Second Chance on Cypress Lane--Includes a Bonus Novella

by Reese Ryan

  Go away, Angela. No one has time for your mean-girl, high school bullshit here.

  Their mothers had been close friends, but by high school, the relationship between Dakota and Angela had already been a tense one. When Angela had become head cheerleader, she’d seemed to believe that earned her the right to date him—the starting quarterback of the football team. When he and Dakota had started dating, Angela seemed to consider the action as an open declaration of war. She’d been horrible to Dakota every chance she got.

  Talk about someone who has trouble letting go of the past.

  Dexter opened his mouth to tell Angela to grow up and drop the mean-girl act, but Dakota subtly shook her head. She turned to face her high school nemesis.

  “Angela,” Dakota said flatly. “I see you’re still right here where I left you.”

  Dakota was prepared for the fight. Good for her. Angela was like a shark. The woman could sense fear and she could smell blood in the water at nearly six hundred yards.

  “And I see you’re right back where you started.” Angela glared at Dakota, her arms folded across her chest. Suddenly she broke out in a loud, hyena-worthy laugh and waved a manicured hand. “I’m just teasing you, girl. Had to get a shot in for old times sake.” She gave Dakota a Hollywood air kiss. “Great to see you.”

  Dakota seemed unsure how to react, but graciously accepted the gesture. Still, her response was measured and the smile she returned was tepid, at best. “You, too, Angela.”

  Angela grinned. “Well, looka here. Girl, you ain’t been back in town but five minutes and you two are right back at it.”

  Dakota’s eyes widened. “No, this is not…that. I’m here with Sinclair Buchanan and he was already here with Nick.”

  “I don’t see Sin or Nick.” Angela crossed her arms. Her gaze of disbelief shifted between Dakota and Dex.

  Dakota looked to him, as if pleading for help.

  “It’s true, Angela. Sin and Dakota arrived a few minutes ago. I was already here.” His eyes met Dakota’s, lingering there. “Crossing paths tonight was a pleasant surprise.”

  Dakota shifted on her stool beneath his gaze, before turning her attention back to Angela. “See?”

  “Oh, I see, all right.” Angela cocked one hip and frowned. “Dakota happens to show up here on the night when—”

  “Angela! Well, land sakes. I ain’t seen you in a month of Sundays, girl.” Sinclair wrapped an arm around the tiny sprite’s shoulder and steered her away from them. “Been meaning to ask if you’re finally ready to move out of your mama’s house and buy a place of your own. I just put a gorgeous condo on the market that’s got your name written all over it.” Their conversation faded as they slipped into the crowd.

  Dakota was visibly relieved by Angela’s departure. She released a breath, turned back to the bar, and took a deep gulp of her drink. “Not much has changed around here,” she muttered.

  “You’re not going to judge the entire town by Angela Gilson, are you?” Dex smiled. “Where’s that objective reporter?”

  “Guess that isn’t fair of me.” She met his gaze. “If I’m being honest, things have changed a lot, even since my last visit home when…” Her voice trailed off, and she looked away momentarily. “Take this place, for instance. I can’t believe how different it looks now. Sin said Drew and Lydia bought the place.”

  “They did. Lydia and the kids are here during the off season. Drew prefers Cali. He bought his parents and sister a place out there. Only Lydia’s family is still on the island.”

  She nodded but seemed lost in her own thoughts. He wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her. Tell her again how sorry he was about her mother. That wasn’t an option, so he did his best to distract her instead.

  “There’s been new development all along this road”—he gestured in the general direction of it—“since we started building the resort. Other places, like this one, have changed ownership or been updated. You came back home at an exciting time in the town’s history.” He mentally chastised himself for sounding like a convention bureau brochure.

  Her polite smile betrayed waning interest. She scanned the room. “Have you seen Sin?”

  Didn’t think it would be easy to win Dakota over, did you?

  “She’s over there.” Dex tipped his chin in the direction of the bandstand, where Sin was talking to a few of the musicians who were setting up. “I’ll walk you over.”

  “Thanks, but that isn’t necessary. It was kind of you to keep me company, but your wingman already has you set up with a sure thing.” She nodded toward where Nick was flirting with the blonde and her friend.

  Was that a hint of jealousy in her voice?

  “I’d much rather stay here and talk to you, Dakota. I think you know that.”

  There was a flash of hurt and perhaps anger in her dark eyes. But why?

  He’d admitted that he preferred her company to the woman across the room staring at him like she was dying of thirst and he was the last watering hole for miles.

  Dakota’s mouth twisted in a controlled scowl, and he could almost see the memory of that day—the day he’d told her they should see other people—scrolling across her face. “Nice of you to choose me this time.”

  The sarcastic reply was sharp and cut deep, like jagged glass ripping at his skin. Dexter swallowed back an apology. He’d apologized to Dakota more than once. He doubted she wanted to hear another. What she needed was to work out the resentment she felt toward him. If launching a well-placed barb at him would help her get over the anger she still held on to, he’d gladly endure the hit.

  “I’d better mingle, or Angela will have everyone convinced I’m being snooty. Besides, best not to fuel the rumors she’s sure to start about us.” She grabbed her drink and took one last glance at the brunette before turning to him with a half-hearted smile. “Have fun, boss.”

  Dexter groaned quietly as she sashayed away in the fitted dress. Sex was off the table, but he missed Dakota, and he’d rather have her in his life as a friend than not at all.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Dakota pushed her way through the crowd. Most of what was left of her drink sloshed onto her dress and splattered on her expensive shoes, remnants of her former, glamorous life. She gulped down the remainder and set the empty glass on a nearby tray. Then she headed toward the ladies’ room and stood in front of the mirror, sifting her fingers through her hair.

  She was going to strangle Sinclair. First she made her get all dressed up and dragged her out on a Friday night when she would rather be on the couch splitting a bag of microwave popcorn and watching home improvement shows. Then she dished her off on Dexter Roberts, of all people, and disappeared.

  Maybe it was a mistake to return to the island. Dakota heaved a sigh. No, coming home was the right thing to do.

  She needed to be here to keep tabs on her father’s health. She’d already lost her mother far too soon. Dakota couldn’t bear the thought of losing her father, too.

  Her relationship with her sister had grown distant since Shay had gotten married. Without her father, she’d be completely alone in the world—a devastating prospect.

  A chill ran down her spine and her arms prickled with goose bumps at the thought of something happening to her father.

  She would stay long enough to make sure her father’s health was on track. But staying on Holly Grove Island a moment longer than she needed to…that would be a mistake.

  Honestly, the place might as well be called Dexter Roberts Island, because the man was everywhere she went, looking finer than ever and saying and doing all the right things. Making her want him, when that was the very last thing she should want.

  Dakota turned sideways and checked herself out in profile in the black-and-white dress.

  If she had to run into Dex twice in one day, she could at least take comfort in the fact that both times she’d looked good. She was glad she’d taken Sin’s advice to dress up.

  Judging by the way Dexter’s eyes
drank her in as she approached him at the bar and when he’d seen her at the office earlier that day, he’d certainly liked what he’d seen.

  Good.

  He’d probably end up going home with the brunette, but maybe she’d at least given him a moment’s regret. She didn’t care if it made her petty or immature. She wanted Dex to regret the day he’d broken her heart. To wonder if he’d made the right choice.

  “There you are.” Sinclair entered the restroom. “Everything all right?”

  “Now you show up, after you abandoned me with Dexter. Did you know he’d be here?”

  “I saved you from Angela, didn’t I?” Sin batted her hazel eyes and avoided answering the question. “Besides, it looked like you two were gettin’ on fine. What happened?”

  “I was being polite, and so was he.” It wasn’t a lie. She was being polite. But for a moment she’d also been reminded of how much she’d once enjoyed Dexter’s company. Once she’d gotten him to open up to her, they’d been able to talk about everything from movies and music to sports. Or whatever new topic he was obsessive about at the time. The only subject Dexter hadn’t discussed much was his relationship with his father. “In fact, he’s probably wrapped around that leggy brunette in the killer red dress by now.”

  Sin leaned closer and folded her arms. Her eyes danced with amusement. “You aren’t jealous, are you, darlin’? Because I distinctly remember you telling me—”

  “Oh, shut up.” Dakota smacked Sin’s arm and sighed. “You don’t get to use my words against me. Ever. That’s best friend rule number five or something.”

  “Guess I need to dust off the old handbook and refresh my memory.” Sin grinned. “Anyway, the show starts soon, and it’s always amazing. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it. I snagged us a table near the stage, but my friend isn’t going to hold it forever. So do whatever you gotta do and let’s get back out there.”

  “Fine.” Dakota pouted and stomped off toward a stall.

  She’d seen Dex not once but twice today. They’d even managed to have a decent conversation like two perfectly mature adults. She could certainly survive the rest of the night.

  They settled at their table near the bandstand and ordered another round of drinks and some appetizers. A woman strode toward the stage in a pair of pin-striped, black dress slacks, a white button-down shirt, and a loose tie.

  Dakota peered at the woman for a minute, trying to place her face. Suddenly, she turned to Sin. “Oh my gosh, is that Dexter’s little sister?”

  “She ain’t so little anymore.” Sin grinned.

  “My God, she’s grown into such a beautiful young woman.” Dakota choked up a little. Her eyes stung with emotion. Emerie had always been so sweet. She’d been like a little sister to Dakota. Dex would sometimes let her tag along when they went for ice cream or to the beach.

  “She’s as much a tomboy now as ever,” Sin lamented.

  “What does it matter as long as she’s happy?” Dakota gave Sin her evil eye. “Besides, I love her look. My dad said she and Nick are still best friends.”

  Nick and Emerie had met when she and Dexter had taken Em to some kid movie and she’d decided to bring Nick along. The two of them hit it off and they’d been friends ever since.

  “I’m just saying, the girl is classically beautiful. Model gorgeous. I would kill to have her cheekbones and that figure,” Sin groused.

  “And she and Nick are definitely just friends?” Dakota glanced over at him laughing with another group of women. Nick Washington was definitely still a charmer.

  “I swear, sometimes I think the two of ’em were dropped on their heads or something. It’s obvious there’s sexual tension there. She’s always touching him. And you should see how he roughhouses with her when we’re at the beach. You’d have to be blind not to see what’s up with the two of them.”

  “If it were obvious to Nick and Em, they’d probably have done something about it by now.” Dakota ignored her friend’s incredulous eye roll and concentrated instead on Em, who was welcoming the crowd and announcing that it was time to start the evening’s jam session.

  “Of course you’d say that. You can’t even see that you’re still in love with Dexter,” Sin whispered loudly, pinning Dakota with a pointed look that dared her to object.

  Better to ignore the dig.

  The server arrived, delivering their food and another round of drinks, and Dakota was grateful for the distraction of food. Anything to get Sin off the topic of her and Dexter and her complicated feelings for the man who was now her boss as well as her ex.

  Dakota picked up one of the crispy, buttermilk-fried green tomatoes, dipped it in the tangy sauce, and took a bite. Not acknowledging her friend’s earlier comment, she returned her attention to the stage, where Em was introducing the musicians.

  “Tonight we have a collective of truly amazing local musicians. On the drums, my best friend, the incredible Nicholas Washington. On the piano, the superbly talented Quinton Carson. The intrepid Jay Montgomery on the bass. On tenor saxophone, we have the remarkable Rich Vargas. Then last, but not least, on alto sax, my big brother, the brilliant Dexter Roberts. Fellas, take it away.”

  Dakota sat there blinking, mouth open, unable to speak. Dexter had stripped off his suit jacket and stood onstage with a black and gold saxophone strapped across his body. One corner of his sensuous mouth curved in a half smile when his dark eyes met hers—widening with surprise. Then he put the mouthpiece to his lips and blew.

  The sound Dex elicited from the instrument was soulful and sensual. As unique and expressive as the human voice. Something about the piece they were playing spoke to her.

  Dexter’s eyes were closed during much of the song. When they weren’t, they always managed to meet hers. As if he were somehow speaking directly to her. Finally, she recognized the song they were playing. “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” by Mint Condition. A song he knew to be one of her favorites. The lyrics about a woman who outwardly rejects a man she secretly harbors deep feelings for couldn’t be more apropos of their current situation.

  When he met her gaze again, she’d never felt more vulnerable. Like Dexter could see inside her head. Like he was privy to all of the conflicting emotions weighing on her chest and making it hard to breathe.

  Was he playing the song for her?

  Dakota swallowed hard, her pulse thumping. It all felt so surreal. Dexter Roberts was a jazz musician—an incredibly good one. What else didn’t she know about him?

  Dakota realized Sin was staring at her, amused by her stunned reaction.

  “Dexter’s not bad, huh?” Sin grinned.

  “Not bad? He’s incredible. They all are,” she added quickly, ignoring Sin’s smirk.

  She’d known that Dexter’s father had played the sax and his mother played the piano. Dex had told her that his parents had required him and his younger siblings to take music lessons from their parents as kids. But she’d had no clue that Dexter had this level of talent.

  She’d never heard him play an instrument, despite asking him to play for her. He’d always downplayed his abilities and said she wasn’t missing anything. Clearly that wasn’t true.

  “Has he always been this good?” She could barely take her eyes off Dexter. There was something incredibly sexy about the way he handled the instrument and the confidence with which he played.

  “Don’t know.” Sin shrugged. “I first heard him play a few years ago, when Nick talked Dex and the guys into playing here once a month. I honestly couldn’t believe my ears. You know I’m a country music girl all the way. But what that man can do with that instrument is amazing. Look at the thing…It’s downright sexy. And so is he.” Sin looked around. “Apparently, we aren’t the only ones who think so.” She nodded toward the blonde Nick had been flirting with and her brunette friend, who only had eyes for Dexter.

  Dakota was really starting to hate that woman.

  She cursed under her breath, hoping Sin hadn’t noticed her givin
g the woman her death stare. Because she was being absolutely ridiculous.

  Why should she care if the woman was interested in Dexter?

  Dakota had no claim on Dexter’s affections. Nor did she want any. So why was she gritting her teeth and clenching her fists on her lap beneath the table?

  Jealousy, plain and simple.

  She no longer had any claim to Dexter, but deep down, a part of her hadn’t come to terms with that.

  Sinclair swiped one of the fried green tomatoes from the plate, her mouth curled in a self-satisfied grin.

  “This is why you brought me here, isn’t it? Did you think I’d fall into Dexter’s arms because the man can play the sax?”

  “I brought you here because Friday Night Jam Sessions are the premier event on the island. People come from all over the Outer Banks for it. Besides, you’ve been stressed since you’ve returned home. I’m not prying,” Sin added quickly, in response to Dakota’s involuntary frown, which accompanied the quickening of her pulse, her heart beating a mile a minute. “I promised that I wouldn’t push you, and I meant it. We can talk about whatever is bothering you whenever you’re ready.”

  The fight-or-flight response that had kicked in when her friend alluded to the troubles that had brought Dakota back home simmered down. But her heart was still in her throat, and she could barely speak. She nodded her thanks to her friend, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a sip of her second drink of the night.

  When she’d first arrived on the island, she’d spent every waking hour stressed, in expectation that someone—everyone—would learn the truth. That she’d been stupidly naive and had come crashing back down to earth from the pedestal her mother had put her on when she’d bragged about her daughter the reporter. But as the weeks elapsed, she’d grown more comfortable. Settled into life on Holly Grove Island. Worried less about the day when she’d eventually have to at least tell her father and Sin the ugly truth.

  Earlier that day, she’d been compelled to admit the truth to Nick. And as terrifying as it had been, it had also been the tiniest bit freeing. Nick had been supportive, he hadn’t judged her, and he’d promised to keep her secret. Somehow, that had made the burden she’d been carrying feel the slightest bit lighter. But Sin’s allusion to it now—even though her friend didn’t know exactly what it was—had sent her into full panic mode again. If only for a moment.