The Second Chance Inn

by Susan Hatler

  Chapter Two

  Standing in front of me was the hottest man I’d ever seen and I must’ve looked like a complete wreck, given the sand on my booty, the wet pants that clung to my legs, and the streams of black mascara that surely lined my cheeks. So not attractive.

  He, on the other hand, looked like a cover model who had just stepped out of a fashion magazine. His sky-blue eyes, framed with dark lashes, were ethereal. His chocolate-brown hair blew back from his face, showing off high cheekbones and full lips. He’d rolled his shirtsleeves up, and his shirt was unbuttoned enough for me to get a peek at his broad chest and the suggestion of a very flat abdomen, and he carried a jacket over one shoulder in a raffish way that had my belly doing somersaults—a wildly inappropriate reaction considering I’d just been bawling my eyes out.

  Leave it to me to be acting as if I’d lost my mind when the hottest guy on earth decided to show up. I needed to play it cool on the offhand chance he hadn’t witnessed my meltdown.

  He took a step closer. “I couldn’t help but notice you’re upset. Is there anything I can do?”

  So much for hoping he’d been looking away and plugging his ears. Sigh.

  “I’m fine, really.” I shrugged, and gestured toward the ocean. “My hysterical twin was just having a hissy fit, but I told her to take a swim.”

  He didn’t laugh like I’d hoped. Instead, his concerned gaze remained on mine. “Are you certain—”

  Woof-woof! Woof-woof!

  Loud barking came out of nowhere. My gaze shot past the gorgeous man’s shoulder in time to see a huge golden retriever barreling toward me at full speed. Adrenaline coursed through me, and my eyes bulged seconds before the dog’s massive paws collided with my chest, knocking me down on the wet sand. As I lay back, stunned, a wet tongue swiped across my cheek over and over.

  As if being assaulted on the sand by a huge dog wasn’t bad enough, the tide rushed back in, and a wave broke right over me. I gasped and choked, flailing like crazy as the heavy furry body weighed me down and bone-freezing water snaked over my body. Suddenly the dog moved away and strong arms lifted me out of the water. I was saved!

  I would’ve loved being cradled in warm, muscular arms if I wasn’t coughing and sputtering profusely. My muscular rescuer carried me safely to shore and away from the crazy dog, then he set me down on the Adirondack.

  “I’m so sorry.” Mr. Heavenly Eyes swooped his jacket around me and rubbed my arms as he spoke. His hands were as strong as I’d imagined they might be. Shivers danced up my spine and they weren’t from the chilly water temperature. “Are you okay?” he asked.

  I probably looked like a drowned rat, but I managed a weak smile. “Yes, I’m fine,” I said, my teeth chattering as I spoke.

  He squatted beside my chair and raked a hand through his hair. “That was Lucky. She doesn’t usually like strangers. I had no idea she would jump on you. I hope you’ll forgive her . . . and me.”

  Realizing how comical this must’ve looked, a small giggle escaped as I wiped my hair from my cheeks, and he tightened his jacket around me. “I’ll forgive you both if you’ll ignore the fact that I look like a wet rat.”

  His gaze flicked over my face as if taking all of me in, then he smiled revealing straight white teeth. “You look beautiful, like you’ve been kissed by the bay.”

  Oh, wow. Gorgeous, a hero, and a sweet talker? This guy might actually be the bright spot in my otherwise awful day. He’d even used the phrase “Kissed by the Bay,” reminding me of the local legend I’d believed as a child. . .

  I smiled secretly at the thought, and lifted my gaze to his. “Dogs jump. It’s sort of in their DNA. My grandma used to have an Irish wolfhound. She required all of the guests at the inn to sign a paper saying they knew the dog was on the property before they arrived. She was adamant that no ‘dog haters’ were allowed.”

  Why had I told that silly story to him? It was true, but I didn’t usually discuss Grandma or anything else personal with anyone. Maybe I had hit my head on a particularly hard patch of sand or rock.

  He nodded, as if he approved of my grandma’s crazy requirement. “An Irish wolfhound? Those are great dogs, if you can get them to like you. They are fiercely loyal, unlike most people. I guess that’s why I love Lucky so much. She’s loyal to a fault.”

  I blurted, “I totally agree that people aren’t loyal. Even when they claim they are, they’re not.” My face heated. Why had I said that to him?

  He bent his head as if in thought. Then he asked, “Are you here on vacation?”

  I shook my head. “No, are you?”

  Woof-woof! Woof-woof!

  His gaze shifted to where Lucky made a mad dash down the beach. He laughed as she frisked around in the water. “Maybe I should follow her, so she doesn’t greet anyone else who might be out here this time of night. Would you like to take a walk?”

  A ripple of excitement fluttered through me at the invitation, which surprised me. It wasn’t like me to walk alone on the beach with a stranger. But I couldn’t resist spending more time with him. After all, he had rescued me from certain tongue licking.

  “Yes, that sounds great.” I wrapped his jacket tighter as the wind whipped through me. My feet were bare and the sand was pliant yet firm beneath my feet. Little bits of seaweed clung to my ankles as we walked along the shore, following his gamboling dog. I was a mess, but enjoying every minute of it. “Did you say you were on vacation?”

  “No, I’m only here one night. For business.” He gave me a side-glance as he walked beside me, and extended his hand. “I’m Max, by the way.”

  “My rescuer.” I took his hand in mine, tingles skittering up my arm. Wowzers. Major sparkage. “I’m Wendy.”

  “Very nice to meet you, Wendy.” He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling in a way that made him look even more dashing. Yes, Max could totally be a cover model. “If you aren’t on vacation then you must live here?” he asked.

  Normally I’d give some vague answer to a personal question, but when I gazed up into his eyes, somehow the truth longed to come out.

  My facial muscles tightened. “I grew up here, but I don’t live here anymore.”

  He gestured toward the full moon, hanging over the ocean, large and radiant between the thick clouds. “This is a charming town with beautiful views. I’ll bet it was an incredible place to grow up.”

  A small puff of air escaped my mouth as I shook my head, and a lock of damp hair fell against my cheek. “I suppose for some people that’s true.”

  “But not you?” He brushed the moist piece of hair aside, leaving a trail of goosebumps where his skin touched mine.

  I closed my eyes, savoring each tingle. “Let’s just say the town’s charm wasn’t enough.”

  “I see.”

  The fact that he hadn’t pushed made me want to tell him more. Or maybe it was the caring depth to those blue eyes. Either way, instead of changing the subject like I usually would, I hesitated. I’d built a tall wall around my heart to protect myself. But Max didn’t know me, and we would likely never see each other again. So what would be the harm in opening up to him? I was tipsy and a little vulnerable, and before I could stop myself, it all came tumbling out.

  “We moved here when I was a kid. But my parents? They’re a little unusual.” I made a motion with my hand and the jacket slipped off my shoulder, but I barely noticed. It felt so good to confide in someone who seemed interested in what I had to say. Unlike Brian. “It’s like they couldn’t settle down. They still haven’t. The last I heard they were either in Malaysia or trying to grow coffee in Hawaii, but I can’t keep track.”

  He repositioned his jacket around me, his arm lingering around my shoulder.

  “They just ditched me here when I was a kid.” I lifted my lashes to find him peering down at me, his eyes locked on mine. “Both my brother, Brian, and me. He’s older. Our grandma owned this inn and they left us with her. So I lived at the inn until I graduated high school. Then I moved away
. My brother doesn’t understand why I wanted to leave this place. He’s pretty mad at me, actually.”

  His brows rose. “Mad at you?”

  “I left after graduation and I didn’t come back because . . . well, here I’m just Wendy—the girl abandoned by her own parents, and whose boyfriend went off to college then cheated on her and dumped her. In Sacramento, I’m a high selling real estate agent. My Realtor photo is on billboards all over town. I’m someone there. Here, I’m just . . . pathetic. I can’t believe I’m telling you all of this. I never tell anyone this stuff. I had a few too many beers or maybe I snorted a hallucinogenic starfish when I went under. I’m sorry to unload on you.”

  He clasped his fist to his chest. “Hallucinogenic starfish? Do they have those here? I’d better get Lucky out of the water.”

  I had to laugh. “Okay, that starfish thing was pretty far-fetched. But enough about me. Let’s talk about you instead. You said you’re here for business?”

  “Oh right. I was supposed to . . . well, I heard about this possible project. I’m in town to look into it. Next I’m off to Japan. I’ve always been very career-focused. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I took a vacation. Maybe that’s why I’m so enchanted with Blue Moon Bay.”

  His hip bumped against mine, a casual little touch that sent my heart racing. I smiled. “A fellow workaholic. What exactly do you do?”

  “I run my own company, with my dad. I do most of my work from behind a computer, which suits me. I travel a lot, too, which has its perks. I’m afraid I’m a bit of a loner.” His eyes met mine and we stopped walking for a moment. The water curled over my bare feet and ankles. “You have really lovely eyes, Wendy.”

  “You do, too.” I felt breathless from the way he was looking at me. Was he going to kiss me? If so, I was not going to protest.

  As we were gazing into each other’s eyes, Lucky bounded up, and kicked a few spurts of sand our way. Then she ran back in the direction we’d just walked. I glanced down at my sand-covered slacks and Max grinned. “Are your pants linen?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’ll have to send me the dry cleaning bill. Also, it seems you have lost an earring.” He tucked my hair back behind my ears. A delicious set of shivers ran through me. His breath was warm against my cheek and he leaned closer. “Yes, it’s definitely gone.”

  Those earrings cost over a thousand dollars. I’d bought them with a commission from a really good sale. I should be upset that one was missing but I was too distracted because Max’s chest was almost against mine and his hand was still lying ever so lightly on my shoulder.

  Maybe now he was going to kiss me . . .?

  “Oh, too bad about my earring,” I whispered, trying to catch my breath. “Peridot gems are my birthstone, too. It’s probably washed out to sea by now.”

  I leaned a little closer. . . If he didn’t kiss me soon, I might have to kiss him.

  “I’m sorry.” He skimmed his knuckles against the sensitive skin beneath my ear. “You must’ve lost the earring when Lucky greeted you.”

  “Who knows? I might’ve lost it earlier when, you know, my hysterical twin appeared.” I let out a small laugh. Being with Max tonight made everything brighter, which sounded so corny to my own mind. But it was also true.

  His hand brushed mine one more time, sending a rush of heat in its wake, and then he pulled his hand away. “I’d better catch up with Lucky, so she doesn’t get into trouble.”

  My heart sank with disappointment, which was just crazy. I didn’t know this guy, and I’d certainly never kissed a stranger on the beach. What was wrong with me? And why hadn’t I just planted my mouth on his while I had the chance?

  I swallowed, trying to tamp down on my attraction before it got out of control. We started walking again. “So, what were you doing on the Adirondack earlier, all by yourself?”

  The corner of his mouth lifted. “I was thinking about the legend of being kissed by the bay. I read about it on a plaque on the other side of the stairs.”

  I loved that story as a child. I’d read the plaque thousands of times, and had it memorized. I also loved that he’d been thinking about the story—that showed he had a romantic side, which I hadn’t witnessed from a guy in a long time.

  “The legend is an old story.” I glanced out at the moonlight shimmering on the bay. “All of the locals are familiar with it.”

  “Is the story true?” he asked, his voice husky.

  His question made me think. I looked up at the full moon, remembering when I was twelve, and noticed the summer boy who’d been a guest at the inn, along with his parents. He was cute and adventurous and wild. He’d even climbed over his balcony on the second story and jumped into the pool. Oh, how I’d crushed on that boy.

  I used to fall asleep dreaming of kissing him under a blue moon, so we’d be in love forever. But, of course, I’d never kissed him. He probably hadn’t even known I existed. Those fantasies were also before I found out what actually happened when you gave your heart to someone.

  “Wendy?”

  “Sorry.” I shook away my thoughts, then shrugged. “I don’t know who started the legend, or if the story was true. One thing I do know is that my family has owned the inn for generations, and the rule was never to mingle with the summer folks.”

  “Do you know I envy you a little? My family doesn’t have any stories like that.”

  I tilted my head. “Tragic stories lead to pain. I’d rather be less familiar with them.”

  His face sobered and he nodded. “Did you say your grandma owns the inn?”

  “She did.” My chest tightened. “She died recently, and she left the inn to my brother and me. She actually put me in charge. My brother’s not too happy we’re selling it.”

  Max turned around to look at the inn. “It’s an amazing building.”

  “Yes, but my life is in Sacramento.” My tone was sharp and majorly defensive. As soon as the words were out, I wanted to take them back. I sighed. “My brother and I had an argument earlier over selling the inn, and it upset me. That’s why my hysterical twin appeared. Because of Brian and my grandma, and from being back in this town again. Being here conjures up all those not-so-good memories.”

  Great. Now Max probably thought I was beyond weird. I couldn’t believe I’d told him so much. For all I knew he might be a serial killer or something, and here I was, pouring my heart out to him like I’d known him forever.

  “I feel really stupid right now.” I clamped my lips shut and bit my tongue. Hard.

  “Why?” He touched my arm as we passed by the stairs I’d run down an hour ago.

  I raised a shoulder. “For unloading my life’s history on a total stranger.”

  “Take it easy on yourself, Wendy. You lost your grandmother and you came home for the first time in a long time. I’m willing to bet you’re confused and tired and maybe even a little overwhelmed. It happens. Give yourself a break.”

  Could serial killers be gorgeous and nice? I didn’t think so. Most of the ones I’d ever heard of weren’t. “You’re very sweet to listen.”

  We walked along in silence. Lucky howled at the full moon, making us both laugh.

  “She’s a beautiful dog,” I said, admiring her reddish-gold coat.

  “A sweet one, too.” He gazed over at her in an affectionate way. “She’d been tossed out behind a restaurant, just left like garbage. She was skinny, almost starving, and I just couldn’t leave her.”

  Poor Lucky. Although I’d never been without food, I knew exactly what it felt like to be left behind. Not good at all.

  To complicate things, I started thinking of Max as a wandering hero, the kind of guy who rescued orphaned dogs and . . . I put a tight lid on that. He might still be a psycho after all. Plenty of nut cases had dogs. Right? Plus, he liked to travel, which reminded me of my parents.

  “What are those? Vacation rentals?” Max pointed toward the light glowing from the windows of the mansions on the bluffs.

 
“Vacation homes, mostly. Some owners rent them out online. There are other owners that live there full time, local celebrities, I’ve heard.”

  His hip bumped mine again. I shivered and butterflies took flight in my belly. I could understand my body’s reaction, though. Max was the kind of guy who could make a practical woman like me think about romantic sails along sandy shores, long swims on cool waters, and kisses on the beach under the moon.

  The cold sand sifted between my toes and it seemed fitting when I spotted the small monument against the bluff, which was the location of the legend that had entertained beach goers of Blue Moon Bay for decades with its story of everlasting love. The rational part of my brain knew it had to be a folktale written by one of my ancestors, but everyone loved this story and it had enchanted me as a child—especially when I’d thought of the balcony-jumping summer boy.

  Max and I walked along the beach and stopped when we reached the monument’s weathered pillars. Lucky lay down on the sand beneath it and made an ominous whimpering sound that sent chills up my arms.

  “Kissed by the Bay.” Max’s voice was deep, rumbly, and romantic as he read that top line of the plaque with its bronze lettering. The rest of the words had begun to fade into the metal. They were still legible, though, and I knew them by heart. He continued on in his soothing voice, “One kiss, right here, under a blue moon will lead to love that lasts forever. . .

  “Know the history of two young people, the daughter of locals and the son of summer guests, who fell helplessly in love at this very beach. When their parents discovered their relationship, they were forbidden to see each other. His parents felt the working girl was beneath their son and her parents feared the scandal could ruin their business. But the night before the family was to return home, the son got a note to his sweetheart and they met here under the stars.