Seaside Heartbeats_A Sweet Romance

by Stacy Claflin

  He raised an eyebrow.

  "Dad, come on. We're just going to walk around the beach. It's not like we're going to party and get drunk. That's not our scene."

  "Anymore." Cora elbowed Lana.

  "You're not helping," Lana said. "Dad, really, I'm fine. I even have the doctor's personal line, remember? He's here in town if needed."

  "Just go," their mom said. "Cora, you keep an eye on her."

  Lana rolled her eyes. "I'm not two."

  "You're still my baby."

  "What about Ryder and Nolan?" Lana asked.

  "My grand-babies. You're mine."

  Cora grasped Lana's arm. "I promise to be a reliable babysitter."

  "Wonderful," muttered Lana.

  "Hey," said their dad, looking at Lana. "In the morning, I want you to look at the plans. I made some changes to the first floor I want your opinion on."

  "I thought this was a vacation, Dad."

  "It is, but if we can start the fall off with ideas, we'll be ahead of the game—and our clients will be that much happier."

  "All right, I'll look at them and tell you what I think, but I'm not doing anything more. Not until we're back at the office."

  "I suppose I'll have to accept that." He turned back to the movie.

  Lana turned to Cora. "Let's get going before anyone changes their minds." She hated feeling like a kid, and she couldn't wait to get away from the house for a while. In fact, looking for a house of her own back home sounded even better. She needed to make that a priority. Maybe when she and Cora got back from their outing, Lana could get online and see what was available in their area.

  They hurried out of the house. "Do you really feel okay?"

  "Oh, not you, too." Lana gave her sister her most exasperated look. "Really? I just went to the ER. It's not like I was in the hospital for weeks, hanging on for dear life. You guys are the most overprotective group I've ever met."

  "Good. We should be. We're your family. Now where to?"

  "I thought you wanted to go to the concert."

  Cora looked toward the busy beach. "That's just what I told them. I want to explore the areas that no one else does. This place has to have some hidden gems. Don't you think?"

  Lana thought of Brayden, her pulse picking up. "I know it does. Let's see what the locals are keeping from us."

  "That's my girl." Cora gave her a devious look.

  "Why do I feel like we're teenagers again?"

  "Because we're being adventurous and having fun—we're ditching our parents, and you told Dad you won't do your homework." Cora picked up her speed.

  Lana caught up, and they made their way through the streets until the roads grew emptier. The buildings weren't as well-kept as the ones back in the touristy areas.

  "This is what I'm talking about," Cora said. "This is the real Kittle Falls. It has charm."

  "I guess. If that's what you want to call it."

  Down an alleyway, dishes clattered followed by laughter and chatter.

  "See? This is where people actually live. When they're not busy with everyone else, the locals come here and…? What do you suppose they're hiding?"

  Lana looked down the street. "Smaller restaurants. But I'm not hungry."

  "Bet they have some decent bars. Want to find one?"

  "I'm not supposed to drink."

  "No coffee, and now alcohol?" Cora frowned. "Heart conditions suck."

  "Yeah, and that's why." Lana rolled her eyes. They continued down the street, looking in the windows of various storefronts. Mostly quaint little shops. Nothing like whatever treasure Cora sounded so eager to find. "What exactly are we looking for?"

  "Nothing in particular. It's just a hunt. We'll probably find something—just one little thing that none of the other tourists know about. I mean, really. If we're going to be here, we may as well have fun. You're here all summer, right?"

  "That's the plan. I just want to forget about life and school for a few months. But dad won't leave me alone with those plans. He's going to have that whole mansion designed long before we leave."

  "All the more reason to explore. After we leave, you'll need to know where to go to get away."

  Lana frowned. "How long are you guys staying?"

  "Not as long as Mom and Dad want, but we don't have a date set. Marcus needs to get back for his coaching and teaching at least a couple weeks before school starts."

  "What about you?"

  "I've left my best people in charge, but I don't want to stay away too long. Each time I've talked to them, they say everything is great, but I hate to be away. It's my business, I should be there at least for part of the summer."

  "I get it." Even though Lana didn't have a business, she'd been so focused and driven, working to get her architecture degree that she'd gotten it before most everyone who started with her in the studies. Some of them still had a couple more years to go.

  Lana smelled something sweet, and Cora looked at her. "Want to find out what that is? You can eat sugar, can't you?"

  "As far as I know."

  "Then let's find out what that wonderful smell is."

  Lana's mouth watered. "Suddenly, I'm in the spirit for an adventure."

  Cora sniffed. "Where do you think it's coming from?"

  "It can't be too far. Ahead a little?"

  Lana nodded, and they went ahead until they reached an intersection. "Which way?"

  "Down the right." Cora sniffed again. "Definitely."

  They turned down the road, giggling and chatting like they were little again. Lana couldn't help having fun, and she remembered all kinds of adventures her sister had taken her on when they grew up. Lana had really missed them, but hadn't realized it until that moment.

  "There." Cora pointed to a bakery.

  Lana laughed. "That would have to be it."

  Cora grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. A large lady with a big smile welcomed them. "I just baked fresh pies. Would you girls like some slices? Just two dollars."

  Lana's mouth watered all the more. "What flavor?"

  "The fresh ones are cherry, apple, marionberry, and rhubarb."

  "How do I choose?" Lana asked.

  "We'll get one of each, and share," Cora said, digging into her purse. She pulled out a ten, and put it on the counter.

  The lady cut four large slices and then heaped whipped cream, too. Lana grabbed the tray and found a table.

  "What about your change?" asked the lady.

  "Keep it," Cora said, sitting down. "How are we going to eat all of this?"

  "I won't have a problem," Lana said, picking up a fork. "Which one to try first?"

  "Rhubarb for me," Cora said, taking as much as would fit on the fork. Pink dripped onto the plate.

  Lana took some of the marionberry. It melted in her mouth. She moaned. "I've never tasted anything so good."

  "What did I tell you?" Cora asked, digging into the cherry pie. "The locals keep the best stuff hidden."

  They ate all four slices, going back and forth between racing each other and savoring the bites. Lana wiped her mouth and then leaned back, stuffed. "I think I stretched my stomach."

  "Just wait til you have kids," Cora said, her mouth full of pie. She put her hand in front of it. "Sorry."

  Lana grinned. "Like I've never seen you talk with your mouth full of food. You used to torture me by showing me your food, remember?"

  Cora laughed, nearly choking. "I almost forgot about that. Half the fun was seeing how long it would take for you to shriek and tattle. But now I have two boys, so I've been paid back in full—with interest."

  "Good." Lana rubbed her stomach. "Up for more adventure?"

  "Definitely. We have to walk off those calories. I don't even want to think about how many we just ate."

  They got up and called out a thanks as they left the bakery. Lara felt like she'd doubled in weight.

  "Why do I feel like I'm going to regret this in the morning?" Cora asked.

  "I think we're going to ha
ve to jog every day to make up for it."

  "Especially since I'm coming back here every day."

  "Are you bringing the boys?" asked Lana.

  Cora looked thoughtful. "Maybe on the last day. It'll be our secret until then." She held up a pinky.

  Lana looped her pinky through Cora's. "Our secret."

  They wandered through the mostly empty streets, occasionally coming across groups of people.

  Lana looked up at the darkening sky. "It's really peaceful over here."

  "Yeah, now that we can't hear the concert and other beach activity. What other treasures do you think we'll find?"

  "I sure hope nothing that involves food."

  "Preach it."

  They passed a noisy bar and then a dance hall playing eighties music. Cora looked over, and saw everyone inside was dressed for the music. "Too bad we didn't bring leg-warmers."

  "Yeah," Cora said. "I left my banana clips at home."

  "You probably remember the eighties, right?" Lana shoved her sister.

  "Barely. But I don't wanna hear it. You were alive in them, too."

  "Yeah, but I was still in diapers when the nineties began."

  "What's that about diapers?" came a male voice from behind.

  Lana turned around. Brayden stood there, smiling. Lana's face burned with embarrassment.

  "Brayden, this is my sister, Cora," Lana said. "Cora, Brayden."

  They shook hands. "And how do you two know each other?" Cora asked.

  Lana wanted to crawl into a hole. "He's my doctor."

  "Very nice to meet you, Brayden. I've never been on a first-name basis with any of my doctors." Cora turned to Lana and mouthed, "He's hot."

  Lana nodded. "We ran into each other in town. Apparently, he didn't like being called Dr. Hunter outside of the office."

  "It has a nice ring to it, though," Cora teased.

  Brayden looked as uncomfortable as Lana felt. "What brings you two to this side of town?"

  "We smelled some fresh-baked pies and went to the bakery," Cora said.

  "All the way from the beach?" Brayden asked, smiling.

  Butterflies danced in Lana's full stomach. He was even more gorgeous when he smiled. "We just wanted to get away from the noise. So, did you think any more about which building you want to demolish?"

  "I like the hardware store," he said. "Like you said, it has potential. I just need to lay out some plans."

  Cora nudged Lana closer to Brayden. "You know this one is an architect, right?"

  "I do. How long are you staying in town? Maybe we could discuss possibilities. I'd love some ideas. I'm not very creative, unfortunately."

  "Oh, I'm sure you have more than you give yourself credit for."

  "I know," Cora said. "Why don't you come over to our beach house for dinner tomorrow? Our dad's an architect, too. He's been at it forever. You guys could bounce ideas off each other."

  Lana glared at Cora. Brayden would never give her a chance if he met her family. Their dad would talk his ear off, and the boys would likely break things and scare him away.

  "I wouldn't want to impose," Brayden said.

  "Oh, heavens, no," Cora said. "Dad would be thrilled to have someone to talk architecture with."

  They exchanged details, and then parted ways. Brayden's gaze lingered on Lana before he walked away. She couldn't take her eyes off him until he was out of sight.

  "I can't believe how hot your doctor is," Cora said, nudging Lana. "And he likes you."

  "Shut up."

  "And you definitely like him. Not that I blame you." She fanned herself. "If I wasn't taken, you'd have competition."

  Seven

  Brayden held up two ties. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been so concerned about what to wear. Usually, he wasn't one to worry about what anyone thought of him. But he couldn't help worrying about impressing Lana and her parents. It wasn't a date—who's first date included the girl's parents?

  He stared at the ties. He threw the turquoise one on the bed, going with the sea-foam green one that Sophia had given him the last Christmas she'd been healthy enough to shop. She'd been the queen of fashion, so that tie had to be the right one. She had said it brought out his eyes. Even Rafael, the fashion designer had agreed.

  Brayden buttoned his shirt and then slid the tie under the collar and made the perfect tie. No. It was slightly crooked. He undid it and tried again. Still crooked. What was wrong with him?

  Looking at the time, he knew he needed to hurry. He didn't want to be late, and make Lana and her family wait. He tried the tie again, and finally got it right. Well, close enough. He was too nervous to get it perfect.

  Every time he thought about Lana, he grew nervous. Was it because she was his patient or because she was so beautiful? Maybe both. Well, that and the way she looked at him. It was different from most women. They usually wanted one thing, and he wasn't that guy. There were plenty of doctors who took advantage of their prestige, putting their jobs on the line getting involved with patients or nurses.

  One married surgeon in the pediatric clinic, of all places, was in the middle of a lawsuit with a receptionist claiming her unborn baby belonged to him. His career was on the line.

  That was the last thing Brayden wanted or needed. He was determined to think with his brain and keep all boundaries clear. Adjusting his tie, he wondered if going over to Lana's beach house was blurring those lines.

  No. They were going to discuss the future urgent care clinic. He would get some ideas and then present them to the other doctors who were considering joining him in the venture. If Brayden had actual plans for a building, they would be a lot more willing to join him.

  This was a good business decision. Getting to spend some more time with Lana was an aside benefit.

  That was a stretch, and he knew it.

  Brayden went into the bathroom and squeezed some gel into his hand and then ran it through his hair. He looked as good as he was going to. He slapped on a little more aftershave, and then headed for the front room. It was too cluttered, but he didn't have time to deal with it. One of these days, he would have to break down and hire housekeeping service for his condo.

  He managed to keep everything else in his life together, but the only place he let things fall apart was at home. What was he going to do when he finally settled down and had a family?

  Sliding his shoes on, Brayden shook his head. He wasn't even going on a date, and yet he was thinking ahead to a family. He was letting Cruz's comments get in his mind.

  "She's a tourist," he muttered. All the locals knew what that meant—don't get attached. All too often, someone would fall in love with someone visiting, and no matter what promises were made, things always fell apart.

  In fact, Brayden only knew of one person that managed to keep a relationship with a tourist—his brother, Jake. Though he was the youngest of the brothers, he was the first to marry. And his tourist relationship really didn't count, because Tiffany hadn't even been a real tourist. She had ended up stranded in town with no desire to stay even a day.

  Brayden ran his fingers through his stiff hair, trying to make it more natural. He didn't have time for a relationship. Why was he so worried about Lana? She'd just go back home to her architecture firm where she probably already had a boyfriend. Even if she didn't, she might think Brayden was too old for her.

  Given what she'd told him about how long it took her to get her license, she would only be twenty-six or twenty-seven. She might not want anything to do with someone pushing thirty-six. Thirty-six was practically pushing forty. And that was halfway to the grave for a lot of people.

  He looked in the mirror over the coat rack. "Pull yourself together." What was wrong with him? He was thinking like an insecure teenager, not the doctor who had built the Dallas clinic up from almost nothing. He turned away dates from nurses several times a week. He could handle a dinner with a tourist family discussing building plans.

  But why didn't he believe it? His stomach twi
sted in knots just thinking about Lana. She made him question everything, and they'd just met. What would a dinner do to him?

  He would just have to stay strong. After all, he was Brayden Hunter, and he'd accomplished so much. He could handle a dinner with the beautiful woman who had a sweet smile. With any luck, she was as focused on her career as he was on his. She was just a distraction that he didn't have time for.

  Brayden double-checked his hair before walking out the door. The house wasn't too far. He could easily walk, but it was especially hot outside. He went for his car and turned on the AC. It was a good thing he had a shady parking spot, or the car would have been an oven.

  Once it was nice and cold, Brayden pulled out of the spot and made the short, five-minute drive. He found the house easily enough, but another shady parking spot was a different story. He drove up and down the road several times before giving up and parking in the sun. He cracked the windows and put a sun shade in the front window.

  His throat grew drier with every step he took toward the house. What would her parents think of him showing up? Doctors didn't visit their patients at home for a leisurely dinner.

  Brayden stopped himself from turning around and fleeing. He took a deep breath. Everything was fine—he wasn't doing anything wrong. Cora had invited him, and he only knew her socially. His patient only happened to be there.

  He held his fist up to knock, but heard shrieks from inside. The door opened, and two identical little strawberry-blonde boys jumped up and down, yelling, "He's here!"

  Lana ran over, looking embarrassed. "Sorry about them. Ryder, Nolan, you two need to calm down. Say hi to Dr. Hunter."

  They both looked up at him and smiled widely. "Hi, Dr. Hunter."

  Brayden couldn't help smiling. "Nice to meet you boys." He turned to Lana. "Are they yours?"

  "Oh, goodness no. They're my nephews."

  Relief swept through Brayden. Before he could say anything, Cora showed up. "Sorry about them. They're a little hyper."

  "No worries. They're adorable."

  "Aw, thanks. We'll see how you feel in an hour."

  Brayden looked down at the boys. "I've got four brothers. I'm sure we did a lot more damage than you two ever have." He winked at them.