by Nomi Summers
“Man, it sure is nice to be back here.”
“Yeah? Did you miss it here?” Emma asked, drawing hearts in the sand with her finger.
“Not really,” he admitted. But as soon as the words slipped out, he almost regretted them. “I mean, not so much Arbor Shores, but I did miss you.”
She looked over at him and met his eyes. “You did? Then why haven’t you kept in touch?” She was close now, sitting only a foot away, and seeing her up close was doing something inside of him.
“I guess it was the way I left. I felt foolish for up and leaving the way I did.”
“Yeah,” she said quietly, wiping at the sand on her outstretched legs.
Should he apologize for leaving when she needed him most? It was something he had always regretted, but he’d had no choice. He fought with himself on whether to bring it up, or save it for another time.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. Normally, he’d let it go to voicemail, but he welcomed the interruption while he searched for the right words for Emma.
With the glare of the evening sun blinding the screen, he clicked and answered before seeing who it was.
“Is this my long-lost brother?” said the voice on the end of the receiver.
“Shane?”
“A little birdy told me you were back in town.”
“Well, a little birdy told me the same about you. How’ve you been?”
“Never been better. So, when were you going to tell us you were here?”
“Just got here, man. I was going to tell you. Just trying to get situated first.”
“Where are you staying? We can put you up in the resort if need be.”
“Yeah, I heard you and Avery were back together. That’s great. Actually, I’m staying with Emma.”
“Really?”
“Well, not exactly. I’m renting her guesthouse. But listen, we’re in the middle of something. Can I call you back later?”
“Sounds good. Wasn’t sure if this was still your number since nobody’s heard from you, so I was glad when you answered.”
“Yeah, about that … I’ll explain when I see you.” He was just relieved his brother wanted to speak to him at all. He could only hope the rest of the family would be as welcoming as Shane. “Hey, Shane, do me a favor. I’m not ready to let the town know I’m back yet, so if you could keep it between us, I’d appreciate it.”
“Well, with Old Man Callahan knowing, it won’t be long before the whole town knows, but your secret is safe with me.”
“No secret. I’m just not ready to do the family thing yet. Speaking of which, how is he?”
“He’s doing better from what I understand. I don’t get over there much if you know I mean.”
“Got it.”
“I sure would like to catch up with my bro, though. Tomorrow?”
“Sounds like a plan. See ya.”
Chase hung up and shoved his phone back into his pocket. “Sorry about that.”
“No worries. Shane, I take it?”
“Yeah. Good news travels fast, I suppose.”
“I told you it wouldn’t be long before the whole town knew you were here.” She shifted and looked over at Chase. “Why is it a secret, anyway?”
“It’s not a secret. I’m just not ready to face my family yet.” Chase picked up a rock and skipped it across the top of the calm water. “Truth is, I don’t know how happy they’ll be to see me since I’ve stayed gone for so long.”
Emma placed a hand on Chase’s knee. “I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you.”
“I’m not so sure,” he started. “They might be bitter I didn’t come home last month when Dad was in the hospital.”
“Yeah, why is that?”
Chase didn’t want to lie, not to Emma at least. He prided himself on being an honest man, but there was no way he could tell her the truth. He was already feeling inferior from being back here and seeing all she’d accomplished for herself since he’d left. What did he have to show for the past eight years? Not much. Just his motorcycle and the clothes in his duffel bag.
He took in a deep breath. “I was out of the country. I didn’t get the calls until I was back. I came as soon as I found out.”
“Really? Where were you?”
He had to think fast. “Costa Rica.” It wasn’t a total lie. He had spent six months in Costa Rica, just not the last six months. The past six months he’d spent in a place that couldn’t be any more opposite of paradise. He’d tell her the truth, eventually. Maybe. He sure didn’t want to lie to Emma, but this wasn’t the time nor the place to tell her truths as hard as the ones he’d lived.
“Wow, really?” Her eyes lit up, and she shifted in the sand to face him. “You amaze me, Chase. You’ve done so much since you left. I’ve never even been out of the country. So, what were you doing there?”
“Em, can we talk about it another time?” That’s all he had to say to her. Emma wasn’t the prying type and would respect his request to let it go.
“No problem.” Her eyes turned back to the water and she leaned back on her elbows in the sand. That’s one thing he loved about Emma. If they wanted to talk about something, the other would listen, and if they didn’t, the other wouldn’t pry. It was the best kind of friendship and one he’d missed dearly.
As the last bit of sun escaped into the lake before them, Chase stood and held out his hand to help Emma up. She placed her hand in his, and he pulled her to her feet. Her hand felt so soft and natural in his; he held it for a moment longer than expected. She looked down at her hand and then up a Chase, locking eyes. He quickly dropped it and broke her gaze. “Ready to head back?”
“Yeah, someone has to clean that kitchen,” she teased. And the three of them headed back up the shore.
Chapter 5
Emma woke the next morning, not to Zeke’s familiar tongue on the side of her face, but to the smell of bacon lingering through Hemlock House. She opened her eyes and looked around. No sign of Zeke. That was odd. But if there was bacon cooking, she had a good idea of where she’d find him. After a quick shower, she made her way to the kitchen where, to her delight, she found Chase cooking breakfast, Zeke not far from his side.
“Good morning,” Chase greeted her. He opened the cabinet next to the sink and fetched a cup for her coffee, taking a moment to pour it for her before presenting it with a smile.
“It smells heavenly in here.” She took the mug from him and wandered over to the counter to steal a slice of bacon from the plate next to the stove. She hadn’t smelled the aroma of breakfast filling the Hemlock House since her parents were alive. Her mother had always made a large spread for the guests each morning, and by the looks of it, Chase could be feeding a houseful with all that he’d prepared.
“Where’d you get all of this?” she asked.
“Apparently, Callahan’s opens early on Saturdays. I took a shot and walked down there. Oh, and your neighbor two doors down sells fresh eggs. They have a chicken coop. Did you know that? Nice couple.” He turned back to the stove and the scrambled eggs he was scooping into a serving bowl.
Emma looked at the spread before her in amazement. “Chase, you don’t have to keep cooking for me.”
“Hey, I like to eat too, ya know.” He gave her a wink and handed her a plate. He genuinely looked like he was enjoying himself. She made herself a plate from all he had set out on the butcher’s block, just like her mother used to do. They made their way into the formal dining room. Normally, she didn’t eat breakfast. She’d have her coffee and go straight to work. After the morning rush, she’d have a muffin or scone—whatever was left in the bakery case.
“I’ll get started on the house today. Do you have the supplies?”
“There are some tools in the garage. I don’t know what all my dad had back there. I do need to buy some paint and stain though. We should probably go into the city to get that.”
Chase took a bite of bacon. “When would you like to go?”
“NovelTea is closed
on Sundays, so that would be the best time. Are you free to go with me tomorrow?” She looked up from the toast she was spreading with jam.
“Hmm, let me check my busy calendar and I’ll get back to you,” he joked. “Of course I’ll go with you. It’s a date.”
Shoot. That reminded her. She had that event with Aaron tonight. It was a mixer put on by the local Chamber of Commerce. As much as she’d love to cancel with Aaron and stay home with Chase, business had been slow at NovelTea lately, so she couldn’t really afford to miss a mixer. She usually got one or two bakery orders each time she attended one.
“Speaking of dates, I have plans tonight, so no need to make dinner or anything.” She could swear she saw Chase’s face drop.
“A date? Anyone I know?” he asked between bites, not looking up from his plate.
“Maybe. He went to school with us but was a few grades ahead. Aaron Reynolds ring a bell? He’s the local attorney here in town now.”
“Aaron Reynolds is who you’re dating?” he asked, his fork hovering over his plate.
“I spend time with him occasionally. It’s nothing serious.” Why did she feel like she had to answer to Chase? And why did his demeanor shift at the mention of Aaron’s name? Did he know him?
“No worries. I planned to meet up with Shane anyway.”
They ate in silence for the rest of the meal. Something had shifted, and she wasn’t sure what, or why.
After a quiet breakfast, Emma went to work, and Chase cleaned the kitchen before heading out back to the garage to see what all Emma’s father had by way of tools. He was pleasantly surprised to find there was just about every tool he could possibly need and more in that old dusty garage. He had a feeling Emma hadn’t been back there since Mr. Woods had died. The door had been practically sealed shut.
Chase got busy sanding down the trim on the windows. He’d start there so they’d be ready for the fresh paint once they got it from the city.
Aaron Reynolds. He couldn’t believe it. Figures he’d be an attorney now. Of course Chase remembered Aaron. How could he forget? Aaron was the overachiever in high school—valedictorian of his class, student council president—but as Chase remembered him, brownnoser extraordinaire. When Chase pulled the fire alarm before midterms, it was Aaron, who happened to be walking out of the science lab, who’d snitched on him and nearly got Chase expelled from school. If it wasn’t for being a Knox and his father’s power, he surely would’ve been kicked out of Arbor Shores High. And although he’d escaped trouble at school, the wrath he’d received from his father was far worse.
But why was the thought of Aaron and Emma together plastered in his mind? Was that a lightning bolt of jealousy that had hit him at the table when Emma said Aaron’s name? It had made him seethe inside. The thought of Emma dating Aaron made him feel inadequate, which was silly because Chase and Emma were just friends.
Even if Chase was interested in her, he could never get a girl like Emma. It figures she’d be dating an attorney. That’s the kind of man a smart, successful woman like Emma should be with anyway. They were probably a good match. Just one that left him feeling nauseated to think about.
Chase hadn’t liked Aaron back in high school, and he had no desire to see him now. He’d have to finish up for the day and get out before Emma came home from work, which made it as good a time as any to go see his family.
“So, how was your evening?” Rose asked Emma after the morning rush had died down.
“It was nice. Chase cooked us dinner, and then we took a walk on the beach.”
“Hmm, sounds romantic.” Rose looked up dreamily before shooting a smile in Emma’s direction.
“It’s not like that, Rose. I swear, we’re just friends.”
“Does he know that?” she asked with a pitched brow.
“Well, of course. We’ve always just been friends.”
“When you were kids maybe.” Rose went back to kneading the dough for the bread she was baking. “A man doesn’t cook for a woman unless he’s interested in her. That’s all I’m saying.”
Was Chase interested in her? No, he couldn’t possibly be. She’d heard him; he needed to eat, too. It’s not like he was just cooking for her. It had been nice, though, to have home-cooked meals in the Hemlock House again. If she had someone to cook, she possibly could reopen the B&B. But she’d not only need someone to cook but to also keep the grounds and help with the guests. She could never do it on her own. But the extra income could only help since she owned the house outright.
Nah, that was an impossible dream. What if she failed? What if it wasn’t as great as it was when her parents owned it? She’d be laughed out of town. Plus, she was needed at NovelTea. She couldn’t be in two places at once.
“So, what do you and your friend have planned for tonight?” Rose asked.
“Nothing. I have plans with Aaron tonight.”
Rose dropped the dough on the cutting board and looked up at Emma. “Well, then, now you’ll know.”
“What do you mean?” Emma asked, not sure what Rose was talking about.
“You bring Aaron Reynolds around Chase tonight, and how he reacts will tell you if he has any interest in being more than just friends.”
“Fine,” Emma agreed. “I know Chase, and he won’t have any problem with me going out with Aaron. I’m telling you, he’s not interested in me like that.”
“Like I said,” Rose added and went back to kneading the dough. “We’ll see.”
After sanding down all the windowpanes on the lower level, Chase got to work stripping the floors. His plan had been to finish up for the day before Emma got home from work. He would get cleaned up and away from Hemlock House before Aaron showed up. Aaron was the last person Chase wanted to see, especially with Emma. Something about the two of them together didn’t sit right with him.
Maybe it was the music blaring from the portable radio he’d found in the garage. Perhaps it was the hard work that had him feeling so good that he’d lost track of time. But somehow, he’d let the day slip away from him, and when he looked up, Emma was standing in the opening of the parlor … with Aaron right beside her.
Chase quickly walked over and flipped off the radio, brushing the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. Inadequacy bloomed in his chest as he looked from his fitted white tank top and ripped blue jeans to Aaron’s dress shirt, tie, and pressed slacks. He and Aaron couldn’t be any more opposite.
“Chase, I didn’t expect to see you here. I thought you’d made plans with Shane today,” Emma said. Zeke sauntered over to greet her, and after a quick ear scratch, moved right past Aaron and took his place back by Chase’s side.
“Tonight,” is all Chase could manage to get out.
“Chase Knox?” Aaron asked through squinted eyes, peering to get a better look.
“The one and only,” Chase answered dryly, quickly going to work to tidy up the room that he’d been tearing apart all day. Should he go over and shake his hand? Nah, Aaron probably wouldn’t want to touch Chase’s sweaty hand anyway. Probably too afraid he might get dirty.
“You didn’t tell me you had Chase Knox doing work here,” Chase heard Aaron say under his breath.
“Actually, I’m staying here.” Chase stopped and squared his shoulders, folding his arms across his chest.
“He’s staying in the guesthouse,” Emma quickly corrected.
“Really?” Aaron didn’t look pleased. “I didn’t know you’d come back to Arbor Shores. Seems all of you Knox boys are returning.”
“Please excuse me. I just need to go change,” Emma said, heading for the stairs. Leaving Chase and Aaron alone in the parlor.
“Get you something to drink?” Chase asked, his best attempt at being polite.
“No, thank you.” Aaron said, his tone cold. He took a step closer. “So, you’re staying in the guesthouse?”
“That’s right.” Chase unplugged the power sander he’d been using, and stared Aaron down as he wrapped up the cord.
/> “What have you been up to? I don’t think I’ve seen you since high school.”
“No, you haven’t.” Chase ignored his question. The last thing he was going to do was engage in small talk with Aaron Reynolds.
“So, you’ve kept in touch with Emma? How’d you end up staying here?”
“Emma’s a close friend. Always has been.” Chase reached down and scratched at Zeke’s head, who still remained loyal by his side. It was odd that Zeke hadn’t acknowledged Aaron. He acted like he didn’t know him or didn’t trust him, one of the two. Either way, that wasn’t a good sign.
“That’s funny, she hasn’t ever mentioned you two were close,” Aaron said. Was he throwing a jab?
“Likewise.”
The look on Aaron’s face told Chase that admission had taken him aback.
“Oh?” Aaron pitched a brow. “That’s odd, because we are very close.”
Aaron’s words stabbed at Chase. Another man in his place, close to his Emma? “Well, I have to get going. You two enjoy your night.” Chase headed toward the back door and Zeke followed. “You have to stay here, boy,” he told him at the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Chase slammed the door hard behind him and made a beeline for the guesthouse. He had to get a shower and get to Ripples to meet his brothers. The last thing he wanted to do was think about Emma and Aaron.
Emma made her way down to the bottom of the stairs to find Aaron peering out the side window as if to look in the backyard.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Ready?” He quickly turned around and ignored her question.
“Where’s Chase?”
“He said he had to go.” Aaron stood with his hands shoved into his pockets. “Why didn’t you tell me he was staying here?”
“Well, for one, you just met me here and we haven’t had time to talk yet. And also, I didn’t know it was any of your business, frankly.” She surprised herself with how that came out, but she didn’t belong to Aaron, and she didn’t appreciate him asking. She had every right to have a houseguest. Even if it was a ruggedly handsome houseguest that would make any man feel insecure in comparison. She tried to put herself in Aaron’s shoes. What would it be like to find the girl you’d been seeing with a hottie like Chase fixing up her house? It had to make him uncomfortable. Chase was a manly man who worked with his hands, and his bulging muscles and cut upper body hadn’t hid that. Aaron had never once offered to help her with any of these projects, so it served him right. She doubted he even knew how to work a power tool in the first place.
