Discovering Pride (Pride Series) Read online

  “This is a room.” Aaron signed back.

  Iian laughed and quickly left, making sure to leave the door wide open.

  “Back to the party?” Lacey suggested.

  “Fine, but later, we are going to have make-up sex.” his smile was full of mischief.

  “I don’t think that technically qualified as an argument.” she said side-stepping away from his hold and laughing. He smiled at her back. She had a way of diffusing his moods. He really enjoyed that about her.

  Iian was out of his league. He hated, absolutely hated parties. So, why did he find himself at one of the largest ones he’d ever been to? He knew why, and she stood all five foot, four inches of her, just inside the kitchen door. His sister, had a way of making him do things he didn’t want to.

  He had to admit, though, he was starting to have a good time and enjoy himself. That was, until she showed up. Allison Adams walked in the front door on the arm of a tall blonde man, and, everything went gray. If he still had his hearing, he was sure his ears would have been buzzing at that point.

  What the hell? Was all he thought. Then, when he finally got his mind under control and he graduated to. Who the hell?

  When the man had removed her long dark coat and he saw the little blue number she was wearing, he stopped thinking all together.

  So, for the past hour, he’d been avoiding the couple. Hiding out in the kitchen seemed childish, but it was better then going home early. His date for the night, Kasey, or was it Kathy, leaned against the counter next to him looking bored. It was hard for him to date, most people in Pride didn’t know sign-language. But, for the most part, the kind of dating he was doing, didn’t call for a lot of talking. Kasey was an old “friend”, he honestly didn’t know why he’d texted her and invited her along tonight. Other then, he didn’t want to come to the party alone. Maybe, that’s why Allison had brought tall, blonde, and way too tan. He couldn’t stop searching the crowd for the pair.

  It was three minutes to midnight and his date had wandered off, he could tell she’d been mad at him for not paying enough attention to her and hiding in the kitchen most of the night. How was he supposed to pay attention to someone else when his mind was consumed with Allison?

  Deciding to take a breather, he headed out to the back deck. When he realized it too was crowded, he continued down the old stone path to the side of the house. He knew there was a small cluster of trees with a swing that sat in the middle. It was hardly snowing now and the light powder covering the ground was casting a glow which helped him see his way.

  Hoping no one would occupy the space, he headed back to ring in the new year, alone.

  However, when he reached it, he saw a dark shadow sitting on the swing. He almost turning away before he noticed it was Allison sitting there. Looking around for her date, he realized she was alone. He must have made a sound, because just then her eyes zeroed in on him.

  Stepping from the shadow of a tree, he continued towards her.

  “Oh, it’s you, Iian.” she said, making sure to look at him.

  He raised his eye brows in question. He was an excellent lip reader, but focusing on her lips seemed almost too much to handle.

  “I think our dates are off somewhere together.” she smiled up at him.

  Nodding his head in greeting, he walked forward, stopping just in front of her, putting his hands in his pockets. He wanted to touch her so bad he had to fist his fingers to close out the want.

  “Ric, he’s just a friend. Actually, I guess he’s going to be my new boss since I’ll be working part time at his gallery in LA.” she realized she was running on, so she kicked her legs and started to swing slowly. “It’s a great party. There are so many people that I’m going to miss.” She took a large breath and closed her eyes, raising her face to the sky, he could see her breathe as she released it.

  “It’s cold.” he said and realized he had spoken the words when she opened her eyes and stared wide eyed at him. He actually spoke in front of her. He didn’t like speaking in front of people. Especially her! But, it had to be said, because she only wore a small blue strapless dress that wouldn’t keep anyone warm. Walking forward, he removed his jacket and placed it gently on her shoulders.

  Just then, she could hear the cheers from the house and knowing he couldn’t, she stood up and turning towards him said. “Happy New Years, Iian.” She released a breath, “Will you kiss me?” she waited.

  How could he deny her? Why would he want to? Careful not to touch her anywhere else, he laid his lips lightly on hers and lost all his remaining senses.

  She had expected it to be like before. They had been teenagers, finding their way in the dark. Now, however it was nothing like that warm night so many years ago. He was nothing like the Iian she had known so many years ago.

  The kiss lasted only a moment, but when he pulled away she was left shaking and breathless. Her lips tingled from his touch. She wanted more. Much more.

  “Your cold.” he repeated, his voice was like honey. She could get used to hearing it. “Let’s head inside.” he placed his arm lightly around her and ushered her towards the house.

  Yes, she was going to miss Pride.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  January was flu season, which kept Aaron very busy. He’d even caught the bug himself. That’s when, if he looked back at it, Lacey had moved into his house, officially. She’d shown up on his door with chicken soup hot herbal tea, and a box of her stuff. Every since that night she hadn’t left and he didn’t want her to.

  It hadn’t been something they discussed, it had just happened. She didn’t ask for closet space or bathroom space, and didn’t leave her clothes lying around. She cooked, cleaned up after herself, and never asked for anything. Something he had never experienced in a relationship before.

  She would bring fresh flowers home every Friday to replace the ones in the vase on the mantle. She didn’t complain that he never took her out to expensive places or didn’t buy her expensive items.

  She enjoyed staying home on cold nights and watching old movies with a big bag of popcorn and hot chocolate. She would sometimes wear a baggy sweatshirt of his and he found it very sexy.

  She also helped him work on finishing the small touches around the place he hadn’t known he needed. Towels, soaps, and other small items completed his restrooms. The magnet knife holder on his kitchen wall not only looked stylish, he now didn’t have to hunt through a drawer for a sharp knife.

  She also helped him train Cleo, the dog could now sit, shake, lay down, and even roll over. He was sure if he had wanted to, they could train her to do the dishes and laundry.

  Before he knew it, the month had passed. He hadn’t heard from his parents since the call before Thanksgiving. He doubted the silence would last much longer, and didn’t look forward to the scene that would unfold.

  His grandfather had stopped by the home and office on several occasions. Aaron thinks he stopped by the office to see Betty, rather than him. On several occasions, his grandfather had ended up taking her to lunch. It was nice to see his grandfather happy.

  The weather had remained cold and wet. His yard still needed a lot of work, but it would have to wait until spring. He wanted to have a new drive poured, because the holes in his driveway were only getting bigger with the bad weather. Every time it snowed then rained more pot holes popped up. He would have to check Lacey’s car tires, to make sure there was enough air in them. Pot holes did a lot of damage and he didn’t want her to get a flat.

  Looking out his front door at the light rain hitting his mangled driveway, he waited for her to come home.

  It was Lacey’s evening off, so she headed to her house to gather a few things she would need at Aaron’s. Staying at his house every night was nice, but she still enjoyed being home, around her things. She didn’t want to move everything of hers over to his place yet, but had just stuck to the essentials.

  Iian had given her a hard time about staying at Aaron’s every night, but she knew
he was happy for her. Packing another small bag, she wondered how much time she would have with Aaron.

  He hadn’t really opened up to her about anything from his past other then his parents, and the small bit about his break up. She still didn’t know who had hurt him or the complete details that surrounded it. All she knew was that she wanted as much time with him as possible. She’d never been in a relationship like this before, she wanted to know more about him, she wanted him to open up to her.

  Maybe it was just a matter of time? Maybe she needed to try harder? Whatever it was, she was willing to stick around and figure it out. She’d never been so indecisive before in her life and she didn’t like it.

  As she headed down the large staircase, her bag flung over her shoulder, she thought about her plans for Megan’s baby shower. One thing she still felt in control of was the planning and execution of her best friends shower.

  Megan and Todd were not only excited about their upcoming addition, she could tell they were getting nervous.

  Running the bed and breakfast was a full time commitment. She knew Megan enjoyed it, Todd on the other hand wasn’t too thrilled that his very pregnant wife was still doing a lot of the work herself. He had recently hired three local women to help out with the cleaning, cooking, and other small tasks that were required on a daily basis. Lacey could see that Megan was releaved and thankful for the help, at least temporarily. She could tell that she loved working with her guests.

  Planning the best baby shower was a gift. Lacey loved planning parties, she had a knack for it. Having your own restaurant to host the party helped. It was easy to plan a surprise party because Todd had kept a close eye on his wife.

  Driving up Aaron’s driveway, she saw him standing in his doorway and thought the same thing about him.

  A few days later, the back dining room at the Golden Oar was decorated with pink and blue streamers and balloons. Large bouquets of flowers sat on each table along with other decorations. A banquet fit for a queen lay out on a large table along the back wall next to a table covered with gifts.

  As guests arrived, she made sure everyone was welcomed and placed their gifts on the large table along the back wall. Everyone had a drink and people quickly paired into groups to chit-chat while waiting for the guest of honor to arrive.

  She was checking with one of her wait-staff, when she received a text from her brother. They were there.

  “Shh, they’re here.” Lacey said to the crowd of women, she hadn’t been this excited for someone else party, well, since New Years.

  Two hours later wrapping paper lay on the floor, empty dishes were discarded on the tables. A large circle of chairs sat around Megan who, in Lacey’s mind, was looking a little tired and worn as she continued to unwrap gifts.

  The room was loud with laughter as women of all ages watched Megan open gift after gift. There was a lot of “oohs” and “aah” every time another bundle was unwrapped.

  When the last gift was opened and passed around for approval, Lacey strolled her gift into the room. The stroller had a large blue bow on top and had been special ordered from her favorite catalog.

  “It’s a car seat, stroller combo.” She pulled the car seat off and showed her sister-in-law. “You can put the base in any car and click the carrier into it.” Demonstrating the seat for her, Lacey had enjoyed picking the gift out for her soon-to-be nephew.

  “It’s beautiful.” Megan took the blue bow and looked at it. “Something you want me to know?”

  “Just my intuition.” Smiling back, she gave Megan a hug and knew everything was right in her world.

  It was after the party, when Lacey was cleaning up in the back room, she had that nagging feeling. Stopping what she was doing, she looked around the now empty room. Setting down the tray of dishes she headed into the main dining room just as someone shouted for help. Rushing into the front dining area, she saw Betty, leaning over a figure on the ground.

  Running over, she saw Dr. Stevens Sr. on the floor.

  “I think it’s his heart.” Betty said, looking up at her.

  “Quick! Call Aaron.” Lacey said as she knelt down.

  “Dr. Stevens, can you hear me? It’s Lacey. Do you have some medication for your heart?” Lacey searched his coat pockets. Finding a bottle, she held it up. “Is this for your heart?”

  The old man was conscious, but looking ragged. She realized he was having a hard time breathing. Kneeling over over him she placed her head on his chest and listened.

  “I think he’s choking!” Sitting him up with her kneeling behind, she squeezed his chest in rapid succession. It took several times before a piece of chicken was dislodged and he took a large breath.

  “Just lie still. Aaron’s on his way.” She told him.

  She looked up at Betty who was still on the phone. Betty shook her head in affirmation. Holding his hand still, she leaned down and made sure he was breathing fine. Just then, the front door opened and Aaron rushed in. He saw his grandfather on the floor with Lacey leaning over him. His grandfather’s color was off and for the first time in Aaron’s life, he looked frail.

  “Grandpa, how are you feeling?” Aaron leaned down and placed his stethoscope against his grandfather’s chest.

  “He was choking.” Lacey said as her hands began to shake.

  Owning and working in a restaurant most of her life, she had seen several people choking before, and had even helped a few out. But, this time it was different. Maybe it was because it was Aaron’s grandfather. Or, maybe because Dr. Stevens had always been more like a grandfather to her.

  “I’m feeling better now that I can breath. Thank you Lacey.” Dr. Stevens grabbed her hand. “Get me up off this cold floor would you boy? I’d like to go home.” He started to sit up.

  “Oh, no you don’t.” Lacey said trying to hold him still. “Not until you get checked out. You aren’t going anywhere until he says you’re clear.”

  Aaron smiled down at the old man. “I agree and as your doctor, I would like to examine you before I release you out into the wild.”

  He smiled over at Betty, who at this point was still shaken. Maybe giving her a task would help calm both of them down. “Betty can drive you over to the office.”

  “Come on Gerard. You might as well not argue with those two.” Betty smiled and helped him up.

  “Fine, fine. Just a quick stop.” Dr. Stevens when he was on his feet.

  As Betty lead him out, Lacey could have sworn she saw him smiling at Betty.

  Shaking her head, she realized she was still kneeling on the floor, she started to get up. Aaron’s hand was there, waiting for her. When he helped her up, he pulled her into a hug.

  “Thank you.” he whispered into her hair as he held onto her. He was still shaking. “I don’t know what I would do without him. Or you.” he released her, turned and left to follow his grandfather.

  When she arrived home that next evening, she was welcomed with a wonderful smell, the house was full of flowers. They were everywhere. On the coffee table, covering the kitchen counters, the kitchen and dining room tables. The place was full of a variety of a colorful splendor.

  The whole town had been talking about her. Some people had stopped in and talked to her personally, others had called. She was the local hero, one that had saved Dr. Stevens’ life. She didn’t mind the attention for a while, but by the time she left the restaurant, she was over it. She just wanted to get home, relax and get off her feet. The flowers were beautiful, lifting her spirits up, making her feel wonderful. Standing in the doorway she inhaled the wonderful smells.

  “I just wanted to say, Thank you.” Aaron stood by the fireplace. “Grandpa sends along his thanks as well. He’s home resting. The one’s on the table are from him.”

  “How is he?” She walked over to the coffee table and pushed her face into a bunch of lilacs. Enjoying the smell.

  “Fine, he’s just fine.” Walking over he took her hand and pulled her into another hug. “Thank you Lacey. I don�
�t think I can ever say it enough. I’m so glad you were there.”

  “I’m so glad he’s okay. He gave me quite a scare.”

  “He is my only family, family that matters to me anyway. I don’t know what I would do…”

  “Don’t think about it Aaron. He is healthy and strong.”

  “You don’t understand. Grandpa is the only person who has ever cared. He was the one that was there for me growing up. Every other summer was all I had with him. But, he was more of a father to me than my own.” Aaron walked back over to the fireplace, looked into the fire that was warming the room.

  “Actually, I saw him more then my own parents. He was the one that helped me through medical school.” Shaking his head clear, he focused on Lacey across the room.