by Brooke Page
I raised a brow. “Isn’t that what you always do?”
His lip lifted on one side. “Only when HR isn’t up my ass. I’ll come up with something. I don’t blame you for not wanting to see them. Only thing they’re good at is prescribing anti-anxiety meds.”
“I don’t do that shit.”
Riley smiled. “I know. You’re stronger than I am, but—” He flipped the file around so it was facing me. “—this job might hit close to home.”
I raised a brow, then creeped forward in my chair.
“Harris, Michigan?” I swallowed, cotton forming in my throat.
Riley nodded. “Seems to be some activity in these parts. We’ve got an inside source.”
My heart thudded. “Who’s your inside source?”
Riley stayed quiet. Even after all of these years, he kept me in the dark on half of his work.
The small town was constantly in the back of my mind. It made sweat trickle along the back of my neck, my heart hammered against my ribcage. I sent the one person I cared about more than anything on this planet back to Harris. I kept tabs on that little town, making sure it remained as clean as possible. It had its share of Meth bust and small crimes, but no sign of trafficking. I made sure of it.
“This can’t be right,” I murmured, picking up the piece of paper. “I check up on this location.”
“I know you do.” Riley knew my weakness, but he also knew that’s why I had been helping him for so long. “Some things aren’t adding up. To be honest, it feels an awful lot like your father.”
Riley moved another paper then pulled out a black and white photo of the perpetrator. “This was taken a few weeks ago. There’s also been a rise in prostitutes. You and I both know that’s where it starts.”
“Is Colt your inside man?” Colt, a man from my past, was now the town’s Deputy Sherriff. He really took a turn around, and from the bit of research I had done to keep up with that place, Colt was loved by all in Harris.
Riley’s frown deepened. “You know I can’t tell you who my inside sources are.”
I held my chin with my hand. “What do you want me to do?”
Riley held his hands together and let out a deep breath. “I want you to go there. I’ve assigned a position for you in town. You need to go in and scope things out, talk to locals, see what you can find out about these guys. As much as I hate to say it, I don’t think my source is lying about what’s brewing. Here’s a list of names to check out.”
“Colt’s on this list.”
“You and I both know dirty cops are everywhere. I’m not saying he’s a part of it, but he might know something.”
I continued down the list, most of the names looking familiar. Call me a stalker, but I knew too much about Harris, Michigan. My heart was safely tucked away there, but getting a tip off that the once cozy town might be compromised made my blood boil.
“Are your personal ties going to be an issue for this mission? Or do I need to involve a different agent?”
“What, with Colt?”
Riley raised a brow in my direction. “You know that’s not who I’m worried about.”
I rubbed the back of my neck and resituated in my chair. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Lauren Owens, now Lauren Contreras, lives there, and I know you’ve kept tabs on her.”
My eyes squinted closed. Hearing her name made my heartrate increase. She made the darkness in my life turn to light. Not a lonely night went by that I wondered what would have happened with us if I would have been selfish, ran off with her, and made a life together. Would the darkness have left me permanently? Or would knowing my father was destroying lives of innocent women have held me back from loving Lauren how she deserved?
One thing was true—if I ever felt love, it was for Lauren.
I shook my head, trying to rid of my fantasies of what if. “She’s got a life. Has a kid. I won’t interfere with that.”
Riley sat back in his seat and pressed his lips together. “You’re going to have to interfere. Her husband is number one on the list.”
Chapter Three
Lauren
My mind didn’t shift from the unidentified kite surfer until Tessa came off the bus at the arcade. She smiled from ear to ear, giggling while she hiked up the small hill. I knelt down and held my arms out to her, picking her up and spinning her. “How was school?”
Tessa was beaming. “Good. It was Callie’s birthday today! She brought cupcakes!”
“Cupcakes? Aren’t you a lucky girl?” I set her down and took her hand, leading her into the arcade. She would stay with me for another hour until my shift ended.
Some older boys were playing pool in the back, another group by the pinball machine. They were all regulars, giving Tessa a high five when they came up to the counter in search of change.
The arcade felt safe, and I liked that about working here. Pete and Bonnie were so good to us. They always had been. They practically raised Colby and treated Tessa like a granddaughter.
“Aunt Marcy!” Tessa screeched, running up to my dark-haired vixen of a best friend. She was Hispanic and shaped like a curvy model, her stylish white dress and tall heels proving me right.
“Tessa!” Marcy greeted, holding her arms out to give her a big hug. “I swear you get bigger every day!”
I came from around the counter and gave her a hug. “I didn’t know you were coming back today?”
“That husband of mine gets upset when I’m gone for more than a few days,” she smiled, squeezing me back.
“He should learn to deal, considering he married the most successful online business boutique owner in the state!”
Marcy waved her hand at me. “I’ve got a long ways to go for that title. But for now, I’ll accept my online store kicking major sales goals! Plus, I made some awesome contacts at the fashion show I was at this past week!”
I was so proud of her for following her dreams and starting a clothing store online. She would have moved to L.A. in a heartbeat, and I still wouldn’t be surprised if she left, but her husband, Colt, loved the small-town feel, and was in line for the Sherriff’s position. Marcy respected that, and she was happy with her accomplishments, at least for now.
“Anything new happen while I was away?”
I shook my head. “Same old, same old.”
Marcy rolled her eyes. “I don’t even know why I ask. This place has always been a good dose of boring. What are you doing tonight? Can I treat you and Tessa to some ice cream?”
“I’m actually here until five, but maybe after?”
Pete walked through the door, flustered as ever.
Marcy put her hands on her hips. “Dad, what did I tell you about being stressed?”
Pete sent her a glare along with giving her a kiss on the cheek. “I’d be less stressed if my baby would stop leaving town and wear less provocative clothing.”
Marcy ran her hands down her dress. “It’s called style, Dad. It may be form fitting, but it’s very sophisticated.”
“Yeah… I’ll be cleaning the bathroom walls again,” I muttered, eyeing the teenage boys that were shamelessly staring at Marcy.
Marcy’s face went sour. “That’s so gross.”
“Tell me about it. I have to clean it up.”
“Speaking of cleaning,” Pete interrupted, “Bonnie wants to clean up the back guest house for the new groundskeeper until he can find a place to stay. Would you mind staying late tonight? Tessa is more than welcome to hang around.”
Marcy grabbed Tessa’s hand. “She can come home with me. I’ll feed her dinner, and we’ll get ice cream!”
Tessa threw her hands in the air with excitement.
“Guess that’s a yes,” I grinned, patting Tessa on the head.
“I’ll make a plate for you,” Marcy offered, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Come on, Tess.”
Tessa squeezed my thigh. “Bye, Mommy. Will you still take me to see Daddy?”
Marcy’s ey
es filled with pity.
My heart panged when I crouched down so I was at her level. Wrapping her in my arms, I kissed her hair. “We’ll see what time it is when I pick you up. If not tonight, then tomorrow, okay?” Tessa’s smile faltered, but she nodded, an ounce of hope in her bright blue eyes.
“Is that normal?” Marcy whispered once I found my feet.
I shrugged. “I’ll text you when I’m on my way. Thanks for watching her.”
“Anything for my favorite niece. Let’s go, Tessa.”
Tessa took Marcy’s hand and went to her car. I watched out the window, thankful I had Marcy and her family in my life. They’ve supported us in more ways than one my whole life, and I’ll be forever grateful.
***
The evening rush had ended an hour ago, and I was eager to flip off the open sign. I’d done all of the closing duties besides the bathrooms, and the guilt for not getting back to Tessa at a reasonable hour was kicking in. She loved her nightly routine as much as I did.
“Hey, Lauren,” Jonah greeted.
I gave him a wave as he approached me from the back door. His long strides made their way to the front, the two boys playing video games cowered in the corner, stopping to watch his entrance. He was well built with broad shoulders and shaggy dishwasher hair underneath his ball cap. I didn’t understand why all the younger kids were so afraid of him. He was Colby’s co-worker and a very good friend. Tessa called him Uncle Jonah, and he always watched out for us.
He didn’t waste any time throwing his arms around me in a giant bear hug. I smiled and wrapped my arms around him, standing on my tip-toes so my chin would brush over his shoulder. “How’s it going? You just get done at the shop?”
He pulled back, keeping his hands on my shoulders. They were stained with grease, and I could still smell hints of gasoline mixed with the soap that never seemed to work. “Yeah, thought I’d stop by and see how you were doing.”
“Same old, same old,” I repeated what I’d told Marcy with a sigh, glancing at the boys in the back. “Waiting on closing time.”
Jonah followed my gaze. “Shouldn’t you kids be on your way home now? It’s a school night,” the deep timbre of his voice ordered.
Both boys jumped at his boisterous tone, their faces turning white. They scrambled out the door, not bothering to finish their game.
“Jonah, you didn’t have to do that.”
He shrugged, dropping his hands from my shoulders to go to the window, watching the boys find their bikes and ride off. “I’m sure there are better things they could be doing with their time.”
“Probably, but they do keep this place in business and me employed.”
He smirked and came back around the counter to stand next to me. “That’s true,” his smile turned into a frown. “You doing okay, money wise?”
My grin went lopsided. “Yes. Someone keeps leaving envelopes with cash in my mailbox.”
Jonah crept closer, putting his arm behind me on the counter. He was so close that I could smell the faint residue of cigarettes. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I raised a brow at him. “Don’t play dumb.”
He tilted his head forward. “Only want to make sure you’re taken care of, Lo.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, attempting to ignore how close he was. I shouldn’t have been afraid of him, he was Colby’s best friend, and only cared about Tessa and I, but it was my natural instinct to be cautious of men.
“Colby would have done the same for me and my family, if I had one and had been put in the same situation. It’s his cut from the shop. I wish he were here to take it, but—”
I cut him off, not wanting to talk about it. “I know, and thank you. I appreciate you caring.”
He smiled, his eyes on my mouth. I sucked in my bottom lip and took one stride to the cash register, beginning to count out the drawer. I needed space from Jonah. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust him; it was more I wasn’t ready, and Colby would be devastated if he knew his best friend was making moves on his wife.
The back door creaked open and Pete in his traditional overalls came through, waving his hand to Jonah in greeting. “Hey there, kid.”
Jonah stepped around the counter and shook Pete’s hand. “Hey. You need help with all of those pavers out front?”
“Nope, we’re all set. I’ve got a new groundskeeper who’s going to tackle that tomorrow.”
Jonah raised both of his eyebrows. “Oh? I didn’t know you had hired someone.”
“Yep. Starts tomorrow. Bonnie finished up with his room. He’s getting settled in now. Stop by tomorrow and I’ll introduce the two of you. Thanks again for staying later for me, Lauren. Bonnie appreciates it, too.”
“It’s not a big deal at all. Do you mind if I shut off the open sign?” It was almost nine, and everyone had left.
Pete nodded. “Sure. Jonah, I actually wanted to talk to you about these mowers and some parts I might need to order from you. Would you mind?”
“Not at all.” Jonah patted my back as he walked passed me. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Lo. Tell Tessa I’m coming by to say hi after school.”
“She’ll be thrilled. Thanks, Jonah.”
He grinned and followed Pete out the back door and to one of the sheds.
Pete was going to have a hard time passing on responsibilities to the new groundskeeper.
I continued to count the drawer in silence, eager to get home to Tessa. It had been a long day, and I needed to wrap my head around it with some down time.
When I finished counting the money and shoved it into the bank bag to drop in the safe, the bell to the front door jingled, and I cursed myself for not locking the door and shutting of the light.
“Sorry, but we’re …” My voice faded when I saw who walked through the door.
There he was, right out of my deepest desires and most haunting nightmares.
Wearing a gray t-shirt with dark jeans, his toes snuck out of his flip flops. He had filled out some, but in a good way, his body still lean and fit. His dark hair wasn’t as long as it used to be, trimmed short on the sides and faded up, a few thick locks swiping across his forehead.
Yet, those sea green eyes were still the same as the first day I drowned in them. Apparently, I never came back up for air by how I was struck numb by his presence.
It was him in the water earlier today. My mind hadn’t played tricks on me. He was here, standing five feet in front of me, as beautiful as ever.
“Lauren Owens?” he asked, but by how his eyes simmered, he knew he wasn’t mistaken.
“Vance Everett,” I whispered back.
I had to set my hand on the counter to keep myself from falling to the floor.
He smiled, and the slightly more than five o’clock shadow on his face helped define his delicious jawline. His teeth sparkled against the dark hairs and tanned skin. Why was he always so tan?
He raked his eyes up and down my body, and I squirmed. “I wasn’t expecting you to be… you,” he half chuckled, putting his hands in his pockets. “How are you?”
I squinted, running my hand through my hair and holding the bag of money to my chest. “It’s Contreras. Not Owens.” I swallowed back the dryness that was forming in my throat, hoping it would help me finish a cohesive sentence. “I’m good.”
“Oh, right. I forgot you were married,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “Congrats.”
I sucked in my cheeks, my emotions running rampant inside of me. “Thanks.”
He licked his lips, his eyes never leaving mine. “It’s been a long time.”
I nodded. “Yes, it has.”
“Have you visited YaYa?”
I shook my head. “No, I haven’t really had time,” I lied. The real reason I didn’t go to The Shore was because of him.
“Explains why I haven’t run into you. Figured after all this time, and for how small The Shore is, we’d have crossed paths,” he cleared his throat. “I see YaYa every now and then.”
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I raised a brow. “Does she still hate your guts?”
His lip twitched upward. “Not as much.”
We were quiet, too quiet, both of us simply staring at each other from head to toe, as if we were making sure we were real. “Were you kite surfing on the lake earlier today?”
Vance grinned, his pearly white teeth gleaming. “Yes, I was. A little chillier than in Alabama.”
“Not very many waves either.”
He shrugged. “Helps me control the kite better.”
“Well, I’d say you’re the first kite surfer in Harris.”
He cocked his head. “You haven’t tried?”
I smiled, my eyes finding my feet. “I haven’t been on a board since…” My sentence faded. Images of the first time he took me kite surfing replayed in my head. The way his firm body pressed against my back, the strength of his arm holding me to his front, his hand sprawled across my stomach while the other gripped the bar. I gazed at his arms, wondering if they were as strong as they had been before. Curious if his hands were as skilled—if not better—than they were seven years ago.
“That was the first time I’ve been out in a while,” he sighed. “I guess, I had some time and thought I’d give the lake a spin. It’s windy enough.”
I knew it was windy, I was watching him flying around and skimming across the little whitecaps. “Yeah, I was actually at the beach today. I saw you.”
“You should have waved.”
“I assumed it wasn’t you, considering you live how many miles away?” I narrowed my eyes, confusion settling in. “Why are you in Harris?”
“I’m actually working here. I’m the new groundskeeper.”
I was so shocked I dropped the money bag, causing a roll of coins to break open and fly out of the container.
“Shit,” I grumbled, scrambling to the ground and trying to catch all of the coins before they rolled underneath a nearby arcade game.
Vance squatted down in front of me, reaching for the rolling pennies to help.
“Sorry, sorry, I can’t believe I didn’t zip up the bag,” I huffed, dumping the coins inside.
Vance went to drop a handful of coins into the bag, but stopped when our wrists touched. I glimpsed upward, terrified he’d be face to face with me, but his eyes weren’t looking forward, they were transfixed on my wrist, the one with the tattered leather bracelet with seashells and a metal face. Rotating his hand, he stroked the leather with his thumb, his eyes narrowing.
