She had to agree. Neither family knew of the other and since he was splitting his time between them, that looked a lot like bigamy.
Farren preferred her men not to have second wives and families one state over.
The Denny she remembered had been fun and handsome. He’d always been sweet to her and in his own way, honest. He’d never made any promises and if she’d had hopes for a future with him, that was on her. Girls had liked him. They’d come easily to him and for a time, she’d been one of them. High school drama, all of it.
Still, Denny leaving her behind had been the start of a trend she’d soured on.
As she walked by Grady, she wondered if he’d smell her hair again. He didn’t, but she took a sniff of him. He smelled of aftershave and clean man. Very pleasant. Up close this way she could tell he’d shaved closely. His jaw looked smooth and clean and the skin soft as butter.
Once inside the standard-looking motel room, she spoke. “This one shouldn’t take long to clean and air out.” She studied the newish mattresses on the two queen beds. They didn’t sag or otherwise look worn. The mini-fridge, small microwave, and counter looked relatively new and clean.
“Check out the bathroom,” Grady said in a dire tone.
She walked past the beds and turned to look through the bathroom door.
“Oh, I see.” The tile had seen better days in the bath/shower combination. Dead bugs littered the bottom of the tub. Flies, mostly. “The drywall looks fine, though. No mold. No water stains.”
“True,” he said from close behind her. She shifted but there was nowhere to go to get away from how great he smelled. “One of those bathroom sheathing companies could cover the tile walls and tub. That would refresh it quickly.”
His breath stirred the hair near her temple. She should have scraped it back into a tight bun or put the clip higher, so no strands escaped. Next time, she’d have her hair under tight control. He was clearly into sniffing. And the feel of him so close at her back sent tingles to places where she shouldn’t tingle. Not with him. Not for him.
And definitely not when they were faking it.
“The counter looks new enough.” On the end near the toilet a single brown spot marred the surface where someone had left a burning cigarette. “So much for being a smoke-free room.” Looking down, she toed the linoleum. “And the floor’s been replaced.”
“Okay, good,” he said and scooched past her. Their shoulders brushed as he opened the small window over the toilet. “This is sticky, but an easy fix.” The close quarters were playing havoc with her good sense. She pulled her mind back to the job at hand.
Fresh ocean air filled the small space when he opened the window. “We can hear the surf. That’s great. Very soothing.”
Her spirits rose as she took it all in. “The tub and shower will take the longest to do and it’s a fast process. Maybe they could do them all in a couple of days if we find more like this.”
“We need to check the linens, to see how threadbare they are.” Grady added with a considering tone. He backed out of the bathroom, giving her room to breathe again.
“Nice towels are important. But this will be a budget conscious place, so medium thick would be fine,” she said. “I’d have thought you’d have checked the linen supply already.”
His eyes glowed with humor as he shook his head. “I had no plans to open the motel, remember? This is all for you.” He crossed his arms over his expansive chest. In his plaid shirt he looked amazingly like a lumberjack on a package of paper towels. She blinked and he looked like Grady again. Heaven help her if she ever saw him in a toolbelt.
“It isn’t all for me,” she insisted. “By helping me, you’ll get Delphine off your back.”
He shrugged.
“So why live here? Why not sell the motel right away?” Last Chance Beach was a rough-cut jewel in the midst of a good polish. The Landseer would be an easy sale, especially for an international real estate broker.
Grady frowned and his voice went husky. “Maybe what I was doing wasn’t really living.”
“Oh,” she said because she couldn’t think of one other single thing to say.
Grady had shaved and got a haircut and she hadn’t recognized him.
At all.
Worse yet, he knew it. How embarrassing for him. One clean up and he was a new man. A handsome man. He had a strong jaw and perfect teeth except for the slightly turned one next to his front two. She liked that small difference, it made him seem more real somehow.
Too bad his personality couldn’t have an easy makeover.
He was still a grump and that was what she should focus on. His light auburn hair and gorgeous blue eyes could be seen now. Last night Grady had been a bushman who’d looked miserable and unwelcoming and like the last person on earth who’d make a good hotelier.
The barber had done a great job styling the mop that had been on his head. Smooth sides with a nice healthy top that showed waves, not a tangled mess.
Unfortunately, she liked how he looked. She frowned at him.
“If I agree to open this place fully, then I’ll need to hire staff.” He frowned. “I didn’t want to be bothered with people asking questions and getting in my face.”
“You’ve already agreed,” she pointed out. She understood. Staff was expensive and the ones from before had been laid off when his great-aunt had passed away. “I could ask around to see if any of the previous staff are available.”
“You’ll need a manager, a couple of desk clerks, and housekeeping covered,” he stated firmly. “I won’t interact with the guests in any way. My house is private and off-limits and that needs to be made clear. I don’t want to hear any kids screaming or parents yelling at them.”
He may be cleaned up, but he was still a grouch. Still unapproachable. And what was his thing about hating families?
“This unit is too close to my house. You can’t use it for guests.”
“But that’s—”
He held up a hand, cutting her off. “Don’t care. I won’t have anyone sharing the breezeway who’ll have the tv blaring and kids bouncing off the walls.”
Technically the guests wouldn’t use the breezeway because the door to this unit faced the courtyard. He was being difficult for no reason other than to exert his authority. Fine. She’d find another use for this space.
“Okay. But what about the bathroom? Should we bother getting this room ready?”
“We’ll get it done. Might as well if the crew is here anyway.”
At least she’d got something out of him. She nodded her acceptance as they made their way into the unit next door. This one was in better shape. Slightly. The bathroom had no cigarette burns anywhere.
After that, the notes became easier, and the conversation relegated to the simplest comments.
By the time they’d reached the last unit, Grady was frowning.
“If this place is full, I’ll hear a lot of noise at my place. Maybe I’ll move out for the high season.”
“But what about us hanging out together?” she blurted. “Delphine will wonder.”
“We’ll cross that bridge later,” he said with another frown. He patted his stomach. “I’m ready for lunch. You?”
“Lead on.”
They strolled down to the beach on a grey, weathered, wooden walkway that had seen better days. “I’ll replace these loose boards.”
“I can bring someone in.”
“No need. I’ve done some carpentry. I can cut wood and hammer nails. Besides, it’ll be good to get out into the fresh air.”
“You’re full of surprises,” she said. “I thought you wanted to be hands off.”
“Fixing boards is different. I can do it alone.”
They turned as one to see the motel from the beach. It sat, white and clean, with a bright blue roof that matched the blue of the pool. His house’s second story was the tallest point. From here, she could see a balcony over the veranda. “You must have a great view from the second flo
or.”
“I do. The balcony is off the bedroom. Nice to sit out there and have a coffee first thing.”
“That’s why you don’t want people next door to you. They would disturb your morning coffee.”
“The way the house sits I see nothing but dunes and grasses. And the whitecaps, of course. My slice of heaven. But sound travels and why ruin a good view with screaming brats?”
Ignoring his comment, she turned to continue the stroll to the water’s edge. Other people were holding hands and walking as the waves lapped at their feet. A jogger joined another as they headed south. The breeze lifted her hair, and she felt the cotton of her blouse press against her skin. “I love the beach.”
“Me, too.” His voice was thoughtful. “I haven’t been out here in too long.”
“Then welcome back.”
“Thanks.”
They strolled in companionable silence for twenty minutes before she spoke again.
“I’ve been thinking about that first unit,” she said. “What if I moved in there? Without a job and all I have going into the business, living at the motel makes sense. You clearly don’t need the income from the unit, or you’d be willing to fill it.”
“You’re asking to live rent free?” He looked at the sky as he replied.
“Only until this fake relationship is over and the business has taken off.” She wasn’t asking to live there forever, just for the high season. “With the launch being the Fourth, I’ll be at the motel all day long all summer long anyway.”
He laughed and the rusty sound of it grated across her ears, but she smiled in response. “You drive a hard bargain, Farren. I like that.”
“I promise to be quiet and not disturb you.”
He cast her a sidelong glance. “Even if I had a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on my forehead, you’d disturb me. Who’s the one who came back for three days straight, peering through windows and banging on my door?”
“Me, that would be me,” she admitted. “And I’ll pay rent if you need me to.”
He shook his head and rolled his shoulders. “You’re something.”
“What? You don’t want me there to handle the families if they need something?”
“Yes, I do. The unit’s yours, along with all the responsibility for your guests.”
Chapter Six
AT THE J ROGER, GRADY held Farren’s seat for her and then took the one opposite. The tabletop sat on an old oak barrel, and he had to spread his knees wide to get comfortable. The server, a harried young woman with her hair held up in a bun that sat square on top of her head, approached briskly, and asked for their drinks order. Grady waited for the swaying bundle of hair to topple into her face, but gravity failed him.
No one came to The J Roger expecting fancy service. Nothing had changed since he’d tried using a fake ID at nineteen. Remembering his manners, he looked at a happy Farren. “The lady will have?” he asked her.
“A beer’s fine,” she said with a small grin for the server.
“Two beers. We’ll let you know our food order when you get back.” The lunch crowd was arriving. “We were lucky to get a table. This place is busier than I recall.”
“We’re the early crowd. After this, the next group, mostly tourists, will hang out taking in the view. Locals want to eat and run.” The breeze picked up a couple of loose tendrils of her hair, some catching on her plump lower lip. She slid her tablet to the tabletop and opened it. “I need to check that we’ve seen and discussed all we need to this morning.”
“Don’t get too involved or this won’t look like a date.” He exaggerated a cloak and dagger scan of the busy restaurant. There was indoor seating, but the day was perfect, with a cloudless sky and a soft ocean breeze. It had been a no-brainer to choose to sit in the open air.
She flushed a light pink at his silly reminder of their farce. A wayward tendril of hair caught on her lip, and he fought the urge to reach over and remove it to fly free again. She got it herself in an absent gesture.
“You’re right. I should close this. I’m sure we covered everything.” She shoved her tablet into her bag and leaned toward him, pretending to look interested. As she leaned in, he could just make out the line of shadow between her breasts. She was fulsome, and sweetly seductive in her innocent appearance. Beneath her blouse was a hot pink tank top that clung like a second skin. Her shorts moved higher on her thighs, and he forced his gaze to drop. Like most locals, she wore flip flops on her feet. Her toenails were painted a rosy pink. Subtle, and pretty all over, Farren made him smile despite his apparent grouchiness.
He hoped she didn’t think he looked like a bear anymore.
They’d strolled a good length of beach to get here, mostly in silence. He’d enjoyed the walk, the sunshine, and the peace they seemed to both enjoy. Farren could be a talker when she needed, but she also recognized the value in companionable quiet.
No seductress here, not in the way Veronica had been. But then, she’d been subtle in the beginning, too. Once Grady had shown interest, Veronica’s approach had moved friendly to seductive. He quickly looked up and away before Farren caught him leering down her tank top like a teenager. The Rock, a boulder the size of a small house, stood sentinel over the beach, covered in lovers’ graffiti. He was happy to see the tradition continued.
“Farren, are you here for lunch?” A happy, female voice came closer with each word.
“Hi, Eva. Yes, I’m here with Grady,” she responded with a small wave for the new arrival and a slight nod in his direction.
Not to be dissuaded, Eva walked up to their table for two. She shoved her hand toward Grady. “Nice to meet you, Grady.” The tall blonde gave him the once over, her eyes bright and happy.
Grady gave her a salute and then took her hand for a perfunctory shake. “Hello, Eva. You’re friends with Farren?”
“Have been since I moved here six months ago. She’s the best.” Eva waggled her eyebrows and included Farren. “Are you the owner of the Landseer?” she probed, obviously aware of Farren’s interest in talking to him.
“I am,” he said gravely.
Farren tilted her head, amused. He had no idea what brought on her look, but at least she wasn’t scowling.
“Eva is a daycare operator,” Farren explained, though he hadn’t asked. “Or she will be when she opens later this year. For the summer she’s helping me with Singles Fest. I’ll have to offer daycare or early evening care for date nights and adult time.”
“That’s where I come in,” Eva added.
“Right.” Surprised at Farren’s forethought, he smiled and gave both women a nod. “I’m not a father so kids and their needs don’t impact me. But it seems you’ve thought of everything.” Impressed with Farren’s thoroughness, he wondered where a weak spot would appear in her plan. Because there was always at least one.
“I’m trying,” Farren responded. “Note to self: find babysitters for infants.”
“Farren keeps lists,” Eva said with a grin. “Lots and lots of lists.”
“I must or I won’t keep it all straight. There’s a lot to juggle.”
He imagined there would be. She was trying to anticipate the needs of several families at once, with every child’s age group covered. “Kids need different activities at different ages. How will you provide for everyone?”
“Lists,” she responded. “Lots and lots of lists.” She chuckled. “Now you know why I need them.”
“And she has me to advise her on that,” Eva added.
“Send me your lists,” he said. “I’ll take a look.” He’d probably been wrong to ask her to put away her tablet.
“Eva! Your order’s up.” A voice from the take-out counter bawled.
“Fish and chips, my favorite from here,” Eva said. “So long for now. Farren, call me later, okay?”
“Okay,” she promised with a roll of her eyes. She went pink in the cheeks as if there were a hidden female message in the simple request.
As Eva picked her way
through the tables away from them, Grady pounced. “Why the eye-roll?”
“She assumes we’re here on a date.” She lifted one smooth shoulder and dropped it.
“That’s a good thing. It’s what we want.”
She brightened. “That’s right. It’s exactly what we want. Except Eva doesn’t gossip.”
“When you talk to her later, confirm that we’re seeing each other.” He reconsidered. “Or, that lunch was more than work. That might be the better way to go.”
“So, you’re giving me lessons in fake dating now?”
“Fake me, baby,” he blurted, to get a laugh.
The server set their frosted glasses of beer on the table and raised her eyebrows at his comment. He glared at her. “I said ‘fake me,’ not the word you think you heard.”
Farren burst out laughing.
The server grinned. “Whatever. It’s pretty clear what you meant.” She pivoted and tossed Farren a saucy smile before stepping away.
“Now, that, will get us noticed,” Farren said as her shoulders rolled through her full-throated bout of laughter. “Good job, Grady.” She leaned low across the table toward him, deepening the shadow between her breasts. “For sure Delphine will hear about this. Fake me, baby. Too funny.”
He frowned. It was the totally wrong impression for his sister. He wanted to show her that he’d woken from his recent stasis, not that he was ready to ravish unsuspecting innocents, like Farren.
He took a sip of beer to wet his dry throat and tried not to think about that other F word. “What’s the story with Eva? She’s been here six months?”
“Yes, she’s a good friend and she’s finally settled on a location for her daycare. She’s calling it NanaBanana. One word. She thinks the name will appeal to the children. She’s made up a song they’ll sing.”
“It seems to me there’s a lot of entrepreneurial spirit in town. I don’t recall businesses opening here when I used to come as a kid. A lot of storefronts were closed.” Last Chance Beach had seemed to be on its last legs. “What happened?”
She shrugged. “A few years ago, the Sands opened and that brought us people who’d never heard of Last Chance Beach. Word spread about how unspoiled the beaches are, how quiet and relaxing it is. But new development followed once word of mouth kicked in and now, the town’s in the throes of trying to hold onto the old peace and quiet while trying to benefit from more hustle.”
Fake Me Page 5