The Only One For Me
“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?”