by Elena Aitken
“Chelsea!” He yelled in the direction of the bathroom.
“What?” She appeared next to him, her purse over her shoulder and her phone in her hand. “Are you ready yet?” She asked as if it had been her waiting for him. “We’re going to be late.”
Chapter Four
They’d been talking for just over twenty minutes and still Ian hadn’t mentioned the work he needed help with at his marina. Not that Gwen minded at all; the conversation flowed easily between them and she even found herself forgetting why she was there. She needed to stay focused, because it hadn’t taken long for every single old feeling she’d ever had about Ian McCormick to flood back in a rush of hormones and emotions, as if she was eighteen again. It was just that it was so easy to talk to him, just like it had been when they were kids. It had taken her a few years to work up the courage to actually have a conversation with him, but when she did, neither of them could stop. He was so completely unlike other boys, which was why it had hurt so much when he stood her up. She’d truly believed they’d connected on a level that had nothing to do with her weight or the fact that she was the only one of her friends who covered up her one-piece suit with an oversized t-shirt instead of flaunting a bikini and cut-off shorts.
Gwen pushed those thoughts from her head. She couldn’t continue to replay the past every time she saw Ian. Besides, now, after all these years, she might finally be able to make peace with it all. It wasn’t revenge. Not really. After all, she had promised Deanna she wouldn’t hurt him.
“So what is it you’re going to need help with at the Dockside?”
Ian looked a little startled by the shift in conversation, but smiled easily and dove right into it. “Everything. I think I’m in a little over my head when it comes to starting things up from scratch.”
“Oh, I doubt that somehow.” She reached across the table and touched his wrist lightly before she pulled away and went back to her coffee. She’d never been a natural at flirting and she didn’t want to come off as awkward even though touching him felt like the most natural thing she’d done in days. “It’s always a little overwhelming when you’re in the opening stages, isn’t it?”
“It really is, but if you think you can help me out with some of the administration things…well, I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I’d be.”
“Absolutely. I think it will be a match made in heaven. I was going to hang around Cedar Springs for the summer anyway, and this way I’ll have something to keep me busy for a while.”
“And maybe we’ll have the chance to get to know each other better.”
“I’d like that very much.”
“It’s just so easy to talk to you, Gwen.” Ian relaxed back in his chair and stretched his arms over his head, a move that afforded Gwen a perfect view of his t-shirt straining over a chest that had clearly seen some time in the gym. She swallowed hard and focused on his face. A strategy that was problematic as well, because his lips just looked so dammed kissable.
“I have to tell you, though,” he continued. “It feels like I’ve known you for years. I’m not usually the type of guy who goes in for that past lives thing, but if I didn’t know better, I would think that maybe we were connected somehow in our past. It’s the craziest thing.”
“It is crazy.” She leaned toward him. “Because I feel the same way.”
“I’m not usually so bold.” Ian leaned over and took her hand in his. “But I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I think there’s a connection between us. Would you agree?”
She absolutely did. And not just because it was going to make great material for her blog, but despite herself, and her jaded feelings toward Ian, Gwen found herself enjoying his company. A lot. And she couldn’t help think that maybe her idea wasn’t a very good one. What if she could actually have a real relationship with Ian after all this time? Was that even possible?
No. She couldn’t get all sentimental and gooey about it. Especially considering she’d received an email from her agent, Jade, just that morning that she absolutely loved her idea and was going to start pitching Gwen, her idea, and her blog to people who could really make a difference to her career. That book deal could happen after all. All she had to do was keep her emotions out of things.
Gwen nodded. “I really do.” It wasn’t a lie. In fact, it was so much truth that she had to bite her bottom lip to keep herself from telling him so.
“That’s great.” His smile was open and honest and once again, Gwen struggled with her conscience. “I’ll be honest,” he continued. “This is not something I’d normally do, especially with someone who I was going to work with, but…” He paused for a moment, seemingly getting up his courage. “Would you like to have dinner some—”
He was interrupted by the ringing of his phone. “Excuse me. I wouldn’t normally look at it, but with the…”
“It’s totally okay.”
He shrugged an apology and answered the call. “Sam? What’s…okay. No! Really? I don’t think…yes…okay…I’m sorry. Yes.”
He hung up the call and for a moment, didn’t say anything. Finally, he scrubbed a hand over his face and looked at her. “I have to go. I’m really sorry. My sister just started working at the Grizzly Paw. Today’s her first shift actually and…well, by the sounds of it, it didn’t go well.”
“It’s fine, really. Don’t worry about it.” Secretly, Gwen was happy for the reprieve. Things were getting a little bit too real with Ian. If she was going to keep her distance emotionally, she was going to need a little space whenever she could get it. “How about I come by the Dockside first thing in the morning and I can get started checking things out?”
The look of relief on his handsome face was clear but there was something more there as well. He grabbed her hand again and squeezed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Gwen held her breath for a moment after Ian made his exit, and it wasn’t until she was absolutely sure he was gone that she let herself exhale.
*
“Why?” Ian asked Chelsea for what had to be at least the tenth time. He’d lost count, but he wasn’t going to stop asking. Not until he got an answer. “Why would you do it?”
“It was an accident.”
Chelsea was seated across from him on the deck, back at the house. The spring sun had warmed enough to allow them to sit comfortably outside. Which was a good thing, because there was no way Ian would be able to handle being in a small space with his sister at that moment. Not without completely losing his cool. As it was, he only had a very tiny grip on it.
“That’s not what Sam said.” He clenched his fists in his lap. “She said you were holding a tray of glasses, looked right at her and dropped them.”
“It was an accident.” She shrugged so casually that Ian couldn’t stand to look at her anymore.
When Sam told him what Chelsea had done, he’d been mortified. From what Sam said, it was anything but an accident and he tended to believe her over his half-sister. Especially considering Chelsea had yet to look him in the eye while she relayed her version of events. He pushed up from his deck chair and stalked over to the railing. Drawing on the tranquility of the lake, he inhaled deeply before he spoke again. “Well, accident or not,” he turned around and looked her square in the eyes, “I told her to take the damages out of your salary until it’s paid off. You’ll be working only for tips until you’ve worked it off. But I can’t imagine you’ll be making much in the way of tips if your attitude today is anything to go by.”
Her mouth fell open as she tried to say something. It took her a moment to compose herself and then Chelsea jumped up in protest. “I’m going back? But I thought…I just…”
“You thought she’d fire you?” Ian crossed his arms and held his ground. “She should have and I’m sure she wanted to, but she didn’t and Sam will need to recoup the costs of all the glasses you broke somehow.”
“But I…”
“Frankly, Chelsea, it doesn’t matter what you thought
would happen when you pulled your little stunt, but it backfired.”
Her eyes narrowed. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared him down. There was definitely a family resemblance, Ian thought, but there was no way he was going to admit it.
She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “That may have been a poor decision on her part. After all, I’m awfully clumsy. I’d hate to drop another tray.”
Ian didn’t miss a beat. If this little girl thought he wasn’t prepared for that argument, she was sorely mistaken. “I’d hate for that to happen, too,” he said smoothly. “Because if another accident were to occur, you’d be on the first bus back to Dad’s with a bill for the damages in your hand.” He still wasn’t sure why Chelsea wanted to get away from their father so badly, but he’d been counting on whatever it was to be a big enough reason that she wouldn’t want to be sent back. Judging by the way her pretty face twisted up in a scowl, he’d been right. She took a step forward and then changed her mind.
“I hate you. You’re just like he is!” She hurled the words at him before she stormed off in the direction of her room.
He should have been insulted, and surely that was her childish intent. But he wasn’t. Ian was a lot of things, to be sure. But one thing he was most certainly not was just like his father. He’d made a vow years ago to be nothing like him. He would never take after a man who’d done nothing but deceived and caused heartache and pain. No matter what Chelsea said out of anger, if there was one thing Ian was certain of, it was that he’d never take after Harold McCormick.
He took a few more minutes on the deck so his blood pressure could return to normal. When Declan had asked him whether Chelsea could stay with him, he certainly hadn’t expected to be babysitting a twenty-two-year-old. He was going to need to sort that out sooner rather than later, or it was bound to be a very long summer. But he couldn’t dwell on it. He had work to do. Clearly, Chelsea wasn’t going to be returning to town with him, so he scratched out a quick note and left it on the kitchen counter. Maybe they both needed a bit of time alone to figure things out. At least he hoped that’s what they needed.
*
When he pulled up to the marina, he was immediately greeted by the sounds of saws and hammers. A sound that made him happier than almost anything else could have because it meant the repairs were being made to the docks, the way the old carpenter had promised him they would be. When Ian had approached Jimbo, who appeared to be the only carpenter/handyman in town, he’d quoted him a fair price. When Ian had offered to pay him twenty percent over his quote if he got it done right away, he’d jumped at the opportunity. It was worth it to Ian, even if it did mean he’d have to do some of the less technical things on his own, like giving the building a fresh coat of paint, and installing some shelves in the shop.
“Jimbo!” He waved at the old man, who was measuring and marking a stack of boards to be cut. “How are things looking today?”
“It’s coming together, boss. I should have these sections ready to float tomorrow. At this rate, I’ll have all the slips ready for the boats in just over a week.”
“Perfect.” Ian left the man to his work and headed inside what would be the main office and rental shop to get to work.
*
Ian was halfway through one can of paint, most of which he’d actually gotten on some of the walls, when he heard what he thought was a knock on the door. With his music up loud, he assumed it was Jimbo coming in to give him an update.
“How’s it looking?” He called out without turning around.
“Pretty damn good from here.”
The voice caused an instant reaction directly in his groin, and a smile crept across his face before he turned around. Sure enough, Gwen stood in the doorway, dressed in a pair of running shorts and a hoodie. Her hair was pulled back, and there was a fine glisten on her skin, as if she’d been running. Judging from her attire, she likely had. He put his paintbrush down and switched off the music.
“I didn’t expect you here until tomorrow.” Although he was more than glad to see her.
She shrugged and stretched one arm across her body, using her other hand to pull it tight. “I was just finishing up a run and I thought I’d swing by and see what I was dealing with here.” Her smile was absolutely infectious and Ian couldn’t help but want to do whatever it took to keep it on her face. “It’s looking good in here,” she said. “Although I can’t remember ever seeing it before,” she added quickly. “But I can imagine it was a lot of work.”
“I’m certainly no handyman, but a little sweat equity never hurt anyone.” Which was why he’d meant to have Chelsea in here when she wasn’t working at the Paw. The smile melted off his face and he hoped Gwen hadn’t noticed.
Too late.
“Are you okay?” She moved into the room. “And I agree with you. In fact, I think painting is kind of fun. Do you want some help?”
“Seriously? I mean, I hired you to sort out inventory and systems and things. You don’t have to do this.”
She smiled and unzipped her hoodie. “I know I don’t have to.” She slipped her toned arms from the sleeves to reveal a very fitted, very revealing tank top.
Damn. The woman was incredibly sexy and it wasn’t as if she was going to be a permanent employee. She was only going to help him out for a little while. Contract work, really. So it’s not as though he’d be crossing any lines if he took her out for a date, maybe two. Maybe even had some of that fun that Declan had been referring to.
“I want to.” Gwen reached across him, bending low in a way that gave him a very good view of her thighs where they disappeared into the tiny and perfectly snug shorts. “Ian?”
Caught daydreaming, Ian cleared his throat hard and focused on whatever it was that she had been saying. “Pardon?”
She laughed, perfectly aware of where his attention had been. “I was just asking you where I should start. Maybe I could do the edges and you could roll the walls? It would take half the time.”
“Sounds good to me.” He pointed to the wall he’d been working on. “Let’s pick it up here.”
The moment Gwen climbed up onto the stepstool in front of him to reach the edge where the wall met the ceiling was the moment Ian could fully appreciate the idea of working as a team. And it had nothing to do with making the work go faster and everything to do with the view it afforded him.
*
She had no intention of stopping in to see Ian again. But after Gwen left their meeting and returned to Deanna’s house to check her email, she was feeling restless. So she’d done what she always did when she was feeling restless: she’d gone for a run. Besides, she needed to work off the extra calories she’d consumed with the alcohol the night before. Some called her obsessive, but she’d worked way too hard to let it slip just because she was on vacation.
Not a vacation, she reminded herself. She was working. Both for herself, and now for Ian. Which was really just more for herself. Especially considering the update from her agent was even more of the positive she’d heard from her the day before. Jade Johnson was all over her latest idea and even in the last twenty-four hours had been working hard at securing Gwen even more opportunities. Her email was one of enthusiasm and encouragement to keep posting to build up her reader numbers.
Normally, Gwen would have immediately posted a new entry. But when she sat down to write it, the words just wouldn’t come. Not the way she wanted them to. So instead, she’d closed up her laptop and laced up her shoes. She started slowly, working her way down Main Street and then finally down the side streets to see the house she’d spent her summers in. It was a simple box of a house. Nothing special. Except to Gwen it was. It was the house where she had all her fondest memories of her grandmother, who’d moved to Cedar Springs late in life after her grandfather had died when Gwen was eight. From the very first time Gwen had come to visit with her parents and older brother, she’d fallen in love with the little lake town, and begged to go visit every summer after that, whic
h was how it came to be that Gwen wasn’t quite a summer kid and not quite a local. She was somewhere in between.
She stopped in front of the old house and did a few stretches before she continued on. It hadn’t been her grandmother’s house for a long time. Not since she passed away eight years earlier.
Gwen’s run took her farther into town before she picked up the pace and looped back toward the lake. She hadn’t planned to go to the beach, and she certainly hadn’t meant to stop in at the marina, but with each corner she turned, she soon found herself standing outside of the Dockside. She waved at a carpenter, who was packing up his tools, before she knocked on the office door in search of Ian.
And she’d found him. Had she ever.
In a paint-streaked t-shirt, singing along to his radio with a paintbrush in his hand. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen anything so sexy. For a moment, she thought about turning around and continuing her run. It would probably be best if she just came back in the morning and started working. Yes. It would definitely be for the best.
She turned around and took a step back out the door before she stopped and knock sharply.
“How’s it looking?”
She grinned, knowing full well that Ian thought he was talking to someone else. “Pretty damn good from here.”
He whirled around so quickly that a bit of paint splattered onto the floor, but he didn’t seem to notice. Even from across the room, there was no way she could have missed the way his eyes lit up when he saw her.
The feeling was more than mutual and after a few minutes of chatting, Gwen found herself slipping out of her hoodie and picking up a paintbrush. She’d never liked painting before. In fact, when she’d moved into her current place, she’d bribed her brother with pizza and beer in order to get a fresh coat on her new living room. But for some reason, the idea of donating a little sweat equity for Ian seemed like the most appealing thing she could do with her afternoon.
They spent the next few hours working together, Gwen doing the edges while Ian rolled the walls. It didn’t take long for the entire room to transform with the new, crisp white walls.