Bayside Promises

by Stacy Claflin

  “Let me help you.”

  He shook his head, pulled out the plastic containers and removed the lids, revealing the angel chicken bow tie pasta, spinach tomato tortellini, Caesar salad, and garlic bread rolls.

  Her mouth gaped. “Did you make all this?”

  “I’ll let you think that.” He winked, poured sparkling cider into the glasses, and handed her a plate. “Ladies first.”

  She stared at everything, a little pink coloring her cheeks. “You really didn’t have to.”

  “I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. You haven’t been back home in years. Dig in.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” She took a plate and piled dainty little portions of each item.

  “I hope you don’t expect me to eat all the rest of that,” he teased.

  Haley shook her head and bit her lip. She seemed so fragile. Sullivan was overcome with the urge to protect her, but he couldn’t give her a twenty and make all her problems disappear. He heaped large helpings onto his plate and scooted next to her. They watched the waves crash onto the shore as they ate in silence.

  It was nice—a comfortable quiet. Like old friends settling into a routine despite the many years apart. Only he wasn’t so sure he wanted to remain just friends. After she emptied her plate, she served herself a tiny bit more of each item.

  He watched her from the corner of his eye, and poured her some more cider once she'd emptied her glass. Normally he’d have gotten wine, but knowing her dad’s issues with alcohol he wasn’t sure if she had any aversions to it.

  “Are you full?” he asked, after she set her plate down.

  She smiled. “I had enough. I don’t want to stuff myself at the beach.”

  “Well, I hope you saved room for dessert.”

  Her eyes widened. “There’s more?”

  Sullivan stood, went around her, and dug into the basket, pulling out the last plastic container. “Rhubarb pie. You still like that, right?”

  “I can’t believe you remembered. Looks like I’m going to stuff myself at the beach, after all.”

  He opened the container and scooped half of the large piece onto her plate and half onto his. “It’s hard to forget when someone shares one of my favorite desserts.”

  Just as they were finishing the dessert, a group of kids ran by, spraying sand all over them.

  “Watch it!” Sullivan called. He took Haley’s plate and helped her up. “You didn't get any in your eyes, did you?”

  She dusted off her romper. “No, just my clothes.”

  “That’s good.” He glanced around the beach. “Shouldn’t they be getting the concert set up by now?”

  A guy with a farmer’s tan turned to Sullivan from the next blanket over. “The concert? It was canceled. Lead singer has laryngitis or something.”

  “Thanks.” He helped Haley put the dirty dishes and containers in the basket. “Do you want to stay here? Or we could catch a movie—at least it’d be air conditioned.”

  “It’s nice here.” She closed the basket, moved it aside, and sat in the middle of the blanket. Sullivan sat next to her, not leaving much space between them. Haley stared at the water.

  “How do you like being back?” He readjusted himself and brushed his hand against hers.

  Haley turned to him, her eyes wide. She wasn’t any less jumpy than she’d been in high school.

  “Must be strange being home after so long.”

  “It’s not as stressful as it used to be.”

  Sullivan nodded knowingly. “I’m sure it’s not.”

  She held his gaze, seeming to want to say more. He wanted to plant his mouth on her full lips and make her forget all about her painful past.

  Five

  Haley’s heart thundered against her ribcage. The sound echoed in her ears. She was sure Sullivan could hear it. How could he not?

  Why was he looking at her like that? With eyes full of concern and desire? And why did she like it so much? Maybe she was imagining it. That had to be it. He was Sullivan Hunter, after all. The guy girls had fought over all throughout high school.

  He cleared his throat. “Want to go for a walk? There’s a nice breeze along the path this time of day.”

  She glanced at his picnic basket. “What about your things?”

  “No one will bother them.”

  Right. They were in Enchantment Bay, where there were all of two crimes in a year. “Sure. Sounds nice.” And then she wouldn’t have to worry about reading too much into his gaze.

  Sullivan helped her up. She crossed her purse strap over one shoulder and strolled alongside him toward the trail, careful to avoid boisterous kids. Once they stepped onto the pavement underneath low-hanging maple trees, everything grew quieter and cooler. A light mist sprayed her skin from the water and there was an almost unnoticeable breeze.

  Haley paused in front of a bench and sighed, looking at the water. “This is one thing I’ve missed. There’s no view quite like the bay.”

  He sat and waited for Haley to join him. “You know, I always thought Jackson was stupid for ditching you after graduation.”

  She shrugged. “I was the one who took off without much of a warning—any, really. My parents were out for the night, thinking I was at the senior party, and I made the split-second decision to take off.”

  “Yeah, but he knew why.” Sullivan tilted his head.

  “We weren’t meant to be. I’m sure he’s happy somewhere now.”

  Sullivan snorted. “Yeah. Three kids and a hefty child support payment.”

  Haley’s eyes widened. “Really?”

  “He ran her off, too.” He brushed a wisp of hair from her cheek. “How is it being back at home? Calmer?”

  She held his gaze and found herself spilling her feelings before having time to give them any thought. “There are so many memories. It’s like a haunted house filled with ghosts. So much I never wanted to think about again.”

  Sullivan put his hand on top of hers.

  Haley froze. Her breathing constricted. Slowly, she turned to him, all too aware of his hand resting on hers—as though screaming at her. She swallowed hard as she met his gaze. He had that look again—the combination of tenderness and desire. For a moment, nothing else existed other than the two of them.

  Conflicting emotions shouted for her attention. One yelled that all men are selfish jerks and to run. Another told her what she already knew—that Sullivan was different. That was why she’d just opened up to him so easily, even now, after so long.

  He leaned closer to her. Her pulse drummed in her ears, blocking out every other sound. He was going to kiss her. This was happening way too fast. He moved closer to her, almost seeming in slow motion.

  Was she ready for this? For what it meant? How it would change everything? She struggled to breathe as he continued coming closer and closer. It felt as though he were miles away, though in reality she knew he was right there. She took a deep breath.

  Sullivan cupped her chin and his soft lips brushed against hers. The pressure of his hand on hers grew. He pressed his lips against hers, wrapped his other arm around her shoulders, and pulled her closer. Hailey relaxed, feeling both safe and vulnerable at the same time. He smelled of pine and citrus—purely divine. But she wouldn’t expect anything else from him. She kissed him back, and then almost as soon as it had started, he pulled away.

  The world spun around them as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. He scooted closer, keeping his arm around her as he looked out at the water.

  Haley’s heartbeat returned closer to normal. She leaned her head against him and allowed herself to feel safe and protected, even if it didn’t last long—it couldn’t. She was only in town for the summer, and besides, she didn’t want a relationship. But then again, maybe he didn’t, either. It was just a kiss—a friendly kiss, even—with closed mouths and tenderness.

  But even so, the Sullivan she knew never showed anyone a side so soft and caring. Not that he’d been a jerk in hig
h school, but his temper had a reputation all its own.

  He rubbed her arm in circular motions, tickling her skin. “Look. Do you see that eagle? So majestic.”

  An eagle flew high above the bay in an oval pattern.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “One of my cousins swears seeing one is good luck.”

  “Must be.” Haley snuggled closer. Being in his arms felt so good—so right. She didn’t want to fight it anymore. Sullivan was someone she’d known and trusted since childhood. Why not give him a chance?

  They sat in a comfortable silence until the noise of the beach grew quieter. She could’ve sat there forever in his arms, watching the water and the occasional critter that ran in front of them.

  He stretched and checked his phone. “It’s starting to get late, and I have to get ready for work tomorrow.”

  “And I need to check on my sister. She should be done with today’s wedding by now. Oh, I didn’t even ask about Dakota. Have you heard from her?”

  “No, but I’m sure she and Clay are having the time of their lives in Hawaii.”

  Haley smiled. “Good for her. Dream wedding followed by a dream honeymoon.”

  Sullivan rose and extended his hand. She took it, and he helped her up. “I had a lot of fun. Do you want to get together this week?”

  The corners of her mouth curved up. “I’d love to.”

  “Perfect. Maybe Wednesday at Roosevelt's?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. Roosevelt’s was the nicest restaurant in Enchantment Bay, or at least it had been ten years earlier. “That sounds wonderful.”

  He flashed her his grin, and she just about melted into a puddle. They walked hand-in-hand back to their spot on the beach. The crowd had thinned considerably, and Sullivan had been right. Their stuff was exactly as they’d left it, albeit covered in a little sand. She closed her umbrella and he shook off the blanket and folded it.

  As they walked to the parking lot, Haley felt like she was walking on air. After just one afternoon, it felt like everything had turned around for her. If only she didn’t have to return to her parents’ home, but at least Dad wasn’t there. Maybe she could even work on cleaning the outside of the house, scrubbing off the grime, and along with it, her memories of him.

  Sullivan put the umbrella and blanket in her trunk and closed it. “I’ll call you about Wednesday.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  He took her hand and kissed it. “Have a great night. I really enjoyed myself today.”

  “So did I.”

  Smiling, he kissed her on the cheek and headed for the other end of the parking lot.

  Haley’s heart fluttered. She watched him until he was out of sight and then leaned against her car, trying to regain her bearings. The last thing she’d expected during her brief visit back to her hometown had been Sullivan Hunter showing an interest in her—and kissing her! Her skin warmed just thinking about the feel of his gentle kiss.

  Her phone beeped with a text. She pulled it out, hoping it would be Sullivan. It was Jensyn.

  Battery died. Need a jump.

  Are you at work?

  Yeah

  Give me five.

  Thx. Cu.

  Haley sighed as she climbed into her car. Back to reality.

  Six

  Sullivan found his singing phone, turned off the alarm, and pulled his pillow over his face. Usually, he woke before the alarm and bounced out of bed, eager to get to work. No one loved selling real estate more than he did, especially now that he owned the business. But last night, he’d tossed and turned, unable to sleep as his mind replayed his date with Haley over and over again.

  The last time he’d looked at the time, it had been nearly two. Only four hours earlier.

  Groaning, he forced himself out of bed. He’d have to stop by his parents’ coffee stand on the way to the office and have Mom make him something strong.

  He got ready quickly and headed over. There was a long line of cars as usual. He parked and went to the pedestrian line.

  Mom’s face lit up when she saw him. “Sully! We don’t usually see you here. Do you want something to drink?”

  “The strongest thing you’ve got. I’m pretty tired today.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Dad appeared. “Hey, son. How’s business?”

  “Great. I’m busier since the boss quit.”

  “I hear he left some big shoes to fill.” Dad chuckled. “Well, I’d better get back to fixing the chocolate dispenser before my boss gets on my case.”

  Mom laughed as he disappeared. She poured things into a colorful paper cup, talking a mile a minute about Dakota’s wedding.

  “Have you heard from them?” Sullivan asked.

  “She texted last night. They’re having a blast. Yesterday, they went snorkeling, and today, they’re going to hike to a volcano.”

  “Sounds nice.” Sullivan made a mental note to plan a vacation for himself at some point. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been on one. He and his brothers had talked about camping in the woods for a week, but they had never made it happen.

  Mom handed him the paper cup with a sleeve and a lid. “On the house, sweetie.”

  He took it and sipped, burning his tongue on the strong drink. “Is the family dinner Thursday this week?”

  She nodded. “You’ll be there, right?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it. Thanks again, Mom.”

  “See you then—unless you need more coffee.” She waved.

  Sullivan returned the wave and walked away from the stand. The front of his shoe caught in a crack in the sidewalk. He tripped, and to catch his balance, he reached out. The cup flew out of his hand and burst open on the ground, splashing onto his pants.

  He shook his leg and swore.

  “Are you okay, Sully?” asked his mom.

  “You guys really need to fill in that crack. It’s dangerous. What if a customer got injured from it?”

  She shook her head. “You’re overreacting. I’ll get you another mocha.”

  He picked up the fallen cup and tossed it in the trash. “I’m serious. You could end up with a lawsuit.”

  “Then it’s a good thing Logan is the best attorney in town.”

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Mom handed him the new coffee. “Okay, Sullivan. I’ll look at the crack later.” Her tone told him she had no intention.

  Dad waved. “Have a good day, son.”

  Right. He didn’t have time to run home and change into another pair of slacks. “Thanks. See you guys later.”

  He headed over to the car and rushed to the office. With as tired as he was, he might just need another drink before lunch. He hurried inside and greeted Nancy, who had been secretary there since Sullivan had been a kid.

  “I hear there’s a new realtor in town.”

  Sullivan held back an eye roll. “That’s what my brother said. I don’t know why anyone would come here of all places for that. There’s only room enough for one.”

  Nancy arched a brow. “You and your dad were all right, weren’t you?”

  “We were working together—not against each other!” He scowled.

  “Take it easy, cowboy. I wasn’t trying to ruffle your feathers.”

  “There’s a difference, that’s all I’m saying.”

  “Want me to get you some more coffee? Soothe your nerves?”

  “No. I’m good.”

  “Okay. I’m sure you’ll do great either way.” She turned to her computer and started typing. “Oh, there are a few notes on your desk. There’s a new listing question. He wants a meeting this morning.”

  Of course he did. Sullivan’s to-do list was already a mile long as always. “Fantastic,” he muttered.

  “Just relax, Sullivan. Being snippy isn’t going to help anything. Oh, and I need you to sign this one right away so I can fax it over.”

  He didn’t even look at the paper. He just grabbed a pen from the desk and removed the lid. Bl
ack ink leaked out that had pooled inside. It ran down his finger and onto his palm. He threw it onto the desk. “Are you kidding me?”

  “It’ll dry. Here, use this one.” Nancy handed him a different pen.

  Sullivan didn’t take it.

  “I’ve been using it all morning. It’s fine.”

  He grabbed it, signed the paper, and headed into the bathroom. The ink wouldn’t wash off no matter how hard he tried. Sullivan took a deep breath and went into his office. He powered on his laptop and scanned the pile of handwritten notes, adding items to his day planner app and waiting for it to sync before turning to his computer. He answered emails, checked listings, and then called back the man who wanted to see him that morning.

  He got a busy signal. Sullivan arched a brow. He hadn’t heard one of those in a long time. Who didn’t have voicemail? There was too much to do. He would just get through his list and head over to the house and meet the seller there.

  Sullivan filled out paperwork until his timer blared like an old-time car horn. He gathered his things and went out to the main area, setting some of his paperwork on Nancy’s desk. “I’m heading out for that appointment even though I never got a hold of the guy. Can you copy these and file them?”

  “Of course. Then I’m going to take my lunch. I may or may not be here when you return.”

  “Okay. See you later.”

  He hurried out to his car and made his way to one of the nicest areas in the bay. His brother Logan, the most successful attorney in town, lived at the other end of the neighborhood. As he turned into the division, a brown dog ran out into the street in front of him. Sullivan slammed on his breaks, barely missing the animal. His heart raced, and it took him a minute to realize the dog was fine and had run off. A woman appeared and chased after it.

  Sullivan lowered his window. “We have a leash law, you know!”

  She ignored him.

  He took a deep breath and drove slowly through the neighborhood until he stopped shaking. With the way this day was turning out, he was ready to go back to bed and stay there. He pulled up to the curb of a beautiful brick home with three levels and a perfectly manicured lawn. A balding man stood out front with a young blonde.