by Melody Grace
“No strings . . .” Eliza echoed in disbelief. “How can you even say that? There are always strings!”
“Not with me.” Cal took a step closer and reached to cup her cheek in his hand. The touch ricocheted through her, and damn if Eliza didn’t need him more than ever. “I promise,” he said softly. “You could slap me in the face and walk away, and it wouldn’t make a difference, as far as the sale is concerned. The deed is in your name now. It’s done.”
“But, why?” She gaped.
“Because that house belongs to you. You said it’s where you have the happiest memories of your father.” Cal gave a rueful shrug. “I can’t bring him back for you, but I can keep him close.”
“Oh.”
Eliza found herself speechless, fighting the tears that were suddenly welling in her throat. He’d done that, for her?
Her rage melted away. “Thank you,” she whispered, overwhelmed. “That was a very nice thing to do.”
“That’s it?” Cal asked, looking surprised. “I figured you would yell at me for a good half hour.”
Eliza sniffed. “I’m trying to be a better person. Compromise more.”
“Why’s that?”
She looked up at him. “So I don’t push the people who matter most away.”
Cal swallowed. His eyes searched hers. “What if they deserved it? Could you maybe find a way to give a second chance?”
Eliza ached inside. She’d been going over things so long, she didn’t know what to believe anymore. All she knew for sure was the way she felt when she looked at Cal.
Like she’d found her way home.
“I miss you,” she whispered. “I’ve missed you so much. And I know it doesn’t make any sense. We weren’t together hardly any time at all, but still . . .”
Cal pulled her into his arms, and Eliza sank against him, holding on for dear life. The feel of his body against her, his strong, safe embrace. She breathed in the scent of him, and it was all so right, so real, it took her breath away.
“I’m sorry,” she said, the tears falling now. “I know I should have given you a chance to explain, but you just pushed all my buttons—”
“I’m sorry,” Cal insisted. He pulled back enough to gaze into her eyes, full of regret. “You were right, I acted like an ass, and I was too stubborn to see. But you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, and if I lose you now, I don’t think I could ever forgive myself.” Cal took a breath and gave her that heart-stopping smile she felt all the way to her bones.
“I love you,” he said softly, and Eliza’s heart took flight. “I love you, Eliza Bennett,” he said again, stronger this time. “And I know we’re probably going to wind up driving each other crazy down the road, and we’ll fight and get stubborn, and we’ll both have our share of apologies. But I promise, I’ll always be yours. I’ll always believe in you, and be here for you—”
Eliza cut him off with a kiss. She couldn’t help it; she couldn’t be apart from him a moment longer. Their mouths found each other, and she fell into the embrace, a glorious freefall that left her breathless and gasping for more.
“I love you, too,” she said urgently the moment they came up for air. Cal’s face split in a smile.
“Just promise me one thing. Don’t quit on me,” Eliza said, clutching his shirt. She felt exposed, her heart raw and wide open to him. “I know I can be hard to take sometimes . . .”
“You?” Cal grinned, teasing. “You’re a marshmallow.”
She hit him lightly. “Hey! I’m trying to be serious here.”
“I know.” Cal pulled her in and kissed her neck. “Keep going.”
“We’re both going to have to compromise more . . .” Eliza gasped as Cal tugged her back over the threshold, still kissing lower along her shoulder. “And be honest when— Ooh,” she moaned, as he found that sensitive spot along her collarbone.
“Honest, huh?” Cal slammed the door behind them, and lifted her, wrapping her legs around his waist. “Honestly, I need you. Now.”
He smothered her in kisses, already carrying her down the hallway to the bedroom. Eliza laughed as he threw her down on the bed with a bounce. “Yes,” she said, reaching for him.
“Yes to what?” Cal stripped his shirt over his head, and then moved to kiss her again.
“Yes to everything,” Eliza said, pulling him closer, as close as she could. Her heart was singing, a wild, joyful tune.
This man. God, this man. He knew her completely, and still, he came back for more. Despite her sharp edges and raw wounds, everything that always made her feel too much. The things she’d always thought were the worst parts of her, somehow, he thought they were the best. She kissed him again, and she knew she would never let him go this time.
Whatever happened next, they would find a way through—together.
“Yes to you,” she whispered, as the rush took them over. “Always.”
23
Brooke and Riley’s engagement party was planned for Saturday night. “Just a few people at the beach,” Brooke had said. “Small and casual.” But Eliza suspected “small” wasn’t in Sweetbriar Cove’s vocabulary. Sure enough, when they arrived at the beach she could already see at least fifty people down on the sand, with a bonfire burning, tables of food, and music filtering up from the speakers somebody had rigged in the back of a truck.
“Looks like a party,” Cal said, pulling over to park. He turned off the engine and reached for her, and Eliza moved into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“Should be fun,” she agreed, meeting his mouth with a satisfied sigh.
“We should get down there,” Cal said, sliding his hands around her waist, teasing kisses down her neck. “Say hi to everyone.”
“Mmhmm,” Eliza agreed, shivering to his touch. “In a minute.”
She kissed him again, savoring every moment. The party could wait a little while longer; for now, she had everything she needed in the front seat of that car.
The pair of them had barely come up for air all week, tucked away in their own, private world at the cottage—working, and kissing, talking late into the night. Making up for lost time and missed chances and unravelling in each other’s arms. It had been bliss, but Eliza knew the real world was waiting. She had a dozen messages on her voicemail from Mackenzie and the group, all demanding the juicy gossip about Cal, and she wanted to celebrate all the good news with her friends. So tonight, they’d dragged themselves out to meet the world as an official couple for the first time.
But maybe the world could wait a little longer.
Eliza ran her hands through Cal’s hair and gave a hum of satisfaction. “Did I ever tell you you have great hair?” she said, smiling. “You should be a TV doctor with this hair.”
Cal chuckled. “Clearly, I missed my calling.” He carefully smoothed down her shirt. “You look beautiful tonight. You always look beautiful,” he added.
“Even in a ratty T-shirt and shorts?” Eliza teased, remembering their disastrous first date.
“Especially then.” Cal grinned. “I spent that night on the bathroom floor, wishing I had the strength to seduce you out of them.”
Eliza laughed. “It’s a good thing you didn’t try. Vomit isn’t exactly an aphrodisiac.”
“I don’t know.” Cal leaned in for one last kiss. “It worked out pretty well for us.”
They got out of the car and made their way down the dunes to the party. “Eliza!” Poppy greeted them with a cry. “You made it.” She turned to Summer and held out her hand. “Pay up.”
Summer sighed good-naturedly.
“We had bets on whether you two would drag yourselves out of bed,” Brooke explained, as Summer handed over five bucks. “We figured no way, but Poppy here thought Cal’s manners would win out in the end.”
Cal laughed. “Glad to be of service.”
“Do you guys want a drink?” Poppy asked. She was showing even more now, her pregnant belly the size of a beach ball under her warm sweater. “Riley haule
d half the bar down. And there’s food, too. Burgers, hot dogs. Cooper’s off hunting and gathering for me,” she said with a beam. “I’ve had the weirdest cravings, right now it’s chili and chocolate, together.”
“I whipped up some spicy chocolate cake at the bakery,” Summer added.
“It’s actually kind of great,” Brooke agreed.
“Try some, and tell me if it should go on the menu.”
“That’s my cue.” Cal kissed her cheek. “I’ll go fill some plates.”
He strolled off towards the food. The moment he was out of earshot, Poppy grabbed Eliza’s arm and bounced. “Is it true, did he really buy you a house as an apology?”
Eliza’s jaw dropped. “How did you . . . ? Oh.” She paused, realizing. “Aunt June.” She winced, imagining the gossip that Cal’s gesture must have inspired. “Is it all over town now? Cal will hate that.”
“What, the fact everyone knows that he’s wildly romantic and completely loaded?” Brooke laughed. “News flash, we kind of figured that out. Still, he’s setting a pretty high bar for himself,” she said, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “What’s he going to do for your anniversary, splurge for a private island?”
“Guys!” Eliza protested, laughing. “Come on, you know I don’t care about that stuff.”
“Aww, we know.” Poppy hugged her. “But it certainly doesn’t hurt.”
Eliza looked over to where Cal was chatting with Cooper and the guys. She exhaled, trying to calm herself, but it didn’t work. She still had butterflies just seeing him there. She’d figured it would settle down, but instead, her feelings just grew stronger, every day. And knowing she would wake up again with him tomorrow to do it all over again?
It took her breath away.
“So, enough about Cal,” Brooke said, pulling her attention back to the group. “What’s this about a new job? Don’t tell me the Cape Cod Caller is folding again.”
“Not on my watch.” Eliza shook her head, smiling. “I got an offer to join the editorial team on a new magazine, but I thought about it, and I decided to turn them down. I’m going to be freelancing for them instead,” she explained. “So I can stay down here and work on the Caller, too. And any other articles that strike my interest.”
“That’s great!” Brooke exclaimed. “I mean, I’m biased. I want my maid of honor in the same zip code for all the wedding plans.”
“Uh-oh,” Eliza teased. “Babyzilla’s here!”
Brooke laughed. “Seriously, I’m really glad you’re staying.”
“Me too.” Eliza looked around. This town already felt like home, but she was excited to put down roots, after years of bouncing around. And to do it all with Cal . . . That was an adventure she couldn’t wait to get started.
* * *
Eliza caught up with her friends for a while longer, then made her way over to where Cal was drinking with the guys. It was dark out now, and the party was kicking into gear—people dancing and celebrating, laughter echoing into the night.
“Feel like dancing?” Eliza slipped her arms around him from behind.
Cal turned. “Yes. But we’ll spare the good folks of Sweetbriar Cove that particular horror story.”
“You can’t be that bad!”
Cal kissed her, smiling. “Your faith in me is sweet. Misplaced, but sweet. How are the girls?”
“Happy I’ll be moving here.” Eliza snuggled against him. “Did Marion say when she’d be kicking you out?”
“She emailed,” Cal said. “She’s actually taking a detour to India. Something about a meditation retreat. So, the Pink Palace is ours for a while longer.”
“Good. I’m kind of attached to that place. Especially the bathroom,” Eliza added.
Cal drew her closer. “That reminds me, I have a gift for you.”
“Cal!” Eliza protested. “You don’t have to get me things.”
“This is for the both of us.” His grin turned wicked. “I figured it was time we replaced that old shower head. The new one arrived today. Detachable. Five settings, extra pressure . . .” He leaned in, whispering in her ear. “Imagine the fun we can have with that.”
Eliza shivered with delight. “OK, new rule. Joint gifts are allowed.”
Cal looped his arms around her, and then they were swaying softly to the music. “I thought you said you didn’t dance,” Eliza said, smiling.
“Shh,” Cal murmured, drawing her closer. “It’s a secret.”
They danced on in the shadows at the edge of the party. Eliza rested her head against Cal’s shoulder and smiled, watching the flicker of the bonfire. Around them, her friends toasted and cheered, and the music of friendship spiraled up into the night’s sky.
This was where she belonged.
In Cal’s arms, she’d finally met her match. With a love that had only just begun.
THE END
(Well, almost…)
Epilogue
Declan Nash could never resist a party—even if it was to celebrate his old wingman taking himself off the market for good.
“It’s not too late to change your mind,” he joked, slapping Riley on the back. “It’s not over until someone says ‘I do.’ ”
Riley chuckled. “Thanks, buddy, but the torch is all yours.”
“Hey, I’ll carry it proudly,” Declan said. “But good luck to you, mate. Seriously, I’m happy for you both.”
He went to get a beer, and he watched Riley wrap his arms around his bride-to-be. He wasn’t the only one. Cal was slow-dancing across the way, looking at Eliza with an expression that said it wouldn’t be long before he was heading down the aisle, too.
Damn. Were there any guys left resisting the call of commitment?
Still, that just meant there was less competition when it came to the rest of the women around. Like the hot blonde sitting over on the flatbed of a truck, sipping from a plastic cup as she watched the crowd.
Declan sauntered over. “Hey there,” he said, flashing a smile. “How do you know the happy couple?”
“I don’t, not really.” The blonde’s cheeks flushed. “I’m gatecrashing.”
“I won’t tell if you don’t. I’m Declan,” he introduced himself.
Recognition flooded the blonde’s face. “Oh, you’re the playboy chef.”
Declan laughed. “I see my reputation precedes me.” He held out his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Paige Bennett,” she replied, shaking it.
“Ah, the sister.”
Now it made sense. Eliza didn’t sugarcoat things, that’s for sure. But where his buddy’s new love was all attitude and fire, this Bennett woman looked like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She was pretty, sure, with her blonde hair caught back from her face and the firelight reflecting in her eyes. Another man might have been polishing up his best lines right now, but Declan knew better. Up close, that sweet smile and demure blouse screamed “good girl” a mile away, and while Declan had earned every bit of his reputation, he still lived by a set of rules.
One, everything tasted better with butter.
Two, life was too short for cheap whiskey.
And three, good girls were off limits.
“So,” Paige said, taking a sip of her drink. “Are you as bad as they say you are?”
“Sweetheart, I’m even better.” Declan winked. OK, so maybe she was off limits, but it would be downright rude not to flirt a little.
But instead of giving him another pretty blush, Paige burst out laughing. “Sorry,” she spluttered. “Ignore me. I’m sure that line works great for you.”
“Most of the time,” Declan said, a little thrown. “In fact, always. Girls love the accent. Maybe I should have done the hair thing.” He ran one hand through his too-long locks and gave her his best smoldering look. “How about this time?”
“Better.” Paige grinned. “If I were ten years younger and twice as dumb, I’d be all over it.”
“Ouch.” Declan clutched his chest. “And there I was, thinking you were
the nice Bennett sister.”
Immediately, Paige winced. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I’ve had the weirdest day.”
“What happened?” Declan hopped up on the back of the flatbed beside her, his legs swinging free. From here, he had a clear view of the party, and the brunette in the cute blue dress dancing over by the fire. He didn’t see a boyfriend around, but hell, that had never stopped him before.
“I nearly died.”
Declan’s head snapped around. “Damn, really?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.” Paige shook her head. “One minute I’m crossing the street, and the next, my shoe’s stuck in a storm drain and there’s a termite fumigation truck speeding towards me. Termites! I thought to myself, this is it. The part where your life flashes in front of your eyes, and everything gets clear. And you know what?”
“What?” Declan asked, fascinated.
“Nothing happened!” Paige exclaimed. “I couldn’t picture one interesting thing I’ve ever done. All I could think about was the load of wet laundry sitting in the machine that nobody would come claim. Then my shoe got loose, and I was able to jump out of the way. Doesn’t that say it all?” she sighed. “Even my near-death experience was as boring as they come.”
“Hey, you’re not dead yet,” Declan pointed out. “There’s plenty of time to add to that highlight reel.”
“True.” Paige glanced over. “So tell me, what would be on yours?”
“Hmm, good question.” Declan thought back. “There’s that weekend in Cabo with the swimsuit model . . . Jumping out of a plane over Belize . . . The South of France was a blast, got to love those nude beaches,” he said, smiling at the memory. “Oh, and then there’s the time me and Cal got lost hitchhiking in the desert outside Morocco and wound up at a sheik’s palace with— Wait, I probably shouldn’t tell you that one.” He flashed Paige a grin.
“Wow.” She looked wistful. “You really get around.” Then she blushed. “I didn’t mean . . . You know.”
“Yes, and yes.” Declan gave her a mock-salute. “Hell, life’s short, why not enjoy it?”
