What If It's Love: A Small Town Romance (Serendipity Series Book 2) Read online

  “Everyone gets lucky occasionally.” Dakota made her way around the worktable and wrapped her arms around Justice. “I have to go. Call me later if you need a girl night.”

  “Will do.”

  As her friend left, Justice thought about all the things Dakota said. She was scared and her life was just how she liked it…safe. But it also felt very lonely. She wiped down the table, stowed all the flowers into the coolers, and grabbed her purse before locking up for the night. She needed to hit the gym. Her best thinking often happened as her fists were connecting with the leather of the punching bag. And she had a lot to think about.

  Merrick took the towel out of his gym bag and wiped the sweat from his face.

  “I see you beat me to the stress release portion of the day.”

  Merrick dropped the towel back on the bag and smiled. “This is an odd time for you to get in a session.”

  “Yeah, but I had some stuff I needed to think about.”

  “Oh?” Merrick knew this time of year was hectic for her, and if he’d known even one bit about flower arrangements, he’d have offered some assistance, but he was clueless.

  “Just a lot running around in my head.”

  “Anything you need to talk through?”

  Justice pulled the tape out of her bag and began wrapping her hands. “Dakota has already done that honor. Now the rest is up to me.”

  “Need someone to motivate you?”

  “How could I say no to an offer like that?” She stretched and slowly started to warm up. “Do you mind just spotting me as I work on the bag?”

  “Whatever you need. I’m here for you.”

  She sighed as she shook her head. “I wish you wouldn’t make this so hard for me.”

  “Hard for you? I’m just being your spotter.” And secretly hoping he could wear her down. Drop her shields enough to agree that maybe they should give them a chance.

  “Ulterior motives, Mr. Hudson. I can see the intense thinking going on. Your eyes don’t hide anything.”

  “Perhaps, you are right.” He shrugged as he positioned himself on the opposite side of the punching bag. “But really, when have I not been there for you?”

  He watched as she considered the question, then began to unleash a barrage of hits to the bag. She bounced back a few steps, rocking on her heels slightly. “Since we’ve been friends?”

  “Yes.”

  “Could have used a little saving when Bo asked me out. I would’ve been able to miss the whole cow pasture walk of shame.”

  “Had I only known, I would’ve happily been your wingman.” Merrick winked. “Seriously though?”

  “Merrick, you’ve always been here for me. That’s not the problem.”

  “So what is the problem exactly?”

  She sent her fist sailing into the red leather and knocked him back. “I’m afraid of what happens when things go south. And it’s not a matter of whether they will or not. It’s a matter of when.”

  “Positive outlook.”

  Justice stepped closer, keeping her voice low. “I’m simply trying to be realistic.”

  “Come on, give us a chance.” Merrick smiled, trying to win her over with his charm. “You know you want to.”

  “Want would be an understatement.” She turned around and repositioned herself to throw a few more punches. “But relationships on that level never work out for me.”

  “Maybe you’ve simply been dating the wrong people.”

  “Why do you want this to happen so badly?”

  Merrick tugged on the edge of her tank top, drawing her closer. “Until you, I’d resigned myself to not falling into any serious relationships. Everyday I showed up and our friendship grew, it became harder to not think about taking things to another level. I tried to keep things simple. Friendly. Then I got in that line at the fair and everything changed. I thought it was a fluke, but I couldn’t stop thinking about kissing you. I wanted to chalk it up to an odd coincidence. But then I kissed you again—”

  “And the world around you slipped away…”she said wistfully.

  “Yes.” He took a deep breath, thanking his lucky stars that she admitted to feeling the same. “I think that if we don’t give this a shot, it might be one of our biggest regrets.”

  “If we do and it all falls apart, it could still be a big regret.”

  “Justice Morgan, if I can guarantee anything, it is that spending time with you on any level is nothing to regret.” He stared into her eyes, hoping that she would see the sincerity in his words. “You could never be one of my biggest regrets.”

  “You say that now, but things change.” She backed away from him and went to gather her things.

  “Give me a shot. Go on a real date with me.” He took her hand in his. “Just the two of us. Take things slow and see where we end up.”

  Justice stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. Her eyes met his, still filled with a hint of fear and uncertainty, but she smiled and said, “okay.”

  Merrick’s entire body was wracked with nerves when he pulled up to Justice’s apartment. Their first real date…not a group deal. Not just two friends hanging out...but a date-date. The kind that could make or break a relationship before it ever got started. He checked his reflection in the mirror, wondering when was the last time he cared what he’d looked like for a date. As he flipped up the visor and climbed out of the truck, the front door opened. He left the flowers on the seat of the truck.

  “Um, this will never work.”

  Justice stopped midstride down the walkway. “What are you talking about?”

  He moved around the front of the vehicle, so he could see her. “If we are going to do this, we have to do it right. Please go back inside. I don’t want to feel like I just rolled up to the curb and honked the horn.”

  Justice shook her head. “Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds? I’m standing on the sidewalk. You’re here. And you want to start over?”

  “I want to do this right. Humor me.” He folded his arms, waiting for her to decide how she would proceed. “Please?”

  “Fine. But I want it on record that I’m doing this under protest, for you, Merrick Hudson.” She spun around and went back into the house.

  He chuckled as he thought how much she sounded like her godfather in that moment. The curtains in the front window moved, as she peered out of them. He waved her back. The sheer fabric fell back into place. He smiled, thankful for the fact that she was being so accommodating, before turning back to the open door on the driver’s side and retrieved the flowers. He shut the door and tucked the bouquet behind his back. As he closed the distance to the front door, he tried to rein in his nerves and took a deep breath. Then he knocked.

  “One minute,” she called out from the other side of the door.

  Time slowed to a crawl. He held the flowers behind his back. Smoothed down the front of his dress shirt. Straightened his belt.

  The door opened. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” He took in the sight of her, noting that in the short time it took for him to get up to the door, she’d changed her outfit. “Different outfit?”

  “Yeah. You looked good, I felt under-dressed.” She spun around. “Is this acceptable?”

  “You were dressed fine to begin with.” He’d liked the jeans and silk ruffled tank top she’d had on, but the new outfit worked, too. The skirt flared out when she spun, the black layers separating as she twirled. She still wore the silk ruffled tank but had added a lightweight jacket to complete the look. “This works too, though. Honestly, I’m not sure you could look bad in anything you put on.”

  “You’re obligated to say that. First date etiquette and all.” She winked.

  “Nothing but truth, Justice. Oh-” He held out the bouquet of flowers he’d nearly forgotten in his hands, “-these are for you.”

  “They’re beautiful. Where’d you get them? I’m sure I’d remember putting this together.”

  “Well having you build your own bouquet would ha
ve been a little on the ridiculous side. I got Quinn to help me, she drove out to one of the farms up the road a way. Spoke to a gentleman who happens to be one of your suppliers. He helped pull this together based on what you’ve ordered from him in the past.”

  “Sneaky.” She took the flowers from him. “Let me get these in some water.”

  She disappeared around the corner to the kitchen. The water turned on, he heard the rustling of the paper the flowers were wrapped in. Then the house fell quiet. He fidgeted with his keys and glanced around, wondering if she’d changed her mind. A look toward the kitchen revealed her standing there watching him.

  “Having second thoughts?”

  Her question mimicked his own concerns. He shook his head. “You?”

  “Yes.” She picked up her purse from the small kitchen table. “But I have to admit, that as nervous as this makes me, I’d be lying if I said that I don’t want to give this a chance.”

  The pressure that had settled around his heart eased and he smiled. “Shall we, then?”

  “Definitely.”

  He opened the door and waited for her to step out onto the small porch. The night air was cool, and the skies were cloudless and full of stars. A nice walk down by the lake after dinner would be a great way to end the evening if the weather held. Justice stepped past him, and he pulled the door closed behind her. She slid the key into the lock and the sound of the bolt sliding home was barely audible over his rapidly beating heart. He took a deep breath and willed his nerves to calm.

  “What do you have planned for the evening, Mr. Hudson?”

  With his hand against the small of her back, he escorted her down the walkway and toward the truck. “Well, Miss Morgan, I thought we’d start off with a nice little dinner at Verona. I have it on good authority you are a fan of their pasta. Then I thought we could take our dessert to go and head over to the park if you are up for it, have our dessert al fresco and do a little stargazing.”

  “Sounds like a lovely evening.”

  She climbed up into the truck, and he closed the door. Then he rushed around to the driver’s side, where he climbed in and started the engine.

  Justice stared at the window and an uneasy silence enveloped the car. Merrick wasn’t used to this. He and Justice used to be able to sit in silence and be totally at peace with it. “Are you okay?”

  Maybe she really was having second thoughts. If he offered to turn the truck around, would she take him up on the offer? The silence lingered for a moment longer and he considered pulling over to the curb. She glanced at him and smiled.

  “Yeah. I’m good.” She straightened and flipped down the visor, checking her reflection in it. “Just trying to talk my nerves into settling down.”

  “Nice to know I’m not the only one having that issue.” He grinned. “Are you having any luck?”

  “Not yet. But I’m not going to let it ruin the evening.”

  “Good.”

  They pulled up to the restaurant and he helped Justice out of the truck. When they entered the waiting area, the hostess saw them and smiled. “Mr. Hudson, your table isn’t ready yet. Mr. Verona asked if you would please wait in the bar, and he will send over a nice appetizer while you wait.”

  “Sounds great.” Merrick led Justice toward the bar. He loved this space. The natural wood ceilings with large beams and rustic iron accent pieces were gorgeous. And the light fixtures, which were made from mason jars, dangled from the ceiling at various lengths.

  “I have to be honest.” Justice kept her voice low as she leaned in, so he could hear her. “A lot of times I will just sit in here and order my meal.”

  “It’s one of my favorites, too.” Merrick pulled out a chair and waited as Justice sat. “What would you like to start with?”

  “I think for now, I would just like a club soda with lime and a splash of cranberry juice.” Her cheeks flushed. “Southern Charred is my beer place, but Verona…Verona is my glass of wine with dinner place.”

  “Can’t say I blame you.” Merrick signaled the waiter who came over and took their drink orders.

  Leo approached the table. “I’m sorry you had to wait, but we are ready for you now.”

  “Thank you, Leo.” He stood, but before he could get to Justice, she was already out of the chair and gathering her purse and drink.

  She slid her hand into his and gave it a slight squeeze. “Sorry, not used to going on a date with someone who’s a gentleman. I will try to do better.”

  She leaned into him slightly as they followed Leo through the restaurant and past all the tables as far back as they could get. Justice frowned, confusion dancing over her face. Merrick chuckled. “Don’t worry. I asked for a very specific table.”

  “What table?” Justice was trying to figure out where they were headed.

  “The closest thing Verona has to the Chef’s table.” Leo pulled out a chair for Justice. “Merrick requested I carefully select a meal for you based on things I know you love. Chef Carmine and I hope you enjoy the selections.”

  “Oh wow.” The table was situated toward the back of the restaurant. A large brick wall had wood inlays stocked full of wine. A large glass pane created a space between the dining room and the wine storage. “As often as I’ve come in here for dinner, I’ve never paid any attention to the dining room.”

  “See what you’ve been missing?” Merrick leaned back in the chair, watching Justice, pleased she seemed to be having a nice time.

  “I don’t know. Probably wouldn’t be as enjoyable if I was by myself.”

  The waiter came over and showed Merrick a bottle of wine. “Mr. Verona and Chef Carmine have selected this wine to accompany your dinner for this evening.”

  Merrick studied the bottle, intrigued by the selection of Sangiovese. He trusted Leo and his chef, knowing the choice was made based not only on the food, but also Merrick’s tastes when it came to wine. He didn’t often drink it, but when he did, he liked things he wouldn’t often find in the local liquor store.

  “Would you like to sample it first?” The waiter waited.

  Leo stocked the best of the best, and he would never send over anything he knew Merrick wouldn’t enjoy. “No, thank you. I trust Mr. Verona’s selection.”

  “As you wish.” He poured two glasses, then left the bottle on the table. “Your salads will be right out.”

  The waiter disappeared, and Justice was studying him. He shifted in his seat, not used to her looking at him with such a scrutinizing gaze. “What?”

  “This is a facet of Merrick I haven’t seen before.” She unfolded her napkin and laid it across her lap. “You seem relaxed in this atmosphere.”

  “Is that a bad thing?”

  “No. Just different.” She toyed with the silverware on the table, glancing around and looking at the other patrons. “Usually, you are just the slightly-rough-around-the-edges boy next door. Someone who is more comfortable in a bar than a classy restaurant.”

  “I have layers.” He chuckled as he looked around the dining area. There were a lot of tourists, and dispersed among them were those residents who would be among the elite of their small community. Truth be told, Justice had hit the nail on the head. He was more comfortable in the bar. But this night wasn’t about him. “Are you uncomfortable here? We could move back into the bar if you like.”

  “No!” Her head snapped up. “I mean, yes I’m a little out of my element, but this is nice. You put a lot of thought into this, and I don’t want to ruin it.”

  “Justice, it isn’t a big deal. I want you to enjoy your meal. If that means you pack it up and sit on the tailgate of my truck, then so be it.”

  “That’s sweet of you, and as lovely as a tailgate picnic sounds, I’m good. Promise.” Her phone rang in her purse, and she fished it out. Glancing down at the display, she let out an audible groan. “I’m sorry, I have to take this. Will you excuse me?”

  “Of course.”

  He rose and pulled out the chair, as Justice grabbed her pur
se and stepped away from the table, phone in hand.

  The salads were brought to the table, and Merrick waited, wondering what was keeping her. The waiter refilled the glasses of water. “Is everything okay, sir?”

  “Everything is fine.” Merrick glanced out the window, wondering if he should go see if Justice was okay. He didn’t want to intrude on her conversation though. A cab pulled into the parking lot, and he watched as Justice rushed to meet the car at the curb and climbed in. Shocked she would bail on their date without a word, he stood, accidentally knocking over the chair.

  Leo approached the table, a look of concern on his face. “I’m sorry, Merrick. Miss Morgan told me to extend her apologies. The sheriff called, and she had to leave.”

  “No doubt to come to the rescue of Mr. Morgan.”

  Leo, who’d lived in town a lot longer than Merrick, sighed. “I’m sure it’s the truth.”

  “Thanks, Leo.” Though the circumstances may have been different, Merrick couldn’t help the sting of being left alone at the restaurant settling in his chest. The hurt felt the same as when Bella left him at the altar, but the situations were different. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder if things progressed between them, would he be dealing with her running out during their wedding. It was a very real possibility and sadness slid over him. It bothered him how quickly he’d come to envisioning a future with her. But he did and in a way, that made the sting so much worse. “I’ll go ahead and take the check.”

  Justice stood in front of the police office, staring at her phone. The cab pulled away, and Justice was alone. She should have told Merrick. It was wrong of her to run out on their date like she had. But he would’ve insisted on coming with her. And as much as she wanted Merrick by her side, to be her strength when she felt hers wavering, she knew this was something she had to deal with on her own. Pierce Morgan was her father. His mistakes were not anyone else’s to deal with. The mess her father created would always be hers to clean up. How could she expect anyone to understand and forgive her constant need to run to her father’s aid? She stared at the blank screen, knowing her attempts to apologize wouldn’t do any good. Could she blame him? Still, she owed him an explanation, so as she silently cursed herself for ruining a potentially good thing, she asked for Merrick’s forgiveness and promised to find him later.