Rachel helped Molly pull the second to last screen down. Charlie, the owner of the bar and grill, had almost finished another wall. The plastic would keep most of the cold night air away from them. The stone fireplace would warm the patio, create a lovely atmosphere, and if Rachel was lucky, distract her from thinking about John Fletcher.
As he’d walked across the backyard, he’d looked about as happy to see her as she’d been to see him. She was still embarrassed about the last time they’d met. She didn’t normally act like a spoiled two-year-old, but there was something about his cool attitude that annoyed her.
Molly reached for the last curtain. She glanced at John and smiled. “If it’s some fine company and a little heat you’d be wanting, come this way.”
John’s gaze flicked to Rachel. She knew before he said anything, that he wasn’t going to stay. Dylan was John’s friend. Once Annie married Dylan, there were bound to be lots of times when John would be at the same place Rachel was. If she didn’t fix what they’d started, it would become even more difficult to apologize and get on with their lives.
Molly held the last plastic screen open. “I’m Molly O’Donaghue, a friend of Annie’s. And I think you know Rachel. Are you coming to join us?”
John stood outside the patio. His eyes rested on Rachel for a millisecond before returning to Molly. “I’m John Fletcher. Thank you for your offer, but I’m heading home.”
Rachel stepped outside, blocking his exit. She was determined not to let him go before she’d tried to make things right between them. “You’re welcome to stay. Charlie’s going to bring some food outside. At least stay for dinner.”
She could see him weighing up her words. “I’m sorry about the other day. I don’t usually barge in where I’m not wanted. I guess I got caught up in the search for Bella. I didn’t consider that you might have had other things to do.”
John’s face didn’t exactly soften, but his eyes lost their frosty glare. “I wasn’t exactly welcoming, either.”
Molly wiggled the plastic screen she was holding. “Now that you’re on speaking terms again, you can help me tie the last screen in place.” She grabbed hold of John’s arm and pulled him forward. “I’ve heard Dylan speak highly of you. Would you tie the top string for us?”
John looked up at the wooden beam. A thick cord dangled from the edge of the plastic screen. He glanced at Rachel. “I guess I’m staying. Do you think we could start over?”
Rachel held out her hand. “We can. It’s a pleasure meeting you, John Fletcher.” He shook her hand and a warmth that had nothing to do with the outdoor fire, seeped into her bones.
“It’s good to meet you, too.”
Another zing of electricity replaced the first. When John wasn’t in a grumpy mood, Rachel suspected that he could be charming and incredibly dangerous.
Molly looked beyond the patio and sighed. “Would you do me a favor, John? Annie and Dylan are going to catch themselves a cold if they stay outside for much longer. Before you tie this string, could you unlock their lips and send them inside before we all freeze?”
When John was halfway across the backyard, Dylan and Annie ran toward them.
“No unlocking necessary,” Annie said as she ducked under the plastic screen. “Even Dylan’s body heat can’t keep me warm out there.”
Rachel ignored the blush on Annie’s cheeks and started to tie the middle string. She had a feeling that John Fletcher wouldn’t have trouble keeping a woman warm. Even a woman with ulterior motives who wanted to see how his daughter was.
After the knot was tied, she stepped back and smiled. They were here to enjoy the last single night of Dylan and Annie’s lives. If she could do a little snooping and find out just how Bella was, she’d be even happier.
John Fletcher didn’t know a lot about her, but by the end of the night, Rachel was hoping to know a lot more about him.