“And now you’re sucking up. Close your mouth, child, and go buy the damned picture frame. Your mother beat you to the register.” Auntie nodded toward the counter at the front, where Cady’s mother was leaning over the top, probably getting ready to deplete the shopkeeper’s supply of gift boxes.
Cady pressed her lips together, fighting to keep from laughing out loud. She spun on her heel and hurried to the register to rescue the poor cashier from her pushy mother. Bumping a hip against her mother, she looked pointedly from the stack of sweater boxes on the counter to her mother and back again.
“What? It just looks trashy if I wrap all her gifts without using proper boxes.”
“And if you wrap each one individually, we’ll all be watching Amanda unwrap presents until it’s time for the baby to graduate high school.” She patted her mother’s shoulder. “You can fit three outfits in one box, easy. Don’t take her entire supply.”
The storeowner smiled gratefully at Cady. She returned the smile with a covert wink, carefully separating a stack of gift boxes and sliding them back across the counter. Her mother’s defeated sigh was comically melodramatic. Cady chuckled.
“Here, let me get that for you. You need to save your money.” Her mom tried to take the picture frame from her hand.
“It’s all right. I’ve got it. Auntie told me not to worry about the money.” Cady shrugged.
“Oh, your aunt ... Oh!” May nodded her head and turned to share a look across the store with the elderly woman.
What was she missing here? It wasn’t like Auntie was a wealthy woman. Where she got this secret stash of money that she was willing to share with her grand-niece, Cady had no idea.
The three women stepped out into the bright August morning that was already shaping up to be a scorcher. Cady glanced at her aunt, gauging whether the woman was up to the walk back to the car, or if she should leave them here and run back for it. Gripping her cane firmly, the elder Cadence took the lead, heading around the block to where they had parked May’s older sedan.
They passed the florist shop, a small real-estate office, a one-man law firm, and the coin laundry that had been in business since before Cady had been born. Across the street more shops greeted them with their bright awnings and beautifully hand carved signs. They passed the hardware store, waving to Mr. Pettridge as they walked by.
Wynter Grayson stood inside the display window of The Book Nook. She was already designing a back-to-school theme. Cady’s heart beat a little faster as she realized just how quickly her time in Scallop Shores was winding down. Another month, perhaps? She said she’d give herself until Labor Day weekend.
“Oh, Cady, look at this!” Her mother stopped short in front of a shop with a big “for lease” sign in the window.
She’d been disappointed to see the little family-run restaurant close a few months back. The husband and wife were getting on in years and their children had long since left the area, with no interest in taking over the establishment. Unable to continue on their own, the elderly couple had let the lease run out and, last Cady had heard, moved to a retirement community in Boca Raton.
“I know, it’s sad. Just sitting here empty.”
“No, it’s exciting, silly! It’s just sitting here empty. Waiting for you to start a business here in Scallop Shores. So you don’t have to move to the city.”
“What kind of business would I start?” She eyed her mother quizzically.
“A coffee shop, of course. Though you could have an expanded menu, given that this is already set up as a restaurant. You could hire a cook and a waitress. Feature your espresso drinks and all the baked goods you are so good at making.”
“And steal business away from Logan’s? Mom, that’s a terrible idea. He might not be the nicest guy, but he’s pretty much given me free rein to run the bakery as I see fit.”
Cady cupped her hands over the glass and peered inside. She’d never considered owning a business. But to stay in Scallop Shores? Maybe this was a sign that her dream wasn’t big enough? Maybe she was meant to run her own coffee shop in the city? Her eyes grew wide as she considered the possibilities.
“I think this would be perfect for you.” Her mother was still talking about this building, in particular.
No, she had zero interest in starting up a coffee shop in her hometown. And, quite frankly, the idea of running her own business in the city was too overwhelming to consider at the moment. She’d settle in and think about it—in her own time. Cady caught Auntie watching her closely. She sensed the woman was living vicariously through her, and she wanted to make her proud. She only hoped her baby steps were enough for now.
Linking arms with her mother and Auntie, Cady guided them toward the car. She had a lot to think about.
“And you and Burke can stay a couple.”
Wait, what?
“Mom, how many times do I have to tell you that Burke and I are not dating?”
“Of course, darling. Friends with benefits.”
Good Lord, where had her mother learned that term? Friends. Cady sighed. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t want more than that. She did. She desperately did. But their lives were going in opposite directions and they wanted such vastly different things.
Sparing a last glance at the “for lease” sign, Cady stiffened her spine and pasted on a fake smile. Yes, she had a lot to think about.
Chapter 15
Being in charge of Logan’s Bakery had its perks. Cady stood off to the side, taking in the balloons and streamers, the crowds of people milling around with glasses of punch as they nibbled on the platters set out on the long counter. Amanda held court at the table closest to the window, her cheeks wet with a fresh batch of happy tears. Chase and a group of his buddies sat at the end of the counter, where they had sneaked in a keg. At a baby shower? Really, big brother? Cady sent a look heavenward.
One person in Chase’s little posse caught her watching them and smiled devilishly. It had been a few days since she and Burke had come back from their trip to New York. A few busy days. Now that the post-coital glow had dimmed and they were back to their normal routines, Cady wasn’t quite so take-charge and confident. Her cheeks grew warm as he studied her from across the room until she had to turn away, suddenly uncomfortable with the intense feelings that just being near him produced.
“Sweetheart, I heard a couple of people mention we’re running low on coffee.” Her mother whispered in her ear.
“On it.” Happy to have busy work to do, Cady patted her mother’s shoulder and rounded the corner.
She emptied the last package of grounds into a filter and set the coffee to brew. Heading into the supply room for another box, she flipped on the light and let out a tiny squeal as Burke pushed his way past her and closed the door behind them. His focus was on her mouth.
“If I were a paranoid guy, I’d almost think you were avoiding me.”
“Almost?”
“Well, yeah. See, I look back at all the times, at the penthouse, that I made you scream my name and I think, ‘Who would want to avoid that?’ And I realize that’s just crazy.” He slowly backed her against the wall.
“You’re pretty sure of yourself.” The fact that her chest was already heaving and her skin itched to make contact with his implied that he had every right to be.
“Yup.” Slapping his palms against the wall, on either side of her head, Burke lowered his head and took her mouth.
Without any coaxing on his part, Cady opened for him, drawing him in and joining their tongues in a sensual dance that started slow but quickly fanned out of control. Her fingers clutched at the back of his shirt, running up and down the slippery fabric until she’d had enough and tugged it loose from his pants so she could reach his bare skin. He slid one hand down to pull up her thigh, yanking it against him as he ground their bodies together.
“Think—” Burke didn’t have time to finish the thought as the knob rattled and the storage room door swung inward.
�
�Jesus, get a room!” Chase pretended to cover his eyes, leaving a wide gap between his fingers, as he cleared the door frame.
“We did. But some people don’t bother to knock.” Burke pushed himself away from the wall.
“What do you need, Chase?” Cady needed to move this party elsewhere, before the testosterone level got any higher.
“Ice.” He paused, grinning. “Come to think of it, you could use some of that yourself. Burke? Cool things down a bit?”
Cady blew out a sigh on her way to the ice machine. One would have hoped that becoming a father would have instilled a sense of maturity in her big brother. But so far all she saw was a 12-year-old trapped in a man’s body. She filled a bucket with ice and passed it off to her brother, who looked like he intended to wait for them to leave with him.
“Oh, for crying out loud, Chase! We’re right behind you.” She slammed the door shut on the ice machine and swiveled, hands on her hips.
Chase gave them one last lecherous grin, waggled his brows, and left the room. Burke was watching her closely. She lifted her chin and met his look head-on. She hadn’t been avoiding him. Much.
Turning to the back wall, Cady lifted down a box of French Roast, one of Hazelnut and one of Breakfast Blend. Burke had sneaked up behind her. She could feel his hot breath on her neck as she contemplated which other flavor to bring out front. A heavy hand branded her hip and his lips found that sensitive spot just behind her ear. Her knees nearly gave way.
“We good?” He whispered.
Oh, they were more than good together! But that wasn’t what he was asking. He wanted to know where they stood. He wanted to know that they were a couple now. That they were together. And she had to tell him they weren’t.
They were good together. And she enjoyed every second she spent with him. But Burke was putting down roots in town and she was leaving. What they had was temporary. It was addicting and it was amazing and she would be smart to break it off now, while she could still walk away with her heart intact.
She twisted around, pushing the stack of boxes into Burke’s arms. Don’t make eye contact! Stay strong! Before she could return to the shelf for another box of coffee grounds, she caught his worried frown. He didn’t say another word; just watched her sadly. He understood how things were and he wasn’t pushing her to stay. God, why did he have to be so damned perfect?
“We’re good, Burke. Of course we’re good.” She focused on a point just over his shoulder. “We should get back out there before Chase brings reinforcements.”
Grabbing a box of decaf, Cady lifted it to her shoulder and led the way out of the storage room. She poured the freshly brewed carafe of coffee into the near-empty urn and started another going. Burke had dropped off the boxes he’d carried out and retreated to the group of men in the corner.
Would it be so bad, if she were to stay? She could think of much worse places to live. Her family was here. Her life, her history, everything she knew and everyone she loved. Again, her eyes lingered on the newest full-time resident of Scallop Shores. It must have been the occasion, because all of a sudden she was thinking happily-ever-after, raising a family with Burke and living out her life in the same town she swore she had to leave in order to grow. She was nuts.
“Amanda, I am dying to see what’s under all this adorable wrapping paper. I say it’s time to open presents. Mine first!” She couldn’t wait to see what her friend thought of the picture frame. They could choose just the right photo together.
Cady swiped an order pad and pen off the counter, lifted the topmost gift from the pile on the table and set it in her friend’s lap. Her mother quickly cleared the leftover food from the table and everyone started to gather around to watch the festivities.
The next half hour was full of oohs and aahs, as the women cooed over tiny baby outfits and cuddly stuffed animals. Chase whined over all the items that would have to be assembled and Cady laughed to see him wrap his mind around the breast pump as he gingerly picked up the parts. Her parents looked so proud. Amanda’s family hovered around her, refilling her lemonade, kissing her brow, and showering her with attention.
This could be her someday. Cady wrote down the last gift, a plastic bathtub filled with baby soap, bath toys, hooded towels, and washcloths from Sergeant Gerry and his wife. Standing up, she went in search of trash bags to help carry out all the smaller gifts. A slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, she caught Burke’s eye. To be fair, the guy had every right to feel out of his element here. She wouldn’t have blamed him for bailing early. He winked at her. He was actually enjoying himself. Hope weaved its way through her chest, cinching it tighter.
Chase had recruited a few guys to help move the bigger presents, like the car seat, stroller, and electric swing out to his truck. Cady’s and Amanda’s mothers were packing up refreshments for people to take home with them. Amanda had disappeared into the restroom. Auntie sat at the little table by the window, alone. In her hands she held a small scrap of cloth, a yellow sleeper.
The old woman didn’t know she was being watched and Cady was stunned by the sorrow etched into her elderly aunt’s wizened visage. Her wrinkled hands stroked the soft fabric, back and forth. Regret. It was so tangible, Cady felt like she’d been bludgeoned in the stomach. It hurt to breathe.
Cadence Eaton had come back home to Scallop Shores. She’d left the man she loved behind. And she’d regretted her decision. Looking at the woman now, all Cady wanted to do was wrap her arms around her and comfort her. Was this what she had to look forward to if she stayed? Would she look at Burke one day and resent him for convincing her to choose him over her dreams of life in the big city?
The shattering of glass brought Cady back to the here and now fast. Ice skittered down her spine and she stared in horror at the remains of her New York Dream tip jar now in hundreds of pieces on the cracked linoleum. The sole contents of the jar, the money Burke had deposited on his first day in town, lay amid tiny shards of broken glass. Was this a metaphor for her life? Tears burned behind her eyelids, but Cady refused to let them fall.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart! I was just moving the deli platter. I had no idea your tip jar was so close to the edge.” Her mother dropped to her knees and began to pick up the larger pieces of glass.
“Hey, no, it’s no big deal. Please let me do this. I don’t want you to cut yourself.”
Cady pulled her mother up off the floor and gently pushed her away from the tip jar carnage.
“Mom, why don’t you take Auntie back to Kittredge Manor? I think she’s had a long day.”
Still haunted by the look on her aunt’s face as she sat caressing the baby outfit, Cady shuddered.
“I’ll help you clean up.” Burke was suddenly at her elbow.
“No. I’ve got this. Really. You go on home. I’ll call you later.” Knowing the wounded puppy dog look that was sure to be on his face, she kept her gaze focused on the broken glass.
If she looked at him now, she’d cave. She would let him help her clean up the mess. She’d invite him back up to her apartment and they would spend the rest of the night making love. And tomorrow she would be wondering if she’d just lost a little piece of herself.
So, no. She had some thinking to do. And she needed to do it alone. Putting her blinders on, Cady went in search of the broom and dustpan. She returned to the front of the bakery to find that everyone had cleared out. He’d actually left. He had listened and was respectful of her needs. So why had she immediately turned into a blubbering idiot? Sniffling, she swept up the broken tip jar, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand.
• • •
She should be here with him. Well, no, that was a poor choice of words. He would have liked her to be here with him, to share this moment, to give her input. Burke followed the Realtor through the raised ranch, knowing the woman was chattering on about the features of the house, but too absorbed in his own thoughts to be able to hear anything but a garbled buzz.
He knew t
he baby shower was rough on Cady yesterday. He could see that she was starting to waver. Family meant so much to her. It would have been so easy to take advantage of that, to be selfish and take what he wanted for himself. Chase had pulled him aside at the party and said the same thing. Cady’s big brother claimed to have her best interests at heart, but Burke knew better.
They were upstairs now. Burke left the large master suite and stepped into the smaller room beside it. The nursery. He blinked. It was a bare room, white walls and no furnishings, so why his mind automatically went there he wasn’t sure. But the harder he stared, the clearer the picture came to mind. The walls were a smoky blue-grey; no pastels for his son. Sports memorabilia decorated the room. A rocking chair would sit by the window, overlooking the thick woods at the back of the house. He could almost hear Cady crooning a lullaby as she nursed their infant.
“There are three bedrooms upstairs and the guest room downstairs. Do you and your wife have any kids?”
The Realtor’s words finally penetrated and Burke whipped his head around. Wife? Kids? He’d caught her covert looks at his left hand as they were walking up the driveway so he knew she was fishing. Just a few months ago he would have been flattered, probably would have played along. Today he had zero interest and was mildly irritated that a professional Realtor could be so transparent.
“Not yet. But we’re trying. That’s the fun part.” Take a hint, lady!
She pursed her lips into a semblance of a smile and turned away. Burke took one last look around the room before joining the woman in the hallway. Sure, it was impulsive, but something about this big house called to him. It was close to town but still had the illusion of isolation. It didn’t have the incredible ocean view that his rental cottage did, but it had an even better one of the river.
Cady would tell him he was making a rash decision. She’d say this was merely a reaction to the discovery of his father’s “other” family. She’d tell him to hold off, wait until he’d calmed down and could think rationally. She would cringe at the thought of him throwing so much money into something as permanent as a mortgage.
Trapped in Tourist Town Page 14