Love Me Maybe - A Willow Oaks Sweet Romance

By Melissa Crosby

Charlotte loves Ben. Ben loves Kirsty. Who loves Charlotte?

From the first day she met him, Charlotte Harris knew she was in love with Ben. Unfortunately for her, Ben was off-limits. Not only was he the older brother of her best friend, Ben also had a girlfriend.

When Ben Mitchell's girlfriend leaves him for a supposed career move to London, he feels like everything he has worked for has gone belly up, triggering an anxiety attack. Following his doctor's orders, Ben takes a break and heads off to Willow Oaks to visit his sister-- and her best friend.

Charlotte knows she and Ben are meant to be together, but will Ben realize it before it's too late?

Love Me Maybe is the second book in the Willow Oaks Sweet Romance series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.

OTHER BOOKS BY MELISSA CROSBY:

Willow Oaks Series - Sweet Romance

• Book 1: Love Me True
• Book 2: Love Me Maybe
• Book 3: Love Me Again
• Book 4: Love Me Always
• Book 5: Love Me Timeless

Mulberry Lane Series - Inspirational Women's Fiction

• Book 1: Tea for Three
• Book 2: Three Wishes
• Book 3: In Three Years

Collections:

• A Willow Oaks Sweet Romance Collection: Volume 1 - Books 1-3
• A Willow Oaks Sweet Romance Collection: Volume 2 - Books 4-6

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Crosby
• Release date: Jan 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9780473486723

Book preview

Author

About This Book

Charlotte loves Ben. Ben loves Kirsty. Who loves Charlotte? 

From the first day she met him, Charlotte Harris knew she was in love with Ben. Unfortunately for her, Ben was off-limits. Not only was he the older brother of her best friend, Ben also had a girlfriend. 

When Ben’s girlfriend leaves him for a supposed career move to London, he feels like everything he has worked for has gone belly up, triggering an anxiety attack. Following his doctor’s orders, Ben takes a break and heads off to Willow Oaks to visit his sister— and her best friend. 

Charlotte knows she and Ben are meant to be together, but will Ben realize it before it’s too late?  Love Me Maybe is the second book in the Willow Oaks Sweet Romance series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.

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Dedication

To my husband, Wayne, who never stops believing in me.

Chapter 1

Charlotte looked into Ben’s dreamy hazel eyes and drowned in them. She wanted to run her fingers over his beard, nuzzle his neck, and get drunk with his scent. Gosh, he’s beautiful. She’d been crushing on him from the day she met him six years ago. Unfortunately for her, Ben had always been off-limits. Not only was he her best friend’s older brother, he also had a girlfriend he’d been dating for ages.

So what do you think? Ben’s voice cut through her thoughts like a hot knife to a block of butter.

She shook her thoughts away and sat upright. Sorry! What was it you said?

Earth to Charlotte! Ben joked. Where’s your head at today?

Mmmm... I was just looking at how beautiful your sister is. Charlotte looked across the garden to where her best friend stood, looking stunning in her wedding dress. She’d hoped Ben didn’t see through her feeble attempt at an excuse. Being so close to him brought her daydreams closer to reality. I’m so happy for her. She totally deserves all of this.

Ben nodded in agreement. She does — and it’s about time too!

Charlotte surveyed the setup of the wedding reception. Everything, down to the smallest detail, was beautiful and exactly as she had planned it with the bride, Amy. Charlotte, Jenna, and Amy have been best friends since the day Amy moved to Willow Oaks. It thrilled her to see Amy getting her happily ever after. So what is it that were you saying just before?

I was saying that you and I should get married if we’re both still single in twelve months’ time.

Charlotte gasped and choked on her breath. What? If Ben only knew how long she had dreamed of him saying those words — well, not those exact words, but anything that would bring them closer together.

I think it’s a great idea. Ben grinned. Kirsty just dumped me — after what? Four years together! That was a waste of time, wasn’t it? He shook his head. And you refuse to leave Willow Oaks, so it’s not like you’re going to just suddenly meet someone you haven’t known your entire life. It’s perfect!

Are you saying I’m doomed to be an old maid? Charlotte blurted and rolled her eyes. Among her and her best friends, she was the only single one left.

If the shoe fits, Ben teased.

Thanks a lot! She slapped his arm. Of her friends, Jenna’s been married with kids for what now seemed like forever. And, at least before today, she and Amy could join each other in companionable sulk sessions, complaining about the severe lack of eligible bachelors in Willow Oaks.

Ow! Ben rubbed his arm. We’re not even married yet and I’m already suffering at your hands.

We will never get married, Benjamin. Charlotte shook her head and took a sip of champagne. Charlotte reached down her leg and rubbed her calf. It’s been a long day. She’d been up since 4:00am doing some last-minute touch-ups to the wedding cake and making sure that the catering was all going to plan. Charlotte owned the Strawberry Fare Cafe and when Amy asked her to make the cake and cater the food, she was only too happy to do it. She’d baked and catered for weddings before, but this was the first time she was part of both the kitchen crew and the wedding ensemble. Her feet were aching and her legs cramped from the high heels she wore. 

Why not? It’s perfect! Ben looked her square in the eyes. Listen, it’s twelve months away. What’ve you got to lose? If you meet your man, then you’re off the hook.

And if I don’t? As much as she wanted him for herself, she certainly didn’t want to be his rebound relationship. It’s been two years since he and his girlfriend broke up, though — was that still a rebound?

Then we get married. Simple! Ben grinned and his eyes twinkled cheerily at Charlotte.

Charlotte studied his face. She loved his piercing eyes — they could make her do anything they wanted her to do.

So do we have a deal?

Charlotte smiled and sighed and waved her hand. Fine, she said. She knew that it was all a joke to Ben, but for the first time in her adult life, Charlotte Harris crossed her fingers. If never meeting Mr. Right meant that she would one day be in Ben’s arms, then she was all for it. Twelve months.

IT’S A DEAL, THEN! Ben flashed a smile at Charlotte. Shall we shake on it?

Charlotte’s cheeks turned a shade of pink. She was cute. He’d always wondered if there was something between them. But Charlotte was his sister’s best friend, so there was no crossing that line. Okay, she said finally.

Ben shook Charlotte’s hand and then turned to look at his sister, Amy, as she stood talking to her mother-in-law. Isn’t it funny how they’re like best friends now? Ben motioned towards Amy.

Charlotte laughed. I can still remember when Amy used to complain about her mother-in-law. She was definitely harder to love than most!

"Although it really isn’t impossible, is it? You know, growing up, between Amy and I, Amy had always been the charming one. She had a way of making everyone love her. I, on the other hand, was the brainy one — voted Most Likely to Succeed in High School," Ben laughed, adding finger air quotes.

So, you were a nerd! Charlotte said, most likely teasing him.

Turns out, they were right though. What can I say? Ben raised his hands up and smiled. He had managed to get his start-up tech company off the ground with relative ease. Sure, he had to jump a few hoops and barrels, but that’s all part of starting a business. His business was recently named in the Top 20 Chatbot Development Companies across the United States. He was now working with clients all across the country. It wouldn’t be long before he cracked the overseas markets as well. His clients have all commented on their increased business productivity, and they were loving it.

Coming to his sister’s wedding had been a good distraction for Ben. He was pleased for her after the mess she’d found herself in just two years before.

You know what? Ben said as he got to his feet. Forget the handshake — I take that back. We should hug on it. After all, we could be getting married, he beamed and opened his arms.

Charlotte’s laugh was endearing.

Come on, he said. Don’t leave me hanging here. Ben stood with his arms open, curling his fingers for her to come closer.

Charlotte stood up to meet his embrace as he pulled her in for a hug.

What’s going on here? They heard a voice and broke the hug. It was Ben’s sister, Amy, standing with her eyebrows raised and her arms crossed over her chest.

We just made a deal, Ben announced as he put his arm around Charlotte’s shoulders.

Shh! Charlotte slapped his chest with the back of her hand, which Ben quickly grabbed and held in his. She pulled her hand away.

Oh, no you don’t, Amy said with a laugh. You don’t get to keep secrets from me on my wedding day.

It was a stupid idea, Charlotte said. Einstein here came up with it.

Ben straightened his tie. It’s a genius idea! Listen — so I proposed that if we’re both still single in twelve months, we should get married.

What? Amy’s eyes widened in surprise.

Ben pretended to look hurt. What? You don’t think we’re a good match? So I’m no good for your best friend, huh?

No, no... I mean — you’d better not hurt her. That’s all. Amy said as she linked arms with Charlotte. Or I’ll be coming to hunt you down.

Whoa! Ben put his hands up in front of him in surrender.

Both of you are being silly! Plenty can happen in a year, Charlotte said. She planted a kiss on the side of Amy’s forehead. You were gorgeous out there today, she said.

Yeah, you really were, Ben agreed.

Amy blushed. Thanks, you guys. I can’t believe we did it.

Did what? Sam came up from behind them.

Amy turned to look at him. That we got married.

You can’t believe that you married the most handsome man on the planet? Sam asked. He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her deeply.

Get a room, you two. That’s my sister’s face you’re eating. Ben pretended to gag.

Charlotte laughed at his joke.

At least I can make her laugh, Ben thought. It’s been almost two years since Kirsty left, and Ben was no closer to getting his life back on track. Sure, he had his career — that was going incredibly well. But other than that, he felt like there was nothing going for him. He’d tried to date a few times to get his mind off things, but each one had been a waste of time. The women he met each had different ideas about what they wanted. Some even wanted to settle down and have kids— not something Ben was thinking about just yet.

Enough of that, Charlotte agreed with Ben. Are you guys excited for your honeymoon?

Yeah, can’t wait! Sam grinned and wrapped his arms tightly around his new wife. It’s gonna be an amazing two weeks. Sam turned to face Amy. I’m gonna give you the time of your life, Mrs. Whitford.

I still can’t believe that we’re finally going to Italy! Amy squealed.

Ben knew that Amy had always wanted to go to Lucignano. She’d read about the small town in Tuscany in some romance magazine and had even put it up on her vision board, which until then, Ben didn’t know was a thing. You guys are gonna have an incredible honeymoon.

Honestly— you two are so perfect for each other, I couldn’t be happier for you! Charlotte beamed.

So... are you two still okay to look after Gracie and the B&B while we’re away? Amy asked. I feel really bad dumping it all on you when you’ve got so much already going on.

Absolutely! Charlotte exclaimed. We’re going to keep little Gracie so busy. She won’t even know you’re away.

And the B&B will be fine. I’ll get your IT systems upgraded before you get back, Ben said. I’m integrating a chatbot so that your guests can make reservations, ask the bot questions about the B&B, find out about Willow Oaks, and— Ben looked at their faces. He knew that they couldn’t understand a thing he was saying. Just, don’t worry. It’ll be set up before you get back and I promise you, you’ll wish you had your own chatbot years ago.

Thanks, man. That sounds great. Sam shook Ben’s hand and pulled him in from the back of his neck into a bro-hug.

And what about cleaning up after the wedding? Amy looked at them sheepishly and turned to Sam. We really should have planned more. It’s too much to ask of them.

Look, it’s all under control, Charlotte said. Nothing for you to worry about. I’ve got a team coming to do the cleanup. Sam’s okay-ed it. So, stop worrying.

I’ve given them my credit card details, honey. It’s all good, Sam assured Amy.

Amy smiled and looked up at her new husband. I guess this is it, she tiptoed and kissed him. In two hours, we’ll be flying off to Italy.

As mister and missus, Sam smiled.

Ben turned to face Charlotte. Looks like you’re stuck with me for the next two weeks, he said and winked at her.

Chapter 2

After all the wedding guests had gone, Charlotte gave the team of cleaners instructions on which areas to clear, making sure that the B&B was in tip-top shape for the following day. There were some guests arriving, and they needed to make sure there were no remaining traces of a wedding.

How’s everything going? Ben asked Charlotte as he entered the kitchen with Gracie in tow. They were both responsible for Gracie, Amy’s stepdaughter, while she was away on her honeymoon.

Good. I’ve just told the crew what needs to be done. I think we can get it all wrapped up in a couple of hours, she replied. How are you guys? Charlotte crouched down to face Gracie. Are you having fun with your uncle? she asked.

Gracie nodded and let out