“Get your jacket, we’re going for that ride I promised you.”
She stepped back, terror written on her face. “I think not.”
“I think so.”
“Gabe, really. I’m not into cycles.”
“I promise you a safe ride. Besides, I didn’t pass but one car on my way here.”
She shook her head.
Gabe looked up at the sky. The sun wasn’t up yet, but there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. “It’s going to be a beautiful day. Did you realize I’ve been here almost a week and haven’t had time to see the town. This is your chance to show me the sights.”
“Will you drive really slow?”
“I never speed.”
She still wasn’t sure, but she was relenting. “No traffic, huh?”
“Nope.”
Okay, then. But I have to tell Mom I’m leaving.”
“Is Mia up?”
About that time the youngster flew down the sidewalk and skidded to a stop at the Harley. “Is this yours?” She was as cute as a button in her pink pajamas, her hair tied back in pigtails, and bunny slippers on her feet.
“Right now it is. What do you think?”
Mia’s brow wrinkled. “I don’t know. It’s big.”
“I’m going to take your mom for a ride.”
She looked at Julie, her eyes full of questions. “You have to take me to a birthday party this afternoon. Did you forget?”
“Of course not. I’m going inside to tell Gram I’m leaving. If I’m not back in time, Gram will take you. Be right back.”
Mia watched her leave, a wrinkle between her brows.
“Are you worried about your mom riding a motorcycle?”
She nodded.
He squatted down beside her. “Wanna sit on it for a minute?”
“It won’t take off, will it?”
“Nope.”
He lifted her up and sat her in the seat. She leaned over and grabbed the handlebars. “I’ll bet this is fun.”
“It is. If your mom says it’s okay, I’ll take you for a ride around the block.”
Julie came out of the house, saw Mia on the bike, and smiled.
Mia lifted a hand and waved. “Gabe said he’d take me around the block if you say yes.”
“When we get back, maybe.”
“I might not be here.”
“If you’re not here, I’ll come back later. How’s that?” Gabe asked.
“Okay.” But she wasn’t too happy about it.
Julie took Mia back inside before she climbed on the Harley. Gabe handed her the brand new red helmet. “Put this on. Let me know if it fits.”
She put it on. “It’s a little loose, but it will do for now.”
“You’ll have to go with me to try one on later.”
“What do you want to see?” She shouted the question as the Harley’s engine roared to life.
“Everything.”
Since Julie had wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into him, her chuckle vibrated against his back. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea after all. He was aware of every inch of her body as it pressed against him. God, she felt good.
Unconsciously, he picked up speed.
“Gabe,” she shouted. “Slow down.”
He hadn’t realized. But Julie’s body pressed against his was causing havoc. It wasn’t something he was accustomed to. He found himself wanting to stop the bike and take her in his arms. Kiss her. He slowed to a stop at the corner of Birch and Second. “Which way?”
“Take Birch to the left. When you get to Maple, turn right.”
The machine did his bidding. She yelled in his ear. “The park and baseball field are on your left, the elementary school next to it.” He had slowed considerably. “I think you know where you are now,” she yelled as they passed Julie’s. “On the corner is Merlots Wine Bar. When you get to Main Street take a right.”
They passed McClintock and McClintock, and it looked to Gabe as if it had been there a while.
He pulled into a parking space next to Pier One. The wind that had ruffled their clothing while on the bike stilled. It was a chilly September morning, but the sky was clear. A perfect day to see the sights.
“Wanna walk out on the pier?”
Pier One jutted out into the Atlantic. It was too early for the various and sundry stands to be open, but it was a great opportunity to walk out and view the ocean, the waves rushing to shore, and be close to the beautiful woman beside him. He took a deep breath, let the salty air fill his lungs. Damned if he didn’t feel great.
Now wasn’t that a twist?
Was it because his stint in jail was at an end, or Julie? Or was it the fact that the Harley felt like his. He’d have to see if Jeff had changed his mind about selling. It would be sweet to know he could hop on and take off anytime he wanted or needed to.
He pulled in another deep taste of the ocean.
After putting their helmets on the bike, they walked out on the pier. “Are you chilly?” he asked, hooking his arm in Julie’s.
The wind blew more and more of her glorious red hair around her face. Why did this woman tantalize him? He didn’t bother answering the question. Just being here with Julie on this perfect day almost made up for the year he’d spent in prison. Almost.
The sun exploded from the ocean in a burst of orange. Instinctively, he reached for her hand. She didn’t pull away. The moment felt good. Right. They stood in companionable silence, watching the ball of fire rise slowly from the sea. It was going to be a gorgeous day. He squeezed Julie’s hand, wishing he didn’t have to let go. But as much as he’d like to pursue her romantically, he couldn’t let them get that close.
He dropped her hand and pointed. “Seagull.”
“There must be a trawler close by.” Sure enough, one came into view. “Have you ever been on the East coast before?”
“Never.”
“Where are you from?”
“Here and there. How about you? Are you a native Lobster Covean?”
Julie laughed. “I’m afraid so. Mom and Dad moved here before I was born. I don’t think they ever had a thought about moving.”
“And you? Have you ever thought to try the big city?” They’d meandered to the end of the pier. “It’s beautiful here.”
“It is, isn’t it? I’m afraid we natives take all this beauty for granted.”
He didn’t want to leave. It was too perfect. The day. Julie. The Harley. He looked around. A few people were walking toward the pier, a few vendors opening their stands.
They would be busy today.
Before long they were back at the Harley.
“Where to next?” Julie asked.
He got on, waited until she was seated behind him, her arms around him once more. He could get used to this. “You’re the boss.”
“I want to show you the lighthouse before we leave the area.”
“I’m impressed,” he said later when they stopped to view the lighthouse sitting on a tall rock overlooking the ocean. “I see it’s a working one.”
“It is. Most on the coast are.”
By the time his stomach told Gabe it was past lunchtime, he’d been shown the coast guard station, the bookstore, the fire station, and the consignment shop. He made a note of its location. He needed a few clothes and didn’t want to pay full price.
“This is God’s country,” he said when they’d stopped once more to view the distant mountains. “Tell me about them.”
She pointed. “You can barely see Cadillac Mountain, but it’s in Acadia National Park. Ever been there?”
“Nope.”
“You’ll have to take a bike ride over there then. It’s a wonderful place with lots of interesting things to see.”
“Such as?”
“Such as the Park Loop Road that leads up to Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island. Be sure to have lunch at Jordon’s Pond while you’re there.”
“How large is the park?”
“Umm. Around
fifty thousand acres, give or take a few.”
“Will you go with me?” he teased. Only it wasn’t a tease. He couldn’t imagine sightseeing without her.
“In a few weeks the trees will turn. Wait till you see them? The Eastern Redbird Poplar is a fiery red, as is the Glory Maple. The White Birch are gorgeous. Some trees turn orange—some yellow. It’s like God’s paintbrush. I think you’ll be impressed.”
“I know I will.” There was nothing like it where he came from. Leaves turned in the fall of course, but nothing like Julie described. He found himself hoping he wouldn’t have to leave anytime soon.
“Where in the South are you from? Texas? Georgia?”
Whoa! “Close enough.”
“You don’t talk about yourself, do you?”
“Nothing of interest to tell.”
He couldn’t resist. Putting an arm around her shoulder he drew her close.
She leaned into him for a moment, then stepped out of the embrace.
He was out of line. Though Julie was a woman any man would want, she was his boss. And he could pick up and leave tomorrow if he had even a whiff that the mob was on his trail. Distance, he told himself, and once more commented on the scenery. “Do you ever get used to the beauty? It seems to change with the sun. One minute one color, the next another.”
“Maybe I do. And shouldn’t.”
“Are you hungry?”
“Starving,” she replied. “Does being on a motorcycle make you hungrier than usual?”
Gabe chuckled. “I wondered that myself. What do you suggest?”
“How about some lobster?”
“Lead the way.”
She pointed the way to Ned’s Lobster shack. “I know it doesn’t look like much,” she said as she climbed off the bike. “It’s kind of rustic, but it’s been here forever. Wait until you taste Ned’s Lobster Hoagie.”
“Can’t wait.”
Ned filled their order, put it in a sack with a soft drink for each. “If you can wait a few minutes to eat, I’ll show you a great place for a picnic.”
“You’re on. Hope it’s not too far.”
Being so anxious to see Julie, he hadn’t bothered with breakfast.
In less than ten minutes they were bumping down a trail behind the park that came out at a large lake. Though there were more cars on the road now that the town had awakened, Julie didn’t complain.
“We call it Grant Lake,” Julie explained when they saw it in the distance.
Once again, they climbed off the bike and, taking the bag of food with them, walked over to the lake. By now there were a few fishing boats out. “Nice.”
Julie went to a large rock overlooking the clear blue water. “Let’s eat here.”
For the next thirty minutes, they ate and made small talk. Gabe found it comfortable talking to Julie. For the last year his conversations had been with men who were the dregs of society, certainly not with anyone you’d want to associate with in real life. This was a treat he’d remember forever.
Julie fascinated him. He liked the way her forehead wrinkled when she was worried—the way the freckles on her nose stood out when she was tired.
Damn. This wasn’t good.
But it wasn’t just her looks. It was the woman herself. He admired how she’d built a life for herself and her daughter after her husband was killed in the war. He admired how she hung on even when circumstances worked against her.
He could sit here by the lake with her for the rest of the day. Peace washed over him. It was an unfamiliar feeling. How long had it been since he’d felt like this?
His gaze kept going to Julie. Her lips were meant for kissing. He dared not. Julie was special. He’d have to be very careful. He didn’t know from day to day when he’d pick up and leave.
“You were right. That was great,” Gabe said.
“You can never go wrong at Ned’s.”
They were on the bike again, and she was shouting names in his ear. The Country Club, which was a ways out of town, the historical society, Murphy’s Bar, where Jeff hung out after work once in a while.
The town was coming together in his head. They had everything here, just like the big city, including a train station, only in a smaller size.
By the time he pulled the Harley into her driveway, it was close to five. He couldn’t believe he had spent the entire day racing around the city of Lobster Cove with a beautiful woman. On a Harley no less.
Would wonders never cease?
Evidently not. Mia ran out to greet them. “Gram had to take me to the party, cause you weren’t here.”
“Sorry, Baby. The day flew by.”
“Then I’ll take my ride now.”
With Mia sandwiched between them, Gabe drove around the neighborhood as slowly and carefully as possible.
The youngster was delighted. After they were back at the house, she wouldn’t stop asking when she could get another ride.
Julie and Gabe both avoided the question.
Mia took Gabe’s hand and pulled him into the house.
“I should leave, Mia. Tomorrow’s a work day.”
“Gram said you had to eat with us.”
Mia had to be making the invitation up. Julie’s mom didn’t even know him. But when they walked into the oversized kitchen, a nice-looking lady about the same height as her daughter turned from the stove with a smile. “You must be Gabe.”
She came toward him, her arms open. Was she going to hug him? Hell. He didn’t go around hugging people he didn’t know. Not even those he did.
But this woman had that certain look older folks get, and in no time he was enfolded in a pair of soft arms.
Julie laughed. Evidently, she knew her mother, and this was her usual practice.
The hug didn’t last long, thank goodness. Afterward, she stood back and looked at him. “You’re just as Julie and Mia described. Wash up and set yourself down. I have a big pot of lobster and clam chowder.”
“No wonder it smells so good in here.”
“Gabe, as if you can’t tell, this is my mom, Teresa Spaulding. Mom, you know who this is.”
“Glad to meet you Ms. Spaulding.”
“Please…call me Teresa.”
“You didn’t have to cook, Mom. I could have whipped something up when I got back.”
“Both of you need a day off. All of you now, wash up.”
Mia went to the sink where Julie lifted her up to wash her hands.
“Where’s the restroom?” Gabe asked.
Julie pointed down the hall.
Gabe admired the small but airy rooms, the sofas old and comfortable looking, the deep cushioned chairs, and small tables tucked in every corner piled high with books. A not-too-large TV sat in an old oak cabinet that could have been homemade. There was nothing pretentious here. It was simply a nice home that seemed to fit just right with its inhabitants. It should have looked cluttered. It didn’t. It looked homey. How long had it been since he’d had a place like this?
Too damned long.
After washing up, he was back in the kitchen where the women were waiting for him.
Each of them had a different expression as they waited for him to be seated. Mia’s smile told him she was happy he was here. Julie’s mom’s eyes were full of gratitude. No doubt because he had walked into Julie’s just when he was needed. And Julie? For the first time, she looked pensive. What was she worried about?
“Will you draw a picture of Gram?” Mia asked.
Julie burst out laughing.
Gabe joined in. It felt good to be worry-free like this.
How long would it last? With his background, he was afraid it wouldn’t be long enough.
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, Gabe parked his Harley at the back door, went inside the shop, and flipped on the lights in the kitchen.
He was still drifting in a state of unreality. Yesterday was so out of his norm that it seemed like a dream. A full day with Julie couldn’t be topped, then came an even
ing with Julie’s mom and Mia. Teresa had made him feel welcome and Mia…? What could he say about Mia? She took precocious to an entirely new level.
When Julie had pulled away at his embrace yesterday he’d wanted more. A kiss. Lots of kisses. He had no right. He couldn’t stay here. It wasn’t feasible. There had to be a bounty on his head by now. It wouldn’t be fair to Julie or to Mia to get too close.
And it could end up being dangerous. At the first sign of trouble, he’d be out of here fast.
But right now, he had to concentrate on his job. He hadn’t planned today’s menu and searched his brain for something interesting. A minute later, he was pulling pans from the cabinets, eggs from the fridge, sugar and flour from the pantry.
By the time Julie came in, he was hip-deep in baking.
He watched as she put on her apron, started the coffee, and came to the kitchen. Her routine never wavered. She had a system that worked and she stuck to it. He wondered what she’d do if something shifted and she had to change her ways.
“Morning, Gabe. You’ve been as busy as usual. What’s on the board today?”
“Besides the tarts, there are sour cream coffee cake muffins in the case along with tunnel of fudge cupcakes with chocolate butter cream icing, and three different kinds of cookies. There’s a Lemon Lovers layer cake in the oven. Chocolate cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies are the sugar free and will be ready soon.”
“You wouldn’t happen to have any not quite good enough samples anywhere would you?”
He was busy putting another tray of cupcakes in the oven and wouldn’t look at her. Distance, he reminded himself. “Look on the other cabinet.”
He couldn’t help but smile to himself though, when she took one of everything, then hurried back to the front.
Once the usual goodies were finished, he was going to try his hand at the sourdough bread.
The bell tinkled soon after opening, and the sheriff came in. He held his breath. If she had run a trace on his name she was sure to find that Gabriel Michael Vaughn had probably never used his social security number. Why? Because the kid had died twenty years ago at the age of fifteen, which was why Gabe had picked him. He would have been the same age as Gabe if he’d lived.
“You’re up and at it early,” Julie told her friend.
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