Tattoos and Cupcakes [Sunset Point] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Hennessee Andrews

  She emerged from the shower and even though she slept the entire flight earlier in the day, she was exhausted mentally. Liz had shown her the room she’d stay in and she was quite pleased. A nice, large bed sat center of the far wall, draped with a beautiful coverlet in a cheery teal color. Big fluffy pillows lined the head of the bed and welcomed her. A set of French doors opened out to a veranda, overlooking the ocean from the hilltop the house was perched on. She stepped out and breathed in the warm night air. Tall palms lightly swayed in the breeze. The sound of the ocean with waves crashing in against the shoreline soothed her broken soul. Up in the sky, stars shone brightly. Being from L.A., Lane hadn’t seen the stars much, not like this anyway. They winked at her from above and warmed her heart.

  The lull of the waves became music to her ears and she began to feel her body letting go. Traipsing back into the room, she pulled the soft bedding down and climbed in. Last but not least, she turned off the lamp, leaving the door cracked so she could hear the calming sounds of the ocean.

  Chapter 3

  Lane awoke to the sound of birds cawing outside. Liz had said she wouldn’t wake her and encouraged her to sleep in, but she found that she was kind of excited to see the island. Even though her heart was heavy with everything she’d been through, she worked to find the determination to overcome it.

  As she stepped out on the balcony to take in the beautiful landscape and the bright blue waters, the warm salty air soothed her. White-crested waves crashed in over the white sandy beach, shells left behind on purpose for her to find. She yearned to go to them and pick them up, never before seeing a more majestic or beautiful place.

  Exotic palms and plants were abundant everywhere she looked. Brilliant red and yellow flowers happily sprang up from bountiful plants in the backyard. The salty sea air filled her lungs and she felt fantastic for the first time in days. The warmth of the sun shined down on her and warmed her face. As she inhaled one last deep breath, she tried to control the newfound enthusiasm building in her stomach. Determined to make the best of her stay for now, she decided to pretend she was only on an extended vacation.

  Lane turned and walked back into the bedroom. She searched for her luggage they carried up the night before, but it was nowhere in sight. She became confused. It was there last night. When she opened a drawer on the whitewashed dresser, she smiled. Liz had neatly put up the meager belongings she’d brought with her. After she pulled out an outfit and tossed the clothes to the bed, she shucked off the tank top she’d slept in. When she picked up her shirt, she saw something run. Her lungs burst with the loudest and most bloodcurdling scream her lungs were capable of. Backing away from the bed, she clutched her shirt to her chest. What in the hell was that? And is it poisonous?

  The sounds of thundering footsteps came down the hall. Jed stormed in with a pair of slacks on and his shirt only partially buttoned. “Reece, are you okay?”

  “There!” she screamed. “Something is on my bed! I was getting dressed—”

  “What is it? I heard a scream?” Liz came running in with an alarmed expression and searched the room for the culprit.

  A thud outside the door jolted Lane, and Luther bounded in, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers, and had a gun in his hand. “What in the hell is going on?”

  “Jesus Christ, Luther. Go put on some pants!” Jed shook his head. “And for crying out loud, put that gun away, both of them.”

  Lane blushed and turned her gaze away from Luther. Giggles erupted and she couldn’t help it.

  “Oh, geesh, Luther.” Liz complained.

  Lane peeked from behind her fingers that she’d covered her face with. Luther looked down and chuckled. “Sorry, I didn’t realize my little soldier was awake.”

  “Go cover that thing up!” Jed pointed at the door. “Reece doesn’t want to see your pecker.”

  Luther stopped and turned around at the threshold. “But what was the scream about?” He still had his gun in his hand.

  “Oh,” Lane averted her eyes. “There’s something in my bed. I don’t know what it is, but it’s really fast.”

  Liz flipped the blankets on one side of the bed while Jed inspected the other side. Lane held her shirt over her chest and knew she should be embarrassed about the fact she was standing in her underwear, but had modeled in much less, so she really didn’t feel too odd.

  “Here he is,” Jed smiled and pulled out a little green lizard. “He’s harmless and kind of cute. Huh, same size as Luther’s—”

  “Hey, hey,” Liz interrupted. “You, put the lizard outside.” She pointed at Jed and turned to Luther. “And you…go get some damn clothes on!”

  Lane began to laugh so hard she couldn’t even speak. “Thank, thank you,” she stuttered while Jed tossed the lizard back outside and shut the door. Liz grabbed his arm and ushered him out.

  “We’ll see you downstairs for breakfast.” Liz acted embarrassed but giggled as she shut the door.

  After Lane contained her laughter, she finally managed to get dressed and put on a little makeup. Her eyes were almost void of puffiness and she couldn’t be more grateful. Likely, she cried during the night, emptying a store of tears. She had dreams about Ingrid and began to think of her again. Her eyes threatened to burst, but she refused to let them. Crying won’t bring her back.

  Her stomach growled and she realized it was the first time in two days she’d felt that sensation. She could hardly wait for breakfast and the idea of seeing the island pushed her out the door and down the stairs.

  When she entered the kitchen, she stopped abruptly. Uh, oh. I just walked in on a moment. Liz was kissing Jed while Luther stood behind her, kissing her neck. Lane felt extremely awkward and turned to walk away, but ran into a potted plant and fell over it, making a loud ruckus in the process.

  “You can come in, Reece. We promise we won’t engage in sexual acts in front of you.” Luther called and Lane peeked around the corner from her position on the floor.

  “Luther, leave her alone. This is odd enough for her without you yammering about stuff like that.” Liz pointed at him and led Lane into the kitchen when she finally stood back up.

  “I’m actually okay with it. I’m just relieved he put on a pair of pants.” Lane found her sense of humor. These three were a riot.

  Jed and Liz laughed while Luther grumbled. “Back in my day, I was quite a catch.”

  “Come on, let’s have breakfast and get you two off to work. Reece and I have plans.”

  * * * *

  After breakfast, Lane grabbed her purse and sunglasses. She and Liz set out for the day, Lane bounding down the long, rustic stairs. “This place is gorgeous, Liz.”

  Liz put on her shades and smiled. She looked so regal, dressed in her linen pants and crisp white top. Her nails were painted in a bright pink along with her toes. Island life suited her. She seemed content, happy. They got into a little convertible and set out down the winding road toward town.

  Lane took in all the sights surrounding her. Large fancy homes down to the cozy smaller ones dotted the hillside and not a one was a dump like back in LA. There was no graffiti to be seen. No bumper-to-bumper traffic. Just clean, fresh air and beauty everywhere the eye could see.

  The warm air blew over her skin as the sun shone down on her, caressing her with its warmth. The view was breathtaking. In minutes, they entered a commercial area. Small shops lined the main street, all inviting with gorgeous plants and décor. They toured the town, Liz turning down one street then another. She pointed out the courthouse, the park, the grocery store, and even a place called Designs by Lark. She smiled when she mentioned it and said they had the most beautiful lingerie a woman could want.

  While exiting the town, Liz explained that tourism kept them fed and able to live the way they wanted. On the far end of the island was a marina. As it grew closer, sailboats and yachts lined the coast with long decks leading out into the clear blue waters to each of them.

  At the other side of the island, Liz explain
ed a new resort had been built and catered to a great deal of rich and famous that visited. Now Lane felt she was way off when she imagined Gilligan’s island. Now she felt like such a dunce.

  “Whatever your passion, you’ll probably find it here.” Liz interrupted her thoughts. “My sons Will and Jameson take people out on scuba diving tours. If parasailing is your thing, they do that too.”

  “I’ve had enough adventure to last a lifetime. I think I’m the type to beach comb for shells,” Lane admitted.

  “We can do that, too.” Liz took a road that led toward the shoreline and parked.

  As they walked down the beach, Lane stopped to pick up interesting shells. She shared with Liz her story about what happened that caused her to be in the predicament she was in. Lane got a little misty eyed when she told her about Ingrid and the fact she couldn’t get her image out of her head. Liz hugged her and assured her that in time, all wounds would heal, but for now, to take it one day at a time.

  Further down the beach, Liz enlightened Lane on her life and lifestyle. Lane became even more intrigued by her. The woman was smart, successful, and with two husbands who adored her. All Lane managed to find was a murderer that trafficked women from around the world.

  Liz wrapped her arm around Lane’s shoulder. “Don’t give up on men, not because of one. We are all destined to find our soul mate or mates.”

  “I’m not worried about men or finding one. I’d do better to steer clear of them. I’m more worried about my career. I don’t know how long I will be here and if I’ll even have a career when I return.”

  “You really enjoyed modeling, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, I did. I worked toward it for years, starving every step of the way. One year ago, the break I had waited for came. And now, now it’s gone.”

  Liz nodded and a look of understanding crossed her face. “Life and karma have a way of meddling and making a mess of all we build. Sometimes it’s for the better, sometimes not. But I’d like to believe that everything that happens to us, happens for a reason. You may not see it now, but in time, you will.”

  “Do you really think so? I mean, I feel like I barely got started on the best chapter of my life and now I’m stuck between walk and don’t walk here. Don’t get me wrong, this place is gorgeous and all, but what do I do while I’m here? I can’t just pick up shells every day.”

  A smile lit Liz’s sunny face. “How are you at baking?”

  Lane offered a confused look and drew her eyebrows together, questioning her. “I suck, why?”

  “Great, just the answer I needed.” Liz tugged her along and headed back to the car.

  “It is? Why?”

  “You’ll see.”

  Ten minutes later, Liz pulled up to a cupcake shop, Naughty Sprinkles. The logo was cute with a female cupcake in dominatrix gear, a whip cracking the ass of the male cupcake beside her. The awning was black-and-white striped, shading two large front windows and the entrance. On either side of the door, small trees happily sprung up from tall pots with bright pink flowers encircling their small trunks. “Very nice.” Lane pointed at the sign as she entered.

  Liz glanced at her business logo for a moment. “Thank you. I think she has a little of me in her.”

  Images popped into Lane’s head, images she was not sure she wanted to see. Her face heated up. Already today she’d seen Liz’s husband Luther in nothing but his boxer shorts, sporting morning wood. She’d also seen the three of them enjoying a moment together in the kitchen. The woman was more than old enough to be her mother. Wow, those thoughts didn’t help. That meant she had to accept the fact her mother was getting jiggy with it, too.

  Liz held open the door for her to enter. “Welcome to Naughty Sprinkles. The only thing naughtier is your own imagination.”

  “Great catch phrase.” Lane laughed as she entered.

  “It wasn’t a catch phrase. I was talking about you, dear.”

  “Oh.” Lane felt her face heat up again.

  Inside, the warm and inviting décor continued with two black-and-white striped walls. The two adjacent walls were a solid hot pink. Bright white crown molding made the walls pop. Cute round tables with café style chairs sat haphazardly around, adorned with bright green foliage and more of the same hot pink flowers. Splashes of the lime green continued throughout, making the feel of the shop cheery and inviting. A menu of cakes hung at the far end of the shop, behind the counter. The font was a beautiful cursive, giving elegance to the already fabulous space.

  At the counter, lit glass cases showcased the cupcakes. Color abounded with the fabulously decorated confections begging to be seen and eaten. A gorgeous blonde stood behind the counter. She looked close to Lane’s age, maybe a little younger. “Good morning, Liz.”

  “Good morning, Sami, my favorite daughter-in-law.” Liz greeted her with a chipper and affectionate voice.

  Sami let out an infectious laugh. “I’m your only daughter in law.”

  “Sami, this is Reece. She is my niece from Kansas. She will be staying with us for a while on an extended vacation. How would you like some help in here?”

  Sami beamed and clapped her hands together. “Help, really? I’d love it.”

  Liz turned to Lane. “Reece, sweetie. How would you like a job here at Naughty Sprinkles?”

  Lane shrugged. She really knew little about baking and even managed to screw up a boxed cake mix once. “Well, I could use a job, but I told you I sucked at baking.” She looked at all the tiny cakes with intricate decorations. It was a little intimidating.

  Liz tsked. “And I remember saying that was great.”

  “Why is that great?”

  “Because I don’t have to break any bad habits and Sami can teach you everything you need to know.”

  “I love the cupcakes. They are so cute and wow, naughty.” Lane noticed a group of cupcakes with penises on them.

  “Hence the name.” Liz pointed at the sign. “If they’re not naughty in look, they are definitely naughty with ingredients. We carry a wide variety of cupcakes with unique flavors, exotic fruits, and decadent fillings. Don’t think those cuties are innocent. They will all go to your hips.”

  The bell on the door chimed and the most stunning-looking man waltzed in. In distressed blue jeans and a simple white tee, he looked like the all-American boy next door. His dark blonde tousled hair hinted of a carefree attitude as well as the way he carried himself. He smiled as he approached the counter. Ice-blue eyes sparkled when he smiled. A dimple punctuated his cheek, softening his hard-edged look. Lane watched, taken by him. He was cool, confident. She could see the hint of ink on his arm, tattoos. Only certain men could wear them well, and that’s only if they were hot and not cartoony. She really hated to see tats of animated characters on a man’s arm.

  “Hello, Miss Liz, Sami.” He spoke with a southern accent.

  Sami grinned at him. “Hello, Dane. What will it be today?”

  “Mmm, those chocolate mocha cupcakes are very enticing. But today, lemon sounds great.”

  “Shall I put one in the box for Bannock, too?” Sami pulled out a cupcake and waited for his answer.

  “Nah, he hates lemon. How about the Blondes Have More Fun for him. He loves caramel.”

  Sami packaged his cakes and took his payment. “Thanks, Dane. Oh, and the guys really like the tattoo you gave me last week.”

  Dane smiled as Sami handed him the box of the sweet confections. “I thought they would.”

  Even as Dane talked to Sami, he glanced in Lane’s direction numerous times. She became a little confused, because she remembered hearing the name, Bannock, before. Wasn’t that the cop that picked me up last night? While her brain continued to process, Dane turned to her and Liz.

  “Liz, nice to see you today. You’re new position is keeping you from your shop. I miss seeing you every day.”

  “I know it is, but I have a remedy for my absence. My niece Reece here will be taking my place here at the shop.” Liz wrapped her arm around L
ane’s shoulder and squeezed.

  “Reece, nice to meet you. I’m Dane Hutchinson from The Branding Iron next door.”

  Lane shook his hand and felt her fingertips tingle. The man could stop traffic with his bright white smile and handsome face. “Nice to meet you, Dane.”

  “So, what brings you to Sunset Point?”

  Her heart picked up rhythm and she was suddenly at a loss for words.

  “She is considering moving to the island. Kansas is such a ho-hum place to live and with all the snow and ice they get in the winter, she wants to get away and be somewhere tropical. And what better place could my niece be than here?” Liz saved her ass and created a believable lie.

  “I can’t think of any place, Miss Liz.” Dane cocked his head to the side and studied Lane for a moment. His grin was intriguing, as if he were trying to figure her out. She felt hot under his gaze. “I wasn’t aware you had a niece though. My, my, Kansas is no place for beauty like you.” A predatory expression came over his face. When he bit his bottom lip, his eyes sparkled with interest. Lane thought her heart stopped.

  Liz hugged her. “No, Kansas is no place for Reece. I think she’ll fit right in here.”

  * * * *

  It was almost lunchtime and Dane hoped Bannock would make it for lunch today. Liz’s niece was just the woman to pull Bannock out of his funk. She already caused Dane’s guts to tangle up. It had been a while since he’d laid eyes on such beauty and come to think of it, a long time since he’d bedded a woman. Up until now, no woman had given him that euphoric rush upon introduction. Sure, he played, finding salvation for his greedy one-eyed monster, but not with someone who captivated him as much.