A Touch of Passion (boxed set romance bundle)

by Uvi Poznansky

  “I love this,” she said, turning to welcome another customer, but not without touching the place on her cheek he’d kissed.

  He stayed until Teresa came, and then, though it was hard as hell, made himself leave. He had other clients besides Veronica that he’d shuffled around to accommodate her trips searching for the photographers. “Congratulations, Celia. I smell success!”

  “Thanks, Dax,” she called after him, waving.

  Walking to the dive shop, he went inside and ran up to the studio. He’d been staying at his dad’s, just in case. His dad must’ve been scared, because he was now taking his oxygen in full doses. It made a difference, adding color to his pale flesh and energy to his tired body.

  How did a man face his own mortality? Dax jumped into the shower rather than think any more about death. Or that it was at his father’s door.

  When he got out, he checked his phone, hoping for something from Celia. There was a message, from Veronica.

  Disappointed, he picked up the phone to call, his towel wrapped around his waist.

  She picked up on the first ring. “I’m pissed off, Dax.”

  Her shouting fury resonated across the line and he put the cell on speaker rather than hold it close to his ear. “What do you want to do?”

  “Does that ex-policeman friend of yours have any other tricks?”

  “I can ask.” Al was a decent guy. Worked hard, if he believed in the cause. If he thought you were a douche bag? Forget about it. Which was part of the reason he’d left the force.

  “I can pay.”

  “That will help,” Dax said.

  She hung up, leaving Dax staring at a phone emitting a dial tone.

  He called his buddy, and left a detailed message. “Up the ante, the model is willing to give you a raise.”

  Dax then went downstairs and did a quick inventory of the shop. T-shirts were popular, and snorkel equipment sold fast. Where they lived was one of the most beautiful shores in the world, and you could reach the reefs without going too far out.

  It had been nice catching up with his sister a little yesterday, once she’d finished yelling at him because dad sounded tired. She’d chilled out once he’d explained about the party, and Dad having fun.

  He’d asked about her boyfriend, she’d changed the subject.

  How could he press?

  His phone rang, and it was his buddy. “Hey, Al.”

  “Dax. Listen, those two jokers are all over Facebook.”

  “Facebook?”

  “I don’t think they realized they were being photographed, but the short one is dancing on the bar, wearing that giant emerald. Tell me it’s fake.”

  “It’s fake.” He had to keep Veronica’s secret.

  “Still, he’s a dumbass.”

  “Veronica couldn’t agree more. What bar?”

  “Singleton’s.”

  “South Beach?”

  “Yup.”

  “Let me call Veronica and see what she wants to do. You have any suggestions?”

  Al’s chuckle sounded sinister in the cavern of the shop. “Yeah. For five grand, let’s go arrest those assholes. How do you feel about playing back up?”

  “They’ve seen me. Won’t work.” Dax wasn’t the kind of guy who liked to brawl. He’d been in his share of fights, but it wasn’t his thing.

  “All right. I can call a friend, but it might cost more. Like double.”

  “Let me check in with Veronica.” She probably had ten grand in her sock drawer, but it was better to be sure.

  “Got it.” Al laughed and Dax heard him clicking computer keys. “It’ll be good to make these two shit their pants. I’ve never seen anybody be so dumb. It’s a wonder they haven’t been robbed already.”

  Dax hung up and called Veronica. Once he finished sharing Al’s plan, she was on board. “Give him six thousand, and let’s make it hurt. I want to watch.”

  “I don’t think he’ll let you go along, Veronica.”

  “Not just me, Dax. You too.”

  “I’m busy!”

  “I’m a paying customer.”

  “I haven’t seen a check yet. What will Umberto say about such a big bill?”

  “By the time I explain to Umberto what happened here? He will be kissing your feet.”

  “That’s not necessary,” Dax said. “I just don’t want dropped off the edge of the pier wearing cement blocks.”

  “You watch too many movies.”

  “Veronica…”

  “Please, Dax?” Her voice lowered and she sniffled. “I really need your help.”

  He knew he was being had. But at 200 hundred an hour, he supposed he could go along for a ride to South Beach.

  And get back the photographers and the emerald. God, maybe he did have a thing for being a hero.

  “All right. Let me call my buddy.”

  “Thank you, Dax. I will not forget how you helped me in my time of need.”

  “Don’t lay it on so thick, Veronica. Makes it hard to swallow.”

  She was quiet, then chuckled. “Pride?” She hesitated a beat. “I’ll remember that.”

  “Talk to you in a bit.”

  “Dax, wait, isn’t today the grand opening for Celia’s café?”

  “Yes.” He was surprised that she’d remembered.

  “I want to show my support.”

  “I’ve already been this morning.”

  She laughed. “You two are so cute.”

  “We are?” What was she talking about?

  “I saw how close you were all through dinner at Celia’s. It was like you couldn’t be too far out of touch. Adorable.”

  Damn it. He’d thought they’d been more discrete. “We are not ‘adorable’. If you want to go, you should. Just bring your cell so I can reach you right away.” Maybe he’d have time for some of the inventory before Al came up with a plan.

  “Dax,” Veronica whined. “I cannot possibly go by myself.”

  “I am busy, Veronica.”

  “Please? I’m paying.”

  He considered the cost of the big tanks of oxygen and how much better his dad looked after just a few days. “You better mean more than you’re just buying coffee.”

  “Hurry, Dax.”

  He hung up, not upset over seeing Celia again, but at how Veronica had manipulated the situation. Dax picked up Veronica and they walked the five blocks to Celia’s café. Now around ten in the morning, Dax was pleased to see people milling around the front of the shop, holding paper cups that said Ambrosia across the side.

  “Why does she not have little tables outside?”

  “I don’t know,” Dax said. “Seems like a good idea. Maybe she didn’t realize how popular outside seating is in south Florida.”

  “Where is her sign?” Veronica pointed at the chalkboard easel and then looked up at the front of the café where the signage was supposed to be.

  Dax released a frustrated breath. “I don’t know that either.”

  “How is she supposed to attract customers if people can’t see that she is there?”

  “That was her biggest fear, but she handed out a ton of flyers, and even did a radio spot.”

  They neared the door and Dax peered inside. Teresa, a petite brunette, seemed overwhelmed at the register. Julie Welch, the realtor liaison, helped clear tables for the folks waiting at the front. Both women kept glancing at Celia, who was being yelled at by a man Dax recognized with the first whiff of expensive cologne.

  Veronica’s lip curled. “Who is that?”

  Dax went inside. “Randall Wallace. The guy who inherited our town.” He went into protective mode, not pleased at how Randall was leaning over Celia, trying to intimidate her. She held her head high, but she was trying to be rational with a man who, as a kid, wanted to sue Santa Claus for breach of contract.

  “I could shut you down,” Randall said, his voice as oily as his hair.

  Celia did her best to keep the disagreement private, but in a café space, it was difficult.


  “On what grounds?” Her voice was steady, but he saw her fists clench.

  “No sign.”

  “I don’t have a sign because you refused to approve it.” She angled her chin and crossed her arms. He could see she was keeping her temper by a thread.

  “I don’t like the name,” Randall said, slowly taking in the décor. “This is a family town. No sex shops on the strip.”

  “Ambrosia is a café. I serve organic produce,” Celia said. “Not vibrators.”

  Veronica giggled, Dax’s jaw dropped and Randall did a slow blink. Celia, embarrassed, quickly snapped her mouth shut. The customers stopped pretending they weren’t listening.

  Randall, tall and gangly, resembled a human praying mantis. With a flick of his head, he made his way toward Dax, who happened to be standing in front of the door.

  “Randall,” Dax said, not sure how to help Celia. If he stayed and talked to the man, would he realize that Celia had customers, and just might do a hell of a lot better than the bead shop? Randall only made money if the town made money.

  On the other hand, if Randall left, Celia had time to regroup. She’d just taken a verbal beating from the man.

  “Dax,” Randall answered, sliding past him to the sidewalk. “Good day.”

  “Mr. Wallace, wait! Please, stop.” Celia rushed to the front of the store, her hand nervously fussing with a loose strand of hair over her eyes. “You’ve come all this way. Won’t you please have something to eat? I just took a shepherd’s pie from the oven.”

  Dax watched Randall as he eyed the chalkboard sign, and the six people around it, all holding cups of tea or coffee. His mouth thinned until his lips disappeared.

  “It is too early for lunch,” he said.

  Celia visibly swallowed, but forced a smile. “There is a tomato and spinach quiche, or bacon and sweet potato, if you prefer.” She waited expectantly, gesturing for him to come back inside. “We never had the chance to meet, face to face. So much different than paperwork mailed back and forth. I’m Celia Langford.”

  Randall brushed by her outstretched hand.

  Dax gritted his teeth at the man’s intolerable rudeness.

  “Just wait,” Veronica said, holding his arm. “Don’t do anything yet.”

  Celia dropped her hand, straightened her back and walked around the counter. She pointed to a stool at the bar and opened the refrigerated case. “Any food allergies?”

  Randall huffed.

  Undeterred, Celia selected four different foods, putting them on a ceramic plate. She snapped out a napkin, and offered it along with a set of silverware. “Taste. Ambrosia literally means food of the gods.”

  “Think highly of yourself, do you?” His thin nose quivered as he sniffed the choices.

  Celia nodded at the plate, confidence-not arrogance-in her tone. “Delicious food is what I have to offer.”

  Not many people took such a direct approach to Randall Wallace.

  He lifted his fork. Tasted. Took another bite. Sampled the next dish. “What is this?”

  “The man could play poker,” Dax muttered.

  Veronica laughed softly, her eyes glued to the scene. “He likes it.”

  “Cucumber and watermelon I bought at our farmer’s market. Most of what you’re eating of the produce came from Sujay’s. I’m supporting our community.”

  Randall hummed. Finished the dishes, then pushed the plate forward. “It is acceptable,” he proclaimed, searching for Julie. “She can have the sign. But I will be watching for one misstep. I have another business interested in this spot.”

  With that, Randall left the café.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Celia sagged against the counter. “Holy shit,” she said to Dax, who had taken the stool Randall vacated. “Does that bastard put every new business through this?”

  Julie, on the same side of the counter as Celia, slipped her arm around Celia’s shoulders. “You did well, Celia. I think you surprised him.”

  Veronica sniffed. “You look like a Disney Princess, but that was pure roller derby mama.”

  Celia laughed, then realized she was the center of attention. “Thank you all for being here. It might not have gone so well if my tables were empty!”

  “This is wonderful food,” a woman wearing a pink scarf around her throat said. She had white fifties-style sunglasses perched on her forehead. “My hubby and I were walking down toward the beach, and wandered in. Best quiche I’ve ever had! I’ll tell everyone back at the hotel about this place.”

  “Thank you,” Celia said, grateful for the praise.

  Dax reached out his hand, and she placed hers in his. Just that was enough to make her arm tingle. “See?” he said. “No problem.”

  She still couldn’t believe how Randall had come in with so much arrogance. How could he stand himself? “I don’t know why I was worried.” She looked around the full tables, and saw that poor Teresa was at the point of tears. “Julie, thank you for clearing for me. I’ve got to help Teresa. And I think I’d better hire another waitress.”

  “Can you add seating outside?” Veronica asked.

  Celia looked at Julie, who nodded. “Yes, just don’t obstruct the walkway.”

  “Okay,” Celia said, mentally sorting through the priorities. “I’ll have to add some small round tables to my list. Which is growing-I’ve got shopping to do once I close today.”

  “I’ll take you,” Dax said. “Your trunk in the Prius is roomy, but I don’t know about tables and chairs.”

  Celia didn’t bother to argue. Why not accept his help with some grace? “You’re probably right. How am I going to repay you?”

  “Keep feeding me,” Dax said, rubbing his flat belly. She remembered, with a flush of heat to her chest and face, how he’d felt against her back as he’d held her so close on the beach.

  “I have not eaten yet,” Veronica said. “I woke up this morning, my mouth watering for your delicious food.”

  “I appreciate that, Veronica. I’ll try to grab a cup of coffee and join you guys.”

  Dax winked. “I am really impressed with how you stood your ground.”

  Celia turned away, her emotions jumbled. Dax said all of the right things, but was it enough to risk the success of her business? She kept her steps calm as she walked toward Teresa. The girl was good, but needed some more experience before she’d be like Rachel at the Grille. “How are you doing, hon?”

  The young woman looked up from the register. “I’m trying to do a void on this guy’s check. But it’s a credit card, and I’m only used to working with cash.”

  The poor thing was just flustered, Celia figured. Having Mr. Wallace come in hadn’t helped her nerves. “It’s all right.” She looked up at the gentleman waiting for his credit card. “Thanks for your patience. Would you like an oatmeal cranberry cookie for your trouble?”

  He grinned. “Won’t say no to that,” he said. “Can I get a refill on my tea?”

  “Of course.” Celia soothed the tension, then gave Teresa a much-needed break.

  Julie got off the phone, her expression immediately alerting Celia to a problem.

  “What?”

  “The sign broke. It was going to be delivered today, but now,” Julie blinked away tears. “I am so sorry, Celia.”

  Celia stifled her disappointment and got to work bussing tables. She had a chalkboard sign, and hopefully the flyers and postcards would keep traffic coming in until the sign was finally up. There wasn’t a second to get coffee, or do more than smile at Dax and Veronica as they ate.

  Other men eyed the exotic beauty, then Dax, with admiration and envy. How could Dax find her, Celia, attractive at all with this woman around?

  Dax’s kisses had awakened her sleeping libido, though she believed what she’d told him earlier–now was not a good time for anything besides friendship. Even that might be a strain, as she put her energy into making Ambrosia a success.

  Veronica and Dax came to the register. “What are you doing for th
e rest of the day, Veronica?” Celia hoped the model had her bratty photographers in hand.

  She slipped her arm through Dax’s and sighed. “I’ve convinced Dax to take me to South Beach.”

  Celia was shocked by the spurt of jealousy that flamed within her.

  Dax attempted to pull away, but Veronica stuck to him like muffins in a pan.

  She tore off the receipt paper with a little more heat than was warranted. “That sounds fun. I’ve never been.”

  Veronica looked at Dax. “We will have fun, yes? Frothy drinks, shopping, people watching.”

  Dax looked like he wanted to say something, but decided against it. “I’ll call you later, okay, Celia?”

  Celia shrugged. “Sure.”

  They left, and Celia was annoyed that her emotions were as jumbled as a jealous, love-torn teenager. They were doing something that seemed secret, and she wondered what it could be. They’d included her before, so why not now?

  She focused on the café, putting her ridiculous feelings aside. Hadn’t she promised herself that she’d be captain of her own damn ship? She’d make decisions based on what was best for her. Her business. Her heart.

  “Teresa, do you have any friends that need a part time job?”

  ❋

  Dax was furious with Veronica for making it seem like going to South Beach was a covert mission. But then he remembered that it sort of was...

  His phone rang. “Dax,” he answered.

  “It’s Al. I’ve lost them.”

  Dax, who was driving toward I-95 with Veronica in the passenger seat, slowed. “What does that mean? I’m about ready to get on the freeway.”

  “Don’t come.”

  “Okay.” Damn it.

  Veronica mouthed, “What?”

  “I’ll call when I find those bastards again. I’ve never seen two people be so damn stupid, and get so lucky,” Al said with disgust in his voice. “But this is personal, now. I guarantee I’ll have them by tomorrow, if not sooner.”

  Dax exhaled. “Thanks, buddy.”

  “What?” Veronica shouted as Dax made a U-turn back toward the ocean. “What happened?”