Senna's Secret

by Karen Tjebben

  He shrugged his shoulders. “That’s pretty good for two do-gooders like yourself and that mysterious pastry chef.”

  Senna shifted in her seat to give off an offended vibe. “What did you think I’d say?”

  “At first I was hoping that you would tell me about a time when you and one of your friends ran naked along the beach there. Maybe photo bombed a wedding under the gazebo. Turned all the photos X-rated,” he teased.

  Her mouth gaped as her eyes narrowed. “When have you known me to ever run around naked in public?”

  He hesitated as the memory hit him. On their senior trip to Washington D.C. she hadn’t run around naked, but they did make love under the stars outside the Smithsonian. He couldn’t remember which building they were near, but his cock twitched at the memory.

  The museums were closed, and the city was quiet. They’d snuck out with Dahlia and Austin. Those two were somewhere in the area, but Senna and he were making out on a bench. She’d been straddling him as he sat on a bench. Their hands explored each other, and before he realized it, she’d slid herself down his cock. The intense pleasure of her channel squeezing his length nearly had him coming before she even began to ride him.

  It was the first time he’d entered her. They’d messed around, but they were always careful not to penetrate. They’d gotten each other off before, but this intimacy was better than he imagined. She’d only pumped his cock a handful of times before he lost it inside her. She hadn’t gotten mad, but the worry was written all over her face. They hadn’t used any form of protection.

  Senna watched the expression on his face go from lighthearted banter to lust. She may not have ever run around naked, but she had made love to him on a public bench in D.C. Was that what he was thinking about?

  He shifted in his chair and changed the subject. “Your turn. What have you been up to the last decade?”

  She swallowed hard and shifted gears. “I finished college. Got my degree and worked for one of the television studios in California. It was good work.”

  “Hmm, what was that like? Did you meet a lot of famous people?”

  She laughed. The joyful sound tickled those exposed nerve endings of his.

  “It was as exciting as any other accounting job. I didn’t work on the actual filming sites, so I didn’t have much interaction with the actors. My day consisted of numbers and looking at cubicle walls.”

  “What shows did you work for?”

  “The most popular one was Paranormal.”

  His expression changed from ho-hum to impressed. “The one with the brothers who are always battling some sort of supernatural or demonic being?”

  “Yes, that’s the one. I actually went to a Holiday party one year at the studio and saw them. They seemed nice.”

  “You didn’t go up to them?”

  “Oh, no,” she dragged out the ‘o’ for several beats. “I must be weird, because I don’t want to go up to famous people and talk to them. I mean,” she lifted her shoulders, “what would I say that they haven’t heard before from some crazed fan? I would end up just saying some lame thing like, ‘I really like your show’,” she said with a mocking tone. “And they wouldn’t remember me one minute later.”

  “Wow, you’re being hard on yourself. I can’t imagine a man not remembering you.” God, he’d done his best to forget about her, but even after all these years, with her sitting across from him, he couldn’t help but be attracted to her.

  She smiled at the compliment. “Thank you, but the truth is, if actors aren’t ‘working’, they just want to be left alone. I can respect that.”

  Apparently, leaving people alone was something she excelled at. He internally cringed at the cruel thought. She wasn’t a heartless person. That he knew for sure. He just didn’t know how to reconcile her callous treatment of him with the caring woman that he believed she was.

  “Okay, you didn’t go around harassing famous people during your time in Lalaland.”

  She giggled. “You don’t know how accurate the word Lalaland is. Things are very different in California.” She shook her head with emphasis. “I swear, over fifty percent of the population has had some sort of work done. They literally have Botox parties. And if you’re talking about the actors themselves, that number skyrockets. Everyone’s had something done. Seldom do you meet someone with all their original parts,” she teased.

  “That shouldn’t bother you. You’re a beautiful woman.” He liked the way her cheeks flushed at his compliment. Then he cursed himself. How the hell could he be complimenting the woman who screwed up his heart and head so badly a decade ago?

  “Thank you.” After what she’d done to him, she wasn’t sure she deserved his compliment. “I loved my life in California, but I guess I’m still a small-town girl at heart. I think moving back was the right choice.”

  “If it means anything, I’m glad you’re back.”

  “Really?” She raised a brow. “How does Lia feel about that?” Once the words were out of her mouth, she realized she shouldn’t have said them. Did she sound jealous? Or like she was accusing him of cheating on his girlfriend by being with her?

  Bam! That question knocked him between the brows and forced him to lean back in his seat. He opened his mouth to say something, but he didn’t know what to say. Did she ask that because she was jealous? “Lia and I are…” Good friends? Lovers? Dating? His brow crinkled with discomfort. “Dating.”

  Senna shook her head as regret flooded her heart. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. It’s none of my business.” She took a breath and then continued, “Perhaps we should discuss the finances of Sand Castle Design Experts since this is a working dinner. Do you have any questions for me?”

  Ouch! And just like that, she made it perfectly clear that this dinner wasn’t a date. He had questions for her, but none of them had anything to do with work. With perfect timing, the waitress set their food in front of them. He motioned towards the plates. “It looks delicious.” Their friendly banter was finished.

  “It does,” she replied. “Let’s dig in.”

  8

  Dahlia walked into Reid’s Accounting Firm with her eyes glued to her cell. The princess or duchess, or whatever her title was, had finally released pictures of her baby. Twitter was insane with congratulations and baby memes. Dahlia considered all babies adorable, but this one took the cake in his lacy, royal dressing gown. The baby’s siblings surrounded their mother in a picture-perfect setting. This image could end up hanging on a wall in a castle somewhere.

  Ms. Reid was surprised when a woman walked into the firm. “Good afternoon,” Ms. Reid said from behind her reception desk. She glanced at the calendar and confirmed that no one had an appointment. It was minutes to closing time. “How can I help you?” she asked.

  Dahlia startled and looked up at the older woman who sat behind a desk. The woman’s silver hair betrayed her age. Dahlia read her nameplate. “Hello, Ms. Reid. I’m actually here to meet Senna.” Dahlia approached Ms. Reid with her hand outstretched. “I’m Dahlia Collins.”

  Ms. Reid’s thin, penciled eyebrows rose. “The Dahlia from Dahlia’s Delights?” she asked with mirth.

  Dahlia smiled and released a little laugh. “Yes.” She cocked her head. “Well, no. The Dahlia Collins was my grandmother, but I am the current owner of Dahlia’s Delights.”

  A satisfied smile softened Ms. Reid’s face. “How nice that you have her name. She was a wonderful woman.”

  “You knew her?” Sometimes Dahlia forgot just how small Avenel was. It wasn’t six degrees of separation, but more like one. If you didn’t know someone, then you had a friend who did, and everyone’s name sounded familiar.

  Ms. Reid nodded. “Yes, we talked some at town meetings. Us small business owners have to help each other out,” she stated almost conspiratorially. “My husband started this firm over forty years ago. He’s since passed, but now my son owns it,” she beamed.

  Martin had his issues, but she was proud of hi
m. He’d struggled socially all of his life, but those weaknesses hadn’t hurt his ability to run a successful business. As far as she was concerned, taking his social anxiety into account, he was one of the most successful business men in Avenel.

  Dahlia replied, “I’m sorry about your husband, but I understand the importance of keeping a family business alive.” Dahlia had a close brush with failure in the business ownership adventure. She was lucky that hard work, persistence, and forgiveness had her business thriving.

  Martin heard talking coming from the front. A younger woman’s voice lilted in the air along with his mother’s. With determination, he pushed his chair back, stood, and made his way to the front of the office.

  Coming to a stop a few feet in front of the female visitor, he took a moment to check her out. Her auburn hair was up in a ponytail. Her emerald eyes sparkled with life. Her breasts were cradled in a tight-fitting shirt and shorts showed off her tan legs. She was far prettier than most of the women who strolled into his office.

  Martin began, “Hello. We are minutes from closing for the day, but I would love to talk to you tomorrow.” He motioned towards Ms. Reid, “Mother can set up an appointment.” He cleared his throat and motioned to the back area of the office. “If you need to use the restroom, you may.”

  Dahlia gave a light chuckle at his offer. “I’m fine, thank you.” She was surprised at the robotic clip to his words. His face held no emotion, but he had managed to drag his eyes slowly over her body until they landed on her face again. From his expressionless gaze, she had no idea if he liked what he saw or not.

  He jabbed his hand towards her in the offer of a handshake. “Where are my manners? I’m Martin Reid.” His hand waited in the space between them.

  Dahlia nodded politely and took his hand. His grip was almost nonexistent. His fingers barely molded around hers in a wisp of a touch. It was the kind of touch that had her itching to rub her hand and get the icky, barely-there caress off.

  She shook his hand firmly, because that’s the only way she functioned. Screw being delicate or passive. She was a doer. Whereas, this man took passive to new heights.

  “Dahlia Collins,” she replied. “It’s nice to formally meet you. I believe you are the accountant my parents used, which would make me your new client. I now own Dahlia’s Delights. I’m here to pick up Senna.”

  “Wonderful. Yes, I’m familiar with the bakery.” Martin glanced at his watch. “You must be early. We don’t close until five.”

  Ms. Reid cleared her throat. “Martin, the girls have plans. It’s nice to meet Senna’s friend, Dahlia.” She did her best to help him go with the flow, but it was always hard for him.

  Dahlia shifted her cell phone. The time popped up on the screen. It was 4:58. Was this man for real? It wasn’t like they had customers waiting to be served.

  “I know. I’m sorry,” Dahlia said sincerely, tilting her head to the side in deference. “I wasn’t sure how traffic would be. I figured it was better to get here early and wait for Senna than be rude and be late.”

  Senna exited the restroom and heard the voices in the front. She grabbed her purse and joined the group in the front room. “Hi, Dahlia.”

  “Hello,” Dahlia replied. Her eyes danced with mirth while her brows rose in a silent ‘I can’t believe this guy’ look.

  Senna slid her purse strap over her shoulder. Her gaze shifted between the trio in the office. Martin looked perplexed. His mother looked embarrassed, and Dahlia’s lips wavered between a smile and a smirk.

  “Oh, good, it looks like you met each other,” Senna said, then faced Dahlia. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes.” Dahlia replied with her eyes full of humor.

  “Where are you going?” Martin asked.

  Dahlia’s eye bugged. Was he going to make them wait until the clock literally read five o’clock, or was he just curious? She couldn’t tell from the robotic tone of his voice.

  “Gina’s Shiny Diner,” Senna tossed her thumb in the direction of the diner. It shared the parking lot with the shopping strip that housed Reid’s Accounting Firm.

  Ms. Reid clicked her tongue in approval. “Delicious. Have fun.” She wished Martin had friends and enjoyed that part of life. She did her best to provide him with experiences and good memories, but he’d never clicked with people well enough to make friends. No one ever invited him anywhere for the sake of building a friendship. Maybe she’d offer to take him to dinner tonight. Do something special with him.

  Martin wanted to say something. “They have good cheesy fries.”

  “Oh, I love their fries,” Dahlia replied and moaned. Then she composed herself. She shouldn’t go around moaning in public, especially in front of such an odd man. She didn’t want to give him any ideas. Donning a more appropriate façade, she said, “It was nice meeting you both. Have a fabulous weekend.”

  Senna gave a little wave with her hand and led Dahlia out of the office. They walked in silence until they were half-way to Gina’s Shiny Diner.

  “OMG,” Dahlia broke the silence and laughed. “What is it like in there? That place is Crazy Town.”

  Senna snorted. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She rolled her eyes. She loved Avenel, but if she’d realized how weird working with Martin Reid would be, she wasn’t sure she’d make the same decision again.

  Then again, she did need a job.

  Pulling open the door to the diner, they were immediately seated and placed their order. As their waitress, Rowan, walked away with their menus, Dahlia crossed her arms on the table and leaned towards Senna. “For real, what is he like?” She’d heard about his awkwardness with people, but she never expected it to be as bad as it was.

  Senna bobbed her head back and forth. “He’s not mean, or angry, or anything like that. But as you can see, he’s got some issues. His mom thinks its social anxiety, but I think it’s way more than that. It’s not like he’s just nervous. He has zero ability to read people or a situation. He’s completely clueless when it comes to knowing what the appropriate thing to do is.”

  Dahlia guffawed. “You think?” she teased.

  “He’s nice, organized.” Senna tried to think positively. She was stuck with him and needed to make the most of it. “He’s efficient.”

  “Of course, you like that,” Dahlia nodded and motioned towards Senna. “Tell me, do stuffed animals litter the back area?” She could just imagine a closet full of animal carcasses somewhere in his house or a secret lair where he tied up women for his pleasure. This man had future FBI Most Wanted written all over him.

  “Stuffed animals? He’s not five,” Senna scoffed. Then she got Dahlia’s meaning and cocked her head in a ‘give me a break’ expression. “Do you mean taxidermied animals?”

  Dahlia tossed her hand out and said, “Obviously. How much road kill has passed through that place in your first week of work?”

  “He’s not Norman Bates.”

  “Are you sure?” Dahlia said, her eyes bugging. “He calls his mom, ‘Mother’.” She imitated Martin’s voice. “That’s creepy. Only psychos do that.”

  “I know.” She laughed. God, if she was looking in from the outside at the situation, she’d find it just as unsettling as Dahlia did. “Well, I don’t know. I doubt that’s true… about only psychos calling their moms Mother. He’s just more formal, more polite. Maybe it’s a generational thing,” she offered skeptically.

  Dahlia made an ‘I can’t believe you think that’ look. “Girl, you are in denial.”

  “Really, he’s a nice guy. His mom is a wonderful woman.” Senna looked around. She didn’t want anything she said to get back to either Martin or Ms. Reid. “His mom is normal. It’s got to be tough to see your child struggle through life.”

  In all honesty, if it wasn’t for Ms. Reid, Senna would have quit by now. “He’s just off.” She drew her lip between her teeth and considered her words, then stated, “It’s not his fault. You wouldn’t make fun of a Down’s Syndrome person.”
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  Dahlia’s shoulders slumped. “Okay, now you’re making me sound like a jerk. But come on, I was in there for three minutes tops, and he creeped me out. Do you think he was dropped as a baby?” she offered with a laugh.

  Senna refrained from answering Dahlia’s question as Rowan set the cheesy fries in the center of the table. They both smiled at the waitress.

  When Rowan walked away, Senna began, “No. I don’t know what’s wrong with him.” She rolled her eyes. “I shouldn’t say ‘wrong’ with him. He’s just different. Like wires just don’t connect quite right.” She lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “I just think of him as helpless to his situation. He doesn’t know how he’s coming off. If I view him as a sort of unfortunate soul, it helps me be less critical.”

  “Wow,” Dahlia shook her head slowly with her mouth hanging open. “You feel sorry for him.”

  “Yes, I do. He might be different, but he still has feelings.”

  Dahlia interrupted and twisted her face in disbelief, “Do automatons have feelings? Maybe he was assembled in his parent’s garage.”

  “I highly doubt that.” Senna couldn’t help but laugh since the situation was beyond weird. She could either laugh or cry. Laughing was more fun.

  Senna grabbed a fry. The warm cheese dripped onto the table as she brought it to her mouth. Chewing, she said out of the side of her mouth, “I mean, we could have been born like that.” She swallowed. “Whatever his deal is, I don’t know. I just know that I will treat him the way I would want to be treated.”

  She prayed that one day, if her secret was exposed, that she’d be given the forgiveness and compassion that she craved. Truly, the only person she needed forgiveness from was Josh, but she’d do everything possible to keep that truth from being exposed.

  Dahlia sat back in the booth, impressed. “Hm, how very mature of you.” She tapped her nail on the table and then continued, “I get it. I doubt you know about the troubles I had when I first took over the bakery, but sometimes people look at me like I’m crazy for keeping Jazmine on at the bakery.”