Charleston Harbor Novels: Books 1 - 3

by Debbie White

  “I’ll just change, and we can eat something light, and I’ll be ready to help.”

  Annie moved toward him.

  Jack’s eyes met hers. “What are you doing?” he asked as she embraced him with her arms around his waist.

  “I’m not that exhausted.” She pulled his mouth down to meet hers.

  Chapter 5

  Friday night at the food truck event, proved to be successful with a decent amount of customers, more indicative of young professionals winding down after a busy week at the office, with a few different scenarios throw in, and totally manageable. But Saturday was a whole other ball game. The sun was out, the temperature perfect, and that brought droves of people to not just the cupcake truck, but all the food trucks. Every spare inch of the picnic table benches was taken by a body, and many more stood around holding their paper bowls and plates with various items such as lobster rolls, fried rice, and cupcakes.

  Annie did a quick survey of the trays. “We have about two dozen left. This is crazy!”

  Peter took a plastic serving glove from the box and put it on. He handed a cupcake to a young lady that had that starry-eyed look. Annie watched as she flirted with him; he was totally oblivious to her subtle come-on.

  By four o’clock they were sold out. Annie began to clean up inside the truck and wait for Jack. “Peter, help me put the flap down,” Annie said, taking the long pole and hooking it for ease to lower the door.

  “I’m going to park the truck in our lot,” Jack said, jumping in the driver’s seat.

  “I’ll follow you,” Annie said, touching his arm that rested on the outside of the door.

  Annie pulled in right behind Jack and barely had put the car in park when Peter jumped out. Annie lowered the window down. “Thanks for helping me today, Peter.”

  Peter took a step toward the window and leaned in. “Hey, no worries. Glad to help.”

  Annie watched as he jogged up to Jack. They laughed and then Jack playfully swatted Peter’s arm. Peter returned the jab, and it went on like that for a bit. Annie smiled. Jack was great around kids.

  Jack opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat. “I’m usually the driver, this feels odd.” He lowered his head onto the headrest, turning slightly and smiled. “But I could get used to it.” He pulled his head forward. “Hey, so Peter said you guys really had a lot of customers. That’s good, right?”

  Annie drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Yes, it is, but what a lot of work. I think we may have to come up with something different.”

  Jack brushed his hand across his chin. “What do you mean?”

  “I don’t know exactly, but I can’t have Mary, Grandmother, Auntie, and Betsy all baking cupcakes each week. Mary has another job, remember?”

  “Yes, I do, and tourism is about to get into full swing here, and she’ll be busy with Diane, soon.”

  “Yep, and I have to consider Betsy. She retired once before from the baking business. I know she helped at Sweet Indulgence, but she had a big kitchen to work in.”

  “This is just temporary. By the way, I heard back from the insurance company.”

  Annie widened her eyes in anticipation of Jack’s next words. “Okay … what did they say?”

  “They are going to issue a check by next week, so you can start rebuilding. They suggested you start getting bids. Man, I wish I wasn’t going to be so busy with the new house. I’d love to help you.”

  “I know,” she said, patting his hand. “But you do have your hands full. I’m sure I can find some talented construction workers in this town.”

  “I also have some other good news,” Jack said, a smile spreading across his face.

  Annie lifted her brows. “Do tell.”

  “The bookstore next door to the cupcakery—”

  “The one owned by old man Johnson?” Annie said, interrupting him.

  Jack tipped his head. “He fell down a flight of stairs at his home and broke his hip.”

  Annie gasped.

  “He’s going to be okay, but his family convinced him it was time to give up the store. They’ll be clearing out the place, and it will be up for lease soon. I ran into his daughter. She told me everything.”

  Annie cocked her head. “You know his daughter? You never told me that.”

  Jack nodded with half-closed lids.

  “Oh, I see. You KNEW his daughter. As in dated her?”

  “It was just once. We weren’t compatible at all. She smelled like musty old books,” Jack said laughingly.

  Annie laughed. “Well, that is good news, because I could expand the bakery!”

  “That’s what I thought. You might as well knock out some walls while you rebuild. You could make it a true café. I even thought you might consider expanding the menu.”

  Annie turned her body so her back was now up against the door. She placed her hands on her lap. “How do you mean?”

  “Well, you have Betsy Walker who is an excellent baker.”

  “Like wedding cakes?” Annie said, twisting her mouth.

  “Nah, I was thinking more along the lines of cookies. Cupcakes and cookies go together, right?”

  Annie studied his eyes. They pulled her right in, making it difficult to focus. “I like it. We could have fancy coffee, too—cappuccino’s, lattes, and hot chocolates.”

  Jack lifted his body and moved a few spaces to the left toward her. He reached out and took her hands in his. “I like the way you think.”

  “Oh, Jack, I have so many ideas swimming in my head right now. Do I want black and white tiles, chrome tables and chairs, or maybe a more country feel with wood floors and benches? I don’t know, the ideas are endless. And we’ll be pet-friendly, so how about we have homemade pet treats for sale, too?”

  Jack raised his brows. “Now, that’s the best idea so far.” He leaned in for a kiss, not quite close enough to meet her mouth. She played hard to get and then at the last moment he pulled her in and met her mouth.

  Chapter 6

  She’d just come back from an exhausting visit with her grandmother and auntie. All she could think about was putting her feet up and sharing a glass of wine with Jack. After she walked Buffy, that is.

  Annie shut the door, her eyes drifting to the couch where Jack sat. On the coffee table, where she’d envisioned propping her feet, sat some sort of diagram. As she crossed over to the area, she recognized them to be house plans.

  “Hi, dear,” she said, leaning over and kissing him on the forehead.

  Jack mumbled a greeting. He pushed back, resting his head on the back of the couch. “House plans,” he said, motioning with his chin.

  “I see that,” she said, dropping down next to him. “I was going to prop my tired feet right there,” she said laughingly. Buffy let out a bark and came running toward the couch, jumping right on her lap. “Hey, girl,” she said, nuzzling her neck.

  “I took her for her walk already,” Jack said, leaning forward again as he studied the plans.

  “Thank you! How’d you know I would be exhausted?”

  “You went to your grandmother’s.” He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tightly.

  “You’re the best. It was a very exhausting visit. Grandmother wanted to know how much longer until the bakery was rebuilt. Auntie wanted to know when we could get together for dinner again. It went on and on.”

  Jack knitted his brows together. “Did you tell them they just started on the remodeling?”

  “I did,” she said, slipping her shoes off and pulling her legs up on the couch. She carefully moved Buffy between them.

  Jack reached over and patted Buffy on the head. “These things take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

  Annie cocked her head. “Jack, they’re old.”

  “And inpatient. Let’s talk about our house. This is what I’ve been pondering for the last fifteen or twenty minutes.” He ran his finger along the square boxes. “This is our bedroom with an adjacent bathroom. Do you think the linen
closet should be here, or do you want me to move it over here?” He pointed his finger into another area.

  “I like it where you have it. It’s very convenient to get towels and stuff.”

  “Okay, it will be left as is, then. What’s for dinner?” he asked, grinning from ear to ear.

  “I don’t know. Where would you like to go?” she said, teasing him.

  “Oh, I get it. The honeymoon is over with. No cooking dinners for me.”

  “No, I'm just being silly. I know we have a box of cereal in the cabinet.” She winked and then leaned in and kissed him.

  “Not cereal again. Put your shoes back on, we’re going out.” He folded the plans at the creases and put them into the folder lying next to them.

  “We had an invite over at Grandmother’s, but I just couldn’t take any more interrogations.”

  Jack stood and reached over, pulling Buffy into his arms. “Let’s go to the taco place. We can take Buffy, too.”

  Annie licked the salt off of the rim then put the glass to her lips, taking in the taste of the lime drink. She licked her lips and sighed. “This—this is what I so needed tonight.”

  Jack peered over the plastic coated menu. “I can’t decide between the cheese enchilada dinner and the taco salad.” He laid the menu down and picked up his margarita.

  The server came up to the table to take their orders. Annie went first, since she’d already decided on the tamales. Jack ended up getting the enchilada dinner. Annie looked over Jack’s shoulder, only to see a familiar face. The person went out of their way to be recognized, waving their hands all over. “Oh, look, it’s Rebecca …” Her eyes traveled to the person sitting next to her. “And Michael!”

  “Michael who,” Jack said, twisting around. He raised his hand and waved then turned back around. “Oh, that Michael, I guess they’re an item now?”

  “This is sort of awkward.” Annie lowered her mouth to the straw and drew in some more of her drink.

  “Not really. She’s old enough to date,” Jack said, dipping a tortilla chip in the bowl of salsa.

  Annie pursed her mouth and tapped her fingers on the table.

  “You aren’t jealous are you?” Jack said, smiling.

  “Jealous! Who me?” She reached across the table and dipped a chip, dripping salsa as she brought it to her mouth. She crunched the chip and swallowed. “I’m married to you. Why would I be jealous?”

  “I wondered if you’d figure that part out.” Jack leaned back in his chair, brushing his hand across his chin.

  “Oh, Jack, I’m sorry. Of course, I’m not jealous. But it’s kind of weird that my employee is dating my old boyfriend.”

  “Things like this happen every day. It’s no biggie.”

  “I guess. Anyway, I’m happy for her, I really am. There aren’t too many people who work as hard as she does. She deserves happiness.”

  Between the slurping of margaritas and crunching of chips, Jack and Annie mostly ate in silence. Annie looked up just in time to see Rebecca and Michael moving their way.

  “Hey, Annie,” Rebecca said, touching her lightly on the shoulder.

  “Rebecca! Glad to see you out. I know days off for you are a rarity.”

  Rebecca gazed up at Michael. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

  “And of course, you, too, Michael. I’m sure you really appreciate when you can get away from the hospital.”

  Michael tipped his head. “It’s nice to see you guys, too. How was the honeymoon?”

  “Cut short,” Jack said, interjecting.

  “Oh, yeah, the fire, I’m so sorry about that. But Rebecca tells me you’re rebuilding and expanding.”

  “Yes, we’re going to expand into the old bookstore space. I hope I can keep Rebecca on. Her customer service is top-notch.”

  Michael smiled. “Well, hon, we should be going.” He made eye contact with Annie.

  Annie slouched a bit before answering. “Take care, guys.”

  Annie could feel the holes Jack bore into her.

  “What?”

  “You are pathetic. Why did you talk like you’d lost your best friend, or more like you just broke up with Michael yourself?”

  “Did I sound sad?”

  “Sad, mad, depressed, I don’t know, but it was clearly obvious. I hope Rebecca didn’t see that.”

  “Oh, geez, I really don’t know what got into me. I couldn’t care a less who he dates. If they are happy together, that’s all that matters.”

  “Right! So maybe the next time you see them together, you’ll convey that instead of the pathetic schoolgirl routine.” Jack took another bite of his dinner.

  A tear rolled down Annie’s face. “I’m sorry, Jack. I think I’ve been through quite a bit of stuff lately. I planned a wedding, went on a honeymoon, which was cut short to come back to a burned out business, and am now trying to rebuild, and not to mention, build a home.”

  Jack tightened his lips. He reached out and cupped her hands with his. “Apology accepted. I know you don’t really care about him. How could you, when you’re married to a guy like me?” He said, winking at her.

  Annie squeezed his hands and chuckled. “Not to mention, all the moves you have in the ahem … bedroom.”

  Chapter 7

  “Okay, close your eyes,” Jack said, helping her out of the boat.

  “Jack, I’m scared. I can’t see.”

  “I’m right here. Just take one step after another.”

  Annie held on to him tightly and did as he said. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that he’d taken her to the island to show her the progress.

  “Okay, just a little further,” Jack said, guiding her with his voice.

  “I’m so excited,” she said in a high-pitched voice.

  “Okay, open your eyes,” he said, right after they quickly came to a stop.

  Annie opened her eyes and stared straight ahead. She gasped. “Oh, wow, I had no idea you’d be this far along in the construction.” She ran closer toward the house.

  “Be careful! It’s a construction site, with nails and other debris,” he said, calling out to her as he tried to catch up.

  Annie climbed the steps and stepped into the framed area. She twirled around. “This is the front entrance, correct?”

  Jack led the way through the maze of lumber. He called out each room as they passed in between studs holding up the frame. “This is the master bedroom.”

  Annie ran into his arms and squeezed him tightly. “I love you, Jack. This is our house. This is our bedroom.”

  Jack reared his head back and laughed. “I know. It’s starting to look like a house.”

  Annie ran out of the room toward the back of the house. She looked up and around. “What room is this? I don’t recall this being in the house plans.”

  Jack came up behind her and cradled her waist in his arms. “A sunroom.”

  Annie spun around and faced him. “A sunroom?” She leaned in and kissed him.

  “I figured the house with a big front porch to see the gorgeous water views also needed a sunroom to look out at the beautiful back parcel and the gorgeous greenery and landscaping we have. Not to mention the marsh area.”

  “We’ll see all kinds of wildlife,” Annie said, her eyes twinkling.

  “The crew is estimating the house should be done by Labor Day.”

  “That’s awesome. The construction crew at the bakery told me today they should be done by the Fourth of July.”

  “That’s fabulous.” Jack pulled her in close. “I love you, Mrs. Powell.” He leaned in and found her warm mouth, tracing her lips with his tongue, urging her to respond. She let out a small groan. She pushed against his strong frame, kissing him with all the passion she could muster, enjoying the sweet depths of his mouth. His hands began to roam her body, which almost brought her to her knees, pulling him down with her. She stopped the kiss and stepped back, smoothing down her hair and clothes.

  “Wow, that was some
kiss.”

  Jack stepped toward her, taking her hands into his. “You know I love you so much. You drive me wild with passion.”

  “I’m having a hard time right now not taking you right here and now … in the sunroom,” she said, her breathing clearly labored.

  “I won’t complain if you do,” he said, pulling her close.

  Annie held on to Jack’s strong arms as he tried to steer the boat into the designated slip at the dock. “Honey, I’m trying to park the boat,” he said, stealing a quick kiss.

  A throaty sound came out of her mouth. “I know, baby, but I love you,” she said, pulling him toward her.

  Jack lifted her chin with his finger. “Baby, stop. I know you’re hungry for me, but let’s wait until I get you home.”

  “Hurry up. That little taste of you out at Sweet Magnolia is driving me wild. I want more.”

  Jack’s eyes widened. “I’m hurrying.” He jumped out of the boat, tied her up, and then pulled Annie out of the boat. They practically ran to the car, and he broke every speed limit getting home. They barely got into the house when she began to strip and helped him take his clothes off. He led the way, his stride long with her in tow. They fell onto their bed, wrapped in limbs, kissing and holding on for dear life. His open mouth came down on hers, and she happily took possession of his hungry mouth. She’d prove to him how much she loved him. Jealous of Michael Carlisle? No way.

  Satisfied, but exhausted, the two pulled the sheets up to just under their chins, their heads slightly propped against the headboard. Annie dared not look his way. She’d been a wild animal in bed. She felt him move toward her.

  “Okay, that was utterly intense. I have one thing to ask you,” Jack said, whispering in her ear.

  Annie rolled her head sideways, focusing on his deep and longing look. “What’s that?” she said, fighting to keep her voice steady.

  “That we never lose this chemistry. I want us getting our groove on, even when we’re seventy years old.” He pulled up and kissed her on the cheek.