by Reese Ryan
“We’ve been getting along well enough since she returned to the island.” He shrugged as if it were no big deal. “And yes, working together has helped.”
“So, are you two a couple now, or what?” Em burst into a fit of giggles when he gave her his that’s enough look. “It’s a fair question,” she said. “You can tell me. I won’t say anything.”
“Except to your best friend, Nick, who would probably mention it to his mother, who would then tell Dakota’s father—who lives next door.” Dex pulled a rag from his back pocket and cleaned up Em’s engine. “Do you see where I’m going with this?”
“What I got out of that little story is that you’ll neither confirm nor deny couplehood. In my book, that’s a yes every day of the week.” Em folded her arms, looking smug.
“Em.” Dex lowered his voice. “I’m Dakota’s superior. Us dating…it wouldn’t be a good look. Especially when I’m essentially on probation for this position.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. That sucks.” Em frowned. “But it just means that the two of you have to be discreet about your relationship for now.”
“There is no…” Dex released a slow breath and lowered his voice again. “There is no relationship,” he said. “Even if I was interested in one, hypothetically speaking, Dakota isn’t, and she plans to leave the island as soon as Oliver is one hundred percent.”
“So this is basically a vacation fling, then?” Em folded one arm across her body as she gripped her chin. “Problematic. Not because I have a problem with hookups overall—”
“For the record, not something I needed to know.” Dex gave Em a pointed look.
“Like I was saying,” she continued, unbothered. “It’s not the principle of the matter that worries me. It’s that…well, does she know?” Em asked.
“Does she know what?”
“Does Dakota know that you’re still in love with her?”
Heat swarmed over Dexter’s face, and it felt like he’d been punched in the gut. He stuck his head under the hood of Em’s car again and checked the windshield wiper fluid level. “That’s enough of playing nosy kid sister, Em. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can.” His sister sighed. “You’re a good guy, Dex. And I’m not saying that because you’re my big brother. You’re always looking out for everyone else. Digging the rest of us out of jams. Fixing things for us. Maybe it’s time someone started looking out for you.”
“That’s sweet, Em. It means a lot, but I’m fine.” Dex topped off the windshield wiper fluid, his back to his sister.
He really did appreciate the sentiment. If it were up to him, he’d shout to the rooftops that he was in love with Dakota. Take her out every chance he got. Go to sleep with her each night and wake up beside her each morning. But it wasn’t that simple. And the way things stood right now, the more people who knew about them, the more chance that word would get back to the wrong people. It could spell trouble for both of them.
“You should tell her, Dex. We don’t get many second chances in life. Not for things that really count. Don’t let Dakota walk away without telling her how you really feel. You’ll never forgive yourself if you do.”
Dexter sighed quietly and clenched his teeth. When had his little sister gotten so damn wise? She was dropping the kind of knowledge he’d expect from his mother. More importantly, Emerie was right about him regretting it if he didn’t tell Dakota how he felt. Still, he wasn’t willing to tell Em that explicitly.
Instead, he glanced over his shoulder and acknowledged his sister’s plea with a small nod before turning and screwing the top back on the windshield wiper fluid bottle.
His phone vibrated. He pulled it from his pocket and read the message that flashed on the phone’s lock screen.
At the beach with Sin. If you’re not busy later, would love to come over to your place tonight. Miss you.
An involuntary smile slowly spread across Dexter’s face. His heart danced at the thought of spending some alone time with the woman who held his heart in the palm of her hand. Even if Dakota seemed completely oblivious to that fact.
Something had slowly shifted since Dakota had returned to the island. Prior to her arrival in town, he wouldn’t have considered himself miserable or even unhappy. But he had become complacent. He was preoccupied with work and seeing after his mother and sister. Enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and playing at the Foxhole once a month with the band. So he hadn’t even realized that there was something missing in his life. That despite being surrounded by people, many of whom he loved, there was a loneliness and a wanting inside him that he kept himself busy enough to ignore.
But being with Dakota had laid that deficit bare. Exposed the feelings he’d tried so hard to bury. He needed love and companionship. The kind he’d really only experienced once in his life. And that had been with her. The girl he’d let get away. The one woman he’d never been able to forget.
He was in love with Dakota and being with her made him happy. Em was right on that count, too. Maybe he’d get shot down if he told Dakota how he felt about her, but at least he’d have no regrets.
* * *
Dakota shrugged on Dexter’s discarded T-shirt and followed the trail of clothing that led from Dex’s master bedroom back to the front door, stooping to collect each piece. She stacked them on the chair while she grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and made a plate of grapes, cherries, and orange slices.
“Fuel and rehydration.” Dex slid back under the covers after slipping out of the master bathroom. “Great idea.”
She handed him the plate and bottles of water before dropping their discarded clothing onto a chair.
“Okay, so I might’ve been a tiny bit eager to get you into bed.” Dexter nodded toward the pile of clothing they’d begun discarding the moment she entered his condo. He set the water bottles and tray on his bedside table, then pulled her down onto his lap, so she was straddling him. He pushed her loose curls aside and kissed her neck. “But you can’t blame a brother for missing you.”
Dakota looped her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead to his momentarily. She placed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. “I missed you, too. But there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it, Dakota?” He studied her with anticipation, not with the usual panic she’d seen in men’s eyes whenever a woman said she needed to talk.
“I didn’t intend to tell Sin about us, but she’s known both of us forever, so she figured it out. But I made her promise not to tell anyone. She understands the stakes for you, so I know she won’t say anything.”
“Well, I guess there’s a theme today because Em figured it out, too,” Dexter said. “She also knows it could jeopardize my job, so she won’t tell anyone else.”
Dakota was relieved that Dex wasn’t upset that she’d confirmed Sin’s suspicions. And there was a part of her that was glad Sin knew. Dakota had loved spending that last day at the festival holding hands and being affectionate with Dexter. She’d enjoyed the comfort of his embrace. The way they’d stolen kisses whenever they could. And the way he’d looked at her…he made her feel like she was the center of his universe. The way she thought she’d once been. Back when he was the center of hers.
Dexter slipped the T-shirt over her head, glided his fingers into her hair, and pulled her mouth to his. There was so much passion and hunger in his kiss. Like he was determined to make up for every single lost moment between them.
Dakota’s stomach fluttered in response, and her heartbeat quickened. She ached with want. As if they hadn’t just made love a short time ago.
She gasped against his mouth when Dexter suddenly flicked one stiff peak with his thumb. He broke their kiss, closing his warm mouth over her other breast.
Dakota shuddered at the sensation of his tongue on her heated skin and arched her back, giving him better access. Bracing her hands on his strong shoulders, she shifted to her knees on either side of him as she glided her
sex over his hardened length, the outline visible through his black boxer briefs. Dakota whimpered with pleasure at the sensation, and she relished how the movement elicited a groan from deep inside his chest.
They’d had hot, passionate sex against the living room wall while they were both still fully clothed nearly the instant she’d entered the condo. Then they’d fumbled their way into the bedroom, making out and shedding their clothing along the way.
She shouldn’t be ravenous for him again, but she was. Dakota wanted Dexter to kiss and make love to her. To make up for the decade and a half they’d spent apart. To establish memories she could cling to once they went their separate ways.
Dexter flipped her over onto her back. He shed his boxers, reached into the bedside table for one of the foil packets, and sheathed himself. He captured her mouth in a greedy, devouring kiss. Both of them were ever aware of the short-lived nature of their affair and the underlying urgency to make every stolen moment together count.
When he slid inside her, she reveled in the sensation of being filled by him. The taste of his kiss. The way the hair on his bare chest abraded her skin. He reached between them, his fingers strumming the sensitive bundle of nerves like the strings of a guitar. Until she fell apart in his arms, her body tensing and her legs trembling as she was overcome by waves of pleasure. His hips moved slowly and steadily, his brows furrowed and his gaze intense, until he followed her over the cliff, his body stiffening and a low moan emanating from his sensual lips as he cursed softly and called her name.
Dex fell back onto the pillow beside Dakota, his chest heaving, and his breathing labored. She sank into the comfort of his embrace as he wrapped her in his arms and pulled her closer, their bodies slick with sweat despite the cool temperature in the room.
“That was…whew…” Dex blew out a long breath and sighed.
“I know, right?” Dakota pressed her cheek to his chest, her eyes drifting closed as she listened to the slowing of his erratic heartbeat. “Back then it was great, but this…is…amazing. I’m pretty sure you’ve ruined me for all other men.”
“Good.” He raked his fingers through her hair, worn in loose, natural curls, then kissed the top of her head. “Because you’re the only woman I want in my bed, Dakota.”
Everything about their afternoon together was perfect. Part of her wished she could lie there blissfully in Dexter’s arms forever. But another part feared that if she lay there a moment longer, she would never be able to bear their impending separation.
Dexter distracted her from the somber thoughts swirling inside her head when he rubbed her back and hugged her to him one more time before excusing himself from the room. Dakota rolled over, already missing his warmth and scent, the solidity of his firm chest, and the comfort of his strong arms. A stark reminder of the fleeting nature of the relationship that had quickly become so important to her.
Suddenly her chest ached, and she blinked back the tears stinging her eyes.
As amazing as the past few weeks with Dex had been, what they shared was only temporary. And this time, when they went their separate ways, she was determined to walk away with her heart intact.
* * *
When Dexter returned from the bathroom, Dakota had put on her panties and bra and she was digging through the clothes piled on the chair.
“You’re leaving?”
Dakota jumped at the sound of his voice. As if she’d hoped to get dressed and slip out before he’d returned.
“I thought I’d stop at the ice cream shop and pick up a pint of black walnut ice cream for my dad before they close.” She tugged her sundress over her head, then stepped into one sandal, then the other. “He’s been a model patient, so I’d like to do something nice for him.”
The dreamy gaze Dakota had given him moments ago was gone, replaced by a distant look in eyes that wouldn’t meet his. Her posture suddenly seemed stiff and her speech tense.
What the hell happened in the five minutes since I left the room?
“I was hoping you’d stay the night.” He tugged on his boxers and tried his best to mask his disappointment by keeping his voice even, despite the growing panic he felt inside. Dakota’s sudden need to escape felt like it was about so much more than Dakota deciding to reward her father with his favorite ice cream. It felt like a deliberate choice to pull away from him.
“That sounds really nice.” She smiled sadly as she braced her hands on his bare chest and lifted onto her toes to press a quick kiss to his lips. “Rain check?”
“I…Yeah, sure,” he stammered, running a hand over his head. He sighed heavily, then forced a wooden smile. “I’ll make you breakfast again. This time in bed.”
He’d wanted to talk to Dakota. To level with her about his feelings. And if she was receptive to the idea of moving this from a fling to an actual relationship…well, then he would have to be honest about what happened seventeen years ago. To tell her the whole truth. Because they couldn’t start a serious relationship with that secret hanging over them.
“What’s wrong, Dex?” She narrowed her gaze. “You look like you lost your best friend.”
He did—seventeen years ago.
Don’t let Dakota walk away without telling her how you really feel.
“Dakota, I love you.” The words came out in a breathy whisper. His heart raced and the sound of rushing blood filled his ears. He stroked her cheek and swallowed what felt like a pebble in his suddenly dry throat. “I’ve never stopped loving you. And these past weeks have only confirmed what I’d already been feeling since you returned to town.”
“Dex, that’s…really sweet, I…” Her eyes lit up, a soft smile curving her sensual lips. But then suddenly, her brows furrowed, and her eyes were shiny with what looked like unshed tears. She blinked rapidly, averting her gaze as she sank her teeth into her lower lip. “But you know I can’t stay. I was clear about that.”
“I haven’t always lived here on the island, you know,” he reminded her. The words weren’t something he’d contemplated. In fact, they were the very opposite of everything he’d been trying so very hard to achieve in his career. But faced with the reality of losing Dakota again, it was his only play.
Seventeen years ago, Dakota had been prepared to make a huge sacrifice to support his dream. He loved her and was determined to have her in his life. So why wouldn’t he be willing to do the same for her now?
“I know, but you’ve worked so hard to get back here. You even managed to land the exact job you wanted.” She shook her head. “Dex, I can’t take that away from you.”
“Dakota…” He reached for her, his voice faint.
“I have to go, but we can talk about this more later. I’m not leaving anytime soon.”
“Of course.” He tried to force a smile, but he couldn’t manage it. Not when her words seemed so final.
She pressed a kiss to his lips, grabbed her purse, and slipped out the door.
Dexter stood frozen, his muscles suddenly tense, brows furrowed and his throat tight. His lungs constricted in his chest, and for a moment it seemed his heart beat more slowly.
“Shit.” He rubbed his forehead, then locked the front door behind her.
He shut his eyes against the vision of her leaving playing on a loop in his head.
He’d completely botched it. He’d made his fumbling, awkward plea, and she’d rejected it. Dakota wouldn’t even entertain his offer to leave the island with her. A spontaneous declaration that had surprised even him.
Maybe if he’d waited longer or told her in a more romantic setting, she would’ve reconsidered. Or maybe there was nothing he could ever say that would induce Dakota to stay.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Dakota walked up to Helene’s Homemade—the storied ice cream shop on Main Street that was practically synonymous with summer for any kid who grew up on the island. The place was a favorite of both native islanders and tourists. Owned by the third generation of a local family, Helene’s had been around since long
before Dakota was born.
The small, locally owned shop had some of the best ice cream around, but it required patience as the clerks chatted with each patron and allowed them to try free samples of their countless flavors. Dakota stood in the line, which started well beyond the shop’s front door, and pulled out her cell phone. She scanned her job alerts, something she hadn’t done in some time. Further proof that she’d gotten too comfortable with life here on the island.
Don’t lose track of your plan. You’re here to regroup, not to establish roots.
“Dakota! Imagine running into you here.”
Angela Gilson.
Dakota groaned quietly, then turned slowly, wearing a cursory smile. “Why would it be a surprise, Angela? We came here together as kids with our mothers plenty of times.”
“I guess I didn’t think you TV types ate real food, the camera adding ten pounds and all that.” Angela made a point of sizing Dakota up, especially looking at her bottom. “But it seems you’ve certainly relaxed your standards since you’ve been home.”
Dakota’s cheeks flamed. She was well aware she’d put on a few pounds since she’d returned. But that didn’t stop her from wanting to throat punch Angela for bringing it up.
“Is there something you want?” Dakota turned back around and moved forward with the line. A part of her considered leaving after Angela’s remark, but that would only validate her little mean-girl routine.
“I hear that you’re trying to organize a music festival here on the island.”
The event wasn’t public knowledge yet. They’d only discussed the possibility with the town commissioners, one of whom was Maybelline Gilson, Angela’s mother. So she didn’t need to ask Angela how she’d learned about the proposed festival. Neither did she need to ask what she thought of the idea. Her derisive tone made that abundantly clear.
