Love in the Air: Lopez Island Series #2

by Jamie E. Matthews

  “Mmm.” Nell closed her eyes, desire flooding through her again as his lips cruised across her collarbone.

  “Or, is that just what the kids are calling it nowadays?” She felt his lips curve against her skin as he parted her shirt and cupped her breasts.

  Nell lost herself in the sensation of his rough hands against her skin, then felt her cell phone in the back pocket of her jeans buzz. Jolted back to reality, she reminded herself she was supposed to be working.

  “I did want your advice. I think you’re right about needing new signs for my business,” she admitted, taking a careful step back. When his eyes remained fixed on her breasts, she pulled the shirt closed and tried not to smile.

  He grinned, unapologetic. “You’re going to have to put one of my shirts on, or I’ll never be able to focus. Come on, I’ll give you a tour.”

  “I’ve been inside, but it’s been years,” Nell said as she followed him, frowned when he didn’t lock the studio door. “Dude. You need to lock up. There’s thousands of dollars of art in that barn.”

  He lifted one shoulder, let it fall. “I thought that was the perk of small town life.”

  “In the fifties,” she retorted. “Besides, you’re famous, right? You’re an easy target.”

  “Sadly, I am as cynical as you are. It locks automatically when it closes.” He patted his pocket, pulled out the key. “I learned my lesson years ago in a small town in South America, and someone robbed me of $3,000 worth of equipment.”

  She followed him up the steps and through the porch into the kitchen, nodded her approval of the deep orange of the walls, ran her hand over the butcher block counters. Frowning, she bent down to study one of the cabinet doors.

  “Are these locks? Why are they on all the doors?”

  “They’re childproof locks,” Adrian explained. “Have you had lunch?”

  Nell narrowed her eyes, looked at him. It couldn’t be…

  “Do you have a kid I don’t know about? Maybe one you only see every once in a while?”

  Adrian threw back his head and laughed. “If you could see your face! No, now that I’m pretty much done with renovations, I’m planning on having the twins over. There’s plenty of room, and it’s a good vacation spot for my brother and his family.”

  Oh. Well, that made a lot more sense. Stuffing down the initial sense of outrage that was not warranted for this casual fling they were having, she wandered into the living room. Here, he hadn’t changed much. The floor to ceiling windows still opened up to the bay and ocean beyond. She was pleased to see he’d restored the stone fireplace that had been blackened from years of use. Adrian took her around the first floor, showing her a comfy den with a big screen TV—men and their flat screens—and various video game systems. A tiny room next to that held a desk and his laptop, and a drafting table where he’d pinned drawings of sculptures.

  One unusual feature of the house she’d always loved was that the end of it was shaped like a cylinder, with windows all around. The Delaneys had never quite known what to do with the space, but Adrian had turned it into a bedroom, with vibrant oil paintings of various Washington landmarks gracing the walls. Pillows of all shapes and sizes lined the headboard of a lush four poster bed covered with a soft down comforter. A terry cloth robe and slippers hung off the door to a walk in closet, and when she peered into another door, it led to a bathroom, complete with jacuzzi tub. She turned in a circle, scanned the room.

  “This used to be two rooms,” she recalled.

  “Yep. My mom stays here when she visits.”

  Nell shot him a glance, shook her head.

  “What?” he asked, puzzled.

  “You’re just so freaking adorable,” she muttered.

  He laughed, slid an arm around her waist to lead her out of the room and up the stairs. “I’m a mama’s boy, I admit it. Oh, wait.” He turned around, headed back to the closet. “I think she left a few shirts here—you could borrow one.”

  He pulled out a flowy v-neck top in vivid royal blue which she found fit her just fine.

  “So have you had lunch?”

  Nell realized she’d never answered him. “No, it’s too early.

  “Honey, it’s almost 1 o’clock.”

  “It is?” She pulled out her phone, shook her head. “Time flies when you’re having hot monkey sex, I guess. You sure you don’t have kids?”

  The semi-circular room above his mom’s room had high ceilings and was filled with bins of toys, two mini easels, and a tiny table. A cute circular rug of a blue whale spouting water added fun and color to the space.

  He shrugged, sheepish. “I may be guilty of spoiling my nieces. I figure I’ll use it myself one day when I have kids.”

  “Wow.” Nell surveyed the room. “Are you planning on having them soon?”

  “Not right this second.” He grinned at her. “But, I’m 36. It seems like it’s time. I’d like to have at least four, maybe five, so I better get started soon, or I’ll be an old man by the time they’re out of the house.”

  Nell eyed him. Four or five? “This tour is very revealing.”

  A picture flashed through her mind of Adrian, laughing with a dark eyed toddler with the same devilish smile, of him holding a newborn baby in his strong, capable arms. He’d be an affectionate, attentive and fun dad, she thought with a trace of wistfulness.

  Adrian leaned in, beckoned her closer. Amused, she turned her head so he could whisper in her ear. “It pains me to say this, but I may be losing my sex god status. I even thought about buying a SUV the other day.”

  Nell shook her head. “You totally lost sexy points. You were already on the fence with that pickup, which is a piece of junk. I prefer my men to drive sports cars or classic muscle machines.”

  “Don’t tell anyone,” he mock pleaded. “They’re so practical and roomy.”

  “Hey, how about we go to lunch at Hannah’s?” she asked, as she wandered down the hall and peeked in what were clearly other guest rooms. “She just started serving lunch a few weeks ago.”

  “Sure. We can take a tour of my bedroom later,” he leered at her.

  She laughed, ignoring him and heading on into the corner room. Deep blue walls added warmth to the room, accented by more of the art she’d noticed sprinkled throughout the house—clearly works he’d picked up on his travels, a mix of African sculptures, tribal paintings and local scenes with a common theme of warm, vibrant color. A beautiful headboard of wrought iron shaped to look like tree branches graced the bed.

  “Your work, I’m assuming,” she asked, pointing.

  “The ladies love that,” he assured her. “A reminder of my sensitive, artistic side while I’m demonstrating my sensual and passionate talents.”

  She rolled her eyes at him. “So modest. I like your room and your house, and yes, okay, the bed is sexy, and we’ll explore it later. Let’s go eat.”

  On the way, she called Anna Sue, who assured her everything was not falling apart without her.

  “In fact, Shawn is home today, and he really needs to experience the joy that is caring for all the kids all by himself. Why don’t you take the afternoon off, and I’ll stay until 5?”

  “Well,” Nell started to refuse, when Anna Sue let out a loud sigh.

  “Don’t make me call Marcelo.”

  “Fine.” Nell shrugged, knowing that Anna Sue would and that Marcelo, in turn, would call her and ever so charmingly, steamroll her into submission. Why he’d picked her for his pet project to “fix,” she wasn’t sure, but she wavered between exasperation and secret gratitude for the help. Looking over at Adrian’s profile as he drove them into town, the wind mussing up that silky black hair, his jaw in profile inviting her to nibble on it, those capable, strong hands loose on the steering wheel, she figured this was one of those times to give in to the gratitude. “Thanks, Anna Sue.”

  “Have fun orgasming,” she sang out cheerfully, and Nell grinned.

  “I love you, Anna Sue.”

  “I know.
Take a break for once, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Adrian glanced over at her, then edged the car into a parking spot on street. “Playing hooky?”

  “Yep. But, I don’t want to interrupt your work,” Nell said, hopping out. She waited until he got out and joined her on the sidewalk. “I can go entertain myself after lunch and come back later so you can show me your sensual talents.”

  “Oh, I have all that research to do,” he said with a wink, sliding his arm around her waist as they walked into Hannah’s. “I really need your help.”

  She laughed and waved at Hannah, who was exiting the café kitchen loaded down with plates. Bliss manned the counter, her blue eyes serious behind her dark framed glasses, her short blond hair framing her face.

  “Hi Bliss,” Nell said. “How was that survivalist school? Are you done?”

  “Nearly. I came home for a few days.” Bliss surveyed Adrian, a little smile lifting the corners of her mouth. “Hi. I’m Bliss.”

  “Adrian.” He held out his hand with a charming grin, and Nell noticed even cool and collected Bliss flushed a little under his gaze. Never one for much physical contact, she gently and quickly shook his hand, glancing back at Nell, then back again at Adrian.

  “Nice to meet you.” Bliss turned her attention back to Nell. “The classes were very helpful. I have some tips to pass on to you.”

  “To me, specifically?”

  “Yes. I think you’ll need them someday. We’ll talk later.” Bliss held her gaze, and Nell felt the hair on the back of her neck rise a little. There’d always been something a little…off…about Bliss. One time, during one of the rare visits from dear old dad, he’d met Bliss and claimed she was a seer and given her a wide berth. Nell had just written it off as her dad’s usual flakiness. But every once in a while, she wondered.

  “Nell, Adrian, thanks for coming by.” Hannah came back from delivering orders, leaned against the counter and blew out her breath. “Whew. It’s nice to be right—I thought adding lunch would be popular. I may have underestimated how much.”

  “We can come back another day if you’re busy,” Nell said, and Adrian nodded.

  “No, no.” Hannah studied them, her eyes bright with curiosity. She pointedly looked at Adrian’s arm that was still around Nell’s waist. Nell rolled her eyes at her. “It’s slowing down now. What can I get you?”

  “Surprise me,” Adrian said, flashing her a smile. “You know what I like.”

  “Oh, honey, I don’t know if I can handle what you like.” Hannah batted her eyes at him and laughed. “But yes, how about the fresh mozzarella with tomato and basil?”

  “Perfect, with the green side salad and vinaigrette. Nell will have the club sandwich. With, let’s see…sour cream and onion chips.”

  Nell removed his arm from around her waist. “What are you doing ordering for me? I have a brain and a mouth. I’m perfectly capable of ordering for myself.”

  “Fine. Sorry.” He watched, just smiling.

  Nell studied the menu, then sighed. Loudly. “Fine. He was right.”

  Hannah laughed, gave Nell a significant look. “You two are cute.”

  Nell hastily paid the bill, and was about to pick a table, when her mom and Brooke walked in.

  “Wow.” Brooke did a double take. “This is a red letter day. Both Jan and Nell actually taking a break to eat lunch? Maybe, god forbid, take an afternoon off?”

  “Haha.” Nell studied her mom, who sported a healthy glow on her cheeks. “Although, Mom, are you actually taking the afternoon off?”

  Jan shrugged, smiled. “Brooke talked me into it.”

  Brooke grinned at her, smoothed her hair. “You’re a little messed up in the back here, honey.”

  “And who’s to blame for that?”

  “You want to join us?” Nell scanned the bakery for a table.

  “These lovebirds might want some privacy,” Adrian said, lightly laying a hand on her arm.

  Nell snorted. “Please. Look, there’s a table for four over here.”

  Adrian followed her, chose the seat across from her. He jerked his head toward the counter. “Seriously, Nell. They look pretty cozy.”

  “They’re practically married,” Nell said, glancing up to see them holding hands and laughing. “They’ve been together for years; I think the thrill has worn off. Not like us.” She leered at him.

  He studied her. “Hmm.”

  “What’s that mean?” She pillowed her head on her hand and glared at him. “I hate it when people do that.”

  “See, the thrill has worn off already,” he pointed out, then laughed when she threw a napkin at him. “I was just thinking about your description of marriage—you don’t think your moms have the hots for each other still?”

  “First of all, ew. I don’t like to think about my mom having the hots for anyone. And no, I don’t think that lasts. It’s friendship, loyalty, that’s what lasts.”

  “I disagree.” His dark eyes took on a thoughtful look. “Sex is important.”

  “Didn’t say it wasn’t.” Nell’s phone buzzed, and she resisted the urge to check to see if it was Anna Sue. “I just think it becomes less…urgent…as time goes on. Oh, here they come. Change of subject.”

  Of course, if it was Anna Sue needing help, she needed to check, right? She slid her phone out and discreetly checked it under the table.

  “I swear. Two peas in a pod,” groaned Brooke as she joined them.

  Nell glanced up to see her mom also checking her phone.

  “I have a voicemail,” Jan said, rolling her eyes at Brooke and walking away, phone pressed to her ear.

  “We’re business owners,” Nell said defensively.

  Except it was Brent, a commercial pilot and sometimes sex-buddy, telling her he would be in Seattle with a two-day layover that weekend. She glanced over at Adrian, chatting with Brooke about her latest painting.

  She texted back: Sorry. Can’t get into town this time.

  Almost immediately, he pinged her back with a silly GIF of Tobias from Arrested Development sobbing in the shower. Nell grinned.

  “What’s so funny?” asked Adrian.

  Hmm. Awkward. Oh, nothing, just a text from my sex buddy. She glanced over at Brooke and noticed her eyes were on Jan, who still held the phone to her ear, leaning against the wall, her shoulders hunched and her hand to her mouth.

  “Something’s wrong,” Nell said. She and Brooke got up simultaneously, just as Jan ended the call and met Nell’s eyes. A heavy feeling of dread settled into her stomach.

  Brooke got to Jan first and took her hand, pulling her close. “Sweetie, what is it?”

  Nell found herself reaching back to Adrian, hardly aware she was doing so, somehow not surprised he was right behind her. His hand rested on her shoulder.

  “Let’s go outside,” Jan said, reaching out to drape an arm around Nell’s waist.

  Nell racked her brain, trying to think what it could be. Was she sick? No, then Brooke would know, wouldn’t she?

  Jan guided her to a bench outside the bakery, took her hand. A tear leaked out of her eye, and Nell stared in horror. Her mom never cried. A fine tremor ran through Jan’s body. Brooke sat on Jan’s other side, laid a hand on her knee, brows drawn together in distress.

  “Mom, you’re freaking me the fuck out.” Nell stroked her arm. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nell.” Jan took a deep breath, then looked her right in the eyes. “I’m just going to say it. There’s been an accident. Tate’s dead.”

  The words echoed in Nell’s mind, and the sounds around her dimmed briefly, as if she’d stuck her head underwater. Then the sound rushed back in, and she realized Brooke had now moved next to her, so she was sandwiched between them, and Adrian looked thoroughly freaked out.

  “—remote area, he wasn’t found until today,” Jan was saying.

  Nell searched within, feeling nothing. Just…empty.

  “Who is Tate?” Adrian asked gently, leaning down and resting his hands
on Nell’s knees.

  Nell met his eyes, so kind and concerned, and still, felt nothing.

  “He’s my father.”

  Chapter 12

  Adrian checked his phone for what felt like the thousandth time. Still radio silence from Nell. After the news of her father’s death, she’d shown no reaction, other than to comfort her mom, who was clearly shaken. Hannah had joined them, gasped at the news and given Nell a sympathetic hug. Nell had laid a hand on his arm, said she’d catch up with him later, and then had taken off with Jan and Brooke.

  “She’ll be okay,” Hannah had assured him.

  When he pressed for more information about their history, she’d clammed up and told him that was Nell’s story to tell.

  And, so he’d texted Paul and invited him to a beer at their favorite pub on San Juan Island, figuring his friend would give him the scoop. Not knowing the story, he wasn’t sure if he should let Paul know the news, or keep silent, or if he’d have found out already.

  “Hey,” Paul greeted him. “I brought Ben—he needed a break.”

  Ben sat down, ran a hand through his hair, for the first time looking nothing like the movie star he’d been. Thick scruff covered his face, his shirt sported wrinkles, stains of an unknown origin covered his jeans, and dark circles ringed those bright blue eyes.

  “Never seen so much puke in my life.” He rested his head back, closed his eyes briefly. “Beer me, please.”

  “I’ll get it.” Paul clapped him on the shoulder and went to the bar to order.

  “Amy’s got morning sickness, huh?” Adrian asked.

  “All day sickness.” Ben yawned. “And sometimes, in the middle of the night. She’s too sick to work, and of course, Lucy, who is awesome at keeping the ship afloat without her, came down with a migraine—for the last two days. So I’m at the Inn, to make sure that’s all going smoothly and attend to guests, and then running back to the house to check on Amy and try to get her to eat some saltines or broth, or hold her hair while she throws up, and then back to the Inn.”