Bayside Promises

by Stacy Claflin

  She took a deep breath and tried to look at Sullivan in a new light. He pushed the food around his plate, his brows furrowed and he stopped paying attention to her. He’d brought her flowers and gotten them this table with the gorgeous view. His entire face had lit up when he’d seen her. Even if she had said something stupid, he wasn’t going to blow up at her or run screaming—or anything else equally ridiculous.

  “He’s not my dad,” she whispered, barely audible. Sometimes just saying it out loud helped her break free from the thoughts trapping her in the past.

  Her hand shook as she reached across the table and placed it on his arm. “Are you okay?”

  Sullivan glanced up at her. Surprise registered on his face. “I’m sorry. I got lost in my thoughts.”

  Haley swallowed. “Did I do something wrong?”

  His eyes widened. “What? No. Logan asked me to take care of something last minute right before I met you, and I started thinking about that.” He took her hand. “But I only want to think about the beauty in front of me.”

  Relief washed through Haley. She’d been right—it’d had nothing to do with her. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I’d rather talk about you. Like how nice your eyes look in this light.”

  The corners of her mouth curved up. “But if something’s bothering you, maybe I can help.”

  “Okay, but remember you asked for it," he said with a smile. “Some of us are heading into the woods for a guys’ camping trip. Even our cousins are making the trip from California. There’s a lot to sort out, pack, and plan.”

  “It sounds like it.”

  “Something fell through for one of our cousins, so now I’m in charge of bringing a bunch of meat—on top of everything else. I know it doesn’t sound like much. Just pick up some at the store, right? But it’s one more thing.”

  She squeezed his hand. “It's always frustrating when something comes up at the last minute.”

  "That is exactly what I was thinking! You totally get it. And the trip is next weekend!” He raked his fingers through his hair. “It was the only time that worked out for just about everyone. I thought it would be at least a few weeks out from the time I first had the idea, but as it stands now, I only have days to finalize all the details and pull everything together.”

  “I’m sorry it has you so stressed out. If I can do anything to help, let me know. I’ll be happy to do what I can.”

  He smiled. “You’re the best. Really.”

  She glanced away, always uncomfortable with praise of any kind. Haley turned back to him. “Just tell me what I can do.”

  His brows came together and he looked deep in thought. “You know what you can do for me?”

  “What?”

  “Let me take you on another date—one where I don’t get distracted and pay more attention to my plate than you.”

  “Well…” She glanced up, pretending to consider it, and looked back at him. “I suppose I can do that.”

  Sullivan chuckled. “Great. I—” His phone beeped. He groaned. “I’ve got to get to my next appointment. Time always flies when I’m with you. I’ll call you tonight, and I promise you’ll have my full attention.”

  Warmth ran through Haley and she smiled. “We can plan that date, too.”

  Tomás came over. “Are you still working on your lunch, amigos?”

  “We could actually use a couple boxes. Could I get the check, please?”

  “Of course, señor. I’ll be right back with those.”

  Sullivan turned to her. “Dinner tonight? Or is that enough notice?”

  Haley smiled. “I don’t need any notice to see you. And how about I plan this one? You have enough to think about.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “I want to. I have something fun in mind.”

  He leaned back and gave her a curious look. “Really?”

  She nodded. “Well, anything would be fun with you—”

  “Even underwater basket weaving?”

  Haley laughed. “Probably. Is it okay if we do something other than dinner?”

  “Sure.” He tilted his head. “What are you thinking about?”

  “It’s a surprise. Just wear something you can get messy.”

  His gorgeous smiled widened. “Now you really have me curious. Will you give me a clue?”

  She held back a laugh. “I already did.”

  Tomás arrived with the boxes and the check. “I’ll be your cashier whenever you’re ready.”

  Sullivan took the check. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” He boxed up their food.

  Sullivan handed him a credit card and turned to Haley. “What time should I pick you up for this messy date?”

  “I’ll pick you up at around six. Does that sound good?”

  He grinned. “I’m not going to say no to that take-charge attitude. I’d better text you my address while I’m thinking about it.” He pulled out his phone and slid his finger around the screen.

  Her phone played a musical tone. A text with his address showed on her screen. “Got it.”

  “So, what are we doing tonight again?”

  “Nice try. I’m not telling you.”

  Tomás came back with the receipt. Sullivan signed it and thanked him. They gathered their things—Sullivan insisted on carrying her to-go box—and they headed to the front door, saying goodbye to Lucy and Tomás on the way out.

  Sullivan held the door for her. “I look forward to tonight. Should I bring an extra change of clothes?”

  Haley grinned. “It’s not like we’re going to be mud wrestling.”

  “I wouldn’t object to that.”

  She burst out laughing. “I think I would.”

  Twenty

  Sullivan slid his laptop into its bag and headed out to the lobby. He waved to Nancy.

  She covered the phone’s receiver. “Leaving early?”

  He nodded. “I have a personal appointment. Have a great night.”

  “You, too.” She smiled and went back to the call.

  Sullivan went to the car and started it. What did Haley have up her sleeve? Beyond getting sandy at the beach, he couldn’t imagine what they could do that would get messy. At least he had a second chance that day to give her the focus she deserved. And he needed to apologize for being so distracted at lunch.

  Flowers wouldn't do it, though. She’d forgiven him for blowing up at her unnecessarily before, and now this. He really needed to get his act together and show her how special she really was to him.

  Jewelry. Maybe a simple but pretty necklace. Nothing over the top to make her think things were progressing too quickly, but just enough to make her feel as beautiful and wonderful as she was.

  He didn’t have a lot of time if he was going to pick out a necklace and grab something to eat before getting home and changing into something casual.

  Sullivan pulled onto the road and headed for the jeweler. Luckily, it wasn’t too busy that time of day. He wandered around, studying the necklaces. It was so hard to choose. Part of him wanted to get one of the diamond ones—he knew how his sisters adored them—but he was going for simple.

  He walked up and down the display cases three times before stopping at a necklace with a pretty triangular purple crystal surrounded by tiny white stones. Given the price, they weren’t diamonds, but they shone as if they were. It was perfect. The purple was elegant, and the piece stunning. He could easily picture her wearing it.

  He imagined giving her the necklace, and her face lighting up. Warmth radiated from his chest. He raced over to the jeweler, who was ringing someone up.

  “Hi, Sullivan.” Frank turned to him. “How are you today?”

  “Good, and you?”

  Frank yawned and then chuckled. “I suppose that answers your question. What can I help you with?”

  “There’s a necklace I’d like to get.”

  “Let’s see it.”

  Sullivan walked over and pointed it out.


  “Oh, that’s a nice one. It can be worn with casual clothes or with something elegant—a most versatile piece.”

  “What’s the stone?”

  “It’s a Swarovski Crystal. I love how bright it shines in the light, don’t you?”

  “It really stands out. I haven’t seen many stones that color.”

  “This one really is a lovely shade. Is it for your mom?”

  Sullivan shook his head. “It’s for someone else.”

  Frank nodded knowingly. “She’s a very lucky lady.”

  They made small talk as Frank set the necklace in a brown box and rang Sullivan up. He couldn’t stop thinking about giving it to Haley.

  As he headed out the door, bag in hand, his phone rang. Excitedly, he checked, hoping it was Haley.

  It was Logan. No way he was going to answer it and get himself stressed out over some aspect of their trip. Sullivan declined the call and texted his brother to email him all the details.

  Sullivan wasn’t giving anything other than Haley his mental space for the next several hours.

  Twenty-One

  Haley pulled up to the house and double-checked the address on her GPS. This was the one. She studied it—a well-kept, gorgeous tri-level with a perfectly manicured lawn. It must be lonely for just one person, unless Sullivan had his friends and family over a lot. Knowing the Hunters, that was pretty likely.

  She glanced around the car, making sure it was tidy. Everything looked good. Just as she stepped out of the car, the front door of Sullivan’s house opened. He waved to her and jogged across the pristine lawn, holding something small and brown.

  He came over to her side of the car and wrapped his arms around her. She returned the embrace and leaned her head against him. It felt so good to be in his arms. She felt protected. Safe.

  Sullivan stood back and flashed his mind-melting smile. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “You do?” Her mind raced, trying to think of what it could be—hopefully, it was good. She didn’t like being caught off-guard. “What is it?”

  He held out what looked like a jewelry box. She glanced back and forth between him and the rectangular box.

  “Open it.” He held it closer to her, his eyes wide and his grin lingering.

  Haley’s hands shook as she took the box from him. “What’s the occasion?”

  “Just open it.” He stepped closer.

  She did her best to steady her arms as she pulled the top of the box up. Inside sat a silver necklace with an enormous purple stone, surrounded by what looked like diamonds. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered.

  The world spun around her and her stomach twisted into a tight knot. Her breathing grew labored. Everything seemed to close in on her. She struggled to breathe normally.

  “Can I help you put it on?” Sullivan asked.

  She looked up and nodded. Her hands shook all the more—she nearly dropped the box.

  He grabbed it and pulled the chain from the box and held it up, smiling. “It’s almost as gorgeous as you.”

  Haley forced a smile. She struggled to take a deep breath. Her body only gave her short, shallow breaths. A lump started to form in her throat and tears stung her eyes. The shaking moved from her hands up her arms and down into her body. Her fingertips grew cold.

  Sullivan reached around behind her head and then stepped back. The necklace fell into place, the metal cool against her skin. He smiled all the wider. “It’s lovely. Want to see?” He held up his phone to snap a picture.

  Haley nodded, unable to speak. She tried to smile, sure she’d failed.

  He took the picture and showed her. All she could see was the fear in her eyes and the paleness of her complexion. She should’ve worn bronzer.

  “What do you think?”

  “I-I… It’s really pretty.”

  “You make it even more so.” He brushed his lips across hers and held open the driver’s side door for her. “Where are we going?”

  Haley shook her head, trying to clear it. The date. Focus on that. She cleared her throat and tried to smile. “It’s a surprise, remember?”

  “I can’t wait to see what you have in mind.” He gestured for her to get in. Once she was seated, he closed the door and walked over to the passenger side. She unlocked the doors and he climbed in.

  Haley started the car and kept her gaze forward. She blinked back tears and tried to ignore the ever-growing lump in her throat. She’d done this to herself. If she hadn’t insisted on surprising Sullivan on the location of the date, he probably wouldn’t have thought to shock her with the gift.

  “Still won’t tell me where we’re going?” he teased.

  She pulled out onto the road, her hands still shaking. Though the necklace had warmed, she still felt it—like the weight of shackles and a chain. “Y-you’ll just have to wait and see.”

  Sullivan spoke about something, but Haley couldn’t focus on a thing he said. All of her attention was on the road—because if it wasn’t, she would probably veer off into the other lane and kill them both.

  Memories of her dad kept popping into her mind. She tried to shove them aside, but for every one that she did, two or three more forced their way to the surface.

  How many times had he brought home gifts—usually for Mom, but sometimes for Haley and Jensyn, too—to say sorry for something he’d done? But they were never true apologies. They were meant to make the gift receiver not only feel guilty for ‘making’ Dad lose his temper or break something, but that wasn’t the worst of it. There were always strings attached, and along with those strings also came a bigger blowup not long after. The larger the gift, the worse his coming wrath would be—every single time. It was a matter of waiting.

  Jewelry always meant the most painful episodes were in the works.

  He’d once given Haley a gorgeous necklace with an ‘H’ made of diamonds. That was a few days before he’d torn through her room, ripping up pictures of her and friends, along with smashing the first laptop she’d bought herself and her cell phone. Then he’d broken the lock on her diary and read it out loud to her, mocking her deepest emotions. Later, he poured on guilt trips when she didn’t wear the necklace.

  She’d never kept a journal again, and she later sold the necklace online for half its value. Then she’d donated the money to charity even though she could barely pay rent at the time. She didn’t want anything to do with any of Dad’s gifts.

  “Are we getting close?” Sullivan’s voice broke through Haley’s memories.

  She glanced around, realizing she’d missed her turn. Her cheeks warmed. “Almost there.” She turned right and took a longer, more complicated route.

  “You’re just trying to confuse me, aren’t you?” Sullivan laughed.

  “You caught me,” Haley fibbed. She forced a smile and turned to him.

  He ran the back of his fingers along her cheek. “You’re so beautiful, you know that?”

  Haley’s cheeks warmed all the more. He seemed so sincere. She took a deep breath and smiled before turning her attention back to the stoplight. It was time to calm down. Sullivan wasn’t her dad. He wasn’t going to turn around and destroy her. Normal people gave gifts out of the kindness of their hearts. That was all this was. It wasn’t a threat of something horrible.

  She was completely overreacting to a sweet gesture. Part of her wanted to smash another one of Dad’s pictures—or maybe visit the cemetery and stomp on his plot. Or perhaps start a new diary and write out every ugly feeling she had toward him. Then she could read them to him, and this time, he couldn’t do anything about it.

  Haley sat taller. Yes, she would take her frustrations out on her father—the one who deserved them—and pull herself together for Sullivan. He could probably tell she was agitated, and it wasn’t his fault. She focused on how safe she’d felt in his arms. That was the reality. He actually cared about her. His words were more than lip service to keep her compliant.

  She steadied her breathing and tried to focus on what he w
as saying.

  The car was quiet other than the music softly playing.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to be lost in my thoughts but from here on out, you have my full attention.”

  He placed his hand on her knee. “No worries. I’m certainly in no position to complain. Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. My mind’s just getting the best of me this evening.”

  Sullivan squeezed her knee and pulled his hand back. “Seems to be going around. After driving in circles, you won’t give me a hint? We’ve left Enchantment Bay, so I’m especially curious now.”

  Haley stopped at a light and turned to him. “You don’t give up easily, do you?”

  “Not when I want something.” He held her gaze.

  She felt lightheaded.

  “Light’s green.”

  Haley snapped her attention back to the front of the car. It was going to be a long night. Luckily, only a few more turns and they would be there, and they would have something else to focus on. Her heart drummed against her ribcage the rest of the way until she pulled into the parking lot.

  “What is this place?” he asked.

  “It’s where you’re going to get messy.” She managed an actual smile. “I hope you’re ready.”

  He laughed. “Me, too.”

  They got out of the car and headed into the pottery studio. She watched as Sullivan looked around at the items on display.

  “Are we going to throw clay?” His eyes were wide and looked nervous.

  Haley shook her head. “We’re going to paint.”

  He sighed in relief. “I can handle that.”

  She led him to the right into a room filled with people painting various dishes and artwork. “It’s actually rather relaxing. I used to come here in high school to get away from everything.” She’d given away most of her creations as gifts after her dad had broken the first few.

  Sullivan glanced around the room. “Where do we start?”