The sound of her saying his name was almost enough to break him. He shook his head, climbed over the edge, and jumped onto the dock. “I have to do this, Madisyn.”
“You don’t. Come here.”
“I’m sorry.” He spun around and stormed away, his heart twisting in knots. It took all of his effort not to turn around and kiss her. But he needed to prove himself first.
“Nate!”
He kept going without looking back. His heart pleaded with him to stay, but talking with her would have to wait.
“Stop!” A thud sounded as she jumped onto the dock.
He picked up his pace and quickly reached land.
“Why are you doing this?”
Nate didn’t stop. A rock dug into the sole of his foot, and he realized he was barefoot. Great.
A hand grabbed his arm. “We need to talk.”
He spun around, ready to tell her to go back home, but his voice stuck in his throat when he saw the pain in her eyes. He couldn’t add to all the hurt she already carried. She still thought Ella’s death was her fault.
“Why are you back to delivering illegal packages?”
Nate glanced to the side. “So I can give you all the good things you want.”
She cupped his chin. “The only thing I want is you.”
He turned and stared into her baby blues. “But I’m poor. I have no education and just a low-paying job. Everyone looks down on me for it.”
“Not me. I don’t care about any of that. It’s your heart that I’m in love with, Nate.”
He studied her. “You’re in love with me?”
Madisyn held his gaze and stepped closer. Their lips were only an inch apart. “Madly in love. Hopelessly lost. There’s no turning back. I love you, and I won’t let you walk away from me.”
Objections ran through his mind, but they didn’t make it to his voice. He got lost in her eyes. “I’m deeply in love with you, too. So much that I can’t think straight. I just want to give you the world. Starting with this.” He took the umbrella from her, closed his eyes, and pressed his lips against hers—they were soft and sweet. The aromas of vanilla and citrus enveloped him. The wind swirled sand and spray around them, making it feel as though they were rising from the ground. Nate deepened the kiss for a moment before pulling away and studying her mesmerizing eyes.
She looked as dazed as he felt.
“Will you walk away from your life of crime for me? I don’t care about money or fancy things. I just want you.”
His mind flashed back to Abelard’s restaurant and his stomach twisted in knots. “What about Reese?”
“He’s rotten, but he should leave us alone. Why?”
“What do you mean? I saw you on a date with him.”
“A date? What are you talking about? I’d never go out with him. Bleh.” She shuddered.
“I saw you two at Abelard’s earlier.”
Her eyes widened. Recognition covered her expression.
Nate’s stomach lurched. She was about to admit it.
“No!” Madisyn clung to his hand. “That was not a date. I was merely presenting him with some compelling reasons to forget about me. He insisted on meeting there.”
Nate arched a brow. “Come again?”
Madisyn filled him in on all the details, including helping his dad out. “My cousin Logan’s firm might hire him and some of the others.”
It took Nate a moment to find his voice. “I can’t believe you did all that. And it sounds interesting—almost like blackmail.”
“That’s what he called it, but the only thing that matters is that he’s going to leave us alone.”
A new wave of love washed through him. He pulled her close and kissed her again. There was only one thing he needed to do—besides putting his shoes on—and that was to call Vinny and quit again. He hadn’t yet picked up the package to deliver, so there was nothing Vinny could do about it. He would have to accept the fact that Nate was done.
For good, this time.
Twenty-Three
Epilogue
Madisyn laughed as Nate spun her then drew her back into his embrace. “Those dance lessons really paid off.”
“I only went because the most beautiful woman in the world was my dance partner.” His eyes sparkled like they always did when he teased her.
She adjusted the collar on his tuxedo and then reached around behind his head. She found the hair tie and pulled it out, causing his hair to cascade on his shoulders. “Much better.”
He shook his head. “I still can’t believe you like it better long.”
“I do. You’re my real-life pirate.”
“Arr.” He winked. “If I’m a pirate, then you’re my treasure. How fitting that your last name is Steele—I stole you away.”
She cleared her throat. “Correction. My last name was Steele.”
“Right. Now it’s Roberts.” He held up her hand which showed off the wedding band that had been on for less than an hour.
“Kiss!” someone called out.
“Kiss! Kiss!” others joined in.
A smile spread across Nate’s gorgeous face. “We mustn’t disappoint our wedding guests.” He leaned closer and pressed his lips against hers.
Her heart raced. She could definitely get used to more of that.
Applause broke out around them and Nate pulled back all too soon. They spun around the dance floor, laughing and enjoying the first hours of marriage until her sister rang a bell.
“Time to send off the happy couple!” Layne called out.
Everyone cleared the dance floor. Nate and Madisyn headed for the door.
Madisyn let go of Nate’s hand and threw her arms around Layne. “I’m so glad you made it out! It was so good to see you again.”
“Are you kidding? It’s not every day my baby sister gets married and asks me to be her maid of honor.”
She scanned the large, beautifully decorated banquet hall in the Chateau filled with guests. Her parents and the Rutherfords stood near the front. Mom smiled widely, tears shining in her eyes. Aunt Judy had her arm around her. The two sisters had grown closer recently. It made Madisyn feel a lot better about moving out.
Dad spoke with Reese, who was there with his new girlfriend—the daughter of a lawyer from their firm. And to Reese’s liking, she didn’t want to work. Dad had done everything he could to dissuade Madisyn from marrying Nate, but finally given in and agreed to pay for the event and even the honeymoon because in the end, he hadn’t wanted to lose his daughter. The expensive affair was his way of showing his love and support. It was the only way he knew how.
Her gaze landed on Brooks and Emeline Roberts. They both grinned, showing they were thrilled for the newlyweds. After Madisyn’s dad had cleared Brooks’ name in Enchantment Bay, he’d taken the job at Logan’s firm, and the couple was doing better than ever, even behind closed doors. Not only that, but father and son now got along famously.
William, Nate’s brother, took the microphone from its stand, causing a loud shriek. Everyone covered their ears until it stopped. He took the mic over to Madisyn and Nate. “Hold on! I need to say something before you leave.”
“Uh, oh,” Nate whispered.
Madisyn squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek.
William grinned. “It gives me great pleasure to be this couple’s best man. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother. Nobody ever knew how to have more fun, or get into more trouble, than my brother, Nate Roberts!” People laughed. “In fact, he was always getting me into trouble. One time in particular comes to mind.”
Nate covered his face. “Oh, no.”
Madisyn grinned. “I want to hear this.”
Nate just groaned.
“For years, we played pirates every day—in fact, Nate here had me convinced we were pirates.”
Madisyn arched a brow at Nate. “You used to pretend you were a pirate?”
He shrugged. “Maybe.”
“My brother,” William continued, “once go
t it in his head that our next-door neighbor had a treasure chest buried in her rose garden.” He went on to tell a story about them digging up the bushes and getting grounded for a whole summer. By the time he was done, everyone was roaring with laughter, even Nate.
Madisyn ran her fingers through his hair. “I can’t believe you were playing a pirate while I was dreaming about them.”
“Guess we’re just meant to be.” His eyes shone with adoration.
William spoke some more before allowing Nate and Madisyn to walk outside. She eyed the limo waiting out front. As much fun as the reception was, she couldn’t wait to hop on the plane to Hawaii for her honeymoon with her husband.
After William's speech ended, Dakota and Clay ushered the guests outside to watch the bride and groom leave, creating a path between the door and the stretch limo. Nate threaded his fingers through Madisyn's, and laughing, they hurried through the bubbles their guests blew to send them off. She waved and blew kisses to friends and family before Nate helped her into the long car. They stood through the sunroof and waved as they drove away.
Inside, Nate pulled her onto his lap and held her gaze, smiling. “Finally, a moment alone with my gorgeous bride.”
She played with his shoulder-length hair. “My sentiments exactly.”
He closed the space between their mouths and gave her a kiss with such love and passion, it sent a chill through her. When he pulled away, he glanced out the window. “There’s our new home.”
Madisyn studied the adorable little fixer-upper. She couldn’t wait to get started on it—after their trip to Hawaii. Their weekends and evenings for the next year would be filled with painting and hammering. It would be perfect, because she and Nate would be together and it was theirs completely. Neither set of parents had helped with the down payments, nor would they help with the mortgage. Nate and Madisyn’s jobs covered all their living expenses. Exactly how they both wanted it.
Nate cupped her chin and turned her to look at him. “How is that you’ve managed to make all my dreams come true?”
“I’m not sure, but you’ve done the same for me.”
He leaned closer and kissed her, taking her breath away.
More by Stacy Claflin
If you enjoyed Bayside Opposites, you’ll love Stacy’s other romance books. When you read one of her contemporary sweet romances, you’ll always find clean love stories without any steam or fade-to-black scenes. Her characters, while never perfect, do have strong family values and believe in waiting until marriage.
You can try Seaside Kisses for free when you join Stacy’s newsletter: sign up here.
The Hunters
The Seaside Hunters
Seaside Surprises
Work hard. Play often. Love unconditionally.
Tiffany Saunders is on the run. When she winds up stranded in a seaside town, she wants nothing more than to forget her horrific past and kept moving. But a chance meeting with a handsome local shopkeeper changes everything.
Jake Hunter has some deep emotional scars and is trying to cope with running the family business. The last thing he wants is a relationship—until a mysterious brunette walks into his store and complicates it all.
Tiffany prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong—in her rearview mirror. But dark secrets cannot stay hidden forever. Just as the walls around her heart start to come down, the past catches up with her. Will true love be able to conquer all?
Seaside Heartbeats
Sometimes love shows up when you least expect it.
After years of hard work, architect Lana Summers just wants a relaxing vacation in the beach town of Kittle Falls. Instead, she suffers unexpected heart problems and finds herself in the office of a gorgeous cardiologist—who only makes her heart work harder.
Brayden Hunter left his successful cardiology practice in Dallas to be closer to his aging parents. Focused on building a health care clinic in his hometown, he doesn’t want any distractions. However, the beautiful Lana is one he can’t seem to avoid.
As their attraction grows, they stumble upon a 160-year-old mystery. Brayden catches her adventurous spirit as they chase after answers, and he can’t help falling for her. But can he convince her to stay in the small beach town and with him?
Seaside Dances
Dream big. Dance often. Love completely.
Zachary Hunter is no stranger to rejection. After multiple failed efforts to get his novel published in New York, he’s counting on a trip home to turn his luck around.
Jasmine Blackwell has big dreams. She hopes her internship as a dance instructor in Kittle Falls will be the stepping stone she needs to achieve her lifelong goals.
After a chance meeting, neither Zachary nor Jasmine can deny their attraction. They fear their aspirations are too big to let a relationship tie them down. Can they have both love and the careers of their dreams?
Seaside Kisses
People change, but some feelings last forever.
Rafael Hunter never thought he’d return to Kittle Falls, but life gave him no other choice. Los Angeles chewed him up, spit him out, and sent him back to square one.
Amara Fowler has lived in the small beach town her entire life. She’s overcome her shyness to grow into the woman she always knew she could be, but she never forgot her secret crush. When the alluring Rafael returns, he can’t help but stir in her a whirlwind of old feelings.
They’ve both changed so much. Has life kept them incompatible, or has it molded them into a matching set?
Seaside Christmas
He can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink?
Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor.
When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about.
If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract.
Purchase links.
The Bayside Hunters
Bayside Wishes
She’s guarding a family secret. He’s investigating a murder. Will a second homecoming lead to true love?
Freya Hunter is living the fabulous life. The west-coast girl rakes it in as a fashion model in New York City, but everything changes after she returns home for a quick visit.
The reunion with friends and family in Enchantment Bay is sweet, especially when she hits it off with Nico Valentin, a ruggedly handsome police sergeant. As Nico investigates a murder, Freya learns a family secret big enough to turn her world upside down.
Freya is torn between her new life and her hometown — the life she loves vs. the brother who needs her and the sergeant who wants her. When her decision doesn’t go nearly as well as she planned, she wonders if she can help her brother and keep her growing feelings for Nico at bay before they consume her.
Bayside Evenings
She’s single and stuck. His relationship is going nowhere. Will the next wedding they plan be their own?
Dakota Hunter is great at wedding planning but terrible at finding a guy. Each one she encounters is worse than the one before… until she meets Clay. There’s one teensy problem—her attractive new assistant has a long-term girlfriend.
Clay Harper is thrilled to land his new job with Dakota, surrounding himself with happy couples day in and day out. But when he sees true love in person, he realizes his own relationship is far less than happy. It doesn’t help that being around Dakota feels easy. It feels right.
As Dakota and Clay grow a deeper connection, Clay’s girlfriend refuses to go down without a fight.
Can the wedding planners go from seeing happy couples to being one?
Bayside Promises
She’s wounded. He’s driven. Could they be exactly what the other needs?
Ten years earlier, Haley Faraway fled home without looking back. After her father’s death, she reluctantly returns to Enchantment Bay to help her mom and sister. Painful memories haunt her, and Haley finds herself pouring her heart out to the one person she least expected—the impossibly gorgeous, albeit short-tempered, Sullivan Hunter.
Sullivan wants nothing more than to focus on his newly-acquired realty business. But when Haley comes back to town, he can’t deny his attraction to her. After a string of bad relationships with gold-digging women, she’s a breath of fresh air. Or is she? Just as he begins to get comfortable with their burgeoning relationship, he discovers she’s a realtor, too. His temper gets the best of him as he suspects he’s being used by yet another woman.
Every time Haley and Sullivan clear one hurdle, another looms larger in their path and they push each other away. Can they move on from their painful pasts and find love—or are they doomed to repeat old mistakes?
Bayside Destinies
What do a fifteen-year-old pact, a fake engagement, and a stalker have in common? Audrey Hughes.
Audrey’s ex-boyfriend won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. A master manipulator and a violently selfish man, he’s decided Audrey is his property. And he’s determined to get her back. By force, if necessary.
She flees to the one place she ever found ‘family’—to Enchantment Bay. More precisely, to Logan Hunter.
Logan is a successful attorney and consummate bachelor. His work is his wife, and that’s the only long-term relationship he sees for himself. Until a childhood sweetheart shows up and reminds him of the pact they made years earlier—to get married.
It surprises him that she remembered, stuns him that he’s intrigued, and shocks him to discover her reason for returning. He uses all his influence and connections to protect her, only to be the one who causes her unbearable pain and drives her away.
Bayside Opposites Page 9
