by Reese Ryan
“Good morning, Chief Jones.” Dexter shook the older man’s hand.
“Morning, Dexter.” Oliver sat on the rattan sofa and gestured for him to take a seat in one of the Adirondack chairs across from him.
The man studied him for a moment, his mouth pulled into a tight line. “So you two are off on a business trip, eh?”
“Yes, sir.”
Oliver stared at him without speaking. As if he expected Dexter to say something more. When he didn’t, Oliver held up his mug. “Coffee?”
“No, sir. Dakota and I already had…” Shit. Dexter wished he could take the words back the moment they left his mouth. He cleared his throat. “I was making breakfast when she knocked on my door this morning, after she left Sin’s place,” Dexter clarified. “So we’ve both already had coffee and breakfast.”
Dex and Dakota were in their midthirties. Well beyond the age where Oliver Jones had any say in whether the two of them were together. Yet sitting here with Oliver a couple of floors below where he’d first made love to the man’s daughter struck him with a sudden sense of guilt. Like he was that teenage boy sneaking out of his girlfriend’s house all over again.
Did Oliver know what had happened between them back then?
“Dakota has some great ideas about how we can create events that will be beneficial for the resort and for the town,” Dexter said. “So when the opportunity arose to see a similar event in action, we didn’t want to waste any time.”
“Hmm…” Oliver scratched the gray hairs on his chin. “Well, I’m certainly glad Dakota seems to be enjoying the job.”
“She’s a real asset to our team,” Dex assured the man, trying to ignore the bead of sweat trickling down his back beneath Oliver’s intense stare. He’d almost forgotten that Dakota had inherited her “death stare” from her father, the town’s former chief of police. “So, how is the rental business going, Chief Jones?”
“Got no complaints.” Oliver set his mug down on a small, round table beside the sofa. “And unlike Dalton and some of the others, I don’t oppose the resort. I’m farsighted enough to see the potential it offers to the island.” He looked over his shoulder toward the front door, then leaned forward and lowered his voice. “But before Kota comes down, there’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”
Dex sat taller in his seat, shoulders tense. “Yes, sir?”
“It’s no secret I didn’t much like you back when you were dating my daughter. Nothing personal, mind you,” he added. “It’s hard for a man to watch his daughter go from being daddy’s little girl to dating some teenage boy. Especially since we were once teenage boys ourselves.” He shrugged. “I don’t think there’s a boy alive I would’ve believed worthy of my daughter back then. But that was a long time ago. I’ve gotten a chance to see the kind of person you’ve become. How you treat your parents and your siblings. The folks in this town. You’re a good man, Dexter. I believe that.”
“Thank you, Chief Jones.” The unexpected compliment took him by surprise. “That means a lot to me coming from a man I admire as much as you.”
Dexter wasn’t blowing smoke. He meant every word. He’d always admired Oliver Jones. He was a no-nonsense but fair man. The model of the husband and father Dexter one day aspired to be. Still, Dexter had the sense that this was only the first part of a sandwich. He expected the filling to be a healthy dose of Limburger cheese.
“I don’t know what your intentions are with this job or this project you two are working on, but you broke my daughter’s heart once. And something tells me that, as strong as she is, she isn’t in a place in her life right now where she can afford to take another hit like that.”
Dexter had run into Chief Jones countless times in the years since things had ended between him and Dakota. They’d never once talked about his relationship with his daughter. The man’s anger and resentment toward him had been obvious in the years immediately following the breakup. Over the years, the boiling-hot rage in the man’s eyes had eventually faded to a tepid, lukewarm reception. But then, a few months before his wife died, his attitude toward Dex had gone from meh to cordial.
Dexter hadn’t understood the reason for the change, but he’d been grateful that they’d been able to move past the man’s anger without having the uncomfortable discussion they were having now.
“I understand, sir. Believe me, I do,” he offered.
“Do you, Dexter?” the man asked, though the question was clearly rhetorical. “I think I know you well enough to believe you would never intentionally hurt my daughter. But my Dakota has always had such a big heart, and she wears it on her sleeve. She’s in deep before she even realizes that the tide is rising. So whatever this is, son…all I ask is that you be honest with her about it this time.”
This time?
Did that mean he knew the truth about why he’d walked away from Dakota?
“Sir, I—”
“I think I might’ve set a record.” Dakota appeared in the screened doorway out of breath. She stepped outside, toting her luggage behind her. The scent of coconut and vanilla wafted off of her, and she’d pulled her hair up into a neat topknot. She wore another sleeveless dress that hugged her curves and skimmed her toned thighs. This one was navy blue. A powder-blue sweater was draped over her arm. “I promised you I wouldn’t be long.”
“You did.” Dexter stood, reaching for her bag, which she gladly surrendered.
“Okay, Dad. I’ll see you in a few days. Behave yourself while I’m gone. I’ll know if you’ve raided my snack stash.” She gave her father a big hug, then kissed his cheek again.
Oliver peered at him over Dakota’s shoulder as he hugged his daughter. A silent Don’t forget what I said.
He wouldn’t. How could he? It was all he’d be thinking during their plane ride.
* * *
There was definitely something bothering Dexter. They’d had very little conversation since they’d left her house earlier that morning. And once they’d hit cruising altitude an hour ago, Dex had put on his headphones and had been silently reading and replying to email on his laptop.
Not that she couldn’t find a way to amuse herself during their flight. But for a man who’d proclaimed that he hoped this trip would mend their friendship, Dex seemed especially withdrawn.
Dakota shook off the thought. This was business travel, not some misguided trip down memory lane.
No good could come from that.
Look what had happened after she’d run across the stupid photo album. It was on such a high shelf that she’d almost missed it. She’d had to climb the rolling ladder to reach the book.
And as she thumbed through the album, every photo had transported her back to the moment in time when it had been taken. To memories she’d buried deep and hadn’t contemplated in years. They were so young back then, and so very much in love.
It felt like a lifetime ago. And yet all of those emotions had started brimming to the surface. Compelling her to do something incredibly stupid. She’d kissed him, making an already difficult situation even more awkward.
Without turning her head, Dakota glanced over at Dex. He was still wearing his headset and seemingly oblivious to her thoughts about him.
Dex had made it abundantly clear that he wasn’t looking for anything but friendship from her. She’d been the one who’d crossed the line. She should be grateful that Dexter had had the presence of mind to put a halt to it.
What if things had gone much further?
Talk about awkward.
Unable to take the weird silence between them, she’d slipped on her own noise-canceling headset. She was listening to one of the many books on her phone—a steamy romance. She’d only been half listening, thoughts of Dexter and the kiss rolling in her brain. But the couple was suddenly embroiled in a particularly hot love scene that had her complete attention, leaving her hot and bothered.
Her cheeks and forehead warmed, and she was suddenly paranoid that Dexter would overhear the sexy passag
e. The scene sent flashes of her and Dexter’s embrace rushing through her brain. Only in her head, they hadn’t stopped at that passionate kiss.
Dakota hit pause and dropped her headset in her lap, as if it had set fire to her ears.
Note to self: Maybe don’t listen to an erotic romance while seated next to your hot-as-habaneros ex on a business trip.
“Sorry I haven’t been much company.” Dexter’s voice startled her. He tilted his head and narrowed his gaze at her when she nearly jumped out of her skin. “Got a lot on my mind.”
“You must have a lot riding on this project.”
“More than you know,” he said quietly, turning to look out the window.
He’d never indicated as much, but she could only imagine how big a deal this promotion must be for him. Especially since he’d lost his bid for it twice before.
She didn’t doubt that Dex had worked hard for his job, as she had for hers. But the promotion gods giveth and taketh away. She’d learned that lesson the ass-to-the-concrete way. She could guess how much stress Dexter must be feeling to prove he was worthy of the shot he’d been given. Dakota knew from experience that when a person of color was given such an opportunity, they were often also permitted only the thinnest margin of error. Expected to fail so that the higher-ups could pat themselves on the back and offer their “failure” up as proof that they’d tried to make their management team more diverse.
We have to do twice as much to get half as far, Dakota. Never, ever forget that.
Words both her mother and father had repeated to her throughout much of her life. She hadn’t wanted to believe them, but on more than one occasion, she’d found them to be true.
“Your idea for a music festival could really put our little town on the map. And the resort would be at the center of it all. If we do this right, there’s the potential for exponential growth.”
“Too bad some of the town council is still so reluctant to expand the public beach and go after a younger crowd.”
Dex grunted. “Mayor Newbury sees the potential. But he’s scared of his own shadow, afraid to stand up to the folks who are still living the old glory days, determined to keep Holly Grove Island a closed-off community.”
“Getting the resort built was quite an accomplishment. And we made headway at the meeting,” she reminded him.
“We did. Thanks to you.” He nudged her with his elbow and flashed an appreciative smile, flooding her chest with a surge of unexpected warmth. “I realize that the folks who oppose the resort aren’t deliberately trying to be a pain in my ass. They love our town, but so do I. I just wish they’d stop living in the past.”
“Then we need to show them how good the future can be if they’re willing to bend a little,” Dakota said.
“That’s exactly why I need your help on this, Dakota. Dalton is as pigheaded as a sow. I’ve lost my temper with him a time or two at town planning meetings.”
“He has a way of getting under people’s skin.” Dakota laughed. “But I’d think a smooth-talking charmer like you would know better than to let him get you riled up.”
“Nick’s the charmer, not me. I’m more to the point. Maybe a little too direct sometimes.”
“But if you want cooperation from Dalton and the others, you’re going to have to use more finesse. Maybe Nick would be willing to give you a few pointers. He’s the master of schmooze.”
“Is that what we’re calling bullshitters these days?” Dex chuckled.
Was Dex jealous of Nick?
“I don’t think that’s quite fair. Yes, Nick could sell ice at a stand in the middle of the frozen tundra. But he would do it without being dishonest. I overheard some of his conversation with those girls at the club last week.” Heat filled her cheeks at the memory of some of the direct language she’d heard that night. “He might’ve turned up the I’m-with-the-band charm, but still…he was pretty straightforward about what he wanted. And so were they.”
She fanned her collar, heat rising in her neck.
“I can imagine.” He pinned her with his gaze. The smirk he was trying his best to restrain indicated that he had a good idea of how those conversations had gone. “And I didn’t mean to imply…I’m not knocking Nick. His way of doing things undeniably works for him. Why do you think I recommended him to head up sales and marketing?”
Good point.
“I’m just saying that I’m not Nick. I don’t have his gift of charm.”
“True.”
“Thanks,” he said incredulously, one brow raised.
Dakota laughed. “That wasn’t an insult, Dex. I just meant that you’re caring and genuine. People pick up on your sincerity and your concern for others.”
“It means a lot to me that you see me that way.” His soft gaze was filled with gratitude, and a heavy silence lingered between them before he finally spoke again. “Anyway, I shouldn’t have to charm Dalton and the others into accepting something that has the potential to double or even triple the town’s revenues.”
“Like you said, some of the older islanders don’t want to let go of the past. It’s one of the reasons I was so eager to get out of town as a teenager,” she added. “We need to approach the situation delicately and spell out the benefits clearly. Put together case studies and gather plenty of data.”
“I like that idea. If anyone can persuade those stubborn troublemakers, I’m betting it’s you.” He winked at her before putting his headset back on and tapping away on his laptop.
Dakota put her headset back in place, too. But she couldn’t help the smile that started deep in her chest and tightened her cheeks. Nor could she shake the niggling feeling that the joy she now felt stemmed purely from being with Dex.
Chapter Twenty
After they checked into their hotel and received their room keys, Dexter offered to walk Dakota to her room.
“I lived alone in one of the largest cities in North America.” Her eyes glinted with amusement. “I can take care of myself, you know.”
“I don’t doubt that. But your dad would have my head if anything happened to you.” Dexter headed toward the elevator, punching the number for her floor. “So consider it self-preservation.”
“Far be it from me to discourage you from being a gentleman,” she said with a smirk.
He walked Dakota to her room, checking it to ensure no one else was there. His gaze lingered on the plush king-size bed. The memory of their first time together commandeered his thoughts. He blinked back the memories, sounds, and sensations that had been cycling through his brain since they’d kissed at his place that morning.
But standing a few inches from the bed she’d be sleeping in filled his mind with images of the two of them together. Not sweet memories of the past. A blazing-hot desire for the present: to make Dakota his again and worship every inch of her soft, beautiful, brown skin.
No matter how much he told himself he was content to be friends, the truth—that he ached to be with her—lurked inside his head and gripped his chest.
Don’t start what you can’t finish, son.
How many times had his father told him that?
He was Dakota’s boss, and she was leaving soon anyway.
Neither of them needed more pain or aggravation. And that was all that could possibly come of them taking things beyond that kiss.
“We’ve got a long night, and I’m exhausted. I’m going to have something delivered to my room and catch a nap before we head out tonight. Order whatever you’d like and charge it to the room.” Dexter moved toward the door, where he’d left his own luggage.
“I will, thanks.” She leaned against the open door, offering a small smile. There was a hint of disappointment in her voice. “Will we grab dinner together before the festival?”
She was beautiful, and he couldn’t possibly say no to those pleading brown eyes.
“Sounds great.” He smiled. “Meet you in the lobby at six.”
Dex hurried down the hall and stepped into the elevator.
Glad to be alone, he pressed his back against the glass wall and released an anxious breath.
He’d escaped Dakota’s room as quickly as he could, not trusting himself to do what was in the best interests of both of them. He’d had the presence of mind to put a halt to things between them that morning. He doubted he’d have the strength to pull it off a second time.
The elevator dinged and the doors flew open. A young family entered. He greeted them, answering the myriad questions asked by the older of the two children.
Dexter exited on the next floor and went to his room. He set up his laptop and sat behind the desk to respond to a few more emails before he ordered lunch. But he couldn’t dismiss the contented look of that couple as they held hands in the elevator, surrounded by their two small children. Or how beautiful the woman looked with her glowing smile and burgeoning belly. The couple appeared to be in their midthirties, too. Perhaps even younger.
If he and Dakota had stayed together, would that be them now? Three kids in and still very much in love?
Dexter kneaded the tension at the back of his neck and sighed. He’d blown it. No amount of wishing or regret would erase that. And life seldom afforded one do-overs.
What if he told Dakota the whole truth about their breakup? Would she be more likely to give him another shot? Dex groaned, dragging a hand over his head.
Doubtful.
More importantly, telling her would only hurt her. And Dakota didn’t deserve that.
When she’d arrived in town, he’d had hopes of a second chance with her. It was still what he wanted. But with his promotion, he now faced an all-or-nothing proposition. Because this time he wouldn’t just lose Dakota. He’d lose everything he’d been working toward for the past ten years.
So he would keep his secret. Try to convince her to stay. Then, if she did, he’d take the risk, tell her everything and try his best to win her back.
* * *
Dakota flopped onto the bed in her hotel room. She was exhausted, but it was a good tired. The kind that came with the feeling of accomplishment. A feeling she’d missed in the interim between leaving her job at the news station and starting her work at the resort.