Welcome To Redemption: Series Collection (Books 1-6)

by Donna Marie Rogers

  Carrie took a thoughtful sip of her tea. “To be honest, I’ve wanted to expand the menu for some time. But without money to hire a couple of full-time employees, not to mention all the food and supplies I’d need, I knew it was just a pipedream.” She lowered her gaze. “As you well know, I’ve barely been able to keep the doors open.”

  He reached across the table and grasped her hand. “You’ll never have to worry about that again, I promise you. I plan to make sure Coffee To Chai For becomes a thriving success. And without you having to work your fingers to the bone seven days a week.”

  Her expression grew defensive. “I don’t mind hard work. It builds character.”

  “Sweetheart, you have more character than anyone I know,” he teased, wondering if it’d been her parents who’d drummed that into her head. “Come on, admit it. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to sleep in once in awhile? To not have to worry about who’s going to make the coffee or do the baking?”

  She gave a reluctant nod. “I’d be lying if I said no. But let’s face it, that day is still a long way off.”

  “Turn up the volume!” someone shouted before Matt could respond. His gaze was drawn to the TV mounted above the bar. Looked like some sort of news conference was about to start. He was momentarily distracted when Carrie slipped her hand from his.

  “As reported this morning, Jacob Spalding Sr., CEO of Spalding Industries, the largest family-owned business in the United States, was admitted into Cedars-Sinai Hospital late Sunday evening with severe chest pains. His family released this short statement today: ‘Mr. Spalding is getting the best care possible and is expected to make a full recovery.’

  “The Spalding family made headlines early last fall when son and future CEO, Jacob Spalding Jr., who hasn’t been seen publicly in over six months, was arrested in connection with the murder of actress Amanda Ames. He was cleared of all charges after a DNA test proved him innocent. In local news...”

  Matt continued to stare at the TV even though he didn’t hear another word the anchorman said. Shock warred with concern for his father—concern won. He pulled his cell phone from his shirt pocket and pushed his chair back. “I just remembered something I need to tell Mary. I’ll be right back.”

  Chapter Four

  Carrie watched Matt leave with mixed feelings. Maybe taking him on as her partner wasn’t as smart a move as she’d thought. When the man wasn’t insulting her friends and acting the fool, he was running outside to make secretive calls. Really, what top-secret library news couldn’t be talked about in front of her? Nino’s didn’t have a “no cell phone” policy.

  Another problem was her growing attraction to him. Matt Jacobs was the first man to make her feel anything since the day she’d kicked her ex out of the house. Not that she’d intended to live celibate forever. It’s just sex without love wasn’t a choice she’d have made—until now. Damn his sexy hide, Matt had her thinking all sorts of naughty thoughts, which only fueled her annoyance.

  The restaurant door opened, and Matt walked back in. He returned to the table and greeted her with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Matt Jacobs, man of mystery. Oh, well, everyone had a few secrets, right? And really, unless whatever he was hiding interfered with her business, his personal life was certainly none of hers.

  She’d just had to remind herself of that daily.

  “Sorry about that. Mary’s doing inventory tonight, and I forgot to tell her where I’d left off.”

  He was lying through his teeth, no doubt about it. Carrie forced a smile. “No problem. And you’re just in time, here comes the food.”

  They ate in silence until the waiter arrived with dessert—Nino’s famous chocolate chip cannolis. Unbidden, a mental image of all the gorgeous skinny women in her life popped into her mind, and her confidence plummeted. She pushed the dessert plate away.

  “Please tell me you didn’t forget to save room for a cannoli.”

  “No. I’m just full. Would you like mine?”

  He held up a hand as if warding off evil. “Sorry, one’s my limit. I have to watch this girlish figure.” He grinned, and although Carrie knew he was teasing, and knew he couldn’t possibly know how insecure she was about her weight, she grabbed her purse and rose to her feet.

  Matt tossed his napkin down and also stood. A frown marred his handsome face. “Did I say something wrong? Because if I did, I’m sorry. Seems that’s all do when I’m around you, put my foot in my mouth and apologize.”

  “No, I just…I need to get home. Thanks for the late lunch. So, will I be seeing you again tomorrow morning?” It killed her to admit it, even in the privacy of her own mind, but she certainly hoped so.

  He shot her a wink. “Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, just the way you like me.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “Need a ride back to the library?”

  “Nah, I’m going to enjoy my cannoli. Yours too, unless you want to bring it home?”

  “Thanks, but it’s all yours. Enjoy.”

  “That I will. See you in the morning, boss. Oh, and I meant to ask, could I get a key for the coffee shop?”

  Carrie stared at him, not sure what to say. He was her partner. He’d need a key eventually. She just wasn’t quite ready to let go of the last thing that made Coffee To Chai For hers and hers alone. “I...yeah, sure. Just remind me later.”

  * * *

  By Friday afternoon, Carrie realized she was dangerously close to falling in love with Matt Jacobs. The admission came not so much as a shock as an epiphany. He was funny, smart, charming, wickedly handsome, and sexy as hell. Carrie wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone or anything in her life. He had her so twisted in knots, she hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep since the day they’d signed the papers.

  He showed up every morning to help her open, learning in record time how to run the machines, bake the breads, pastries and cookies she’d become famous for. He’d managed to fix the air-conditioner, so that was one less thing they’d need to invest in. At least until next summer. He’d gotten an affordable bid on the construction for the dining area to accommodate the extra tables and booths they’d need for the new lunch/dinner menu in the works, and also on adding a drive-thru window, though Carrie wasn’t completely sold on the latter idea. Something they’d have to hold off on until she felt more comfortable with the thought of so many changes. Especially since her business, in just these few days, had started to thrive.

  Okay, so many of her newest customers were adoring females. But since Matt seemed to only have eyes for her, even her insecurities had abated. He’d yet to try and kiss her, but Carrie figured he was just waiting for her cue.

  Tonight she planned to give it to him. Yeah, she was a long way off from trusting her heart to another man. Love and trust didn’t necessarily go hand in hand; she’d learned that the hard way. Didn’t mean she couldn’t see where things led with Matt.

  She’d just hung the Now Hiring sign in the shop’s front window when the screech of tires caught her attention. She looked up just in time to see an expensive-looking red sports car fishtail down Salvation Avenue and squeal to a stop in front of the Laundromat next door. Immediately, she saw the reason the car had spun out of control. Standing on the other side of the street was Drew Porter, owner of D.P. Tire & Auto, holding the collar of his humongous Great Dane, Bo, wrestling to keep him in check.

  Since the shop was empty at the moment, Carrie grabbed her cell phone and raced outside to make sure the driver was all right. The car door swung open just as Carrie reached it, and out came one high-heeled black pump, followed by another. Carrie rolled her eyes as an incredibly beautiful supermodel type stepped out of the car and glanced around, her perfectly manicured hands on her hips. She had long, platinum blond hair, big brown eyes, and a pair of sunglasses propped stylishly on her head. Her skintight little black dress ended just above her knees. Surprisingly, she didn’t have on a single accessory, but then, she didn’t need any.

  The woman’s eyes na
rrowed when she spotted Drew and Bo on the other side of the street. She started toward them, and Bo bounced excitedly on his hindquarters, tongue lolling, tail thumping the grass.

  Carrie couldn’t hold back a smile when she recognized the resigned look on Drew’s face.

  “Are you crazy letting that beast roam free? Doesn’t Mayberry here have a leash law?”

  A wolfish grin transformed Drew’s face as he eyed the woman from head to toe. Typical, Carrie thought, resisting the urge to throw a rock across the street and knock some sense into him. “Look, I’m sorry. Bo doesn’t usually take off like that. Must’ve seen a cat or something. If you have any damages just drive down the road to D.P. Tire & Auto and I’ll take care of ’em.”

  “Damn right you will,” she declared with a toss of her head, striking a pose.

  Great, Carrie thought with another eye roll. Just what Redemption needed, Paris Hilton’s long-lost twin.

  “Lindy?”

  Carrie glanced up when she heard Matt’s voice. She watched with growing dismay as he strode across the street, not toward her, but straight for the blonde.

  “Matt!” the woman cried as she spun around and ran up to meet him—no easy feat in those heels. She launched herself into Matt’s arms, and the louse caught her in a crushing embrace.

  Devastated, Carrie’s face burned with humiliation as she watched the scene before her. Matt pulled back and grinned down at the gorgeous twit—he’d certainly never looked at her like that.

  With a heavy heart, Carrie turned away and headed back into the shop. She had no desire to watch Matt fawn all over another woman. God, what a fool she’d been. She’d actually started to believe there was something between them, that he was as crazy for her as she was him. What a joke. Men didn’t want a woman with a little extra meat on her bones. They wanted the skinny supermodel types. Men...maybe she should just switch teams and become a lesbian.

  * * *

  “What are you doing here, Lindy?” Matt stepped back and scowled at his impulsive baby sister. “I told you not to come. I can’t afford to have the paparazzi swoop in and screw everything up.”

  “Settle down, I was careful. Besides, I don’t plan to stay long. Just until you’ve had a chance to pack your bags. I’m taking you home.” Lindy glanced around, her disdain for the small Midwest town clear. “You don’t belong here any more than I do.”

  Before Matt could respond, Drew strode up, a firm grip on Bo’s collar. He was dressed in his navy blue mechanic’s uniform, his gaze for Lindy and Lindy alone. Matt had to swallow a chuckle. Maybe his sister would discover a reason to stay in Redemption after all.

  Lindy pulled her sunglasses down on her nose and turned to face him. “Is there something I can do for you?”

  Drew grinned and gave her an insulting once-over. “I can think of lots of things, Hot Stuff, but I’m too much of a gentleman to say them out loud.”

  “My God, you’re rude,” she huffed, sticking out a hip. “Matt could be my fiancé for all you know.”

  Drew gave his head a confident shake. “Not a chance. Anyone with two brain cells can see he only has eyes for Carrie.”

  “Then how did you figure it out?”

  Drew’s smile faded. “Careful, Hot Stuff, I may have been lying about the gentleman part.”

  Matt gave Drew a pat on the back. “Easy, man, that’s my baby sister you’re talking to.”

  Drew gave a curt nod. “Sorry, Matt. Didn’t mean any disrespect.”

  “Forget it. Now, would one of you like to tell me what happened? I heard tires screeching, but that’s it.”

  “This horse ran in front of my car and forced me off the road.” She pointed an accusing, red-enameled nail at Bo, who started to shimmy and whine with excitement. “It’s a miracle I didn’t lose control and crash.” Lindy put on her “pout face”, the one she’d perfected to bring men to their knees. Men she was interested in, that is. And while Drew Porter had a bit of a wild reputation, Caleb seemed to think pretty highly of him, and that held a lot of weight with Matt. Besides, Lindy was twenty-five years old and plenty capable of taking care of herself.

  “Look, I said I was sorry. Let’s go take a look and see if you have any damage.”

  “If there’s even so much as a scratch, I want it fixed. This car isn’t even three months old.”

  Drew dragged Bo over to Lindy’s car, muttering something under his breath about spoiled blonde brats. Well, Matt couldn’t argue with him there. While there was much more to Lindy than met the eye, baby sister sure did enjoy the finer things in life. The fact she was even toying with a small-town, blue-collar guy would make front page news in LA.

  “See? Not a scratch. You kicked up a little dust is all. If you want your car washed, bring it by. I have a drive-thru car wash on the lot.”

  Lindy’s eyes widened in comical dismay. “You’re joking, right? This is a Ferrari, Lou.”

  “Drew.”

  “You don’t run a Ferrari through an automatic car wash.”

  Drew stared at Lindy for a moment, no doubt trying to decide if she was joking or not. “Whatever. Listen, I have a business to get back to. Have a nice life, Hot Stuff. If you change your mind about the car wash, Matt knows where to find me.”

  Once Drew was out of earshot, Lindy snarked, “I can see why you’re so drawn to this place. The locals are quite charming.”

  Matt gave his head an exasperated shake. “You know I’m trying to keep a low profile, yet you drive a two-hundred-thousand dollar sports car into town. What the hell were you thinking? And don’t bother with the pout, Lindy.”

  She crossed her arms defensively. “I was thinking that I missed my big brother who I haven’t seen in months.”

  He gazed at her, feeling her pain and uncertainty. They’d always been close, so when he’d decided to drop out of sight and go into hiding, she’d taken it pretty hard. And truthfully, he’d never intended to stay away forever. He’d just needed some time to heal after everything that had happened. Time without paparazzi cameras constantly flashing in his face. “I know, and I’m sorry. But as crazy as it may sound, this place has become my home. I feel alive here in a way I never did in LA.”

  She tried to joke his declaration away. “Must have something to do with this Carrie person. Maybe it’s time I met her.”

  “Christ, I forgot about Carrie. Lord only knows what her mind cooked up over you throwing yourself into my arms.” He took off for the coffee shop.

  Carrie was in the process of refilling the sugar shakers when he and Lindy walked in, Lindy clinging possessively to his arm. Mr. Krawczyk, who worked at the Laundromat, gave him a quick nod on his way out, coffee in hand. Carrie flicked him a glance, her gaze moving down to where Lindy clung to his arm before dismissing them both.

  Matt heaved a sigh and strode up to the counter.

  “Can you look at me, please?”

  “I know what you look like.”

  “Yep,” Lindy drawled as she let go of Matt’s arm. “Charming. I totally get why you love this place.”

  “Lindy, shush. Carrie, I’d like you to meet my sister, Melinda...Jacobs. Lindy, Carrie Lowell, my friend and business partner.”

  “Sister?” Carrie said, eyeing Lindy warily. “You didn’t mention your sister was coming to town.”

  “That’s because I didn’t know she was coming.” He shot Lindy an accusatory look.

  “Oh.”

  Matt grinned. “Oh? That’s it?”

  Carrie crossed her arms, her expression somewhat sheepish. “Well, how was I supposed to know? Some rich, beautiful woman arrives in town and...” Her brow creased as she looked from Lindy back to him. “Are you guys rich or something?”

  Matt wanted to drop-kick Lindy back to L.A. Couldn’t she have at least driven an inconspicuous car rental into town? Damn it, he wasn’t ready for this yet. He could lose Carrie if she found out the truth—when she found out the truth—which was inevitable, he knew. But he’d hoped to have more time for Carri
e to develop feelings for him so that she didn’t bolt when she learned his true identity.

  “No,” Lindy replied, drumming her nails on the counter. “That’s my boss’s car. He has a thing for me.” She shrugged, as if that said it all, then glanced up at the menu. “So, how are the iced cappuccinos in this place?”

  “The best in Redemption,” Carrie proudly declared.

  “Who’s your competition? Dairy Queen?”

  “Lindy,” Matt warned in a low tone.

  Much to his surprise, Carrie chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. I have a sister, too.” She made Lindy’s drink, and then set it on the counter with a self-satisfied grin. “Lindy, prepare to eat your words.”

  Lindy met her gaze in silent challenge as she picked it up, stuffed in a straw, and took a sip. She made a classic “not bad” face and took a few more sips. “Definitely better than Dairy Queen.”

  “The ‘Queen’ of all compliments,” Carrie replied with a roll of her eyes. “Thanks.”

  Returning her attention to Matt, Carrie crooked her neck and looked up at him with those big blue eyes, a mysterious twinkle hidden in their depths. It took quite a bit of effort not to leap across the counter and carry her off to the back room. She excited him like no other woman ever had. It amazed him that they’d yet to even share a kiss.

  “I was wondering,” she said in a low tone. “How would you like to come to my place for supper tonight?”

  Before Matt could open his mouth, Lindy said, “May I assume I’m included in the invitation? I mean, you don’t expect me to sit alone in some motel room on my first night in town, do you?”

  “Of course not. The invitation was meant for both of you. I’m making cream of potato soup, ham soufflé, and fried zucchini.” She smiled up at him. “I bought an extra large bottle of ranch dressing.”

  “Hidden Valley?” Jesus, the woman could make a bottle of salad dressing sound sexy.