Stockings (Whispering Cove)

by McKade, Mackenzie

  “Sure.” Reece followed him out the door.

  The sky was pitch black with a small sprinkling of stars, the air cool. Leo activated his remote control and opened the back door of his SUV, placing the box on the seat along with several others he had picked up earlier. Then he walked around and got in, while Reece climbed inside the passenger side.

  “So what’s up with you and Tempest?”

  Leo stared straight ahead as he started the engine and the heater blew semi-warm air. “We started off on the wrong foot.” He shifted into gear and pressed on the gas. “I’m attempting to mend fences, but she’s not having it.” And that was putting it mildly.

  “Perhaps tonight will change things.”

  “I’m not looking for a woman, Reece. Just to make peace between us.”

  His friend chuckled. “Yeah, buddy. Keep telling yourself that.”

  “Really. She’s not my type.” Which was true, but there was something about her that attracted him. Hell, who knew what it was. Maybe it was as simple as she didn’t want him and represented a challenge.

  “Doth thou protest too much?”

  “Funny. You’re real funny.”

  Nothing more was said as he drove up the street, pulling to the curb when he came to the hardware store, where Mr. Grover sat on the bench outside his store.

  While Leo got out and moved around the vehicle, the seventy-something man stood up and met him halfway.

  Reece activated his window and it hummed down. “Good evening, Mr. Grover.”

  “Evenin’ Reece. Leo.” Mr. Grover shook Leo’s hand. “Glad you brought reinforcements. We made a haul.” He nodded toward two large sacks sitting on the ground next to the bench. “The kids should be happy this year.”

  They were always happy this time of year. If Leo knew they would be short gifts, he pitched in the remaining money to make sure there were enough to go around. He had been the anonymous humanitarian at the local community center for the past two years.

  Leo grabbed the two bags by their handles. “Will you be joining us at the bazaar, Mr. Grover?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  “Then we’ll see you there.” Leo placed the sacks in the back of the SUV and then got in. He listened to the whine of the window as Reece shut the cold out. It was quiet for a moment, until his friend spoke.

  “So what do you think she looks like under all that makeup?”

  Leo continued to stare straight ahead. “Who?”

  “Who do you think?”

  No way would Leo admit he had wondered the same. “Don’t know—don’t care.”

  “Not even a little bit curious?”

  “Nope.” From the corner of Leo’s eye he saw his friend’s skeptical grin.

  The headlights of his vehicle swept across the road as he made a wide turn into City Hall’s parking lot. As promised, several young teenagers stood ready to unload. The minute he turned off the engine they swarmed his vehicle.

  Mary Ann approached them. “Evening, Officer Caan. Reece.”

  “Evening,” they reciprocated.

  “Tommy, place that box in my car.” She tossed him the keys. “I’ll be including one of Tempest’s pieces in the auction tonight. If you’ll excuse me.” She left them to attend to business.

  Reece slapped Leo on the back. “How about some hot chocolate while we wait for the girls.”

  Booths were scattered around the grounds, a towering Christmas tree loomed ahead as they made their way through the crowd, stopping occasionally to speak to neighbors and friends. It was a large turnout tonight. Seemed everyone in town was taking advantage of the unique shops. The carnival setting off to the right had attracted most of the older children, while the younger ones gathered around waiting for Santa Clause to make his visit. Laughter and chatter filled the night. Christmas spirit was alive in Whispering Cove. Every tree, bush and lamppost was decorated. Even some of the people wore festive clothing of red and white. A large blown-up snowman, reindeer and a sleigh were dotted about.

  As Leo and Reece got in line at the concession stand, Harold walked up to them. “Evenin’. Where’s that beautiful wife of yours?”

  Reece grinned at the mention of Tabby. “She’s with Tempest. They should be here in a bit.”

  Harold narrowed his eyes on Leo. “Tempest your date?”

  Caught off guard, Leo searched for an answer. “Uh. Hum—”

  “Well, lad, is she or ain’t she?”

  Before Leo could answer, Reece did. “Yep. We thought we’d go to Hauk’s after festivities are over.”

  No more was said because Tabby and Tempest walked up and joined them. Reece immediately took his wife into his arms. Tempest hung back until Harold started questioning her about the store and her day. A light lit in her gaze as she brought him up-to-date. Her round, intriguing green-blue eyes were mesmerizing as she spoke.

  As they moved along with the line Leo watched her, noticing how shapely her legs were against her short, black leather mini-skirt. Dark stockings and ankle boots protected her from the cold, as well as the bomber jacket she wore. He’d never realized how animated she was when something excited her, because her arms moved and her expression changed as she talked about her consignment agreement with Mary Ann.

  “I can’t thank you enough,” she gushed. “We need to discuss what I owe you.”

  “Not a thing, lassie.”

  “I insist. What would you say to a forty percent cut of all I sell?”

  Leo looked at her in a new light. She could have offered Harold a smaller cut, but he could see in her eyes that she truly wished to repay him for his generosity.

  “Can I help you?” the young teenage girl manning the concession stand asked.

  Leo reached into a pant pocket to retrieve his wallet and set a ten on the counter. “Five hot chocolates with extra marshmallows.” As the girl filled his order, he started passing the drinks out. When he handed Tempest a cup, steam curling off the top, their eyes met.

  “Thank you.”

  He searched for something to say, finding himself speechless and drowning in the depths of her eyes.

  “They’re starting the rummage sale.” Tabby broke the trance Leo had fallen into.

  Damn. What was wrong with him?

  “The lights and decorations are so beautiful,” Tempest breathed.

  “They are,” Tabby agreed.

  The warmth in Reece’s eyes as he watched his wife was that of a man in love. Something Leo hoped to feel some day. No one would be happier than his mother if he finally settled down. She had called earlier today and asked if he’d be coming home for Christmas and whether he’d be bringing a date. She had been saddened to hear he had to work this Christmas, but he’d promised to make it home for New Years.

  As they approached the makeshift stage that Reece, Devon and their crew had constructed, Christmas carols filled the night. Leo stood next to Tempest, catching the scent of her sweet perfume.

  They were there only a couple of minutes when Errol and Byron joined Harold. Devon, Tabby’s brother, appeared to have hooked up with Brody’s secretary, Lauren, because the two of them edged their way through the crowd together and stopped to chat with Reece and Tabby.

  When Mary Ann stepped upon the stage holding what he was sure was a piece of Tempest’s art, everyone grew silent. “As you all know we have an auction each year to earn money for the community center. Tonight I am pleased to present an exquisite Sommerso figurine from a new artist in our town. Tempest Sky has consigned several of her pieces for the Christmas Bazaar and more of her work can be viewed at the corner of Main Street and Third.

  Leo glanced at Tempest and she was blushing. He found her innocence so appealing that he raised his hand. “I’ll bid eighty dollars.”

  She turned to him with misty eyes. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “It’s a beautiful piece of art. I’m sure my mother would love to add it to her collection.” By the time he finished speaking the bid
was at a hundred and fifty dollars.

  “Do I hear two hundred?” Mary Ann asked.

  Leo raised his hand. The bid ended at two hundred and seventy dollars with him winning. He cut through the crowd to retrieve his prize. When he returned, Tempest was gone. No one had seen her leave. His date had skipped out on him.

  Chapter Seven

  Over a week had passed since the bazaar and auction. Sky ripped open a multipack of glass stringers and placed them in a jar on her workbench. She had been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community of Whispering Cove that night. Before making a blubbering idiot of herself, she had slipped away. Yet leaving early hadn’t done her any good. She reached into the box that had been delivered overnight for a package of blue sea reef Kokomo Mosaic tiles. Leo had stopped by to ensure she’d gotten back to the store all right. She paused, thinking it odd that she now thought of him as Leo and not Officer Caan. When he caught her crying, his genuine concern had touched her. Maybe he wasn’t the ass she had first pegged him to be.

  As she tore open the bag, she paused, thinking of the auction. Leo had paid prime price for her sculpture without blinking an eye. Not to mention, he had stopped by each day since for some reason or another. Yesterday it had been a broken vase he wondered if she could fix, which she hadn’t been able to. Why he was showing her so much attention, she had no idea. Yet it didn’t feel as if he was checking up on her anymore. The man baffled her.

  The ringing doorbell saved her from her thoughts, but when she turned around it was Leo. He smiled, his eyes twinkling. Why hadn’t she noticed until now how attractive he was? Or how nice he looked in his uniform. Or how the light streaming through her window brought out the darker strands of auburn in his hair?

  “Morning, Tempest.”

  She mentally shook the foolish wanderings out of her mind. “Leo.”

  A broad smile widened his lips. “Thought you could use some hot chocolate.”

  She dropped her sight from the deep dimples in his cheeks to his large hands, which held two Styrofoam cups. “Uhm. Thank you. That was considerate of you.”

  The blush on his face was charming or was it the chill of the morning as he handed her a cup? Either way it gave him a boyish innocence she had never recognized before.

  Apparently Leo was an altruistic individual and not only when it came to hot chocolate on a cold morning. Just yesterday Mary Ann had mentioned that he unselfishly provided for the children at Christmas time. She had asked Sky not to say anything because he thought his donations were anonymous. Then Mary Ann had leaned into Sky and whispered, “Silly man. No one hides a secret for long in a small town, especially Whispering Cove.” The woman’s words had bothered Sky more than she wanted to admit. It was time to move on.

  Removing the lid, she blew the steam off the creamy chocolate and took a small sip. “Hot.”

  “Sorry.”

  “No worries.” She licked her lips and his sight narrowed on her mouth. “Did your mother like the sculpture?”

  His gazed jerked to her eyes. “Uh. Well. I thought it looked good on my mantel, so I decided to keep it.”

  Did that mean he liked her work? For some silly reason the knowledge thrilled her.

  “Harry, from the Post Office, said you received some supplies. Does that mean you’re doing well here?”

  Sky frowned. “Does everyone know each other’s business?”

  He shrugged. “That’s what you get with a small town. They don’t mean any harm and you’re new in town. So they’re curious.”

  That’s exactly what she didn’t need. Yet due to Harold and Mary Ann, instead of the strange, gothic chick in town, most of the residents treated her like a real artist. Not that she didn’t still get disapproving looks from time to time, but even the old biddies who came to gawk bought something and left happy, which suited Sky just fine.

  The doorbell rang again and Larry, the mechanic, walked in wiping his greasy hands on a rag. “Morning, Caan. Miss Sky.” He paused, shifting his feet. “Got some bad news.”

  Sky’s heart sank. “The part didn’t come.”

  “Nope. Sorry. Maybe in a couple of days.” He swiped the back of his hand across his forehead as his gaze shifted quickly from Leo’s back to hers. “At the best it will be after Christmas until I can get to your rig.”

  “But you said—” She stopped. This can’t be happening. “There’s no other place to get the part? Or maybe another mechanic?”

  “No, ma’am. Sorry.” He waited a heartbeat before he said, “I gotta go.” Then he tipped his ball cap, spun around and hurried out.

  She blew out a long breath. “I can’t believe this.”

  “Whispering Cove isn’t a bad place to spend the holidays,” Leo reassured her. “I’ll be spending it with Brody and his family. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind one more.”

  “I wouldn’t want to impose, but thank you.” Alone for Christmas wasn’t what she had intended. What was she thinking? No matter where she’d be this year, she’d be alone. Heavy-hearted, she stared into her hot chocolate.

  “You okay?”

  “Yes.” She forced a smile that missed its mark when he frowned.

  “I’ve got to get to work, but think about Christmas. It’s the twenty-first and closing in on us.”

  She nodded and followed him to the door. “Thanks again for the chocolate.”

  “My pleasure.”

  As she stepped out into the cold morning air, goose bumps crawled across her arms. A salty breeze off the ocean forced her to hug herself. “Good-bye.”

  “See you later.”

  When he pivoted and walked down the sidewalk, she took a moment to watch the people of Whispering Cove. Larry was returning to his shop. A couple strolled along occasionally stopping to point something out in one of the store windows. A woman pushed a stroller with two toddlers, one on each side of her. Three rambunctious boys appeared to be playing tag, dodging and swearing, just missing the couple that had stopped before an antique store. There were people around her, but she felt alone.

  Releasing a sigh, Sky was about to step inside when she saw Harold on the opposite side of the street. She started to wave when Larry darted across the cobble stone road toward him. The two men exchanged words and Harold slipped something in Larry’s palm and he quickly placed it in his pocket before they shook hands and parted. Larry continued down the street and Harold went into the diner. For a moment she wondered what Harold had given Larry and then someone called her name. She turned to see Vic, the owner of the local hair salon, waving.

  As she approached, she had a big grin on her face. “Hi, Tempest. I was wondering if you would be interested in a color draping class? Tomorrow evening several of the girls are getting together. A little wine. A little cheese. A little more wine. It’ll be a blast.”

  Sky had been colored draped as a young girl. It was important in her father’s line of business that both she and her mother always dress to perfection. Her natural hair color was more of a medium brunette with auburn highlights, so warm, autumn colors suited her. Black hair and clothing washed her skin tone out, but it worked with her gothic persona. She had even dyed her eyebrows to complete the masquerade.

  “I’m not sure color draping is me. I wear nothing but black. Maybe a little red.”

  “But you have such beautiful features. I bet if you returned your hair to its natural color it would be beautiful.” Sky must have revealed her shock, because Vic laughed. “Doll, I’m a hairdresser. I know a color job when I see one. Say you’ll join us.”

  Vic reminded Sky so much of Stella that she found herself accepting.

  “Wonderful. Seven o’clock at my shop.” She glanced down at her wristwatch. “Damn. I’m late for an appointment. See you tomorrow.”

  A chill raced through Sky as Vic walked away. Although it was sunny, it felt more like a storm was heading her way. She hoped the unease settling in her gut was because of the weather. Ducking back into the store, her anxiety lessened with the famili
ar scent and heat of the ovens. Picking up her blowpipe, she did what she usually did when she became anxious—she began to create.

  As she stretched the glass, it seemed to slither as if it were alive, growing longer and longer. She loved her work. Loved the danger, the tension of working with glass and fire. One had to have respect for the flame, the heat, as she carried several burns as a reminder of what carelessness could result in. Two-thirds of the way toward finishing her project, Harold strolled into the store.

  “Morning, lassie.”

  “Good morning, Harold.”

  “What you be doing?”

  Braiding several pieces of glass, she kept her eyes on her work. “I’m crafting a cane for Errol.”

  “Well, I’ll be. That you are.” He pulled out the chair tucked beneath her workbench and sat, quietly watching. When she finished, he shook his head. “Lassie, you’re amazing.”

  “Thank you.” She rummaged through a box where she remembered seeing some rubber tips that just might fit the bottom of the cane. “Do you think he’ll like it?”

  “He’ll cherish it, he will.” He paused for a moment, before continuing. “Heard you may be staying with us longer than expected.”

  Sky glanced up. “You’ve heard?”

  “Spoke with Larry this morning. Such a shame. Looks like you be staying past Christmas.”

  “It looks that way.” She dug deeper into the box finding what she was searching for.

  “No arguing. You be spending the holiday with me and me family.”

  Her grip tightened on the rubber tip as she met the elderly man’s stern gaze. “I can’t impose—”

  “Now, lassie, I said there be no arguing.” He pushed to his feet. “Andie makes quite a feast. There be plenty for everyone.”

  In all honesty she didn’t want to decline. She didn’t want to be alone for Christmas.

  Night had fallen. The coach lanterns lining the street beamed from beneath a thin film of fog. Leo pulled his truck in the front of the Seafarer and got out. His stomach rumbled at the thought of Katy’s amazing mussels over ziti with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and anchovies, warm French bread, and a cold beer. He was ready to kick back after a hard day at work. There had been one call after another. He gazed up to the sky. Just what he thought—a full moon.