by Taylor Anne
Colton’s hand fisted. Kayla laid a hand on his arm to restrain him. The pissing war between these two men apparently went deep. “Detective Sawyer, Colton is staying. Now, if you don’t mind, cut to the chase and tell me what the hell you are doing in my house, and what you think you are accusing me of.”
Kayla didn’t miss the tweak of a smile on Colton’s face, as well as the shocked expression on Sawyer’s.
Sawyer’s cell phone beeped. He pulled it from his pocket and he looked at it. “I have to take this call. Officer Banks, fill them in.” The detective walked out the front door, closing it behind him.
The instant he left the room, Kayla could feel the tension leaving Colton’s body. He turned to the officer. “Talk to us, Banks.”
The officer thumbed through his notes before starting. “Yesterday evening, a body was discovered by the old fishing pier at the boat launch a few miles from here. It was identified this morning as Marcy Firwood’s.”
“Oh, my gosh,” Kayla screeched. Her bride was dead.
Colton took her trembling body into his embrace while he talked to Banks about the details.
“I can’t say much more than that right now. Her death is still under investigation. There are certain details, such as the ring, that have not been released to the public. We would appreciate it if you kept that to yourselves.”
Kayla only caught bits and pieces of the conversation. She was mentally exhausted from the news of poor Marcy’s death, and from the intense grilling from Detective Sawyer. The flow of tears wouldn’t stop long enough for her to follow the two men. She drifted in and out of a daze until Colton laid her down on her couch right after the door shutting indicated Banks’ and Sawyer’ departure.
She snuggled into the comfort of Colton’s arms. The beating of his heart steadied her nerves. Never before had she turned herself over to another man’s touch so wholeheartedly. It had a calming effect on her. She could get lost in his strong embrace every day.
Colton locked the bar, the last of the supplies for the next week put away. Turning, he caught sight of a familiar woman making her way towards the waters’ edge. He couldn’t stop himself from staring. He had seen and been with many beautiful women in his forty-one years, but something about Kayla intrigued him. Turned all of his internal buttons. Her auburn hair and hazel eyes stopped him every time he was around her. He admired her independence. Unlike some of the needy and reckless women from his past, this lady knew how to take care of herself. Maybe a little too much. He often wondered why she pushed so hard at everything, never giving herself a break. Just like a fireball, she rolled and consumed whatever got in her way.
She took a quick dip in the water before making her way to a low beach chair in the sand. After she settled, Colton made his way towards her, stopping just short of her tanned legs.
“Hey. You’re looking much better than last time I saw you.”
Hazel eyes pinned him. “Yeah,” she said sheepishly. “Sorry about falling asleep on you earlier. I was just so exhausted and couldn’t help myself.”
Water dripped from her hair, rolled down her chest, and disappeared behind her black bathing suit top. Colton shifted in the sand, taking a seat on the ice chest next to Kayla’s chair. “Not a problem at all. I hated to leave without saying good-bye, but you never twitched an eye when I stood and laid you back down on the couch. You were out cold. Probably from all the damn questions Sawyer threw at you.” Something in him tightened at the thought of Sawyer questioning – no, interrogating - her earlier. As if she had it in her to murder anyone. No doubt, she could handle herself in a sticky situation, but outright murder. Not her style.
Kayla ran a towel over her hair and face before laying it over her lap, covering her lower body and upper legs. He still had a great view of her chest and had to force himself to look away before she caught him.
“You two know each other. Bad relationship?” she inquired.
“You could say that.” He reached over and swiped at a bead of water rolling down her cheek. Without thinking, he lifted his finger and licked the salty droplet from his fingertips. Kayla’s eyes followed his fingers, stopping at his lips, just before she let out a soft sigh. “If he comes around again, don’t let him bother you. He has no business interrogating you like that. Call me if you have to.”
“Thanks. I will. He really makes me nervous.”
“Stay away from him.”
“I will. I still can’t believe Marcy is dead.”
Colton stood long enough to lift the lid on the ice chest and grab them each a bottle of water. “That is something. I’m sure the police will get to the bottom of what happened.”
“I sure hope so.” Kayla looked out over the ocean. A wistful expression hovered in her eyes. “It’s so beautiful here.”
“I love it. Lived here all my life.” Colton ran a hand through his hair. When he lowered his hand, Kayla lifted it off his leg with hers. Her soft fingers traced the scar that ran from his hand almost up to his elbow.
“What happened?”
“Bad luck and bad decision.” He didn’t want to talk about that. He pulled his hand out of hers.
She looked into his eyes, searching for an explanation that he was not ready to give. “Message understood.” She turned her eyes away from him and stared out over the cool serene waters.
“It’s okay. It happened a long time ago. My older brother and I were out after a high school football game. We both had too much to drink and neither one of us should have gotten behind the wheel. But he insisted.” Once the words started, he couldn’t stop himself from pouring out the story. “He hit a vehicle head-on. He was the only one that didn’t make it.”
Kayla took his hand again and massaged the scar. “I’m so sorry.”
He looked her in the eye. “I don’t tell too many people about the accident. It put such a strain on our lives, that it was easier for me to block it out.”
“Thank you for sharing it with me.” She smiled.
“I have an idea.” The mood needed lightening. “Since it’s Sunday and the bar is closed tonight, why don’t we go grab a bite to eat somewhere?”
Surprise lit up Kayla’s face. It took her a few seconds before the smile traveled to her eyes. “Well, I guess we could do that. One thing though.”
“Anything. Name it.”
“I promised Grandpa I would visit this evening.” She ran a finger along the plastic water bottle, wiping away the beads of moisture.
“No problem. We’ll stop by on our way.” Colton stood to leave. “Pick you up at six?”
“I’ll be ready.”
He trudged through the sugary sand up to the road and jumped in his truck. Now that he was far enough away from her, he could let out the breath he’d been holding. Damn the woman. Sitting in the chair with her hair all wet, water drops running down her skin; all he wanted to do was bend down and lick his way over her body, sucking up the salt and sweat.
The fear in her eyes when she talked about Marcy’s death tore him apart. He’d seen that look in many peoples’ faces over the years. His gut told him Kayla had nothing whatsoever to do with that. The thought of Sawyer accusing her of something as morbid as murder irritated him. Hell, the thought of Sawyer anywhere around her boiled his blood. He would make damn sure Sawyer stayed far away from Kayla.
Kayla sipped her drink and soaked up the evening air. The restaurant Colton picked had an outdoor sitting area that looked out over the water. With the sun setting low in the sky, it was the perfect ending to a rough day.
“Grandpa did look much better today. But he is still so weak.” She stared into the dark depths of the ocean.
A brush of Colton’s hand along her arm brought her back. She jerked away from him, not answering the question in his eye.
“Yes, he is very weak. Such a change from the robust, energetic man I know. Prepare yourself that he may not get much stronger than what he is right now.”
Kayla pulled at her left earlobe. She worr
ied about him. “Other than Kaylee, Grandpa is the only family I have left. I don’t know what I would do if something happens to him.”
“Your daughter sounds like an ambitious, amazing girl. Must take after her grandpa.” Colton smiled at her.
“Yeah, definitely takes after Grandpa.” Kayla’s struggles raising a daughter on her own were as real as the next single mother’s. Deserted by Kaylee’s dad when their daughter was only five months old, and having never heard from him again, really wasn’t such a bad thing. They were better off without his womanizing ways. Kayla could say that for a fact knowing that he had gotten another girl pregnant right around the same time she had gotten pregnant. As far as Kayla knew, he was not in that child’s life either.
“Hey, Earl’s a fighter. He won’t give up. Just may have to make some living adjustments.” Colton motioned for the waiter. He handed him his credit card. Minutes later, the waiter gave Colton the receipt and a brown bag. Kayla eyed it. He didn’t say what was inside. “Come on, fireball, let’s get out of here.”
Kayla stood and took the hand he offered. “What did you call me?” Never before had a man called her by a nickname. It was a sweet feeling.
“Nothing. Let’s take a walk.” He led her outside, down the steps, and off into the moonlit night.
She paused to take off her sandals. “Barefoot on the beach is the only way to go,” she said.
Colton pulled a bottle and two plastic glasses out of the bag. “Especially for you,” he said. He managed to fill one glass without spilling.
Kayla took the wine. He’d already figured out her favorite was Moscato. Good man. He did have his positive points. He made her laugh when she needed it, stood as a protective barrier between her and that awful detective, Sawyer, and he knew how to treat a lady to an amazing dinner. She wondered what he would think when she told him her ideas for the deli bar. No better time than the present to jump right into that conversation.
“Colton, I have some ideas for the bar and wanted to pass them by you. Get your thoughts.” Hell, it didn’t matter what he thought, this was what she wanted to do.
He stopped at the water’s edge and turned to face her. His eyes had turned black as coal again. What was it about discussing the bar that put him on edge?
“What kind of ideas?”
She sipped her wine. “You and Grandpa have a great business going there. I know you helped him revamp it when Grandma passed away. They only had the sandwich shop. You saw the vision of adding the bar, and that has worked out great. I simply want to add more to it.”
“More what? It’s fine the way it is.” His jaw tightened.
“I thought we could add on another section that could be used for weddings and receptions. It is the perfect location. Brides love beach weddings.”
“No. You’re not going to bring your fancy city life and ruin the peaceful beach atmosphere.”
“No. No. I don’t want to change the beach setting. The serenity. Open air and endless waters. That is what I love about it so much. People want that. They want a memorable wedding.” She finished off the glass of wine, took the bottle out of his hands, and poured herself another glass. “And do I really look like a big fancy city girl?” She held her hands out, glass in one hand, bottle in the other, sandals hooked over one finger. Colton’s eyes skimmed over her outstretched arms to her summer sundress, down to her bare feet, and back up to lock on her eyes. The heat smoldering in his gaze took her breath away. “I would take this casual attire any day over business suits and dresses.”
“I don’t like the idea of changing the bar.” He stepped closer to her. He was close enough that his earthy scent teased her senses. The warmth of his breath touched her cheek. He lingered there for a brief second, but didn’t touch her. Then he took the wine bottle out of her hands, tilted it up, and gulped down several drinks. “We are not going to discuss this tonight.” Then he turned and walked down the beach again.
Not about to give up so easily, Kayla took off after him. “Wait. Talk to Mags. You know she is getting married soon, and she wants to have the wedding at the bar.”
He turned on her. “You’ve already told Maggie your plans? Coerced her to your side?”
“We talked. She’s a great girl and is ecstatic about having a beach wedding. Just think about it. We don’t have to change what you are doing now, just add a little spice to it.”
“Spice.” He shook his head again. They were under a pier, and this time when he turned to her, he pinned her back against a cement piling. “Your spice is killing me, little fireball.”
He leaned in to kiss her. His lips barely brushed against hers, and his hand cupped her neck. His tongue teased her lips until they parted. The kiss intensified. Kayla let herself go, melting in his embrace. A part of her wanted this, needed to feel his body against hers.
Then, the moment was shattered. Something snapped inside her head. Kayla saw red behind her eyes. She couldn’t stop the thoughts of another time, another place, from slamming into her head. “No.” She pushed him away and gasped for breath. “Stop.”
“What the hell, Kayla?” He backed up a step and looked down into her eyes. At first, he didn’t touch her, then he reached out a hand to wipe the tears rolling down her cheek.
She didn’t want him to see her like this, but she couldn’t stop the fear, even if she tried. She turned her face into his warm palm, his touch soothing her raw emotions. “I’m sorry.”
“Who hurt you?” His gentle words whispered to her.
Her voice trickled out. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“The hell you don’t. I’ve noticed how you jerk away when I get close. The fear in your eyes, like right now.”
“It’s nothing." She took a step away, but he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t pull away this time. She pleaded with him, “Let’s just leave.”
“Every time I get close, your eyes cloud like I am about to hurt you. Who put that fear in you?” He stepped closer, gently running his hand along the bare skin of her arm. Anger rolled off him, but it wasn’t directed at her. She didn’t even realize she was crying again until his hand cradled her face and his thumb came away wet.
She inhaled a deep breath, composed herself, and looked into his eyes. “I’m sorry. I just freaked. Forget it happened.”
He stared at her lips. She sucked in a gasp and bit her bottom lip. He bent down, whispered, “I can’t forget it.” Then he kissed her.
Kayla stood tense at first, but when he intensified the pressure on her lips, she gave in to the luxurious feel of him. “Mmmm…” she moaned. He felt good.
He pulled back and ran a hand through her hair. His jaw clenched in that manner that was becoming so familiar to Kayla. His hand dropped to his side. “Let’s get you home before I do something we will both regret.”
“Well look at you.” Colton stepped into Earl’s room and watched as he finished up with physical therapy. The nurse helped remove his feet from the portable stationary bike, lifted him out of the chair, and back into his wheelchair.
“I’d rather be walking than in this damn thing,” the old man grumbled as he wheeled around and picked up a bottle of water.
“One step at a time.”
Earl eyed him. “You sound like these people now. Are you in cahoots with them like Kayla is?”
Colton shrugged. “Whatever it takes to get you back up and running. Your customers from the bar send their support and are ready for you to get back over there. Apparently, they miss your meanness.”
A flicker of encouragement lit the older man’s eyes. “You tell them I will be back soon, even if it is in a wheelchair. So tell me, how are you and my granddaughter getting along? She hasn’t taken over yet?”
Colton laughed. “Not yet, but she is itching to. She wants to start doing weddings there.”
“That sounds like my girl. Romantic to the core, just like her grandmother.” His eyes misted over, but only briefly, then he nodded and continued, “Gra
cie always wanted to do something like that. I never gave in. I wish I had.”
Colton gave him a playful shove in the arm. “Hey, whose side are you on anyway?”
“She is my granddaughter.”
“Yeah, and I am your business partner. You can’t desert me, throw me out for her to feed on. She’s too brutal.” He wondered why someone hadn’t snatched her up. He admired her for raising a daughter on her own. That was tough to do in the world today, although it was too common. He had broken through her hard exterior just enough to know there was a deeply rooted, loyal, emotional woman buried inside. One whose sexiness killed him at every corner. “Brutal, but easy on the eyes.”
“Look at me, boy.” When Earl had Colton’s full attention, he pointed a finger at him and smiled the biggest smile Colton had ever seen on the man. “You are falling for her.”
“Bullshit.”
Earl nodded his head. “Give love a chance, son. She’s a good woman.”
Colton stepped towards the door to make his exit. Earl was out of his mind. “You know how I feel about love. And Kayla and I clash every step of the way. Not happening.” He walked out of the room. Earl’s laughter rolled all the way down the hallway.
Kayla walked out of the office and stood next to Colton. He was talking to the couple she had met her first day in Perdido Key. She started to say hi until the tone in Colton’s voice put her on alert.
“No, I don’t have any openings.”
“Come on, man. For old times’ sake.” Randy’s words slurred.
Beth grabbed his arm and tried to pull him away. “Let’s go, Randy.”
“Old times’ sake. You must not remember things the way I do. It’s best you listen to your wife and leave.” Colton’s fists clenched and unclenched. After a stare off, the couple turned to leave. Colton followed them to the door.
Maggie let out a breath. “Whew. That was intense.”
“Yeah. Wonder what it was all about.” Kayla tried to shake off the uneasy feeling that settled in her gut. She turned to Mags, forcing enthusiasm into her voice. “I’m so excited about your wedding.”
