Love on the Cape: an On the Cape novel, Cape Van Buren

by MK Meredith

  Once she’d escaped outside, she’d turned back twice, then swore at herself all the way home for being an idiot.

  The more time she spent with Ryker, the worse it would feel to lose him in the end. She scoffed. How could she lose something she’d never had?

  But apparently she could fall in love with him…despite her best efforts to keep him at arm’s length.

  Spotting Claire on the opposite side of the peacock garden, she waved her down.

  Claire joined her willingly, if a tad warily. But it was progress.

  Larkin pulled in a deep breath as she approached. Claire stiffened but fell into step.

  “What do you want?” She sounded tired.

  Larkin smiled. “I want a chance to talk, but I also want to see what we’re up against this year. Let’s go check out the South Garden.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t!” Evette waved them down. “You two aren’t going anywhere. We’re about to begin the Posey Planting Pair-Up, and we need a few more contestants.”

  Larkin threw up her hands. “No way. Not interested.”

  “Like that matters. Here…” Maxine handed her a piece of rope, and Larkin eyed it with unease. How appropriate since there was no getting out of this. She was right and tight tied up.

  The emcee, none other than Judge Carter himself, told everyone to find their partners.

  Kids and adults quickly claimed their mates then headed to the starting line.

  A broad-shouldered man in an opened shirt and the jacketless remains of a suit strode toward the garden with his dark eyes fixed to the ground.

  “Ryker.” The breathless tone of Larkin’s voice sounded ridiculous to her ears. The man’s mouth had been places she could barely think about without her knees buckling, and now she sounded like a schoolgirl with her first crush. Good God.

  His head snapped up and his eyes focused on her with that intense look he always had, as if trying to figure out a difficult puzzle.

  “Larkin.” His gaze darted to Claire and Maxine, and he nodded, but he kept walking.

  The brush off tightened her throat and she swallowed hard past it.

  “Get back here, boy, and where’s Mitch? His mother’s looking for him.” Maxine demanded.

  Ryker glanced at the sky then back to his grandmother. “I’ll warn him.”

  She glared.

  “I’ll tell him. I was just stopping by to say good luck but I have to get home.”

  Judge Carter joined them. “Here you go, Van Buren.” He shoved a rope in Ryker’s hand. “Let’s see how you and Ms. Sinclair do when you’re on the same team.”

  “What? No. I’m just leaving, Judge.” Ryker’s eyes held a bit of a wild look. Like when a cornered animal feared the predator.

  Larkin would have laughed except she was pretty sure she was the predator to him. “I don’t have time either. Claire and I were just headed over to check out the competition.”

  Claire laughed. “No way. I’m not missing this.”

  So much for any hope of camaraderie.

  Janice walked up with Mitch in tow. “Look who I found trying to skate past the concession stands.” She shoved her son toward Claire. “We’ve got the last match, Judge.”

  Mitch's face blanched white as he looked from Claire to the rope his mother was handing him, his blue eyes wide and begging her to stop. “Oh, hell no.”

  “Watch your mouth, young man.” Maxine reprimanded.

  He swung toward her. “What? At the Cape you said—

  Ryker slapped his buddy on the back. “If I have to, you have to, sucker.” Revenge replaced his earlier fear, though Larkin didn’t quite understand the aggressive competition between men.

  Mitch took the challenge, throwing his arm over a surprised Claire’s shoulders. She stood frozen, as if maybe no one would notice her if she just didn’t move.

  Ryker turned his attention back to Larkin but instead of the playful mood she was hoping for, he was serious. “Here.” He motioned for her to place her leg next to his, then he tied them together.

  All the contestants had their hands bound behind their backs. The object of the game was to use a small beach bucket, shovel, and their teeth to carry soil from a bin to a table twenty feet away. At the table, they had to fill a pot and plant a posey so it stood upright. Whoever finished first won.

  Ryker and Larkin were up against Mitch and Claire, as well as a few teen/parent match-ups, and one of the triplets with Dr. Stanton’s son, Max.

  Mitch nudged Ryker. “Told you they were here.”

  Ryker glanced at the tall, blonde sister then scowled at his buddy.

  Larkin had no idea what that could be about, and she had no idea which sibling the beautiful young woman happened to be.

  “What’s he talking about?”

  “Nothing. Just trying to get under my skin. Apparently, Coach Dawson’s daughters are on the market.”

  “And they’re interested in you?” She said, not meaning for her tone to come across so surprised.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” He glowered at her as they hobbled to the starting line.

  “Nothing, they’re just pretty young is all. And you’re a bit—

  “What?” His question cut through the air just as Judge Carter waved the North Cove Maven’s flag, starting the race.

  Together, they bent forward to grab the handle of the bucket with their teeth.

  “A bit grouchy,” she finished, then clamped onto her side of the handle. The heat of his big, hard body enveloped her, making the comfortable, seventy-degree day feel sweltering.

  With his brow furrowed, he glared at her but couldn’t say anything. It was kind of perfect, and everything Larkin could do not to laugh outright. They lined up on either side of the potting soil table then, working side by side, dragged their bucket through the dirt until it was full. Carefully, they hobbled toward their potting table, finding an easy rhythm that they naturally fell into.

  The crowds cheered and clapped, calling out encouragement to their favored contestants, but Larkin was more aware of the strained sound of Ryker’s breathing and grunts of effort. Her toes curled as images of his other very well-performed efforts came to mind.

  Dumping the soil into the planter was a bit more challenging. She continued to hold the handle of the bucket while he released it and used his nose to lift the bottom until the dirt emptied into the planter.

  “I’m not grouchy.”

  She raised a brow in disbelief.

  “Yeah, well, someone is trying to take my home from me.”

  When they got back to the potting table, she dropped the bucket. “You don’t look at it as home…you look at it as a profit. There’s a big difference. And why are you being such an ass? Last night you were offering me waffles, today it’s nothing but attitude.”

  They retrieved the bucket and repeated the same process two more times.

  Finally, back at the potting table, they faced a row of tulips with intact bulbs.

  She carefully lifted the stem with her teeth then bent her head sideways until she was able to slide the bulb through the loose soil. Ryker held a small plastic shovel between his teeth and packed the soil tight. As she carefully released the tulip, she held her breath. It leaned, but only a bit.

  “We have a winner!” Judge Carter’s announcement pealed through the speakers.

  The unexpected win lit Ryker’s eyes in a way she’d never seen before. He let out a victory cry then took her mouth with his.

  The world stopped.

  His heat enveloped her, the smooth glide of his lips branded her, and his taste left her dizzy and drunk. Their arms were still tied behind their backs so she pressed in closer.

  Reality trickled in with the sudden silence around them.

  “Shit.” He sucked in a breath and tried to back away but their legs were still tethered. The sudden tug had her rearing back, then overcorrecting forward, falling against his chest once again.

  “We need to quit meeting like this,
cupcake,” he whispered.

  She closed her eyes against her rising panic. “This is not good.”

  They’d kissed in front of the whole town.

  “We have a complicated situation,” he said in a softer tone, but a split second later his gaze shuttered.

  She lifted her chin, resisting the guilt weighing heavy on her shoulders.

  Maxine cleared her throat and removed the rope from Ryker’s hands then moved over to Larkin, her eyes shining brighter than ever before.

  “Grandmother, don’t say a word,” he growled.

  “I don’t have to.” She all but preened as she assisted them.

  He rubbed his wrist, holding Larkin’s gaze. “And it’s not getting any better.” Without another word, he left the playing field in the direction of the square.

  The rope dropped from Larkin’s wrists and she stared after him.

  Maxine stepped up beside her with both pieces of rope in her hands. “What was that all about?”

  She shook her head, ignoring the real question. “What do you think?” She crossed her arms over her chest as she watched his large figure disappear between the buildings.

  “The Cape.” Maxine handed her the rope. “Judge wasn’t wrong you know.” The smile on her face full of satisfaction.

  “What’s that?”

  “You two do make a very good team.”

  In another time, another life, the statement would have warmed her heart and sent it skipping with possibility, but now it left her unbearably sad.

  Maxine caught sight of something over Larkin’s shoulder and smiled. Spinning her gold bands on her fingers, she said, “I need to grab Teddy and walk him past the Garden Festival judging table.”

  “You don’t think that’s going to help, do you? Besides, you want to win because you deserve it.”

  Maxine snapped. “Damn right I do—on both accounts.”

  “You’re really enjoying living across from the square. There’s so much color in your face, almost a glint in your eye I don’t think I noticed before.”

  Her friend grabbed her hand. “Honey, until recently, you weren’t noticing much. But yes, I do love living in the city.”

  The city. Cape Van Buren wasn’t a small town but it certainly wasn’t the size of a city. At least not the size of the one Ryker came from—the one he’d go back to.

  She shook the thought from her head and chuckled as Maxine claimed Teddy at the winner’s circle. Mitch and Claire sported second place ribbons and the teen/parent combo happily claimed third. But it was the Dawson triplet who looked as though she’d won first place. She was wrapped around Max’s arm like a blood pressure cuff.

  And he didn’t seem to mind one bit.

  Claire joined her, showing off her ribbon. “I can’t believe we came in second. I don’t think I’ve ever won anything before.” She raised her brows. “But more important, I can’t believe Ryker kissed you in front of everyone.” The look of shock and awe on the woman’s face made Larkin want to disappear before anyone else said anything.

  She could already feel the heat scorching her neck and cheeks.

  “Well, if you ask me, Van Buren has the right of it. After that little show, I’d have cut and run myself.” Claire laughed then sobered at Larkin’s serious expression. “Not the friendliest guy I’ve ever met.”

  Shaking her head, Larkin peeked back over her shoulder. “Actually, he’s growing on me. But something must have happened.” He wasn’t happy and the only thing that would make him that short toward her was something regarding the Cape. A small fissure of anticipation shot through her, followed by a swift clutch of guilt. If he’d found out information that made him upset, it might be really good for her.

  “Whatever you say,” Claire shrugged.

  Janice, Evette, and Maxine were chatting and pointing their way with an urgency that scared Larkin more than bees.

  “Shit.” She grabbed Claire’s hand, heading down the walk. “Keep your head down and don’t stop no matter what you hear.”

  Claire pulled back on her hand but Larkin refused to let go.

  They made their way across Garden Parkway NW to the square and then over Garden Parkway SE and passed the Flat Iron Coffeehouse. Ducking down one of the narrow alleyways, they walked toward the bright light at the end of the long, narrow buildings. Paved in brick and spotted with wrought iron gates and windows, the walkways looked like something out of an old coastal storybook. Larkin loved the potted plants that dotted the way, and now and then, the rows of brick opened for the hollow of a doorway. Finally, they stepped back out into the full sun of the South Gardens.

  “Whoa.” Claire stopped and scanned the scene. Just as many adults and children as in the North Gardens walked along the stone sidewalks and ran through the grasses. Concession stands lined the north perimeter, and a remote-controlled boat race was going on in the small pond on the south side. “They pulled off more than I thought possible.”

  Larkin smiled at the large lollipops and gumdrops. The South Cove Madams had turned their garden into a candy-land of sorts and, of course, there were plenty of sweets for the kiddos.

  “I’m not surprised. As much as Maxine and the ladies like to cluck, the Madams are a talented bunch. And when push comes to shove, they get things done.”

  “I can’t believe they keep a feud going that began so long ago. I bet they can’t even remember what started it.” Claire rolled her blue eyes.

  “Speaking of feuds.” Larkin trailed her fingers along a canary yellow lollipop made of dahlias. “I have a proposition for you.” She turned and put her finger up to keep the stubborn woman quiet.

  Claire snapped her mouth closed but narrowed her eyes.

  “I’m working to have the Cape conserved. It was my little boy’s favorite place in the world.” Despite the pang of longing in her heart, she couldn’t help the smile that spread her lips wide. The vision of Archer running to the well on their Wednesday trips always warmed her from the inside out.

  Claire’s eyes wavered.

  They picked their way through the garden, passing Jolly Ranchers made of roses and gummy bears of purple asters. “I plan on opening a community outreach of sorts on the Cape.”

  Claire shook her head. “How are you so sure you’re going to win? Van Buren is the rightful owner.”

  A sick weight grew heavier in her stomach. “I know, but the Cape is a very special place with animals and plants that aren’t found anywhere else in this area. If he develops it, they’ll all be destroyed.”

  “Your memories will be destroyed.”

  Larkin blinked a few times. “Yes,” she whispered.

  “I don’t have any to begin with.”

  Reaching out toward her, Larkin wanted to argue. But the truth was, she wouldn’t give up her memories of Archer for anything, no matter how much pain came with them. They were everything to her now. And Claire’s had been snatched from her before they even existed.

  “I want you to help me make new memories, beautiful ones with more kids than we’d know what to do with.”

  Claire tucked her blond hair back behind her ears with an impatient jerk. “What are you talking about?”

  Larkin plucked a lollipop from one of the bowls set up around the garden, then handed it to her new, tentative friend. “You and I can help each other heal by giving the kids in this town the Cape. Some place to go to learn how to draw, learn why lighthouses were made, or maybe all the things honey is good for.”

  Claire shook her head. “But why would you want me to help you?”

  That was a good question. She had wanted to reach out since the fateful day of the accident but never knew how, and Claire hadn’t wanted her to, that had been abundantly clear. They’d been an awful reminder to each other for so long but it was time to change that.

  “Together, we can find a purpose in this town, make a new life that we aren’t always hiding from.”

  Claire finally took the lollipop she’d offered. She turned the sucker s
lowly in her hand, eyeing it as it spun. “Where would we hold these…classes?”

  “That’s what I’m thinking. The house Maxine used to live in would make a perfect community center.”

  “You mean Ryker’s home?”

  Larkin lifted her chin. “Yes.” Though her voice was low, her answer was firm.

  Claire pulled in a shaky breath. “Then you better save the Cape.”

  Chapter 15

  Ryker breathed deeply, taking in the scent of damp earth and moss as he collected honey frames and replaced them with empty ones. The hives were thriving—all of them. Regardless of Larkin’s fears and his grandmother’s doubt. The hum around him was calm and low and soothed him in a way he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

  Not since working with his grandfather.

  He paused, picturing Stuart in the very bee suit he was wearing. As a kid, he’d tried it on a time or two and it had been ten times too big, but now fit just right.

  It had been a few days since he’d been a complete ass and then kissed Larkin in front of the whole town. But the meeting had gone about as badly as it could have, reinforcing his need to focus, and then he’d gotten distracted by the unexpected win. And once her lips responded under his, inciting him to deepen the kiss, he’d promptly forgotten they were in the middle of town. Fuck.

  In the end, he’d do it again. If he wanted to kiss Larkin, goddamnit, he would.

  He was tired of the judgments, of being second-guessed, by not only the people he worked with but his family and friends. They should know him better. They should trust him.

  But the itch between his shoulder blades made it impossible for him to hide from the truth.

  They didn’t know him anymore. He hadn’t let them.

  As the tightness collected again at the back of his neck, he dropped his shoulders and closed his eyes. Inside the hood, with the bees flying about him, it was as if he were in a world all to himself. His muscles eased and his breathing came easy. It was a world he preferred over interfering friends with good intentions or entitled investors with more ignorance than sense.

  Using his lifting tool, he pulled up another honey frame. The burr comb had built up a bit, and he scraped it from the edges.