Sand, Salt, and Spirits--Last Chance Beach Romance

by Kathryn Hills

  Kyle’s entire body went numb after that. His mind hit a brick wall and exploded on impact. “You’ll meet her soon,” was all he could think to say. “Cassie will be here tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER 4

  “I panicked,” Kyle admitted to himself, as he paced the front yard the following morning. “What the hell was I thinking? I wasn’t thinking. That’s what panicking means, dumb ass,” he continued, berating himself. He stepped up onto the front porch and startled when confronted with an older gentleman, seated in the rocking chair on the far corner. He sipped his coffee, a book resting in his lap. The man had no doubt heard everything he’d said, based on the amused expression on his face.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Heat rush to Kyle’s face. “I didn’t realize there were guests here this weekend.”

  The man lowered his reading glasses to the tip of his nose, giving Kyle a long, appraising stare.

  “I’m Kyle, by the way. Worthington. My grandmother owns this B&B,” he said, feeling the need to explain himself.

  Gran came out to water her plants at just that moment. “Good morning, Mr. Kirby. I see you’ve met my grandson, Kyle.”

  Mr. Kirby cocked one greying brow. “Yes, Haddie. Just now.”

  Gran filled in the gaps for Kyle. “Charles Kirby has been coming here for years. His lovely wife passed away around the same time as Grandpa. I’m only glad he still returns each fall, despite coming alone.”

  “I wouldn’t miss ‘our week,’” the man added with a cheerless smile. “Although...it sounds as if it’s going to get pretty busy around here this weekend. I’m used to a quite Sandpiper Cottage. Not a festival on the lawn.”

  “Never fear, Charlie, I’ll make sure no one bothers you. Everything will be outside,” Gran assured him. “In the past, we never did too much for this annual event. But, now with Kat and Ben’s help, all that’s changed. Kyle...maybe you can see to it Mr. Kirby gets some peace and quiet, and anything else he needs?”

  “I’ll do my best,” he agreed, not knowing what that might entail. But hey, how hard could it be to cut one guy some slack?

  “Perhaps you can start right now,” the man chimed in. “The air conditioner in my room is making strange noises. I think it’s on the fritz.”

  Kyle plastered on his best “sure I care smile,” though his brain was having trouble focusing. Cassie would arrive in a just couple of hours. The woman he’d told everyone was his girlfriend. Holy crap!

  “Let’s go have a look,” was all he could muster.

  Mr. Kirby set aside his book and cup. He led the way into the house and up the stairs to his room. Indeed, the window AC was making a weird, rattling sound, and the room felt clammy.

  “Yeah...that’s not right,” Kyle agreed, fiddling with the controls and settings a bit. “This is one of the old units. How about we see if Gran can switch you to another room?”

  The man shook his salt and pepper-haired head. “I’d prefer this one. It’s the room my wife and I rented for going on twenty years now. Call me an old dog, but I don’t like new tricks.” He indicated to a photograph he’d brought with him and set upon the bureau. “That’s me and my Emmy.”

  Kyle’s heart felt a painful little stab. He empathized. Places held memories. And this place held a lot.

  “No worries. I’ll see that it gets fixed. Better yet, I’ll try to find you a new unit this afternoon, if that works for you. I’ve got to head into town. I forgot I need a costume for the Halloween Dance tonight. Are you going? It’s supposedly a pretty big deal.”

  “I don’t dance anymore, son,” Kirby said in somber tone. “But thank you for asking.

  By the time Kyle pulled the AC unit and did a few other small fixit things for Gran, it was nearly noon. He glanced nervously out the side window in the kitchen and froze. There she was...Cassie Corwin, pulling up in her little, powder-blue convertible with a giant, black dog riding shotgun.

  He held his breath as he pushed through the back door and went around to meet her by her car. Game on, buddy. Pull yourself together.

  But a shockwave rippled through him at the sight of her. Black hair piled on her head in a messy, windblown bun. A short, sexy, red sundress. Her legs were bare – pale yet gorgeous and toned. On her feet? High-top red sneakers with white laces.

  Cassie dropped big, round sunglasses into place and grinned at him. “I made it,” she announced.

  The big dog glanced his way but didn’t move. As if unfazed by Kyle’s sudden appearance.

  “Yes, you made it.” Kyle forced a pleasant smile though inside he was freaking out.

  “This is Odin,” she explained, still grinning. “Odin...say hello to Kyle.”

  The Great Dane bared big white teeth on command, a ridiculous smile-esque maneuver. Yet he still didn’t budge from his front row seat.

  “That’s his only trick,” Cassie offered with a chuckle. “We don’t ask much of each other.”

  Kyle’s brain screamed, Okay...crunch time. “Cassie...before we go any further, there’s something I have to confess. Please don’t get mad.”

  Her smile vanished. “Oh, that’s never good.”

  “Hang on...it’s not good, but it’s not terrible, either.”

  “That’s yet to be determined.” She crossed her arms and leveled a harsh stare on him. “What gives?”

  “I may have...Okay, I definitely said...you were my girlfriend.” Kyle cringed in anticipation of her reaction.

  “You said what?” her voice spiked.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me—”

  “A death wish?” she accused with a scowl. “Who did you say this to?”

  “Not many. Just my sister, Kat.” He swallowed hard and took a step back. “She told my grandmother.”

  “No?” her tone went dangerously low.

  “...Who then told my mother when she called to say she wasn’t coming. Who, in turn, told Kendall, my younger sister. Who really isn’t coming, by the way. So, that’s good.”

  “Is it now, Kyle? Really?” Cassie demanded with an infuriated huff.

  “Yeah...except Kat told her boyfriend, Ben. Now I’m done. I think. Maybe not. News travels fast on Last Chance Beach.”

  Her dark eyes pinned him in place. “So...basically...you’re telling me everyone in your family thinks we’re a couple?”

  Kyle gave her a shrugging wince. “Pretty much.”

  Cassie stared at him. Lips pinched together. The tiny muscle alongside one eye bunching. “I cannot believe this.” She started pacing alongside her car. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a vacation? A little time off? A day even, just for me? This was my gift to myself. A chance to unwind after all the work I’ve been immersed in.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to screw up your vacation. I don’t know what came over me. It just happened. Kat was bragging about all the great things in her life. She literally walked in with an engagement ring the size of a bus on her finger. Ben had just proposed. She got a promotion; he’s expanding his business, yada, yada...My brain blew a gasket.”

  “So? Who cares?” She glared at him. “It’s family. Not like you’re competing with anyone.”

  Kyle dropped his head in shame. “You don’t know my family. I get it. How could you,” he admitted. “Listen...” he patted his pants, searching for his wallet. “I’ll pay for your gas and your time. I’ll say we had a fight in the driveway, and you left me. If anyone even saw you arrive.” He looked at Odin, sitting like a smug emperor about to declare ‘Off with his head.’ “Not that anyone could miss this big guy. Great Dane?”

  “Don’t talk to my dog. Don’t even look at my dog,” Cassie scolded. “He’s smarter than you. And better looking. What the hell, Kyle? Men...Ugh. You all make me crazy.”

  Kyle sobered. “You’re right. This is all my fault. I don’t blame you one bit for being mad. How much do I owe you? I’d pay for another cottage or hotel, but Kat said the entire island is sold out because of t
he festival.”

  “You can’t just buy your way out of trouble, Kyle. People matter. I matter. And I’m not for sale. Plus, I need a freaking vacation.” Cassie turned her back on him, starring across the street at the pristine beach.

  Kyle’s head and heart filled with remorse. He was the king of screw ups, especially when it came to trying to impress his family.

  He moved to stand in front of her, his stare connecting with her watery eyes. “I’m sorry, Cassie. Truly, I am. Obviously, I have some significant crap to deal with when it comes to my family.”

  Cassie’s shoulders slumped a bit and she looked away from him again. Focusing on her dog, she stroked his sleek, black fur. “What else did you tell your family? As in...how much detail did you give about us?”

  “Not much. Only that we work together. Or, rather, for the same company. And that we’d just started dating. I knew I’d screwed up the instant the words left my mouth, so I didn’t want to add any fuel to the fire.”

  She shook her head and muttered, “Boom,” making the hand gesture for an explosion.

  Kyle dropped his head. They stood together, not speaking, not looking at each other for way too long. “I’m sorry,” he whispered and turned to leave.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” she tossed back in an angry tone. “I’ve got luggage.”

  His spun, his eyes widening.

  “I expect my new ‘boyfriend’ to carry my bags for me,” she made air quotes, punctuating her point.

  “I owe you. Big time, Cassie Corwin,” he said, feeling oddly like he was making a deal with the devil. “I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

  “Oh, yes, you will. That’s one thing we agree on. Now, take me inside. I want to see my room.”

  CASSIE STEPPED UP ONTO the front porch of Sandpiper Cottage and entered the charming inn through the door Kyle open and held for her. They immediately met his “Gran” in the tiny foyer. The space was snug with the three of them and her bags.

  “My stars,” the older woman exclaimed, as she leaned into Kyle. “Sugar-pie, how’d you land such a beauty? I mean, you’re handsome, but this woman is gorgeous.”

  “Thanks, Gran. Way to make a guy feel special,” he said, chuckling. “Cassie this is my grandmother, Haddie Marshall. Gran...well, you already figured out this is my...um...Cassie Corwin.”

  Cassie beamed at the bright-eyed lady. “Thank you for having me, Mrs. Marshall. This is a lovely spot you have here.”

  “It’s Gran, child, unless you prefer Haddie. Mrs. Marshall is for strangers. Is this your first visit to Last Chance Beach?”

  “Yes, although I did some research online. You’ve owned this place a long time.”

  “Kyle must have said,” Gran prattled on, “his grandpa and I came to this island some fifty—mind you fifty—years ago.” She laughed and waved her hand, looking overjoyed to have someone new to tell her favorite story to. “The magic on Last Chance Beach brought us together. It’s powerful stuff. Never doubt it,” she cautioned. “But how wonderful it is when you allow yourself to get swept up by it. Like a warm wave, love washes over you, and—”

  “Okay,” Kyle interjected in an assertive tone. “Island magic aside...I’m going to show Cassie upstairs.” Yet he suddenly looked concerned. “Where’s the dog?”

  “Right behind you.” Cassie pointed to her gentle giant, off leash, waiting patiently on the porch. “That’s Odin. He goes everywhere with me,” she explained to Gran.

  “Land sakes if he isn’t the most handsome, regal, fellow. Great Dane?” Gran pushed past them to love all over her dog. “I’m going to have to send Kyle to the market for some extra-large biscuits for you, good boy.”

  “Say hello, Odin,” Cassie urged, giving him the greenlight.

  Odin instantly “smiled” again, and he returned Gran’s lovefest, lapping her face with his big tongue.

  “Okay...Oh, jeez, no, Gran...Is that safe? He’s a dog, after all. Who knows where that mouth has been?” Kyle grumbled, screwing up his face.

  “He’s been with me, Kyle. Please,” Cassie rolled her eyes and huffed.

  “Yeah, but it’s my grandma,” he defended.

  She brushed past him. “I brought you something, Haddie, as a thank you.” She riffled through her large purse, smiling when she found what she was looking for. She held out a wrapped present.

  “Such pretty paper. You didn’t need to do this.” Gran’s elderly hands cautiously unwrap it, trembling a bit when she held up a figurine, dangling from a string.

  “It’s a Kitchen Witch,” Cassie explained. “An artist friend makes them for shops in Salem. This little witch will ensure your kitchen is always warm and cozy. Not that it isn’t already, but you’ll never burn anything. No pot will ever boil over.”

  “Oh, child...” Gran said with tears in her pale blue eyes. She fanned her face. “I haven’t seen one of these since...Well...” She looked to Kyle. “Not since Grandpa gave me one in the early nineteen eighties. It was our running joke. I was a disaster in the kitchen back then. A real hot mess...That’s what you kids say nowadays, isn’t it?”

  “Sort of,” Kyle said, chuckling.

  “Go on then, take your lady upstairs and get her all settled in.” Gran waved them off as she toddled away to some unknown part of the house. “You two can find a special place for my pretty witch later. Thank you, Cassie, you’re a love,” she said over one shoulder.

  Kyle cleared his throat, looking like he’d just swallowed a handful of tacks. “Shall we go?” He motioned with one arm and then scooped up her stuff.

  “I’ll follow,” she said, allowing him to go first.

  The antique mahogany staircase creaked and groaned as they took each step to the second floor of the inn. Pretty paintings dotted the smooth white walls. Sandpipers and waves. A tall, majestic lighthouse. The air in the place smelled sweet. Like lemons and fresh furniture polish. The overall vibe light and airy. Homey. Or at least what Cassie imagined as homey.

  Odin stopped to sniff each of the doorways as they followed Kyle to one at the end.

  Setting down her bags, he turned the vintage glass knob, opening the door, so she and Odin could enter first. “Each guestroom has its own sink and toilet,” Kyle explained. “Sorry they’re small, but they’re in what was once closets from a century ago. They’re cramped, but you don’t have to share. The large restroom we passed down the hall is public. Says so on the door plaque if you didn’t notice. That’s the one with a walk-in shower and clawed-footed tub. Help yourself. Gran keeps bath salts, soaps, and towels there for anyone to use.”

  Cassie glanced around the lovely nautical-themed room. Twin beds with a small nightstand between them. Brass lamps, wide pine flooring, whimsical, white eyelet curtains. Easy breezy. “This is perfect. Odie baby,” she said to the dog with a grin, “you even get your own bed this weekend.”

  Kyle chuckled and patted her big boy's head. “Happy to help all our guests—canine or otherwise—get a good night’s sleep. Just so you know, there are no room keys. There is, however, a lock on the inside of your door. So, you can lock it at night. If you have valuables, they can be put in the inn’s safe, or I suggest your car. But there’s never been an instance of theft at the inn. Not that I’m aware of anyway. Plus, it’s only us this weekend. Family. And friends,” he quickly added, obviously for her benefit. “Oh...there is one gentleman, Mr. Kirby, but he’s a longtime visitor.”

  “That’s fine,” she said. “This is nice.”

  Admittedly, Kyle had screwed up big time. But his family’s inn was perfect. Better than perfect if she were being honest with herself. Despite his transgression, she planned to thoroughly enjoy her first get-away in ages.

  “Okay, I’ll leave you to unpack. Or, whatever you plan to do.” He eased out of her space yet paused in the hallway. “I’m heading into town soon to run errands for Gran. You know...to buy all those dog biscuits. Plus, the Halloween costume I forgot to pack for tonight’s dance.” He kicked imaginar
y dirt again, looking quite different from the Kyle she’d experienced at work. This Kyle seemed a bit awkward. Boyish even. Hardly the cutthroat salesman here. “You can come. You know...if you’d like to see our budding metropolis.”

  Cassie’s first impulse was to deny him anything and everything. Was he offering to be kind and polite? Or because he wanted to make it look like they were a couple? She caved to her curiosity. “Do I need a ticket for tonight’s event?”

  Kyle’s impossible blue eyes brightened if that was even possible. “I’ve got you covered. You won’t need to pay for a single thing this weekend.”

  She glanced around the room, drawing out her response to torture him. “Fine. I’ll go to town with you. Jury is still out on tonight.”

  “Half hour then? You can meet me downstairs. I’ll drive.” He began to walk away but then stopped. “Wait...I only have a two-seater. What about Odin?”

  A slight smile formed when she realized Kyle was considering of someone other than himself. Maybe this hottie was trainable? “He’ll be fine, as long as I fill his bowl with some cool water. He’ll nap. You know...because it’s been ten minutes since his last one,” she teased.

  “Great, I’ll see you in a few then.”

  CHAPTER 5

  Kyle found Cassie in the inn’s living room, examining the many family photos Gran kept on the bookshelves there.

  “Is this you with a big trophy?” she asked, leaning closer to the fancy frame.

  “Yup. My first junior pro golf tournament,” he explained.

  “As in you won?” she asked, sounding surprised.

  “Yeah...pretty much.” He shrugged off the accomplishment.

  “Pretty much? That’s a big deal,” she piled on. “Who’s this with you, your dad?”

  “Ready to go?” He jumped tracks away from the sore subject of his old man, focusing instead on the honey-do list from Gran. “I need to buy a new window AC for Mr. Kirby’s room, a box of giant-sized dog cookies for you know who, and a costume for tonight. A bunch of shops offer options this weekend. You up to all that?”