Reclaiming Her Heart (Serenity Bay Series Book 1)

by Callie Timmins

  “Hi, Elijah!” She grinned as he approached.

  “Hey, Eloise. What have you got there?” He crouched down beside her, resting one hand on the arm of the chair.

  Eloise waved a small teddy bear at him. “I won this last time at the markets.”

  Elijah eyed the brown and cream plush toy with a blue polka-dot bow tie. “He’s a cute bear. Does he have a name?”

  “Wilbur. But I’m hoping to trade him for something bigger.”

  He couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. “You’ve got a business head on you, haven’t you?”

  “She always has. She’s always been the one to run a lemonade stand on the sidewalk, or get tips for carrying my guests’ luggage.” Jasmine appeared on the other side of the chair and ran a hand over Eloise’s hair. Elijah’s gaze travelled up her slim legs, accentuated by her figure-hugging jeans, over the transparent white blouse with a white camisole underneath, to the silver hoops in her ears and landed on her kissable lips subtly coated in a clear gloss. Swallowing hard, he met her gaze. Beautiful did not even begin to describe the woman standing within an arm’s reach from him.

  “Entrepreneurial,” he managed to sputter. “Just like her Mama.” He held Jasmine’s gaze and smiled softly as a light rose flushed her cheeks.

  “I don’t know about that.” Jasmine adjusted her purse straps over her shoulder and gestured towards the door.

  Elijah pushed to his feet and stepped aside, holding the door open for Eloise and Jasmine to walk through.

  “What did you do before this?”

  Several cars drove by as they walked along the sidewalk towards the town center. With Wilbur tucked under her arm, Eloise skipped ahead, humming a tune Elijah couldn’t quite put his finger on.

  “Not much.” Jasmine folded her arms across her chest as they walked. “I graduated high school and then married Eloise’s father. He was in the military, so I was the army wife while he was deployed. That pretty much sums up my life.”

  “That’s quite impressive.” Elijah scanned the road for cars before cupping her elbow as they crossed to the other side.

  She turned her face towards him. “What? Being a housewife?”

  “No. Going from no experience, to starting a business from scratch. I’ve seen business owners with years of experience in way over their heads. You seem to be managing okay.”

  A tinkle of laughter floated up to Elijah’s ears. A delicate sound. And one he could quite easily get used to. “Don’t think that it’s easy all the time.”

  “Easy doesn’t always mean successful,” Elijah replied as they caught up with a gathering of people converging on the esplanade. Colorful tents dotted the grassy lawn beside the boardwalk. Lively music played from a band on a makeshift stage down on the beach. The smell of cotton candy and popcorn filled the air as they meandered through the small crowd. “My father used to tell me if it’s easy, then it probably isn’t worth it.”

  “If only I had applied that philosophy to my whole life.”

  “You seem to have done all right on your own.” Raising a polite, kind-hearted daughter as a solo parent, and building a business from scratch was worthy of praise in his books.

  They paused at the front of a stall where Eloise was busy looking through displays of shells and pieces of coral.

  “Well, Eloise makes a lot of things worth it.” Her voice was soft, and he didn’t miss the pride and protection evident in her voice. “Do you have children?”

  “Me?” Elijah glanced at Jasmine and then towards Eloise, letting out a sigh. “No, I don’t.” He’d never wanted them before. They would interfere with his busy lifestyle and limit his ability to attend functions and live the high-flying lifestyle he was accustomed to. But there was that feeling again. A deep yearning for something just beyond his reach.

  “A family, then? I’ve been starting to wonder if there’s someone back home starting to miss you.”

  “Aside from my brother, no. Work is pretty much my life.” Elijah shook his head, suddenly aware of how empty his life was. Meaningless. Pitiful. Sad.

  “What do you do for fun when you’re not working?” A frown pinched Jasmine’s brow.

  “Fun?” It was a foreign concept. Wining and dining at expensive restaurants, schmoozing with prospective clients, attending black-tie balls – it all sounded so pathetic and shallow when he gave voice to those pursuits. It was never fun, as such. He did it because he had to. Because it was expected in his position as joint CEO. “I’m never not working,” he murmured before following Eloise to the next stall.

  “Where did you win the bear?” he asked Eloise as they continued ambling through the markets - past displays of jewellery, an artist drawing a cartoon portrait and a display of homemade soaps and lotions.

  “Over there.” She pointed to a game with ducks floating in a trough of water. A Ferris wheel and a few stalls with carnival games were set up at the end of the boardwalk.

  “Let’s see if we can upgrade Wilbur.” He strode towards the game where a bearded man in a red and black flannel shirt was heckling for players.

  “Oh, you don’t have to do that.” Jasmine jogged after him. “Eloise has some pocket money and …”

  “It’s all good.” Elijah placed a hand on Jasmine’s arm and turned to greet the man at the kiosk, handing over a couple of dollars for a game. As the owner explained the rules, Elijah glanced around, taking in the carnival atmosphere. Young couples, families and groups of teenagers walked by. Joyful laughter melded with music and the waves lapping on the beach.

  Folding his arms, Elijah eyed Eloise as she tapped a finger against her chin, thinking about which ducks to choose. She pointed to a duck and clenched her hands together in anticipation of the which number would be revealed.

  “One!” The man exclaimed, taking the duck out of the water and glimpsing at the number underneath.

  Elijah smirked as Eloise sucked in her bottom lip. He’d seen Jasmine do the same thing when he’d observed her deep in thought.

  “Three!”

  “Ooh! Elijah!” Eloise turned to him. Her wide blue eyes glistening with excitement. “Which one should I pick next?”

  Placing his hands on his knees, he stooped to her level and eyed the ducks bobbing on the water. “It’s totally up to you.”

  After a few moments, Eloise pointed to one more duck. She reached out and grabbed Elijah’s hand. He tensed briefly and his gaze shot to Jasmine. She had an unreadable expression on her face. Was it okay that her daughter’s hand was in his own? He didn’t want her to get any strange ideas about him. Blinking a few times, Jasmine nodded and gave a small smile.

  “Three!” The game owner’s booming voice cut through Elijah’s thoughts.

  Before he could offer his congratulation, a mop of curly hair slammed against his face as Eloise launched herself into his arms.

  “Elijah! Elijah! I won! I won!”

  Bursting with pride, his laugh rumbled up his chest as he twirled Eloise around before setting her down. “Congratulations! You picked well!” he grinned.

  Eloise chose a stuffed bear half her size and skipped ahead of Jasmine and Elijah, clutching the giant animal in her arms.

  “Here, let her keep her bear.” The kiosk owner ran after them and handed Wilbur back to Jasmine. “I don’t want to take it from her.”

  “Thank you.” Tucking the soft toy under her arm, Jasmine smiled as they continued walking.

  Fairy lights wound through tree branches and twinkled against the night sky. Couples sat on the sand, sharing hot dogs or buckets of popcorn. A warm breeze carried a mixture of smells - salt, incense and fried food.

  Side by side, the pair walked in silence while Eloise flitted from stall to stall. Elijah couldn’t help but smile. The atmosphere was energizing, and his heart was filled with happiness at the simplicity of it all.

  Chapter 9

  With no other goal than to wander through the stalls and be amongst the people who had welcomed her home, Jasmine
loved the atmosphere of the monthly markets. She was glad Elijah agreed to come along. Rubbing her arms against the breeze blowing off the ocean, she eyed Eloise carrying her prized bear. To outsiders, they probably looked like a typical family enjoying an evening out. Mom, Dad and daughter. A smile touched her lips at how familiar and comfortable she felt with Elijah beside her.

  “Would you like a ride?” They stopped at the gated entrance to the Ferris wheel at the end of the boardwalk. Stretching her neck, Jasmine eyed the tall structure. The carriages swayed gently with each rotation of the wheel. Couples and families filled the carriages, enjoying the slow, smooth ride giving them a birds’ eye view of Serenity Bay. In all the years she’d lived in the town, she could only recall the few times she’d been on the Ferris wheel, and only at Eloise’s insistence.

  “We don’t have to.”

  “Mommy, please?” Eloise tugged on her hand.

  Elijah’s mouth curved into a soft smile as he watched her expectantly. “I’d like you to,” he murmured, his breath caressing her cheek sending a trail of goosebumps down her spine.

  “Why not.” Jasmine swallowed and followed Eloise into the next available carriage. Elijah rested a hand on the small of her back as she stepped inside and sat down on the bench. Eloise placed the oversized teddy bear on the seat beside her and scooted to the end of the bench, peering out the bars of the carriage into the night.

  Jasmine clutched her purse on her lap, suddenly aware of how little room there was with Elijah sitting beside her. His arm brushed hers, and a spark of electricity danced over her skin to the tips of her fingers. She froze, lifting her gaze to meet his. In that moment, the noise of the markets faded away and it was just the two of them, high above the world. Alone in their carriage as unspoken words swirled around them. Her chest heaved as she tried to quell her racing heart. What was happening? Elijah shifted on the bench, turning his shoulders towards her, his gaze shifting from her eyes, to her mouth and back again.

  “Mommy! Look!” Jasmine lowered her gaze and chuckled, coming back to her reality with a thud. What was she thinking? She had a daughter who needed her and a business to run. She couldn’t get involved with a guest. Especially one who planned on leaving the town in a trail of destruction.

  “What is it, sweetie?” She shifted away from Elijah and glanced out the carriage to where Eloise was pointing. “Out there. Dolphins.”

  She squinted across the ocean where slivers of moonlight carved across the water. Her eyes blurred momentarily as she tried to focus on where Eloise was pointing. Sure enough, a few moments later, a pod of dolphins surfaced from the water.

  “Wow,” she breathed, delighting in the sheer beauty and elegance of the creatures as they arced high before disappearing beneath the surface of the water. As she clasped Eloise’s hand, she felt a hand encompass her other one. Warmth infused her. It felt so right. So perfect. The three of them in their own world witnessing such a magical moment.

  Tears sprang in her eyes. She longed for the security of a family for Eloise. She longed for the comfort of a lover’s embrace. But it couldn’t happen. And it wouldn’t happen. There was no way she would allow herself to be manipulated or hurt by another man again.

  Chapter 10

  Elijah extended his stay at Vista on the Bay, paying for another two weeks in advance. When Jasmine had inquired if he would be missed at his office in LA, he informed her it was all taken care of, and his brother was happy for him to stay.

  Wouldn’t that be nice? She mused as she finalized the bookings for the following week. To have enough money to go on a business trip and extend it whenever you wanted? To be able to work whenever and wherever you want?Slumping back in the chair, she sighed. She loved her job and she loved Serenity Bay. She wouldn’t trade either for all the money or vacation time in the world.

  “I was thinking …”

  Jasmine startled at the sound of Elijah’s deep voice. He stood at the end of the reception desk leaning against the counter. His eyes held a spark of something she hadn’t noticed before. She turned the chair to face him and quirked an eyebrow.

  “I noticed there’s a restaurant attached to the lighthouse at the end of the bay.”

  “Yes. The lighthouse has been in the same family for three generations. They actually receive grants from the county to help offset the upkeep because they are one of the main tourist attractions in town. The restaurant was a new addition in recent years.”

  “I think I’d like to try it. But I don’t want to sit in the restaurant alone.” Elijah moved to stand in front of her, running his fingers along the countertop. “It’ll be awkward.”

  “Okay, then. I can call … ” She opened the business directory on the computer and reached for the phone. Who would she ask? Tara? She couldn’t imagine Elijah dining with Eloise’s surrogate grandmother, although she knew the older woman would thoroughly enjoy herself and keep Elijah entertained with her tales of the town.

  “Jasmine.” Their gazes locked and her face warmed under the almost tangible depths of desire in his eyes.

  “Do you think you’ll be able to get away? For a late dinner?”

  “Me?” she squeaked, glancing down at her work attire. The smears of dust on her dark pants. A dusting of flour on the bottom of her shirt from baking earlier that afternoon. “Later, though, right?”

  Elijah chuckled. “Yes, of course. I know you’re still working. I’ll pick you up after close, if that’s okay?”

  “That will work if I can organize someone to mind Eloise.”

  Elijah tapped his fingers on the desk. “Great! It’s settled. I’ll see you later.”

  “It’s settled,” she murmured, watching as he disappeared along the corridor. Unable to control the grin on her face, she pressed a hand to her chest to calm the surge of excitement at spending the night with Elijah.

  “You look happy.” The bell above the front door tinkled as Jackson stepped inside.

  Running a hand over her shirt, Jasmine shrugged. “Can’t a girl be happy while she works?”

  Narrowing his eyes, Jackson snatched a cookie from the plate on the side table. “This doesn’t have anything to do with that vagabond you’ve got staying here, does it?” Due to his varying shift times at the fire department, Jackson and Elijah were yet to interact with more than a passing greeting.

  “If, by vagabond, you mean a good looking man who has strong values, makes me laugh and is amazing with Eloise? Then, maybe.”

  Pulling a chair out from the desk, Jackson sat down and leaned towards Jasmine, resting his arms on his knees.

  “So there is something going on between you two. The whole town’s talking, Jaz. I thought they were only rumors. But if you say so, then I guess I was wrong.” He ran a hand through his hair and leaned back, stretching his legs in front of him. “What are you doing?”

  Rubbing her eyes, Jasmine pressed her lips together to avoid mouthing off at her brother. Why couldn’t he just let her live her life? She knew he was watching out for her, but she was old enough to make her own decisions and live with the consequences of her actions.

  “Nothing is going on,” she said between clenched teeth. She wasn’t about to admit that she was on the verge of something wonderful. The fleeting moment she’d shared with Elijah in the Ferris wheel was tucked away in her memory, and had comforted her through many hours of darkness when sleep evaded her. As too were the conversations they shared on the front porch at the end of her working day. The way he interacted with Eloise. The way her body tingled whenever he was near. She didn’t know exactly what was going on, but there was definitely a slow ember burning between them and she wasn’t about to share her feelings with her overprotective brother. “We’re going to dinner tonight when I’ve finished work, that’s all.”

  “What?” Jackson’s face grew dark. “You can’t do that.”

  “Why not? You’re not the boss of me.” Clenching her fingers together, Jasmine flung her words back at him.

  “Ja
smine, you’re always so blind.”

  “Why are you always so negative?” she retorted.

  “Because you told me to get lost when you married that military douchebag. He almost killed you, Jasmine.” A pained look flashed across Jackson’s face. She’d never seen him so riled up about her past. “Forgive me if I want to stop you from making another dumb mistake. This man isn’t interested in you. He’s just here for the money and a fun time.”

  A ball of emotion lodged in her throat. She lowered her gaze and focused on a knot in the timber flooring. “I don’t believe that’s true. Not now. He’s changed since he first arrived here.”

  “So, he’s here to wine, dine and rec …”

  “Don’t even go there.” Jasmine glared at her brother. If he were a punching bag, she would be pummelling him hard right about now. Good grief, he got under her skin!

  “What about Eloise? How could you let a complete stranger into her life? You don’t even know this guy from Adam.”

  Jasmine lowered her voice and dug her nails into her palms. “Eloise is my whole world. I wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise her safety or our family. I’m just having dinner with Elijah. How could you think I’m so blind?”

  Jackson’s jaw twitched. His eyes danced with a mix of fury and concern. “Because I know you,” he replied fiercely. “I know you love with your whole heart and don’t look back.”

  “I love Eloise with my whole heart.”

  “Remember that.” The chair crashed into the wall behind them as Jackson stood and strode across the foyer. He stuffed the last of the cookie into his mouth and pushed through the front door. The bell tinkled a harsh tune as the door slammed behind him.

  Jasmine closed her eyes, willing her heart to slow and her anger to subside. Why couldn’t Jackson just keep his nose out of her life?