Kiss Yesterday Goodbye: A Serenity Bay Novel

by Danni Rose

  "Why are you here?"

  "It's time people in this town learn the consequences of judging others."

  Her eyes flashed. Was it a reflection of the light or intense emotion?

  "Is that why you’re here?" she taunted. "J.D. Richards has returned to teach us a lesson?"

  "I want people to admit they were wrong about me." He stood and leaned across her desk. "It doesn't matter where someone lives or who their parents are. No one should be called worthless because he lives in a trailer park instead of on River Road."

  Beth jumped to her feet, and her chair slammed against the wall. "I'll get the coffee."

  Jason sat with his back straight as the edge of a ruler. He shouldn't have let her see his anger, but she'd pushed too hard. Now wasn't the time to ask questions or confront her, but it would happen soon. If there was any hope he could make peace with the past, he needed answers and vindication.

  Besides, the letter hinted she hid something. He didn't know what secrets she had, but he refused to leave town until he learned the truth.

  He inhaled a deep breath and slowly released it. Calmer now, he flexed his fingers and looked around Beth's office.

  Neat. No clutter, no papers, not even a paperclip on her desk. Three-ring binders stood on the shelves, lined up in a straight line like soldiers for inspection. On the cabinet next to her desk were several photos. Pictures of women, children, christenings, weddings, but not a single picture of her or her parents.

  The sound of a throat clearing caught his attention. He turned and looked at Beth standing in the doorway holding two cups. He stood as she shoved a cup of coffee at him. She went to her side of the desk, picked up her fallen chair and sat. He settled back into his chair.

  "You own a home out on River Drive." He watched her while he took a drink of espresso. "This is good."

  "How—how do you know where I live?"

  "People talk." He would never let her know he had reports from an investigator. "I'm surprised your father let you leave the family home. He was rather protective of you."

  "My father doesn't tell me how to live. I wanted a home of my own, and now I have it."

  "Are you married or involved with someone?" He wanted to know if she'd answer his question.

  "That's none of your business."

  He flashed his most charming smile. "True, but tell me anyway."

  There was a sadness in her eyes when she said, "My husband died."

  "I'm sorry." Jason's eye narrowed. "Why didn't you come to Minneapolis?"

  Beth's heart skipped a beat. "What?"

  "The day I left, you begged to go with me. But after I left, you changed your mind. Why?"

  "I liked my life and didn't want to leave."

  "You hated your life here. What changed after I left?"

  "It's ancient history. Besides, it didn't matter to you."

  "What do you mean it didn't matter? We made plans for a future together, but instead, you dumped me and said I was a fling. It mattered."

  Then why didn't you come back when I begged for your help? She folded her hands together. "It took nine years, but I've learned you can't change the past and to try is a waste of hope. I got on with my life. You should do the same."

  He uncrossed his legs and leaned forward. "Will you have breakfast with me? We can catch up with each other."

  "My life is boring."

  "I don't believe anything about you could bore me. We can meet before the shop opens."

  Beth pressed her lips together. Jason never gave up. He'd wheedle and push to get what he wanted. "When do you want to meet?"

  "I'll pick you up at six-thirty.

  She stood. "Fine. I'll see you in the morning."

  He walked out with a swagger in his steps.

  She mumbled, "I can't wait."

  By the time she got home, Beth's head ached from clenching her teeth. She skipped dinner, went to her bedroom, and paced. I can't go to breakfast. She crossed the room. Why did he return? She walked back. I needed his help, and he ignored me. Now he wants to be friends? Never going to happen.

  If she left the house early, she'd be at work before he came for her. He might be so angry he'd give up on his demand to see her. She grabbed her pillow and screamed into it. When they'd been young and in love, she'd admired his determination. Now that she was the prey, his persistence wasn't as admirable.

  Beth took two aspirins and crawled into bed. If only there was a pill to make Jason go away. She closed her eyes determined to put him out of her mind and lose herself in sleep.

  The sinister light of the moon passed over Jason. His face looked hard, angry, and dangerous. Then clouds gathered to hide the moon's glow, and he vanished into the darkness.

  Alone and frightened, her scream echoed through the bleakness. "Jason."

  "You didn't want me. You threw me away."

  "That's not true. I had to protect you."

  "You're lying."

  "It's the truth. I would do anything for you. I love you." Murky shadows surrounded her and strangled her with their icy claws. She couldn't breathe.

  Beth sat up to find her sheets tangled around her. She fought to get free then crawled out of bed. Beth stumbled to the bathroom and barely made it to the toilet before heaving. With deep, long draws of air, she tried to slow her breathing and ease the nausea. It didn't help. She choked on the desolation that always tortured her after her nightmares. She sat on the floor and did nothing to stop the fall of sweat and tears down her cheeks.

  The gagging stopped, but her stomach ached. Beth held onto the counter and struggled to her feet. Her sweat-dampened nightgown clung to her skin. She wrestled to get the gown off and ignored the sound of fabric tearing. When the cool air touched her skin, she shivered.

  She ran a washcloth over her damp skin. By the time she put on a fresh gown, her heart had returned to a normal rhythm although her stomach still churned. She returned to the bedroom and turned on every lamp in the room. The light hid the terror and skeletons that came out in the dark, but nothing stopped the memories or guilt.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The next morning, as he walked to Beth's front door, Jason congratulated himself for the success of his plan to gain her trust. Soon Beth would answer his questions and share her secrets. Then he'd walk away and wipe this town from his life—and his heart.

  His friends and family joked that he had the determination of a bulldog with a fresh piece of meat. They were right. His blood raced when he went into a battle, whether the fight took place in the boardroom or in a coffee shop with a difficult opponent like Beth.

  He wore a cocky smile as he rang the bell.

  The door opened, but instead of Beth, an older woman welcomed him. "Hello."

  "Hello. I'm here to see Elizabeth Kingsley."

  "Miss Beth already went to work."

  "Oh." He clenched his hands. "I must have misunderstood where we planned to meet. I'll go to the shop."

  He stalked to his car, dropped onto his seat, and slammed the door. Damn her! He slammed his hands on the steering wheel then gripped it so tight his hands ached. The tires screeched when he pulled out of the driveway. Beth could scratch and hiss if she wanted, but he wouldn't leave Serenity Bay until she answered every question and paid for her sins.

  Jason broke the speed limit as he drove to Delectable Delights' and pulled into the parking lot. He stomped to the door and knocked. No one answered. He pounded on the door. A man in a white baker's uniform came from the kitchen and shouted, "We open at seven."

  "I'm here to meet with Beth," he yelled through the door.

  "Come back later."

  "We planned to meet at six-thirty."

  "You're late." The baker opened the door. "Weren't you here yesterday?"

  "Yeah. Beth and I are old friends." Well, we were friends—nine years ago.

  "She's in her office." He locked the door and turned back. "This way."

  Jason followed the man but waited outside Beth's office. The he
at of anger flowed through his veins.

  "Hey, Erik. Did you need something?"

  "Someone is here to see you. He said his appointment was for six-thirty."

  Before she could answer Erik, Jason strolled into her office.

  Beth smiled at him, but her eyes were shards of ice. "Thanks, Erik."

  "I misunderstood where we were meeting." Jason sat in a chair. "I went to your home before I came here."

  "Sorry. I'd planned to get together with the staff today and forgot about breakfast." Beth shrugged. "Not that we have anything to discuss."

  "Yeah, I figured it was something like that." He leaned forward. "Tell me why you said I was a fling. Did you mean it? Was that why you changed your mind about leaving town? If you didn't want me to come back, why did you write to me?"

  "At the council meeting, you mentioned a letter. Why do you believe I wrote to you?"

  "Who else would contact Jason Fischer?" Frustrated, he huffed. "If you answer my questions, I'll leave." After I teach you it's not wise to tease a shark. "But first I want to know what happened nine years ago."

  "I told you, I've let go of the past and don't wish to discuss it." Beth stood. "Besides, I have no secrets I want to share with you. So go away and leave me alone."

  Jason pounded a fist on the desk. "You are the one person who can answer my questions. I won't walk away until you tell me what I want to know."

  Beth tightened her hands around the arms of her chair. "There's nothing to tell. I would never have sent you a letter because I never wanted you to come back. We have nothing to discuss, so go away and leave me alone."

  She looked cool and calm until he looked into her eyes. Fear. What is she hiding?

  Erik came to the door with a butcher knife in his hands. "Is there a problem?"

  She pointed a finger at Jason. "Would you show Mr. Richards out?"

  "This isn't finished, Beth. You can get angry and make a scene, but I won't leave town until you tell me what happened nine years ago." He shoved past Erik and stalked out.

  Later that afternoon, Abbey walked into the office. "How are you?"

  "Miserable." No matter how busy Beth got, her thoughts returned to Jason, his anger, his threats. "Why can't he leave me alone? I told him I don't want to discuss the past, but he won't let it go."

  "Are you sure he hasn't changed—"

  She rubbed her hands over her arms. "If he'd cared, he'd have come back when I begged him. Now he thinks he has a right to make demands. Well, he's nine years too late."

  "Why did he decide to ask questions now?"

  "He received a letter and claims I sent it." Beth put her hands on her hips. "I would never have written him."

  "Have you seen the letter?" Abbey frowned.

  Beth shook her head. "He hasn't shown it to me."

  "Why would someone want him to come back to Serenity Bay?"

  "I don't know, and I don't care." Beth briefly closed her eyes. "Now he's building the complex and won't leave town until it's done. That will give him time to harass me. When he left this morning, he was furious. Maybe he's so angry he'll leave me alone."

  "That's not going to happen."

  Beth glared at Abbey. "What? How do you know?"

  Abbey held up a finger and scurried away. She returned with Jason. He carried a large florist's box. He walked to her and held the box out to her.

  As though he carried a snake, Beth took a step back and wrapped her arms around her waist. "What's that?"

  With a cocky grin, he said, "Flowers."

  Beth waved her hand. "Yes, but why?"

  "To apologize. I don't lose my temper often, but talking about the past is difficult for me." He glanced at the box. "Anyway, I'm sorry."

  He'll stand there holding that darn box until doomsday if I don't take it. She took the box and mumbled, "Thank you."

  "I'll see you tomorrow." With a wide smile on his face, he walked out.

  Abbey bounced on her feet. "Is there a card?"

  Beth shrugged.

  "It won't open itself."

  "I don't want them."

  Abbey pointed at the box. "If you don't open it, I will."

  Beth sighed but untied the ribbon. She was careful not to tear it. The ribbon was her favorite color—peach. That was why she wanted to save it, not because he gave it to her.

  In the box were long-stemmed, peach-colored roses mixed with baby's breath. They were her favorite flower. Nestled on top of the bouquet was an envelope with her name on it. She recognized Jason's handwriting. She reached for the envelope, but stopped and curled her fingers.

  It had taken years to gain her self-confidence, and she refused to act like a coward. She grabbed the envelope and took out the card.

  Please accept these flowers, along with my apology, for my outburst this morning. I hope you'll give me a chance to make it up to you. Jason

  "What a sweet apology. I'll get you a vase." Abbey rushed from the office with a huge smile on her face.

  "Yeah, isn't it sweet?" Why won't he leave me alone?

  The next day Beth reorganized the shop's storage room. If she kept busy, there wouldn't be time to obsess over Jason's accusations or her traitor heart. It didn't work. She thought about why it was so important for him to return to town and ask questions now. By the time she finished in the storeroom, all she had were more questions and another headache.

  Not only had she obsessed about Jason's return, this evening she'd see him at the press conference. The mayor and city council were to announce the construction of the recreation complex followed by a reception at the mayor's home. Jason was the guest of honor.

  When it was time to get ready for the conference, Beth went to her office to change into the dress she'd brought to work. This morning she'd tried on every cocktail dress in her closet until she chose her favorite. She changed into a curve-hugging black dress and a pair of killer high-heels that made her feel sexy and confident. Tonight she would need all the self-confidence she could muster.

  By the time she finished dressing, her hands shook so badly she had to put on her lipstick twice before she got it right. She looked in the mirror. "You survived the worst days of your life and can live through this evening."

  She walked out of her office and found herself surrounded by employees. With a laugh, she turned in a circle. "Well, will I do?"

  Erik wagged his eyebrows, "Every man at this shindig will lust for your body."

  Beth laughed so hard her side ached. If she could have a brother, Erik was the man she'd choose. She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him. A bright red blush ran up his neck and covered his face.

  He clapped his hands. "Customers wait and pastries burn. Jamie, you relieve Abbey. If she doesn't get back here soon, she'll burst."

  Their laughter rang out before everyone returned to their stations. Seconds later, Abbey charged into the kitchen. She walked around Beth and let out a wolf whistle. "Wow."

  "Should I have worn the blue dress?"

  Abbey grinned and wagged her eyebrows "You are gorgeous. Jason will kick himself for letting you get away."

  "I didn't dress to impress him."

  "No, of course not. But he'll still kick himself." Abbey snickered. "Now go show him the woman you've become."

  "I didn't dress for Jason."

  Abbey handed Beth her purse, "Absolutely not."

  Beth walked the two blocks to the council's offices hoping the fresh air would calm her nerves. She entered the chambers but stopped when she saw a crowd gathered around Jason. He hadn't seen her, so she went to the side of the chamber hall to study him.

  His good looks and self-confidence had drawn others to him even when he'd worn jeans and a leather jacket. Today in his tailored silk suit he radiated power no one could ignore. Regardless of what he wore, he had a body made for hot, sweaty sex. Abbey's right. He's a hunk.

  Her gaze swept over his body and up to his face. She stopped breathing. Jason watched her. A smug smile on his face, he walked to her.
He held out a single peach-colored rose with a lace ribbon tied around the stem. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out.

  "I want to apologize again for losing my temper." He gave her a sweet smile. "Will you forgive me, and let me prove you can trust me?"

  Several of the guests watched them, no doubt in search of a juicy bit of gossip. Whether she took his peace offering or not, there was plenty to discuss over the back fence.

  When Beth took the rose, a thorn bit into her finger. "Ouch."

  "Be careful." He grinned. "Beautiful flowers often have thorns."

  "So do people."

  "I will meet many people tonight and hoped you'd help me with introductions."

  "The mayor will be glued to your side and introduce you to everyone."

  "True, but I prefer you at my side."

  "I won't hang on your arm like an ornament."

  "I don't think so little of you." Jason's gaze never wavered. "You are an intelligent, successful woman, and it would be an honor to have you next to me."

  What game is he playing? "As a council member, I'll help in any way I can."

  Jason gave Beth his I-closed-a-multi-million-dollar-deal smile. With a touch, he led her to the stage.

  Mayor Derr rushed to them. "Before we start, would you like a drink, water or soda?"

  Jason asked her, "Do you want a drink?"

  A pink blush covered her face. "No. Thank you."

  "We're fine. Perhaps later."

  The mayor slapped his hands together. "If you'll come with me, we can start the press conference."

  She stepped away. "I want to wash my hands. I'll return in a minute and join the other council members at the podium."

  "We'll start when Beth returns." Jason gave her a bright smile and wondered if that sound he heard was her teeth grinding.

  To his credit, the mayor didn't ask questions, but his eyes were wide with curiosity. While they waited, the mayor filled the time with polite chatter. Jason did his best to listen to the mayor, but he watched and wondered whether Beth would return. When she walked back, the tightness in his chest eased. He took her hand and followed Mayor Derr to the stage.

  "The reporters agreed not to ask questions until after the announcement." The mayor said, "The photographers will take pictures while you talk, but I'm sure you're accustomed to that."