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

by Theresa Paolo

  Now here he was, walking down the fronts steps of the house, happy as shit to go eat some pie with Olivia. He needed to be careful and not allow her or anyone to break down his resolve. Connor was great, and Olivia…well she was amazing, and that was exactly why he needed to stay strong. He didn’t want to see them hurt in the end.

  A black SUV pulled up in front of the house, and Shane froze for a moment. He squinted, trying to see through the dark black tint, but it was impossible. He had no idea who it could be. As far as Shane knew, this house was vacant for the foreseeable future. Unless it was the old tenant coming back to get something they’d forgotten?

  The back-passenger window rolled down, and a man with grayish white hair that framed the perimeter of his face appeared. His eyes were far from welcoming, and even though Shane had never seen them before, he knew exactly who they belonged to.

  He’d seen pictures when he was at Bayview Estate, and despite that, it was all in his eyes. The man was a McConnell through and through, and not just any McConnell—he was the patriarch.

  “Grandpa?” Shane said as he approached the waiting vehicle.

  “Get in.” It wasn’t a question and his tone told Shane he had no other options but to obey. Shane walked around to the driver side, opened the door and slid into a cloud of expensive leather and overpriced aftershave.

  The driver didn’t acknowledge Shane as he put the SUV in drive. Shane looked at his grandfather, unsure of what to say or how to proceed. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he shifted in his seat. He probably watched one too many mafia movies, but all he could think was he would never be seen again.

  “Your grandmother tells me you’re working down at the pub.” His voice was rough but seasoned, and paired with his demeanor and expensive looking suit, it created the picture of a powerful money maker who was to be taken seriously.

  “I am,” Shane answered.

  “You’re a go-getter. It’s a good quality in a man.”

  “I don’t expect anyone to pay my way when I’m capable of earning my own income.” He didn’t want his grandfather to think he was here to freeload. He was here to get answers about his father not to milk the family fortune dry.

  “Independent… like your father.”

  Shane straightened in his seat. Mom had told him his independence was a trait he inherited from the old man, but hearing it come from this man who had known his father from birth, the impact was different. It went right to his heart and squeezed, making him regret even more the time they never got together.

  “What else was my father like?” Mimi had been a dead end, and Shane had almost given up hope, but now he might finally get the answers he was hoping for.

  “A self-indulgent disappointment.”

  Shock smacked Shane across the face and ricocheted through his gut. “Geez Gramps, tell me how you really feel.” No wonder Dad left and didn’t look back. Shane didn’t expect rainbows and sunshine from the man, but a proper introduction instead of going straight for the kill, would have been nice.

  “Don’t call me that,” he stated dryly. “Your father had such promise, and he threw it all away on a one-way ticket to California.”

  Shane wanted to know about his father, but he had no intention of listening to his grandfather rip apart the man who wasn’t even alive to defend himself. “I’ve known you for all of two minutes, and I’m ready to buy a one-way ticket out of here, so I can’t say I blame him.” Shane met his eyes for the first time, startled by the familiar shade of brown and green. “If you have a point, get to it. I have somewhere to be.”

  “Your grandmother asked me to stop by.”

  The bastard couldn’t even come on his own accord. “Nice. So basically, you didn’t want to meet me, but to save face with the wife, you dragged yourself here. Well, I wish I could say it’s been a pleasure.” The driver stopped at a stop sign, and Shane flung the door open.

  “Wait,” his grandfather held his finger up.

  Shane glanced back, a million thoughts running through his head and none of them kind. He bit back all those angry words and told the man what he wanted to hear. “Don’t worry. I’ll tell Mimi we had a riveting conversation.” He slammed the door and stormed from the SUV. He didn’t stop until he was in front of Pie in the Sky.

  He hoped the walk would help ease the rigid muscles in his neck, but if anything, they’d only tightened. He didn’t know his father, but from what Mom had told him, he was none of the things his grandfather had said he was. Why the animosity? What the hell happened all those years ago that caused such a rift between the two?

  Or was it possible good ol’ Dad was everything Grandfather had said he was?

  No. Shane refused to believe anything that man had said. If his dad were any of those things, there had to be a reason. Shane had a feeling it had everything to do with why Dad had left in the first place.

  The sound of shoes clicked on the concrete, and Shane took a deep breath before turning toward Olivia. She was a vision in tight jeans that molded perfectly to every curve and stopped just at her ankle. Tan shoes gave her an extra four inches or so, and the navy tank she wore, though loose fitting, dipped low enough to reveal the two perfect mounds of flesh beneath.

  She was a bright spot in this rather shitty day. He pushed everything else out of his mind and focused on the woman in front of him. If he’d learned anything in life, it was to enjoy the little moments before they were over.

  “Sorry, I’m running late,” she said. “I forgot that my only means of transportation is a golf cart. While it’s much cleaner than the subways, it’s not nearly as fast.”

  He didn’t even notice. “I just got here myself,” he admitted.

  She tilted her head, gaze taking him in. “Uh oh. What’s the matter?”

  He nearly stumbled back at her razor-sharp observation. Clearly his poker face had nothing on her.

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “I’m not going to dump my problems on you.” Olivia was his chance at fun, and unloading the shitstorm he just weathered wasn’t exactly his idea of fun. It sounded more like a revisit to the mouth of the hell gates.

  “Why not? I dumped mine on you yesterday and, if we’re counting, the night on the train, too. I think you’ve earned it. Besides, there’s something about talking through your problems over pie that is comforting.”

  Despite his strong resolve and ability to suppress his emotions, he supposed he could use a little comfort right now.

  “Come on.” Olivia turned the knob, rested her hand against the wood, and held the door open. “Step into my office.”

  Shane didn’t hesitate and moved toward the door. The delicious aromas of vanilla and cinnamon surrounded him, making his stomach growl in anticipation.

  The place was tiny, yet it felt as if he had walked into someone’s home. The mint green and white colors that covered the floor tiles, walls, and counter were warm and inviting.

  “Hi, Miss Karen.” Olivia waved as she clicked her way across the tiles.

  Miss Karen’s face lit up beneath her dark brown curls that were pushed back in a bandana. “Hi there, Olivia. You’re spoiling me with your presence. Two times in one visit.” Miss Karen rested a hand against her chest.

  “I couldn’t be in town and not stop in for some of your amazing pies.”

  In town? Did that mean Olivia planned on going back to the city? He could ask, but to ask was to care, and it was none of his business whether she was staying or not.

  “What can I get you started with?” Miss Karen asked.

  “Shane would love a slice of your coconut cream. He has never experienced your genius.”

  “Then sweetie, you are in for a treat. This is my mother’s recipe and has been winning me awards before I opened these doors.” Miss Karen cut a slice and placed it on a white doily that sat upon a jadeite plate. “Here we go.” She handed him the plate then a fork. “Get ready to fall in love.”

  He had no idea why he looked at Olivia inste
ad of the pie, but his eyes locked with hers, and the world around him dimmed.

  The world came back into focus, and he snapped his gaze away from the brown depths of Olivia’s eyes and concentrated on the solitary slice of pie. He had no idea what the hell that was, but he wasn’t about to explore it.

  “And what can I get you, Olivia? Or would you like an extra fork to share?”

  “Oh no,” Shane said, breaking his attention away from the brown depths of Olivia’s gaze. “There is no way I’m sharing.”

  “Selfish!” Olivia said with mock shock that had him stifling a laugh.

  “You’re the one who said this pie is amazing. If that’s the case one slice probably won’t cut it. Go ahead. Get whatever you want. On me.” Her eyebrow lifted, but before she could say anything, he reached into his pocket and handed over his debit card to Miss Karen. “Whatever you want,” he repeated and gave her a wink.

  Olivia ordered the old-fashioned chocolate cream pie, and they sat at one of the four tables pushed against the wall.

  “You ready?” Her eyes took him in, and he liked the excitement dancing in her irises. To think she was this excited over him trying a little piece of pie. He couldn’t help but wonder what kind of look she’d have in her eyes if he were to peel that low clinging shirt from her body, lick a line down to her navel, and suck on the sensitive spot where skin met panties.

  The thought had him shifting in his seat. He brought his attention back to the pie and picked up the fork. “I’m ready.”

  “Well, go on.” Olivia waved her hand at him impatiently.

  He took a forkful, and when his mouth closed over the creamy bite, he was transported back to his tenth birthday and all the years that followed. Nostalgia washed over him, basking him in happy memories before a rush of sadness sucker-punched him in the chest. All he had left of Mom were random waves of recollections that hit him at the strangest of moments—eating pie, hearing a cardinal, a TV commercial. Some recalling significant times together and others just a reminder of an insignificant conversation.

  It hurt to think that he’d never be able to make any new memories with her. He shoved the sadness down, refusing to allow himself to drown in the darkness for more than a moment.

  He glanced at Olivia who was practically out of her seat on his side of the table.

  “So?” she asked.

  All he had to do was lift up slightly to press his lips to hers, use her to completely cover up the ache in his heart while he did the same for her. He controlled his carnal urge and pointed the fork at the slice. “Amazing.”

  Olivia shimmied in her chair, and his attention drifted to the two mounds bouncing beneath her top.

  “I told you!” she announced pride lighting her face before she spun in her chair and gave two thumbs up to Miss Karen. “He loves it!”

  “I knew he would. My mama’s recipe never disappoints.”

  She turned back to him, a satisfied smile curving wide.

  “You’re really proud of yourself right now, aren’t you?”

  “Not that I ever doubted Miss Karen’s genius, but I was afraid your palette wouldn’t be up to par.”

  “I see how it is. You don’t think I know a good pie when I taste one because I’m not some rich city boy?”

  “That’s not what I meant. All I’m saying is some people think boxed stuff is better than homemade. I didn’t know what side of the spectrum you swung on.” She forked a piece of her own pie, and her pink lips closed around the chocolate piece. A moan sounded in her throat just before her tongue slipped out and swiped across her mouth. Damn. He didn’t realize how sexy eating could be. “Sorry. I always have to savor that first bite.”

  “Only the first bite?” If he had a taste of her, he would be sure to savor every last drop.

  “The first bite is always the best.”

  He took another bite, enjoying it just as much as the first. “Why is that?”

  “It’s all the anticipation winding up into that one moment, and if it exceeds your expectations, then every bite after will, too.”

  “And if it doesn’t?”

  “Ruined.”

  Amusement shot through him at her bluntness. “Just like that?”

  “Just like that. Now tell me…” She scooped another piece, her tongue dabbing her bottom lip again. “Why coconut cream?”

  He fought the pain and sorrow of the memory and zeroed in on the happy parts. “On my tenth birthday, my mom had been working two jobs, and even though she was exhausted, she wanted me to get me a cake and sing happy birthday. Except the bakery she went to didn’t have any cakes. They had bread, cookies, and pie. She said give me a pie then. But they only sold them by the slice.”

  “Of course.”

  “Somehow she managed to get the whole pie. After that, coconut cream became a tradition on my birthday. We’d go to the same bakery and get a slice every year.”

  A tender look crossed Olivia’s soft features. “That’s really sweet.”

  “What does your mom think of you coming here?”

  He swallowed at the uncomfortable lump, pushing its way up his throat. “She passed away a few months ago.”

  The roundness in Olivia’s cheeks deflated slightly. “I’m sorry.”

  “Thanks.” The stubborn lump resurfaced and he ran a hand over his face to conceal the battle of emotions he was fighting.

  It’d been a few months since Mom had died, and he hadn’t talked about it. He couldn’t afford a proper funeral, and they didn’t know many people to begin with, so he had a private service for her with a few of her coworkers. That was the last time he spoke openly about her. But talking with Olivia now and sharing the good memories, it felt right. He didn’t want to just share the good, though; he wanted to share with her the sad parts of his life, too, and that scared him.

  “I went to the bakery after she died.” He was quiet for a moment, remembering that sunny day. He’d been so mad the sun was out, but he knew it was Mom shining her light down on him. “The owner remembered me. Asked about my mom, and she told me that my mom didn’t have enough money for a whole pie that first year. But she’d seen how determined my mom was to get that pie, so she told her that since it was close to closing, all pies were half off. She said she wanted to offer it at no charge, but she didn’t think my mom would accept.”

  “Would she have?”

  “Not a chance in hell.” A laugh bubbled out of him, and it was a welcoming reaction compared to the ugly dry lump in his throat. It was nice having someone to talk to. He’d gone so long being alone, he’d almost forgotten what it was like to share the small joys of life with someone.

  He finished off his slice and nodded to Olivia who was taking smaller and smaller bites. “What about you?”

  She put her fork down and crossed her hands on the table. “What do you want to know?”

  He had so many questions. Did she have a favorite spot to be kissed? Did she prefer to be in control or be controlled? Figuring it was too early into their first date to ask—not to mention it wasn’t even ten a.m. on Tuesday—he went with a more basic question. “Tell me about your parents.”

  “You saw my dad the other night.”

  It was dark, and he’d only seen his outline, but the fuzzy contraptions on his feet were not to be missed. “He has great taste in slippers.”

  Olivia fell back in her chair. “My two-year-old niece got those for him as a Christmas gift. I can’t believe he actually wears them, especially since I bought him shearling lined suede slippers that cost five times what those ridiculous things cost.”

  “The price of something shouldn’t make it better.”

  She held her palms up like a scale and lifted her left hand higher. “Cheap synthetic material.” She raised her right hand and lowered the left. “Luxurious shearling and suede.”

  Shane mimicked Olivia, holding up his left hand. “Or… no sentimental value.” He lifted his right hand higher. “Sentimental value.”

  She
finished off her last bite and closed her eyes for a moment. Her lips brushed against each other, and she sighed. “Last piece was just as good as the first.” Her long lashes fluttered open, and she rested her fork back on the table. “What was I talking about?”

  “Your dad’s slippers.”

  “Oh right. I forgot on purpose.” She winked, and though it was meant to be humorous, Shane found it enticingly erotic.

  He cleared his throat, ignoring the pressure building beneath his shorts. “What does your dad do when he’s not standing on his doorstep in monster slippers?”

  “He’s a history teacher at the middle school. My mom is also a teacher. Kindergarten.”

  “Both parents are teachers. I’m surprised you’re not a teacher.” She was friendly with all the townspeople, and he was sure that charismatic charm would carry over to children.

  “Oh, that’s not for me. I don’t have the patience. Besides, I had my eyes on city life, living the corporate dream.”

  “How’d that turn out for you?” he asked.

  She tilted her head, a blank expression on her face. “How do you think?”

  “I think it worked out for the best.”

  Her elbow perched on the table, and she rested her chin on her upturned hand. “Really? And why is that?”

  He motioned toward her. “You have the whole city girl look down, but you’re a small-town girl at heart.”

  Her perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched. “Is that so?”

  He nodded.

  “Care to elaborate? Or you going to let me wonder how you came to this conclusion about me?”

  “It’s simple really. I watched you yesterday with the book club. You moved right into the conversation, and it was obvious you were in your element.”

  “I do love the warmth of the town… how everyone always has a kind word to offer. I lived in the city for three years, and I couldn’t tell you the name of one person who lived in my building. They all pretty much looked the other way when you passed them.” She waved her hand. “Not that it matters now.”

  “At least you didn’t have to say goodbye to anyone.” It was why he avoided relationships. Saying goodbye never got easy. If anything, each goodbye weighed heavier on his shoulders. He’d lost so much in his twenty-six years, and he thought he’d become numb to the pain, but losing Mom nearly broke him. It was the only reason he came to Morgan’s Bay in the first place. He was searching for some sort of light at the end of the dark tunnel of his life. He foolishly thought it would be his family that brought that light back into his life. He never expected it to be the beautiful woman sitting across from him.