Up All Night Long: From Lust to Love (Romance Anthology)

by Ali Parker

  "For now."

  "For now?" Kari looked over at her friend.

  "Yeah, for now. You be a reporter until we work on how to unlock your creative side again and then you move toward being who you were created to be." Sicily shrugged.

  "You really believe people were created to be something specific?"

  Sicily pointed to the small red-brick schoolhouse across the street from the stoplight they sat at. "I believe it completely. You're gifted, so use it. Look at that cute little school. It's a junior high, but looks like a mini-library."

  Kari leaned forward and watched the small figures outside in the yard running to and fro, their bodies too small to determine size, but they seemed busy, occupied. Kari picked up her phone as it buzzed, Lisa informing them that it was only four miles up the road by the water.

  Kari relayed the message before dropping her phone in her purse and sitting back, the need for a long restful afternoon pressing against her.

  "Let's unpack tomorrow?" Sicily asked quietly. "I'm tired."

  "I couldn't agree more."

  *

  "Alright, you guys ready to unpack?" Marc clapped his hands as he walked toward the Honda, Kari stretching as Sicily groaned.

  "Really? When’s the U-Haul due back to the car place? Lisa?"

  Lisa walked toward them, her eyes heavy with sleep. She yawned, covering her mouth and shrugging. "I don't know. I just rented it. I didn't pay attention to the details."

  Kari chuckled. "Good grief. Let's go check out the house first and then we can look at the paperwork on the U-Haul."

  "Sounds good. You're going to love the back porch, the water is just a few feet away." Sicily reached for Kari's hand, pulling her toward the door on the small white wood house. It was a good size and yet not too big. The white picket fence that framed the structure was homey and the flowers and plants were struggling to gain color again from the long hard winter that had plagued the northeast.

  Kari walked to the front door, three small steps leading up to the ornate structure.

  "This is much nicer than I would have thought. How did you guys afford this?" Kari asked, looking back as Lisa and Marc brought up the rear.

  "I'm a real estate agent, you silly girl. I worked a deal with the previous owner of the house." She smiled and shrugged. "He's cute as hell, too."

  Marc growled softly as Lisa reached over and popped his butt. "He's got nothing on you, hotcakes."

  Kari pretended to gag and followed Sicily in once the door was unlocked and opened. She stepped into the open floor plan, the living room, dining room, and kitchen laid out before her. Everything was stark white and windows filled up most of the wall space.

  "Not sure what you guys were hoping to paint. There isn't much wall space." Kari laughed and moved in as Sicily spun around twice like a fairy princess.

  "I know. Don't you love it? On rainy nights when the thunderstorms light up the skies we can sit here and just enjoy the beauty of it." She smiled and reached for Kari again. "Come on. Let me show you the loft bedrooms upstairs and then we'll go see the porch and the water."

  Lisa murmured something about her and Marc going in the backyard, but Kari ignored them, her focus on the simplistic attraction of the floor plan, of the wide open welcome of their new place. She let go of Sicily as her friend raced up the stairs, Kari's fingers dragging past the walls as possibilities for colors and design swept across her vision.

  It had been forever since she'd let herself create, but perhaps now with the freedom to be a new person she would gain access to that part of her soul again. She quickened her pace at the urging of her friend already lost down the hall. Kari moved through the small hall, the floor wooden and quite out of place in the midst of all the white.

  "Come see your room first." Sicily popped out of the small door at the end of the hall and Kari giggled, walking quickly to see her new abode. She slipped in and felt the air leave her lungs. The windows stood from floor to ceiling, half the room a view of the ocean just behind them. She walked to the glass as her eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed by the beauty of it.

  "Unbelievable. This is just breathtaking." Kari stopped and let her fingers touch the glass, the sun setting just beyond the far edge of the water. She looked down to see the dock, her brother holding Lisa in his arms, his forehead pressed her hers just before she moved up and kissed him.

  Kari watched for a moment and turned away, Sicily continuing to stare. "Wow. That's hot."

  Kari laughed and grabbed her friend, pulling her back from the show. "And not for us to see."

  "Think something will become of them?" Sicily asked before walking from the room, taking time to show Kari the other two rooms which held a similar view.

  "I don't know. Relationships where you're in each other's face all the time are hard. I can't imagine having to keep up with something long distance."

  "Do you think if things work out with them that she'll move home or he'll move here?" Sicily asked, turning off the lights and walking with Kari back down the hall.

  "He won't move here. He's got big dreams back home and New York is the land of opportunity for him. I think it's just a fling. We'll have to pick up the pieces of one or both of their hearts perhaps." Kari shrugged, hating the very thought of it.

  "Lisa has never fallen in love as long as I've known her. I think it's your brother we need to protect. Warn him tonight to be careful?"

  Kari nodded and stepped off the last step, turning to walk into the kitchen. She placed her hands on the large island in the middle of the room, the kitchen huge and beautiful. "How in the world did you guys score this place? This kitchen is massive."

  Sicily laughed and moved in beside her. "I know, right? I'll be doing most of the cooking, obviously, so it was one of my only requirements."

  Kari's stomach growled, the sound coming off like two cats in a back alley. Both of the girls started to laugh and walked toward the back door, the water sitting just beyond the wooden deck built perfectly to fit the entire back side of the house. They stepped out into the chilly night air as Lisa and Marc separated, walking toward them. Marc looked like a kid with his hand caught in the cookie jar, but Lisa looked perfectly fine.

  "I'm starving," Lisa muttered, rubbing her stomach. "Those chips didn't do it for me today."

  "Me too." Kari moved to put her arm around her brother's waist, a smile on her mouth. "What do you guys feel like?"

  Sicily leaned against the wooden railing, the moon faintly showing in the sky just behind her. "I'm thinking we go grab something from the grocery store and cook it. I can whip us up a stir fry in no time."

  Everyone chimed in and Sicily and Kari decided to take one for the team and go to the grocery store. Lisa growled about them not wanting to help unpack, but a few words from Marc and she was happy to lift all of their furniture, or so it seemed.

  Kari got into the driver’s side and buckled up, a smirk on her lips as Lisa and Marc started to work on the back of the U-Haul. "I think we got the easy end of the deal this time."

  Sicily got in and laughed. "No shit. Although, if we get back and nothing has been moved out of that U-Haul, they totally got it on."

  Kari groaned. "Ewww... Come on, man. That's my baby brother."

  "Your playboy baby brother." Sicily shook her head and pointed down the road. "I'm pretty sure I remember there being a small grocery store right beside that junior high we stopped in front of earlier."

  "Great. I love your cooking and it's been too long."

  "Do you love the house? You good with your room and all?" Sicily turned toward Kari, her voice soft and caring.

  Kari nodded. "Oh yeah. I love it. The room seems to be the best in the house though. You guys didn't have to do that. I'll pay extra on the rent or something."

  "No, silly. We did that to remind you that you're loved. I'm so sorry about the reason you decided to come with us, but I'm stoked that you're here. It's just not the same without you now that we've all gotten so close over the
last few years."

  A warm smile covered Kari's face as she made the final turn to the small grocery store, the building a quarter of the size of the ones back home. "I do feel loved. I think being with you guys is going to help me get over this much faster than I thought possible."

  They parked and got out, Sicily grabbing a small buggy and moving in front. "I'm going to get the veggies and chicken. You go grab us a box of rice and a bottle of wine. I'll meet you at the counter."

  "Okay," Kari responded and moved past the produce, her eyes adverted up to the large signs that sat above each aisle. She finally found the rice and pasta in the middle of the oriental aisle, the categories making no sense at all. She grabbed an off-brand box of rice, none of the usuals finding their way to the shelves.

  Tucking it under her arm, she walked toward the end of the small store and found the very tiny wine section, the usual array of options limited to forty or so. She reached up and let her finger drag along the labels, her weariness not allowing her to really discern whether white or red would go best with their dinner.

  "What are you planning on pairing your wine with?" a deep male voice sounded beside her and she jumped, turning to apologize for her silly reaction.

  The man before her left her speechless. A rarity at best, but unable to say anything as she stared at him. Jet black hair messy atop his head, dark brown eyes, a well-kept beard dusting his face, nice fitted blue jeans, and a white T-shirt that left little to the imagination. The gray hoodie he wore seemed to detract from his overall appearance, but he was far too beautiful to really give it credence.

  "Um... so pairing just means putting together?" He smiled and extended his hand. "I'm Jake. You must be new or driving through."

  Kari shook his hand, the roughness of his palms causing her stomach to tighten at forbidden possibilities. "I'm Kari Martin. We're new in town."

  "Ahhh. That explains it." He let go of her hand and pointed to the shelf in front of him. Kari knew she should follow his focus toward the wine, but she couldn't help but look at him a few more minutes. Had she ever seen anyone so attractive? On TV or in the movies perhaps, but in real life?

  Hell no.

  "So if you're having fish or chicken, they say white wine is best." He looked down at her and smiled. "Red wine is usually for red meat."

  "We're having stir fry, so I'm thinking white wine." She forced herself to turn and reach for the first bottle. He reached over and took it from her, smiling and reaching up to grab another bottle.

  "You want something dry, not a dessert wine, though sweet is always good, I guess." He extended the bottle to her and she took it.

  "I thought everyone was a grandparent here." She realized what she'd said before she could force her lips closed, her cheeks burning. "I'm sorry... we've been driving, and..."

  He laughed and the sound was sensual and yet warming all in the same moment. "It's okay. Most people are grandparents here, but there are a few of us youngans left I guess."

  "Thank God." Kari laughed and looked down at the bottle. "Well, thanks."

  He winked at her and turned, walking down the aisle as he slipped his hands in his pockets. She watched him leave, her heart racing, her mind rushing to think of anything to stop him. A soft sigh left her as she looked back at the wine.

  Best looking man she'd ever seen in her whole life and he was talking to her and she let him go. She started to curse herself as Sicily walked down the aisle, the small cart rattling in front of her.

  "Holy hell I just saw the most beautiful man I've ever seen in my life. This place is a gold mine." She laughed and reached over to take the bottle of wine from Kari.

  Kari just shrugged. "I know. He recommended our wine."

  *

  The evening was filled with laughter and shared memories, the long day catching up too quickly to Kari. She said her good-nights and gave her brother a look to remind him to behave before slipping up to her new room. She pulled a small blanket from a chest that sat by her door, her brother and Lisa having gotten her bed put together while she and Sicily were at the grocery store. Her thoughts slipped back to the handsome guy in the wine aisle, a smile touching her lips as she stripped and flopped down on the bed.

  Perhaps not everyone in Bar Harbor was a grandparent. If they were... there were some mighty fine older people. She laughed and rolled over, sleep grabbing her fast and pulling her under.

  Chapter 9

  Dreams of Jake stained her night, her sleep restless and filled with hope for something that might occur. His strong hands demanding, his lips soft, his words sweet and full of promise.

  Kari woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing near her ear, her alarm set for eight to ensure that she had time to shower and find her clothes before meeting with the editor in chief at the local newspaper that morning. Steve had made a few calls, and for that, she was grateful. Doing anything other than taking pictures for a living would be suffocating to her free spirit. She just hoped like hell they wouldn't want her to do any news casting. Doubtful, but one never knew.

  She walked down the hall to the small bathroom, listening for sounds of life and hearing nothing, thankfully. A quick shower and she was ready to conquer the day ahead. Kari pulled a white sweater dress over her head and slipped into a pair of brown flats, her belt and matching earrings in various shades. She towel-dried her hair and made her way to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee and make herself a few pieces of toast.

  "You're up early," Lisa mumbled, turning as Kari walked into the kitchen.

  Kari yelped softly. "Crap. You scared me. I didn't realize anyone was up."

  "Yeah, well I'm not sure I really ever fell asleep." Lisa sighed and pointed to the coffee pot. "It's already made, so help yourself."

  "What caused you to sleep so badly? Up sick or what?"

  "No, just never do sleep really well in a new place at first. Just feels creepy to me, I guess." Lisa shrugged and turned to pick up the paper, sitting down at the kitchen table. Most of the furniture was in the house, but left piled in the middle of the living room area. It would be a long week of getting everything together, but once it was done, they could all relax and just enjoy.

  "Too many scary movies as a kid?" Kari walked to get a cup of coffee, looking over her shoulder at Lisa, who wasn't paying attention.

  "I guess. My parents weren't really in my business much as a kid, so too much of everything, scary movies included." Lisa looked up as Kari turned around, lifting her mug to her lips and blowing carefully. "You look nice. Where are you headed?"

  "I have an interview around lunchtime with the editor in chief at the local paper. My old boss got me in to see him or her at least. The rest will be up to me." Kari walked to the table and took a seat, leaning back and setting her cup on the table.

  Her brother walked in and smiled at them, his hair a mess and eyes red. "You guys could keep it down to a dull roar, you know?"

  Lisa picked up a small dish towel on the table and chucked it at him. "You have no room to talk. You snore like a lumberjack."

  Kari laughed. "He's snored since he was a kid."

  Marc huffed and walked toward the coffee pot. "Stop telling all my secrets, sis. Jeez."

  Sicily joined them shortly and they sat around the table talking and making fun of one another until Lisa got up and made breakfast.

  Kari jumped up at eleven, knocking over a small glass of juice from the table before her and yelling sorry over her shoulder. "I'm going to be late!"

  "We'll get it. No worries. Just go do what you have to do, sis." Marc yelled after her as she hurried toward the front door. She grabbed her purse and keys and paused before walking out, looking over at them and smiling.

  "Wish me luck?"

  Marc and Sicily yelled 'good luck' as Lisa smirked. "You don't need luck. You've got this."

  "True." She winked and walked out into the mid-morning sun, the cold air quick to attack her. She didn't have time to grab a coat, the morning having slipped away from her
. She jogged to the car and got in, turning it on and blowing warm air into her hands as she bounced her legs.

  "Freezing, freezing, freezing..."

  Turning on the radio, she sat back and waited for the car to heat up before she pulled out into the quiet streets of Maine. The picturesque scene before her quickly assisted in settling her nerves, her focus shifting from concern over getting a job to the handsome guy from her dreams. He was probably married. That would be just her luck.

  She leaned forward, looking to her left as she slowed the car. The paper was supposed to be located in the heart of town, but all of the small buildings were much too tiny to hold a full press.

  "Maybe the press is located somewhere else and this is just an office?" She reached over and grabbed her phone, pulling over to look at the address again. She huffed and looked up, the small sign above the door on the yellow-brick building to her left read: 'Bar Harbor Post.'

  After checking her teeth in the mirror, Kari got out of the car and walked quickly across the street, a few elderly people walking the cobblestone paths that led from shop to shop. They waved, much to her surprise, and she waved back, adding in a 'good morning' for the hell of it. Odd to be around seemingly friendly people.

  She walked up two small concrete steps and slipped into the warmth of the small building, a bell jingling above her head.

  "Hello?" She walked through the small lobby, a long hall leading into the back with no one out front. She stood at the beginning of the hall and listened, hoping to get a response.

  Nothing.

  "Hello? Anyone here?" She took a few tentative steps into the hall and lifted her voice a little more. The sound of a door opening far down the hall caused her to pause. Taking a few steps back, she pulled her purse in front of her, almost hugging it absently.

  "I'm here, I'm here... keep your panties on," a female voice rushed up to greet Kari, the large, red-headed woman it belonged to quickly following. She looked up and smiled, waving at Kari.