“I know it’s only been a short time, but in times of need, families are important. You must miss yours.”
“I don’t really have any family to speak of.” Her heart squeezed with the ache of missing her father.
He cocked his head to the side. “No family? Why, everyone has family.”
She shook her head. “I haven’t had family for a while now.” She walked to the lockers and pulled out her purse. “Tonight was fun. Thank you for letting me work this shift. I’d never been to an auction like that before.”
His dark eyes held hers as he slid a hand into his slacks pocket, just as she’d seen Cole do earlier in the evening. “Why don’t you stick around and have a drink with me and Maisy and the kids?”
“Oh, I don’t want to impose.”
He offered her his arm, as if they were walking down an aisle. Ace Braden was the type of man whose large frame and gentle voice contrasted, creating a sense of safety about him. Leesa had been without her father for only two years, but he’d been such a big part of her life, her biggest supporter in everything she did, that it felt like much longer, and she was drawn to Ace’s comfort.
“There’s no such thing as an imposition among friends and family.” He pushed open the door that led to the restaurant. “And you’re part of Mr. B’s family now.”
His words wrapped around her like an embrace, and even though she probably shouldn’t allow herself to, she soaked them in like flowers soaked up the sun.
“Thank you.” She glanced at the round table in the back of the room where his family sat. What a sight they were, all smiles and laughter and love so thick it practically created a bubble around them.
Cole rose to his feet, sporting a T-shirt with a Mr. B’s logo on it, and nudged Sam, who was sitting beside him. Sam moved to the chair across the table, freeing the seat beside Cole for her.
“Hi,” Cole said softly.
“Hi. Your father invited me to have a drink with your family. I hope you don’t mind.”
He placed a hand on her hip as he’d done earlier, and a streak of heat raced through her so fiercely, she was sure everyone else could feel it, too.
“If he hadn’t asked you, I would have.”
He pulled out the chair, and when she sat, he draped an arm across the back of her chair. She glanced around the table quickly, once again enjoying and worrying about his overtly possessive touch.
“So, you paid a thousand bucks for our big brother,” Sammy said. “Leesa…what’s your last name?”
Leesa swallowed the fear that clutched her and hoped no one would say, Wait! I’ve heard of you! You’re that teacher who touched a boy!
“Avalon,” she finally answered.
“Beautiful name,” Cole said quietly.
“Leesa Avalon, sounds like an actress’s name,” Sam said. “I haven’t seen you around town before.”
“I just moved here recently. My best friend lives on Second Street.”
“Who’s your best friend?” Shannon asked.
“Tegan Fine. Do you know her? She was here tonight.”
Tempe and Shannon shook their heads.
“I’ve heard of her. I think she went to South High,” Shannon said. “We went to Peaceful Harbor High.”
“She’s friends with Chelsea,” Jewel said. “Tegan works for her sister’s photography company and also makes clothing accessories for Chelsea’s Boutique. Tempe went to school with Chelsea,” she explained to Leesa.
“Six degrees of separation,” Nate said.
“What a crazy night,” Maisy said. “Between the auction, profits that we’re putting toward the charity, and the raffle Daddy held, we made a lot of money for the homeless. I’m proud of you all for doing your share.” She held Cole’s gaze, and Leesa wondered if there was something more behind her motherly smile.
Cole dropped his eyes for a second, and when he lifted them, he filled a wineglass for Leesa and held up his own. “To my first and last bachelor auction.”
“Presumptive, aren’t you?” Sammy asked.
Cole pointed at him. “You are in deep shit, little brother. I never should have been up on that auction block.”
Sam snickered as Cole slid his hand from the back of Leesa’s chair and onto her shoulder, surprising her with the intimate touch.
“Thankfully, Leesa saved me from the vultures.” He smiled at her, and she felt her cheeks heat up.
“Vulture. Singular,” Shannon said. She tucked her long dark hair behind her ear. “For a woman scorned, she was willing to pay big bucks to go out with you again.”
“That’s only because she’s been texting and asking me to get together with her.” Cole’s jaw clenched, and his grip on Leesa’s shoulder tightened. “Can we please not discuss this right now? This beautiful woman just spent a thousand dollars to go out with me—which reminds me.” He caressed her shoulder, all the tension in his hand and face faded to sweet seduction. “When are we going on our date?”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Shannon interrupted. “I want the details first. How did you two meet? How long have you been dating?”
“We’re not dating,” Leesa said quickly. The disappointed look in Cole’s eyes cut her to her core.
“But you just paid a thousand dollars to go out with him,” Tempe pointed out.
“Yes, but…That was to save him from his ex-girlfriend.” She swallowed hard, feeling boxed in by the partial lie. She hated lies and quickly tried to backpedal. “I mean. It started out like that. To save him.”
Cole smiled.
Sammy cleared his throat and eyed Cole.
“So, you aren’t dating?” Shannon asked.
“Not yet,” Cole answered with alluring confidence.
“Ah,” Shannon said with wide eyes.
“I’m not looking for a boyfriend.” Ohmygod. She couldn’t believe she’d said that out loud.
Open mouth. Insert foot.
“That’s okay, honey.” Maisy patted her hand. “Our family can be a little overwhelming. You don’t have to explain anything to us. We’re just glad you’re here with us.”
“I’m glad I’m here, too. Thank you.” Leesa felt Cole’s fingers brush lightly over her shoulder and come to rest on her back.
They talked for a long while, and by the time she got up to leave, she felt like she’d grown up with the Bradens. Cole’s siblings teased one another with reckless abandon, and he gave it right back to them. Although she sensed him being more careful than the others, never stepping over any lines that might cause them embarrassment and obviously very aware of his sisters’ feelings in particular. His parents joked just as easily. They were a loving group, and Leesa found herself wondering what it would be like to be one of their inner circle.
“Thank you for letting me join you tonight,” she said as she stood and slung her purse over her shoulder.
“I’ll walk you to your car,” Cole said, rising beside her.
The rest of his family stood, and one by one they embraced her. Leesa was a touchy-feely person and hugging people she’d only just met didn’t surprise her, but the type of hugs did. There were complimentary hugs that people extended to strangers. Those felt a little tense and cold. And then there were hugs of affection. These were the latter and made her feel like she was already part of their close-knit group.
“Maybe we can get together for lunch tomorrow. I’m only home for a little while, but I’d like to get to know you better while I’m here,” Shannon said.
“Um, sure. Okay.”
“Can I join you guys?” Tempe asked.
“I don’t work until late tomorrow, so if you don’t mind one more person, I’d love to join you,” Jewel said.
“Wow, really?” Leesa could hardly believe that they wanted to get together so quickly. “That would be fun.”
“Why don’t you girls have lunch here?” Maisy suggested. “You can eat outside on the deck while the guys work on the boat.”
Ace put an arm around his wife. “Honey, they may want a break from us and from this place.”
“Oh, right. Sorry.” Maisy waved her hand. “Go wherever you’d like.”
Tempe and Shannon exchanged a shrug.
“I think that sounds great,” Shannon said. She turned to Cole, Sam, and Nate. “Are you guys working on Dad’s boat tomorrow?”
Leesa caught Cole staring at her with that look in his eyes again, the one that sent shivers from her head to her toes.
“I’ll be here, helping Dad,” he said directly to her.
“I’ve got a big group coming in at Rough Riders. Sorry I can’t be here, Pop,” Sam said.
“That’s okay, Sam,” his father said.
Nate pulled Jewel against him and kissed her forehead. “I’ve got a few things to take care of at the restaurant in the morning, but I’ll be by to help out by lunchtime.”
“Good. Then we’ll meet here around noon?” Shannon suggested. “Is that okay with you, Leesa? Or do you want to escape your workplace for an afternoon?”
“Oh no, I appreciate you guys letting me join you for lunch.”
“We’re joining you,” Jewel pointed out. “It’ll be fun.”