From Temptation to Twins

by Barbara Dunlop

  A couple of staff members arrived with fire extinguishers and doused the flames in the central kitchen.

  “Is there a main valve outside?” Caleb asked.

  “Behind the kitchen, but you need a wrench,” one of the staff replied.

  “Where can I find a wrench?”

  Fred answered, “There should be one in the basement, on the bench in the utility area.”

  “Make sure everyone evacuates,” Caleb told Fred.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Then Caleb spoke to the manager, Violet. “You’ve called the fire department?”

  “The lines are jammed, but we’ll keep trying.”

  “Shut off everything you can,” he directed Kiefer. “Absolutely no open flames.”

  The lights went off, sending up a collective gasp from the people who were still shuffling their way out the doors. The battery lights came on immediately. It was dim, but people would be able to find their way.

  “We have to assume we’re on our own for a while,” Caleb said. He could only imagine emergency resources were stretched thin. And there could be damage to roadways. “Who knows first aid?”

  “Three of the kitchen staff are certified,” Violet said, “along with me.”

  “Grab whatever we have for first aid kits, and check out as many people as you can. Get someone to distribute bottles of water.” Caleb caught a small movement and saw that it was Jules.

  “What can I do?” she asked.

  “I need to find a wrench in the basement.”

  “I’ll help.”

  His first instinct was to say no, to tell her to go outside to safety, but he wanted to keep her with him. He told himself a second set of eyes would help find the tools quickly. And the priority was to shut off the main gas valve.

  “This way,” he said, wending his way through the upturned tables toward the basement stairs. “There’s glass all over the floor,” he warned her.

  “I’m wearing boots.”

  “Good choice.”

  “We have Melissa to thank for that.”

  Caleb opened the basement door. He thought he caught another whiff of gas, and he knew they had no time to waste.

  Six

  Three hours later, with the gas shut off and the customers safely on their way home, a firefighter approached Jules and Caleb at the front of the building.

  “Are you okay, ma’am?” he asked her.

  She was tired and a little cold, but otherwise she was fine.

  “I’m good,” she told the man in the heavy jacket and helmet.

  He turned his attention to Caleb, removing his glove to offer a handshake. “Zeke Rollins, Station 55.”

  Caleb shook the man’s hand. “Thanks for your help.”

  “You’ll need the building cleared by an engineer before anybody goes inside or you start repairs.”

  “Already set up for tomorrow,” Caleb replied. “Except for the smashed grill area, we’re hopeful it’s superficial.”

  “I hope you’re right. You’re definitely at the epicenter of the damage. We lost a couple of historic buildings down the block. Luckily they were empty.”

  “Anyone seriously hurt?” Jules asked. She’d been immensely relieved to learn the customers at Neo had gotten away with minor cuts and bruises.

  “A few broken bones, and one patient is in surgery. But it could have been a lot worse.”

  Jules nodded her agreement. She’d never been in an earthquake before. It had been terrifying.

  “We’re hearing it was a 6.0,” Zeke said. “Good thing it was offshore. You won’t reenter the building tonight?”

  “We won’t,” Caleb said. “I’ve got security posted on the doors. I’m meeting the engineering firm in the morning, and we’ll take it from there.”

  “Glad to hear it. And I’m glad you’re both all right.”

  “Thanks, again,” Caleb said.

  Zeke gave him a clap on the shoulder before taking his leave.

  “You were really great in all this,” Jules felt compelled to tell Caleb.

  He’d taken charge, made sure people didn’t get hurt, ensured the building didn’t burn down.

  He gave a shrug. He’d long since discarded his blazer, and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up. He had a scrape on one cheek, and there was dirt on his arms. He looked confident, capable and strong, if a little tired around the eyes.

  “What now?” she asked him, following his gaze to the building. It looked perfectly normal from outside, but she knew the interior was a mess.

  “You must be hungry,” he said.

  She hadn’t really thought about it. “I meant for Neo.”

  “We’ll do the repairs.” He didn’t sound particularly worried.

  “Just like that?”

  “We have good insurance. We’ll have to close for a few days, but I’m confident we’ll be back in business soon.”

  “You are an optimist.” She found herself admiring his attitude.

  “Let’s go.” He surprised her by looping an arm around her waist. Then she surprised herself by leaning in.

  “Where?”

  “Somewhere they’ll feed us. Do you mind heading home tomorrow instead of tonight?”

  “No problem.”

  Transportation home seemed like the least of their worries. She’d have to call Melissa. Then it occurred to her that Melissa didn’t even know she was in San Francisco. Wow. That was going to be an interesting phone call.

  “I’m sure you’ll want a shower,” Caleb said as they made their way toward the parking lot.

  She frowned as she looked down at her dirt-stained clothes. She’d torn a hole in the knee of her pants. “These are Melissa’s.”

  “Clothes can be replaced.”

  “I know. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I was just thinking that she doesn’t even know I left Olympia.”

  “I didn’t mean to sound critical.”

  “You didn’t. Buying new clothes is nothing. I guess I’m a little rattled.”

  He gave her a squeeze around the waist. “We’re all a little rattled. You were fantastic back there. Why don’t you call Melissa while we drive?”

  They’d picked up a rental car at the San Francisco airport, and he unlocked the doors.

  Jules realized she didn’t have her phone. It was the first time she’d even thought of it. “I left my purse inside the restaurant. My phone, my keys, my credit cards.”

  Caleb slid his phone from the pocket of his pants and held it out to her. “My wallet is in my pants. But I haven’t a clue where I left my jacket.” He paused, leaning on the door as she got in. “This didn’t go exactly the way I’d planned.”

  She knew she shouldn’t smile, but she did. She accepted his phone. “I don’t think tonight went the way anybody planned.”

  “It seemed like such a good idea.”

  “I did like your restaurant,” she admitted. “Though I guess it’ll look different after tonight.”

  “We’ll make it better.” He pushed the door shut.

  When he entered on the other side, she handed back his phone. “Password.”

  He punched it in. But before handing the phone back to her, he scrolled through some messages.

  “Matt’s worried,” he said out loud. “He knew we were coming down here.”

  “Do you need to call him?”

  Caleb typed in a couple of words. “It can wait.” He handed her back the phone.

  She dialed while he navigated their way from the near-empty parking lot.

  It took Melissa a couple of rings to answer.

  “Did I wake you?” Jules asked.

  “Not really. Why? What’s going on? Did you lose your phone?”


  “I’m using Caleb’s.”

  “Really?” There was clear speculation in her voice.

  “It’s nothing like that.” Jules couldn’t help glancing at Caleb.

  He seemed focused on driving.

  “We’re in San Francisco,” she said.

  “What are you doing in San Francisco? Wait a minute. They had an earthquake in San Francisco.”

  “I know. I felt it.”

  “What happened? Are you okay?”

  “I am. The Neo restaurant was pretty badly damaged.” Jules gave her sister an abbreviated version of the evening, assuring Melissa that she was unharmed and that they were staying the night.

  “I guess that explains it,” Melissa said.

  “Explains what?” Jules couldn’t imagine what tonight’s event could possibly explain.

  “Dad called. He was trying to get hold of you and wanted to know where you were.”

  Again, Jules glanced over at Caleb. “You didn’t tell him who I was with, did you?”

  This time Caleb looked back.

  “Of course I didn’t,” Melissa said. “It’s my hand that’s injured, not my brain.”

  “Thank goodness.”

  Caleb smirked. “You are hard on a man’s ego, you know that?”

  “Your ego’s just fine.”

  “What?” Melissa asked.

  “Nothing. Don’t tell him.”

  “I won’t tell him. Why would I tell him? You get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I will,” Jules said. “Thanks.”

  Jules ended the call, looking up to see they were pulling into Blue Earth Waterfront Hotel.

  “You don’t think this is overkill?” she asked him. “All I need is a burger and some hot water.”

  “Their beds are very comfortable,” Caleb said as he brought the car to a halt at the valet. “And they’ll have twenty-four-hour everything. It’s nearly midnight, and I don’t want to take a chance.”

  “A chance on your every whim not being satisfied?”

  “On having to eat a cardboard something from a vending machine.”

  The valet appeared and Caleb unrolled his window. “Checking in?” the valet asked.

  “We’d like two rooms.”

  “Certainly, sir.” The man stood back, keyed his mic and asked about availability as he turned away.

  He was back in a moment. “We can offer you two superior view rooms on the thirty-second floor, with upgraded soaker tubs and king-size beds.”

  “That’ll be fine,” Caleb said, releasing his seat belt.

  Jules followed suit, deciding she was through arguing. An upgraded soaker tub sounded like a slice of heaven.

  * * *

  A waiter set up the room service order at a table in the corner of Caleb’s hotel room. The man added a rose in a narrow crystal vase and lit two candles on the white tablecloth, making the setup very romantic.

  After he left, Caleb blew out the candles and set them aside along with the rose.

  He considered the table for a moment then decided it looked naked, and he put everything back. He relit the candles and dimmed the overhead lights.

  He was about to knock on the connecting door, when he changed his mind. Cursing himself for his indecision, he strode across the room, blew out the candles and removed the romantic touches.

  Then he went back to the connecting door and gave a knock.

  Jules opened it from the other side. She’d showered and changed into the exercise pants and T-shirt the hotel had sent up. Caleb was dressed in a similar outfit.

  She leaned on the half-opened door, her half-dried hair wispy around her freshly scrubbed face. “You did this on purpose, didn’t you?”

  “Connecting rooms?”

  She nodded, arranging her expression in comical suspicion.

  “You heard the entire conversation.”

  The connecting rooms were happenstance. Though Caleb supposed the valet could have taken one look at Jules and decided to do Caleb a big favor. He thought back to the man’s nametag. It was Perry something. He should give Perry a big tip.

  Not that he had any expectations. He was more than certain that dinner would be the end of their date. Still, Perry’s effort was appreciated.

  “Well, they’re really great rooms,” she said, sauntering into his room.

  “I’m glad you like them.”

  “What did you order?”

  “You said you wanted burgers.”

  “You ordered burgers at a five-star hotel?”

  “I did.”

  She turned to face him and put on a mock pout. “That’s all you ever buy for me.”

  “You want me to send them back?”

  She pulled out one of the chairs. “I know you know I’m joking.”

  He joined her, taking the other chair. “You’re in a very relaxed mood.”

  “I’m too tired to do anything else.”

  “I got us wine instead of milk shakes.”

  “Good call.” She lifted the silver warmer from her plate. It took her a second to react. “That’s not a hamburger.”

  “Did they get the order wrong?”

  “You’re such a comedian.”

  He removed his own warmer. “Lobster chanterelle agnolotti. I hope that’s okay.”

  She leaned in. “It smells fantastic.”

  “Chardonnay?” He lifted the bottle.

  “Yes, please.”

  He poured. “I think I should get a do-over.”

  She watched the golden liquid cascade into the crystal glass. “A do-over of this dinner? So far it seems pretty great.”

  “A do-over of the date. I take back what I said to you about the drive-through that night. Nearly being killed in an earthquake is the worst date ever.”

  “We survived,” she noted, raising her glass.

  He touched his to hers. “I still want to try again.”

  “Why?”

  “What do you mean why? Because everything that could possibly go wrong did. Look at us.” He gestured to their workout clothes, bare feet and damp hair.

  “I think I look terrific.”

  He agreed.

  “And I’m seriously comfortable.” She took a bite of the agnolotti and chewed. “Oh, man. This is delicious. You don’t need a do-over, Caleb.”

  He knew what she meant was that she didn’t want another date. He shouldn’t be disappointed. He had no right to be disappointed. She only agreed to this date under duress.

  He wasn’t even sure what he’d hoped to achieve. Whatever it was, he hadn’t come close to achieving it.

  At least he’d kept her alive. He had that going for him.

  He gave up and began eating.

  “It’s funny,” she said between bites. “Years ago, when I had that crush on you, and when I was a typical rebellious teenager, I spun a silly fantasy about thumbing my nose at my father and riding off into the sunset with you.”

  “Tell me more.” Caleb would ride off into the sunset with her any old time she wanted.

  She didn’t react to his question. “But when it happened for real, all I could do was hope my father never found out. I can’t even imagine how he’d react to this.”

  “Will you tell him?”

  “I’m never going to tell him.”

  “You keep a lot of secrets from your father?”

  “Don’t you?”

  “My life doesn’t have much to do with my father anymore.” Caleb’s parents had moved to Arizona years ago.

  Jules had stopped eating and was watching him more closely. “When you were younger?”

  “Kedrick and I didn’t always see eye to eye.” That was a
n understatement. There wasn’t much about his father he admired.

  “My dad hated sending Melissa and me to Whiskey Bay. He wanted to leave the bad memories behind. But we loved going, and our grandparents loved having us there.”

  “I know your dad fought with mine.”

  “There was bad blood between them from the day they were born.”

  “So you know about our grandfathers’ feud.”

  “I know the basics,” she said. “Your grandfather stole the woman my grandfather loved.”

  “Then your father stole my father’s girlfriend,” Caleb returned. “That should have made things even.”

  “Except that your father bullied my father his entire childhood, then had him arrested the minute he fought back.”

  “I don’t think that’s quite the way it went.”

  Kedrick had told Caleb the story years ago.

  “That’s exactly the way it went,” she said.

  “It’s always a risk going after another guy’s girlfriend,” he countered.

  “Are you saying my father was at fault?”

  He shook his head. “I’m saying your father threw the first punch. No, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m just sharing information. I’m telling you the story the way I heard it. Your father knocked out my father’s front teeth.”

  “He was strongly provoked.”

  “Okay.” Caleb was more than sorry they’d gotten into this argument. “Let’s leave it at that.”

  “And he was arrested,” she continued.

  “He only ended up with probation.” It was on the tip of Caleb’s tongue to remind her that his own father had required dental surgery.

  But he stopped himself. He didn’t know who had said what, and how the incident had escalated, but it seemed like both of the teenage boys had lost out.

  “By the time the case was settled, it was too late.” Jules’s voice rose with emotion. “My dad had lost his scholarship. While your family could afford Stanford or any other college your father wanted, because your grandfather had, years earlier, swindled my grandfather and stole the woman he loved.”

  Caleb was through defending his father, especially because there was every chance Jules’s version of the story was true. But his grandfather was another story.