“It would have to be larger than the norm to meet the requirements of a restaurant,” Isabella pointed out.
Armed with an idea, Isabella got up to leave.
“Do you have to go?” Jonah asked.
“Right now, I do. I need to go see someone. But what if this weekend, we spent some time nosing around the train store down the street?”
“Yay! I’d like that.”
“Good. Then be sure to ask your dad if it’s okay.” Isabella went outside to get her dog and hurried off knowing she’d left the little boy slightly downhearted. There was something about Jonah that tugged at her heartstrings. Was it his cute dimples or something much deeper?
She tried to brush off the glum mood on her way over to Landings Bay. She texted Logan, told him she needed to talk. When she discovered he was still at his studio, she headed over to Ocean Street and his newly designed gallery next door to the museum.
When he met her at the door, she looked around at his barebones surroundings. He hadn’t bothered with anything more than a concrete floor and the basics. “It’s a shame the lighthouse didn’t work out for your studio. I’m still not sure what you found wrong with it compared to this rustic atmosphere.”
“That’s what Kinsey says. But I discovered that I create better in a stark environment. In fact, half the town thinks I’m crazy for going to the trouble to renovate a lighthouse only to abandon it to make this my place to work.”
“I suppose as your friend I should remind you that it’s no one’s business where you decide to create.”
“There you go.”
“By the way, thanks for letting me get Jazz. Having her has made a real difference in my life.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s a good idea to have an extra layer of protection, especially since you won’t let me put up the gate.”
“That’s because I’m telling you it would be a waste of money. Not to mention, a total put-off to anyone wanting to get a good look at the lighthouse.”
“I hate to remind you, but that lighthouse is no longer on state property. The land’s private. That’s why I put up the sign to keep tourists out of there.”
“But the lighthouse provides such a gorgeous view. Maybe you should think about giving tours to school children.”
“Actually that’s not a bad idea.”
“Let’s hope I’m on a roll then because I have another. What if we took the stretch of land next to the lighthouse, that clearing from the road you paved to the copse of woods and turned it into a vegetable garden—a big one, one that could be used to feed people, like a co-op?”
In typical Logan fashion, he grunted. But then she stood back, folded her arms across her chest and could see the wheels turning within the artist.
“You are on a roll. That’s a good use of that land and fairly…brilliant. What brought this on?”
She told him about her conversation with the new chef in town. “It would take some time, of course, to get the kind of yield we’d need to feed anyone and some expertise to do it. But think about how great it would be for the town if people took turns tending the land, harvesting the crops.”
“They’d get to eat fresh vegetables on a routine basis. I like it.”
“So do I. Now we just need to make it happen.”
“You know anything about farming?”
“Not on this scale. We’d need someone who could help us figure it all out.”
“Even with the dog there, I still want to put in that gate.”
“I know you do but let’s not overreact and ugly-up such a beautiful spot for defensive purposes when there’s no need.”
Later, after Thane had cleaned up the kitchen—and the mess that Fischer had made throwing together pasta primavera for dinner—he’d gotten Jonah to bed for the night.
Thane and Fischer were sitting in the living room watching Thursday night football, the dog sleeping on the floor between their feet when Fischer finally wanted to know, “Okay, so tell me about Isabella.”
“She’s…amazing.”
“Pretty name. And the body to go with it.”
“Like the statue of a goddess.”
“And you’ve worshipped at this particular monument a time or two, I take it?”
“Not often enough. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a little busy. What with the restaurant and Jonah and the fact that she’s now working a nine-to-five job herself, we haven’t been able to spend a whole lot of time together. And last night was open house at school.”
“Thanks for the update.”
“I’m trying to use that as an example. I haven’t had much of a chance to be with her because I’ve been hopping all week at the business and then last night I had to come straight home to make Jonah dinner. While I went to school, she stayed here, got him ready for bed. But then by the time I got back it was after nine and the phone rang…”
“Cry me a river, why don’t you? At least you have someone. Do you know how difficult it is on my crazy schedule to keep a relationship from heading south?”
“I intended to ask. What happened with Chelsea?”
“Same thing that happens in all my relationships…eventually. Chelsea got tired of spending her Saturday nights home alone. She wanted to go out and party and she didn’t want to do it solo. I’ve always worked Saturday nights. Women don’t like that.”
“There’s a lot of breaking up in New York.”
“There’s a lot of that everywhere.”
“Maybe not so much here. You’ll find that out for yourself. It’s a strange little hamlet with its own eccentric denizen.” When Thane noted the worried look on Fisch’s face, he added, “You haven’t changed your mind about moving here, have you?”
“Nah, just a bunch of flop sweat about starting over again in a new place.”
“Then stop worrying. You’ll fit in here just fine. You’ll see.”
“I don’t know. The long drive caused me to have some doubts. I mean what’s a New York boy, born and bred, doing living on the West Coast like a fish out of water. You’ll probably have to draw me a map so I can find my way around.”
“You’re kidding, right? It’s pretty much a grid. I showed you around in July. Think of it like a borough, Staten Island for instance, but on a much smaller scale.”
“Like five-hundred thousand versus five thousand?”
“Half that. There aren’t even twenty-five hundred people living here yet.”
“And you think we can make a go of a pizza joint in a small town like this?” Fisch shook his head. “I hope you know what we’re doing.” Fisch drained his beer and got up to get another. “I guess now’s a good time to ask one thing. What are you still doing here with me when you have a woman up on the hill?”
“It’s your first night in town. I thought I’d be a good host and stay home, prevent you from going all nervous-Nelly on me because you’re having second thoughts.”
“I’m fine. Go get yourself laid.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind me ducking out on you?”
“For a woman like Isabella?” Fischer placed a hand on his heart, the other he waved up and down. “She sizzles. No problem. You know I have this thing about love in the fall. She’s an amazing person, witty, intelligent. Who knew you’d move here and find a gem like that?”
“You just met her,” Thane pointed out. “She could be hiding the fact that she’s a terrible human being.”
“Not the woman I talked to this afternoon.” But then Fischer frowned. “Has she shown you a dark side? What’s bothering you?”
“No. No, nothing like that.” Thane ran a hand through his hair. “I’m just… I don’t know exactly. Obviously Isabella’s made a fan out of you. I know she’s made one out of Jonah.”
“And that worries you?”
“No, it’s a good thing.” He didn’t want to dwell on any misgivings, not tonight. “So I’m taking your adoration to mean you don’t mind watching Jonah for me tonight?”
“
I told you I would.” He gave Thane another once-over, beginning to wonder what was going on. “Okay, what’s eating you? For a guy headed out on a date with a beautiful female, why are you so grouchy? I’ve never seen you act this jittery over taking out a woman before. Unless…” Fischer stepped back, eyed his friend a second time. “My God, Thane Delacourt has feelings for her. Real feelings.”
“Who says you aren’t a genius? Of course, I have feelings for her. I’m getting ready to spend, what I hope, is a special evening ahead for both of us.”
Fischer cut him a look that said he knew exactly what kind of night his friend had planned. “Take your time and do it right.”
“I don’t recall getting many complaints over the years.”
“Then I’ve got Jonah covered,” Fisch repeated. “Go. You won’t have to be back until morning. Just remember though, this is different.”
“Different? How so?”
“Think about it. This isn’t you banging a fan that happened to show up at the hotel the night before a game. Nor is it the wired, crazy female looking for a thrill by hooking up with an athlete. This is a down-to-earth woman who’s been through a lot.”
“Yeah, I get that.”
“And Thane?”
“What?”
“You just spent the evening reminding me that this is a small community. If you break a heart here, it may not make the tabloids, but it will affect people like the ripples in a giant pool.”
“Yeah. I know that already. If the lecture’s over I’d like to leave before I’m late and she sends out a search party.”
“Very funny. Then go forth and enjoy all that love has to offer. But don’t forget to wear a condom. There are some things love offers that’s best not to pass on.”
In response, and with Jonah tucked into bed, Thane reacted using the same salute he had for years between the two. He lifted his middle finger and strolled out the door.
Chapter Seventeen
Isabella had changed out of her work clothes and taken a long luxuriant shower. Hair still damp, she worked fragrant oil into her mass of long locks, slathered perfumed lotion over her body.
She took out the black teddy she’d purchased online in anticipation of just such an evening with Thane. When the doorbell rang, she threw on a silky matching robe over the lingerie and strutted out to the entryway. She checked her image in the hall mirror, made sure it was Thane before turning the lock.
They grinned at each other, as the sound of ocean meeting the rocks below belted out a cadence in the background.
“Hi,” she said in a sultry voice. “I went Internet shopping. Do you like?” She twirled to give him the full treatment.
He walked through the doorway, eyes glued to the outfit and the woman. “No wonder I’ve been looking forward to doing this all day.” He kicked the door shut before one hand flew to her waist while he bent to scoop her up into his arms.
“What? No foreplay?”
Carrying her into the bedroom, he dumped her on the mattress, untied the belt on the negligee so he could get a better look at the racy outfit.
“I really like the lace but not enough to leave it on.” Sliding a thin strap of silk off her shoulder, he nipped her flesh with his teeth. He worked his mouth down to a breast. She tasted like sweet ripe cherries or maybe a juicy peach.
“Lingerie is kind of a weakness of mine,” she admitted. “I haven’t indulged though in some time.”
“You should do it more often. Red or black makes your skin tone pop.”
“Or orange or blue?”
“Now you’re getting the hint. Any color will do as long as there isn’t much of it.”
“Men appreciate underwear but...”
“My preference is you wear nothing…nothing at all. Let me show you.”
“You need to lose the shoes,” she commanded, reaching to shove up his shirt, yanking it over his head. She began to unbutton his pants, ran the zipper down. Strumming her fingers down his lean abs and up his chest, she reared up to ravage his mouth.
He shoved her back, found the center heat, and gorged himself on the core of it. They collided in fiery union, merged with one thought in mind as he climbed on top and dove into her, fast and hard.
Eager bodies moved in sync, picking up rhythm and pace. As he drove them higher, she locked her legs around his waist. Torrents of pleasure flowed into untouched chasms. Ecstasy circled and soared. Like fireworks bursting with color and awe, the thrill shot up. It spun out in a wild whirlwind streaking across in blue and gold, blinding their vision.
Hunger for each other clawed at the fringes. Just when triumph loomed, she called out his name. He felt his hold slipping, slipping, about to erupt, until finally he sent them rising up and up as high as he could fly. With everything he had he brought them into glorious freefall and into a rush of hot, glorious light.
Heart beating a double time, she wrapped her arms around his body to keep him where he was. She gnawed his jaw, slicked back his hair, soaked in the afterglow.
Empty and spent, he collapsed. His body slick, his breathing heavy, he kissed her mouth before rolling to the side.
“Is it just me or is this getting better and better?”
“It gets any better and I won’t be able to walk.”
“Are you staying the night?”
“Just try to get rid of me.”
“Want some water?”
“Sure.” He watched her crawl out of bed bare-assed, disappear out the door. He got up to go to the bathroom, stood in front of the mirror realizing for the first time since coming back he’d traveled full circle. There was something fulfilling about that. He knew it was primarily due to having Isabella in his life. Even Jonah seemed to have taken to her right off the bat. There was a moment when his mouth went dry at that. Was he ready for that kind of relationship, ready for Jonah to get attached? When his lips felt parched and chapped, he went looking for lip balm. Opening one of the drawers to go rummaging, that’s when his eyes landed on the butcher knife, out of place in a bathroom. “What the hell?”
When he heard Isabella come back into the bedroom, he stood in the doorway, cocked his head. “Is there a reason you have a kitchen knife in the bathroom drawer?”
“It’s probably the same reason I have a Smith & Wesson next to the bed.”
“Really? You say that so casually.”
“You don’t own weapons?”
“No, not with my kid in the house.”
“Ah, well if it makes you feel more comfortable I’ll lock it up whenever Jonah visits.”
He wasn’t sure that was it. But something troubled him. Once they settled in under the covers, he picked his words carefully. “I was thinking earlier about how I’ve traveled the globe but ended up right back where I started. Where did you start out, Isabella?”
“I’ve lived lots of places. I’m of the belief that you have to see the world to expand your horizons, to be able to fully appreciate where you end up.”
As he drifted to sleep he realized she’d evaded the question. The dodge didn’t sit well with him. He went to sleep in a near-huff.
As morning light filtered through the blinds, she woke to see Thane standing next to the bed putting on his pants.
“What, no breakfast?” she muttered sleepily.
“I know exactly what I’d love to have for breakfast,” he professed with a grin. “But I have to get moving so that I’ll be home when Jonah gets up to get him ready for school. I’m sorry.”
“No problem. It’s endearing the way you take care of your son. You’re a good dad.”
He sat on the edge of the mattress to tie his shoes, then leaned back, hovered over her mouth to place a kiss there. “You know I’d stay if I could.”
“I know. Let the dog out will you?”
“Sure.” He started for the door until she called after him, “I promised Jonah I’d take him to the train store this weekend. Is that okay?”
“He mentioned it. You know it will probabl
y entail his friends tagging along, too. At this point, Tommy and Bobby go wherever Jonah goes.”
“I don’t mind. It never hurts to have friends. It’s better than Bobby trying to bully him or beat him up.”
“That’s what I thought.” He walked back over to the bed and covered her mouth, ran a hand down to her breast. “This could get to be a habit.”
“Mmm, if you don’t get out of here I’m gonna toss you onto your back.”
“I’d love to see that. And just so you know, if I had the time, I’d totally let you.”
The Delacourt house on Landings Bay was quiet when he entered through the laundry room. His first stop was the coffeemaker where he added a filter to the basket and dumped in enough coffee for a strong result.
After the night of lovemaking spent with Isabella, he was running on empty. His stomach growling, he took a loaf of bread out of the pantry to make toast and set out the ingredients for scrambled eggs.
He was in the process of cracking the shells when Jonah sprinted in. “Hey, Daddy!”
“Hey, buddy. Eggs okay this morning?”
“I guess.”
“Want to handle the toast for me?”
“Sure. Is Izzy gonna be my new mom?” Jonah asked as he stuffed bread into the slots and shoved down the handle on the toaster.
The question had Thane’s hand stopping in mid scramble. “Why do you ask that?”
“You kiss her and stuff. Tommy says that’s what moms and dads do. Bobby says his mom and dad never kiss each other anymore, they just yell at each other a lot. So I figure it’s better if you kiss Izzy than yell at her.”
From the doorway Fischer shook his head. “I think that’s a cue for me to take my coffee to-go.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be honest with you, Jonah. Izzy and I are just getting to know each other. We like each other. A lot. We enjoy doing things together.”
“You have fun together. You laugh. I’ve heard you.”
“Yes, that’s true, we do. But it takes time to get to know a person to make sure that she likes us as much as we like her, that she fits in with our life because, let’s face it, you and I will be together for a long time. Whereas couples…”
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