After a while, someone knocked on the window next to her. Dakota jumped and looked up. It was Dad. His expression saddened when he saw her.
She sighed and unlocked the doors.
He opened it. "I thought that was your car. What's wrong, honey?"
Dakota sniffled. "I don't want to talk about it."
"Well, come on inside. Take a load off, at least."
"I shouldn't. Not like this."
"Sure you should." He rubbed her shoulder. "We're family, and you ended up here for a reason. Right?" He sniffed the air. "Did you bring us lunch?"
"Yeah." She certainly wasn't giving it to Clay. Someone may as well eat it. "It's in the back seat. You can grab it."
He opened the back door, and she blew her nose, managing to keep from crying anymore. She looked in the mirror and wiped the smeared makeup—not that it helped much. Her mascara was smudged and her eyeshadow was a mess. Plus, there was nothing she could do about her red, puffy eyes.
She grabbed her purse, locked the car, and walked inside with Dad.
Nancy's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Dakota. "Are you okay, sweetie?"
There was no point in pretending. She shook her head.
"Nothing good ol' Dad can't help with, right honey?" He put his arm around her shoulders and led her into his office.
"Are you sure I'm not interrupting?" Dakota asked.
"Nonsense." He closed the office door and set the food on his desk. "Have a seat."
She sat in a plush chair and sighed. It did help to have a distraction. She looked around the office. Not much had changed since she was a little girl. The computer was new and sleek, the chairs had been reupholstered, and one poster had been replaced. Otherwise, if she didn't know better, she could be sitting there in pigtails and a backpack full of toys, like she had so many times before. Unfortunately, life had grown a lot more complicated.
"You hungry?" Dad asked.
Dakota shook her head. She didn't care if she ever ate again.
"What did you bring for me?" He pulled the contents out of the bag. "Soup, crackers, and popsicles? Do you know something I don't? Am I coming down with something?"
"No."
"I'm just trying to lighten your mood, honey. I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong."
Tears blurred her vision. "I thought someone else was sick, but he wasn't. I'm sorry I said it was for you. I just really don't want to talk about it."
He sat in the chair next to her and put his hand on her arm. "Well, if it helps, that stomach virus has really been going around. Mom and Logan had it really bad. Shale even had it for a day. I took so much vitamin C, it didn't stand a chance."
She sniffled and blinked back her tears. "I'm glad you didn't get it. You can have the food if you want. I'm probably messing up your lunch break."
"You could never mess up anything." Dad gave her a reassuring smile. "I might have to take you up on the offer to eat, though. But only if you talk to me."
"Dad, just eat."
"Not unless you tell me what's going on. You wouldn't be here if everything was okay. Freya told me about your wedding disaster this weekend. I'm surprised you're not sleeping in your office."
Her face burned. Dad knew her too well. "I just needed a break."
He went over to his desk and pulled the lid off the soup. "So, you're in tears over work?"
"Kind of." Considering it was her assistant that had her so upset.
"Nothing else?" He crumbled the crackers into the bowl.
She shrugged.
"I'm all ears."
Dakota sighed. "I just have bad luck with guys. Like always." Images of past relationships gone bad ran through her head.
"It can't be worse than prom, can it?"
"Dad," she exclaimed. "I thought we agreed never to bring that up again."
"At least you have the best brothers in the world."
Her face heated. "Da-ad. I don't want to talk about that."
"Well, you still got to go, and I didn't have to worry about your date taking advantage of you. I happen to know Sullivan was the perfect gentleman."
Dakota hid her face in her hands. The night of her senior prom, Doug Silver broke up with her for some other girl. Dakota had already gotten her hair done and had just slid on her dress when her best friend saw the news on social media. Sully had stepped in, putting on his suit, refusing to let Dakota miss her big day.
She would never forget that moment…
"Hey, get the zipper, would you?" Dakota held her hair out of the way.
Elise didn't budge. She was staring at her phone's screen.
"Elise!"
"What?" She glanced up at Dakota, her face pale.
"My zipper. Doug's supposed to be here in fifteen minutes."
Elise bit her lip. "I don't think he's coming."
Dakota's already-nervous stomach tightened. "What do you mean?"
"I'm really sorry." Elise frowned and then showed her the phone's screen. It had a picture of Doug in a tux kissing a girl from Dakota's math class, who was wearing a skin-tight blue strapless dress.
"That… that's from t-tonight?" Dakota sputtered.
"Look in the background. They're in front of a prom banner."
"But he…" Her voice trailed off and she sat, unable to finish her thought.
"Hold on." Elise ran from the room as Dakota stared at a blank wall. She wasn't sure how much time had passed when Elise returned with Sullivan. Her older brother was wearing his suit.
"What's going on?" Dakota asked.
"You're going to prom, that's what." Sullivan handed her a flower from Mom's garden. "Will you go to the prom with me, Dakota?"
Knock, knock.
Dakota shook her head, bringing herself back to the present.
"At least I got your mind off your problems for a couple minutes," Dad said. He looked up at the door. "Come in."
Sullivan walked in, focused on Dad. "Wilkinson just called about the mansion. He wants to know if he can view it early."
Dad tilted his head toward Dakota.
Sully turned toward her, his eyes widening. "Dakota, what's wrong?"
It was prom all over again. Except that he couldn't fix this. No one could. "Just brought dad some lunch."
"Really?" Sullivan sat next to her. "Is that why you look like you've been crying?"
Dad rose with the empty soup bowl. "I'm going to call Wilkinson back."
"We'll get out of your way." Sully helped Dakota up. "Come into my office." He led her into his office and sat next to her on his couch. "What's going on?"
Dakota sighed. "Remember prom?"
He arched a brow. "You need me to take you to a dance?"
"I thought things were going so well with Doug, but then… they weren't."
Sullivan scrunched his face as though deep in thought. "I'm afraid I don't follow. Although, he did just get divorced—if that makes you feel any better."
She shook her head.
"What's going on?" Sully asked. "I hate to rush you, but I have a house to show soon."
Dakota sniffled. "I thought things were going well with Clay, but they weren't."
Confusion washed over his face. "Clay? But he's with Lauryn. And you don't mix business with pleasure."
Tears threatened again. "He broke up with her, and I'm stupid."
His eyes widened. "Dakota…"
"And he's back with her. I saw him with an engagement ring."
Sully looked like he was trying to process it all. "You… Wait. Did he give you reason to think things were going well with him?"
"He—" Dakota couldn't finish. Images of Clay kissing her so sweetly in the snow flashed before her eyes. Had he just been using her? That was the only answer. She buried her face into her hands a second time.
"Dakota?"
She glanced over at him, tears spilling onto her cheeks. "He said they broke up. We… But he got back together with her."
Sullivan jumped up and punched his palm. "
That jerk! I'm going to—"
"Don't." Dakota shook her head. "Please. I probably read too much into my time with him. It was my fault for breaking my own rule."
"I'm so sorry," Sullivan said, sitting. "This is all my fault. I never thought anything like this would happen. If I thought for a moment he would hurt you…" His face tensed. "Are you sure you don't want me to punch him?"
She shook her head. As hurt as she was, she didn't wish him any ill will.
"I can give him a bloody nose. A black eye. Or both. Do you want me to give him both? Throw in a sore jaw for good measure?"
"No. Like I said, it's my fault for breaking my rule. I really should get back to work. Oh, and I need to call Freya. We've got an especially busy weekend coming up."
"Need any extra help?" Sullivan asked.
"You're busy on the weekends."
"Not if you need me. But I can't promise not to knock Clay into next week if he shows up."
"Please don't." Dakota rose from the couch. "Thanks for talking, Sully. I feel better, but I really need to get back to work. My phone's probably been ringing nonstop."
"Okay, but I'm going to check in on you. If you don't answer, Clay's going to get it."
"Sully." She groaned.
"Hey, I'm your big brother. It's my job to fight for your honor."
She gave him a big hug. "And it means the world to me."
Nineteen
Clay walked out of the jewelry store feeling like a new man. A free man. He was no longer the owner of an engagement ring and now he had some extra money to spend on the one woman cared about. His heart soared just thinking about Dakota.
He couldn't wait to see her. To wrap his arms around her and plant his lips on hers again. Kissing her was electrifying. It reminded him of the excitement of his very first kiss, except that this was so much better. He was older and knew exactly what he wanted from life—Dakota.
She was beautiful, kind, and adventurous. They enjoyed the same things—she even appreciated his Ducati. If there was a perfect woman for him, it had to be her.
He couldn't wait for the next day—to show up at work and see her. The day was almost over, so there was no point in heading in now. Besides, he wanted to pick up some surprises for Dakota. The plan was to shower her with gifts so she felt like the most special woman alive, because she was.
Clay climbed on his bike and headed for a specialty candy store outside of town. They made some of the best chocolates he'd ever tasted. Dakota would love them. He couldn't wait to see her face light up as she tried one.
His gas light went on. He'd forgotten about needing to fill up. He pulled into the nearest station and filled up.
"Clay," came a familiar male voice from behind.
He turned around. "Hey, Sullivan. How's it going?"
Sullivan scowled. "You have to ask?"
"Huh?" Clay asked.
"It should be pretty clear, don't you think?" Sullivan's brows came together.
"Did I miss something?" Clay returned the gas nozzle and secured his bike's gas cover.
Sullivan's mouth formed a straight line and he shook his head muttering something about hating to keep promises.
"Are you sure everything's okay?" Clay asked.
His friend just stared at him.
"Uh, if you need anything, just let me know."
"Right." Sullivan crossed his arms.
Clay felt like he was missing something, but he wanted to get to the specialty store before it closed. He climbed on the bike.
"How's Lauryn?" Sullivan asked with a bite to his tone.
"Fine, I guess. We—"
"You guess?"
"We bro—"
"Whatever." Sullivan turned around and climbed into his beamer, slamming the door.
Clay stared at the car as it tore out of the station. Usually, his friend was in good spirits, but when he lost his temper, things could get ugly. He shuddered for the poor guy who'd upset Sullivan Hunter this time and started the bike. His mind quickly went back to Dakota, and he continued planning their date. He couldn't wait to see her expression.
Time flew as his mind wandered. Before he knew it, he found himself parking at the candy store. Sweet aromas greeted him inside.
The girl behind the counter smiled at him as he walked over. "Can I help you?"
"I want a box of your best chocolates."
She nodded. "Over here."
Clay went to the other side of the counter and picked out each piece individually. She placed them in the box and rang him up. "That'll be fifty-two sixty-eight."
He handed her his card to pay for the purchase and then headed for home, planning the surprise lunch for the next day. The reservations were set and he had the candy. All he needed was to pick up the flowers. Then he and Dakota could have an amazing lunch, and he could gaze into her gorgeous green eyes for a full hour.
It would be perfect.
Once home, he set the candy box near the door and cleaned his apartment. It had gotten messy while he was sick. Blankets and pillows lay strewn across the couch. Crackers spilled off the plate on his nightstand. Partially empty bottles of sports drinks lay everywhere between his bed and the couch.
After he had everything cleaned up, his stomach roared. It felt good to be hungry again. He never wanted to sit at the foot of the porcelain throne again. He stuck a frozen dinner in the microwave and called the restaurant to double-check his reservations for the next afternoon.
He went to bed that night with a smile on his face, and it was still there when he woke up—before his alarm went off. It was going to be a good day, and he couldn't wait to get it started.
Clay hurried to get ready and left a full half an hour early. He stopped off for some flowers and pulled into the parking lot at the same time Dakota did.
He waved, but she didn't look his way. Maybe he should've grabbed her some coffee, too. Well, it was too late for that now. He dug into his trunk and pulled out the bag with the flowers and candy.
By the time he put his helmet inside and locked it, Dakota had disappeared inside the building. Disappointment washed through him. He'd hoped to give her the flowers before going in, since they'd arrived at the same time. Maybe she had to hurry in for an early meeting. He needed to catch up after being out all week.
When he got to her office, she was busy typing at her laptop.
"Good morning." He smiled and reached for the flowers.
"Morning," she mumbled, not looking up.
Clay pulled his hand from the bag. "Are you okay?"
"Busy. Short-staffed all week." She continued typing.
"I'm sorry I was out. That stomach flu hit me really hard."
"Uh-huh."
"You sure everything's all right?"
"Yep." She typed faster.
He paused, wondering where to go with the conversation. The flowers might help, but the way things were going, they might not. "I saw Sullivan yesterday."
"Yeah?" Dakota typed so fast, Clay half-expected the keyboard to catch fire.
"He seemed about as happy as you do now. Can I help with anything?"
She looked at Clay and shot him a glare.
Ouch. So, he wasn't imagining her irritation.
"I'm really sorry for missing four days of work. I'll work into the night if I have to. Whatever it takes to help you catch up."
"Doesn't matter. Freya's helping with the weddings this weekend. You can go home and rest."
He flinched. "I'm perfectly healthy now. Have been since yesterday."
That time, she flinched. "Look, I'm busy. See if Aria or Marina need any help."
Clay couldn't take it any longer. He pulled out the flowers.
Dakota grimaced. "Are those for Lauryn?"
"Lauryn?" Clay couldn't have been more confused. "No, I told you—"
She rose and grabbed a stack of papers. "Look, it's none of my business. I have to run an errand. Just call Charlotte, okay? She likes you better, anyway." Dakota rushed past him into the
hall.
"Wait!" He set the bag down and went after her.
"Just call Charlotte." She spun around and stared at him, her eyes shining with tears. "Then find Marina or Aria and help them, okay? I'm busy all day."
His heart constricted. "Dakota, what's wrong?" He put his arms out to give her a hug, but she bristled.
"Call Charlotte." She turned back around and hurried down the hall.
Clay watched her until she was out of sight.
What had happened over the last week? Obviously, he'd missed something pretty major.
He frowned and turned around, heading into the office. But then he stopped. Clay couldn't let her storm away with tears in her eyes. He wasn't that guy.
No, he had to go after her. He ran down the hall and saw her leaving out the main door. "Dakota!"
The door just closed behind her.
Clay hurried outside and over to her. "Dakota, we need to talk. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine."
"You're not mad at me?"
"Nope. Not mad." She remote unlocked her car.
"Well, something's going on."
"I'm not mad. But I do need you to work with Marina or Aria instead of me."
His eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "What do you mean? Why?"
She opened the door without looking at him. "That's the way things need to be. The only thing I need your help with today is with Charlotte. Please call her."
Clay grabbed her arm. "What's going on?"
Dakota pulled her arm away and glared at him. "Just call her."
"Am I missing something?"
"Just call her! If you have any questions, ask Aria or Marina." She got into the car, started it, and drove away.
"Are you kidding me?" He turned and punched a tree, bruising knuckles, but he barely felt it. What was going on? Both she and her brother were acting weird, and there was no explanation.
How was he supposed to work now? Clay took a deep breath and then headed inside.
Marina came over to him. "Have you seen Dakota?"
"She just left."
"Why?" Marina exclaimed.
"No idea." He headed to the office and paused in the doorway. Could there be a clue in there? Had something happened within the family that had upset both of them? An unexpected death, maybe.
He sat at her desk and clicked around her laptop—he did need some information about Charlotte's wedding, after all. But there were no clues about what was bothering her or Sullivan.
Bayside Evenings Page 12
