Her Forbidden Love Match (A Willow Cove Novel, #1)

by Theresa Paolo

  “It doesn’t matter how I feel. He made it perfectly clear that he thinks I’m a liar. If he wants to talk then he can come find me. I’m not going to him. I have nothing to say. I’m sure Martha will agree with me.”

  “Sweetie—” Martha said.

  “You’re so full of it,” Cami chimed in. “Do you not hear the way you sigh when you say his name?”

  “I do not sigh. There is no sighing,” she said, glancing up at Martha. She turned back in her chair, looking down at her coffee with a splash of half and half and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Dammit, even her coffee reminded her of him. “I don’t care that he has the most gorgeous blue eyes, or that his laugh is contagious, and he’s weird and likes black jelly beans as much as I do. I don’t care that he made me happier in the past week than I’ve ever been in my whole life. I’m not going to talk to him, and Martha”—she looked up at her—“you’re a strong independent woman. I’m sure you understand, right? I shouldn’t have to be the one to go to him.”

  Martha shook her head, and Ella deflated.

  “No, that’s not it,” Martha said, waving her hand, her bracelets clacking together. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but he left for California with his father first thing this morning. He’s gone.”

  Chapter 23

  Ella put all the pictures she took of Marco’s and Krissy’s place and spread them out on the table. She began sorting and placing the pictures into a portfolio. Once she was finished, she moved to the computer and added the pictures to a website Krissy helped her set up.

  Lucas was right. She was selling herself short. She had a natural talent for interior design, and there was no reason why she shouldn’t charge for her time and concepts. At least she got something out of her time with him.

  The jerk hadn’t even called her. Just upped and vanished without a word. She understood they had a fight, and yes, she slapped him, but he deserved it, and he could have told her he was leaving. She would have even settled for a text.

  Angry tears pricked her eyes, but she forced them back. She was done crying over a guy who didn’t think she was worth a phone call. Besides, who had time to cry when she had a business to start?

  First step was establishing herself by getting her portfolio ready for potential customers to view, so she arranged the photos by room with added color palettes.

  Her website needed to be sleek and convey a professional vibe. She couldn’t have a sloppy website and expect people to trust her with their spaces. So she spent her time, making it the best to her ability. Maybe in time, when she had the money, she could pay someone to take it to the next level, but for now she had to work within her means.

  Unfortunately, no matter how hard she worked, Lucas was on her mind like a pesky fly that wouldn’t go away. His stupid smile kept appearing, his laugh echoing in her head and those damn blue eyes that reminded her so much of the sky were there every time she closed her eyes.

  Marco had told her in time it would get easier, but it’d been a week and the pain of losing him was still there.

  She looked at the rose quartz crystal Martha had given her and picked it up, running her thumb across its surface. Apparently, it was supposed to heal one’s heart from pain and disappointment. So far it wasn’t working. Desperate, she’d even tried to sleep with it under her pillow, carried it around in her pocket, but it seemed even Martha’s crazy natural cures were no match for her broken heart.

  Maybe if she just called him or texted him… She put the rose quartz down and picked up her phone. She scrolled to his name and hovered over it.

  What was the point? He gave her an answer by walking out of her life and never looking back. A call or a text wouldn’t change that. Even if it brought her closure, she wasn’t sure it would make her feel any better in the end.

  But god, she missed him—a fact she hated to admit but couldn’t deny no matter how hard she tried. No matter how much she hated him, the jerk had snaked his way into her heart, spread his venom, and infected her with his charm and sweet, tender kisses—an intense poison that left her numb and broken, a lifetime of after effects that she’d forever carry with her.

  Damn him.

  She ignored the tug trying to pull her into an hour of self-pity and turned her focus back on her website, her future. She couldn’t control Lucas, but she sure as hell could control what she was going to do with her life from here on out.

  She worked until her eyes hurt and her legs were numb from sitting. The website was perfect—everything she wanted it to be, and now she needed to find her first paying client. She swung her bag onto her shoulder and headed out the door to her bike.

  It was a short ride into town, and she hoped that the dark circles she’d been sporting under her eyes for the past week weren’t as bad as she remembered. A look in the mirror before she left would have probably been a good idea, but she didn’t want to waste any time. She had the courage now, and she was going to use it to her advantage.

  She cruised by the local shops and over the cobblestone streets until she reached the boardwalk. The sign for Joe’s Lobster House glowed in the distance, but she kept her focus on her side of the boardwalk, walking her bike toward Vinny’s Lobster Shack.

  Spring had finally arrived in all its glory. Vibrant flowers of yellow, purple, and reds filled window boxes, and the boardwalk was beginning to fill with unfamiliar faces. Pretty soon the hot days would usher in more happy families on vacation and happy couples on a long weekend getaway. The sight had never bothered Ella before, but the thought of seeing people blissful and in love made a rock settle in her gut.

  She waved to Martha through the window of Mind, Body, and Soul as she continued to the restaurant. When she spotted Enzo standing behind the bar and her grandfather sitting on the stool across from him, she smiled.

  The thoughts of happy tourists didn’t matter anymore. Her mind was back in the zone where it needed to be. She walked into her family’s restaurant, exuding confidence and determination.

  “Fabriella!” Vinny called out.

  “Hi Grandpa,” she said. “I’m happy you’re both here.”

  “What’s the matter?” Enzo asked, dark eyebrows furrowing.

  She slid on the stool next to her grandfather and placed her bag on her lap, pulling out a binder.

  “What’s this?” Vinny asked.

  Ella kept her game face on. “I have a proposition for both of you.”

  Enzo glanced at Vinny then turned back to her and nodded. “Go ahead.”

  “I want you to hire me to redecorate the restaurant.”

  “What? That’s ridiculous,” Vinny said. “There’s nothing wrong with the restaurant.”

  “It’s outdated,” Ella said.

  “It’s traditional,” he countered.

  “Still outdated.”

  “Your grandmother decorated this place,” he said, hurt in his eyes.

  Ella was expecting that response, but it still stung worse than she anticipated. Her grandmother took such pride in the framed pictures she placed on the walls and the lobster wall paper she lined the small space with. But holding onto the past was hindering all the possibilities of what the restaurant could be.

  She looked to Enzo, hoping for support.

  “The restaurant isn’t our focus, El, and you know that. It’s only here for the locals in the winter. We do most of our business outside. Why throw money into the interior?”

  “Why not offer people more? What about when it rains? Nobody wants to sit outside on the boardwalk, but they still need to eat. Why not welcome them into this redesigned space that shows them exactly what Vinny’s Lobster Shack is all about. Show them that we’re more than a shack.” She looked her grandfather directly in his eyes. “We’re a place where traditions are formed, where little kids will look back when they’re adults and remember their summers eating the best damn lobster roll they ever had and having the time of their lives. The décor isn’t going to change that. Those traditions lie within all of us. I don’t
want to take anything away, and I would never disrespect what Grandma created here, but I want to help usher in a new era. And maybe one day…” She fought the tears pressing against her lids and continued. “One day my own kids will remember this place as fondly as I do. Know that their mother created the magical space that they love so dearly, just like I will always remember this place as Grandma made it.”

  She took Vinny’s hand and squeezed it. “I don’t want to do away with what makes this place special. I want to emphasize the traditions, the memories, and make this space a homage to you and the legacy you’ve created here.”

  Vinny kissed Ella’s hand and squeezed it before looking at Enzo. “She makes a convincing argument.”

  “She does.” Enzo nodded toward the binder. “What’s that?”

  “I put together some ideas.”

  “Let me see it,” Enzo said.

  She handed him the binder, and he opened it, skimming through the pages. He got to the back, and his eyebrow lifted. “This doesn’t look like stuff for the restaurant.”

  “No,” Ella said. “The front portion is. The back portion is my ideas for your place. You said maybe in the fall. I thought maybe we could discuss my rates.” She had originally volunteered to do it, but it was time for her to put value on herself. Lucas gave that to her and for that she’d forever be grateful.

  Enzo was quiet for a moment, and she tried not to show doubt. It was her brother, but it was practice for the life she wanted to build. Silence stretched between them as he looked back down at the binder and skimmed back to the front. Finally, after what felt like hours, he closed the binder and placed it on the bar. He looked up at her and smiled.

  “I’m impressed. You had a pitch, ideas to present, and you showed passion. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks.” His words meant more to her than he would ever know. “So does that mean you guys will hire me?”

  Enzo looked at Vinny again, and Vinny nodded. Ella tried to maintain her professional air, but her hands couldn’t be controlled. She happily clapped before jumping off the stool and throwing her arms around Vinny. “I promise I will keep the tradition alive.

  “I trust you. Now you can talk to Enzo about your rates, what you’ll need to get started, and he’ll cut you a check.”

  “And,” Enzo said, “we’ll talk about my place after you’re done here. I liked what you got, but I have a few of my own ideas I’d like to throw by you. But let’s focus on the restaurant for now.”

  A smile spread wide across her face. “That sounds good.”

  “You’re on for noon to five tomorrow, so why don’t you get here at ten, and we’ll discuss everything.”

  “I’ll be here.” She kissed Vinny’s cheek and packed her binder back into her bag.

  “And El,” Enzo said and she turned to him. “I don’t know what spurred this fire in you but whatever it was, I’m happy to see you chase your dreams again.”

  At least there was brightness in the darkness. “Me too,” she said. “Me too.”

  Chapter 24

  Lucas had hoped he’d only be in California one day, but things kept popping up, and it was now a week later when he stepped off the plane and met Frank outside. Frank’s gray hair was slicked back as usual, and his blue eyes were a welcome sight.

  “Frank, it’s good to see you,” Lucas said as Frank reached for Lucas’ duffel bag.

  “Good to see you too, young man. Happy to have you back so soon. Was afraid we wouldn’t see you again.”

  “You’re going to be seeing a lot more of me,” Lucas said, the corner of his lip inching up into a smile.

  Frank turned to him, an even bigger smile than his own. “The town sunk its claws into you, huh?”

  “Something like that,” Lucas said.

  “Well, let’s get you back there.”

  Frank popped the trunk, and Lucas shoved the rest of his luggage in. Leo would be shipping the rest next week, and then he’d be in charge of subletting Lucas’ apartment for the summer. There were lots of changes on the horizon, but for the first time in years, Lucas didn’t feel like a big ball of stress. He knew he was finally making the right choices.

  Lucas rounded the car and slid into the cab.

  “How was the flight?” Frank asked as he put the car in drive and headed toward the highway.

  “Good. I got to catch up on some much needed sleep.”

  He’d been going nonstop since the day he left, trying to get his affairs in order. The constant on-the-go kept his mind off Ella, but now as he landed back in Maine, with Willow Cove only a short ride away, the desire to see her, hold her in his arms, and smell her sweet scent was almost overpowering.

  He only hoped she would forgive him.

  Joe knew of Lucas’ plans to relocate to Willow Cove, working remotely while giving his team more responsibility, flying back when needed, and helping to run the restaurant. Joe just had no idea how Lucas was going to manage to save the restaurant.

  Who would’ve thought his sworn enemy for decades would one day be his saving grace? Lucas was gearing up for the fireworks when almost half a century of secrets would come to the surface and suspicions were confirmed.

  He couldn’t wait.

  It was going to be a hell of a ride, but it was time to let go of the restraints holding them in the past, time to move forward and begin to heal, and time for the truce that Ella had been trying to make happen for so long finally come to fruition.

  Frank merged onto the highway, and Lucas rested his head against the seat, remembering the last time he came to Willow Cove. It was only a short while ago, but it felt like a century since he spoke to Ella.

  What would have happened if his flight hadn’t been diverted? If he didn’t go through hell to get on that bus? Would he have ever met Ella? Or would they had been two strangers who passed each other on the boardwalk only to find out their last names kept them from ever really knowing each other?

  Part of him wanted to believe it was fate that brought them together, but the rational part of him told him it was a happy accident. Either way, he would forever be grateful for that day of travel hell.

  “I heard you didn’t listen to my advice,” Frank said as he settled back into his seat, the car staying a steady fifty-five in the right lane.

  Lucas opened his eyes and turned them toward Frank. “You gave me a lot of advice that day. I streamed Willow Cove, which was pretty good actually. I didn’t speak badly about lobster…”

  “But you spoke to a Moretti… and you didn’t just speak with her from what I heard.”

  “And what exactly did you hear?” Lucas asked, trying to keep the amusement from his tone. He was going to have to get used to the meddling; unlike L.A, the people of Willow Cove did not know how to keep to themselves. He thought it would bother him, but it just showed people cared enough to know his business, and that felt pretty damn good.

  “Heard little Miss Ella gave you a good slappin’, and then her brother topped it off with a knuckle sandwich.”

  “I guess you heard right then.” The bruise around his eye was finally healing. That was a fun conversation to have with Leo, Brian, and their employees. He simply told them that love hurt and he deserved it.

  Maybe Marco didn’t have a good reason to punch him, but Lucas wouldn’t hold it against him. He didn’t believe Ella when she denied his allegations, and worst of all, he’d made her cry. He would never forget the confusion, disappointment, anger, and pain that crossed through her dark brown eyes. He would gladly take Marco’s fist to the face again if it meant he could go back in time and never have to see that look in Ella’s eyes again.

  “What you going to do about it?” Frank asked.

  “I’m going to fix it.”

  “How you plan on doing that?

  Unfortunately, he couldn’t change the past. He made a mistake and now he would fix it. He couldn’t imagine a life without Ella Moretti by his side.

  “By taking care of something that should
’ve been done a long time ago, and then apologize to Ella. I’ll beg for her forgiveness if I have to.”

  “Beg?” Frank said. “Sounds serious.”

  “It is,” Lucas said. “I didn’t just ignore your advice. I went ahead and fell in love with a Moretti.”

  “Then we best get you on your way,” Frank said, hitting the accelerator and cutting across traffic to the left lane where he drove sixty-five the entire way.

  Chapter 25

  Ella sat in the small office with Enzo, discussing her plans, a budget, and a timeframe.

  “I think we can both agree that it’s bad timing. Our busy season is days away, and we can’t close our doors for an extended period of time. The winter will be better, plus we’ll have the summer income to be able to afford your rates,” Enzo said with a smirk.

  “I gave you the family discount,” she countered. Disappointment settled in her stomach. She had been so gung-ho to get started, declare herself a real interior designer and business woman, bury herself in work so she wouldn’t have to think about Lucas. She would have to wait now and find another way to get Lucas off her mind. “I agree the timing isn’t good.”

  “But,” Enzo said, capturing her full attention.

  “That sounds like a good ‘but,’ but it could be a bad ‘but.’”

  He laughed. “Since it’s the busy season and I’ll be spending most of my time here, I thought you could get started on my place.”

  Ella’s eyes widened, and her mouth lifted in pure excitement. “Really? I don’t have to wait to the fall?” Colors, furniture, and accessories started to appear in her head, shifting in different places to form the perfect space.

  “No, the timing would have been off then, too,” Enzo said. “You can get started next week when our hours get extended.”

  “But won’t you need me here?”

  “Grandpa and I discussed it, and we decided it’s not fair for you to be stuck here working.”

  “I’m not stuck,” she said.

  “Ella, when you came home, it was supposed to be temporary. You weren’t supposed to stay here for six years and take care of all of us. We’re adults, and I’m your older brother. I should’ve looked out for you better, but the truth is, I was happy to have you home.”