Lost Innocence

by Jannine Gallant

  “As long as I won’t have to deal with a stupid boy. Today, this kid at camp tripped me, so I put a worm in his lunch.”

  “I’m not so sure the worm was a great idea, but you don’t have to worry about a boy invading your life anytime soon.”

  “Traci said grown-ups do stuff in bed, but she didn’t know what.”

  Thank God for small favors.

  Nina changed the subject. “Is Coco dry?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Then you can let her go. The poor thing looks uncomfortable.” Nina could relate.

  Keely released the dog and scrambled to her feet. “Do you think dinner is ready yet?”

  “Probably not. I’m going to go home to shower, but if you still have concerns, you can talk to your dad about them.”

  The girl skipped toward the door. “Nope, I’m good. I’ll watch cartoons until it’s time to eat. I’m allowed an hour a day, but sometimes Daddy lets me cheat and watch more.”

  “Bending the rules a little isn’t always a bad thing when no one gets hurt.”

  “That’s what Daddy says. Sometimes you sound like my mom.” She wrinkled her forehead in a frown. “I don’t remember her very well anymore.” Her shoulders drooped. “I forgot what I was saying. Oh, yeah. If you want to be a mom, don’t have boys. They’re nasty.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  After she disappeared down the hall into the living room, Nina took a few steps and slumped in the kitchen doorway. Teague worked efficiently on the black granite countertop of the center island he’d recently installed. He finished rolling a tortilla filled with something that smelled amazing, then glanced up and smiled before turning back to the stove.

  “You look beat. Was washing the dog that much of a challenge?”

  “No, but afterward your daughter asked me if we’re sleeping together.”

  He dropped the tongs, and the tortilla fell into the hot grease with a splat. “What?”

  “Some girl at camp told her grown-ups who kiss sleep in the same bed, and then they have baby boy mistakes. Apparently Keely’s not down with a little brother.”

  “Good God.”

  “Yeah, I told her she wouldn’t be getting a sibling in the near future.”

  “Is that how you left the discussion?”

  “Yep, and by the way, since we now have Keely’s blessing, I won’t have to sneak out at the stroke of dawn again.”

  Teague winced. “I’m sorry about that.”

  “It only happened once, but I’ll admit it didn’t make me feel great.”

  Teague wiped his hands down a towel before walking over to slide his fingers behind her neck. “I’m sorry. I didn’t like it either.”

  “I understand why it’s easier. Since neither of us is ready for a commitment, why confuse Keely?”

  “About that. Maybe I am—”

  “Teague, the pan!”

  He spun around as grease crackled, and smoke billowed up from the frying pan. A second later, the smoke detector went off with a piercing shriek.

  “Shit.”

  Nina grabbed a towel off the counter to fan the air. “Why am I not surprised? It’s been that kind of day.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Teague sat next to Quentin Radcliff and his date, facing the flower-covered arch where Ryan and his two groomsmen waited beside the minister for the women to appear. Behind them, the ocean stretched to the horizon on a picture-perfect afternoon. Teague wondered what they would have done if it had rained.

  “Here comes Paige.” Quentin spoke quietly. “That woman is extremely fine. I don’t know what’s wrong with the men around here. She should be involved with someone.”

  Paige was gorgeous in a dress the color of the sea that swirled around her knees as she exited the clubhouse to walk down the path covered with rose petals. Her blond hair was swept up in a mass of curls wound with flowers. Her eyes sparkled as she glanced their way before a hint of shadow dimmed the light shining through them. Teague couldn’t help thinking it had something to do with the pretty redhead sitting on the other side of Quentin.

  When Nina stepped out onto the patio, all speculation about anyone else died. Spectacular didn’t begin to describe her. She wore the same dress as her friend, but the two women were as different as night and day. Nina was simple, elegant perfection on a pair of cream-colored heels that somehow made her legs look even better than they did in shorts. Her short dark hair was in its usual carefree style, but a strand of flowers was threaded through it. As she drew even with him, a smile curved her pink lips.

  When Quentin nudged him, he tore his gaze away from her retreating back.

  “Dude, stand up. Here comes the bride.”

  Teague surged to his feet as the music changed and Leah appeared. She’d left her hair long and straight, shimmering like a waterfall past her waist with a wreath of lilies and roses settled over the crown of her head in place of a veil. Her dress was strapless, similar to Nina’s and Paige’s, but the gown flowed to her feet before flaring out in a short train that brushed the ground with each step. Her true beauty, however, was reflected in the sheer joy glowing in her warm brown eyes as she gripped her father’s arm.

  “Ryan is a lucky man.”

  Quentin nodded. “Without a doubt.”

  Teague’s attention returned to Nina as the ceremony commenced. He wondered if she was thinking about her fiancé who’d died, and the wedding that had never happened for her. An image of Jayne standing opposite him, young and lovely and full of dreams, grabbed him by the throat when the minister spoke clearly and solemnly.

  “Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her until death do you part?”

  “I do,” Ryan responded in a reverent tone.

  Words Teague had never expected would have such a fatal impact on his life five short years after he’d spoken them. No one as vital and dynamic as his wife should have been denied a future.

  “Are you okay?” Quentin spoke in a low voice.

  Teague relaxed his white-knuckled grip on the chair in front of him and wiped the sleeve of his suit jacket across his damp brow before glancing toward the other man. “Yeah. The memories are a little rough, but I’m going to be okay.”

  He focused on Nina, who was the singular reason for the truth of his statement. Without a doubt, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever dated, but she had so much more to offer than physical appeal. Wit, humor, and intelligence. A kind heart. He didn’t just want to spend time with her. She filled an empty place deep inside him, and he knew he’d be a fool not to tell her how he felt. Uncertainty nagged at him, a fear that she wasn’t ready to hear it.

  The ceremony finished in a blur, and before he knew it, the happy couple walked down the aisle to the clapping and cheering of the crowd. Nina met his gaze as she passed him on the arm of the best man, but he was forced to wait until the rows in front of him emptied before he could search for her. When he entered the clubhouse, she broke off a conversation with Leah’s grandmother to hurry toward him.

  Nina reached for his hand. “Wasn’t the ceremony beautiful?” She blinked back tears, and her smile wobbled. “I’m so happy for Leah and Ryan.”

  Teague slid an arm around her waist and glanced toward the bride and groom, who were both beaming as they chatted with guests. “They do look pretty darn thrilled to be hitched.”

  “High school sweethearts who found their way back to each other. It doesn’t get much more romantic than that.” She was quiet for a moment before seeming to shake her reflective mood. “I saw you sitting by Quentin. Who’s his date?”

  “Uh, her name is Blaze something. Is Paige okay with her being here?”

  “I don’t know why not.” Nina nodded toward her friend, who was standing near the wedding cake with one of the groomsmen. “She was pretty chummy with Tom, Ryan’s rock climbing buddy, at the rehearsal dinner last night.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t go with you, but since Stella already had another commitment
. . .”

  “It wasn’t a problem, honestly. I’m used to attending events like that alone.”

  But she shouldn’t have to. “Maybe it’s time I found a few backup babysitters.”

  Guilt ate at him as they stopped at the bar to order drinks before they mingled with the other guests, slowly threading their way through the crowd as Nina paused to introduce him to friends and acquaintances every few feet. When dinner was finally served, they filled their plates at the buffet and sat at the table reserved for the wedding party. Teague was happy to drop onto a chair and let the pleasant smile he’d been cultivating fall away as he dug into an excellent meal of chicken breast stuffed with wild rice.

  “Is everything okay?”

  He glanced up from his plate to meet her gaze. “Sure. The food is terrific.”

  “I meant with you.” Nina’s brows pinched. “You’ve been pretty quiet.”

  “Just trying to process and remember everyone you introduced me to. Is there a single person in this room you don’t know?”

  “Maybe a few of Ryan’s business colleagues. Is that a problem?”

  “No, but I have some work to do in order to fit into this community.” He sipped his beer. “Socializing hasn’t been a priority for me when simply managing my job and Keely takes up most of my time.”

  “I don’t go out a lot, either.” She laid a hand on his arm. “I don’t expect you to be available on command for random social events. I know you have your priorities, and that’s fine. Really.”

  He covered her hand with his. “You’re a priority. I hope you know that.”

  “I do.” She smiled. “Why so serious when this is a happy occasion?”

  “Maybe because I noticed a few men eyeing me the way a stray checks out a dog with a particularly juicy bone. I have a feeling any of those guys would be happy to take what I’m lucky enough to have.”

  Her grin broadened. “Most of them have probably already tried.” She bent closer. “And failed.”

  He cupped the back of her head to pull her in for a kiss. “Good to know.”

  “So relax and enjoy yourself.” She retreated a few inches. “Besides, you know people. Mateo is over there with Sabrina at a table near the bar. You two can talk about work or whatever while I perform maid of honor duties later.”

  “Sounds good since I’d make one awkward-looking wallflower.”

  “You know what, Teague?”

  He picked up his fork again as he met her amused gaze. “What?”

  “You entertain me.”

  He answered with a smile, then focused on his meal while she leaned across the best man on the other side of her to talk to Paige. He couldn’t be a carefree bachelor like the men she was probably used to dating, but maybe she really didn’t mind. He sure as hell hoped not, because committing to their relationship was what he wanted, what he needed. And he intended to tell her how he felt the minute they had some time alone.

  Which didn’t seem likely anytime soon. Not unless he wanted to shout to be heard.

  After the caterers cleared the food, the band began playing in earnest as the dancing got under way. The lights dimmed, and myriad stars were projected across the ceiling in a dizzying array. Surrounded by other couples on the parquet floor, Teague took Nina in his arms and held her close as they swayed to an old Frank Sinatra classic. Her bare back was warm and smooth beneath his palm. She looked as happy in the moment as he felt.

  Snuggling close, she pressed her face to his neck. “I’m so glad you’re here. Are you enjoying yourself?”

  “I have the most beautiful woman in the room in my arms.” He slid the hand on her back downward as his body tightened. “What’s not to love about being with you?”

  “It goes both ways. Usually, I’m perfectly content on my own, but being half of a couple can be a whole lot better.” She pulled back to smile up at him. “I’d forgotten—or simply convinced myself I didn’t need anyone. Maybe I was wrong about that.”

  When the song ended, Teague guided her toward the French doors leading outside. Twilight had descended over the beach, and the patio was deserted. There was nothing to disturb them but the crash of waves on the shore.

  “About the couple thing. I know I said—” When his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket, he hesitated. “I can let it go to voice mail. This conversation is important.”

  She let go of his hand. “True, but it could be work.”

  Reluctantly, he pulled out his cell and frowned. “That’s weird. Sorry, I need to . . .” He swiped the screen to connect the call and raised the phone to his ear. “Hello.”

  “Teague, this is Bobbi Sandburg, Alexis’s mom. I hate to bother you when you’re at a wedding, but I thought you’d want to know Keely fell roller-skating out on the street. She skinned her knees and elbows and is a little upset, but I’ve cleaned the abrasions and bandaged them. She’ll be fine. However, I didn’t want to give her ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the pain without making sure she isn’t allergic to either of them first.”

  “No, either one is fine.” He glanced at Nina, and his chest ached. “I should probably come pick her up, though.”

  “She really is okay now. She cried a little but stopped once I got the bandages on. I’m so sorry it happened at all. I told those girls not to skate down the hill, and they promised to stay in front of the house where I could see them. I went inside to take a phone call, and—”

  “It wouldn’t be the first time Keely did something a little reckless.” He couldn’t tear his gaze away from Nina as the words tumbled out. “I really think I should bring her home. I’ll be by to pick her up shortly.”

  As he thanked the woman for calling and hung up, Nina’s eyes darkened. “Is Keely okay?”

  “Bobbi Sandburg says she’s fine. Keely crashed roller-skating and apparently lost some skin. I need to go check on her. She was upset.”

  “I’d be upset, too, if I skinned myself. Road rash is never fun, even when it’s mild.”

  “I’m glad you can sympathize.” Conflicting feelings—a primal need to go to his daughter along with the fear of disappointing Nina—rose in his chest and made drawing breath an effort. “I don’t want to leave you without a ride home.”

  She retreated a step. “I can get a lift from someone. As you pointed out, I know everyone here. Anyway, I’m used to being on my own at parties.”

  “Nina—”

  “I understand Keely comes first. You should go.”

  He wanted to protest that her needs mattered, that he hadn’t asked for this situation. But the reality was, despite his misgivings, he fully intended to leave. “I’m sorry.” Stepping forward, he tugged her close and kissed her. The sweet scent of her along with the softness of her lips nearly weakened his resolve. “Really, really sorry. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Okay?”

  “Sure.”

  Not knowing what else to say, he backed away from the disappointment in her eyes, then took off at a run across the sand toward the parking lot. As he climbed into his truck and jammed the keys into the ignition, helplessness ate at him. “Shit!” The word echoed back in the moment of silence before he revved the engine and roared out of the lot.

  At a speed that should have earned him a ticket, Teague drove back toward town. Except the cop Nina was so chummy with had been at the wedding instead of patrolling the streets of Siren Cove. Maybe Chris Long would give her a ride home. He slammed his fist down on the steering wheel.

  Slowing when he reached the neighborhood where Keely’s friend lived, he pulled into their driveway and turned off the engine. The outdoor flood lights were on, illuminating the walkway in apparent anticipation of his arrival. He got out of the truck and pushed the door shut. By the time he reached the porch steps, the front door swung open.

  “Hi, Daddy.” Keely skipped through the opening and leaned on the railing. “I crashed hard. There was blood.”

  His foot hovered above the final step as he locked gazes with his daughter. Her gap-toothed smile a
ppeared.

  Is she bragging about hurting herself ?

  “I heard you skinned yourself up pretty good. How do you feel?”

  “Not too bad.” She held up her forearms. “Alexis’s mom put stinky stuff on the scrapes and princess bandages. We used the whole box.”

  He surveyed the first aid job. “Impressive.”

  “I used gauze pads on her knees, but she liked the princess bandages better.”

  Teague glanced toward the doorway where Bobbi Sandburg stood, wearing a pair of gray sweatpants with a bloodstain across one thigh. His daughter’s blood, he assumed.

  “It looks like you did an excellent job. Thanks for taking such good care of Keely.”

  “I’m just sorry it happened. Alexis won’t be available to play for a week. She’s grounded for disobeying direct orders.”

  “Alexis said a bad word.” Keely’s whisper could probably have been heard out in the yard.

  Teague pressed his lips together in a tight line. “Don’t think there won’t be consequences for you, too.”

  “Huh?” Her eyes widened. “I was the one who got hurt. Isn’t that enough consquence?”

  “Consequence, and no, it isn’t. I had to leave Nina at the wedding because you misbehaved.”

  “You didn’t have to come get me. It’s not like I’m dying or anything.”

  He gritted his teeth, wondering if all six-year-olds talked back to their dads, or if his was just special. With an effort, he kept his voice mild. “So I see. Get your bag and tell Mrs. Sandburg thank you.”

  Keely’s feet scraped the decking as she walked slowly back to the door to take the flowered overnight bag the woman handed her. “Thank you. I had fun before the crash.”

  “You’re welcome, hon. Maybe we’ll see you once Alexis can have friends over again.”

  His daughter nodded, then trudged down the steps.

  Teague glanced back. “I do appreciate you calling me. Even if she isn’t on death’s doorstep.”

  Bobbi responded with an amused grin. “No problem. Good night, Teague.”