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

by Kathryn Hills

  “Can I get a picture?” Kat blurted out, going for her phone before either of them could answer. “Come on, get together.” She motioned with her hands and phone.

  Kyle worked his way around the table to stand alongside Cassie.

  “Oh my God, you guys, at least try to look like you know each other,” his sister chided.

  Cassie’s stare connected with Kyles. No emotion. Not a lick. He held his breath and slid his arm around her trim waist. She was warm and soft. There was that perfume again...all spicy sweet. Her green dress felt smooth and silky against the skin of his arm beneath his rolled-up sleeve.

  “Say cheese,” Kat prodded.

  “Cheese,” Kyle said, but Cassie didn’t speak.

  “Awe, that’s cute. You guys look great together. I’ll send you a copy,” his sister said, completely unaware of the static surging through the two of them.

  Kyle eased his arm away, instantly missing the feel of her.

  “We’ve gotta go,” Ben blurted out. “Haddie’s probably asleep already in her chair with Boomer helping himself to her snacks.”

  Kat laughed as she took his hand. “You guys staying?”

  Kyle looked to Cassie again. Still no emotion. Her lovely face unreadable. He leaned close to her ear, murmuring, “Wanna go?”

  Her dark eyes rose to look at him, and his heart clenched. Now he could see she was upset. But why? Which part of this crazy, confusing night had affected her?

  “Yes, I’m tired. Please bring me home, Kyle,” she whispered so only he could hear.

  CHAPTER 8

  The air outside was cool and damp when the exited the hotel, all hot and sweaty from dancing so much. Cassie gazed up at the night sky, clear and awash with stars.

  “The storm must have brought in a new front,” Kyle said as they wove through the parking lot to his car.

  She shivered and asked, “Can you turn on the car heat?”

  Kyle unlocked his car, but before he opened her door, he yanked off his western overshirt. “Here, put this on,” he urged.

  “No, I don’t want your shirt,” she declined, already feeling overwhelmed by the entire night. If she wrapped herself in Kyle’s shirt, that might just prove her undoing.

  “Hey, I used deodorant and cologne tonight. I swear, you won’t pass out.” He draped the shirt around her shoulders and rubbed her arms.

  Cassie got into Kyle’s car and closed her eyes as he went around to the other side. For a split second, she was alone in the quiet. The scent of his body, his warmth, surrounded her. Filled her, tempted her. God, he’d been so freaking hot tonight. And sweet. She’d caught him vulnerable a few times. Happy and fun-loving even more. Beneath it all was a kind man, albeit complex and deeply troubling to her mind.

  Kyle opened the car door, and the world began spinning again. Sliding in beside her, he tossed his cheesy hat in the back, started the engine, and began fiddling with the air system controls. “Heat. I’ve forgotten how to set the damn heat because it’s been so hot this fall.”

  She looked his way. His handsome face was illuminated by the glow of the dashboard lights. He smoothed his mussed hair from his face as the air came on.

  “It’ll warm up once we get going,” he said.

  The car growled like a big cat as he pealed out of the parking lot heading for home. Cassie stared out the window at the dark landscape. Unfamiliar buildings and homes. A town that was wonderful yet strange to her. How many places had she lived already? She couldn’t recall. But one thing was certain, she was tired of moving. Tired of missing out on the comradery of places like Last Chance Beach. Tired of sitting in the shade, sipping sweet tea with friends and her dog. Tired of not being settled, and...

  Once they hit the open road outside of town, Kyle let the high-performance engine do its thing. The heat was blasting on them, and Cassie released a little shivering sound, causing him to glance her way.

  “You okay? Warm yet?”

  “Yes,” she said. “You can lower it a bit.”

  He did and focused on the road again.

  Large swaths with sea grass and marshes flew past the windows. Quick glimpses of the dark ocean beyond gave the night a mysterious feel. One of magic, as the crescent moon hung in the stary sky.

  “It doesn’t feel like autumn here,” she nonchalantly shared. “It’s strange to be in a place with sand and salt air. Heck, there are still flowers blooming. I’m used to crunchy leaves and sweater weather.”

  “I bet it is strange,” he agreed. “I suppose I’ve always been too busy—focused on one madness or another—to ever think about where I am. Or what season it is. I guess I lose track of time.”

  “Do you ever slow down?” she asked him, surprised to discover she truly wished he would. It wasn’t a challenge, rather a desire to know him better.

  The muscles in his right arm tightened and then eased a bit. “It’s never been an option to slow down.”

  Cassie closed her eyes, attempting to tap into her ping-pong-ball-like emotions. She was growing attached to this man. Hard to believe, yet it was true. They were from two very different worlds. Still, the what ifs were banging on the door to her heart. A dangerous prospect.

  In the nick of time, Kyle slowed the car and turned into the driveway of the B&B.

  “Home sweet home. At least for the next few nights,” he told her.

  Cassie stretched and wiggled her toes in her books. “See, I told you so.” She gave him a tilted grin when exiting the car. “My feet hurt now. There wasn’t enough time to break these boots in.”

  Kyle paused a few yards from the back door and turned to look at her. “I guess we shouldn’t have stopped dancing then.”

  Sounds of the ocean were louder here on the quiet side of the island. And they both lingered to listen to the waves splashing at the shore. The smell of hay was strong on the cool breeze, with all the bales arranged and ready for tomorrow’s festivities. Cornstalks leaned against the old barn. Pumpkins of every size and shape were displayed in wheelbarrows and on large open carts on the lawn. On the porch were tall, black faux-flame lanterns, offering golden light in addition to the porch light Gran must have left on for them.

  “It’s really beautiful here,” Cassie mused. “You’re lucky to be able to visit. Maybe you should come more often?”

  Kyle eased closer to her, turning so his face was fully shadowed. “I’m lucky you were my date tonight,” he murmured in a low, husky tone. “Even if it was a fake date.”

  “Yeah?” Cassie tipped her head and nibbled her bottom lip. She was purposefully teasing him. Tormenting him in a sensual way as she glanced up at him. His expression was hidden from her, but she could feel the masculine energy, rolling off his strong body. Kyle Worthington was all hot, randy man, and Cassie suddenly felt the irresistible urge to taste of him.

  He eased closer and tipped his sandy-haired head the opposite way of hers, as if lining up to kiss her. His large, warm hand rose to cup her cheek. Exhilaration and anticipation sizzled through Cassie’s body. His forehead touched hers. So close, she could feel his breath on her skin. She licked her lips and leaned into him.

  “Okay, thanks,” Ben hollered as the screen door banged open. Barking ensued when Boomer discovered them out there in the dark.

  They broke apart, their almost moment spoiled.

  “Hey, guys,” the big man said when he noticed them. Ben shined his flashlight their way. “Great night, huh? I’m heading home though. It’s a busy day tomorrow.”

  “Yes, yes, it is...” Kyle said in a strained, somewhat annoyed-sounding voice.

  The harsh flashlight assaulted them again, and they both squinted and shielded their eyes.

  “You’ve got some green stuff on your head there, bro.” Ben chuckled as he strolled off into the night, heading home with his dog.

  Kyle scoffed but then swiped at his head and laughed. Holding up his fingers, he showed Cassie. “Green. I always thought it was getting ‘caught red-handed.’”

&nbs
p; Cassie burst out laughing. She clasped Kyle’s hand when he reached out to her. And together, they entered Sandpiper Cottage, smiling.

  “That’s always a good sign,” Gran said when they strolled into her kitchen. “Must mean you two had fun.”

  “We did,” Cassie answered before Kyle could. She peeked into the living room where her dog lay unconscious on the rug in front of the TV. “Was he good for you,” she asked the older lady, who looked spryer than she currently felt.

  “Good as gold. Both dogs were,” Gran told them. “Ben took them both out before he left.”

  “I’m so glad. Thank you, Haddie. I’d hug you, but apparently I’m shedding green.”

  “Never you worry, Honey Child. You can tell me all about the dance tomorrow morning over breakfast. It’s butternut pancakes with bacon, so don’t sleep in.”

  “Yes,” Kyle said under his breath though both women heard him and chuckled.

  “Goodnight, Sugar-pie,” his grandma said patting his cheeks. “Oh, yes, you do have green paint on your face. Better go wash up,” she told him with wide, knowing grin.

  “Yes, Gran, goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Cassie roused Odin and led the way upstairs. She opened her door, and the big dog lumbered into the room and went right to bed.

  Kyle lingered in the hallway with his hand on the doorknob to his room. “I’m right next door. If you need anything.”

  “I know. I’m good,” Cassie replied with a smirk. “I am going to take a shower though. Wash this green makeup off so I don’t ruin Haddie’s bedsheets.”

  Kyle suddenly looked odd. He shuffled in place and cleared his throat. “Okay, goodnight,” he tossed out before disappearing into his room.

  WITH A RAGGED BREATH, Kyle shut the door and leaned against it. This night had been challenging. Epically so. Trying to keep his distance from Cassie while not keeping his distance from Cassie, because everyone thought they were dating.

  Dancing with her. Laughing together. Snuggling up together for Kat’s stupid photo.

  It was his own God-damned fault. He knew it, owned it. What seemed harmless enough in the beginning was now messing big-time with his head. He liked her—as in really liked her—and he wanted her to like him.

  A sudden knock on his door set him off with a yelp of surprise.

  “Are you okay in there?” Cassie’s concerned voice sent heat rushing to his face.

  Kyle whipped open the door and scowled.

  “This is yours.” She dangled his shirt from her fingertips.

  “Thanks.”

  “Goodnight,” she said flatly and spun on her heels.

  Kyle closed the door again and moved into the room. He tossed the shirt and collapsed into a chair. Sounds of her moving about next door reached his ears. The toilet flushed; the bathroom sink turned on. Rustling sounds, and her room door opened and closed again. Light footsteps sounded in the hallway as she walked past his door to the bathroom with the shower.

  It always drove Kyle nuts...how everyone could hear everything in the Sandpiper Cottage. From people laughing to fighting. Screwing around. Snoring. Talking on the phone. Now he hung on every tiny noise made by the woman who captivated him beyond all others.

  The shower kicked on, and his imagination kicked into overdrive. Was she naked already? Hair down and brushing that luscious, curved ass? Hot water cascading over her smooth, pale skin? Kyle closed his eyes, savoring the spellbinding fantasy unfolding in his mind.

  What would it feel like to soap up her lovely body? Man, I’d sure like to find out. His gazed dropped to the crotch of his jeans. Same jeans that caused so much trouble tonight. His cock was hard already. Ripe, and ready, beneath the constricting blue denim.

  I’ve gotta stop thinking about sex with her. This is only a one-off. One weekend, and then I tell my family some pathetic breakup story. Poor Kyle...can’t keep a girlfriend.

  He could hear it all now.

  At least I still have my job, he reasoned.

  Wincing, he attempted to adjust his uncomfortable position in the chair. “These F-ing jeans are killing me too,” he grumbled. He yanked off his boots, stood, and undid his pants. With a ragged sigh of relief, he dropped them to the floor. In the distance, he heard the shower turn off. The old, metal pipes rattled and whined. Then they went silent. A few moments later, Cassie was back in her room.

  Kyle was just about to hit the head when he hesitated. The light next to him flickered and winked off. A grey mass—like a column of mist—came through the wall and vanished right in front of him. He heard a scrambling sound in Cassie’s room and hurried for the door.

  She met him in the hallway wearing nothing but a white bathrobe. Barefoot, hair up in a towel. “Did you see that? Something materialized in my room and went right through the wall into yours.”

  “I did see it.”

  “Like smoke?” she pressed him.

  “Yup.”

  The door to Mr. Kirby’s room opened with a long, spooky creak, and they both froze. The older man joined them in the hallway, rubbing his eyes. “Am I missing something out here?” he asked. Yet his eyes widened when he saw them - Cassie in her robe, Kyle in his briefs and t-shirt. With a raging hard-on. “Excuse me,” Kirby said, with a mortified expression.

  “Okay, goodnight,” Kyle blurted. He leapt back into his room and slammed and locked the door.

  One minute later, his phone sounded with a text. He read the message and grinned. Your grandmother’s inn is freaking haunted! And I told you, you have a nice ass. But now I’m conflicted. Winkey face.

  THE END

  ROMANCE NOVELS BY KATHRYN HILLS

  Hauntingly Romantic...Unless I’m writing sweet!

  Time Travel/Fantasy Romance

  HAUNTING HIGHLAND HOUSE – A Time Traveler’s Journey, Book 1

  Hellfire and Handbaskets – A Time Traveler’s Journey, Book 2

  Contemporary Romance

  CHRISTMAS COMES TO Dickens: A Christmas Romance Anthology – Operation Snowball

  Secondhand Hearts – A Last Chance Beach Novella

  Sand, Salt, and Spirits – Last Chance Beach Romance

  ABOUT KATHRYN HILLS

  The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’S books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present.

  Taking it further—to have characters experience the past and present, opposite to “when” they belong—is the fun part. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories involve time travel. And ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure. Yet her spirit is enticed by many wonderful settings. Who knows where you’ll find her characters next?

  When not writing, this bestselling author is researching, taking photographs, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. Kathryn shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband and daughter, and three crazy dogs.

  Find Kathryn Hills Online

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