Before Today

by Leeanna Morgan

  “Sapphire Bay is a great place to live,” Sam said as she handed Levi a cup of coffee. “A lot of tourists come here and decide to stay. Take Brooke for instance. If she hadn’t run out of gas, she wouldn’t be here.”

  Levi’s eyebrows rose. “I wondered how she’d found Sapphire Bay.”

  “Megan and I are the same,” Sam continued. “We didn’t grow up here, but we love it. You should think about staying. From what you’ve said, you could start your own construction company. It would be a lot easier than paying for companies to travel here from Polson.”

  Brooke grabbed a plate out of the cupboard. “Levi has other work waiting for him.”

  Levi shrugged. “Nothing that’s set in concrete. I like the idea of owning my own business. When I lived in Texas, I ran three construction teams. It was hard work, but it gave me a lot of satisfaction.” As he reached for a cookie, his arm brushed against Brooke’s shoulder. “It’s definitely worth considering.”

  She ignored her pounding heart. Levi should have been born an Irishman. He could charm the whiskers off a cat with a few well-chosen words and an innocent smile.

  She studied his freshly shaven face and deep blue eyes. He was teasing them; only Megan and Sam didn’t realize it. “I hate to ask an obvious question, but why are you standing in my kitchen?”

  Levi handed her a cookie. “Eat this. It might make you feel better.” He bit into his cookie and smiled. “I’ve finished most of the work around Zac’s house. I thought I’d come into town and look at your attic.”

  “But I haven’t decided whether I want you to—”

  Megan gave a huff of exasperation. “Oh, for heaven’s sake. It wouldn’t hurt to let Levi see how much work is involved. You never know, he might have some ideas that could save you money.”

  “I agree,” Sam said quickly. “We’ll stay here and drink coffee while you go with Levi.”

  Sam’s sweet smile didn’t fool Brooke. She knew exactly what her friends were up to, and it wasn’t good.

  Chapter 5

  “I like Megan and Sam.” Levi grinned when Brooke’s shoulders stiffened. He knew her friends had overcompensated for his unexpected arrival, but they’d only been trying to help her make the right decision.

  Brooke stopped climbing the attic stairs. “It seems as though Megan and Sam like you, too. You didn’t pay them to gang up on me, did you?”

  For the first time since he’d arrived in Sapphire Bay, Levi laughed. Only it wasn’t the dry chuckle people usually heard, but a deep belly laugh that made his eyes water. “You haven’t changed one bit. Of course I didn’t pay them. Your friends, unlike you, can see the benefit in my offer.”

  “But there are no benefits for you. All you’ll get are blisters and sore muscles.”

  “Only if I’m not careful. And this time around, I plan on being extremely careful.” For two years, he’d wondered what would have happened if Brooke hadn’t left Phoenix. Now, after feeling an even stronger pull of attraction, he was ready to see if spending more time with her was a good thing or not.

  Brook frowned. “Being careful is a good idea. I don’t know if the attic is structurally sound.”

  “Did your builder say there were load-bearing or framing issues?”

  “He was almost positive everything is okay. But the attic doesn’t look great.”

  Levi breathed a sigh of relief. “As long as we can safely walk on the floor, I’m happy.”

  “Just watch where you step.” Brooke waited for him at the top of the stairs. “As well as leading to the attic, this is the most direct access to the roof. Frank has already checked the brick exterior of the building. Apart from some mortar that needs replacing, the cladding is in good condition.”

  “At least that’s one less thing you have to fix.” Levi squinted through the gloom. “I take it you don’t use this space very often?”

  “I’ve been up here more in the last month than I have since I bought the building. I originally thought the attic would make a great office or a huge master suite. But I’ve been so busy working that I haven’t had a chance to do anything about it.”

  It would take more than Brooke’s imagination to create either of her options. Although the room was large and had the possibility of incredible views, the water damage from the leaking roof was extreme.

  “Did Frank check for black mold?”

  “He couldn’t find any.”

  Levi used an abandoned broom handle to poke the ceiling. Large flakes of plaster fell like confetti around them. “The roof must have been leaking for years. You’re lucky it’s lasted this long.”

  Brooke sighed. “That’s what Frank said.”

  Buying a building like this could turn into an owner’s worst nightmare. He just hoped Brooke knew what she was doing when she signed the sale and purchase agreement. “All the wall linings need to be removed and some of the floorboards replaced.”

  Brooke pointed to the far side of the room. “It’s worse over there.”

  Levi carefully walked across the room and studied the rotten joists. “Did Frank ask a structural engineer to take a look?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  Levi wouldn’t touch anything without asking an engineer to check the building. Brooke wouldn’t want any surprises and neither would the bank.

  “If you want to look at the roof, the hatch is over here.” Brooke opened a ladder that was leaning against the wall.

  He held his breath as she climbed the rickety frame. Whether she accepted his help or not, he was buying her a new ladder.

  A few seconds after her body disappeared through the hatch, her head reappeared. “If you thought my apartment had spectacular views, it’s even better from up here.”

  Levi hoped so. There had to be another reason she’d bought this building. He stepped onto the roof and held his hand above his eyes. “Holy cow.”

  “It’s awesome, isn’t it?”

  If he had to imagine what heaven looked like, this view would come close. Flathead Lake spread before them like a polished jewel. Blue-green water sparkled under the mid-morning sunshine, gently lapping to the shore, sending ripples of light along the deep gray and brown rocks.

  From Brooke’s roof, you could see boats bobbing against the pier, fisherman sorting through their morning catch, and more people than usual sitting at the picnic tables along the shore.

  Life, love, and community was draped across the landscape like a well-loved quilt, held together with the colors of the season, and an unbreakable thread of hope.

  When he’d first seen Flathead Lake, a sense of wonder had left Levi spellbound. That same sense of wonder overtook him again, leaving him speechless.

  Brooke tiptoed across the roof. “You have to be careful. Even though it’s flat, Frank wouldn’t let me out here.”

  Suddenly, the view wasn’t quite so riveting. “Then why are you walking on the roof now?”

  “Because Frank isn’t here.”

  Her impish grin didn’t make Levi feel any better. “Let’s go back into the attic. I’ve seen enough.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.”

  Brooke looked at him strangely, before climbing down the ladder. “You aren’t afraid of heights, are you?”

  “Heights?”

  Brooke stepped off the ladder. “You didn’t seem all that comfortable on the roof. I know it’s leaking, but it won’t collapse. Well, not yet, anyway.”

  Levi didn’t want to tell her he was worried she’d hurt herself. “I don’t have a problem with heights.”

  “That’s good. The attic is still three stories high. I wouldn’t want you getting dizzy when you look through the windows.”

  He studied the tall, arched windows and knew that wouldn’t be a problem. They were covered in so much dirt, dust, and cobwebs that you couldn’t see anything through them.

  As if reading his mind, Brooke walked across the room and wiped a pane of glass with the sleeve of her sweatshirt. “I wo
nder if the previous owners used the attic for anything other than storage.”

  Judging from the rows of shelves on the walls, Levi doubted it. “Why are there orange circles on the floor?”

  “Frank used orange chalk to mark the areas that were worse than the others. See…” Stepping away from the window, she waved her arm toward a bright orange circle. “That means stay away. It’s a danger zone.”

  Levi’s eyes narrowed. “What about the faded orange circles?”

  “They probably washed off after the last storm.” Brooke peered at the floor. “Oops.”

  In Levi’s world, there was no room for ‘oops’. You were either alive or in trouble. And Brooke, for all her confidence, was in trouble.

  As he ran across the room, the wood under Brooke’s feet made a crackling, splintering sound. Her arms shot out and panic widened her eyes.

  Without thinking, he took two giant steps and threw himself at her. If the momentum of his body didn’t shove her out of harm’s way, they’d both fall through the floor.

  Pain shot across his shoulders as the full force of their weight struck the wood.

  Brooke groaned as they lay in a tangled mess of arms and legs.

  He rolled to one side, suddenly feeling like an old man. “Are you all right?”

  “I don’t know.” Slowly, she sat upright, cradling her arm. “You’ve been watching too many Mission Impossible movies.”

  “Tom Cruise wouldn’t feel this beaten up.” Levi rubbed his shoulder. “You’re heavier than you look.”

  Brooke’s mouth dropped open. “I was about to say thank you, but I’ve changed my mind.” She stumbled to her feet, grimacing as she pulled back her shoulders. “I’m going to the kitchen. When you’ve finished up here, I’m sure Megan and Sam will make you another cup of coffee and give you an ice pack.”

  And with a final, departing sniff, she hobbled toward the attic stairs.

  Levi had really outdone himself this time. Not only would they both be black and blue, but he’d managed to insult Brooke in the worst possible way.

  He rolled to his feet and tried to think of a suitable apology. But all he could see was the fire in Brooke’s eyes as she’d let him know he was an idiot.

  And that fire, without a doubt, was the reason he wanted to stay in Sapphire Bay.

  While Levi was upstairs, Brooke thought she’d get more candy wrapped. But as soon as she walked into the kitchen, Megan handed her the phone.

  “Call your parents.”

  “I can’t. Mom and Dad were disappointed when I told them I was making candy. There’s no way they’ll help me.”

  “Have you told them how successful you are?”

  Brooke leaned her elbows on the kitchen counter. “I’m paying my bills and managing to save a little money. That’s not the kind of income most people would call successful.”

  “It is when your business is so new.”

  She looked at the phone. “My parents think my career as a confectioner is some kind of early mid-life crisis.”

  “But you’re doing something you love, and you’re good at it.”

  “They don’t see it that way. I spent four years at college and now I’m making candy. That isn’t much of a return on their investment.”

  Megan crossed her arms in front of her chest. “You’re not an investment, you’re their daughter. When was the last time you spoke to them?”

  Brooke counted back through the months. The last time she’d spoken to her parents was on New Year’s Day. “A few months ago.”

  “And how was that conversation?”

  “It was okay. I didn’t tell them about buying this building.”

  Megan pointed to the phone. “I think you should tell them now. If you’re serious about getting the roof and attic fixed before winter, you’re going to need their help. And Levi’s.”

  Thinking about the man stomping around in her attic made Brooke feel light-headed. Landing in his arms had reminded her of how much she’d missed him. It was just as well he’d spoiled the moment by commenting on her weight. Otherwise, she could have done something really stupid—like kiss him.

  “I’ll call Mom and Dad tonight, after we’ve finished making the candy.”

  “Promise?”

  Brooke nodded. “I promise. But if they decide to visit me, they can stay with you. I’m not sure our relationship would survive living under the same roof. Where’s Sam?”

  “Kathleen and Daniella needed help in the store. She’ll be back soon.”

  Heavy footsteps stomped into the kitchen. “You’re lucky you still have a roof,” Levi said. “Frank wasn’t kidding when he said you’ve got problems.”

  Megan sent Levi a beaming smile. “We’re lucky you’re here, then. If anyone can help Brooke, it’s you.”

  The drawn look on Levi’s face didn’t bode well for a happy ending to Brooke’s roofing issue. “It’s okay if you don’t want to be involved,” she said quickly. “I’ll find another option.”

  Levi’s eyebrows rose. “Are you telling me you want my help?”

  “Yes, she is,” Megan replied. “Whether Brooke wants to admit it or not, she needs you. I think it’s very generous of you to stay in Sapphire Bay to repair her attic.” The look Megan sent Brooke could have sliced an iron bar in half.

  “You’re right,” Brooke stammered. “I’m still searching for a way to pay you but, in the meantime, I’d like to accept your offer.”

  “Hallelujah,” Megan muttered. “That’s the most sensible thing you’ve said all day.”

  Sam burst through the kitchen doors. “A bus load of tourists has arrived and they’re buying everything in sight. We might need to use some of the candy we made this morning.”

  Megan pulled on a pair of gloves and followed Sam into the store.

  “I’ll be there soon,” Brooke told them. She grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer and handed it to Levi. “I’m sorry for overreacting. I hope I didn’t hurt you too much.”

  He placed the cold pack on his shoulder and frowned. “You didn’t hurt me. I landed awkwardly on the floor, that’s all. And for the record, you’re perfect the way you are.”

  Brooke’s eyes connected with Levi’s and nothing else mattered. From the first time she’d seen him in the store, she’d done everything she could to ignore the attraction between them. She’d thought it would go away, that Levi would leave, and her life would return to normal.

  But Levi wanted to stay. Even after everything that had happened in Phoenix, he wanted to help her. And that made him a special kind of person.

  He lifted his hand to the side of her face. “I’ve never stopped thinking about you. I care about you, and I care about what you’re doing in Sapphire Bay.”

  As he brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, Brooke leaned into the palm of his hand. “I don’t know what’s happening between us, but—”

  The kitchen doors swung open. Sam rushed toward the storage shelves. “We need at least fifteen bars of Russian fudge and a dozen packets of the pretty rock candy we made.”

  Levi’s hand dropped from Brooke’s face.

  Sam pulled a container off a shelf. “And if any Easter eggs are ready to sell, I’ll take them into the store. We can’t keep up with what everyone wants.”

  Brooke slid a box of chocolate eggs onto the counter. “I could be a while,” she said to Levi. “Do you want to talk later?”

  He stepped forward and gently kissed her cheek. “I’ll call you tomorrow. I have to drive to Kalispell to collect a painting that Zac ordered. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”

  “Okay. Drive safely.”

  “I will. Bye, Sam.”

  “Bye.” After Levi left, Sam looked at Brooke. “I interrupted something, didn’t I?”

  Brooke picked up the Easter eggs. “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It always matters when a man is about to kiss you. And I’m not talking about the quick peck on your cheek.” Sam looked at the kitchen doors. “Kathleen an
d Megan are waiting but, if I were you, I wouldn’t let Levi out of my sight. He’s a keeper.”

  If Brooke hadn’t been feeling so out of her depth, she would have agreed with Sam. But Levi wasn’t going to stay in Sapphire Bay forever. The last thing she wanted to do was fall in love with him all over again, then have to say goodbye.

  She’d done that once before; only she’d been the one who’d walked away.

  Brooke had been staring at her cell phone for so long that it was beginning to look blurry. It had never taken her this long to dial her parents’ number, but tonight was different. She hated asking them for help, hated giving them another reason to think she was a failure.

  Just dial the number, she muttered. What’s the worst that could happen? Her parents would tell her she’d made a mistake. That anyone in their right mind would know you couldn’t make a decent living from owning a candy store. Especially if the store was in a building that was nearly one hundred years old.

  It wouldn’t matter that Brooke had gone into the confectionery business with her eyes wide open. She’d written a comprehensive business plan, spent a lot of time visiting other confectioners, working out how she could give Sweet Treats the best opportunity of being successful. If her parents decided this was just another example of their daughter being irresponsible, they wouldn’t help her.

  She glanced at her watch. It was nine o’clock. If she didn’t talk to them soon, it would be too late.

  With a trembling hand, she called their number. It didn’t take long for someone to answer.

  “Brooke? It’s great to hear from you.”

  Karl Johnson’s voice bounced down the phone, all the way from Phoenix, Arizona. “Hi, Dad. I thought it was time I spoke to you. How was your vacation?”

  “It was better than I thought. Your mom has wanted to go to Singapore for a long time. I was worried it wouldn’t live up to her expectations, but it was better.”

  “That’s great. Was the house okay when you got back?”

  “It was fine. Our neighbor kept a close eye on everything and watered our plants. How’s Sapphire Bay?”