Hammered

by Cathryn Fox

  I laugh and pull my hand back. “This one has eyes in the back of her head,” I say to Haven when Summer points to the cupboard.

  “If you want something to do with your hands, grab the plates.”

  “Is Devon sleeping?” I ask as I lay out the plates. Just then, Devon cries out from his bedroom.

  “Well he was, and he still would be if you knew how to use your indoor voice.”

  “I’ll go get him.”

  I take off to the bedroom as Summer and Haven talk, probably about me, and prepare lunch. I head down the hall. I honestly love this cottage on the ocean. Hanging with Summer is one of my favorite things to do. She’s a huge part of our family, and she’s the sister I always wanted. Sean is one hell of a lucky guy.

  “Hey little man,” I say quietly, as I slowly open the door, not wanting to startle him.

  “Ty. Ty. Ty,” he says and jumps up and down and holds his arms out to me.

  “Who’s your favorite uncle?” I ask.

  “Ty. Ty. Ty.”

  “That’s right,” I say. “Uncle Ty is your favorite.” I pick him up, and drop a kiss onto his forehead. “Want to go meet my girlfriend?” I ask, trying that out on my tongue and liking the sound of it.

  “Mom. Mom. Mom,” he says, and I carry him down the hall. The second he sees Summer, he reaches for her and she takes him in her arms, struggling to carry him around her protruding stomach.

  “Hello there, handsome,” Summer says, and my gaze goes to Haven, who’s watching the exchange with a tender smile on her face.

  “Can I hold him?” she asks.

  “Yes, please,” Summer says and hands him over.

  Haven takes him, and sets him on her knee. He grabs her hair and tugs. “Easy there, little one,” she says and tugs her hair free. “Wow, he has the same eyes as you, Tyler. He actually looks like you.”

  “It wasn’t me,” I say and hold my hands up.

  Summer rolls her eyes. “He looks like his father. All the Owens boys have those green eyes. I’m jealous.”

  “Me too,” Haven says. “Do you know if you’re having a boy or girl?”

  “I sure as hell hope it’s a girl,” I say. Haven glances at me, and I add, “If it’s not, I’m the third oldest, so Gram is hell bent on seeing me married and giving her a great-granddaughter.”

  Summer sets our sandwiches in front of us and gathers up Devon. She sets him in his high-chair, and pours him a bowl of cereal. He digs right in, and Summer just smiles at him for a moment, the love and bond between mother and child filling my heart with happiness.

  “He has an appetite like his uncle,” she tells Haven.

  “He’s adorable.”

  “I just need to keep him away from Tyler’s influence. I don’t want him acting like a twelve year old when he’s a grown man.”

  Haven laughs, and Summer goes serious. “Honestly though, Tyler would be a great dad, even though he says he’d only screw the kids up. It’s not true. Devon loves him.”

  I probably would screw a kid up, and while I know that, over the last couple of months there’s been a shift in me, one I can’t explain. Do guys have maternal, or rather paternal, ticking time clocks?

  “I—” I begin, but Summer cuts me off.

  “I know, I know. I don’t need to hear you say you don’t want kids. I’ve heard it enough already.” She gives a hard eye roll.

  What I was going to say was that I might want kids someday, but it’s best to keep my mouth closed. I don’t want my pregnant sister-in-law going into shock and giving birth in her kitchen. Summer turns her attention to Haven.

  “Do you want children someday?” she asks, and a pained look comes over Haven’s face. “I’m sorry.” Summer gives a fast shake of her head and holds one hand up, palm out. “You don’t have to answer that. It’s a very personal question to some people, and honestly it’s none of my business.”

  “No, it’s okay. It’s just with my career, a family isn’t in the cards.” Warmth and longing dances in her eyes as she gazes at baby Devon. “I don’t want to bring a child in the world if I can’t give him or her the attention they deserve.”

  I take a big bite of my sandwich and take in the way Haven is tearing at the napkin. Summer obviously hit a nerve with her question. Yeah, there’s definitely more to this woman than meets the eye. But I’m not going to dig too deep. Her business is hers, and mine is mine. I’ve never been deeply involved with a woman before, and I’m not going to start with one who has a career on the road. I might be a lot of things, and been called a lot of things, but stupid isn’t one of them.

  Summer puts her hand on Haven’s and gives a little squeeze. “Totally understandable.” She smiles and changes the subject. “Okay, now I need to feed this little one,” she says and takes a bite of her sandwich as she rubs her stomach.

  We spend the next fifteen minutes chatting and eating and once we’re done, I help clear the table. “Do you want to come for a swim with us?” I ask Summer.

  “No, you two go. I need to give little man here a bath, and then we’re headed out with Gram to pick up some things.”

  “Haven is staying at the house for a bit,” I explain.

  “I heard that.” She laughs. “Leave it to Gram to invite the cast and crew to her place.”

  “I’m moving out for a bit,” I say, and Haven’s head snaps my way. “No way am I staying there with everyone coming and going all the time. I had no privacy before this, and I am not bunking with Carter.”

  “Really?” Summer asks. “Where are you going to go? I’d offer you a room here, but still, no privacy.”

  “I thought I’d go to the fishing cabin, stay a while.” Summer goes quiet for a second and I can tell her mind is racing.

  “You sure that’s a good idea?” she asks quietly, and I don’t miss the way Haven is watching the exchange, and likely picking up on the worry in Summer’s voice.

  “Tyler, if you want your bed back,” Haven interjects.

  “I want peace and quiet,” I explain. “That won’t happen whether I’m in my bed or not. Did you see the paparazzi outside the house this morning? I’m so over that shit.”

  Haven nods, understanding firsthand what it’s like to be hounded, to have stories made up about you. “Hard to get away from them.”

  “Yeah, well, I know a way.”

  She gives a half-hearted laugh like she doesn’t believe that’s possible. “I’d give just about anything to have a bit of privacy.”

  “Oh, yeah?” She nods, and I grin at her, and say, “I’m going to hold you to that.”

  8

  Haven

  “Okay, Haven, take five,” Mason says with a grumble, and I let loose a breath as he walks away. My God, what is wrong with me? If I don’t stop jumbling my lines, I’m going to be cut. I catch the way Shannon is watching me, concern all over her pretty face as Jonah, my romantic interest in the movie, steps closer.

  “You okay?” he asks.

  I glance around the set, and my gaze lands on Tyler, who’s been watching the scene while helping his brothers with the exterior strip mall. They’ve yet to use him for the fight scene, so until they do, he continues to work, helping his brothers with set design, and it’s insane how much of a distraction he is. Although I have to say I do like having him close, and he’s not my only distraction.

  “Yeah, just didn’t get much sleep last night,” I tell him. “Strange place, strange bed, and a busy racoon outside my bedroom window.” While all that is true, it’s not what really kept me up at night

  “I slept great,” he says and stretches his arms over his head. “I don’t care if my trailer ever arrives. Gram’s home cooking is the best I’ve ever had.”

  “Yeah, it sure beats donuts and croissants for breakfast. Everyone I’ve met here has been so open and welcoming.”

  “I hear Tyler is going to be helping me with the fight scene.” He lightly nudges my chin. “You know for when Zander and I have that fight outside the bar, both vying
for your love.” He snorts. “What a weird coincidence that the guy your brother stole the title from is going to be working with us. I bet your brother would have something to say about that.”

  “What he doesn’t know can’t hurt him,” I tell him and present him with a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. Rock would lose his shit big time, but honestly, I’m a big girl and I can sleep with whoever I want. The truth of the matter is, I adore Rock. My whole life he’s been my, well…rock. I’d never want to disappoint him or create any kind of conflict.

  Tyler picks up a piece of lumber and casts me a fast glance. Our gazes meet and linger a moment too long, letting anyone in close proximity know exactly what’s going on between us.

  “The Owens’ are a very talented bunch,” I say. “We’re lucky to have come across them.” I take a breath and let it out slowly. “It’s such a nice small town, don’t you think?” I turn back to Jonah, and his head dips, a half-smile playing on his mouth.

  “Since when did you like small towns?”

  Always, but why would he know that? He has no idea who I really am, and when it comes right down to it, neither do I. “I like this one,” I say and leave it at that.

  “Other than Gram’s cooking, this place is bust. Boring as fuck. What’s with Winchester’s anyway? There’s hardly any action there. I’ll be glad to be back in the city.”

  “Blue Bay is what you make of it, Jonah,” I say, and smooth my hand over my short dress when a breeze washes over us.

  His gaze slides to Tyler’s, and for a brief second the men lock eyes. “I know what you’re making of it,” he says teasingly, but there’s a measure of warning in his eyes. “Just tell me you know what you’re getting yourself into. I might have a reputation for being an asshole, but I don’t want to see my leading lady get hurt.” Lines crinkle around his eyes as he narrows his gaze in on me, a cautionary look around those baby blues. “Plus, you know, you can’t really afford any more drama, and I want this movie to be a success, Haven.”

  Don’t screw it up, I get it.

  “It’s not exactly as it looks,” I tell him, realizing his concern for me is more about his paycheck. Not a surprise, really. If I’ve learned anything it’s that people care only about their own best interests. Tyler, however, seems different. Then again, what do I really know about him?

  He waits a minute to see if I’m going to explain, and when I remain quiet, he adds, “Yeah, well, whatever it is, be careful. That guy has a reputation. Not a good one. He fights dirty, will do whatever it takes to get what he wants.”

  I nod. “I know, I heard the rumors.”

  “Maybe they’re not rumors.” He runs his hand through his hair. “Look, all I’m saying is it’s day one of the shoot, and you can’t even get your lines right. Maybe you don’t need that kind of distraction.”

  “You’re right,” I say. While Tyler is a distraction on the set, I’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep when he’s beside me and won’t feel the need to continually look over my shoulder.

  He puts his hand on my shoulder, and with his Hollywood handsome face, stares at me. “If there’s anything I can do, just let me know, okay? I need this film to be a success as much as you do.”

  I nod, hating how I fumbled the lines so much today. I need to do better. No, I need my very best. “I think I just need another cup of coffee.” No sooner do the words leave my mouth, but I spot Gram coming our way, a tray filled with coffee in each hand.

  I glance past her shoulder into the trees, where I spotted someone watching Jonah and I in the middle of our scene. No doubt it was a local, just fascinated by the process, and I need to stop worrying and get my head into the game. It’s not too late to recast and I can’t forget Tyler, my knight in shining armor, or rather my knight in low slung jeans and T-shirt that showcases his hard body, is right by my side. My ovaries vibrate as I watch him hammer a nail into the wood.

  “Thanks, Gram,” I say when she holds the tray out and I take a cup. Jonah grabs two and saunters off. Gram’s gaze moves over my face, like she’s assessing me.

  “Bad news,” she says and shakes her head, her eyes solemn.

  My entire body stiffens. “What’s going on?” I ask and look around the set, expecting to find my stalker coming my way.

  “I’m going to need Tyler’s room back, I’m afraid.”

  Disappointment sits heavy, but I push it down. He said he was headed to the fishing cabin anyway, so it’s not like he’d be sliding between the sheets with me every night. His conversation earlier today with Summer comes racing back. She seemed awfully concerned about him going there. I honestly have no idea what that was all about, and I’m not sure I ever will. I admit, I’m curious, but really, it’s none of my business and it’s probably best I don’t get too close to a guy whose stage name was Hammer. I used to wonder if the girls called him that for another reason—a sexual one. Last night I found the answer out in the most delightful way.

  “Something funny?” Gram asks.

  I wipe the smile from my face. “No, nothing, and it’s okay.” I shade the sun from my eyes and search for Olivia. I catch her walking toward Jared as he sits shirtless on the steps of the gazebo and opens his water bottle. My God, the Owens men are gorgeous, but Tyler is the one who I want to be with. Temporarily, that is. Until the shoot is finished. “I can probably just bunk with someone else.”

  Gram nods in approval. “Heard you met Summer.”

  I smile. “Word gets around fast in this place.”

  She grins. “No need for secrets. We’re all family here.”

  My heart lurches at that. I love how she takes everyone in and makes them a part of her already large clan. But really, I’m not a part of her family, even though I like the idea of it. I’m just passing through, a life on the road.

  “You’re right and yes, I met Summer. Tyler and I had lunch there today, and I also met Devon. He is so incredibly sweet. He has the Owens eyes.”

  “That means he’ll grow up to be a handful like the rest of them.” She purses her lips and shakes her head, but it’s clear she wouldn’t change a thing about any of her grandkids. “When Summer delivers her baby, she’ll be coming to stay with me, so I need to have that room ready for her. Sometimes babies come early, you know, and I wouldn’t want to have to put you out at the last minute.” Gram, the matriarch of this big family, beams, obviously loving her caregiver role and it’s easy to tell how much they all adore her. “I’m hoping for a great granddaughter this time. But no matter. If it’s a boy I’ll love him just as much.” She glances down, pinches her lips and goes quiet, like she’s deep in thought. Her head lifts, and there’s a hint of mischief there. “Do boys or girls run in your family?” she asks.

  I laugh, and I’m about to answer, tell her I’m not really sure, when Tyler comes up, a smirk on his face as he takes the last coffee in the tray and shakes his head. “Gram, don’t you have another tray of coffee to distribute?” he asks as he gestures to the full tray in her other hand.

  “Mind your manners, Tyler. Just having a conversation with my new friend Haven.”

  “What you’re doing is sizing her up to see if she’ll give you that great granddaughter. She’s only here for a short time, and you are not setting her up with one of your grandsons.”

  “Don’t tell me what I can and cannot do.” She holds out an arthritic hand. “Or I’ll gristle you.”

  Tyler laughs at that, but backs up just in case. “Haven already said she didn’t want kids, so stop wasting your time.”

  I frown. Did I say I didn’t want kids? No, I think it was more the case I said I wouldn’t bring one into the world if I couldn’t be there for it. I think it was Tyler who said he didn’t want kids and was just reminding me of that.

  Gram frowns at me. “You’re young yet. One of these days you’ll see things differently.” She looks at Tyler. “I’ll see you both for Sunday dinner tonight,” she says.

  “Not tonight, Gram. I’m going to get Haven
settled into the fishing cabin. She’ll have her privacy there.”

  “Wait, what?” I ask. I didn’t realize he wanted me there with him.

  Before Tyler can answer, Gram says, “I think that’s a good idea, Tyler.” She points a gnarled finger at him. “I’ll let you both out of Sunday dinner this time.”

  Tyler grins and takes a sip of his coffee. “Listen, I think Olivia has a thing for Jared. Why don’t you go see about her giving you a great granddaughter?”

  Her eyes light up. “Oh, and where might I find Olivia?”

  Haven points the way and lets loose a loud laugh when Gram scurries off. “Jared is going to kill you, you know.”

  His grin is full of mischief and promise when he looks at me. “I’m not afraid of him,” he says. “Sorry about that, though. She’s trying to marry us off one by one.”

  “It’s fine,” I wave a dismissive hand. “She’s a sweetie, Ty.” As soon as I say his name, he steps closer, and the air practically vibrates between us. “So about these new sleeping arrangements,” I say.

  He laughs. “When I told Gram I was moving to the cabin, she then proceeded to tell me she needed my room, or rather your room, for Summer. I wanted you at the cabin with me anyway, but she didn’t know that, which means, she was trying to get us together, in the same room, and the same bed. She’s clearly matchmaking, again.”

  “I could bunk with Olivia,” I tell him as my body tingles all over, simply from being in his presence. “I don’t want her to get the wrong idea here. I’m not about to stay in Blue Bay, and give her the great granddaughter she’s after.”

  “No, you’re not. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun while you’re here.”

  “I’m not opposed.”

  He goes serious for a moment. “I want you with me at the fishing cabin. It’s private, away from the reporters. No one will ever be able to find the place, especially if they’re from out of town. It’s on a back road off the beaten path that’s not marked and grown over. I can guarantee we’ll have the place to ourselves, and I can’t be your bodyguard if I’m not by your side twenty-four-seven, right?”