Sweet Beginnings

by Melissa McClone

  As she continued up, she didn’t look at Josh. What if he was checking her out? What if he wasn’t?

  Pathetic.

  One good-looking guy crosses her path, and she loses it? Maybe Paula was right when she’d said not dating would end up being Hope’s downfall. Except she didn’t want to date. She wanted nothing to do with men.

  She stood near the top of the ladder. “I’m ready for the panel.”

  As he handed the piece up to her, Josh kept one hand on the ladder. “Here you go.”

  His gaze met hers. A woman could lose herself in those blue eyes. Any woman except her.

  “T-thanks.” The word sounded husky. Clearing her throat, she clipped the panel into place and then climbed down. “I appreciate your help.”

  “You’re welcome.” He glanced around the room. “Be sure someone helps you take them down.”

  “I will.” She shouldn’t be disappointed he hadn’t offered. Of course not. That would be ridiculous. He was a guest at the wedding, not hired help. “Enjoy your stay.”

  “First time here.” He rubbed his chin. “Any places you recommend?”

  “Sweet Caroline’s Cafe has the best coffee and pie east of the Mississippi. It’s on Main Street. Katie’s Kitchen on Bayview is a great place for dinner. You can’t go wrong with any restaurant in town.”

  “Thanks.” His hand slipped around to the back of his neck. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”

  “You will.” The words slipped out before she realized what she was saying.

  A smile brightened his face.

  Her breath caught in her throat. She coughed.

  “When?” he asked.

  “Jenny and Dare’s wedding,” Hope clarified. “I’m working at it.”

  He puffed out a breath. “I’ll see you then.”

  Funny, but he sounded disappointed. He turned and strode toward the door with a slight limp. Something she hadn’t noticed before.

  He glanced over his shoulder, lips quirking when he caught her staring.

  Heat pooled in her cheeks. Her tongue felt ten sizes too big for her mouth, but something compelled her to talk to him. “Don’t forget to wear sunscreen while you’re out.”

  He raised a brow. “Sunscreen?”

  Ugh. That was not what she’d planned on saying, but sunscreen was safer than asking if he wanted to meet her for coffee later. She was planning to stop by Caroline’s before heading home.

  Time for damage control. “I have a twin brother, and he never wears it. Sorry. Overprotective sister.”

  A beat passed. And another. “I have one of those, too. But she means well.”

  “So do I.” Why couldn’t Hope keep her mouth shut?

  “I’ll remember the sunscreen.” Josh sounded amused. “See ya.”

  “Can’t wait.” Oh, no. Hope cringed. “I mean, for the wedding.”

  With a wave, he left the multi-purpose room.

  She groaned. What in the world was wrong with her?

  CHAPTER FOUR

  As Josh parked in front of the “cherry-red” cottage, he kept thinking about Hope Ryan. Catching and holding her wasn’t against the rules since he’d saved her from injuring herself. The best part, however, had been talking to her. Oh, she hadn’t trusted his offer to help, but he’d seen no pity or hatred in her eyes. That meant she hadn’t recognized him.

  That was good. So was the way she blushed.

  Thinking about her pink cheeks brought a smile to his lips.

  The fact she was on his mind wasn’t an issue. He could recite the list of what he couldn’t do in his sleep. Some things weren’t exactly rules, but rather strong suggestions of what to avoid.

  He had.

  And would keep avoiding them.

  But meeting someone new had been… nice. Speaking to women was fine. If he saw Hope again in town, he would approach her.

  People in Berry Lake kept their distance from him except for his family, and, this past month, Jenny, but he was getting used to it. Other than his stint at the luxury rehab facility, the sober house, and a long weekend in a rented cabin on Mount Hood with Sam, Josh had stayed in town. That enabled him to remain under his family’s watchful and loving eyes. A complete difference from when he’d lived alone, traveled each week to a new city to broadcast a game, and hung out with sexy women he’d met in hotel bars.

  Regrets and longings swirled in his head.

  He missed football. He missed female company. He missed… a lot of things.

  Stop thinking about what’s missing. Focus on what you have.

  Josh inhaled, letting the sea air fill his lungs, and then stared at the cottage that would be his home until Sunday.

  The white railing and Adirondack chairs stood out against the cherry-red color of the quaint structure. He climbed the steps, unlocked the front door, and stepped inside.

  The faint scent of citrus filled the air. Wood-paned windows filled the comfortable space with sunlight. Not bad for a beach cottage.

  An overstuffed red plaid couch, a red and white striped chair, and a white wood coffee table formed a small living area next to a dining table with four red chairs. Red accessories gave the small kitchen with its white cabinets and counter a splash of color. The two bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms, were similar sizes, so he took the closest one.

  After a quick shower, he put on shorts, a T-shirt, and flip-flops. Time to check out the town.

  With a baseball cap and sunglasses on, Josh headed to Main Street. Shops and restaurants lined each side. The sidewalks weren’t too crowded. Couples strolled hand in hand. Kids ran to windows pointing and laughing. Memories of spending a week each summer on the Oregon coast with his family surfaced. The biggest difference between here and there, other than the passage of time, was the weather. He’d only been outside for fifteen minutes, but he was ready to cool down.

  A sign for Sweet Caroline’s Cafe was ahead. Hope had recommended the place for coffee and pie. He didn’t need either of those things—he’d become a tea drinker during rehab—but something cold to drink would hit the spot. Sitting for a few minutes wouldn’t hurt, either. His leg wasn’t bothering him for once, but he was tired after the long flight.

  Ducking inside the shop, he removed his sunglasses. The cool temperature brought instant relief. The delicious scents of baked goods made his mouth water. He’d have to come back when he was in the mood for dessert.

  An older couple stood in line ahead of him. He stared at the menu board behind the counter.

  The din of conversations from customers reminded him of the shops and restaurants in Berry Lake. He hadn’t been to those places by himself since a customer at the bagel shop cursed at him. Under-the-breath comments he could handle, but the to-his-face remarks had made him crave a drink, so he’d stopped going out alone.

  Maybe someday, he’d feel comfortable on his own in his hometown. Or maybe Berry Lake wasn’t the place for him long-term. Only time would tell.

  As the couple in front of him headed to the seating area, an attractive fifty-something woman with shorter brown hair motioned him toward the counter.

  “Welcome.” The warmth in her eyes matched her smile. “I’m Caroline, and this is my cafe.”

  “Nice place,” he said, liking the inviting atmosphere. “I’d like to order a drink.”

  “Are you in the mood for something hot or cold today?”

  “Cold.” He glanced at the menu board again. “How is the frozen hot chocolate?”

  “Perfect for a warm day like today,” she replied without missing a beat.

  “I’ll take one of those please.”

  As Caroline relayed what he wanted to a young apron-wearing barista, she rang up his order and took his twenty-dollar bill. “Have we met before?

  Once upon a time, Josh thrived upon being recognized. Posing for selfies and signing autographs had made him and his ego happy. Now he hated people knowing who he was.

  “Well, I arrived in Indigo Bay less than an hour ago.” H
e tried to keep his voice steady when his insides twisted. “It’s my first time here.”

  “I know you from somewhere.” She tilted her head as if trying to figure out where. Her mouth opened. “You’re Josh Cooper.”

  He nodded, fighting the urge to run back to the cottage.

  Was it too late to ask for a to-go cup?

  Yeah, he was a coward. A big old chicken.

  For good reason.

  Now when people recognized him, he never knew what they would focus on—his successful college years, his glory days as a pro-quarterback, his career-ending injury, his drinking and womanizing, or his arrest. Only two of the five were things he wanted to discuss, but even that could be uncomfortable.

  He shifted his weight between his feet.

  “I missed hearing you announce games last season.” Her voice was low as if she wanted no one else to hear. “I always learned something new about football listening to you.”

  “Thanks.” That was an unexpected compliment, but nice to hear. He viewed the field as a player, which made saying what was happening or what he thought would happen second nature to him. “I missed calling games.”

  Understanding filled Caroline’s eyes. His troubles had been splashed over papers and on sports networks. If she recognized him, she likely knew what he’d been doing instead of broadcasting games. “Will you be in the booth this year?”

  “That’s the plan.” He hoped it worked.

  Caroline handed Josh his change. “Then you should make the most of your time here.”

  “I hope to.” Sam not being with him could be a blessing in disguise. The time in Indigo Bay would show Josh if he could handle being on his own before the new season kicked off. Though his family would keep an eye on him, even from across the country.

  “Where are you staying?” Caroline asked.

  He tucked a dollar into the tip jar. “The Indigo Bay Cottages.”

  Caroline stood taller. “My son Dallas owns the resort. I’m the resident expert on Indigo Bay. If you’d like, I’m happy to help you and whoever you’re traveling with figure out a sightseeing itinerary.”

  “Thanks. I’m on my own this trip, and I may take you up on that tomorrow.” Josh appreciated how everyone in town had been friendly so far. “I should have flown over Indigo Bay before I landed in Charleston because I’m already tired from trying to get a feel for the town.”

  “You’re a pilot.”

  It wasn’t a question, but he nodded anyway. “I love flying.”

  “Where are you from?”

  “Washington state.”

  “No wonder you’re tired. This weather takes some getting used to if you’re from the West.” Caroline studied him. “Go sit. I’ll bring out your drink when it’s ready.”

  “Thanks.” He faced the seating area. Most of the tables were full, but a few had empty chairs. Maybe he could snag one.

  Josh took a step before noticing the back of a blonde wearing a pink T-shirt. That looked like Hope. He’d wanted to approach her if he saw her again. This was his chance.

  With purposeful strides, he made his way to her table. A piece of berry pie, a glass of iced tea, and a cell phone laying screen down were in front of her.

  He stood a foot away from her table. “Hope?”

  Her eyes widened. “Josh.”

  “Hi.” Something fluttered in his stomach. “I’m trying your first recommendation.”

  She shifted in her chair. “I hope you’re not disappointed.”

  “I’ll let you know.”

  That charming blush colored her cheeks. A smile tugged at her lips. “Oh, the pressure.”

  He grinned. “Given you’re here, I’d say you’re safe.”

  Flirting was second nature. A sexy comeback was poised ready at the tip of his tongue, but this wasn’t the time or place for that. He wasn’t looking for a hookup. What he wanted was someone to talk to—a person who wasn’t worried he’d stopped at a liquor store or carried a hidden flask.

  Trust had to be earned.

  Rudy kept stressing that.

  Josh glanced around the seating area. “Most of the tables are taken. Mind if I sit with you?”

  * * *

  Hope managed not to frown, easy to do when Josh’s words had frozen her expression and thoughts. Say no. Oh, she wanted to, but that would be rude. Not only to him, a guest at the resort where she worked, but also to the other tourists who might need a table for their parties. She was, in a word, stuck.

  Story of her life.

  Maybe one of these days, she could change that.

  Hope motioned to the empty chair at her table. “Go ahead.”

  Somehow her voice remained steady, and her hand didn’t shake, but her insides trembled.

  As he sat, she tried not to stare.

  If she’d thought Josh Cooper was attractive before, that was nothing to seeing him dressed in a pair of shorts and a plain navy T-shirt that made his eyes look bluer. Even his feet in flip-flops looked good.

  Then there was his hair. Damp as if he’d swam or showered before coming here. She wanted to wrap one of the curly ends around her finger.

  Trouble with a capital T.

  Hope sipped her iced tea, but the drink didn’t cool her down. If she ate more quickly, she could get out of here. She shoveled a forkful of the sweet mixed-berry pie into her mouth.

  He leaned forward. “I live in a small town that’s tourist oriented, but we only see big crowds when there’s something special going on. Indigo Bay seems like the place to be this summer.”

  She focused on her pie, not his delicious scent—a mix of soap, water, and something distinctly male.

  “The town is popular with vacationers. More people are visiting from out of state.” She’d received a crash course about Indigo Bay tourism when Zoe hired her. “Some residents rent out their homes during the Fourth of July week due to the high demand for accommodations.”

  His gaze hadn’t left Hope. “Where do they go?”

  “Anywhere but here.” The way he stared made her self-conscious. Maybe she had pie on her face. She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “It’s a madhouse and crowded, but the influx of visitors with money to spend is great for local businesses.”

  “And your art?”

  “My art is directed toward tourists. Holidays are good for me.” She took another sip of her iced tea.

  “Are your paintings on display in town?”

  He was full of questions. She rubbed off a bead of condensation rolling down her glass. “The items I make are sold at the art gallery on Main Street and other shops in town.”

  “Have you shown your work outside Indigo Bay?”

  “Not for a few years.” She shoved a forkful of pie into her mouth. That gave her an excuse not to say more.

  As if on cue, Caroline set a frozen hot chocolate in front of Josh. Hope had never been so happy to see Dallas’ mom. Hope didn’t like discussing her ex-husband or her art.

  “Wow, this looks amazing.” Josh brought the straw to his lips—full, soft lips that Hope had the urge to, um, sketch—and sucked. “Tastes even better.”

  Caroline’s grin spread. “So happy you like it. How do the two of you know each other?”

  “We met at the resort earlier.” The less Hope said, the better. Indigo Bay was the kind of town where people liked knowing everyone’s business, but after gossip spread two years ago following her divorce, she hated anyone talking about her—good or bad.

  “Hope recommended your cafe to me,” Josh added.

  “Thank you, dear.” Caroline’s gaze traveled between Hope and Josh. Uh-oh. The cafe owner had the same look Lucille Sanderson got when she wanted to find a date for her great niece Maggie from Atlanta. “Josh is on his own. If you’re available, maybe you could show him around tomorrow.”

  Not happening. Hope didn’t need Caroline playing matchmaker. A good thing she wasn’t free.

  “I’m sorry, but I have plans.” Her tone was sugary sweet, perfected aft
er years of trying to convince her parents to send her to art camp each summer. “I’m driving to Nashville tomorrow.”

  Josh’s mouth froze an inch above the straw before he straightened. “Aren’t you working at Jenny and Dare’s wedding on Friday?”

  “I’ll be back on Thursday.” Hope ate another bite of pie.

  “Wait a minute.” Caroline’s smile disappeared into a thin, tight line. “You’re planning to drive over eight hours tomorrow, return the next day, and then spend Friday setting up for a wedding and working the event?”

  Three days was nothing compared to the days she would paint without sleeping or eating. “Trust me. I’ll be fine.”

  Caroline opened her mouth, shut it, and then tried again. “Is Von going with you?”

  “Who’s Von?” Josh asked.

  “Her twin brother.”

  Hope didn’t like being spoken about as if she weren’t here. “Von has to work. I’m going by myself.”

  “No, no, no.” Caroline shook her head. “That’s too much driving. You’ll be exhausted.”

  “I’m not going to fall apart if I’m a little tired.” She’d survived a bad marriage and the destruction of her career. Two days of driving would be easy. Besides she had no choice. She couldn’t say no to the couple who’d supported her. Tomorrow was the best day for them to hand off their damaged painting. “I’m spending tomorrow night in a motel.”

  Von had made the reservation when Hope wanted to drive there and back in one day. He still wasn’t happy she was going, but he understood why she needed to do this.

  “I don’t mean to interfere, but Caroline’s correct,” Josh said. “You’ll be more tired than you realize, especially working the wedding.”

  “Not only the wedding,” Caroline added. “Zoe will expect you to setup and clean afterward.”

  “There’s no need to tag team me. I know my schedule.” Hope tried to keep her frustration out of her voice. She wasn’t sure she succeeded. “And what I’m capable of doing.”

  Josh raised an eyebrow. “What if you’re wrong?”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Forget thinking the man sitting across the table from her was attractive. Josh Cooper was nothing but annoying.