Her Irresistible Troublemaker (A Town Named Eden Book 3)

by Parin, Sonia

  “Well, while you’re here make sure you stop by Eddie’s new restaurant. The official opening is not until next week, but she’s having dress rehearsals this week for dinner.”

  “Our dance card is already filling up. Makes me wonder why I live in Melbourne instead of here.” Lexie opened the menu.

  “So, what will you have?” Joyce asked.

  Lexie pointed her finger at one of the items. “I’ll have a Kick Start My Day coffee and I need to try one of these Puff Donuts.”

  “And what about you… Lulu?”

  “An Atomic with a dollop of cream and I have no idea what a Puff Donut is but I’ll try one too. And what’s with the names?”

  “I wanted to give the place a facelift.” Joyce waved her hand. “I’m a little bit scattered in my approach so it’s going to take some time. But I needed to change something now so I settled for modifying the menu. It’s been fun coming up with names. And, adding cream to your coffee changes it from an Atomic to a Marcel Proust.”

  “The French author who lived on coffee alone?”

  Joyce nodded, then she turned to Jack. “Are you right there, or would you like a refill?”

  “Whatever this coffee was I liked so I’ll have another cup, please,” Jack said.

  “That was the Midnight Express. It’s the coffee that helps you join the dots. Okay, coming right up.”

  Jack sat forward and frowned. “I distinctly remember ordering a plain black coffee. How did I end up getting one with a name?”

  “Joyce would have given you the once over and decided you needed something strong. Don’t worry about her, she walks to her own beat.”

  He brushed his hand across his chin. “I was actually concerned about being so transparent.” While he’d come with the express intention of testing the waters with Lexie, he didn’t want to be too obvious about it, at least not until he determined how she felt about him.

  “Why? Are you trying to hide something?” She stabbed an accusing finger at him. “OMG. You did come here for business. What are you going to do? Build a skyscraper next to Joyce’s and ruin her view?”

  “If I’m going to build anything it’ll be across the road.” He looked out the window. “What’s up with that side of town?” It looked derelict, almost like a ghost town.

  “That’s the Wilde side, and we don’t talk about it.”

  Her matter-of-fact prissy tone made him smile. He waited to hear more, but Lexie was waving at someone sitting at the other end of the café. Then their orders arrived and she turned her attention to studying her donut.

  “Any suggestions on how to tackle it?” Lexie asked her sister.

  “Forget ladylike decorum. I’m diving right in.”

  Jack watched them both sink their teeth in, their eyes crinkling with laughter. “This is the perfect opportunity to say something hilariously funny.” They both threw him warning glares. He put his hands up in surrender and sat back to watch the silent interaction between the sisters. That was something else Steph had clarified for him. Not only was Lulu really Maggie, but she was also Lexie’s sister who’d recently moved from Sydney to Melbourne. He’d never again wonder what women talked about when they visited the rest rooms together.

  As for Lulu McGee…

  Yes, he could see the resemblance to Lexie.

  “So.” Lexie wiped her hands with a napkin and looked up. “Do we have to put the town on alert?”

  Was that her way of asking why he’d come? He’d already downed his second cup of coffee so he had no delay tactics to hide behind. He could pretend he was seeking refuge because his ex was stalking him, but turning Juliette into something worse than she was wouldn’t sit well with him. In fact, he could make up any number of reasons for following Lexie to Eden, but eventually, he’d have to come clean and admit he’d put an end to his restless night only when he’d decided to see if they could have something other than easy conversations. If they couldn’t…

  Whatever they had could survive it. If the sparks he felt were only in his imagination, he’d apologize and mention his hot chocolate as a perk to moving away from any awkwardness.

  “The town’s safe, although…” he looked across the road again and wondered if there was any chance of exploring some of those buildings. From the outside, they looked like gems in need of some buffing. “I wouldn’t mind a tour. Do you think you could make time to show me around?”

  “Time is all we have here in Eden.”

  * * *

  “That coffee gave me a hyper kick. I better walk it off. You two have fun.” Maggie winked at her and left.

  Lexie drank the last of her coffee and tried to engage her brain but her senses were on overdrive.

  Jack. Here. In Eden.

  How long for? The day?

  Should she use the opportunity to turn her fantasy into a reality? If it blew up in her face, he’d leave and, in an ideal world, there would be a buffer of time to let the dust settle. When she returned to Melbourne, all would have been forgotten.

  “One tour coming right up.”

  “Can we start there?” he asked as he again looked out the window at the opposite side of the street.

  “Wilde Eden?”

  “You just shrunk back in horror.”

  “It’s not as if we could discreetly stroll over there.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m wearing a red skirt.”

  “And a very nice too, but what’s that got to do with it?”

  “I’ll be highly visible. People will talk. And they’ll wonder and they’ll start asking questions. And then there’ll be finger pointing and accusations of disloyalty and possibly, mercenary activities…” She shook her head. “No, we don’t want to open that can.”

  “Okay, you said all that with a straight face. Now you’ve kindled my curiosity. I’m not budging until I get a full explanation. What’s the story behind Wilde Eden?”

  “It belongs to the Wilde family. Specifically, the heiress, Zoe Wilde.”

  “Zoe Wilde?”

  “Shh, not so loud.” A murmur rose and fell around them. “Come on. We should leave now. Quickly.” Lexie wrapped her fingers around his arm and gave him a light tug.

  “Are we about to break into a run?”

  A gurgle of laughter tickled her throat. “Just keep your head down and don’t make eye contact with anyone.”

  “I’m starting to think there’s something in the town water supply.”

  “If there is, you’ve been infected. Remember, you’ve had two cups of coffee.”

  “What symptoms should I be looking for?”

  She slipped her hand away from his arm and tucked her hair back. “Dysfunctional reactions and responses to otherwise humdrum news. Outbursts of inappropriate incredulity.”

  “You’re starting to scare me. Is a runaway imagination one of the side effects?”

  “No, it’s a natural trait with locals. It’s how we deal with The Quiet.” She smiled as Jack stopped, his eyes narrowed as he gave her the type of accessing look her parents often gave her, the one that seemed to question her grasp of reality.

  “The quiet?”

  She nodded. “Listen.”

  “I don’t hear anything.”

  “That’s right. It can get eerily quiet out here. And if you’re not careful, it can act like an undertow and drag you down. You start thinking… and wondering.” She shrugged. “What if I’m the last person alive? What if I’m not awake and I’m actually dreaming? What if cocoa beans have been wiped off the face of the earth?” She shuddered. “No more chocolate. See, now I can hear Munch’s Silent Scream—” The sound of screeching tires had them both turning and then came a thud followed by the sharp tinkle of glass shattering.

  “Um…” Jack turned back to her, his eyes showing amusement.

  “The Grange boys.” A few people came out onto the sidewalk, but didn’t linger. Before she could declare the excitement over, she saw Luke Sterling, the local cattle baron, step out of Sterl
ing House. “Interesting,” she said under her breath and then she gasped. Luke Sterling was crossing the street. “Well, here’s a sight never before witnessed. A Sterling crossing over to the Wilde side.”

  “If you were wondering how long I’m here for, let me tell you I’m now determined to stay put until you fill me in.”

  “It’s a long story, Jack. And even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand.”

  He looked around. “Okay. It’s all beginning to make sense now. I’ve stepped into a Twilight Zone spin-off.”

  “Are you glad you came?”

  “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

  As his gaze lingered on her Lexie decided she was justified in reading more into the remark, so she let her imagination run wild. He’d come to sweep her off her feet. He hadn’t been able to go another day without seeing her… “Let’s get on with the tour and if anybody asks, we’ll tell them you’re a friend from way back.”

  “Are we likely to be interrogated?”

  “You’re a new face in town. Didn’t Joyce ask questions?” Lexie knew she’d be asking them tonight when they met at the pub. And if she didn’t have a ready-made story to tell, she’d be at everyone’s mercy. Not only had the Gardner sisters come to Eden together, but they’d also brought a man with them.

  “She didn’t ask anything that set alarm bells off.”

  “She must have been distracted.” When they came up to Brilliant Baubles she peered inside the local antique store. “The coast is clear. Let’s go in and have a quick browse.”

  “Is there someone you’re trying to avoid?”

  “The owner. He doesn’t like people coming into his shop.”

  “Why does he open it?”

  She shrugged. “Bradford inherited the business from his uncle. He must have promised to always keep it open.” She picked up a vase. “This is beautiful, but if I buy it I’ll have to commit to getting fresh flowers every other day and my schedule is about to change from busy to hectic.” She set it down and moved on to the next item that caught her eye, all the while tossing around a few different ways of asking why he’d come. Of course, she could simply enjoy his company and pretend there was nothing unusual in his visit. In reality, that was a big ask…

  There had to be a solid reason…

  What if he was adding yet another storey to his building and wanted to make sure she stayed out of the way?

  Then another possible reason popped into her head.

  She drew in a sharp breath. “Has my building burned down?”

  “What?”

  She grabbed hold of his arm. “You came here to personally deliver the news and because you’re not such a bad guy, soften the blow… and, oh… no. Now you’re going to tell me you’ve made an offer on the charred remains and will be erecting a replica of the Death Star to accommodate Darth Vader’s intergalactic weekend friends.”

  He smiled. “Is everyone in Eden like you? Actually, you don’t need to answer. I’ve already met Joyce and if what you say about Bradford is anything to go by, then he’s an Edenite through and through.”

  “Now you’re trying to distract me.”

  “Relax. Your building is safe.”

  Yes, but… that didn’t answer her question.

  Her hand fell away from his arm. This time, she curled her fingers and tried to hold on to the sensation of his sinewy muscles under her fingertips. “Come on, we better continue with the tour before Bradford comes back and catches us here. Our next stop,” she said as they stepped outside, “The Gloriana. That’s Eden’s entertainment hub. Good for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the one and only place to stay at in town.”

  He looked up and down the street. “There’s no one within earshot. Maybe now you can fill me in on this heiress you mentioned.”

  She drew in a breath. “Only if you promise never to utter her name in public.”

  He nodded.

  “The Wildes settled in Eden a couple of hundred years ago along with the Sterlings when this place was nothing but wilderness. After they made their fortune, the Wildes moved on. They still own their half of the town but they haven’t set foot here in over fifty years and most locals will say, good riddance to them.”

  “That’s it?”

  “What did you expect? Blood and gore?”

  “Something at least more dramatic.” He frowned. “You’re holding out on me.”

  Her lips pursed.

  “So they own all those buildings,” he mused.

  “Jack. Please tell me you’re not really getting ideas.”

  “They’re going to rack and ruin. Doesn’t it bother you? Most places would be looking at redevelopment—”

  “Yes, well. We’re not most places. Come on, there’s not much else to see, but I have tons of tall tales but true to tell.” By the time they’d strolled along the length and breath of the township, she’d shared enough stories to make her feel homesick. She’d enjoyed growing up in Eden, but at the first opportunity, she’d packed her bags and had moved to Melbourne following the usual coming of age exodus to the city.

  Living in an inner Melbourne suburb meant she could walk to the city along the Yarra River or hop on a tram for a quick ride into the central business district. There was always something to do, an exhibition to see, a play to watch, people to meet. Every day could be different. She had a small circle of friends but nothing that really compared to what she’d had growing up here where everyone knew her name. She could go months without setting foot in Eden and yet when she returned, it was as if she’d never left. Almost as if Eden forgave her for going away…

  “You’re looking pensive in a puzzled sort of way.”

  “I just had a strange thought, and you’re starting to sound like me.”

  “Maybe I should’ve skipped that second cup of coffee. Please tell me the bottled water comes from some place far away and not a local spring. I’m not sure I can risk taking another dose of whatever makes the locals… interesting.”

  This time he drew her to a stop, his hand brushing along hers. Her fingers tingled with need. The urge to touch him spread through her like a rush of electricity.

  “So what were you thinking about just then?”

  “I was trying to remember why I moved to Melbourne.”

  He looked at her for the longest moment without speaking. Then he smiled.

  “Whatever your reasons, I’m glad you did.”

  Before she had a chance to respond, his hand moved to her waist, he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers. A blaze of intuitive thoughts kicked in prompting her to send her hands up to his shoulders, and rising to her tiptoes, she pressed against him and kissed him right back.

  Chapter Twenty

  Kissing Jack had changed everything. When Lexie had drawn back to catch her breath, her gaze had locked with his and they’d held a long conversation. Or at least, she thought they had.

  They must have.

  Why else had they looked at each other for so long without saying a word? So far, their entire relationship had been based on a steady exchange of dialogue and suddenly, there had been no need for talking.

  Lexie nibbled on a pretzel and played around with assumptions. They’d passed the chemistry test with flying colors. So, she supposed the next step would be…

  To sit the test again.

  The silent declaration hovered inside her head like dust modes wavering before settling down only to be stirred up again.

  Sure, she’d been a perfect fit in his arms and her nerve endings had been snapped out of their slumber. Everything had pointed to sizzling chemistry, but what if they’d fluked the perfect test score?

  She should play it safe and make sure she hadn’t been overwhelmed by the whole experience.

  Overwhelmed. Puzzled. Confused.

  After all, she’d still been trying to get her head around Jack’s unexpected arrival. Also, her heart thumping response could have been the result of her long spell of abstinence. And she couldn�
��t forget the fact they’d already settled into their platonic relationship.

  In a moment of clarity, Lexie decided the explosive nature of that kiss trumped every complication she could imagine. It needed to be addressed. She should kiss him again. Just to be sure and, preferably not in the middle of the street but rather somewhere more private... And then… What?

  Damn it, she shouldn’t have to wonder or second-guess what would happen next. Once they acted on their attraction, everything would change for the better…or…

  She wished she’d asked a few relevant questions, but she hadn’t had the chance to engage her brain. Her focus had been stretched to the limit, fixed mostly on kissing him and holding herself upright.

  Then Maggie had stepped out of one of the buildings and had made a beeline for them. Lexie had jumped back and had pretended to have something in her eye, while Jack had looked nonchalant. Had he been grateful for the interruption? Or confident that it wouldn’t make a difference because he knew exactly what would come next?

  “I’m sorry I’m late. What did I miss?”

  “Nothing. We’ve only just arrived ourselves,” Joyce said and pulled out a chair for Elizabeth Charles.

  Snapping out of her reverie, Lexie nudged her sister who sat next to her. “This is Elizabeth Charles. She’s new to Eden,” and then lowering her voice added, “She’s the one responsible for taking Mitch Faydon off circulation.” Then she turned to Eddie Faydon. “Are we waiting for anyone else?” Sophie and Helena Wright had arrived a few minutes before, along with Hannah Melville, The Gloriana’s chef. They’d sat at a table in the public bar instead of the dining room because it offered the most entertainment value with views of the pool table, the bar and the front entrance. Meaning they could feast on the parade of male eye candy at leisure.

  Their chatter died down as Mitch Faydon, a co-owner of the pub and Eddie’s brother, approached their table, his hand coming to rest on his girlfriend’s shoulder. They all watched as Mitch and Elizabeth lost themselves in their own special moment.

  “This looks like a champagne type of gathering,” he finally said, “My advice to you girls is to refrain from doing anything that’ll have you moaning and groaning with regret tomorrow morning.”