His Kiss (Summer in New York Book 2)

by Jolyse Barnett

  “Agreed.” Ben, former nerd turned successful producer of educational videos, smiled at his wife before turning to Jeremy. “Hey. You may need some pointers from those two if you keep it up with the books.” He clapped him on the back.

  He looked down at his sketch pad. “I’m good with the success, but I’ll pass on fame.”

  “I don’t know. Can a person choose one without the other?” Jade looked him in the eye.

  Jeremy shifted his feet.

  “Well, no need to worry about the future. It will be here soon enough, right?” Ben lowered his voice. “We really appreciate you taking time out of your writing schedule.”

  “And agreeing to wear formal attire instead of your trademark black tee and denims,” Jade added, her tone light but eyes filled with love.

  Jeremy glanced away for a moment and blinked away the sudden emotion. They were two of his favorite people in the world. They’d never given up on him, and Ben had given him a second chance, hiring him as a scriptwriter when he couldn’t get a job anywhere else, including their hometown’s mining refinery, his employer before the accident and the business where all the men in his family still worked. Part of him had doubted Ben and Jade’s promise that he wouldn’t regret the weekend away from his home, but he’d risked it for them. Seeing them together this morning made the hassle worth it. He swallowed. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

  His sister reached up and squeezed his shoulder. “Love you.”

  “Love you, too.” He smiled. They made such a great couple. “Well…” He stepped back, and threaded a hand through his hair. “Who’s hungry?”

  “You’ll do brunch with us, too?” Jade peered at him, eyes wide.

  He sucked in a breath and nodded. For them, he’d tolerate the crowd. “Why not? Lead the way.”

  Jade grinned and grabbed her husband’s elbow.

  The three of them joined the rest of the group gathered at the restaurant entrance. The entire Engel, Gervais, Baines, and Larson clans were there, their four mothers having been sorority sisters at Bucknell and all their children having been raised like cousins. He was closest to Ryan and the twins, but had always gotten along well with all the girls, too. He looked down at Kara’s baby girl, hanging onto his jeans as she toddled among her family. The kid was adorable, but a speed demon. Good thing Kara had her younger sister Elena to help out since her jerk of an ex had ditched her as soon as he’d learned she was expecting.

  “Stephens party?” The hostess approached. “Your tables are ready.”

  Soon everyone was settled at their tables at the far end of the restaurant, the drinks and meals were ordered, and conversation flowed. Seated near the window with his back to the diners outside their group and with Ryan to his left, Jeremy gazed at Lake George’s sparkling waters. He took another bite of his Belgian waffle smothered in syrup and was washing it down with a swig of Colombian Roast when the discussion turned from yesterday’s events to him. He cursed under his breath.

  “Did you hear me, Jer?” Sabrina asked from her seat near the center of the long, oak table. “I asked if we can expect you at the clambake next month.”

  Bree was one of his best friends, same age as Jade, but far bossier, although he could appreciate the drive behind her need to set the family agenda, tempered with fierce love and protection. He swallowed and wiped his hands on the linen napkin on his lap before answering. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Your agent’s based in Manhattan, right?” She graced him with a frank stare. “Maybe you could schedule your trip around a work visit?”

  He took another sip of his coffee. He didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings or make a promise he might not be able to keep. He didn’t like to make plans too far in advance when it came to his social life. He focused one hundred percent on the work. It was easier that way. He enjoyed his social life, such as it was, spontaneous and in the moment just fine, thank you very much. By the same token, he knew Bree well enough that she wouldn’t accept a vague answer any more than she’d allow him to pass on the invitation without an explanation. Family get-togethers were important to her, maybe even more since Elena and Kara’s mom had died in the Twin Towers attack in 2001.

  “Perhaps we should cut him some slack.” Cassandra, another in the group of family friends, bumped shoulders with Bree and flashed him a huge smile before addressing the group. “The man’s got a lot on his plate right now, if the buzz I’ve been hearing about The Seedy Underbelly Series is correct. You know? He has a hit on his hands. Mega-hit. I’m so happy for him.” She rubbed her fingers together as if counting the dollars.

  “It’s just the first book,” he responded. His debut novel, a twist on the popular middle grade graphic novels that were trending right now, was doing far better than he’d anticipated. His agent hadn’t seem quite as shocked when the series had been picked up by the top bidding New York publisher though. As for Jeremy, he was just grateful he’d earned out the generous advance. It was far too early to know if his series would have staying power.

  “What do you mean? It’s not every day an author hits number one, not only in his category, but overall, and stays there.” Cass stretched her arms out wide. “We’re talking USA Today, baby.”

  He ignored the warmth her words brought to his heart.

  “Did you think we wouldn’t notice?” She winked at his sister at the other end of the table.

  “If it weren’t for your mother letting slip the real identity of Jay Phillips, the reclusive debut author phenom, it would’ve taken us longer to catch on that it was you, but we would’ve figured it out sooner or later. I’d know those illustrations anywhere. You’ve been drawing them since we were kids, and they haven’t changed all that much,” Ryan said, ribbing him with that last comment. Then, as if aware all the attention was making his buddy squirm, he leaned close and added, “Rooting for you. Always have been.”

  Jeremy glanced over his shoulder to be sure no one had overheard Ryan’s mention of his pseudonym then turned back to the table and shrugged. “Maybe I had beginner’s luck. I’ve already spoken to my mother about it, so if you all don’t mind, I’d appreciate it you keep this all on the down-low, too.”

  “We’ll protect your privacy. Won’t we, guys?” Jade eyeballed Cass, the one at their table most apt to spill the beans. She turned her attention back to him. “You’ve worked damned hard to get where you are.” Her brown eyes shone with pride. “We understand how uncomfortable you are about your newfound success and we’ve been cautious about predicting your future accolades—don’t want to jinx you.”

  Cass picked up where his sister left off. “But we’re don’t want to be quiet about this forever. We’re all so proud. Why not let everyone know you’re the man behind the stories and enjoy it?”

  “You know what they say about an author being only as good as his last book.” He took another bite of his waffle and looked out the window.

  Jake, Bree’s significant other and a damned fine hockey player, added his two cents. “For what it’s worth, bro, your first one was stellar. Charlie and I read it together last week. She really got a kick out of Kellan and Mia’s adventures.”

  He turned his attention to Sabrina and Jake’s daughter.

  Charlie, aka Charlotte, stopped inhaling her stack of pancakes long enough to share her feelings on the topic. “Yeah, Uncle Jer. I especially liked the part where Mia saved Kellan from the Hyper-Bullies. That was amazeballs.”

  He met his younger cousin’s eyes, and his heart did a funny flip at the thought his words and pictures had brought joy to a reader. The tightness that had begun to build in his chest released in a rush and he could breathe again. That was why he did what he did. He suspected that was what drove most writers. Not the money, not the kudos, but the readers. He smiled. “Thanks, Charlie. That means a lot. I appreciate it.”

  “No prob.” She grinned before stuffing another hunk of the triple stack into her mouth.

  “Honey, bite-size pie
ces. Remember what we talked about?” Bree reminded her daughter before she gazed at him. “Considering Jade and Ben told us you were hunkered down in your suite after the reception last night toiling over your next manuscript, I think it’s safe to wager that one will do well, too.”

  He nodded at his extended family gathered around the long table. “Appreciate the faith.” He tunneled his fingers through his hair. Conversation over.

  “We all need to stick together, right?” Cass squeezed Sean’s hand and he leaned close for a kiss. Funny how four of the girls—Sabrina, Cass, Elena, and Jade—had each found love the same Christmas. Those girls liked to do everything together.

  “We’ll always be here for you, for each other.” Elena vowed, her eyes sweeping the table before settling on her love, Luke, sitting next to her. “And we need to celebrate the good,” She lifted her Bloody Mary, complete with celery stick, in a toast. “To good news, good friends, and good times to help us overcome the bad.”

  “Here, here,” they chorused, a few slaintes and saluts thrown in for good measure.

  Jeremy raised his coffee mug high.

  Everyone at the table was quiet for a few moments, likely remembering the ones they’d lost like he was, no longer here to celebrate with them in body but present in spirit.

  Bree wiped at her eyes and sniffed before addressing Jeremy once more. “So, back to my question. Do you think you can join us this summer, hang out for a day or two, and enjoy a little Holly Point happiness? You can bring a guest if you want.” The hint was clear in her voice.

  He glanced at the others.

  All eyes were on him.

  So this was how it was. They thought it was his turn to find his mate. But they couldn’t know, he’d never tell them in a million years and bust his hard-ass reputation, he’d already tried the traditional path. It wasn’t for him. He was better off alone. Some people were meant to be alone. No shame in that.

  He leaned close to Ryan and spoke under his breath, turning to jokes to avoid answering the question. “She always like this?”

  His friend’s brawny, hockey player shoulders bumped against his more modest author ones as the guy struggled to contain his laughter. They both knew the fallout if any of the women overheard them. His buddy whispered, “Worse. But she usually saves most of it for Charlie.”

  “Poor kid.” He whispered in mock horror, shooting the little blondie a wide-eyed look.

  “Aww, stop your man-talk over there. Just say you’ll come this year, Jer, and I’ll stop bugging you,” Bree promised.

  Had the weekend in Lake George been all that bad? He held up his palms. “Okay, okay. I’ll be there.”

  Bree pumped her fist in the air and grinned. “Yes. Now that that’s settled, and since we’re all here, let’s start planning…”

  Jeremy’s attention drifted at Bree’s mention of an upcoming spa getaway, his mind returning for the hundredth time to decadent thoughts of the woman on the beach last night. He gazed out at the water. She’d been so hot and had seemed game. But when he’d slid his hands down her slender back to cup her ass, she’d pulled back instead of leaning into him.

  So, she wasn’t like all the others he’d kissed the past five years. She wasn’t willing to settle for a quick hook-and-release. He’d caught her eye at that moment, struck by something familiar in them. It had been a punch in the gut when he’d glanced in the bathroom mirror last night and realized the connection. She had reminded him of him.

  He shook his head. The sooner he forgot her, the better off he’d be.

  *

  “There you are. We missed you at breakfast.” Elizabeth’s mother, a fit, ex-ice dancer and current U.S. skating coach, called from her cozy spot on an overstuffed chair near the back entrance of The Sagamore’s main lobby.

  Elizabeth stepped through the French doors into the main building. “I decided to get my run in before the long drive.” She remembered having left the empty wine glass on the beach as soon as she’d woken up and used that as her excuse to get up for an early jog around the resort grounds. It was also the perfect opportunity to burn off some of the pent-up energy her tossing and turning hadn’t taken care of. She hadn’t seen her mysterious, moonlight kisser anywhere. Of course, she wasn’t looking for him. It was more like she was looking out for him. She shook her head at the pile of luggage surrounding her petite mother. “Is that all yours?”

  “You know me. I can never predict what kind of mood I’ll be in, so I bring enough for all of them.” Her mother eyed her closely. “The store opening isn’t stressing you out too much, is it?”

  Elizabeth returned her gaze. “It’s all good. I’m excited, not nervous.”

  “You sure?” Worry crept into her mother’s voice. “Your sisters were concerned when you missed breakfast. They said you didn’t eat much at dinner last night or have any snacks at the bar either.”

  “I guess you forgot that lunch I inhaled yesterday.” She leaned over a suitcase to give her mother a quick hug. “Seriously, don’t stress it, okay? I had an energy drink before my run, and I’ll grab a chicken wrap or something from the restaurant for the car ride.”

  Her father strode toward them, addressing his wife. “My parents are settled in the car. You all set to go now, too, dear?”

  Her mother smiled up at all six foot, two inches of her husband and nodded. “Now that I know my three girls are all accounted for, I am.” She stood and pulled Elizabeth into a fierce hug. “So, we’ll see you all at Gram and Gramp’s tonight?”

  “Definitely.”

  Her father leaned down to give her a peck on the cheek. “Drive safe, and call your old man if you run into any problems.”

  “You’re not old.” She reached up to ruffle his white hair, but couldn’t quite make it, her height favoring her mother’s far more than his. “It’s very distinguished.”

  He laughed. “If you say so.”

  Her mother hugged her one more time. “Be good. We love you.”

  Elizabeth nodded and waved, watching the two head off together, suitcases trailing behind them. As soon as they exited the building, she made good on her promise and headed toward the resort’s Italian restaurant to order some food.

  As she made the right toward La Bella Vita’s entrance, she met a large party spilling into the narrow hallway. She ducked inside the resort’s cozy store on the opposite side of the hall to allow room for the huge group to pass. There were at least a dozen couples and a few children, including a little girl with the most adorable honey-blonde curls and blue eyes, filtering toward the main lobby. No sign of her mysterious kisser.

  Not that she was looking.

  Exiting the shop, she crossed the hall into La Bella Vita and ordered food to go. While she waited, she scanned the room in spite of herself. It had been like this all morning. Looking for the man she couldn’t get out of her head. What would she say if she did bump into him? Hey, baby. What’s your name? Did you lie awake all night wondering what could’ve been?

  As it turned out, she needn’t have worried about what she’d say to him. He wasn’t in the restaurant either. She’d never see him again. She’d had her chance and didn’t take advantage of it.

  Her cell phone chimed. It was a text from Claire. Tory and she were out front waiting, ready to head into town for some shopping before the trip upstate.

  The hostess approached. “Here’s your lobster roll, Miss. Will you need anything else before you leave today?”

  She shook her head, biting her tongue at the strong urge to inquire about a certain blond guy with earrings and tats. “Thanks. I had a lovely weekend.” She paid the bill then squared her shoulders and headed out of the resort, determined to focus on the joys of the day ahead—time with her sisters and retail therapy.

  Chapter Four

  ‡

  Jeremy closed his laptop and stared at his office walls. Five stagnant hours. He needed a break. Rising, he strode into his kitchen. What his house lacked in curb appeal, it made up for in co
mfort and quiet. Over the past five years he’d toiled to make Del Harvey’s old shack he’d bought out of foreclosure into a private oasis. His friends and relatives would be shocked to learn parts of his home rivaled his brother-in-law’s modern log cabin.

  Not that he cared. This wasn’t about keeping up with the neighbors but flying straight.

  He removed the marinated roast beef from the stainless steel fridge, placed it in the oven, and set the timer. He then turned his attention to the carrots, onions, and potatoes, cutting them into chunks, drizzling olive oil over them before sprinkling with salt, pepper, and thyme. Into the second oven they went. Moving to the dishwasher, he selected a clean glass, turned on the filtered tap, and watched the tumbler fill. He gulped down the refreshing coolness then refilled the glass before bringing it with him on his walk through the media room into his favorite space—aside from the kitchen—his solarium.

  He sat on his wicker lounger and stared at Starling Lake through the towering Adirondack pines that dotted the shoreline and waited for the calm to envelope him.

  It didn’t.

  Instead, the gentle lapping water against the shore taunted him about that last night in Lake George.

  He cursed. It had been three weeks since he’d kissed those hot cinnamon lips and felt those incredible curves crushed against him. Three long, unproductive, frustrating-as-all-get-out weeks.

  Why hadn’t he gotten her name? He was such an idiot. Muttering another curse, he set the tumbler on the side table, heedless of the liquid sloshing onto his hand. He rose and marched back into the main part of the house.

  He stopped at his office door. Sketches he’d created for the second half of the book littered his desk surrounding the computer. He stepped into the room, organizing the papers before he sat his ass down at his desk and opened the laptop.

  He refused to be sidetracked by the fantasies and what-ifs that had bombarded him since he’d turned his back on that night.