Love, Honor & Cherish: The On the Cape Trilogy: A Cape Van Buren Trilogy

by Meredith, MK

  Blayne’s lips worked over silent words for a second, then finally added her voice behind them. “You know damn well the man is good with his hands. Makes for an excellent sailor.”

  The twinkle in her eye challenged him, and he loved it now as he had so long ago. “Good with his hands, hm?”

  Nodding, she pretended to study a sail’s painted artwork of old-school life preservers. “Great…with his hands.”

  She was teasing, but damn if he didn’t bristle against the idea anyway. If he ever did see Stanton’s hands on her, he’d be hard-pressed not to break them, then punch the guy in his goddamn face.

  Larkin laughed. “Oh, please. The triplets would have you tied to a brick and thrown you out to sea if you stepped one foot near the man. You said so yourself.”

  Blayne’s eyes shot wide. “Larkin.”

  And suddenly, the sun shone brighter and the air smelled sweeter.

  “Is that so?”

  She nibbled her lip, looking everywhere but him.

  She’d let him believe she’d gone out the other night, but apparently Coach Dawson’s daughters had other plans. He’d thank them all later when he had the chance.

  He’d given her space after their moose encounter Wednesday. Having her in his arms again, holding her, tasting her was exactly what he wanted, but she didn’t trust what was between them, nor did she trust him for that matter. Retreat was necessary to protect his progress.

  Seeing her now in the flesh almost made it impossible not to gather her up and show her just how happy he was to see her, how thrilled he was to hear she never did go out with the artist.

  She wouldn’t admit it yet, but she’d belonged to him since they shared pints in Ireland…and he belonged to her.

  The North Cove Mavens joined the group. “Asking your mom to be on the board, James?” Maxine asked.

  Jay could smell something that stank of trouble in the question. He hadn’t realized how interested the townspeople would be in serving on the board, but as soon as word got out that they were putting together the committee, the lighthouse phone had been ringing off the hook.

  He shook his head. “No, ma’am. She and my dad will be traveling back and forth to Europe for some business and pleasure over the next few years, so she won’t have the time.”

  The look of relief on Maxine and Evette’s faces was comical. One less in the pool of competition, he guessed.

  “Oh! Well, that’s good that they’ll get to travel. How fortunate for her,” Maxine replied.

  Blayne guffawed. “And you, Maxine. Subtlety is not your strong point.”

  “Look who’s talking about subtleties. You’ve been panting like a pup in heat since Jay walked up.”

  Her jaw dropped to her chest and she sputtered. “I have not…you don’t know…I can’t believe—”

  “Are you actually going to finish any of those sentences, dear, or is Jay’s presence a little too much for you to handle?”

  Claire and Larkin were laughing so hard Jay was afraid the Van Burn baby might be born right then and there. He liked the idea of Blayne being hot and bothered by him, but teasing her about it was not the way to win her over.

  “To be fair, Ms. Van Buren, a board member of the Archer Conservation Park of Cape Van Buren will need to be very poised and diplomatic. Quick barbs and ribbing really aren’t what we’re looking for,” he said.

  Maxine Van Buren’s mouth melted into a thin line and her eyes narrowed into slits. “Is that so, James Astor?”

  Aw, fuck, he was in for it now. Where the hell was Ryker? He could work magic when it came to smoothing things over with his grandmother.

  “Well, I guess you also won’t be looking for any of my moonshine, will you?”

  Ouch, that hurt. The woman’s moonshine was the finest kind. And that was coming from a man who’d traveled the world and back.

  Larkin wrapped her arm around Maxine. “Be nice, Maxine. He’s making a solid point.” She then whispered something in Maxine’s ear that made her mouth relax into a smile and her eyes soften to their good-natured twinkle once again as she glanced from Blayne back to him.

  Apparently, Ryker had passed on some of that magic to his wife. He’d have to thank her later.

  Blayne took the distraction and jumped in. “Well, I’d love to stay and chat, but I need to go find Clay Parrington. I heard he’d be down here today.”

  She dragged him down the pier toward Beach Booty, the North Cove’s go-to shop for beachgoers, from shark tooth necklaces to bathing suits and everything in between.

  “Whoa, slow down.” He resisted. She walked faster in her heels than he did in sneakers.

  “I was not panting.”

  His grin was quick, and his thoughts wicked. “You are now.”

  Arched brows drew together in a warning. “I wouldn’t even start if I were you.”

  Jay loved the spark in her light eyes when she was worked up, and he couldn’t help but push just a little. It was better than the loss and sorrow he witnessed in the tree.

  If he could keep that look from ever crossing her face again, he’d move the heavens and empty hell.

  He drew a finger down her bare arm, clavicle to wrist. Technically, he was still successful at keeping his hands to himself. A finger didn’t count. “I like your dress.”

  A small shiver shook her frame and his grin grew broader.

  He grabbed her hand. “Come on, Clay is part of the team on boat seven. Let’s grab an ice cream, then we’ll be able to get an appointment set up when the crews gather to prepare for the race.

  She didn’t hesitate, but she walked slowly. “I guess I could use a small bowl from The Ice Cream Cove.”

  She was thinking a lot these days. Taking her time and sometimes responding in the exact opposite way that she used to. It made sense. People grew up in ten years, but it made his ability to read her a challenge.

  “Thank you, by the way. Standing up to Maxine might cost you in the moonshine department.”

  “Well, I’m sure you’ll share,” he said with a wink.

  She stopped dead. “Hell, you don’t know me very well, do you? Her brew is not something you share, but something you greedily keep all to yourself.”

  “Blayne.” He laughed. But the look on her face spoke more clearly than any words could. No moonshine for him.

  She slid her hand into his. “Now, about that ice cream…”

  Adrenaline surged through him with the need to jerk her close, to make her promises. Promises he’d keep this time.

  But instead, he played it cool, walking the pier hand-in-hand as if they did it every day. The truth was, it was painful. It gave him a taste of everything he wanted in one simple gesture of acceptance.

  He’d savor every second, the feel of her palm against his, the awareness of her next to him, her scent floating on the breeze. His body responded with its familiar tightening, but it was so much more. He was solidly fucked.

  They stepped up to the open window of The Ice Cream Cove, and she dropped his hand to get a better look at the flavors.

  He wanted to resist every time she let go.

  Her eyes were bright. “I know what I want.”

  “You always have.” He laughed, though he felt anything but light. “Peanut Butter-Vanilla Dream?”

  “Every time.” She snapped a finger then spun away from the counter. “In a bowl, please.”

  “You heard the lady,” he said to the ice cream concierge. “I’d like cookie dough in a waffle cone, please.”

  Grabbing the ice creams, he joined her, standing in front of an impressive boat with a sail of an incredible setting sun. “Damn, that’s beautiful.”

  She accepted her ice cream with a nod. “The art is my favorite part of the Wave Race.”

  He raised a brow. “Now that does take me by surprise. I figured you would be all over the physical competition of it.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I love a good fight, but there is something impossible about choosing a winner
from an ocean of beauty. I’d never want the job, but I’m always thrilled by the announcement.”

  He studied her. “You surprise me at every turn. Your competence, your work ethic, your insight.”

  “You have, too.” A large glob of ice cream disappeared off her spoon. She worked it in her mouth with a thoughtful look on her face. “Jamie, this idea you have…Archer’s Angels…it’s beyond amazing.” Her voice was soft and dreamy. He didn’t know if it was the ice cream or his idea, but hearing his name spoken in such a way only solidified his determination.

  Somehow, someway, he would change her mind about them.

  About him.

  “I’m excited to iron out the details and propose it to Larkin. I’ll make sure you know when. I’d like you to be there.”

  “Thank you.” Her whisper struck right in his heart.

  He held her eyes, and a silence stretched between them, serenaded by the waves lapping against the boat hulls and the call of the seagulls.

  He slid his fingers along her jaw and cupped her chin, his big hand a contrast to her porcelain skin and ruby lips. “Blayne…”

  Her eyes wavered, then she looked past him. “Oh! There’s Clay.”

  Jay followed her gaze until the man in question came into view. A sigh rose in his chest, but he held it in with a quick nod. “Let’s go then.”

  It only took a few minutes for her to grab Clay’s attention and detail the board member responsibilities for him. Her eyes were bright with excitement. There was no way the man could resist her enthusiasm.

  “Any questions?” Jay asked.

  Clay shook his head. “Not about the board position, but I do have some ideas for the center’s programs. I think our town could use a few opportunities to learn coping skills, how to set life goals and make them a reality. And not just for the adults, but if we could teach children early and repeat it often, the effect on their adult life is immeasurable.”

  Jay loved his passion.

  “This is exactly the kind of thing Larkin Sinclair, excuse me, I mean Larkin Van Buren has in mind.” She rummaged through her bag, then handed him a business card. “Give me a call and we’ll set up a meeting. I think she’ll love every word you have to say.”

  “Excellent. I’m excited to be a part of this. Thanks for thinking of me.” A whistle blew, and he glanced at his boat. “I better get on board. Wish us luck.” He saluted.

  She and Jay watched him board the boat, then they hurried alongside the ice cream shop as a crowd of people rushed the pier to see the boats off.

  Laughing, she blew her bangs from her eyes and leaned against the wall of the building. “This is fantastic. He’s the perfect fit. Larkin’s going to die.”

  He nodded. “I consider that interview in the bag. One down, and we hadn’t thought to start until next week.”

  “We really do work well together, don’t we?” she admitted with a grin.

  Her statement set something off inside of him. Something raw and needy and selfish.

  In one fluid motion, he stepped into her, melting their bodies against the side of the building. He took her mouth with his own. Her flavor exploded on his tongue, and a low rumbling growl rolled up his chest.

  Her arms wrapped around his neck, leveraging her body tighter to his. The feel of her breasts crushed against him almost knocked him on his ass. His hands itched to be filled with her warm, womanly curves, and he dragged them down her sides then around her hips to cup her ass. Yanking her closer, he ground himself against her softness, trying to ease his wanting.

  The small whimper that escaped her lips registered in his brain like an aphrodisiac.

  So much for keeping his hands to himself.

  If he was going to fail, this was the way to go.

  Chapter 9

  “Spill it,” Larkin demanded.

  “But you haven’t even told me about your day yet.” Blayne dodged the demand by busying herself with the magazine options on the table next to her chair at the Flat Iron Coffeehouse. “As for me, I finalized the paperwork for Alora Kingsley to manage my store, she’s been doing a great job.”

  Larkin stared at her.

  “Evette’s niece, if you remember. Since you asked so nicely.”

  Ignoring the sarcasm, her friend sank into the chair cushion. “I packed a few remaining boxes at the Cape house. Some albums that I’d had over there along with some of Maxine’s.” She smiled sweetly. “Now spill.”

  Blayne tried to shrug off the wash of goosebumps that ran along her skin as the moment she’d shared with Jamie against The Ice Cream Cove played again in her mind. His kiss had rocked her harder than any kiss he’d given her before. Why was that? Was she such a rebel, or had she simply gone mad that the forbidden made him taste so sweet?

  Because what woman in her right mind would go back to a man who’d left her like he had? But with each passing day it was becoming more difficult to keep her distance.

  She was failing hard. A grin tipped up her lips.

  Maybe it how his shoulders had filled out, overflowing her hands, or how he towered over her more than before?

  She was a strong-ass woman, damn it. A man being bigger than she shouldn’t make him attractive, but damned if it didn’t do just that.

  Or worse.

  It could be his thoughtful addition of Archer’s Angels, or the care and attention he was taking on the project. That was so much worse because it was a hell of a lot harder to fight against an attraction based on respect and admiration.

  If only she could get Larkin to tell her to stay away. To best-friend-threaten her into keeping her distance. Surely that would help.

  “I’m sick,” she exclaimed.

  Claire and Larkin looked at one another then back.

  “Do you have a cold?” Claire looked confused.

  “No.” Blayne shoved up from the velvet cushion, then sunk back down. Balling her fingers into fists, she said, “I kissed him.”

  “What?” her two friends blurted in unison and scooted to the edges of their seats.

  Larkin studied her from the corner of her eye. “Him who?”

  Pinning her with a look, Blayne had to force herself to unclench her jaw. “You know him who.”

  “And why are you acting like you’re mad at me?” her friend questioned.

  Blayne smoothed the fabric of her red cigarette pants and dropped into the chair, questioning her decision-making on every plane.

  Claire asked, “Are we talking about Jamie?”

  “We had a successful day yesterday and we both got caught up in it all. We really do work very well together and—”

  “Ha, so Ryker was right!” Larkin grinned.

  Claire waved her off. “I don’t think now’s the time to gloat on your husband.”

  “Oh, right.” A sheepish shrug couldn’t disguise the supreme satisfaction glowing from her eyes.

  Shelly Anne walked up. “What’s up, girls? You three are busier than a beehive.”

  Blayne threw a warning look to her friends.

  “Can I get another espresso, please?” Claire asked abruptly. “I can’t get enough of this stuff.”

  Shelly Anne beamed. “Of course, honey. Does Evette know you’re here?”

  The former Studio 54 dancer had her long, waist-length hair braided with a few silver ribbons to go along with her bohemian-style silver skirt. She maintained a decades-old but friendly coffee competition with Evette’s North Cove Confectionery. Blayne could only imagine how fierce she’d been in her heyday, and the competition was a no-brainer.

  Larkin laughed. “She should know better if she thinks we wouldn’t come. Your coffee is the best in town.”

  “Got that right.” She sniffed as if patting herself on the back. “Anything else, ladies?”

  “No, but thank you, Shelly Anne.” Looking past her, she turned to Blayne. Crap.

  “As I was saying…we got caught up in our success yesterday and Jamie kissed me. Hard. And long.”

  Claire sighe
d. “Hard and long are two of your favorite things.”

  “Claire!” Blayne laughed.

  “Just because I’m not getting any doesn’t mean I don’t want any,” she retorted.

  Blayne couldn’t fault her for that logic. “It was different somehow. Just like after the moose—"

  “Wait, what? After the moose?”

  This was the drawback of having good friends. They never missed a damned thing. She sighed. “Yes. After the moose took off, we kissed for the first time.”

  “I knew something else was going on. Did it feel like the first time?” Larkin teased.

  Shelly Anne returned with Claire’s espresso. “Be careful, honey. This is some high-octane stuff.”

  “I’m a pro.” Claire laughed. “Don’t worry.”

  “Well?” Larkin pushed.

  “As a matter of fact, yes. It’s Jamie and all the same things I was attracted to before but more. I don’t know. He’s filled out. A man now. We were so young. But it’s more than just how drop-dead sexy he is. I wish it wasn’t.” Days gone by of laughing and dreaming flashed before her. “It scares me.”

  “Why?” Claire asked.

  Because losing him had been excruciating and scary in a foreign country all by herself. Thank God she’d already met Larkin by then.

  She shook her head at the impossibility of it all. “I’m going home to Ireland.”

  “I really wish you’d quit reminding me.” Larkin frowned.

  “I know, but I am. I miss my family. I need to apologize to my da.” She swallowed past the pain. “Emma keeps me up to date with everything going on. Dylan’s a real heartbreaker these days, and Ruby’s in charge like always—but she shouldn’t have to be. I hate that I’ve missed so much, but I can still hear my da say not to come home.”

  “Oh, Blayne. He didn’t mean it.”

  “You don’t know Noah MacCaffrey. He says what he means and means what he says.” She tried to organize her thoughts through the web of pain and guilt that had been spun over the years. “I hurt the family. My da and I’d always been close, and I was so mad when he didn’t immediately understand my need to be with Jamie back then that I lashed out. Said hurtful things.”