by Taryn Quinn
“Chief!”
“Not now, Sullivan,” he muttered against my mouth.
I could feel someone in our space, and I tried to get my thoughts together. This freaking man always left me so off balance.
The not-so-subtle clearing of a throat made Jake groan into my mouth.
Jake finally let me go and turned toward the man I’d met just a little while ago. “First of all, Ben, stop calling me Chief.”
“Right, Chief.”
Jake sighed. “What is it?”
“Sorry. Ma’am.” Ben gave me a tight smile before focusing on Jake once more. “We just got a call.”
The parking lot was suddenly full of men and women piling into trucks and cars. “Okay, we’ll hold down the fort. Be safe.”
“It’s an all hands-on deck, sir. One of the mansions on the lake.”
“Shit.” Jake’s demeanor changed. He stood taller, and his shoulders went military straight. “Right. You called in extra trucks?”
Ben nodded. “We’re using the lake water, but it’s still thawing.”
Jake swore, regret heavy in his eyes. “I gotta go, Freckles.”
My heart twisted with a worry I’d never really faced before.
“Need a ride, sir?” Ben asked.
“I’ve got my truck.”
Ben jogged back to the parking lot.
I turned to find Jake even closer. “Please, be careful.”
“Always.” He cupped my elbows and dragged me up onto my toes. The kiss was hot and deep. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Then he took off after the younger man.
“This fight isn’t over,” I yelled after him.
He turned, still jogging backward, his teeth a bright slash against his dark beard. “I’m gonna fight with you till my dying breath, Freckles.”
I blew out a breath. I had a very strong feeling he was correct.
I made my way back to Sharkey’s. All my mad had fizzled out. Knowing Jake was a firefighter was one thing, but the realization that he would place himself in danger sat a little heavier today. I glanced over my shoulder at the lake and the wisps of smoke teasing the late afternoon sky.
I wasn’t sure if that was my imagination or fact. The lake was fairly large, but the mansions that hugged the craggy coastline were mostly populated on one side. The other side had been bought up by Maitland Enterprises. They were building a spa and high-end summer properties last I’d heard from my weekly gossip from my mother.
As I got closer to the bar, I glimpsed two lone men cleaning up the porch, so it wasn’t a safety hazard. At least that was my guess. Then my brother came out to help in his usual high-handed fashion.
I had to smile at the familiarity of it, even though just a short while ago his taking over had pissed me off. I supposed a hot kiss could make anyone’s mood sweeter.
The pop and crunch of gravel behind me slowed my gait.
A black BMW carefully navigated the potholes and broken pavement. The tinted window lowered. A man with silvered blond hair and a golf tan—and matching outfit—was behind the wheel. “Miss Ramos?”
“Who’s asking?”
“May we speak?”
I crossed my arms. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m not interested.”
“I’m here for a face-to-face meeting. Our lawyers have spoken, but I wanted to see if we could talk business owner to business owner. I’m Arthur Maitland.”
The construction noise seemed to get sucked into a vacuum for a moment before my heartbeat thundered in my ears.
I was still off balance from Jake and his kisses. From the heavy dose of reality about what it would mean to allow myself to love Jake.
My throat went tight.
For a split second, I wanted to listen to Arthur’s every word. I could walk away from all these problems. I could take the easy money and go back to the city and my safe life.
I wouldn’t have to face the feelings I had for Jake, or deal with my loud, invasive family. All the inconveniences of a small town where everyone was in your business.
The laundry list of pros was long.
I glanced at the porch where my brother stood. The two guys who had been helping to stack lumbar out of the way and tarp the half-done stairs were already getting in their trucks to leave.
The narrow-eyed glance I received as they drove by was as much of a wake-up call as skinny-dipping in the lake this time of year.
“I’m not interested in selling.”
Did that actually come out of my mouth?
I sucked in a breath. I was almost certain it had. My heart knew what to say even before my mouth.
Actually, I’d been holding down what my heart wanted for so long it was like being set free for the first time in too many years to count.
Danny holding me down.
My job as a marketing manager at the finance company—which I only had because it was smart to work for them. Because Danny and I had been the golden couple for a short while.
Now my ex-husband was an executive at the Manhattan branch, and it literally felt like being with him had been another life.
One I’d never really loved.
“You’ll be putting far more money into this establishment than it’s worth. I can take it off your hands. We can even discuss a little incentive.”
I lifted my chin. What Maitland wanted was the access to the lake. It was prime real estate on this side of the Cove. “Sharkey’s isn’t for sale. And neither is Crescent Cove, Mr. Maitland.”
He put his car into park.
“No. Don’t park. Don’t get out of your car. It’ll be a waste of time.”
He took off his sunglasses. “You’re making a mistake.”
I nodded. “Maybe. But this is a neighborhood spot for our firefighters and police. When I’m done with it, this will be a great community place for the Cove.”
“Are you sure the bank will feel the same way? It could be all that and more when I tear it down and put up a restaurant.”
No, I wasn’t sure. But I’d bet I could get a lot of amazing references in this town, thanks to my family and friends.
Sometimes, asking for help could be a good thing.
I tipped my head to the side and stared Maitland down. “That a firefighter who makes an average salary could afford?”
His jaw tightened.
I hadn’t even been aware that I’d been looking at Sharkey’s like that. But my creative marketing background that had been wasted on corporate brochures and bland campaigns finally clicked into gear.
Ideas started filling my head. Like expanding the parking lot into a large eating area that could bring families to this part of the lake once more. Becoming a place that would be more than just a bar.
So much flooded my brain. Things I never knew I wanted. A home and a place to raise a family had been right here all this time. I’d just been too stubborn to see it.
“Remember this moment in a year when your business fails, and you’re forced to sell to me for a fraction of what I’m offering you now.”
My mouth was as dry as dust, but I gave him a confident smile. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
Maitland’s charming smile dissolved as he rolled up his window and backed out of the parking lot. The rims of his stupidly expensive tires scraped over a pothole before he peeled out into the road.
“My sister, the badass.”
I whirled toward my brother’s voice. “Rude. Were you listening?”
He draped his arm over my shoulders. “Here I am complimenting you, and I get nothing but shit.”
I dug my knuckles into his ribs.
“Ow.”
“You’re hovering.”
“I had to make sure that dick wasn’t going to hassle you.”
“I had it under control.”
“Of course, you did. I was just here as backup. Just because I worry about you and want to make sure nothing happens to you doesn’t mean I don’t think you can handle yourself.”
“I’m pretty
sure that’s the definition, actually.”
“It would have been if I’d interrupted and told him to shove his golf clubs up his ass and get off our property. But I let you handle it.”
I peered up at my brother. Somehow, the word our didn’t get my hackles up. “I guess you’re right.”
“No guessing. Facts. Being able to handle yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.”
“I’ve had to do a lot of stuff on my own, Damien.”
“Only because you pushed us all away for your fancy husband.”
“That wasn’t why. I left because I needed to know I could stand on my own.”
“How’d that work out for you?”
For a moment, I rested my cheek on my brother’s shoulder. “I thought it was great. Until I inherited this stupid bar. Now I want to make it amazing.”
“And make babies with Jake Mills.”
I shoved my knuckles into my brother’s ribs again. “No.”
“Gina told me she caught you guys half-naked.”
I shoved his arm off me. “Gina needs to shut her mouth.”
“Mills is a good guy. I always thought you should have dated him in school instead of that punk Danny.”
“Yeah, I’m beginning to think so too.”
“I always knew you were smart, piccola. Sometimes, it just takes you awhile.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Come on. You can see what it’s like to not have help.”
“How much of a mess did they leave?”
“A Gina, Frankie, and Papa in the kitchen kind of mess.”
I groaned. “Great.”
He nudged my shoulder with his. “I’m really glad you’re back.”
“Who says I’m back?”
“You’re back.” He lifted me onto the porch.
I didn’t disabuse him of that notion. Instead, I held out a hand to help him up the extra-large stairs. He surprised me by taking my hand.
We headed back inside. My mother and Gina both had paintbrushes in their hands.
My sister hopped off the stepstool and held out a paintbrush. “Tell me you’re better at trim than I am?”
I took the brush. “I guess we’re going to find out.” I stopped in front of my mother. “Sorry, Mami.”
“Pride is a good thing. I taught all my children to have it. But when you start sounding like a spoiled brat, it’s my job to call you out. These people came here to help you.”
“I know. I just didn’t like Jake taking over.”
“He’s been spending all his spare time talking to your brother about the cheapest and best way to fix up the bar enough for you to get it open and money coming in. That boy loves you. He always has.”
I stared down at my feet. “We were kids.”
“I met your father when I was eighteen. Not so different.” She glanced over at my father working with Damien. “Some things you just know.”
I’d never doubted that my parents were anything other than perfect for one another. While plenty of my friends went through divorces and dealing with stepparents, my parents had grown together, accepting the people they had become with the passage of years. They had been meant for each other.
Maybe Jake and I were too. We’d just taken the long route.
I rubbed my chest. That was for later.
Right now, I had to focus on the goal ahead.
I picked up the little paint can and climbed up the small ladder to paint the trim around the doorway. My sister was right—she was terrible at it.
An hour passed, then another. Still, there wasn’t any word from Jake.
Anxiety buzzed in my stomach like a swarm of angry bees.
We heard reports about the fire on the local radio station, and I found myself checking the news apps on my phone.
My brother’s phone went off, followed by Gina’s and my mother’s.
My heart stopped when my mother turned off the radio and walked over to me. “Mami?”
She tucked one of my curls around my ear. “We should go to the hospital, mija.”
“Why?”
“Just get your things.”
“He’s okay, right?”
“I don’t know a lot of information. Your cousin is an EMT, and he saw Jake get taken away in an ambulance.”
My knees buckled, and my sister and my mother grabbed me. “I’m okay.” My voice was little more than a whisper. I swallowed a lump in my throat as my eyes burned. “Can you drive me?”
My mother curled her arm around my back. “Yes. We’ll all go.”
I gripped her hand. “Please tell me he’s going to be fine. Lie if you have to.”
Her smile was gentle, but deep lines of worry creased around her eyes. “He just got you back. Trust me, he’ll be just fine.”
Nine
The ride to the hospital was eternal. Then trying to get someone to allow me near him took another million hours. At least it felt like it. I wasn’t family so they wouldn’t give me any details.
The rest of the firemen were still working on the blaze so I couldn’t even ask them to find out for me. The mansion had a carriage house at the back and the fire had spread due to the winds off the water. One other person got hurt dragging Jake to safety, but he was in the burn unit.
I’d convinced my mom and sister to go check with the nurses’ station again just so I could have a minute to myself. Well, me and another woman about my age who was about to gnaw her fingernails down to the quick. She seemed vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t concentrate long enough to keep a thought in my head.
Was Jake burned?
Was he hurt?
Who had saved him?
I stared at my paint-splattered sneakers, forcing my breathing to level before I freaked out in the middle of the waiting room. I gripped my hands so hard to make them stop trembling that my knuckles went white.
“Ma’am.”
I looked up, my heart rate swinging into dangerous territory. Ben Sullivan stood in front of me, his hands wrapped in white gauze.
I popped to my feet and grabbed his wrist. “Ben. Are you okay?”
He winced and eased his hand out of mine.
“I’m sorry.”
He gave me a gentle smile. “I’m okay. Just superficial burns. I had to take my gloves off to move some debris off the chief.”
I closed my eyes and felt the room sway.
“Hey, hey. Relax. I can’t really catch you right now. He’s fine. I promise. One of the beams that fell on him—”
“God.” I sat back down.
Ben crouched in front of me. “It wasn’t that bad, just knocked his mask off so he got a little smoke inhalation. He’s fine—honestly. They just had to get him cleaned up and had to get his O2 stats back up.”
“But he’s okay?”
He nodded.
A tall, leggy blond with pink streaks in her hair stood up on the far side of the waiting room. “Are you talking about my brother?”
Ben rose. “Are you Kayla?”
She nodded.
His gaze quickly tracked her then hit the floor and bounced over her shoulder. Obviously, he was trying not to check her out.
Man, Kayla was Jake’s sister. She’d just been a kid when I moved away. Definitely not the case anymore.
Ben cleared his throat. “Jake sent me down to get you.”
My chest constricted. “Just her?”
Ben shook his head. “He didn’t know you were here.”
“Why wouldn’t I be here?” I popped up again. No watery knees this time.
Ben shrugged. “After this afternoon, we weren’t quite sure which side your loyalties were on.”
“Loyalties—” I glanced at the woman now standing beside me before looking at Ben. Ripping his damn head off while his hands were wrapped in gauze seemed ill-advised. Not with this girl trembling beside me. “Now is not the time for this. Can you just take us to Jake?”
“I can take Kayla. I’ll see if he wants to see you.”
; I fisted my hands.
“No, she can come.” Kayla’s voice was shaky, but her face was sure. “I know he’d want her there.”
I swallowed down the angry tears. “Thank you.”
“Suit yourself.” Ben held out his arm. “We have to head upstairs.”
Kayla tucked her hair behind her ear. “I didn’t recognize you or I’d have come over to sit with you.”
I gave her a tight smile. “Same. You were a lot smaller last time I saw you.”
“Braces and crooked pigtails.”
I laughed. “Yes. That I remember.”
She gripped my forearm as we followed Ben down the hall to the bank of elevators. “I know Jake wants you in the room. The guys are just… Well, the guys. Protective to a fault. Why I don’t live in town.”
“You don’t?”
She shook her head. “I work in Syracuse—well, worked. I just got fired.”
“Fired?”
She shrugged. “When I got the call that Jake was in the hospital, my boss didn’t take too kindly to me wanting to leave.”
“Jerk. It’s family. I’m sure we can talk to him or her.”
Kayla shrugged. “It was a shit job. I took it because I thought I was going to be training to be a sous chef. In reality, I was just learning how not to get my ass groped.”
“Jesus.”
Ben shot a dark glance over his shoulder.
“All part of working in the restaurant field. Waitressing gets it far worse.”
“Not in my bar.”
“Yeah?” She finger-combed her hair. “Jake told me you took over Sharkey’s. Or at least inherited.”
“It’s mine.” It was the first time I’d really said it out loud. “It needs work, but it’s going to be amazing when I’m done with it.” I gave Ben a little side-eye. “When we’re done with it.”
Ben held the door to the elevator open, but he didn’t say anything as we crossed the threshold.
“So, are you a chef?”
She shrugged. “Trying to be. School didn’t take, but I’m self-taught. I’ve been cooking and working in restaurants since I was sixteen.”
The elevator opened and Ben strode off. Kayla’s gaze followed him then returned to mine, her cheeks flushed.
Ben was attractive, if a little…intense. “Maybe we can talk about that when we get Jake situated?”