by Tara Randel
“Yeah” was his one-word response.
Just like when she’d first met him, he reverted back to being a man of few words.
“Kady, I understand that your shop is important to you. Why you have big dreams. But not everyone is out to stifle those ambitions.”
She thought about her ex. Her parents. Even Jasmine. “It sure seems like it.”
“I get how it feels to be so focused on a goal that you lose sight of everything else in your life. How your extreme fixation causes problems for those around you. Don’t go there, Kady.”
Wow. What had happened to him? Maybe if they did take that stroll later, away from big ears and prying eyes, he’d confide in her. But his warning sure gave her a picture into his own life, reminding her she didn’t really know this man.
“So you accept my apology?” she asked.
“I do. How about we move on?”
“To the beach?”
This time, when his trouble-free gaze met hers, she almost believed things would be better between them. “It’s a date.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
WHILE KADY SPENT the afternoon in workshops, Dylan spent his time on the phone. They’d agreed to meet later, but until then, he had work to do.
He spoke to Agent Turner, who relayed good news. He’d questioned an uncle of Esposa’s and convinced the older man that it was only a matter of time before the authorities apprehended his nephew. The man decided to keep his immediate family out of trouble with the police by admitting Esposa was in the area. The agent promised to keep Dylan informed as the investigation progressed.
So close now. Taking down Esposa would be the highlight of his career, as well as close a painful chapter in his life. Going after Esposa had become the be-all and end-all of his life. He needed to move on.
Where do you go from there?
Dylan had no idea.
A child’s cry rose from the beach. Dylan stepped onto the balcony to view the scene below. A little boy ran to his father, who picked up the child and swung him in a circle. Legs out in the air, the boy’s high-pitched laughter sliced at Dylan’s heart.
He’d lost the laughter in his life. Lost enjoyment in the little things. Until he’d met Kady. She brought a smile to his face and unexpected joy to his life. He’d miss her when he left. Miss the possibilities of what could be.
As he watched, the father, with his son’s small hand securely tucked in his larger one, moved to the water’s edge. The boy jumped and played, splashing his father until the older man swooped up his son in his arms.
Would he ever have moments like that? Have a lasting relationship that didn’t end when a case closed? Living in the shadows in order to smoke out dealers who broke the law had extracted a toll on Dylan. If he kept this pace, how could he ever connect to a woman, to someone like Kady, who could restore much-needed hope in his life?
But Esposa was still out there, and until Dylan found him, he would never be able to settle down. Kady deserved better than what he could give her, assuming she felt the same way. He thought she might, but knew the walls he’d purposely erected around his life since Eddie’s death left little room for a relationship.
Shaking off the sad notion, Dylan went back into his room. He called Bob Gardener to tell him about his conversation with Christine and Will. The chief promised to run her brother’s name through the system and get back to Dylan later with the results. Dylan also let the chief know about Will’s part in the big picture. The police chief didn’t like two amateurs searching for the kid on their own, but for now, would let them continue.
Next he checked in with Max and called a few other agents.
Calls made, Dylan sought the afternoon sunshine, reaching for his sunglasses. The temperature, while chilly, was still comfortable to be outdoors. The constant breeze ruffled his hair. He sat, captivated by the tropical wonderland. He liked it here in Cypress Point. The excitement of big-city life in Miami had faded. He’d tired of the traffic, the crowds and the crime. Even before the horrible night when Eddie was murdered, he’d been thinking about transferring. Only his dogged pursuit of Esposa kept pushing those thoughts aside.
Leg stretched out, the heat from the sun warmed his aching thigh muscle. Almost back to normal. Dylan hoped his leg would be as good as new in the near future. Maybe in time to race Kady down the beach.
He grinned at the notion, but quickly sobered. Just because he’d received confirmation of Esposa in the area did not mean the case was close to concluding. If Esposa caught wind of Dylan’s investigation, who knew where Esposa would be off to next, with Dylan in hot pursuit. And when he left, there was no guarantee he and Kady would remain in touch.
His mood sour now, he almost didn’t answer his cell when it rang. Derrick’s name came up on the screen. Dylan pressed the talk button.
“Any more surprises from Mom?” his brother asked.
“She’s busy. To be honest, I’ve kinda lost track of her.”
“That’s okay. She’ll make you pay later.”
“I’ve gotten further on the case, so I’m not worried.”
“Fill me in.”
Dylan took the next ten minutes bringing his brother up to speed.
“So what are your plans?” Derrick asked.
“Hang around town and try to find the guys transporting the product. Hope it leads to Esposa.”
“And what about the flower shop? How does it fit in?”
“Not sure yet.”
“Think the owner, what’s her name—”
“Kady.”
“Think she’s involved somehow?”
Dylan pictured Kady. Her smile, her wit. Her determination to run the shop with her parents’ approval. No way she could be involved. “No. I’ve spent time with her and it doesn’t jibe.”
“Spent time with her as in...?”
Dylan heard the humor in his brother’s voice. “Convention stuff.”
“Right. Because you’re so into flowers. Wait—unless you are so long as Kady’s around?”
“Don’t make a big deal.”
“Dyl, I live to make a big deal.”
“Look, she’s a nice woman. I helped her out when her shop was broken into. Nothing more.”
“Sure. You keep telling yourself that.”
Dylan held back a few choice words.
“I’m not one to give dating advice—” Derrick continued.
“Please don’t.”
“But I gotta say, maybe a distraction would be good for you. You’ve been so solitary since Eddie died. You don’t have to get serious, but you deserve some fun. Go for it.”
“So I should adopt the Derrick Matthews attitude and become a serial dater?”
“Works for me.”
Except Dylan wasn’t like his older brother.
“Even if I decided to go for it, Kady has no idea I’m undercover.”
“That is a problem.”
“I can’t say anything.”
“But you want to?”
He did. Found himself almost confiding in her this morning while they made boutonnieres. But this case relied on him keeping quiet until he found Esposa. He’d already confided in too many people. In his mind, the only way to keep Kady safe was for her to think Dylan was here for the convention only. Yes, the break-in at the floral shop was problematic, but he had no proof Esposa was behind it. Why worry her unnecessarily?
“So you said she’s nice. Maybe she won’t be mad at you when she learns the truth.”
Deep down, Dylan doubted that was a possibility. Not after the kisses they’d shared. Or the fact that he hadn’t confided his suspicions about the break-in at her shop. Besides, he wasn’t much of a sweet talker, unlike silver-tongued Derrick.
“I never intended to feel lik
e this.”
“We all gotta fall sometime, bro.”
“Well, the timing stinks.”
“Usually does.”
“You don’t have to sound chipper about this, Derrick.”
“Yes, I do. It isn’t often you don’t know which way to turn, Dyl.”
“Just promise me you’ll keep this between us. I don’t need Dante and Deke calling me with advice.”
“You know how to kill the fun.”
“Promise?”
“Yeah, yeah. Any other requests?”
“When I do tell Kady the truth, and she gets mad at me, what next?”
“You learn how to grovel.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.”
Dylan signed off. Glancing at his watch, he noted he still had a few hours before meeting Kady. He slouched down in the chair and closed his eyes. After being out late last night, catching a few z’s held some appeal. Maybe after a short nap, he’d wake up and all his problems would be solved.
And maybe Derrick would find a woman and settle down for good. Nope. No chance of that happening, either.
* * *
BY 5:00 P.M., THE WORKSHOPS were finished. Saturday night meant dinner on your own. The hotel restaurant, The Rendezvous, was already fully booked. Kady had checked. The lobby was practically empty. Everyone was off to find a place to hang out, eat and visit.
She sat by the main entrance, waiting for Dylan. Fifteen minutes crawled by. Had he changed his mind? She tried to relax, but the prospect of being alone with Dylan kept her antsy. Her palms were healing, but an occasional twinge reminded her of the fall. Maybe she’d be better off going back to her place after stopping for takeout. A quiet night at home while she caught up on her recorded shows.
Ready to give up on Dylan, she rose. She’d just exited the building when she heard her name.
“Kady. I’m here.”
Relief flooded her. He hadn’t stood her up. She swung around and spotted him. No lonely television watching with cold takeout.
“Sorry,” he said, short on breath as he joined her. “Lost track of time.”
“You made it. That’s all that matters.”
A cold breeze zipped over her and she buttoned her sweater. “So, where to?”
Dylan turned up his jacket collar. “You pick.”
“Most of the restaurants are going to be serving the convention crowd. Let’s walk down Main and see what’s available.”
They easily fell into step. Cheery streetlights pushed away the winter gloom. The temperature dipped some more, but walking beside Dylan, Kady couldn’t deny her hot cheeks. Her warm heart. All because of the enigmatic man next to her.
“I should have asked earlier. How are your palms doing?” Dylan pointed at her hands.
She held them up. “Much better. Tomorrow I should be able to leave the bandages off.”
“Good. Good.”
Where did the awkward vibe come from?
“I have Dr. Dylan to thank for my speedy recovery.”
He doffed an invisible hat. “Just doin’ my part, ma’am.”
“Really, thanks.”
“Not a problem.”
They continued on in silence. As they strolled down Main, a myriad of scents drifted in the night air. Seafood, burgers. Even the heavenly aroma of baking bread.
“I’m getting hungry,” Dylan stated.
They passed Pointe Café. Busy. Master’s Surf and Turf. A lineup.
Up ahead, a light shone from Charming Delights Catering. “Jenna must be sampling new recipes. She holds an open house once a month to get public consensus on her food.”
Stopping by the window, Kady saw a large crowd mingling and holding filled plates. “What do you think?”
“Looks like fun, but not exactly what I had in mind.”
“Me neither.”
They passed the catering place, almost reaching the far end of Main, when inspiration struck. “I’ve got it.” Tucking her arm through Dylan’s, she guided him across the street to the public park. At the curb sat a big, brightly lit taco truck.
Dylan squeezed her arm. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
A decent-sized crowd was hanging out, enjoying their food. The spicy smells of onions and tomatoes and grilled meat, along with oil in a deep fryer, filled the air. Salsa music blared from speakers atop the truck. As they drew closer, Kady greeted the owner.
“Hey, Greta. Busy night?”
“Been at it for hours. You came at a lull.”
Dylan leaned close to her ear. “Greta?”
“What can I say? Cypress Pointe is culturally diverse.”
Kady continued the conversation with the truck owner and before long she and Dylan had placed their orders. Two beef tacos for Dylan, chicken for Kady, a side order of tortillas with a bowl of warm white queso cheese and a small dish of salsa. Dylan carried the bag to an empty picnic table nearby, while Kady followed with their drinks.
“Who says a picnic in winter isn’t fun?” Kady asked as she chased after a wrapper picked up by the wind blowing off the gulf waters. “If we were closer to the beach, we could take cover in the pavilion.”
“But where’s the adventure? Not inside some warm restaurant surrounded by polite chitchat. We have the entire park practically to ourselves.”
She shivered again. “Gee, I can’t imagine why.”
Dylan laughed. “C’mon. Sit down and enjoy your dinner.”
She sat and they both dug into the food.
“You come here often?” Dylan asked after swallowing a bite.
“Lots. When I’m working late. I’ll take a few minutes and run down here for dinner.”
“Do you work late often?”
“When I have rush orders. Or a wedding. I’ve booked quite a few lately. It’s been demanding, but I don’t mind.”
“Weddings. What’s the draw?”
Kady dipped her tortilla in the gooey cheese. “It’s a multimillion-dollar industry. I want a piece of it.” She chomped the chip.
“I still don’t get it.”
She chuckled. “Such a guy.” She took another bite and after chewing said, “It’s not just the wedding itself. I create flower arrangements for the engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, the reception, morning-after breakfast and, in the future, anniversary parties.”
“That’s a lot of flowers.”
“Exactly. It’s also good income.” She dipped another tortilla. “Haven’t you ever had this conversation with your mother?”
“My interests lie elsewhere.”
“You mean you aren’t still her delivery boy?”
He grinned and balled up the empty wax paper that had held his food.
“Really, what are your interests?” she persisted.
A long moment passed before he answered her. “I’m in the people business.”
It took everything in her not to roll her eyes. “Which basically tells me nothing.”
“I look out for what’s important to people. Like safety.”
“Insurance?”
“More in the field.”
Could he be any vaguer? “If you don’t want to tell me, just say so.”
“I do. It’s just...complicated.”
In other words, I don’t want to confide in you. She’d heard that a time or two over the years when dating guys who were unwilling to get involved. She’d hoped Dylan would be different.
“I don’t mean to be a pest, but you’ve learned quite a bit about me over the last few days. Why can’t you share some of yourself?”
Dylan gazed off into the distance and Kady thought she’d lost him, until she noticed his jaw working. There was a lot more to this man than
he let on. Still, given how he’d acted around her, taking care of her, twice, and stealing a few kisses, she’d hoped he might see something developing between them. Who bothered with all the attention if they weren’t interested?
“Forget I asked.”
“Kady—”
When he tried to protest she held up her hand. “How about this? Instead of ruining what I’ve imagined by telling me you’re a...plumber, let me keep my secret fantasy of you being a man of mystery.”
“You think that about me?”
She shrugged. “Why not. I don’t have anything else to base an opinion on.”
A smile curved his lips. “Okay. Let’s go with that description.”
So much for hoping he’d reveal something about himself. Clearly that wasn’t going to happen. The hurt from his holding back slowly moved into miffed territory.
She collected her empty wrappers. “But, Dylan?”
“Yes?”
“One day you’ll tell me?”
Again he paused. Met her gaze boldly. “One day I’ll tell you.”
Satisfied, she stuffed the papers, and her temper, into the bag and carried the trash to the large can beside the truck.
She rubbed her hands together and blew warm air on them. “Thanks for dinner. I’m going to head home now.”
“No walk on the beach?”
“Too cold.”
“No kisses?”
No way. “Too little information.”
A wrinkle furrowed his brow. He took her hand.
“Kady, something special is happening between us. I didn’t expect this when I agreed to accompany my mom to the convention. But I’m not at a place in my life to make a commitment.”
Kady tamped down the annoying disappointment. What had she thought would happen? A whirlwind romance that led to happily-ever-after? “I get it. This is nothing more than a convenience of sorts.”
“I can’t make plans.”
“And I’m not asking you to.” He couldn’t even tell her his profession, for Pete’s sake. Why would he make plans with her?
The walk back to the hotel was cold and uncomfortable. Another stellar ending to another pointless date.