Convince Me (Holton Series #1) Read online

  Mitch flashed them another grin and walked out of the room. Steven looked down at Anna who was still in his arms. She had buried her head on his chest under his chin. "You still think he is sexy?"

  Anna laughed and stepped away. "Yes, he is still sexy. Annoying perhaps but still sexy. Come on, Steve, I don't want to miss the entertainment."

  Grabbing his hand, Anna pulled Steven from the room and they joined the others. The rest of the evening went smoothly. Once again Victoria had proved him wrong. Not only did his parents sing along with the karaoke machine, they taught the younger people some of the dance steps. Everyone his parents' age enjoyed listening to songs from their youth and Victoria knew just what to do to keep everything flowing well. The party lasted until almost one o’clock and Steven was glad when the last guest had finally left. His family soon followed leaving him and Anna alone at last.

  Most of the cleaning had been completed. Victoria had restored his home almost back to normal. She had gone home with his parents and Mitch had retreated to the small apartment above Steven's garage. It was stretching it to call the two-room space an apartment but it had its own bathroom and bedroom. As Mitch came and went with such irregularity, Steven had converted the rooms to accommodate his brother's lifestyle. Mitch tended to stay longer when he had a place to call his own.

  Sitting close on the couch, Steven and Anna talked quietly about the party. Steven had wanted Anna to stay simply for this reason. He had wanted to end the evening with her. They were both pleasantly exhausted and it didn't take much persuasion on Steven's part to convince Anna to sleep in his guest room.

  He lent her an old t-shirt to sleep in and Steven hoped he was so tired that the thought of Anna sleeping just a few feet away wouldn't keep him awake all night.

  Chapter 9

  The tantalizing smell of freshly brewed coffee and something else woke Anna the following morning. She leisurely stretched out on the comfortable bed in Steven's guest room tying to identify the other smell coming from down the hall. It wasn't very strong but it was pleasantly sweet like fresh apple pie. The thought brought a smile to her face and she closed her eyes and breathed deeply. It was a very pleasant way to wake in the morning.

  Anna rolled over and looked out the window at the morning sun. She could tell it was going to be another beautiful day. The sun was shinning bright and there were no clouds in the sky. She looked at the clock and was surprised to see that it was only a little after eight. She had not planned on opening her office until after lunch because she knew the party would last late. Anna closed her eyes again and enjoyed the luxury of sleeping late on a weekday.

  Soon the smells from the kitchen pulled her out of bed and Anna glanced down at her attire before heading out of her room. Steven's shirt was long almost hitting her knees. She was modestly covered and wasn't too worried about Steven seeing her dressed as she was. She ran a quick comb through her hair and washed her face before heading out of the bedroom.

  "Steve, that smells wonderful," she said as she pushed open the door to the kitchen.

  "I'm glad you think so," came a soft, soothing voice.

  Anna froze in her tracks. Coming face to face with Victoria at eight in the morning dressed only in Steven's t-shirt was not what Anna had planned. She stood awkwardly in the doorway trying to find a graceful way out.

  "Sit down and have a cup of coffee," Victoria said making no comment on Anna's attire. "The apple strudel will be ready in a few minutes."

  Mindlessly, Anna obeyed. She was too embarrassed to retreat and too tongue-tied to saying anything. It didn't seem to matter to Victoria who carried on a guileless conversation about the weather and last night's party. Soon a cup of hot coffee appeared before Anna and shook her out of her trance.

  "Thanks," she said softly. Picking up the cup she watched Victoria return to the stove. As before, Victoria was dressed in bold, bright colors. Her top was a brilliant green and the ties on her tennis shoes matched her top. Her jeans were the traditional faded denim blue but the jacket lying on a nearby chair was bright red. Victoria's hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail. She looked relaxed and full of life. Once again, Anna was struck by the differences between Steven and his siblings.

  Victoria did not seem at all concerned about finding Anna in Steven's house. It was somewhat of a disturbing thought. Was Victoria so used to women sleeping in Steven's home? Anna quickly dismissed that thought. The one thing she did know about Steven was that he wasn't the type of man who had women coming and going in his life. If there had ever been anything of that sort concerning Steven, Anna would have heard about it by now. The small town grapevine worked all too well.

  Victoria pulled the strudel from the oven and turned to see Anna watching her. Anna quickly put down the cup and looked away. Victoria grinned before saying, "I hope you like apple strudel."

  "I love it," Anna replied honestly. She was beginning to feel a little more comfortable as she watched Victoria slice up the pastry.

  "I guess you are wondering what I am doing here," Anna finally ventured after a few minutes of silence.

  "I know what you are doing here," came the surprising reply.

  "No," Anna said quickly not wanting Victoria to have the wrong idea. "It's not what you are thinking. I mean, nothing happened."

  "I know," Victoria said in her rich voice. "I am sure you slept in the guest room last night, right?"

  "Right." Anna was somewhat confused. "You believe that Steven and I didn't sleep together last night?"

  "You act surprised."

  "Well, I guess I am. I think that if I walked into my brother's house and found a woman dress in his t-shirt that I would find it hard to believe that she slept in the guest room."

  Victoria laughed. It was a wonderful sound, full and deep and it brought a smile to Anna's face. "If this was Mitch's house, then I would have to agree with you but we're talking about Steven here. It's a totally different situation. Besides, as far as Steve is concerned, you are the one he is going to marry so he will wait."

  "What?" Anna squeaked as Victoria walked to the table with two plates of the strudel. "Look, Tori, Steve and I aren't getting married."

  Steven's sister didn't say a word but calmly placed the plate in front of Anna before taking the seat opposite her. Anna's head was spinning. She didn't want Steven's family to get the idea that they were going to marry. She had only known him for a few weeks. She tried to explain this to Victoria but it didn't seem to be working. No matter what she said, Victoria always had an answer.

  "Look, Anna," Victoria said abruptly "if you think that Steven isn't serious then the two of you aren't communicating. Believe me, I know my brother and you are just what he has been waiting for all his life."

  "That's absolutely right,” came a deep, gravely voice. Anna turned to see Mitch standing in the doorway that led out to the garage. He flashed her his signature grin before heading straight for the coffee pot. "You, my dear, are all my dreams come true."

  "Shut up, Mitch," Victoria said indulgently. "Anna is too smart to take up with the likes of you."

  "Oh," Mitch said dramatically placing his hand over his heart, "my heart is broken. Anna, my dearest, say that isn't true. I don't think I can live another day without you in my life."

  "You'll live," Victoria said sardonically.

  "You're probably right especially if I can have a piece of that apple strudel."

  "I didn't realize I was so easy to get over," Anna said with a laugh enjoying the playful humor. She had never known people who so enjoyed life. "Offer the man a pastry and his heart is mended."

  Victoria and Mitch laughed with her as Mitch joined them at the table. He was even more dangerous looking this morning as he still hadn't shaved and he was dressed in a tight fitting t-shirt and faded blue jeans. Anna wondered how many hearts he had broken. The rebel in Mitch would present an interesting challenge to some women. She was just glad she wasn't one of them.

  "What on earth are you doing up so early?"
Victoria asked him.

  "What on earth are you both doing in my kitchen?"

  Steven walked into the room wearing just a pair of jeans. He hair was out of place as if he had just run his fingers through it and he also hadn't shaved. He looked rumbled and sleepy. Anna thought he was beautiful. She was surprised when he kissed her causally before walking over to the coffee pot.

  "I'm here making you breakfast," Victoria said gesturing toward the stove. "It's a thank you for taking me to the airport. Mitch is here being annoying. You do remember that you are taking me to the airport, don't you?"

  Anna could tell Steven didn't really remember but agreed with her anyway. It was fun to watch him with his siblings. He was more relaxed around them and more open. It was obvious to Anna that the three of them shared a special bond. Victoria flashed her a grin showing Anna she also knew Steven had forgotten.

  "Yeah, I remember but doesn't your flight leave tonight?"

  "I had to change it. I have to be back in L. A. this afternoon. I told you all about it last night."

  "Oh, well, when do we have to leave for the airport?"

  "In about a hour."

  "I guess I better go take a shower." He pointed a finger at Mitch. "Don't eat all the strudel."

  Anna watched him go with a mixture of affection and fear. No one seemed at all concerned about her being here among his family and she felt as if she belonged. It was an odd feeling and a frightening one. Maybe Victoria's earlier statement wasn't so far off the mark after all. Maybe Steven was considering marriage. It was something she needed to think about, later, when she was alone.

  "Mitch," Victoria was saying, "why don't you ride with us to the airport? I have something I want to talk to you and Steve about."

  "Okay," Mitch said running a hand through his hair. Anna noticed a small scar on his temple and she wondered where he got it. It added even more to his rugged image. She watched him covertly as he rose from his chair and walk to the door. "If I'm going with you, I better clean up too."

  All at once, Anna was alone again with Victoria. She found it hard to believe she was still sitting at Steven's table in his shirt casually having breakfast.

  "Do you want to go with us, Anna?" Victoria asked.

  "Oh, no, thanks but I won't intrude." Victoria had sounded serious when she had said she wanted to talk to her brothers and Anna didn't want to be in the way.

  "You won't be intruding, Anna," Victoria said with a smile. "I wouldn't have asked you if you were. Trust me, I am not the type of person that would have asked just to be polite."

  "I know. I thought that when I first met you." Anna rose with Victoria and carried her plate to the sink. "Tori, can I ask you something?"

  "Sure." Victoria was covering the strudel with foil. "Ask away."

  "Why do you let Steve treat you like you are some silly child? I know that if you said something to him he would stop. He loves you very much."

  Victoria smiled at her and Anna wondered if she was involved with someone. Victoria Carson was a beautiful woman but there was a sadness in her eyes. It was usually well hidden and Anna doubted anyone in her family even saw it but Anna knew it was there and it bothered her. She waited for Victoria's reply.

  "You are one of the few people who even noticed that Steven, Mitch and, well, some others treat me like a child. You're very perceptive."

  "I can't take the credit. Nick noticed and he told Julie and Julie told me. I was looking for it."

  "Nick," Victoria said with a smile. "I should have known. He always did see more than he should." She paused a moment. "I guess I don't say anything because it doesn't really matter to me. I know that Steve loves me. I know that he likes to protect me. It is just part of his nature. Actually, I think he wouldn't know how to act if he suddenly realized I'm all grown up."

  "I think you should give him a chance," Anna said quietly. She didn't know why she was pursuing this. Just a few days ago she had told Julie that she wouldn't interfere and here she was doing just that.

  "I'll think about it," Victoria said, placing her arm around Anna's shoulders and giving her a hug. "There is a little more to it than you realize but thanks for caring, Anna. It means a lot."

  Anna returned the hug feeling like she had made a new friend. "You're welcome. I'll try not to interfere anymore."

  Victoria laughed. "You didn't interfere. Now, do you want to ride with us to the airport?"

  "No," Anna said slowly, thinking about it. "I have some work to do and I promised a client I would see her this afternoon."

  "Okay. I don't know when I will see you again but hopefully it will be soon. I really enjoyed meeting you, Anna." Victoria gave her another hug.

  "Me, too."

  "I've got to get back to my parents'. Will you tell Steven to pick me up there?"

  "Sure," Anna said as she watched Victoria leave in a flurry. She glanced around the kitchen and realized the counters were clean and the dishes washed. Anna shook her head trying to understand how anyone could think that Victoria was anything but a well-organized and talented person.

  She made her way back down the hallway to the guest room and quickly changed back into her own clothes. She was just leaving the room when she heard Steven calling her name. Walking back to the living room, she found him by his desk.

  "Honey, I've got to go," he said picking up his car keys. "I'm sorry to leave you like this."

  "Don't worry about it. I'm on my way home to change and then I'm going to work. Victoria said to tell you that she was at your parents'."

  "Okay, thanks." He kissed her softly and headed out the door. "I see you later."

  Anna stood in the doorway and watched him walk to the car. Mitch ran out to join him. He was dressed similar to the night before in his jeans and leather jacket but he had shaved and she laughed when he stopped to pose for her. He then threw her his mischievous grin before getting into the car. Raising her hand, Anna watched them drive away. She suddenly realized how right this felt. Standing in Steven's house, being part of his life. It all seemed right. Maybe she could finally believe in a happily ever after.

  As she started to close the door, Anna suddenly realized she didn't have a car. She was stranded at Steven's house. With a laugh, Anna returned inside to phone Julie. So much for things feeling right.

  #

  "So, what do you think?" Victoria asked from the seat next to him. Steven wasn't sure what he thought. Victoria had just announced that she was planning to move back to Holton. It was a major decision and as always Steven was afraid that Victoria had not thought things out.

  "I think you're nuts," Mitch said from the back seat. Mitch's comment did not surprise Steven. His brother had never wanted to live in Holton and had left town as soon as he was able. Even now, Mitch only returned when he had a specific reason. To him, anyone who voluntarily moved to Holton was crazy.

  "I wasn't talking to you, Mitch," Victoria said. "I'm asking Steve. He will be a little more objective."

  Steven thought about it for a moment and then answered her honestly. "I don't know, Tori. It is a major step. What about your job at Whitman's? Are you just going to walk out?"

  Victoria had a great job at a very prestigious advertising agency in Los Angeles. Steven knew she had worked hard for that position and he didn't want her to just throw it all away. She had always seemed to love her job.

  "Of course, I won't just walk out. I will give them adequate notice."

  "But that is a really good job. You won't find anything even near that pay in Holton," Steven reminded her. He wasn't sure why he was trying to talk her out of moving but for some reason he felt he needed to present all the arguments that he was sure she had not considered.

  "I will probably get a job in Dallas. They have quite a few advertising agencies here. I have no intention of working in Holton. I just want to live here. Besides, Whitman's will be opening a branch in Dallas soon. I know I could always get a job with them when that happens."

  Steven shook his hea
d. It was just like her to leave everything up to chance. "They won't give you a job if you quit and think a minute, Tori, where are you going to live? How are you going to pay your bills until you do get a job? In this economy, it could take months."

  "I'm not planning to move next week, Steve," Victoria said with a slight edge to her voice. "And I'm not quite as destitute as you seem to think. I do have some savings and I will still be drawing for Superdot Comics."

  Victoria had helped pay her way through college by drawing for a comic book company. She had quite a talent for drawing but her interest and abilities weren't suited for the traditional art world. Victoria had often drawn caricatures when she was younger and that had led to her job at Superdot Comics. The unusual job had been a family joke for years. Steven knew she still worked for them part-time but he had always thought that job was not something she could count on.

  "You are going to rely on your job at the comic book company to pay the bills? Tori, are you sure you know what you are doing?"

  Steven heard her sigh softly. "I knew I shouldn't have asked you. You never think I do the right thing."

  Silence filled the car for a moment as Steven wondered about that comment. What did she mean about not asking him? They had always talked about her plans. The only decision she had ever made without discussing with the family was when she graduated from high school. She had suddenly changed her choice of college without an explanation and had never discussed it.

  Steven glanced at her now. Had he been too harsh? He just wanted to protect her. Steven thought about what she had said and realized he was trying to talk her out of moving back to Holton when just the other day he was thinking about how much he missed her. He started to apologize when Mitch spoke again.

  "Just tell me this, Tori. Why on earth do you want to move back here?"

  "Because its home," Victoria said softly. There was a longing in her voice that Steven had never heard before. He glanced at his sister again and was startled to see her staring out the window with such an incredibly sad look on her face. Steven couldn't remember the last time he had seen Victoria unhappy but he knew he didn't like it.