All Because of You (Morgan's Bay Book 1)

by Theresa Paolo

  Olivia shifted so she could see herself in the rearview mirror and gasped at the fact she allowed herself to look like that in public. Even more surprised Shane didn’t hightail it away from her the minute he saw her face.

  “You thought I was lying?” Milo joked.

  Olivia tapped Shane on the shoulder. “Why didn’t you say anything to me?”

  He turned around in his seat to face her, but because she was already leaning close, they were a few breaths away from each other. His eyes met hers, and while she thought they were brown, up close and really looking at him, she could see they were also green.

  He shrugged. “You were already upset. I didn’t want to make it worse.”

  It was simple, nothing really, but the fact that a stranger cared enough not to upset her more squeezed at her heart. She held his gaze, wondering about the mysterious Shane and what he was doing in her hometown.

  First time visiting our lovely town?” Milo’s voice cut through the moment, and Olivia dropped her gaze, leaning back in her seat.

  Shane nodded. “First time on the east coast actually.”

  Milo put his blinker on and turned out of the parking lot. “Let me guess… a Cali guy?”

  Shane’s head tilted toward his solid navy-blue tee and tan shorts as if he was trying to figure out how Milo guessed correctly. Olivia was curious herself. She didn’t see any insignia on Shane’s clothes, then again, she spent an entire train ride with him and didn’t notice his brown eyes also had a pretty shade of green.

  “Good guess,” Shane said, and Olivia eyed the back of Milo’s head.

  Milo shot Shane an amused look. “The LAX tag on your luggage kind of gave it away.”

  Shane sighed. “For a second there I thought maybe you were psychic.”

  “Psycho maybe,” Olivia chimed in. “Oh!” She tapped on the window as they made a turn. “This is Main Street. Most of the local businesses can be found here. At the four corners you can find the McConnell Pharmacy and the McConnell Pub. Next to the pharmacy is the McConnell Market and next to the pub is—”

  “I’m guessing another McConnell place,” Shane said.

  “You sure you haven’t been here?” she asked, her cheeks warming as he looked over his shoulder and caught her eye between the seat and the door.

  “Maybe he’s psychic,” Milo said.

  “Keep your eyes on the road.” She turned to the window then glanced at Shane. “It’s McConnell Hardware. There are not many places left that the McConnell’s don’t own in this town. There’s this silly rule in the town that’s been around since the beginning that states you can only buy a house here if you’re a descendant of an original town founder. Patrick McConnell has taken advantage of that rule and scoops up property faster than it can go on the market then rents it out. He’s been trying to build a big fancy hotel down by the beach for years, but luckily the mayor won’t let him.”

  “Isn’t the mayor—”

  “His son,” Olivia finished for him. “Yup. Looks like you’ve done your research.”

  “A little.”

  “I bet holidays are a blast in that big house on the bay,” Milo said as he brought the car to a stop at a stop sign.

  “With as much money as they have, I’m sure they’re all just fine,” Olivia said. Based on her current predicament, she was living proof that money didn’t buy happiness, but for a while it had brought her security and a freedom that she would no longer have. No, money didn’t buy her happiness, but at least she could drown herself in the racks at Saks. Now all she had was her old bedroom in her parents’ house while she tried to figure out how to pick up the pieces.

  Milo hitched a thumb in Olivia’s direction. “Liv over here is a little obsessed with the McConnell’s.”

  “Am not.”

  “She’s basically trying to become one. Between the fancy boyfriend, living in a penthouse in Manhattan, visiting us peasants on her way home from a gala in the Hamptons… Bayview, the McConnell family estate, is her dream home. She used to talk for hours about how one day she’d live in a house just like that.” Olivia flicked Milo’s ear, and his head retracted like a turtle going into his shell. “Ouch. What was that for?”

  “You talk too much.” She sunk in her seat. “The house is beautiful is all,” Olivia said. “Anybody would want to live there.”

  She didn’t want Shane to think she was shallow. She wasn’t. Not at all. There was nothing wrong with enjoying the finer things and living a life she’d always dreamed of. Not that it mattered anymore. That life was in the rearview mirror. She couldn’t afford rent on a studio apartment let alone a waterfront estate.

  She wasn’t ready to think about it, so when Milo slowed down in front of Bay’s Bagels Olivia went back into tour guide mode.

  “Bay’s Bagels have the best bacon, egg and cheese on the island. I dream about them when I’m not home. They’re that good. McConnell’s Pub has karaoke on Thursday nights, but Mrs. Littleton usually dominates the stage with ballad after ballad, so most people avoid it, unless they want to grab their half off apps and special drink menu. Sometimes it’s almost worth it. Sometimes.”

  Milo continued at a snail pace, letting Olivia point out all the places to Shane. “Here before Morcant Circle is Aunt Greta’s diner, home of the best pancakes you’ll ever eat, and I can’t forget their vanilla milkshakes. They are the best I’ve ever had, and I have had a lot of milkshakes in my life.”

  “I’ll have to stop by. Vanilla milkshakes are my favorite.”

  “Mine too.” Warmth spread through Olivia’s cheeks when Shane looked at her. “Maybe we can grab one together sometime.”

  What the hell was she doing? She was newly single—definitely not looking for a date.

  “As friends of course,” she added, hoping it didn’t sound like she was trying to cover up when he didn’t immediately respond.

  “Maybe after I settle in,” he said, and Olivia sighed a breath of relief.

  “Who are you fooling?” Milo asked. “The last time I saw you drink a milkshake was in tenth grade before everything became empty calories that’ll make your ass fat.”

  Olivia cut Milo a look, not that it would deter him. “For your information, for the last six months I have worked with one of the best personal trainers—who also works with some very famous clientele—to get my ass in check, and he told me I’m allowed cheat days.”

  And after the disastrous night she just had, she had many cheat meals in her future.

  Milo followed the traffic circle and took the last exit for Harbor Hill Lane. The closer she got to her childhood home, the heavier her heart was. She’d made a promise to herself a long time ago that she would get out of this town. Going back at twenty-five was not part of her plan, and she couldn’t help but feel like a complete and total failure.

  Unfortunately, with little to no savings, thanks to one too many shopping sprees, this was her only option. She’d bounce back. There was no way she was staying in this town longer than she had to.

  Milo pulled up to the house—an 1840’s farmhouse with brown, weathered shingles and a light blue door. A white picket fence surrounded the property.

  “Thank you for riding with me on this lovely evening. My name is Milo Amato, and it has been my pleasure to be your driver.”

  Olivia rolled her eyes. “Needs work before tourist season starts.”

  “Damn, thought I had it.”

  The front door opened, and embarrassment flared red hot in Olivia’s cheeks. The outside light turned on, highlighting Dad as he stepped out in a white undershirt tucked into a pair of wide opened jeans and the band of his tighty-whities. On his feet were a pair of green monster slippers that her niece had picked out for his Christmas gift. Olivia never thought he’d actually wear them, but there he was, standing in the doorway, hand on his head, squinting toward the car. His other arm he held Olivia’s fur brother, John Andre, who her father named after the British Spy. According to Dad, the Yorkie had charmed his way int
o their lives.

  “Olivia is that you?” Dad called out, his voice muffling against the closed window but still loud and very clear. As a history teacher, he had a way of making his voice project across any space.

  Fresh air seeped into the car, and Olivia turned to see Milo rolling the window down. “Hi, Mr. Green,” Milo called out. “Love your slippers.”

  The heat in Olivia’s cheeks exploded, fiery trails shooting down her neck and into her chest.

  “Milo Amato, is that you?”

  “Sure is!”

  “Thank you for giving my daughter a ride.”

  “Anytime, Mr. Green.”

  Okay that was enough. Olivia jumped out of the car, using her body to block Shane’s view of Dad’s fashion faux paus. “Hi, Dad. You can go back in. I’ll be right behind you.”

  “Do you need money to pay Milo?”

  “No, Dad. I already took care of it.”

  “Did you tip him?”

  Olivia pinched the bridge of her nose, attempting to ward off a headache. “Dad, I got it!”

  “You sure?”

  “Yes.” Olivia tried her hardest not to snap. She loved her father, but sometimes he tested her patience. “I’ll be right in,” she called over her shoulder. “Please go inside,” she mumbled under her breath. Olivia turned around, hoping to all that was holy that Dad wasn’t waiting for her in the doorway.

  She sighed in relief when she spotted his retreating frame.

  Milo reached down and popped the trunk. “You got your bag, right?”

  “I’ll get it,” Shane offered, and Olivia bit back a smile as Shane got out of the car. Luckily Dad had gone back in the house with John Andre.

  “Look at that, Milo.” Olivia bent down to the window. “A real gentleman.”

  “You know me,” Milo said. “I have nothing to prove to you.”

  “Tell Harper I’ll call her in the morning.”

  “When she gets home from her date.”

  “Another date? Who now?”

  “Another online guy. This one says he’s an entrepreneur. She got mad at me when I told her it was a fancy way of saying unemployed.”

  “I don’t know why she’s so determined to meet someone,” Olivia said.

  “She doesn’t want to wind up like her mom.”

  Olivia never thought about it, but Milo was probably right. Harper’s mom was a bit of a mess, jumping from one guy to the next, never happy, always wanting more, and drinking herself to sleep when she couldn’t find it… which was often. “That’ll never happen.”

  “You know that, and I know that.” Milo waved a finger between them. “But you know her.”

  “There’s no talking to her.”

  “Exactly why I’m staying out of it.”

  Milo might not have questioned Harper’s quest for love, but he definitely wasn’t out of it. He was there for her after every date gone wrong to lift her spirits.

  “I can bring it up to the door for you if you’d like,” Shane said, and Olivia spun toward him.

  “I can manage.”

  “You sure?” He glanced down at her shoes.

  She kicked up her foot, examining the stiletto before placing it back on the ground. “I walked through Penn Station in heels. I’ve got this.”

  “Well, it was nice meeting you.”

  Olivia’s cheeks warmed. If someone would have told her a couple hours ago that there’d be a bright spot in her night, she wouldn’t have believed them. But here he was, standing right in front of her, being polite even after their horrible initial interaction. “Sorry I was such a hot mess.”

  “Put it this way, I’ve already seen you at your worst. It can only go up from there.”

  “Does that mean you plan on seeing me again?” she asked, surprised at the flirtatious tone in her voice.

  He smiled, his gaze bashfully dropping to the ground before meeting hers straight on. “From what you said, it’s a small town. I’m sure I’ll see you around.” He winked at her, and her heart sputtered in place.

  Shane got back in the car, and she leaned down to the window. “Be nice, Milo.”

  “Always am.” He turned to Shane. “So where are we off to?”

  “Bayview Estate, my grandparent’s house.” Shane said, and Olivia lost her balance. Her eyes locked on his, and confusion swirled into annoyance. She’d gone on and on about the McConnell’s, and he didn’t think to chime in once to say he himself was one.

  Shane shrugged, and before she could gather her thoughts, Milo pulled away, his laughter floating out the window in his wake.

  Chapter 3

  Earlier Olivia had moved quickly for someone in heels as if the added height was a part of her, but now Shane watched her as Milo pulled away. The cupid bow-shape of her mouth hung open like she was halted in thought. Maybe he should have told her who he was, but he enjoyed listening to her and was intrigued by her take on the family he would be meeting for the first time.

  The interior of the car still held her scent—a combination that was both fruity and floral that had him inhaling to savor the aroma a little longer. It was almost calming, just as she’d been. He’d been a bucket of nerves all day, hiding behind the story in his ears, until he sat next to Olivia on the train.

  As standoffish as she was in the beginning, it was almost a breath of fresh air to see someone wear their emotions so openly. It’s not something he did. He learned at a very young age to keep his emotions to himself; he didn’t want Mom to worry any more than she had to.

  Being diagnosed with leukemia at ten was terrifying, but he’d always been the man of the house, and he didn’t let the fear of the disease change that. Not even when he heard Mom crying late at night when she had thought he was asleep.

  Speaking with Olivia, he was able to lose himself in her problems and forget about his own for a moment. That sliver of time with her was calming in a way he never would have predicted, based on their first interaction.

  “How long will you be in town?” Milo asked, and Shane glanced from the window, meeting his eyes.

  “Not sure. I guess it depends on if I like my family or not.”

  “I’ve lived in Morgan’s Bay my entire life, and I’d be lying if I told you the McConnell’s didn’t have a reputation around here.”

  “How so?” The closer Shane got to the house, the more his curiosity piqued.

  “Considering they own much of the town they aren’t exactly neighborly. Okay… that’s not entirely true. Some members of the family are very active here in the community. Not sure where you fall on the family tree, but the mayor is a good guy. He started out running the local pub until he ran for office and passed the torch to his son. And Connor is cool is hell. We go way back. Those two I’d share a drink with.”

  “What about my grandfather?”

  Milo went silent for a second, his head tilted, and he sucked in a breath through his teeth. “The not exactly neighborly comment could probably lay solely on his shoulders. The McConnell’s have owned much of the area since the founding of the town, but your grandfather expanded into real estate, scooping up more properties, constantly trying to bring luxury apartments to the beach front. Luckily, the mayor sides with the townspeople and has been successful at shutting him down.”

  “Isn’t the mayor his son?”

  Milo smirked. “Seems to be a long, complicated history.”

  “Great.” What was Shane stepping into?

  “But,” Milo said, “it’s all speculation. No one knows what actually happens behind the doors of Bayview. It’s easy to create drama looking in from the outside.”

  “You said you and Connor go way back. You’ve never been inside the house?”

  Milo laughed. “The only people allowed in that house are the type who consider paying four hundred dollars for a steak reasonably priced. That would be a massive chunk of my weekly salary, and I have bills to pay. I’ve been to Connor’s place plenty of times, though. He used to have the best birthday parties back
in elementary school.”

  The only birthday parties Shane remembered were in the children’s hospital. He’d spent so much time there everything before seemed like a distant dream.

  “You really have known him for a long time then.” It amazed Shane this total stranger who had no relation to his cousin knew Connor better than Shane did.

  Milo nodded. “Most people in this town have known each other for a long time. The curse of small-town life. Most people want to escape, and others never want to leave.”

  “Where do you fall on that line?”

  “It doesn’t matter. I’ll be here for the rest of my life just like my dad and just like my grandfather.” There was defeat in his tone, as if he’d tried and failed, or maybe he’d given up. Either way, Shane felt for the guy. He knew what it was like to feel stuck. It was why he easily accepted the invitation to visit Morgan’s Bay. After losing a great deal of his childhood and the one constant in his life, he was ready to be free. He decided saying yes was the only way to break the shackles holding him in the misery of his past.

  Milo brought the car to a stop in front of a wrought iron fence that extended the length of a massive waterfront property. It was hard to see the house from the end of the long driveway, but Shane imagined it was like nothing he’d ever have the privilege to step into before.

  “Here it is… Bayview Estate. It has the best views of the bay from every angle of the house. At least that’s what I’ve heard.”

  “Thanks. How much do I owe you?” Shane reached into his back pocket for his wallet.

  “The ride was charged to Olivia’s account.”

  Shane went to argue, and Milo held his hand up.

  “Don’t worry about it. Her boyfriend is loaded. He pays her way for the most part.”

  “According to her, they broke up.”

  Milo’s eyes widened. “That explains why she’s home. Huh. You would think Harper would’ve mentioned it to me.”

  “It sounds very recent. Like last few hours recent.”

  “Then man am I happy you met her, or I would have had to listen to the whole story.”