Another Chance at Love (Another Series Book 1)

by Suzanne Sweeney

  “Thank you, Meg.” I give her a half-hearted smile for her effort. “And I have no intention of putting myself in danger,” I argue. “Just because we’re dating doesn’t mean we have to go public.”

  “Dating?” Philip asks. “So now you’re dating him?”

  There’s no turning back now. I’m in the thick of it, and if I’m being honest with myself, this is precisely how I expected it to go and exactly what I was afraid of. It can’t get any worse, so I throw my shoulders back and tell him in no uncertain terms, “I am.”

  Philip sits back in his chair and takes a deep cleansing breath. He’s clearly exasperated with me. “Listen, I understand the attraction. He’s a good-looking guy, an athlete, making decent money. He probably says all the right things and makes you feel like you’re special. How am I doing so far?”

  Megan answers before I even get a chance. “Phil, I know you think you’re helping, but . . .”

  He cuts her off and continues his tirade aimed right at me. “Help?” he blusters. “Oh, I know exactly how I can help.” He leans in closely and speaks slowly and carefully so that I clearly understand what he’s saying, “Walk away now before it’s too late. And don’t look back.”

  “I can’t,” I mutter almost imperceptibly.

  “Can’t or won’t?” Philip challenges.

  “Both.”

  “So if I told you there was no way I was ever going to be okay with this, would it make a bit of difference?” he barks.

  I shake my head.

  “I was afraid you were going to say that.” He sits back in his chair and drains the last drops of his beer. “Let me state for the record that I do not like this one bit, and I was hoping I could talk you out of it, but . . .”

  “Wait – what did you just say?”

  He repeats himself. “I said, I was hoping to talk you out of it.”

  “This doesn’t make sense. I just told you about Cole two seconds ago,” I point out. He hasn’t had enough time to hope for anything.

  “Actually, I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. We had a long talk and –”

  I interrupt. “You had a long talk with who, Philip?”

  “With whom,” Megan corrects. Both my brother and I shoot her a look. “Sorry,” she murmurs.

  Returning his attention to me, he explains. “With Cole. He called two or three nights ago and asked if he could take you out.”

  “You knew?!” Megan exasperates. “This whole time?”

  He nods.

  “This is your sister, not some criminal you get to play good cop/bad cop with, Philip. This isn’t a game. This is her life.” Connor starts crying which draws Megan away from our little kerfuffle.

  Philip walks over to the refrigerator and grabs himself a fresh cold beer, so I grab one too, and sit back down. Philip takes the seat across from me and waits for me to say something. But I’m too busy processing all the revelations that were just made.

  Eventually, Philip breaks first. “Nothing is more important to me than the safety of my family. I will protect all of you with everything I’ve got. Cole McGuire is not the man I would have chosen for you. Not by a mile. But just for the record, he seems like a pretty decent guy,” Philip concedes.

  I look up into his eyes, hazel like mine and I begin to understand. He may bluster a lot, but in the end, he makes a lot of noise because he cares.

  “So how did he measure up?”

  He looks at me with a blank expression. “Not sure what you mean.”

  “I think she wants to know what showed up on his background check and criminal history,” Megan retorts, standing in the doorway with the baby in her arms. She stands there assessing the situation and giving her husband the stink eye while she rubs Connor’s back, soothing him and lulling him back to sleep. “We all know you ran one the minute you hung up the phone.”

  “I didn’t,” he corrects his wife.

  Returning his attention to me, he clarifies, “I ran his report the minute he moved into town. It came up clean as a whistle. His social security scan verified the basics like date of birth and previously known addresses. No public records for marriage licenses, birth certificates, or divorce decrees. His criminal background check revealed no prior offenses or warrants and no restraining orders.”

  Duh.

  “But the most interesting was his credit check.”

  “I don’t give a crap about his credit,” I tell my brother.

  “Yeah – I don’t think she’s interested in Cole for his money,” Megan teases.

  “Would it make you feel better if I promised not to give him any money?” I ask, trying to mollify his concerns.

  “Yes, actually – it would.”

  What a ridiculous thing to be worried about. Megan must think so, too. She’s still shaking her head in disbelief as she walks down the hallway towards the nursery.

  Once we’re alone, curiosity gets the best of me. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “Sure. Shoot.”

  “How did he get your number? I know I didn’t give it to him.”

  “Simple,” Philip replies. “He called the station and left me a message. So I called him back.”

  “One more question . . . what did you two talk about? Like, how did he ask?”

  Philip rolls his eyes. I know it’s a very girly thing to ask, but I need to know. According to Phil, he talked to Cole for ten to fifteen minutes, which to me sounds like a rather long conversation. Phil claims that Cole didn’t exactly ask permission, but rather asked how he would feel about the idea of his little sister going out with him, given the fact that he has a job that occasionally puts him in the media’s scope.

  My brother claims to have been very forthcoming with his disapproval, but it seems that Cole would not be dissuaded from his pursuit. Philip’s greatest concern was finding ways to act like a normal couple while staying off the radar and away from the spotlight. This is the point where Philip puts down the same rules for me that he set out for Cole.

  First of all, I am not to go to any of his games – either home or away. I can only go if I have access to a private suite. And I must not drive to or from the game with Cole.

  The second rule is that we cannot attend high profile events together, including fundraisers, charity events, or awards ceremonies.

  And third, as much as possible, we should find ways to spend time together away from crowds and public places.

  So what does that leave? Backyard barbecues, quiet picnics in the park, and . . . fishing? Cole McGuire can have any woman he wants without any restrictions or limitations. How long can I expect to hold his interest under these circumstances?

  At ten o’clock I get a text from Cole at the airport in Cleveland that his flight will land in roughly two hours. It’s a rather long drive from the Atlantic City airport to Point Pleasant, so when my phone rings at a little past midnight, I know it’s Cole.

  “Hi Houdini, did I wake you?”

  I feel a sudden rush of excitement at the sound of his voice. “Nope. Wide awake.”

  He yawns. “I’m exhausted. Talk to me for a while as I drive home.” He yawns again, which makes me nervous.

  “Cole, do me a favor and open all the windows. Get that cold night air blowing in your face right now or I’m calling the state troopers to pull you over.”

  “You would do that?” he asks.

  “Yeah – I know a guy. His name is Detective Philip Harper with Point Pleasant P.D. Ever hear of him?”

  Silence. Not a word. I think he’s playing the odds in his mind – trying to figure out whether or not Philip has spilled the beans. The background noise in Cole’s car suddenly gets louder as he lower the windows.

  Finally, he asks, “You know, don’t you?”

  “Know what?” I ask coyly.

  “Yeah – I thought so. So how much trouble am I in?”

  “For going behind my back and talking to my brother about me?”

  “Well, when you put it that way, it soun
ds kinda bad, but I was honestly trying to do the right thing,” he explains. “I thought the conversation went well, if it’s any consolation.”

  “I actually think it was sweet. But promise me that will be the last time you pull something like that. It makes me feel like a child. I don’t want to be ‘handled’ like a fragile doll.”

  Cole laughs at my remark, and then adds slowly and gravelly, “I don’t think you have to worry about my plans to treat you like a child or a doll.”

  I take a deep breath and try to calm my heart rate, which I believe just doubled. I admit, “I’m very glad to hear that,” my voice soft and breathy.

  “Okay, you’re going to stop talking to me like that right now or I’m going to crash this car before I even get to take you on the best first date of your life.”

  I smile and giggle. “You started it.”

  “What did I just get done telling you?” Cole warns me.

  “And what did I tell you about talking to me like a child?” I tease.

  CHAPTER 14

  I WAKE FROM A DEEP SLEEP and the first thing I hear is music playing somewhere. I listen carefully and immediately recognize the glorious sound of Adam Levine’s voice serenading me. Is he here in my room? I open my eyes to look around, and I don’t see him. Where is the music coming from?

  Oh, shit! It’s my alarm. How long has it been on? I glance over at the clock and it reads seven-thirty. I jump up and slap the button, silencing my radio. Crap. Crap. Crappity Crap. Cole’s going to be at TitleWave in half an hour waiting for me. And I’m a hot mess.

  I take the fastest shower I’ve ever taken in my life. After spending time on essentials like brushing my teeth and getting dressed, there’s none left for drying my hair. So I toss on a little lip-gloss, throw my hair up in a messy bun, and race out the door.

  Just as the digital clock on the dashboard changes to eight o’clock, I pull up to the boardwalk. And as luck would have it, there isn’t a parking spot to be had. I have no choice but to pull back out and find a spot on the street.

  That’s it, now I’m officially late. I can see right away why there was no parking – most of the tables are already filled with customers. Rather than fight the crowds, I pull out my keys and let myself in the back entrance.

  I sneak into the coffee shop and spot him right away sitting at our table. My heart skips a beat when I see him. My eyes drink in his beautiful tan body, perfectly sculptured and stretching the fabric of his shirt to its limit. His sun-kissed blond hair is a mess of thick, messy waves.

  Cole glances up and our eyes lock. And in that brief moment I’m paralyzed, staring at the impossibly handsome man who gazes at me with some unfathomable emotion. He puts down the paper and greets me with a smile that makes my knees weak. Everything around us disappears. All I see is him as I make my way to the table.

  He looks down at me and grins as he takes a step closer. He wraps his arms around my shoulders and pulls me in to give me a nice hug. “I missed you,” he whispers in my ear. I feel the warmth that emanates from his lips across my skin. A million tiny impulses fire through my body.

  His hand holds my face as he quickly kisses my cheek. He doesn’t linger. I’m surprised that he doesn’t try to kiss me. Maybe he’s saving it for tonight.

  He pulls out the chair beside him and I sit down, but he doesn’t. “Are you hungry?” he asks.

  My mind screams out, Yes – for you.

  But I resist the impulse and answer sincerely. “Sure. What looks good today?”

  He grins sheepishly. “Besides you? I think there are fresh lemon-blueberry scones that Juliette is testing. Want to try some?”

  There are a great many things I’d like to try.

  “Um, sure. That sounds good.”

  I can’t help but gaze at him as he stands in line waiting to be served. I could watch him all day . . . he’s tall, broad shouldered, and slim. And the way those shorts hang from his hips . . . oh, my. Once or twice he runs his long, graceful fingers through his damp but still disorderly hair.

  Hmm . . . I’d like to do that.

  It’s funny to watch how women react to Cole. I can’t help but notice how they stand a little straighter when they notice him. I don’t know if it’s a conscious effort, but one or two actually stick out their boobs and play with their hair. I wonder if he notices, too.

  But it doesn’t matter. He’s waiting to get breakfast for me. And it’s me that he keeps turning around and smiling at. And it’s me who can’t tear her eyes away from him long enough to even realize that Brie is standing next to me trying to get my attention.

  “I’m sorry, Brie. Good morning. Looks like things are going well.”

  “I could say the same thing to you,” she teases. “Please tell Cole to thank Juliette for me. Her new scones and oatmeal craisin cookies are flying off the shelf.”

  “Absolutely. How’s the new shift manager doing?” I glance back over at Cole who’s now at the register ordering. Brie’s newest employee is taking his order. “He looks like he can handle things fairly well.”

  “I think he’s going to work out great. We’re lucky to have stolen him from Panera. It’s nice to have someone with experience back there. I may actually be able to take some days off here and there when he’s done with training.”

  Brie has been working exceptionally hard since the day we opened. Somehow she manages to keep a fairly active nightlife and still crawl out of bed in the wee hours of the morning to get to work every day. If anyone deserves some time off, it’s definitely Brie.

  There seems to be a little confusion at the counter, drawing Brie away just as Cole returns. They exchange a few friendly words before she scurries away, her long Boho vest billowing in the morning ocean breeze as she walks away.

  “Caramel macchiato, right?” he asks as he hands me my hot beverage along with a few pastries.

  I take an experimental sip, savoring the rich creamy goodness. “Oh yeah, perfect. Thank you.”

  He flashes me that Cole McGuire smile that I love so much. Looking down at all the delicious pastries before us, Cole and I both dig in with reckless abandon. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I take that first bite. “Oh, my God! This is so good,” I moan.

  “Here, try this.” He puts a delicious piece of coffee cake in front of me with crumbling strudel and creamy icing drizzled on top. Cole’s eyes fill with lust as he watches me slide each bite of cake off the fork using my lips, tongue, and teeth. I make sure and moan a little bit louder after each bite that I take.

  If someone had told me a month ago that I’d let some guy watch me eat cake, I would’ve accused them of being mental. Yet here I am putting on a show for Cole McGuire, and enjoying every second of it.

  “You know, I could sit here and watch you eat for an eternity, but I actually have a ton of things to do this morning,” Cole says flashing me his half smile and a twinkle in his big blue eyes. I wish I knew what he has up his sleeve.

  “You can’t leave yet,” I stop him. “I have no idea what we’re doing tonight.”

  “That’s because I haven’t told you,” he teases.

  “Exactly. You’ve gotta give me something here. Do I eat dinner? How should I dress? What shoes should I wear?” These are all critically important pieces of information that I need to be prepared. Speaking of prepared . . . note to self – be sure to stop at the pharmacy and renew my birth control prescription.

  Cole is smiling and shaking his head. “I want to eat every single meal with you after that little performance, so dinner is a definite. Without giving too much away, I guess you can dress comfortably. I have no idea what to tell you about shoes, though. You really don’t need to wear any as far as I’m concerned.”

  Cryptic. I’m not sure what to make out of that spotty information.

  Cole stands up and holds out his hand. Without hesitation, I place my hand in his big paw. He has the best hands. Strong, hard, calloused man hands.

  Gently, he pulls me up to my feet a
nd I somehow manage to lose my balance, crashing right into his chest. He wraps a protective arm around my waist and holds me close. With his free hand, he places a finger under my chin and tilts my head back so that I am eye-to-eye with him. Slowly, he leans down and places his lips softly on my cheek. He hasn’t shaved yet and the result is a delicious stubble that tickles and teases, setting my nerve endings on fire.

  He lingers there, taunting me and making me want more . . . so much more. But all too soon, he releases me, turns, and walks away.

  “Wait!” I call to him. He turns around, grinning. “What time?” I ask.

  “Six o’clock,” he answers and continues his exit. I watch with delight as he strolls purposefully and with easy grace down the boardwalk. I am in so much trouble.

  Six o’clock cannot come fast enough. Cait is covering for me at TitleWave and I don’t have to be back in until late tomorrow afternoon.

  I slip on my new blue sling dress over a matching blue strapless lace and silk bra and panties. The dress has a high waist and skinny straps that expose my bare shoulders. Since I was told tonight was to be casual, I opt for a simple pair of sandals.

  Tonight’s makeup needs to be simple, too. I settle for some mascara, face powder, and lip-gloss. For the finishing touch, I decide to wear my hair down so it sweeps across my bare back. Brie is waiting for me to appear downstairs for inspection. I hope I make the grade because there’s not much time to start from scratch.

  I step out of my room and begin to walk down the stairs when I hear chatter. I know one of the voices is Brie’s. I stop dead in my tracks to listen carefully, trying to make out the other. It definitely belongs to a man and it doesn’t take me long to recognize the deep sexy tone of Cole’s voice.

  Shit – so much for getting a second opinion. I race back into my room to give myself one more quick inspection. I want to look hot, but not slutty hot, and definitely not ‘hit da club’ hot. More like ‘girl next door’ hot. It’s a difficult balancing act to find, and I’m pretty sure I hit all the right notes.