, if anything, they wanted later.

***

Caitlyn’s father had died when she was thirteen. A sergeant in the army, he’d died in a bomb blast in Iraq. The last letter she had ever received from him he had promised her a vacation on Orenda Lake in Summerhill. Perhaps it was time to take that vacation.

True to his word, Ryan showed up on time and drove her to meet his friend Tracy, who was also a realtor. They had graduated high school together. The first two houses didn’t really work, but the listing for the third one had looked more promising than the others, and she’d dared to get her hopes up.

As soon as they pulled onto the property behind Tracy, a tingling feeling swept through Caitlyn. Was it because of the handsome man next to her or was it a sign that this was her house? As soon as she stepped out of the car, she stopped to savor the view of the cottage set against the white snow on the lake. Granted it wasn’t the lovely blue she would see in the summer, but the scene of the rolling hills behind the cottages across the lake warmed her insides. How she would love to hear the roar of motor boats, the splash of friends swimming, and the friendly chatter that would carry up to the deck in the summer. It reminded her of a place she had once stayed with her family. Ryan came up behind her and gripped her elbow as they trailed behind the realtor.

Tracy said, “This beautiful three-bedroom home is available to rent, but it’s also for sale if you decide you really like it. There are also three bathrooms. I like this place because it has a gentle slope to it. There are only a few steps separating the levels. This makes it much easier for the elderly and people with disabilities.” She gave a pointed look to Ryan, then glanced between his leg and Caitlyn’s.

Ryan’s grip on her arm tightened, and Caitlyn didn’t blame him. Tracy’s words and actions were entirely too rude, whether she’d intended them to come out that way or not. “Excuse me, Tracy. People with disabilities find a way to work with what they have. There’s no reason to treat us differently.”

Tracy blushed first, but she recovered quickly. “It didn’t mean to embarrass you, but the two of you obviously have a similar problem, so I thought it made sense to point out that it would be particularly easy for you to get around this place. Ryan knows I didn’t intend any harm.”

Caitlyn chose her words carefully. “Thank you, but I think Ryan and I are capable of making that determination for ourselves.”

Ryan’s arm moved from her elbow to her waist, tugging her next to him.

“It’s okay, Cait. Tracy didn’t mean anything by it.”

Damn it, like hell she hadn’t. Caitlyn wasn’t about to act like she wasn’t upset to have been placed in a category with the elderly because of a limp. Then she felt a pang of remorse. Ryan’s limp was probably permanent, so he had to face casual insults like this every day.

Ryan leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Let it go. This is a beautiful place. Don’t let her ruin it for you. There are other realtors if you don’t want to work with her. She’s an acquaintance, not a friend really.”

She gazed into his eyes for a quick moment and was lost. How wonderful it felt to be with a man who cared about her feelings. He was right, so she shook off her irritation and walked down the steps to the next level. The realtor stopped at a side door to unlock it. Caitlyn was about to head inside, but she took that moment to turn and glance at the lake. The view made her freeze in place. She turned to Ryan and said, “I’ll be right back.”

Treading carefully down the embankment and the remaining steps, she paused at the edge of the lake before walking to the end of the small dock. A peacefulness settled into her bones as she scanned the lake and the opposite shoreline. The glassy surface called to her, and a small smile crept across her face as she lifted her face to the cool breeze drifting across the waterway.

Just like that she knew: She was home. For some reason, it felt as if welcoming arms encompassed her as she stood on the warped boards of the dock.

Maybe Orenda Lake could give her what she had been searching for since her father’s death—a place to belong. Both she and her mother had felt lost since that fateful day so long ago. Her mother had descended into a deep depression and alcoholism, and thirteen-year-old Caitlyn had needed to take care of her instead of the other way around. After a few years, her father’s sister, her Aunt Margie, had finally insisted she come to live with her on the other side of Buffalo. At the age of sixteen, she had moved in with her aunt and started at a new high school where she had been lonely and tormented. The sense of being lost, of having no real place in the world, had followed her.

She had met Bruce in her last year of college and married him within six months—trying to belong somewhere, to someone. The idea of moving to Philadelphia—of having a fresh start—had excited her. But the marriage had not gone as well as could be expected a few months after moving to Pennsylvania. Rather than finding herself, she’d felt more lost than ever.