Beautiful Dreams (The Beautiful Series) Page 4

  Abbey shook her head from side to side. “Of course not. Mom said she would do all the baking tonight. We are all supposed to be there by six since it’s a Tuesday. On Sundays though, all the women help cook while the men watch football.”

  “Hey! It’s a tradition,” Kyle chortled.

  Abbey playfully rolled her eyes in Kyle’s direction. “And a good one—for you!” She rose to her feet. “Well, kids, I’m off to work. I’ll see you later at dinner.”

  Kyle quickly stood. “While you are here, do you have a minute to talk, Abbey?”

  She eyed him curiously. “Sure.”

  Kyle glanced at me over his shoulder. “Excuse us. We’ll be right back.” He gestured Abbey into his office, the room full of my boxes.

  I briefly wondered what he wanted to talk to Abbey about. Deciding it was not kind to pry, I headed into the kitchen to start breakfast.

  A fresh loaf of bread was sitting on the counter, and it made French toast pop into my mind. I quickly rounded up the rest of the ingredients and then found a flat pan underneath the stove. I blended the milk and eggs into a perfect mixture.

  I glanced up, and saw Kyle and Abbey emerging from the office. My chest clenched at seeing Abbey’s red eyes. She looked as if she had been crying. Kyle hugged her affectionately, and then he led her in the direction of the foyer.

  I went back to focusing on dipping each piece of bread into the egg and milk mixture before placing it on the pan. I sprinkled cinnamon on the side facing up.

  Kyle appeared in the kitchen as I began to set the table. Taking in his facial expression, I could see mixed emotions displayed on his features.

  Do I ask him if he’s okay or give him space? I wanted to chide myself for feeling so conflicted, but I didn’t want to overstep my boundaries. We all deserved our privacy when we needed it.

  I flipped the French toast over, so it wouldn’t burn. He quietly opened the fridge and pulled out fresh fruit. Then, he grabbed a cutting board out of a cabinet and began to slice up some cantaloupe and watermelon before placing it on a platter.

  I sighed inwardly, feeling frustrated. How can he be so demanding of my feelings, yet he never expresses his own outside of our relationship? It felt like a double standard. Or am I overreacting with my emotions going haywire from moving?

  Feeling frustrated, I shut off the burner, removed all the toast from the pan, and placed them on an oval platter.

  Kyle came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me before kissing my cheek. “What are you huffing about over here?” he asked, spinning me around to face him. “Talk to me.”

  “I feel like I should be saying that to you.” I frowned, realizing I must have sighed out loud when I was having a moment.

  Kyle’s expression reflected my own. “Uh, you lost me,” he murmured while assessing me. “Is this about not talking to Abbey in front of you?”

  I shook my head, meeting his gaze. “No, I respect that you wanted your privacy.” I attempted to gather my thoughts, so I could voice them correctly. “I just noticed your appearance when you walked into the kitchen, and I didn’t understand what was going on in your head. I wanted to reach out to you…but I was unsure if you’d want me to or if you’d think I was meddling.”

  Kyle sighed, his eyes softening. “Lily, you can always ask me anything. Whatever gave you the idea that you can’t?”

  I blinked in confusion. Why did communicating have to be so difficult? If we could just read each other’s minds, it would make relationships so much easier. I tried to wrap my head around my own disjointed feelings. Here goes…

  “Because sometimes when I ask you questions, you aren’t very forthcoming. It makes me feel like I’m forcing you to tell me a part of yourself you don’t want me to know.”

  His eyebrows lifted, and he was silent for a split second. I could see his mind turning a mile a minute.

  “Does this have to do with when you asked me about the Army yesterday?”

  I nodded, not ready to speak.

  “Lily,” he said, lifting his hand to caress the side of my neck, “that is different, and I will tell you when I’m ready. As far as anything else goes, you can always come to me.”

  Can I? If he couldn’t trust me with his past when I trusted him with mine, how could this work? I slapped the dark thoughts back inside a box deep within my mind. Compassion quickly replaced my former judgments. He had been there for me when I needed him the most, so I would give him the same respect.

  “Okay,” I whispered, offering him an apologetic smile. “And I’m sorry to be so irrational.” I exhaled rather loudly, feeling overwhelmed. “I think my brain is just on overload lately.”

  He bent forward and kissed me gently. “That’s understandable. You’ve had a lot going on in such a short amount of time. How about we sit down and eat? Then, I can tell you about Abbey.”

  “Only if you want to,” I said, not wanting him to feel like he had to tell me.

  “Of course I want to, Lily. I just needed a few minutes to collect myself. All you had to do was ask, and I would have shared my feelings with you,” he said while leading me to the table.

  He pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down while he went to grab the platters of French toast and fruit he had sliced.

  After we each filled our plates and took a few bites, he broke the quietness. “I gifted Abbey the contract that I told you about yesterday,” he said in a soft tone.

  I swallowed my food and looked up at him in surprise. “Oh, that’s wonderful.” I smiled. “I bet she is over the moon.”

  The corner of his mouth lifted, curving into a genuine smile. “She is. It felt so good to finally be able to do something for her to thank her for all her hard work and to show my appreciation. Without her, my company would have never grown so fast,” he said, his voice full of admiration.

  “I bet it’s really great that you get to work side by side with her.”

  “It is. It keeps us in close contact. I feel like it’s my responsibility to keep an eye on her—especially since Ryan is so busy with having a baby on the way, and I have you now.” He was silent for a heartbeat. “She doesn’t have anyone yet. She’s all alone.”

  I could see this part seemed to bother him, but it felt like one of those touchy brotherly subjects. It made me recall how overly protective my three male cousins were.

  “Abbey is a beautiful young woman with a strong head on her shoulders,” I said, admiring her myself. “I’m sure she’ll find the perfect man soon enough.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of, too,” he grumbled. “What if I hate the dude and want to kick his ass?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “Uh, well, that would make it interesting,” I teased. “But I’m sure she’d want you to accept him and play nice.”

  Kyle grinned wickedly. “I can try.”

  My eyes lightened with love for this man before me. I could see now why it had been so hard for my cousins to let me date. They had chased all the boys away from me out of pure love and natural protective instincts.

  Men…

  After we finished breakfast and cleaned up the kitchen, I headed into the office to unload more boxes while Kyle made some phone calls. Today, I felt more comfortable with blending my belongings in with Kyle’s. Most of the items went into the bedroom. With years of shopping with Brooke under my belt, I sure had a boatload of clothes, shoes, and purses.

  Thinking of her with a huge smile on my face, I grabbed my phone off the dresser and texted her.

  After nearly three years of shopping with a professional, I surely accumulated a lot of stuff! You should see all the boxes surrounding me! Love you & miss you already!

  Almost immediately, my phone buzzed with a text from Brooke.

  LOL! I already miss my favorite shopping partner! I guess I’ll have to plan a trip to Tahoe and check out some new stores. ;)

  That would be awesome if Brooke came to visit. I didn’t know how I would survive without her and Luke, my two closest f
riends that I had made in Sanibel Island. Well, they were pretty much my only friends.

  I quickly replied to her.

  You are welcome here anytime! XO!

  My heart constricted with longing to see Brooke. It would take some readjustment on my part to get used to the thousands of miles between us. I could no longer jump in my car to visit her when I needed a friend.

  As I set my phone back down on the dresser, Kyle entered his bedroom—our bedroom—and I spun around to face him.

  “How’s unpacking coming along?” he asked kindly, his expression light and carefree.

  I wondered what had brought on his good mood. Smiling, I gazed up at him. He enclosed me in a tight embrace, keeping his eyes on me, while grinning.

  “I’m finally finished unloading the bedroom boxes,” I replied. “What has you in such high spirits?”

  His grin broadened, and his right brow rose. “Do I need a reason to be exceptionally happy?”

  I chuckled. “Uh, no, I’m just curious.”

  “Curiosity killed the cat,” he teased.

  A deep laugh left his throat at my bewildered expression. Surely, something was up.

  “Oh, fine. I’ll tell you the good news. Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” I replied, trying to guess what he could be so exuberant about.

  “In a few days…” he started saying. He stalled, watching my expression, and his eyes beamed with humor.

  I smacked him playfully on the arm. “Just tell me already!” I laughed.

  “Okay, okay!” He snickered. “Jason and Damon are flying in on Friday, so we can go and look at a building that is for sale.” His tone was full of delight.

  Stunned into silence, my mouth dropped open. Friday!

  Kyle grasped my chin, smirking. “And that look right there”—his thumb grazed across my lower lip—“is exactly the reason for my good mood. Think of the possibilities of your cousins and I working together and how happy you’ll be with your family nearby.”

  My mind was still reeling, and my heart was expanding at the thought of so many opportunities. Jason and Damon…here…with me…in Lake Tahoe. I had no intentions of ever moving back to Colorado, but my family relocating here would be amazing.

  I squealed loudly and jumped into Kyle’s arms. His hands swiftly caught me as I anchored my legs tightly around his waist. I wrapped my hands around his nape.

  I was glowing from ear to ear. “That would be awesome!”

  Before he could respond, I kissed him, overcome with emotions. After a split second of shock from my attack, he kissed me back feverishly. Lifting his right hand, he lowered it down the side of my face as we parted. We both drew in swift breaths of air.

  “Lily,” he said, his gentle tone suddenly serious, “I want to warn you though. We are at a very early stage of planning, and we still have many details to work out between the three of us. It’s not a done deal.”

  “I know.” I nodded, accepting that the planning was still at such a delicate phase. “You arranged all of that while I was unpacking?”

  “Yes.” He smiled warmly. “I know the market very well here, so I’m aware of what’s for sale. It was only a matter of making a few phone calls and then the three of us agreeing on the finer details. I’m sure that part will take more time, but they’re coming here, so we can discuss it in person.”

  I was extremely humbled that he was willing to build a partnership with my two cousins, but I wanted to make sure he was doing this for the right reasons and not just for me.

  “Are you sure you want to do business with my family?” I asked, searching the depths of his eyes. “This feels like another big step. You don’t have to do this for me.”

  Kyle leaned forward and kissed me sweetly, and then he pulled back. “Yes, and it’s for us.” He rubbed his thumb across my cheek. “I want you to be closer to your family, if at all possible. I think Jason and Damon are not only becoming my good friends and eventually family, but they are also remarkable businessmen. That makes it a great business decision, too. It’s an incredible opportunity for all of us. The possibilities are endless.”

  My mind was still stuck on the eventually family part. The man could render me speechless with his words, and he did it quite frequently. It was another one of the many things I loved about him.

  I kissed him again, unable to contain myself. Pulling back, I glanced up into his handsome eyes. “Thank you,” I whispered, “for loving me the way that you do, so profoundly. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve someone who has such a kind heart.”

  Kyle’s eyes softened, warming with tenderness. “That’s what we do for those we love, Lily. I’ll always take care of you, and I’ll do anything to make you happy.”

  I smiled up at him, my heart tightening at his confession.

  Life couldn’t possibly get any better than this.

  My nerves tingled with every mile closer to Kyle’s parents’ house. I was not sure why I felt such apprehension about seeing them again. His parents, Grace and Gavin, along with Abbey, Ryan, and Kate had been more than welcoming on my last visit. I could not wait to get past that awkward phase where everyone was getting acquainted.

  However, I was glad to have the chance to spend more time with Abbey, too. Her carefree spirit reminded me of Brooke. It was refreshing to be around that type of person. People like that could always lighten my mood.

  Once Kyle pulled into the driveway, he put the car in park and looked in the direction of the other two cars in the driveway. “Looks like my brother and sister are early, too,” he said.

  “That means we’ll have extra visiting time, and we can help your mom out with the cooking,” I replied.

  “I’m sure she’d appreciate another set of hands.”

  After we exited the car, Kyle came to the passenger side and interlocked his fingers with mine. He lifted our joined hands to his lips and kissed my knuckles.

  “Ready?” he asked.

  “Yep.” I smiled, feeling better.

  Kyle and I walked side by side up the driveway. Abbey burst through the front door, her smile radiating a mile wide, before Kyle could knock.

  “You guys made it!” she exclaimed. “Excellent timing, too. Mom is firing orders around left and right, trying to get dinner prepared in time. So much for relaxing,” she joked, rolling her eyes.

  “Hi, Abbey,” I said warmly, closing the distance between us to embrace her. “I’d be more than willing to lend a helping hand.”

  “That would be fantastic,” Abbey replied. She lifted her hand and gestured to the kitchen. “Head that way, and I’ll be right behind you.”

  Kyle hugged Abbey. “Just tell us where you need us.”

  The three of us quickly made our way into the kitchen.

  Grace was washing an assortment of fruits and vegetables. She looked over her shoulder and offered a friendly smile. “Hello, Lily.” After finding a towel to dry her hands, she strode toward me. Her hug was gentle. “Thank you so much for joining us.”

  “Hi, Grace. Would you like some help?” I asked.

  “That would be wonderful, Lily. I found myself a few hours short today.” Grace chuckled. “Would you mind chopping those for me?” she said, pointing to the newly washed food on the counter.

  “I’d be happy to,” I replied kindly.

  I walked over to the items as Grace grabbed a cutting board from a lower cabinet. She placed it next to me and then brought me a cutting knife.

  “Thank you, sweetie.” Grace shifted her attention to Kyle. “Ryan and Kate are in the basement. Ryan is helping your dad move around some furniture. They should be finished shortly. Would you mind grabbing the leaf that goes in our dining room table and the extra chairs from the spare room?”

  “Sure,” he answered before leaving Grace, Abbey, and me in the kitchen.

  Abbey started to peel potatoes in preparation for what I presumed was going to be mashed potatoes.

  “So, Lily, how are you settling in? Do you like Lake
Tahoe so far?” Grace questioned, her voice full of sincerity.

  “It’s beautiful here. I love the warm weather, and there’s less humidity, too.” I started to chop the watermelon first. “Unpacking is a work in progress. I never dreamed of having so much stuff to move.”

  “I bet. We only moved once when our children were still very small. And I’ll tell you, it was a chore and a half to move five people. Afterward, I told Gavin we would live in this house forever,” Grace said, chuckling. She opened the oven to check on what appeared to be chicken, and she sprinkled a little seasoning on it before closing the door again. “I can only imagine how much we have accumulated over the twenty years since then.”

  My eyes widened, thinking of how many boxes I had for only three years. “Yes, I’m guessing that would definitely be a lot.”

  “Did you ever move with your family as a child? Or were you raised in one home?” Grace asked.

  “I was born and raised in Colorado, and I grew up in one home.”

  Grace smiled affectionately. “That’s very nice. Gavin and I wanted our children raised in one house, too.” She sighed, and a small frown outlined her features. “It’s sad to see how rare that is nowadays. So many families now have two parents working outside of the home. Not to mention, many families have to move multiple times with job transfers and such.”

  “It is,” I agreed. “Do you think you and Gavin will stay here permanently? Or do you have traveling plans?”

  “Oh, yes, we’ll retire here since all our children have stayed so close to home. It truly is a blessing.”

  I nodded my head in agreement, pondering over all the people who had to travel so far to see family, including me. I promised myself that I would make more trips to Colorado in an effort to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins more often.

  After Abbey finished blending the potatoes with a mixer, she rotated to face me. “Oh, Lily, I forgot to ask you earlier today if you’d like to go out with me and the girls, Kristen and Gail, on Friday night. It’s our ritual to go out dancing together once a month since we don’t get to see each other often,” she said.