There’s no mistaking the real thing

Everything in Corra Coleman’s world is looking up since she agreed to run the gift shop at her family’s antebellum B and B. The job offers a fresh start after her unhappy marriage—and a tantalizing temptation in the form of tech millionaire Christopher Williams. Her brother’s high-school buddy has come home to their small Kentucky town and is now pursuing her with a passion she’s never known, but definitely reciprocates.

Though he grew up poor, Chris has realized his childhood ambition of becoming one of Danville’s wealthiest sons. As he restores the town’s oldest mansion, he already knows who he wants to share it with. Corra is all grown up—gorgeous, warmhearted and no longer off-limits. But with her newly returned ex trying to win her back, can Chris show her the way love’s truly supposed to be?

Corra took a bite of the cake and closed her eyes. When she licked the remaining icing from her lips, he wanted to reach over and help her out.

“Mmm, this is so good, and moist.” Then she took a sip of wine.

Chris did the same.

After a few minutes of talking and eating, he noticed chocolate on Corra’s lip.

He leaned closer to her. “You’ve got something right there,” he said, before licking the speck of chocolate from her bottom lip.

Corra smiled. “Did you really just do that? That was a movie move if I’ve ever seen one.”

“Not original enough for you, huh?”

She laughed. “Not quite. Why don’t you try something like this?” Corra leaned over and grabbed him by the collar. “Let’s see what your cake tastes like.”

The moment her mouth met his, warmth flooded his body and the desire to take her became an overpowering need. He wanted her closer.

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for purchasing The Only One for Me, the second book in the Coleman House series. I hope you’ll enjoy reading Corra and Christopher’s story. Coleman House is a series near and dear to my heart. While riding through the countryside in Kentucky I saw this massive house that reminded me of Tara from Gone with the Wind. My curiosity about who lived there took over, and my own experience at a B and B fueled the rest. Running both an organic farm and a B and B is hard work. Nobody knows that better than the Colemans.

To learn more about me and future releases, please sign up for my newsletter at www.bridgetanderson.net. I love to connect with readers, so follow me on Twitter, @Banders319, or www.Facebook.com/Banders319. I appreciate all reviews. Please take the time to leave one.

Thank you,

Bridget Anderson

The Only One for Me

Bridget Anderson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

BRIDGET ANDERSON writes provocative stories about smart women and the men they love. She has over nine published novels and two novellas to date. Her romance suspense novel Rendezvous was adapted into a made-for-television movie.

When Bridget’s not writing, she loves to travel. She’s fallen in love with Paris, France, and can’t wait to get back to Ghana, West Africa. She’s a native of Louisville, Kentucky, who currently resides north of metro Atlanta with her husband and a big dog that she swears is part human.

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I’d like to dedicate this book to all the hardworking bed-and-breakfast innkeepers out there.

Running a bed-and-breakfast is truly a labor of love.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

Corra Coleman danced around her cozy kitchen preparing breakfast and lunch for her children, Jamie and Katie, while she kept a keen eye on the clock. A typical Wednesday morning at the Coleman household.

“Mom, I can’t find my charm bracelet,” Katie whined.

Corra finished stuffing their lunch boxes, and then pushed them to the end of the counter. “Honey, it’s not in your backpack?”

“No, that’s where I’m looking.” Katie stood up and turned her backpack upside down, spilling the contents onto the middle of the kitchen floor.

“Katie!” Corra barked.

“Mom, can I go back upstairs and get my baseball glove?” Jamie asked from his seat at the kitchen table.

“Have you finished your cereal?” Corra asked, as she hurried over to help Katie sort through her belongings on the floor.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Okay, but hurry. The school bus will be outside any minute now, and we’re already in trouble for holding up the bus.”

Jamie pushed his chair back and ran for the stairs.

“It’s not here.” Katie started to cry.

“Well, honey, maybe it’s in your room. Go on up and look for it real quick.” The bracelet was a birthday present from her uncle Rollin last year. The first day she wore it to school she aced her exam and was selected as the lead in her school play. Since then, she wore her lucky charm to school every day.

Katie took off running while Corra buckled her backpack. The way she calculated it she had about twenty seconds to sip some coffee before they came stampeding back down the stairs. She never had time to eat breakfast at home. She walked over to the back door and looked out. Between the houses in back of her she could see the school bus on the next block.

She grabbed the lunch boxes and Katie’s backpack and hurried to the front door. She glanced up the stairs on her way. “What are you two doing up there, the school bus is on the way.”

Ten-year-old Jamie took the stairs two at a time and practically crashed into Corra on his way out.

She hollered out the door. “If you don’t come home with that glove don’t come at all. I’m not buying another one.”

With his backpack on one shoulder, and his glove on one hand, Jamie threw up the other hand signifying he’d heard her.

The bus pulled to a screeching halt a few houses down. Corra turned around looking for Katie. “Katie, come on, the bus is here.”

“But Mom, I still can’t find my bracelet.”

From the bottom of the stairs Corra looked up at her baby who looked like someone had broken her heart. Oh man, he’s going to honk his horn, I know he is. Although her leg was nearly healed after being broken in an accident seven months ago, Corra still wasn’t up to jogging up the stairs. She’d just have to deal with the bus driver because she had to help her baby.

Once upstairs in Katie’s room, she started tossing clothes and covers around. “Where did you last see it?” she asked.

“It was on the dresser when I went to bed last night.”

Corra walked over and peered behind the dresser, and there lay Katie’s bracelet, and a few other items. Corra pulled the dresser out a little. “Bingo.” She retrieved everything, and handed Katie the bracelet. Alongside of the bracelet was a small baby picture of Katie and her father, Eric Hayden, during happier times. Corra hadn’t seen this picture in a long time, or her ex in over two years.

The school bus horn sounded and Corra slapped the picture facedown on the dresser. If she didn’t see that again it would be too soon.

“Come on, young lady.” She grabbed Katie’s hand and hurried out of the room. Katie trotted down the stairs ahead of her.

Katie pulled on her jacket and her backpack, and then gave Corra a hug and a kiss before she ran out the door. Corra stood on the porch and waved as the bus passed. There went the two most important people in her life.

* * *

Thirty minutes later, Corra was in her car listening to the radio as she hurried down the quiet picturesque two-lane road that led to her family’s business. The Coleman House bed-and-breakfast was not only her parents’ legacy to her and her brother Rollin, it was also now her place of employment. She pulled her car around the back of the new gift shop into her reserved spot and climbed out.

She walked across the driveway to the back of the house. From outside she could smell the coffee, and breakfast that Rita prepared for the guests that morning. She knocked before opening the back door, then walked in.

“Morning, Corra, grab yourself a plate before I put everything away.” Rita Coleman, Corra’s aunt by marriage and the bed-and-breakfast’s head cook, housekeeper and master gardener came over and planted her usual kiss on Corra’s cheek.

“Morning, Rita.” Corra put her purse in the back hall closet and returned to grab herself a plate.

“Everybody’s out this morning doing one thing or another, but the truck will be back soon and I want to get the kitchen cleaned up.”

Corra looked up at the clock on the kitchen wall. It was almost nine o’clock, which meant she had thirty minutes to eat before she prepared to open the gift shop. “I’m pressed for time this morning too.” Corra sat at the small kitchen table. “I’ve got a local artist bringing some things for consignment.”

“I didn’t know you did consignments?” Rita said, as she poured Corra a cup of coffee.

“We just started. One of Tayler’s ideas.” Her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Tayler Carter, left her job in Chicago to be with Rollin, and brought a wealth of business-building ideas with her.

After Corra finished her breakfast the back door swung open and her older brother, Rollin, walked in. She hadn’t expected to see him since most of his mornings were spent out on the farm.

Dressed in his usual jeans, cotton T-shirt and boots, he walked in wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. “Morning Rollin, I thought you were already out checking the crops by now,” Corra said.

“I was, but I’ve got some business to take care of in town. Some of us start work before 8:00 a.m., missy.” He grabbed a glass from the cabinet and walked over to the refrigerator for water.

“Rollin, you know I can’t get here any earlier. I have to get the kids off to school.” He teased her about her hours every week. Since she quit managing Save-A-Lot groceries and started working at the Coleman House she’d only averaged about thirty hours a week.

Rollin threw back his water and set the glass on the counter. “Sis, I need you to do something for me today.”

“What’s that?” Corra asked, as she finished her plate and pushed it aside.

“I’m expecting a guy to drop by this morning and demo a new computer program. I need you to handle it for me.”

“Me! Why me? You know more about that system than I do. Or Tayler, she knows it.”

“Tayler’s in town taking care of some business and there’s an issue with the last shipment for Whole Foods that I need to attend to. You can do it. Just see if what he has is better than what we’re currently using.”

“But, I have a client coming by this morning.” She placed her plate and his glass in the dishwasher.

“He’s not coming until around noon. And it won’t take long.” Rollin turned and looked out the back window. “Here comes the morning truck. You should have seen the crew this morning. They’re from the city and were so excited to tour the farm they practically ran out and jumped on the truck.”

Corra walked over to the window and stood beside her brother. The pickup truck slowly made its way up the road to the house. The bed-and-breakfast was a working farm where every morning at 8:00 a.m. Kevin, a full-time employee, and Kyla, their cousin and a new employee, loaded the guests on the back of the truck and carried them out to the fields to pick the day’s meal. Rita would prepare their vegetables and fruits for dinner. However, nothing was in season at the moment. So, the guests toured the farm.

“We’ve got a full house this week, don’t we?” Corra asked.

“Yep. For Greek Alumni week at the college, Tayler suggested we offer a discount. Booked us up for two weeks. After that we have a few vacancies.”

“Well, I’d better get ready to open the gift shop.”

“Hey, don’t forget about the computer guy. He’ll come to the house, not the gift shop.”

“Rollin, how can I be in two places at once?”

“Kyla will help you out. Let her cover the shop once he gets here.”

Corra nodded. In the time Corra spent recovering from a broken fibula, Tayler had convinced Rollin to do something she couldn’t—hire more staff. Tayler had taken over serving breakfast from Rollin while Rita remained the queen of the kitchen. To assist her they’d brought on two relatives. Tracee Coleman, who’d spent five years working for a bakery in Louisville, Kentucky, and her younger sister Kyla who was working on her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky. She worked on the farm four days a week. She had even helped Rollin set up an internship with the local college. They currently had two young interns onboard.

Corra walked outside as the truck pulled up. She waved to Kevin as Kyla jumped off the back of the truck. She gave a few instructions to the guests before waving at Corra.

“Morning, Corra. You missed a fun ride this morning.”

“I’m sure I did.” Corra waved back. Kyla had the body of a dancer, with her long legs and trim figure. She was super smart, highly adaptable, and she had an insatiable curiosity about the bed-and-breakfast. She was just the type of employee they needed.

Seconds after Corra opened up shop the bell over the door jingled. In walked her first customer of the day.

* * *

When the decision was made to move 3C Evolution’s call center to Danville, Kentucky, two employees accepted the offer to move with Christopher Williams. Customer service manager Terry Davis and office manager Valerie Amares were now Danville residents.

The new office was small, but large enough to cover the Southeastern territory. Chris and Terry walked out of a meeting where they discussed how successfully the staffing of the center was going.

“Chris, are you sure you don’t want me to handle this demo for you?” Terry asked.

“I can handle this one. The bed-and-breakfast is owned by one of my former teammates.”

“The Coleman House?” Terry asked.

“Yeah, Rollin Coleman and I played football together in high school. We had some great times out at the farm. Some of which I can’t tell you about.”

Terry laughed. “Yeah, I bet. Getting girls in the cornfield.”

Chris shrugged. “Hey, don’t knock it.”

“Naw, man. I understand. I grew up in a small town myself outside of Indianapolis. I was on my high school basketball team. It was by far the best time of my life. But, those were the good old days,” Terry concluded.

Terry walked down the hall with Chris until they stood at Val’s desk.

“Headed out, Chris?” Val asked.

“I’m going to swing by my folks’ place first, then I’ll be at the Coleman House if anybody’s looking for me.”

“We’ll hold the fort down,” Terry said.

“Do you think you’ll be back in time for the four o’clock conference call?” Val asked.

Chris snapped his fingers. “I forgot all about that.” He turned to Terry. “What are you doing at four o’clock?”

Terry’s eyes widened. “Uh, nothing.”

“Great.” Chris turned to Val. “Terry will sit in for me. Let Craig know.”

“But it’s a director’s meeting!” Terry’s voice rose.

“Good preparation for the increased responsibilities you’ll have here. Just keep me abreast of what’s going on.”

Chris laughed at the startled looks on Terry and Val’s faces. He had a promotion in mind for the both of them, as long as the call center went off without a hitch.

Chris suddenly thought of Corra Coleman. He’d been in town two weeks and he hadn’t seen or spoken to her since his return. Although he’d been extremely busy getting everything functional and assisting Terry in hiring a supervisor and a few call center reps, he should have called Corra the day he arrived. The last time he spoke to her she was recovering nicely from the accident and had no hard feelings toward him. He hoped those emotions hadn’t changed.

Chapter 2

Seven years ago, Chris sold his first business and purchased his parents a modest home on Mitchellsburg Road. The ranch-style home sat on four acres, and was big enough for family barbecues, yet small enough for his mother to get around without much help.

Chris pulled his Cadillac CT6 all the way up to the garage door and killed the engine. Since his return to Danville two weeks ago he’d only visited his parents once, and hadn’t seen his little sister, Pamela, at all. All of that was about to change. Pamela’s car was parked next to his.

Chris climbed out of the car and walked around to the front door. He rang the bell and waited for his father to answer. Instead, Pamela threw the door open.

“Hey, big bro, it’s good to see you.” Pamela stood on her tiptoes to greet Chris with a hug.

Chris squeezed her so hard he lifted her off the ground.

“Chris.” She hit him on the back. “Put me down.”

After a quick kiss on the cheek he planted her feet back on the floor and released her. “Damn, you are skinnier than you were the last time I saw you. What you trying to do, waste away?”

She stepped back and stuck a pose. “I’m not skinny, I’m trim.”

“Oh, yeah. Looks like you’re headed toward an eating disorder to me. You’re not throwing your food up, are you?”

She whacked him good on the arm. “That’s not funny. Eating disorders are a disease.”

“I know. I’m sorry. Come here and give me another hug.”

This time he left her feet on the ground. “I think you felt a little heavier that time,” he said when he released her.

“Boy.” Pamela shoved him and turned away. “Mama’s in the den and Daddy’s out in the garage working on something.”

Chris followed Pamela back into the house. His mother sat on her favorite massage lounger with a throw over her legs, looking as regal as ever. To the naked eye Dakota Williams looked fine. Since Chris was a little boy, pain had been her constant companion. Her invisible illness hadn’t been easy to explain to anyone outside the family. But, after years of suffering, the final diagnosis was fibromyalgia.

“Hey Mom, how you doing?” He bent over and kissed his mother on the forehead before giving her one of his bear hugs. His heart swelled every time he saw his mother.

“I’m fine, baby. And happy to see you.”

“How’s the pain today?” he asked.

“Oh, it’s about a six. That’s why I’m sitting down here watching all these talk shows with Pamela.” She glanced up at Chris. “You know personally I’d rather read a book.”

Pamela crossed her arms. “I thought you wanted to watch The View?”

“I do, honey. The View or whatever that other show was you had me watching a few minutes ago. I tell you, I don’t see how those women have the energy to keep trying to outtalk each other every day.”

Chris chuckled and planted himself on the edge of his mother’s lounger. “If your pain gets up to an eight, you have Pamela help you to bed.”

“Honey, I’m okay. I swear, you worry about me more than I stress about myself.”

“I just want to make sure you’re comfortable is all.”

“I couldn’t be more comfortable than in this massager. Thank you again for the chair, it helps so much.”

“I’m glad. The minute I saw it I thought about you.” Chris looked at Pamela who was so engrossed in her talk show he doubted she remembered he was in the room.

“I’m going out to the garage and see what Daddy’s up to.” He gave his mother another kiss on the forehead.

“I hope he’s not working on another table out there. We’ve got enough already.”

Chris walked down the hall lined with family pictures from his childhood to the present. He opened the door to the garage and could hear his father’s radio playing quietly in the corner while he tinkered with another creation. When Chris closed the door, his father turned around.

“How’s everything, Chris? Glad you stopped by. Let me get your opinion on something.”

“Sure, what you up to?” Chris walked over to see what his father was taking apart now. Before Nathaniel Williams’s former employer up and left Danville, he had a very stressful career. Between work and taking care of his wife he needed an outlet, so he took up woodworking. Now Chris’s dad was one of the most sought-after table designers and furniture repairmen in the county. His original and custom pieces had been commissioned from as far away as the Caribbean Islands.

When Chris was young he used to help his dad build things for work, and remodel their home. Once he started playing football, he spent his summers working in construction for extra money. Between the two of them, they could build a house. And that’s exactly what Chris planned on doing.

Chris placed his hand on his father’s shoulder and observed the handcrafted cigar box he worked on. His father was an inch shorter than Chris’s six-two frame, and thinner too.

“Which one of those designs do you like?” Nathaniel asked, pointing to a piece of paper next to the box. “Mr. Richardson up the street commissioned me to create a set of cigar boxes for his boys about to go off to college.”

Chris frowned. “They smoke cigars?”

“I reckon not. He just wanted all of them to have something special from him.”

Chris picked up the paper and read the inscription written in two different fonts. “I like the second one. It’s fancy, but still legible.”

His father took the paper from him. “Perfect. That’s what I hoped you’d say. That’s my choice as well.” With the paper he tapped Chris softly upside his head. “Like I always say, two heads are better than one.”

“Or, great minds think alike. Don’t forget that one,” Chris added.

Nathaniel laughed. “So what brings you by so early? Your day’s not over already, is it?”

Chris walked over and balanced himself on a stool near the radio. “I’m on my way out to the Colemans’ to demo some new software. I had a few minutes to spare so I thought I’d drop by.”

“That’s your friend Rollin’s place, right?”

“Yes sir.”

“Umm-hum.” Nathaniel picked up the box and examined his handiwork. “Isn’t he the one whose sister was in the car with you when you totaled it last year?”

Chris usually kept his dates to himself, but everyone in town probably knew about that accident. “Yep, that’s him.”

“What’s his sister’s name?”

“Corra.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen her around. She’s the manager over at Save-A-Lot, isn’t she? Or she used to be. Haven’t seen her around lately.”

His father did a lot of the grocery shopping for the family and he’d probably run into Corra on several occasions.

“Have you?” Nathaniel asked.

Chris shook his head. “No. I haven’t seen her since I’ve been back.”

“Why not?” Nathaniel asked, as he put the box down and cleaned up his work area.

Chris shrugged. “Haven’t had time. Opening the call center is a lot of work. Besides, I’m probably the last person she wants to see.”

“I thought you said you were on good terms with her when you left town?”

“Yeah I was. We even talked on the phone a couple of times after I left, but then I got busy and she never called me back. I haven’t spoken to her in months.”

“Son, I know you feel bad about the accident, but it wasn’t your fault.”

“I know. But if only I’d let her ride with her friends instead, it might not have happened.”

“Or, the drunk driver might have hit them and the accident could have been much worse. You can’t play what-if, or place blame anywhere other than on the drunk driver.”

“I hear you, but it’s still hard not to feel responsible. Especially when I wasn’t hurt, and she could have been killed.”

“Look at it this way. At least you two have something in common.”

Chris stood up laughing. “Yeah, that’s one way of looking at it.” He followed his father back inside the house.

Once Chris had his father, mother and Pamela in the den together he decided to spring the good news on them.

“If you guys have a second I’d like to fill you in on something,” he said, as he sat in one of the side chairs next to the couch.

His father had washed his hands and took his place in his favorite chair opposite his wife’s. Pamela lay across the couch, still heavily engrossed in some television show.

“Sure, what is it?” His mother readjusted herself on the lounger.

Chris clasped his hands together. “Remember the old Whitfield place?”

“Of course. James Whitfield used to be the richest man in the county. That property has a helicopter landing pad out back for when he’d fly back and forth to Louisville. That was back in his heyday before they had to shut the plant down.” Nathaniel crossed his legs, ready to go down memory lane. “I used to make a delivery up there a couple times a year. You might not remember, Chris, but I used to take you with me.”

“Yeah, I remember going up there. I also remember peering out the window every day as the school bus passed the property. In the winter after the leaves fell from the trees you could see the house pretty good. I always said one day I was going to own that house.”

Pamela sat up on the couch, fully at attention now. “No, you didn’t!” she said.

“Chris, you bought that old place?” his mother asked.

Chris nodded. “Yes, I did.” He looked at his father who was sitting back in his chair, and thought about how hard he had worked for the Whitfields all his life and never got as far as the entryway of that house.

Nathaniel smiled from ear to ear. “Son, I’m proud of you. You’ve really made some strides in this town.”

Chris smiled and hoped his accomplishments would impress a certain woman who now weighed heavily on his mind.

Chapter 3

“I can’t believe we sold every single tote with the state emblem embossed on it.” Corra pointed to the empty display.

“You don’t have any more in the back?” Kyla asked.

“No, I thought I had enough to get us through the month. But with the Kentucky Derby coming up, I guess I underestimated. I need to order more, quick.” She moved the display around, highlighting other bags.

“Mrs. Rita sent me over here to remind you about the sales guy coming at noon.”

Corra looked at her watch. “Thanks, I forgot all about that.”

“Yeah, she figured as much. She said you’d be at the front desk by now if you’d remembered. Tayler’s not back yet, and Tracee had car trouble this morning, so I’m helping out with lunch today. Got a full house.” Kyla turned to leave.

“Oh, Kyla, let me ask you something. Did Rollin say where he was going?”

“Nope.”

“Okay, normally any time Rollin and Tayler are gone, they’re usually together. Do you know where she went to this morning?”

“Nope. Rollin just said she had some business in town. Why? You think they’re planning on eloping?”

The excitement in Kyla’s eyes made Corra laugh. “Of course not. They wouldn’t do that to us. I’m just curious about where they went to, that’s all. Tell Rita I’m on my way over. I’ll close the shop for a little while.”

As Corra closed up she rethought the idea of Rollin eloping, but quickly dismissed the notion. He wouldn’t deprive her of the joy of watching them take their vows. She only wished her parents were alive to witness the ceremony. Her own courthouse ceremony was not a proper wedding in her opinion. This one they would do up right. She locked the door and hurried over to the house.

The dining room was abuzz with all the guests fixing their plates and discussing this morning’s events. Corra smiled and continued walking until she reached the private quarters of the house. In the office, she kept a pair of high heels she changed into when she worked the front desk. After a quick bathroom check of her makeup, she walked out and took her place behind the counter. She sat on a stool and turned on the computer. First, she answered a few emails, then logged into the program they used to manage guest check-in. Although she didn’t use the program every day, she knew how to use it. She quickly familiarized herself with what she could.

The front door slowly opened and Corra rose. The Coleman House might be small in comparison to other bed-and-breakfasts in the area, but they were known for their first-class hospitality, which had paid off in repeat business and referrals. She’d treat this sales guy like a potential customer.

When the door opened all the way and Christopher Williams stepped in, Corra almost fell backward off her stool. She hadn’t seen Chris since his last visit to her hospital room seven months and three weeks ago, to be exact. Afterward he called her a couple of times, but kept the conversations brief.

He closed the door and glanced around the entrance, smiling, before he noticed first the front desk, and then Corra. The look on his face was priceless. She crossed her arms and couldn’t hold back the sarcasm.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

He recovered quickly and ran a hand over his mouth. “Corra, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, as he approached the front desk.

“Same here.” She tried to hold on to her sarcasm although she wanted to grin from ear to ear. Chris was a six-foot-two-inch, two-hundred-and-something-pound precision-honed man who looked like he could pick up a football today and get back in the game. He was still as handsome as ever. He locked his grayish-brown eyes on her as he crossed the floor, giving her a big smile. Her heartbeat raced.

“I’m scheduled to meet Rollin at noon. But I have a feeling he’s not here.”

She rose from the stool. “Nope. I’m your man, or woman. Whatever you planned to show him, you can now show me.”

Chris jerked his head back. “This is you?” he asked, pointing at the front desk.

She nodded.

“What happened, the grocery story wouldn’t take you back after you recovered?”

“Oh, they took me back. Then I quit. I promised Rollin if he didn’t close down the bed-and-breakfast I would join the staff and work to grow the business.”

Chris set his laptop case down and applauded. “Smart choice. If you can run a grocery store you can run any establishment.”

Corra rubbed her palms along the counter. “Well, I’m not actually running things, yet anyway, but I’ve learned a lot.”

Chris took a step back and widened his stance. “So my business meeting is with you?”

“Yes sir. And if it’s okay with you can we work right here?”

“Sure.” Chris picked up his case and pulled out his laptop.

Corra welcomed him to have a seat behind the counter. She pulled up another stool and they sat side by side while he showed her how he could improve their everyday lives with a simple program.

“Our system is cloud based, so you can access it from anywhere on any device.” He pulled the program up on his computer and Corra’s initial reaction was to move her head closer to the screen and raise one brow.

“Don’t worry, it’s a very approachable, intuitive interface that I can teach you.”

She sat up. “Let’s get started.”

In a little over an hour Chris gave Corra a demo of the system and had his first beta customer. She just had to clear things with Rollin and they would be installing the new test system within the week.

“See, that was painless, wasn’t it?” Chris asked, as he closed out the program.

Corra sat back, clasped her hands together and stretched her arms out in front of her. “No, that wasn’t bad at all. Not only does it help with online booking, but I like that it helps us maintain the gift shop, the farm and anything else we want to add on. I can’t believe Rollin wasn’t already using something like this.”

Chris crossed his arms. “Neither can I. Trust me, after you get a chance to experience the software, you’ll want this installed right away.”

“Okay, I’ll go over everything with Rollin and let you know what he says. But, I can’t imagine him saying no, at least to a beta test after I tell him how robust the system is.”

“Thank you. And if he needs a little convincing don’t hesitate to call me.” Chris reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a business card. “Here’s my new information.”

Corra read the card. “3C Evolution has a Danville address.” She tilted her head and stared up at him.

“I moved back two weeks ago and opened our customer service center here. I’m surprised you didn’t read about it in the business section of the paper.”

Corra almost fell off her stool. “I must have missed it. So you’re here permanently now?”

“I don’t know about permanently, but I’ll be living here for quite a while. I’ve made Danville my home again.”

“I bet your parents are happy?” Not to mention how delighted I’m feeling right now.

“They are.”

“What about you? After living away for so long how do you feel about being back here?”

“It was my choice to move the center to Danville. I was ready to come home.”

Corra found it hard to believe he left Philly for Danville. But deep down she knew Chris was a country boy just like Rollin. She rubbed her palms down her pants legs. “Well, I guess I should say, welcome home.” She offered her hand to him.

“Thank you.” He accepted her handshake.

A warm current shot up Corra’s arm, reminding her of how much Chris excited her. She pursed her lips and fought the urge to blush.

“I haven’t been inside this house in a long time,” Chris said as he closed his laptop and slid it back into his carrying case.

“Would you like a quick tour?” she asked.

“That would be nice. Is Mrs. Rita still here?”

“Of course. Come on, we’ll start with the kitchen.”

* * *

As they toured the property fond memories of a young Corra were coming back to Chris.

“Man, I remember taking these steps two at a time,” he said, as he ran his hand along the banister coming from the second floor. “Do you remember how Rollin used to chase you out of his room whenever he had a girl on the phone?”

Corra laughed. “Yes, because I was always listening at the door.”

“You were being a nosy little sister is what you were doing.”

“Hey, that’s what I did best. Shoot, imagine what it was like for me to have football players in the house all the time. My friends came over just so they could watch you all practice in the field. That alone made me very popular in school.”

“Yeah, and what about the time you brought Belinda over here when you knew Rollin had another girl down by the creek. Is that creek still there?” he asked.

Corra shook her head. “It dried up years ago. Rollin deserved that though. I never did like a two-timing man and that’s what Rollin was trying to do to Belinda.”

“He was young. But, man, you were a pistol growing up, you know that?”

“I was your typical little sister, no more no less.”

Chris laughed. “Yeah, I guess you were, because Pamela and Darlene used to give me a hard way to go as well.”

After a tour of the house Corra carried Chris over to the gift shop.

“This place is really growing. I know your parents would be proud.”

“Do you remember my parents?” Corra asked, as she leaned against the counter. Her parents were killed by a drunk driver after Rollin and Chris went off to college, but she hoped he hadn’t forgotten them.

“Sure. I remember your mother used to feed us after games, even when we practiced out in the field. She loved to cook, didn’t she?”

Corra smiled. “The kitchen was her domain.”

“And your dad came to every football game. I remember that vividly because my dad missed a lot of games when my mom was sick. Your dad was a serious football fan.”

“Yeah. He was so proud when Rollin got that football scholarship.”

Chris walked over and stood next to Corra. “I also remember your brother and father giving me hell in high school when I mentioned how cute you were. I wanted to ask you out, but they were very protective of you.”

Corra stared down at her feet before looking up at him. “Maybe you should have tried,” she suggested.

He chuckled. “At the risk of ending my friendship with Rollin, and having your father kick my ass. No thanks. I settled for admiring you from afar.”

She tilted her head and bit her bottom lip. “Too bad I didn’t know.”

“Yeah, what would you have done?” he asked, fighting the urge to lean over and kiss her lips.

The bell over the door jingled and Corra sprang from the counter holding a hand over her heart. Two middle-aged women dressed in comfortable jogging suits and sneakers walked in.

“Customers. I’ll be right back.” She excused herself, and saw to her guests while Chris browsed about the store. It took the women quite some time to settle on their gifts while telling Corra all about their Greek Alumni reunion. Corra was in her element as she listened to their stories and helped them pick out suitable gifts.

After the ladies left, Chris walked back up to the counter. Corra came from behind the register.

“So where were we?” she asked.

“We were about to pick up from seven months ago when I walked into the fund-raiser and saw one of the most beautiful women in Danville. How about that date now?”

“Can I trust you to get me someplace safely this time?”

“I promise. So what are you doing tomorrow night?”

Corra smiled. “Looks like I’m going out with you.”

Chapter 4

Corra had reopened the gift shop by the time Rollin and Tayler pulled up separately out front. She walked over and leaned against the door frame with her arms crossed waiting for them to exit the car.

Rollin tried to offer a nonchalant expression as he stepped out of the car. But Corra knew his mask when she saw it. Tayler, on the other hand, didn’t even try to hide the big smile on her face.

“How’d it go?” Rollin asked, as they approached.

Corra decided to have a little fun. “He didn’t show.”

Rollin frowned. “He didn’t?”

Corra shook her head. “Nope, I waited at the front desk until after one, and then I had to reopen the shop.”

Rollin and Tayler glanced at one another before shrugging. “I wonder what happened,” Rollin said.

“Me too,” Tayler added.

“You never told me who to expect anyway. What’s his name?” Corra asked. She tried to look as unconcerned as Rollin.

“A guy from 3C Evolution,” Rollin said.

“Isn’t that Chris’s company?” she asked.

Rollin and Tayler glanced at one another, again. “Yeah, I believe it is,” he said.

Corra reached inside the door and grabbed a plush toy and threw it at Rollin. “You knew Chris was coming by here. You set me up.”

Rollin ducked, and Tayler laughed. “So he did come by?” she asked.

Corra went to retrieve her toy, and punched Rollin in the arm. “Yes, he was here. I think I surprised him too. Seems like no one told him I was working here.”

Rollin threw his hands up. “Hey, I had every intention of meeting with him, but something came up. I’m glad you two got to talk. Did he tell you he’s moved back?”

“Of course. He even asked me out.”

Rollin smiled and nodded. “Well, looks like my work here is done. I’ll leave you ladies to gossip about the details, I’ve got work to do.”

Rollin left them and walked toward the house.

“You knew he was coming, didn’t you?” Corra asked Tayler.

“Of course. Why do you think I made myself scarce all morning?” Tayler asked.

“For a split second I thought you and Rollin had eloped.”

Tayler shook her head. “Girl, I’m sure that would be okay with Rollin, but not me. I want a wedding, and I want it right here at the Coleman House.”

Corra placed her hands on her hips. “What happened to the church wedding?”

“Rollin and I talked it over. I love your church and your pastor, but I don’t know a lot of people in Danville outside of the family. So, I thought a more intimate wedding right here at home would be more fitting. With your pastor officiating of course.”

Corra couldn’t believe her ears. “Wow, you are definitely not the same woman who came to stay here eight months ago. That woman would have wanted a big church wedding with all the bells and whistles.” It seemed like years ago when Tayler checked in as a guest, and departed as Rollin’s fiancée.

“Not actually. I already have what I want—Rollin. A wedding is just icing on the cake. Which reminds me of something.” Tayler pulled several brochures from her huge designer purse. “When you close shop come on over to the house. I have something I need your help with.”

“Business is slow, so I’ll come over now.” Corra put up the Back in Thirty Minutes sign. She followed Tayler over to the house. They used the back entrance since guests were sitting in the big rocking chairs on the front porch.

The minute Corra walked into the family room Rollin said, “Corra, I forgot to ask, how did the demo go?”

“Oh, it was great. That software encompasses everything we do on a daily basis and then some. He’s also looking for a beta tester and I told him we’d be glad to help him out.” She took a seat on the couch.

“Humph!” Tayler grunted from the other end of the couch. “Who’s helping who? I told Rollin that antiquated system of his needs to be updated.”

“New software is on my list of things to do. That’s why I told Chris to come on by. Corra, you’re practically up to speed on how the place runs, so the decision’s yours. I’m putting you in charge.”

“Does that mean I get a raise?” Corra asked.

“Prove you can handle some additional responsibilities and I’ll see what I can do.”

Corra’s heart swelled. She knew eventually her brother would give her more decision-making authority. After all, the bed-and-breakfast did belong to the both of them. “In that case, I’m gonna need you to babysit your niece and nephew tomorrow night since I can’t afford a babysitter.”

“We’d be happy to,” Tayler said.

Rollin shrugged. “Whatever she says.” Then he left the room.

Tayler pulled the brochures from her purse, and scattered them over the coffee table.

Corra moved closer. “What’s this?”

“Well, Rollin and I finally settled on a date. The second Saturday in July we’re getting married right here.”

Corra stood up and reached over to give Tayler a big hug. “Great! I’m so happy for you two. Are you sure we don’t have guests that weekend?”

“I’m positive. We blocked that weekend months ago, just in case. And I want to ask you if you’ll be my maid of honor?”

Corra reached out and hugged Tayler again. “Of course I will.” At this moment, she wished her mother was here.

“Nicole will be my bridesmaid, and my family’s coming.”

“I’m so excited. It’s going to be a family affair.” Corra’s cousin and Tayler’s best friend, Nicole, was the reason Tayler had chosen their bed-and-breakfast as a vacation spot in the first place.

Corra grabbed a brochure. “Well, let’s take a look at what you’ve got here.”

Tayler reached out and stopped her. “First, I want to hear all about Chris’s visit. Did you pick up where you left off seven months ago? And where has he been since then?”

Corra took a deep breath and crossed her arms. “Well, when he walked through the door I got the shock of my life. He’s the last person I expected to see, and I believe the feeling was mutual. Where has he been for the last seven months? I don’t know, but I plan to find out tomorrow night.”

* * *

Although Chris knew where Corra lived, she’d asked him to pick her up Friday evening at the Coleman House. He’d planned to take her to his favorite restaurant in Lexington which was about forty-five minutes away.

When he arrived the gift shop had a Closed sign on the door. He parked and headed over to the house. He didn’t get too far when the door to the gift shop opened. Corra walked out, so he turned around.

“I thought I’d wait for you here. It’s kind of busy in the house right now. Full house.”

“Sure.” Chris couldn’t hold back the smile on his face. Corra had on a dress that hugged her hips and heels that showed off her beautiful legs. Her shoulder-length hair had that sexy, tousled, “I just climbed out of bed after a night of lovemaking” look. He loved it.

They met up as he walked back to the car.

“Why are you smiling?” she asked.

“I’m admiring how good you look. Your hair’s different.” She reached up and ran a hand through her tresses. The simple movement turned him on.

“I just thought I’d curl it for once.”

He opened the car door for her.

“So, where are we headed?”

“I hope you’re hungry? I’m taking you to my favorite restaurant.” She eased down then swiveled ever so gently into the seat. Damn! She looked so inviting tonight.

“I’m famished.”

He closed her door, and then walked around to the driver’s side and got in.

Corra buckled herself in as he started the car.

“Is this yours?” she asked.

“Yep. This time I decided on a Made in America, Cadillac.”

Corra looked around. “It’s a beautiful car. I’ve never rode in one before. What model is this?”

“It’s a CT6. If you’ve never had the pleasure, sit back and be prepared to be amazed.” Chris turned the radio on to a soft jazz station.

“So, what did Rollin say when you explained the software to him?” Chris asked, as they pulled away from the property.

“He said it’s up to me. Since I started, Tayler and I have been doing most of the administrative work, which has freed up Rollin to expand on the farm.”

“That’s great. I like to see families keeping business all in the family when they can. That’s how you grow a legacy. Who knows, one day one of your children will be running things.”

Corra laughed. “Well, I certainly hope so. That place meant a lot to my parents. That’s why I couldn’t let Rollin close it down. Now we’re on the upswing and I only wish it was bigger.”

“Expand. You have room in the back of the house to add on, don’t you?”

Corra lowered her head, then gazed up at Chris. “You know Rollin. That will never happen. He’s more interested in expanding the farm than the house. Which is okay with me. Either one equals more revenue at the rate we’re going.”

“I’m glad to hear that things are going so well. I know Rollin was concerned for a little while there. Our new management system should cut your work in half. If it doesn’t let me know and I’ll pay to install something else for you.”

Corra snorted. “You’re giving that type of a guarantee?”

“Yes ma’am. I know my product. It’s damned good.”

“Well, Tayler and I will be the judge of that. She’s eager to get her hands on it as well.”

“And I’m equally eager for you to get your hands all over it, then let me know what you think.” Chris glanced over at Corra’s dress as it rose up her thighs, causing a shortness in his breath. He turned his attention back to the road as they entered the expressway and he put his new automobile to the test.

* * *

It took forty-five minutes to get to Tony’s Steaks and Seafood. Corra had heard of the restaurant, but had never been.

They had a huge menu selection, so it took Corra a while to decide on her entrée. The freedom of being able to pick whatever she wanted without placing another order for the kids was new to her. She hadn’t been out on a date in forever and relished this experience.

She quickly placed her order, anxious for the waiter to disappear. She’d been holding something in from the minute Chris entered the bed-and-breakfast. This evening, she had to have an answer.

“So Chris, where have you been for the last seven months?”

Chapter 5

Chris lowered his gaze and took a deep breath. He’d been waiting for that question.

He smiled up at Corra. “I know I owe you an apology. I had every intention of keeping in contact. But the minute my plane landed in Philly, the chaos ensued. I had building problems, people issues, and a few other things that come with growing pains. We’re opening a new office in London, so I had to make a trip there. They were good problems to have, but very time-consuming. Can you forgive me?”

He bit his bottom lip and pressed his palms together at his chest. Corra tilted her head and gave him her side eye “what do you take me for?” look.

She threw her chin up. “I’ll think about it. But, maybe we should keep things strictly business for now.”

He lowered his hands and nodded. Just as he did, the waiter appeared with a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Corra gave the waiter a double take. They hadn’t ordered champagne. Chris stared across the table at her while the waiter poured two glasses and complimented Chris on his selection. Corra crossed her arms as she realized he’d ordered the champagne before they arrived.

Chris picked up his glass and motioned for her to do the same. She complied. “What are we drinking to?” she asked.

“To new beginnings. The start of something beautiful. Whatever you want to call it as long as you’ll forgive me.” He held his glass out waiting for her to toast.

Corra set her glass down.

“So, you think this fancy restaurant and that bottle of champagne makes up for that flimsy excuse?”

Chris lowered his glass and nodded. “You’re right,” he said, before looking up at her. “That’s not good enough. I was wrong not to communicate with you, and I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. It wasn’t my intention to invite you out to upset you. I want to make up for my absence, if you’ll let me?”

The waiter returned with dinner, and to check on the champagne. He offered to bring out a different brand if they didn’t like the first choice.

Chris smiled. “No, it’s fine.” He picked his glass up and held it out to Corra.

The waiter slowly backed away. She left him hanging for a few seconds before she picked her glass up again.

“To forgiveness, and new beginnings,” Chris said.

Corra chuckled. “To new beginnings. You have to work for forgiveness.”

Chris held his glass up higher and smiled. “That I can do.”

Over dinner they discussed Chris’s company and their new line of software. Corra stated she was proud of him and all of his accomplishments. The conversation moved from work to family as Corra bragged about her babies.

“Katie’s my little soft-spoken princess. She’s so sensitive for an eight-year-old, and I have no idea where she gets that from. Jamie, he’s ten, and playing baseball this year. He’s actually pretty good. If only I could stop him from losing his gloves. We’re on the third one.”

Chris laughed. “I’m surprised you don’t have him in peewee football. The skill might run in the family.”

“Oh, no. Not my son. I don’t want him to play football. It’s such a dangerous sport.”

“Like he can’t get hit with a baseball?”

Corra shrugged. “I know. But with all the controversy about concussions and football players I’m playing it safe. Besides, he doesn’t have an interest.”

“Then he takes after his father. Eric was good at baseball too. He just wasn’t disciplined enough to play on the team.”

That was the first time Chris had ever made reference to her ex-husband, and his high school nemesis.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to go there.”

Corra’s face grew solemn. “Yes, let’s not go there.”

* * *

“Woo-hoo! Come on, Jamie!” Corra cheered, then bit her bottom lip as her baby stepped up to bat.

“Attaboy, Jamie!” Rollin’s deep throaty cheer could be heard above all the parents in attendance. He stood and clapped so hard it hurt Corra’s hands.

She held her breath as Jamie swung at the ball.

“Strike.”

Rollin continued to clap. “That’s okay, we’ll get the next one. Focus on the ball. Come on.”

“Strike two.”

Oh, no. Corra crossed her legs and glanced over at Tayler and Katie who sat on the edge of their seats as they cheered Jamie on. His Sunday afternoon games had become a family affair, and Rollin hadn’t missed one yet.

Jamie tapped his bat against the base before getting into his squat, serious about the next pitch. Corra crossed her fingers.

The crack of the bat sent Corra to her feet screaming with joy as her baby took off running for first base. The sight of his little legs moving so fast brought tears to her eyes.

“Run, Jamie, run!” Rollin yelled at the top of his lungs.

“Run!” everyone screamed.

When Jamie slid in for a home run Corra just about lost her mind. Being the proud mama she was, she yelled out. “That’s my baby right there.” Before the game was over Jamie scored two more home runs.

After they won the game, the coach pulled all the boys and their fathers together for a photo. Rollin quickly ran down the benches to take a picture with Jamie. Not every boy on the field had his father at the game, but most of them did. Jamie and Rollin looked like a proud father and son, but they weren’t, and that hurt Corra a little.

On the way to their usual hot dog stand after every game, Jamie came up to Corra and hugged her.

“Baby, you were phenomenal today.” Corra stroked his back.

“Mom, is my daddy ever coming back?” Jamie asked, with a quiver in his voice.

A lump formed in Corra’s throat, big enough to choke a horse. How long would she keep telling her children their father was working in California, and had to stay for a few years? They coped with the divorce pretty well because they were so young. But what was she doing to Jamie?

Corra kneeled down to Jamie and smiled. “Honey, you know your daddy’s working in California, but I promise you he’ll be home soon.”

“Why doesn’t he call us?”

The sad look in his eyes tore Corra’s heart apart. A few months ago he asked for his daddy, and cried himself to sleep.

She lowered her head. “Baby—”

“Your dad asked me to take care of you until he gets back,” Rollin said as he walked up. “Is it okay if Uncle Rollin pitches in for a while?”

Jamie nodded and stepped back from Corra. She stood up with tears so big she could hardly see her baby.

“Hey, Jamie, why don’t you go see if your sister wants an ice cream cone. My treat.” Rollin pulled a few bills from his pocket and gave them to Jamie.

“Okay, thanks.” Wide-eyed, Jamie took off in the direction of his sister and Tayler who were sitting on a bench still eating.

Corra dug into her purse for a tissue and wiped her eyes. Eric’s absence was getting harder to cover up.

“Why do you keep telling him that?” Rollin asked.

“Because one day he’ll be back.”

“Do you want him back?” Rollin looked a little stunned by her answer.

She stopped wiping her eyes. “Hell no, I don’t want him back. But right now Jamie needs him in his life. As long as Eric’s parents are here he’ll eventually come back.”

“You truly don’t know where he is, do you?” Rollin asked.

“No I don’t.”

“Well, maybe you should find out for the kids’ sake.”

She nodded. “I was thinking the same thing when I watched all the fathers and sons gather for pictures. Jamie barely smiled for the picture.”

“Why don’t you bite the bullet and contact his sister, Cookie? I heard she’s a changed woman now that she’s found religion. I bet she knows how to reach him. He needs to be a father to his children.”

The tears started again and Corra blotted her eyes. She didn’t like to let the kids see her cry. Rollin was right. She needed a plan to do something she dreaded, but knew she had to do. Find Eric.

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