by Marie Force
“He made a ceiling fan into a sex toy.”
“What? How? How did he do that?”
Tiffany flashed her sister a smug smile and slid out of the booth. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”
“That’s mean!” Maddie called after her. “And so is stiffing me with the check.”
“Breakfast was your idea, not mine,” Tiffany replied as she waved to Rebecca and headed for the door. “I’ll get it next time.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Chapter 9
Pleased to have gotten the upper hand with her clever sister, Tiffany enjoyed the view of the ferry landing as she made her way to the shop. The light breeze from the harbor was cool but warmer than it had been only a week ago. Summer was right around the corner, and she couldn’t wait. She was about fifteen minutes late to open but doubted anyone would notice. As she got closer to the store, though, she noticed someone waiting on the sidewalk outside and moved a little quicker. She stopped short when she realized it was Blaine.
“You’re late,” he said in a low growl that made the blood zing through her veins.
Instantly aware of him and the gaze that traveled over every inch of her body and lingered on her breasts, Tiffany fumbled for her keys. “I had breakfast with my sister. Have you been here long?”
“About fifteen minutes. I was hoping you’d show up soon.”
Tiffany pushed open the door and propped it open with a wooden doorstopper carved in the shape of a woman’s bottom. She had dressed it in a pair of the panties she stocked in the store. “How come?”
“I wanted to see you so I could tell you I’m sorry I had to cancel our plans last night.”
“My sister told me what happened—and that you were great.”
He shrugged off the compliment.
“How’s Daisy?”
“She’ll be okay. Eventually.”
“And how are you?”
He seemed surprised that she’d asked. “Fine. Just doing my job.”
“It must be hard to deal with situations like that.”
“It can be, but fortunately it doesn’t happen very often around here. It was worse in my old job. I saw a lot of crazy crap.”
“Like what?”
He shook his head and advanced toward her, every bit the predatory tiger in pounce mode. “I don’t want to talk about that stuff. That’s not why I wanted to see you.”
Once again, he had her backed up to a counter, clutching the edge as she waited to see what he would do. Her heart raced, and her sex clenched in anticipation, even as a niggling voice in the back of her head took note of the fact that he never wanted to talk about himself or his past.
His fingers dug into her hips, and his chest brushed against her nipples, sending a tingle of sensation darting through her.
“We can’t,” she said haltingly, failing to convince even herself. “Not here.”
He grinned at her, and her stomach went into a free fall. “What do you think is about to happen?”
“With you, I’m never quite sure.”
“I like keeping you off balance.”
“So I’ve noticed.”
“Does it bother you?” he asked as he pressed his erection against her stomach.
“Do I look bothered?”
“Maybe a little hot and bothered.”
“Maybe a little.”
“Could I have a kiss?”
She shook her head. “I have coffee breath.”
“I don’t care about that.”
“I do.”
“I’m craving you. Are you really going to deny me?”
Hearing him say he craved her did funny things to her insides. “One small kiss and that’s it.”
His smile was positively wolfish as he hauled her in even closer to him and brought his lips down on hers for much more than a “small” kiss. By the time he drew back from her five minutes later, her legs trembled, her nipples stood at attention and her sex was tight with need.
“That was not a small kiss.”
“It wasn’t a small craving.” He turned his attention to her neck while his hands kneaded her bottom. “Let’s go in the back.”
“No,” she said, pushing at his muscular chest. “I have to behave at work.”
“You’re no fun.”
His boyish pout was too adorable for words.
She flashed him a saucy smile. “You know that’s not true.”
“I want to see you later.”
“I can’t. I have Ashleigh tonight.”
“Oh. Okay. Another time, then.” He held her close to him for another minute before he released her and stepped back, seeming reluctant to let her go. “I’m off until the day after tomorrow.” He reached for a pen on the counter and took her hand, writing a phone number on her palm. “Call me if you have any free time.”
Pressing a kiss to her palm, he closed her hand around the number.
Ridiculously charmed, she said, “I will.”
“Don’t wash the number off your hand.”
“Go, will you? I have work to do.”
“I’m going. Will you be at Stephanie’s opening tomorrow night?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“I’ll see you there, if not before.”
Her gaze was fixed on his very appealing rear end as he walked away from her. She wanted to call him back. She liked how she felt when he was around—sexy, desired, excited, on edge… However, she was a bit disappointed that he didn’t seem to want to spend time with her if Ashleigh was there, too. Of course, it was probably way too soon for her daughter to meet him, especially since theirs was only a fling. The last thing she needed was more trouble with Jim if he caught wind of Ashleigh spending time with Blaine. She’d prefer to keep their relationship private for as long as possible.
Tiffany took advantage of the quiet morning to catch up on a ton of paperwork. She sent off the rent check to the landlord, hoping she’d be able to pay the rent next month, too. It would be close, but if Race Week turned out the business the way it normally did, she should be okay.
The bells on the door jingled, and in walked Verna Upton, wearing a smile that stretched from ear to ear.
“Just Verna!” Tiffany said. “How are you?”
“I am divine, my darling. Simply divine.”
“I take it Mayor Upton approved of your purchases yesterday.”
“You could say that. After he peeled his jaw off the floor and got into the spirit of things, he approved wholeheartedly.”
“Excellent!” Tiffany clapped her hands while choking back a gag as an image of the rotund mayor in the all-together danced through her mind. She shook her head to clear away the disturbing image. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Honey, I’m going to tell you something rather personal.”
Oh, I so wish you wouldn’t, Tiffany thought while appearing to hang on Verna’s every word.
“We haven’t had sex like that since our honeymoon. My Chet was positively ravenous. I’m a little…sore…today, but it was so worth it.”
Tiffany winced and hoped Verna took it as empathy rather than revulsion. “That’s wonderful.” She gave the older woman a hug.
“It’s all because of you and your store.”
“That’s not true! Your husband reacted to your efforts to be sexy. It was because of you.”
“Well, maybe so, but you certainly helped me. I need something else for tonight.” Verna began browsing through the racks, holding up one slinky outfit after another.
“I’ll make you a deal, Verna.”
“I’m listening.”
“The next outfit is on the house if you tell your friends to come into the store.”
“Oh, honey, I’ve already told all my friends they need to get down here. I wouldn’t dream of taking anything free from you after what you’ve done for me.”
Tiffany considered what she’d said. “Then maybe you could talk to your husband about taking his complaint about
my store off the town council’s docket for next week’s meeting?”
“Are you kidding me?” Verna’s outrage was palpable. “I’ll have that taken care of. Don’t you worry.”
“That’d be great, Verna. Thanks so much. Now, let’s figure out what you should wear tonight.”
“We probably ought to take care of tomorrow night while I’m here, too.”
“Absolutely!”
Knocking on the door to the office that used to be his was rather strange for Joe. “Hey, you wanted to see me?”
Seamus O’Grady looked up from the paperwork on the desk and greeted him with a smile. “Come in, Joe. Have a seat.”
“How’s it going?” Joe asked as he handed Seamus the coffee he’d brought for him.
Seamus held up the cup in thanks. “Better now.”
“Everything okay?”
Seamus paused for a second, seeming to choose his words carefully. “No, I’m sorry to say it isn’t.”
Joe sat up straighter, instantly on alert. Seamus had saved his life the last two years by running the ferry company as well as Joe could’ve done it himself. Janey had two more years of vet school to go, and Joe was counting on Seamus to keep things running smoothly with the company while they were in Ohio. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing to do with the company. I’m afraid ’tis a personal matter that’s made it impossible for me to remain on the island.”
“Oh.” Joe had no idea what to say to that, but rising desperation had him searching for something, anything he could say to convince his right-hand man to stay awhile longer. “We’ll switch things around so you don’t have to be over here. You can stay in the office in Point Judith.”
“We’d have to hire another captain to make that work.”
“Then do it. I can’t lose you, Seamus. You’ve done such a terrific job. I was just telling my mom and Janey last night that I’d be lost without you.”
“Aw, Joe, you know how to break a fella’s heart, but I’m afraid my mind is made up. I’m giving you my notice now so you’ll have the summer to find my replacement.” He looked down at the desk and then back at Joe. “And I’m awfully sorry to do this to you right before your young one arrives.”
“Do you, ah… Do you want to talk about whatever happened?”
“No, but thanks for asking. Just one of those things, you know?”
After spending most of his adult life in love with a woman he couldn’t have, Joe certainly understood “one of those things.” He slouched in the chair, absorbing the shock of unexpected news.
“Sorry to take you by surprise. You’ve been a wonderful boss, and I’ve truly loved the job.”
“There isn’t anything I can do to convince you to stay?”
Seamus shook his head. “I’ve done a lot of thinking about it, and I’ve come to the conclusion this is the only thing I can do.”
“I sure am sorry to lose you.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me. I was hoping I could count on you for a reference.”
“Of course. Absolutely.”
“I’ll do everything I can to help you find a replacement.”
“I’d appreciate that.” Joe stood and reached out a hand.
Seamus stood to shake hands with Joe. “Thank you again for entrusting your business to me. I’ve tried to take good care of it.”
“You’ve done a brilliant job.” If Joe wasn’t mistaken, Seamus was on the verge of tears. If that didn’t beat all. Now what was he going to do?
Kara was arriving at McCarthy’s with a boatload of passengers when she saw Dan Torrington waiting on the main pier with a picnic basket sitting next to him. Oh, for crying out loud! The guy can’t take no for an answer!
She jammed the boat into reverse, jarring her passengers. “Sorry, folks,” she said as she looped the spring line onto a cleat, which brought the launch in snug against the floating dock.
Helping two older people off the boat, she exchanged a few words with each of her customers, hoping the personal touch would be good for business.
All the while, she was acutely aware of Dan watching from the pier. He leaned against a piling as if he hadn’t a care in the world. A rich guy like him probably didn’t. Then she remembered what he’d told her the night they’d met about an engagement that hadn’t worked out. She’d witnessed genuine pain in him then, and she’d thought about that for a long time after.
In him, she’d recognized a fellow traveler. Maybe she ought to give him a break. If only he didn’t remind her so much of Matt, right down to the profession they had in common. The last thing Kara needed was another money-grubber who didn’t care who he stepped on as he climbed the corporate ladder.
Dan strolled down the ramp to the floating dock and handed her two bills—a twenty and a one. “That buys me three trips, right?”
She reluctantly took the money from him. “Uh-huh.”
“Great.” He climbed on board and took a seat in the back of the empty launch.
Of all the times for there to be no line of people waiting to get to their boats…
“Hungry?”
“No, thank you.”
He unwrapped a turkey sandwich and held out half to her. “You sure?”
As she nodded, her stomach let out the loudest growl she’d ever heard, which made him laugh.
“Liar. Take it. I swear—no strings attached.”
“Sure there aren’t.” Because she was, in fact, starving, she took the sandwich from him and didn’t protest when he also handed her a diet Mountain Dew. “How did you know I like Mountain Dew?” She sat on one of the bench seats, taking care to keep her distance from him.
“I pay attention.”
The comment unsettled her, so Kara got busy checking what was on the sandwich. “Why do you keep coming around?” she asked as she peeled off a slice of tomato.
“I like the view.”
She assumed he meant the view of the Salt Pond, but when she ventured a glance at him, he was looking right at her. “I’m not interested.”
“In what?”
“You.”
“No, really? I never would’ve figured that out from your frosty demeanor or the way you shoot fire out your eyes every time I’m in the vicinity.”
“I don’t do that!”
His brow arched above the frame of his Ray Bans. “Um, okay. If you say so.” He returned his focus to the sandwich, leaving her to puzzle over whether she really shot fire at him every time he came near.
“Are you going to the shindig at Stephanie’s restaurant tomorrow?” he asked.
“I was invited, but I haven’t decided if I’m going.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t really know anyone, except for Mac and Luke and Big Mac.”
“You know me. I’ll be there.”
“That’s a good reason to stay away. I wouldn’t want to burn down Stephanie’s new restaurant by shooting fire at you out my eyes.”
He threw his head back and laughed—hard.
Watching him, Kara hated herself for being attracted. She absolutely did not want to be. He was exactly like every other smooth-talking guy who’d never heard the word no from a woman. She refused to get sucked into his web. Been there, done that, learned from it—or so she’d thought.
“If you want someone to go with, I’d be happy to pick you up.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m perfectly capable of going to a party by myself.”
“Suit yourself.”
“Thank you. I will.”
He shivered dramatically. “Getting chilly around here.”
“You’re free to leave at any time.”
“Not until I get the three rides I paid for.”
“Don’t you work?”
“Yep.”
“Yet you have all this free time to hang around and bother me?”
“And here I thought I was charming you with my wit and turkey sandwiches.”
That drew a reluctant grunt of laughter from
her.
“Progress,” he said smugly.
Kara scowled at him.
“Ohhh, one step forward, two steps back.”
“You need to learn to quit while you’re ahead.”
“If I’m not mistaken, you like talking to me.”
“You are quite mistaken. I was hungry. That’s it.”
“I bet you get hungry around this time every day.”
She sent him her most withering look, which worked on most people. Unfortunately, Dan Torrington wasn’t most people. He replied with a goofy grin that was positively adorable. Not that she thought he was adorable or anything. His grin was. She’d give him that much.
“If you’re supposedly working, why aren’t you dressed for work?”
He wore a pink Izod polo that would’ve looked fruity on a lesser man and khaki cargo shorts. Today he was sporting flip-flops rather than the foolish dress shoes he’d worn yesterday.
“What should I be wearing?”
“A tie, for one thing.”
He shuddered. “I hate ties. I only wear them in court.”
“You’re not like any lawyer I’ve ever met.”
“Thank you.” He smiled as if she’d paid him the world’s biggest compliment. “I hear that a lot.”
“What kind of law do you practice?”
“Lately, I seem to be dabbling in all sorts of things, but I specialize in criminal law.”
“There can’t be much call for your specialty around here.”
“Oh, there isn’t. I’ll let you in on a badly kept secret. I’m writing a book. That’s why I’m here.”
“What kind of book?”
“You know, the kind with words and pages.”
“Very funny.” Mad at herself for being intrigued, Kara took a sip of her soda and tried to decide whether she was curious enough to pursue the line of questioning that was running through her mind. The last thing she wanted was to encourage him to keep coming around.
“It’s about some of the cases I’ve worked on,” he said, sparing her the need for further questions.
“Do you know how to write a book?”
“Not really, but I’m figuring it out. This is my first.”
“Oh.” A host of additional questions popped into her head. She wanted to ask about his writing process, specifics about the cases he was writing about, whether he thought the book would sell to a publisher. But she kept those and all her other questions to herself for fear of encouraging his odd pursuit. What did he even want with her? She was boring compared to the women he must know in LA. Growing up with a posse of brothers, she’d never much concerned herself with fashion or makeup or all the other foolishness most women embraced. As a result, she was a twenty-seven-year-old tomboy and way out of her league with a smooth-talking charmer who could have any woman he wanted. She’d learned not to trust the charming men.