Seaside Sweets

by Melissa Chambers

  Cassidy would keep her opinions to herself, but that was almost worse. Knowing Cassidy was disappointed in her would be tougher to take than anything she could actually say. What Seanna could dredge up in her head was far harsher than Cassidy had the heart to actually feel. But none of that mattered. Seanna knew that she had to do this before she moved forward a minute longer living with Cassidy.

  Seanna finished her eggs and took a deep breath. “So, do you want to hear the story?”

  Cassidy wiped her mouth and then picked up her coffee cup. “Lay it on me.”

  Seanna told her the whole shebang, from the moment she first suspected the gambling had gotten out of hand, up till she walked out the door to head to Seaside.

  “You know I would have loaned you the money,” Cassidy said.

  “That’s exactly why I didn’t say anything until now.”

  Cassidy eyed her. “Your parents would have—”

  “Exactly.”

  Cassidy nodded, getting it, of course. “So just two more payments?”

  “That’s right. Then my money is mine again.”

  “What kind of man lets a woman pay his bills for a year?” Cassidy asked while Seanna fidgeted with her napkin, her face warming. Cassidy gripped Seanna’s arm. “I’m sorry, sweetie.”

  “No, I deserve it. I picked a man who would let a woman pay his bills for a year. Don’t think I haven’t beat myself up for that.”

  “Does he have any sort of excuse?”

  “To be honest, we don’t even discuss it anymore. I shut him up a long time ago. I’m just so sick of hearing the lies. The promises I know won’t be kept.”

  “Well, you are welcome to stay here as long as you need. In fact, you’ve got a job at the bakery if you want it. God knows I need the help.”

  Seanna released a sigh at the idea of how heavenly that sounded. For half a second, she let herself imagine a life where she lived there in that house with Cassidy and worked in the bakery right down the road in this beachside paradise with her. But that wasn’t real life. That was escapism. And Cassidy would want her life back eventually. What was the saying about houseguests? Three days and they started to stink.

  She had to stay focused on the plan. “You have no idea how wonderful that sounds. But I need to stay on track. I think I’ve got a job opportunity. Just a kitchen remodel, but it’s a resume builder.”

  “Oh yeah? How’d you come upon that?”

  “Blake,” Seanna said, trying to sound nonchalant.

  “Mmm,” Cassidy said.

  “Friend of his, actually.”

  “Sounds like a good start.”

  “If I can get the job,” Seanna said.

  Cassidy squinted at her. “Something makes me think you’ve got a good shot at this one.”

  Cassidy kneaded cinnamon roll dough while Seanna surfed through local builders’ websites trying to glean as much information as she could about kitchen rebuilds. She had never quoted out a residential job based on retail prices. They got their materials for far less at the firm, but of course they jacked up their prices in their quotes. She just had to figure out a way to balance it all out.

  Cassidy blew a stray curl out of her eye as she pulled a piece of dough off of the ball. “How was Jazz on the Lawn?”

  Seanna closed the browser and sat back in her chair, thinking about sitting on the beach in the dark next to Blake. She tried not to grin. “It was good.”

  “You met Desiree?” Cassidy asked.

  Seanna looked up at her aunt. “Her hair is like a work of art.”

  “Did she have it in the braids?”

  “Yes, but they were like these intricately woven rows that sort of…” Seanna made a swooping motion to her own hair, not really knowing how to explain it.

  “I love it when she wears it like that. Did you meet Ashe?”

  “So sweet,” Seanna said. “All of them. Ashe and Sebastian were hilarious together.”

  “Oh yeah. They feed off each other. Don’t be fooled though. They love one another.”

  “Oh really?” Seanna asked. She hadn’t pegged them for partners.

  “Not like that. They’re just friends. Good friends. Rumor has it they were a couple when they first met but have long since been just friends.”

  Seanna thought about the group of friends she’d met last night and the family dynamic between them. She’d had plenty of groups of close-knit friends in high school and college, but there was something utterly unique about this group and their way with one another that made her heart ping.

  She thought about that guy Bo, probably the hottest guy she’d laid her eyes on in years. Blake was far more her style, but Bo had a way about him that would be easy to get caught up in if a girl allowed herself. “I met someone named Bo last night.” Cassidy huffed a laugh and rolled her eyes. Seanna twirled her chair around to face Cassidy. “Oh, so you know him.”

  “Not like you’re thinking.”

  “Well, he seemed to know you. Smiled a mile wide when he said your name.”

  Cassidy shook her head and then rubbed her forehead with the sleeve on her upper arm. “He’s a mess. Huge flirt. Charms pants directly off any woman in his path.”

  “Except you.”

  “Of course.”

  Seanna lowered her chin. “Mmm hmm.”

  Cassidy pointed at her. “Don’t date him. He’s a heartbreaker.”

  “I’m not dating anybody.” It was true. She had no intention of dating anyone right now. She was a mess. Unloading the story on Blake last night really made her realize how much.

  She’d instantly felt close to him, and she had no idea why. He wasn’t an open book—that was for sure. He seemed guarded when it came to talking about himself, but open with listening to her. She couldn’t deny an attraction to him. He was a beautiful man. Tall, gorgeous blue eyes. His nose was a hair too big for his face, but the more she noticed it, the hotter it made him.

  But his looks were only part of what drew her to him. He had an easiness about him—a calming air so opposite from the situation she’d been in for the last nine months. She’d lived in a constant state of panic and unease. Being around Blake was like standing on solid ground after an earthquake.

  The phone rang and Cassidy answered it. “Seaside Sweets.” She snapped at Seanna. “Hang on, Jason, I’ve got a customer.” Cassidy put the phone on hold and set it on the cradle. “Do you want to talk to him?”

  “God no,” she said, a darkness the size of the plague moving over her head.

  “What should I tell him?”

  “If you don’t mind, tell him I’m here and I’m fine, and that I’ll call him soon.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yeah, I don’t want him bothering Mom and Dad and everyone on Earth.”

  The bell on the front door rang, and Seanna went after it. She pushed through the double half-doors to find an attractive, blond woman sauntering through the dining area, inspecting the store with interest. “Welcome to Seaside Sweets,” Seanna said.

  The cat-eyed girl looked up at Seanna, searching her face. “Brianna, right?”

  Had Seanna met this girl last night and forgotten? How else would she know her name? “Seanna,” she corrected.

  The girl nodded with a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’m Marigold, a friend of the boys.” The girl stared her down, almost daring.

  Seanna rose an inch or two taller. “Nice to meet you. So you’re a local?”

  “Oh yeah. I’ve got a gift shop down the road.” She handed her a business card. “You’re here visiting your aunt?”

  “Yep.”

  “For how long?”

  “I’m not really sure. A while.” Seanna flicked the card against her other hand. “Can I get you anything?” she asked, motioning at the sweets inside the case.

  “Oh, yes, hmm, let’s see. Gosh, all of this stuff does look wonderful doesn’t it? I just can’t decide.”

  Seanna pulled out a waxed paper tissue, ready for Marigold to ma
ke her selection and then skedaddle. She didn’t catch the best vibe off her.

  “Goodness, you know, I think I’ll just take a bottle of water, please. I can’t wreck my diet with a goodie right now.” Seanna turned around to pull a bottle out of the refrigerator. “You’re lucky,” Marigold said. “You look like you don’t really worry about that sort of thing much.”

  Seanna paused, heat rushing up through her chest. This girl was calling her fat. She was fat compared to this waif, but still. She turned around and met Marigold’s cat eyes. The girl was just begging Seanna to say something…start a fight.

  Seanna looked down at the case and searched for the most decadent treat she could find. She zoned in on something dark and rich oozing with caramel. She put it on a napkin, setting it on the counter. “Have you tried our turtle pecan brownies?” She eased the gooey creation closer to Marigold. “They’re made with rich, dark chocolate, toasted pecans, and buttery caramel.”

  Marigold’s eyes glued themselves to the brownie, just inches from her, waiting to be bitten into. She tugged at her throat. “No, I couldn’t. I can’t.”

  Seanna took another one out of the case and put it up to her nose. “Mmm, you can smell the rich chocolate, and what is that, amaretto?”

  Marigold watched the brownie at Seanna’s mouth, swallowing hard, her nose twitching.

  Seanna bit into it and drew her eyebrows together. “Oh, God,” she said through a mouthful of chocolatey goodness. “This is her best batch yet. That caramel is so buttery.” She chewed some more, closing her eyes. “Does she put toffee pieces in these?”

  She opened her eyes to find Marigold’s mouth open, her shoulders swaying back and forth like she was physically trying to restrain herself from the brownie on the counter.

  Seanna inched it closer to her. “Go ahead. It’s on me.”

  Marigold straightened up and cleared her throat. “Well, I am headed to a friend’s house who has a little girl. I’m sure she would love for me to bring her a treat.”

  Seanna held back her grin. “Oh, well, if she’s small then we have these ballerina cupcakes in the back she might like.”

  Marigold snatched the brownie. “No, this is good. She loves chocolate.”

  Seanna smiled. “All right then. Can I get you anything else?”

  Marigold backed up. “No. I’ve got to run.”

  Seanna held up the bottle as Marigold pushed through the front door. “You forgot your water.” But the girl was out of there and into her car in seconds flat.

  Seanna took another bite of the brownie as the bell dinged on the door, and Sebastian came in. He pointed to the street. “Was that Marigold I just saw chowing down on something as she pulled out of the parking lot?”

  “Yep.”

  He searched the case. “You aren’t serving kale here now, are you? Because I’m sure she didn’t get a sweet from in here. She doesn’t eat.”

  Seanna winked at him. “I have my powers of persuasion.”

  He dipped his chin. “So, did you have fun last night?”

  “Oh, yes. So much. Everyone was so precious.”

  “It’s a fun group, I have to admit.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “So what’d you think about Bo?” He bit his fist with a pained expression.

  “Not as much as you do, obviously.”

  “Oh, girl,” he said. “He’s like my ultimate fantasy.”

  She shrugged. “He was all right.”

  “Oh, okay. I get it. Blake’s more your type?”

  “He’s a nice guy.”

  “Mmm hmm.”

  “He showed me the beach.”

  He rested his forearms on the counter. “How thoughtful of him.”

  She met his knowing gaze and couldn’t help a giggle. He was so cute and fun.

  He tapped the counter lightly. “So, real talk. I know you’ve got Cassidy, but I am here for whatever you need—tour guide, restaurant recommendation…listening ear.” His eyebrows went up. She blinked, not sure how to respond. He lifted both hands. “I’m not being nosey, but I know you were engaged and now it doesn’t seem like you are. Cassidy is wonderful, but she’s family. And sometimes it’s hard to talk to family. So if you need a neutral, nonjudgmental ear, I’m good for that.” He zipped his lip. “And I don’t gossip, I promise. It’s bad form.”

  She was truly touched by this guy’s generosity. “That’s very kind of you. Thank you.”

  “I adore your aunt, and you by association.”

  Seanna was amazed how much clout these people down here tossed her way just because of her relation to Cassidy.

  “Bring it in, sweetheart.” He walked around to the side of the counter and wrapped around her in a skinny bear hug. He broke their embrace. “All right, give me five cinnamon rolls.” She eyed him. “What?” he asked. “I’m hungry.”

  She gazed at his zero-fat physique. He couldn’t be actually eating these sweets she’d seen him purchase these past couple of days. “Do you always buy pastries in bulk here?”

  “And? So what if I do?”

  She blatantly perused his body and bobbed her head. “Well, you’re clearly not eating them.”

  He held out his credit card to her. “Are you going to sell me some damned cinnamon rolls or do I have to go to Publix?”

  She boxed the pastries and handed them over. “Nope. They are on me today.”

  “Why?”

  She hesitated then gave him her most sincere gaze. “Thank you…for taking me in.”

  He gave a single nod, and then turned and walked toward the door. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning. Be thinking of what you’re going to be Saturday.”

  “Saturday?”

  “For the party. I’m picking you up at 7:30.” He opened the door.

  “Picking me up for what?”

  “Gwendolen and Rob’s Halloween bash!” he shouted through the glass.

  “A costume party?” she asked the empty room. “But I don’t dress up.”

  Cassidy came through the double doors. “You do now.”

  She gauged her aunt. “What did Jason say?”

  “He said okay. He said to tell you he loved you.” Cassidy looked as enthused about that idea as she might be for dental surgery.

  “Thank you,” Seanna said, and Cassidy nodded. Seanna pointed toward Sebastian backing out of the parking lot. “Are you going to this thing?”

  “Nah,” Cassidy said, “My cul-de-sac is doing our annual Fall Fest. We hang out at the end of the street drinking spiked cider and the kids carve their pumpkins. But I’ll help you get dressed for it.”

  “Dressed in what?”

  “What do you want to be?” Cassidy asked.

  “Geez, I don’t know, something that doesn’t stand out, I guess.”

  Cassidy sized up Seanna. “I think I might have the perfect character for you.”

  “Should I be afraid?”

  Cassidy squinted one eye. “Maybe just a little.”

  Chapter Seven

  Seanna scribbled down the last of her notes and leaned back against the countertop to re-read them. She wanted to make sure she got this right the first time. She had something to prove with this quote…not necessarily to Blake or the client, but to herself.

  Blake had told her this client wanted a new, modern kitchen, and it was simple as that. This was a single guy in his thirties with very little interest in the specifics of the buildout or the interior design. Maybe he was planning on selling. Who knew. All she cared about was presenting a plan and a quote and gathering a crew to get the job done. She had no idea where to find workers or what the local workforce was like for jobs like this, but she felt confident she could figure it out. At least that was the mantra she kept repeating to herself.

  She looked up as the sound of the back door opening got her attention. Blake had made himself scarce after he explained the client’s wishes. She hadn’t even noticed he’d left until she was already into the job for a few minutes. It had felt absolutely incredible taking charg
e of this job, pulling out her tape measure and assessing the area. She probably needed an interior designer on hand, but she’d worked so closely with so many of them these past four years that she was certain she could pull this whole thing off on her own. She was biting off more than she could chew, but she really felt confident that she could do this. She needed to, if not for the client, for her own sanity.

  Blake raised his eyebrows as he pocketed his phone. “Well…”

  She looked around the room. “It’s a great space, and you’ve given me carte blanche.” She looked at him for a final confirmation.

  He nodded. “Absolutely. Chase isn’t picky. He just wants his kitchen to look nice when you’re done.”

  She dropped her hands down to her sides. “Well, that’s why I’m here.” It felt so good to say that with authority. She was there, ready to unburden this client from dealing with the stresses of a buildout and the irritation of choices. The whole thing made her want to squeal like a twelve-year-old girl who just learned her latest crush said he liked her.

  “Very good,” Blake said easily…like he had every confidence in the world that she could pull this trick off without a hitch. Now it was up to her to prove him right.

  Blake dragged a net through a Panama City Beach condominium complex pool alongside Bo, who yapped away like a seventh-grade girl on the telephone with her best friend. Blake’s phone vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it out. The caller ID revealed Kevin’s name.

  Blake wasn’t sure he wanted to take the call, but he respected Kevin enough to hear him out. Blake’s life was working here in South Walton. He liked his job and the people he called his clients. The beach didn’t suck, and the work he did was brainless. The problem was medicine lived in his veins. He sat up at night thinking of the people who came into the emergency department when he was a resident there—those he helped, those he couldn’t save. But none stuck out more than the one who ended his medical career.