Barefoot Bay: Forever Yours (Kindle Worlds Novella)

by Jennifer Perkins

  “Please tell me you’ll at least think about this.” Todd walked over to Kinsley and took her hands in his. “I know I messed up our relationship. I don’t want to do go through that again.”

  “No. I really don’t know her.” Kinsley said again. “You need to leave. Now.”

  “I don’t want to beg, but I will if that will convince you to call her. Please, Kinsley, I need your help here. As a friend, I know I’d do the same for you.”

  There wasn’t a lot that Kinsley wouldn’t do for people. Being as shy and withdrawn as she was growing up, she’d had a hard time making friends when she was younger. And now, a stronger person, she didn’t want to disappoint anyone, but she couldn’t call Crystal. Todd had stepped over a line and she knew she couldn’t possibly help him.

  She looked into Todd’s eyes and they seemed to plead to her. Kinsley didn’t like seeing others in turmoil. Would one call hurt? She shook her head. “No. I just can’t do that.”

  “Please. I’m begging.” Todd kissed Kinsley on the top of her head, his lips lingered.

  “What the hell?”

  They both turned to see Logan standing in the room. His arms were crossed. His gaze darkened and a muscle twitched in his square jaw.

  “How’d you get in here?” Todd asked.

  “Funny, I was going to ask you the same.” Logan looked at Kinsley when he answered. “I was on my way over to discuss our business plan and saw Todd’s car parked outside. I knocked, but I guess you didn’t hear me. Now I know why.”

  “Wait, Logan.” Kinsley ran and grabbed his arm when he turned to leave. She knew what Logan was thinking and she silently cursed Todd for kissing her. “You have the wrong idea. Todd was only asking for help.”

  “You mean helping himself,” Logan countered.

  “No. That’s not true.” Kinsley wasn’t even sure why Logan seemed as upset as he was. They weren’t exactly dating, although she was attracted to him. She shook her head and wondered if her attraction to Logan was a rebound from her relationship with Todd.

  “I can see what’s going on here,” Logan said. “I’ll leave. Call me when you’re ready to go over the campaign.”

  “Logan, wait!” Kinsley demanded. “Nothing’s going on here. Todd pushed his way in and asked me to call his wife, and I told him I wouldn’t do it. That’s all.”

  “I hoped she’d speak with Crystal for me,” Todd told Logan. “I came asking for a favor. Nothing more. And I see she’s really busy, so, I’ll leave now.”

  “I think that’s best since I asked you to leave already.” Kinsley said.

  “You didn’t leave when she asked?” Logan fisted his hands and stepped toward Todd. “There better not be a next time.”

  They waited until Todd left and the front door was shut before Kinsley turned back to Logan. “Thank you for being here, but you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. What was that about?”

  “Sorry. I know you don’t owe me an explanation.” Logan paced. He took a deep breath and looked out the slider before addressing Kinsley again. “I was out of line. I don’t know what happened. I just can’t explain it, but I’m really attracted to you. Ever since we first met, I feel protective of you and I’ve never had that feeling for anyone before.”

  A surge of heat rushed through her body when Logan placed his hands on her shoulders. Kinsley stared into Logan’s deep brown eyes, his sensuous lips, his strong, clean-shaven jaw, his—

  “Are you okay?” Logan asked.

  “What? Yes.” No dammit, I want to kiss you.

  Kinsley regained her composure and stepped back. She had butterflies deep in her stomach when she was around Logan. Was this what love felt like?

  “I can’t believe he asked you to call Crystal.” Logan said. “I don’t know why he’d even think you’d want to help after what he put you through.”

  “I don’t know. I’m not even sure what I’d say. Although I feel like I need to call her, so maybe I can warn her that I think Todd’s only trying to be with her for the money. You’re right, it would sound weird coming from me, but I know just the person to mediate this for me.” Kinsley grinned and picked up her phone and dialed. “I’ll just be a moment.”

  “Do what you need to do,” Logan said. “I don’t mind.”

  “Answering machine,” she mouthed. “Hey, Megan. It’s Kinsley. Could give Crystal a call? She and Todd seem to be having trouble and I was hoping you could find out what’s really going on. Let me know? Thanks.”

  Kinsley turned back to Logan. Discussing and tweaking the advertising campaign became their topic over the next few hours and Kinsley was able to keep her mind off anything related to her happily-ever-after dream. Mixing pleasure with business was never a good strategy, and she sighed knowing if this worked, they’d never be able to move beyond being friends and partners. That was just as well, with her since she needed to focus on building her clientele and repairing her relationship with her family.

  “This is a great campaign,” Logan said. “I’d like to have you present this to my family. How about tonight after dinner? I can pick you up around six?”

  “Dinner?” Kinsley asked. “Six? Tonight?” She was comfortable going through the entire campaign with Logan, but presenting it to his family so late concerned her. She’d rather make a formal presentation in the early morning after she’d had a chance to go over everything a few times, and after she had a good night’s sleep.

  “That’s not a problem, is it?” Logan asked. His eyebrows raised. “My mom loves to cook, and I’m sure she’d appreciate having another person at our table. I also know they’d be relaxed after dinner to hear your presentation. Besides, I’d love you to meet them. I think once they get to know you, they’ll love you.”

  “Oh, uh, okay then. I guess six tonight is fine.”

  So much for not mixing business with pleasure.

  Chapter Nine

  “Wow, Megan. Yeah, I appreciate that. I’m okay. I’ll give you a call in the morning, thanks.”

  Looking out from his parents’ kitchen after dinner, Logan saw Kinsley put her cell away and then fist her hands before she walked out to their back porch. He followed her and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Is everything okay?”

  “That was Megan,” Kinsley said. “She told me that Crystal was flying back home to New Jersey to stay with her brother. Apparently, her family did some digging on Todd and found out that he’s a gambling addict and ran up a lot of debt. That’s why he originally wanted to get back together with me. He needed my money.”

  “Wow, I’m sorry.” Logan hugged Kinsley and rubbed her back. He was angry with Todd. Logan didn’t like how Todd continued to come back and manipulate Kinsley. He decided she needed someone better than that in her life. Someone like him.

  “Crystal told Megan she would help pay to treat his addiction as long as Todd signed a postnup,” Kinsley continued, her face buried in his chest. “Apparently, they heard that Crystal’s grandmother received a large insurance settlement that she was thinking of gifting to Crystal. He’s on his way now to see her, to try and salvage their relationship.”

  “And you think that’s why he had a sudden change of heart and wanted to reconcile with Crystal again instead of you?”

  Still in his arms, Kinsley nodded. Logan held her tighter, and the closeness made him realize how good she felt against him. Like she belonged in his arms. Desire stirred in him that he hadn’t expected, at the feel of her breasts against his chest. He’d never felt this way before.

  “I should have listened to my family. I should have waited those nine months so they could look into his background. I shouldn’t have jumped at—”

  “Well, well, isn’t this cozy?”

  Logan felt Kinsley stiffen at the sudden interruption and he released her. They hadn’t heard Ryan come outside.

  “Didn’t that make a nice picture,” Ryan said. He slipped his phone into his pocket. “So, I see you’re back to your old tricks, party boy.”

 
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Logan said. “You can make all the accusations you want, but unless you know the entire situation, you better back off.”

  “Hey, I just call it as I see it.” Ryan laughed.

  “Then you’re blind, because there’s nothing happening,” although Logan wouldn’t mind if something did happen with him and Kinsley. His heart tugged in an unfamiliar way and Kinsley’s eyes flashed at him when he rubbed her arm. He turned back to Ryan. “Kinsley’s here to make a presentation, so if you’re done playing games, you can join us in the den.”

  “I’d like nothing better. I’m just waiting for a call, so I might have to step out.” Ryan glanced at Kinsley and walked back toward the house, “It’s not like I’ll miss much.”

  Kinsley turned to him after Ryan went inside. “Dinner was fabulous and your sister was really nice to talk to.”

  “Yes,” Logan said. “I noticed you and Valerie were very chummy after dinner and you went off and spoke with her for a little bit.”

  “I did. But, this evening might have been a mistake.”

  “No. It wasn’t. This wasn’t. This isn’t.” Logan cupped her chin and brought her lips to his and gave her a gentle kiss that he knew she enjoyed because her stiff limbs suddenly relaxed. “I don’t believe in mistakes, I believe in opportunities. I know you can do this and I hope you can give me a chance to show you how much I care about you. Take your time, and I’ll meet you back inside when you’re ready.”

  Logan left Kinsley on the porch and went in search of Ryan. He found Ryan and their father in the den, in a heated dialogue that abruptly ended when he entered the room. “Don’t stop on my account,” Logan said.

  “Sit down, Logan,” his father ordered. His knuckles had turned white wrapped around Ryan’s phone.

  “I’d rather stand.” Logan turned to Ryan. “Especially if this is going to be the type of conversation filled with lies.”

  * * *

  Kinsley took a deep breath, exhaled, and fought to keep her composure. This was an important day not only for her, but for Logan, too, and she didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize their business relationship, or what might be happening between them. Was there something happening? Was she falling for Logan?

  Yes. She realized she was— Kinsley Stone was definitely falling in love.

  She wondered if Logan felt the same about her. The kisses and special times they’d shared made Kinsley think Logan had feelings for her too, but still, when finding all about his background after speaking with his sister, she was nervous. Could a person change in such a short time?

  Having spoken with her family before Logan picked her up for dinner, Kinsley agreed with her parents that she tended to rush into love. This time, she assured them, was different. She decided she’d focus on her career, and let the relationship take its time. She wanted to see where she and Logan stood after their business meeting. What if she failed to secure a business relationship with his family? Would he still want to be with her?

  Kinsley walked back into the kitchen, a house so different from the villa she had been staying at, but the decor was just as striking as the breathtaking views from many of her windows. As she walked toward the den, she noticed several family pictures displayed on tables throughout the house, showing the enjoyment the family had had living here over the years. Some pictures showed birthday parties and some showed Logan’s family at the beach. A few pictures displayed barbeques and picnics with people she didn’t recognize. Partially updated, the house appeared to be almost ready for the market so the Sweets could move on with their lives. But were they ready to move on with their business?

  Approaching the den, Kinsley heard raised voices, and an argument with her name intermixed into the conversation. “Who is that woman? Why is Kinsley really here? Are you and Kinsley at least having safe sex?”

  All conversations ceased, and Kinsley stilled in the doorway trying to wrap her head around the last question. Sex. She wasn’t sure why Logan was getting grilled so much about their relationship. She wanted to step in and defend him, but decided that any action on her part might make the situation worse.

  “Come in, Ms. Stone,” Mr. Sweet said. “Have a seat, and let’s talk about your proposal.”

  Kinsley cleared her throat and sat in the only remaining chair, which was across from the large desk Logan’s parents sat behind. She studied them briefly and felt like she was opposite a firing squad. Her gaze landed on Logan. He smiled and his relaxed demeanor immediately placed her at ease.

  “As you know,” she said while she dragged a chart out of her folder, “from the public information I could obtain on your company, here’s what the business’s stability looks like. You’ve done well over the years, but your business stopped growing.”

  “That’s not true,” Ryan spoke up. “If you look at our financials, we’ve grown a lot over the last two years.”

  “Yes, but that’s only due to the additional locations your family opened. The business itself has plateaued. You’re really not bringing in any additional new revenue. Sure, you have the birthday parties for the young children, but you’re not attracting a new demographic. You’re leaving out the older generation.”

  “Our adventure parks are meant to be for families with small children. It’s not a party place for teens,” Mr. Sweet said.

  She couldn’t help but notice how everyone, except Valerie, narrowed their eyes and looked at Logan when their father mentioned a party place. Logan didn’t waver. He sat with his eyes glued on her and Kinsley found strength in his belief that she could succeed.

  “Your numbers are steady, but in some areas, they’re starting to slip,” Kinsley refuted. And the facilities are in danger of losing money. What I’m proposing will require an influx of new capital.”

  “You see, Dad, families are smaller now. The kids our age are growing up and moving away or they aren’t having big families like the ones they grew up in,” Logan said.

  “So, you want us to waste money trying to keep up with a changing economy?” Ryan asked. “That sounds good for her commission but doesn’t hold water for us.”

  “She’s not making a commission. I’d like to have her brought on board as a partner,” Logan stated. He surprised everyone, including Kinsley. Logan walked over to where she sat and his heart beat faster. He decided it was a logical step since he knew he was head over heels in love with her.

  “What are you, nuts?” Ryan asked. “She’s only working on the advertising, why would you want her brought on as a partner?”

  “She’s doing a lot more for us than advertising. She’s thoroughly researched this and put together the entire proposal, like a business consultant.”

  “Now wait a minute,” his father said. “We don’t know her qualifications, or if any of the plans will work.”

  “I’m not sure I agree with this, Logan.” Their mother stood.

  “Just hear her out,” Logan put his hands up to try and calm everyone down.

  Ryan’s phone interrupted the discussion. Their father, who still had his hand wrapped around the cell phone, looked at the display and then to Ryan. “Jared Flynn? Can the call wait?”

  “Uh, well, sure. Sure,” Ryan repeated. “Yes. It can wait, I guess.”

  Kinsley observed that Ryan suddenly looked uneasy and shifted his feet. She glanced at Logan and noticed he also saw how nervous Ryan had become. Before anyone could say anything, Ryan quickly recovered and his dark gaze was once again directed at her. Jared Flynn? The name was familiar and Kinsley could swear she’d heard it before, but she couldn’t place it.

  “Well, dear?” their mother asked. “Are you going to fill us in on your plan, or are you going to keep us guessing?”

  “Yes, sorry.” Kinsley felt her face flush and she cleared her throat. Logan walked over to her and patted her shoulder for support. She smiled at him and then pulled out a prepared folder of information for each of them. “As you can see, I’ve detailed specific items t
hat can be considered for the existing business.”

  “Some of the food costs, in my opinion, needed to be adjusted.” Logan spoke up. “Kinsley increased the cost of the popular soft drinks and lowered the food items that aren’t big sellers. It’s more uniform with what some sports facilities are doing and the bottom line per item is slightly higher.”

  “You’re going to run us out of business,” Ryan said.

  “No, I don’t believe so,” Valerie spoke up. “I think it’s a brilliant move and I doubt people will really notice.”

  Kinsley smiled and she had a renewed sense of achievement, having Valerie on her side. “As you can see, I’ve researched the various states and believe you can expand most of the sites. With a little capital infusion, you could turn this into a family adventure for everyone who visits.”

  “Don’t we have Disney for that?” their father asked.

  “Your business doesn’t compete with Disney,” Kinsley answered.

  Logan held up his fingers while he counted off the reasons, backing Kinsley in the presentation. “First, our company doesn’t have the financial ability to expand in that manner. Second, each location would need to be tweaked due to the climate. In the Georgia Sweet Adventure Park, we would have more water activities and a climbing wall. In the Maine and New Hampshire facilities, we could take advantage of the snow and gear the business to incorporate the winter weather.”

  “Using the land around some of them, I’ve shown where you can advertise hiking trails, basketball, and picnic areas. Each location is a little different, offering a unique experience. These are merely suggestions and I expand on them in the folders I’ve supplied,” Kinsley said.

  “We’ll take a look,” their father said, flipping through the booklet. “I’m not sure if we want to spend the money.”

  “I understand the hesitancy,” Kinsley responded. “But there’s nothing for families as they get older. Eventually, I’m afraid people will lose interest and adding more of the same thing won’t bring them back. Sweet Adventures could become Sweet Family Adventures. Something for everyone.”