Fearless (Rosewood Bay Series Book 1)

by Carly Phillips

“Oh, look at him,” her mother said. She picked him up and held him up for inspection.

  Monty was now clean, fluffed, and so sweet.

  “He’s adorable. How old is he?”

  “The vet thinks he’s about three,” Halley murmured. The same age as she’d been when she was sent to foster care. There was something both ironic and meant to be about it all, she thought, before turning back to her mother. “How are you?” she asked, not wanting her mind to dwell on the past while she sat across from the woman whose actions had led to it all.

  Her mother put Monty back down and met Halley’s gaze. “Not bad. I got a job at a convenience store within walking distance from where I live.” She leaned back in her seat.

  “That’s wonderful.” A first step, Halley thought. A big one, too. If her mother could pay her own way, that would go a long way toward proving herself to her sister and to Phoebe. Who Halley still hadn’t told she’d been in touch with Meg.

  Her mother frowned. “It pays the bills but not by much. And the hours are long and in the evenings. But I’m managing.”

  “Good. It won’t be easy, I’m sure, but things will get better.” Halley paused, then asked, “Would you like something to drink?”

  Her mother nodded and gestured for the waitress. She ordered a large coffee, light with sugar, and turned back to Halley. “How’s your painting going?”

  “Very well, actually. I seem to have broken through a block and I love my newest work. Faith, the gallery owner, called this morning when I was walking Monty. We’ve been playing phone tag but I’m hoping for good news about a sale.” At least, that’s what Faith had alluded to in her earlier message.

  Her mother placed a hand on top of hers. “I’m so proud of you.”

  At the motherly gesture, Halley’s eyes filled with tears.

  “I guess that brings me to what I should have said last time I was at your house.” Her mother shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

  “Which is?”

  She leaned forward and said, “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t the mother you deserved. I’m sorry I was so lost that you were taken away and I’m sorry for whatever you went through when you were in foster care.”

  Her words took Halley by surprise, but the conversation she’d had with Kane was still lingering on her mind, the subject too raw. “That’s over,” Halley said too sharply, immediately regretting her harsh tone.

  Just then, the waitress returned with her mother’s drink, and they both waited until they were alone.

  Her mother spoke first. “I never, ever meant to get so into drugs that you girls suffered. I’ll never forgive myself. I just hope you can forgive me one day.”

  Halley managed a smile though it wasn’t easy. Still, her mother was reaching out and she seemed so sincere. “I’m trying,” she said and meant it.

  Everyone had the potential to make bad choices, she thought. Her mother’s decisions had led to addiction, and things had spiraled out of control. But she’d paid her dues and she wasn’t living an easy life now. Halley actually felt bad for her, knowing she was struggling.

  The waitress returned with a check in her hand and placed it down on the table.

  “Thank you,” Halley said. Before she could reach for the paper, her mother grabbed it.

  “I’ve got it,” she said.

  “Oh. Well, thank you.” It wasn’t a big check and Halley let it go.

  Her mom reached for her purse, dug around inside, and winced.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Her mother’s cheeks flushed red. “I don’t have my wallet. I just have bus fare,” she said without meeting Halley’s gaze.

  “It’s fine. I’ve got it,” Halley rushed to assure her, sensing the cost was more of an issue than she’d let on. “It’s happened to me before, too.” She fudged the truth to alleviate her mother’s embarrassment.

  Her mother smiled. “I’ll get it next time.”

  Halley nodded.

  They rose to their feet. Her mom walked over and pulled her into a hug for the first time. Halley’s arms sat uncertainly at her side, and then, though it didn’t come easily, she hugged her mother back.

  “Halley?”

  She froze at the sound of her sister’s voice, stepping back from her mother and meeting Phoebe’s gaze. “Umm, hi,” she whispered.

  Phoebe, dressed for work in a cream suit, looked at them, her gaze darting from Halley to their mother. The first time Halley had seen Meg, she’d had a sense of déjà vu, but she’d known immediately who she was, even if it had taken time to wrap her brain around the fact. Now her sister stared open-mouthed, and Halley watched as she processed the same way.

  “How could you?” Phoebe finally asked. “Did you conveniently forget she abandoned us? Left us to the state’s care? Did you blank on what you went through?” she asked, her voice rising.

  “Phoebe, stop.” She grabbed her sister’s hand.

  Meg, meanwhile, stood there looking at her oldest child. “Phoebe? I’m sorry,” she said, stepping forward. “I just want to apologize.”

  “Right. Because that makes it all better. Because it undoes all the harm you did. Oh! Did she hit you up for money yet, Halley? Because it’s only a matter of time.”

  “Phoebe, she’s changed. She’s working on things. She has a job and she’s trying,” Halley said, defending their mother and surprising herself in the process.

  Phoebe’s jaw dropped and her mouth hung open. When she’d composed herself, she glared at Halley. “Now you’re defending her! Mark my words, Halley. She wants something from you. She’s just buttering you up so you’ll hand it over.”

  Halley straightened her shoulders. “You’re wrong,” she said because she desperately wanted to believe it.

  Their mother stood in silence, her cheeks flaming. People around them were watching, listening. This was going to be great gossip for the town. The Ward sisters had made a scene with their ex-drug-addict mother.

  “I should go,” their mother said. “I’ll talk to you,” she said to Halley before giving Phoebe one last lingering glance and walking away.

  Phoebe glared.

  “Come on,” Halley said. “I’m allowed to have hope that she’s changed.”

  Phoebe’s face softened. “I’m just worried you’re going to be hurt when she shows her true colors. And you’ve been hurt enough.”

  Halley sighed. “I love you for caring but maybe this is something I have to learn for myself. Or maybe I won’t have to because she really has changed.”

  “And pigs fly,” her sister muttered.

  “Can we agree to disagree on this?” Halley asked.

  “Yes. Fine.” Phoebe crossed her arms over her chest and met her gaze with a serious one of her own. “But listen, when she fucks up—”

  “If—”

  She shook her head. “When she does, I’ll be there for you without saying I told you so. Deal?”

  Halley dropped her shoulders and sighed. “Deal.”

  Phoebe pulled her into a long hug.

  * * *

  Kane was beneath a car in the garage when Jackson yelled for him. “Harmon! Phone call!”

  Kane slid out from his prone position and wiped off his hands. He pushed himself up and headed for the office to take the call, which turned out to be a client wanting to discuss whether it was worth putting money into his old car. After debating the pros and cons, he hung up and started to head back to the bay when his cell buzzed in his pocket.

  He pulled it out and glanced at the screen to find a text from Halley. Sold painting to NYC gallery owner!

  The fact that she bothered to text him about her good news was huge and he grinned. Celebration is in order, he texted back.

  A few hours later, Kane walked up the front steps to Halley’s instead of going around the back the way he usually did when he came to work. He’d stopped by Andi’s place of work and left with a bouquet of flowers, so he strode up the walk and rang her doorbell, planning to surprise her
and hopefully take her out for dinner instead of having her cook for them both.

  Although he loved her meals and the fact that she didn’t mind cooking for him, he wanted to go out with her in public. To expose her to more of the world, and he didn’t want her to have a chance to say no over the phone or via text.

  He rang the bell. It took a while for her to open the door, and when she did, she looked surprised to see him.

  She held Monty in her arms. “Kane! Why didn’t you come around to the deck?”

  He pulled the flowers from behind his back and held them out for her.

  Her expression softened as she took in the bouquet. “They’re beautiful! Thank you,” she said, accepting the wild flowers.

  He’d opted for a more casual bunch instead of roses because they reminded him of her spirit. Harnessed but waiting to be set free.

  “How’s the little man?” he asked, petting the dog’s head.

  “He’s great. So to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” she asked.

  “Well, I was hoping to convince you to let me take you to dinner.”

  She stepped back and eyed him, looking him over from head to toe. “And that explains the nice jeans and the button-down shirt. Looking good, Mr. Harmon. Very good.”

  Her expression told him she liked what she saw and he grinned. “So what do you say?” he asked. “Let me take you out to celebrate your sale.”

  She grinned at that. “I’m really not dressed to go out.” She gestured to the oversized tee shirt she often wore to paint.

  He shrugged. “I can wait while you shower or wash up. No problem.” He wasn’t looking to give her an out.

  “If you’re sure you don’t mind waiting.”

  He shook his head. For her? He could wait a lifetime, a revelation that should have shocked him but didn’t. His feelings for her were real and had been building from the beginning. Acknowledging them now felt right.

  He followed her inside and she filled a vase with water and arranged the flowers he’d bought inside. Then she headed to the living room area and placed the bouquet on a shelf near her easel. Monty followed her everywhere she went, his little paws clicking on the tile.

  “Okay, well, let me shower and I’ll be out in a few minutes. I have to get the paint off my hands.” She waved them in the air. “And you can watch Monty.”

  At his name, the pup let out a high-pitched woof.

  Kane played fetch with Monty and one of his toys until Halley returned, freshly showered, wearing a pastel blue dress, halter style, that still managed to show off her cleavage. And her hair fell softly over her shoulders, giving her a feminine, flirty, ever beautiful look.

  Damn. He let out a low whistle. She spun and grinned. “You like?”

  “I love it.” So did his cock, which was erect inside his pants.

  “Let me put Monty in his crate and I’m ready to go,” she said, unaware of his physical discomfort.

  A few minutes later, she slid a pair of gold sandals on her feet, grabbed her purse, and was ready to leave.

  A short drive in his Camaro and they arrived at the Blue Wall, where his sister was working. The restaurant was crowded with people as they approached the hostess stand.

  “Hello, you two,” Andi said.

  “Hey, sis.”

  “Hi, Andi. It’s good to see you,” Halley said.

  She smiled. “Kane made a reservation, so your table is ready.” She gathered two menus and said, “Follow me.” She led them to a table in the back of the restaurant, not secluded, because there was no such thing in the restaurant, but at least they had some privacy.

  Kane smiled at the people he recognized as they walked to the booth. He waited for Halley to sit and settled in across from her, the low lighting casting her in a soft glow.

  The waiter immediately came by and took their drink order. He asked for a bottle of champagne because he wanted to celebrate her good news.

  He met her gaze and smiled. “So tell me more about this sale.”

  Her eyes lit up at the topic. “A man from a large Manhattan gallery purchased the painting from Faith, and he told her that if it sold well in his gallery, he would be in touch with me for more of my work.”

  “I’m thrilled for you. I know this has been a dream of yours.” She spent so much time on her own that the outside recognition must feel good.

  “It has. And thank you.”

  Just then, the waiter returned with the champagne. He opened the bottle and filled their glasses before leaving the bottle in an ice bucket beside the table.

  “To your success,” he said, raising the glass and touching it to hers.

  She grinned. “I’ll toast to that.”

  They talked about his week and the variety of customers who’d come into the store before the waiter returned to take their orders.

  “How’s your dad?” she asked when they were alone.

  He groaned at the question, hating to subject her to more conversation about his family issues. “Andi’s had it. She wants to move out, and we’re going to tell him at Sunday night dinner.” He heard the defeat in his tone but he couldn’t help it.

  Understanding lit her gaze. “You can’t change him. You know that, right? It’s not your fault he can’t get his gambling under control.”

  “Knowing it and really feeling it are two different things. I know he’s making his own decisions, but I can’t help feeling like I’m failing him and my sister somehow.”

  She shook her head, reaching across the table and putting her hand on his, curling her fingers into his palm. “You’re strong for all of them, but you can’t do more than you’re doing.”

  It meant the world to him that she was here to listen. “I appreciate your support. What about you? You said you were meeting your mother today. How did that go?” He’d wondered about her visit all day, curious about whether her mother had continued to be contrite and apologetic without hitting her up for money.

  “I had a great meet with my mother except that we ran into Phoebe and she wasn’t happy. She read me the riot act about how she hasn’t changed and I’ll be sorry I opened myself up to her. And I surprised myself by defending my mother.” She winced and pinched the bridge of her nose as if she were getting a headache.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah. I just… I hate being in the middle and I don’t want Phoebe mad at me. She said she isn’t, so I’m glad, but I just know she’s wrong. My mother apologized. I mean really apologized for what happened to us as kids. She took responsibility.”

  “I’m glad. That’s what matters, right? You do what you feel is best for you, and your sister will do the same for herself. At the end of the day, you’re two separate people.”

  She laughed. “You make it sound so easy.”

  “Any easier than me not blaming myself for my father’s actions?”

  She shook her head. “Touché. Very good point,” she said with a grin.

  “I have my moments,” he said with a wink.

  Her cheeks flushed pink at that wink and he liked knowing he affected her.

  She picked up her glass and his gaze was drawn to an oval opal ring on her finger. “That’s a beautiful ring,” he murmured, the blues and pinks glittering in the dim lighting.

  “Thank you. My aunt gave it to me. It used to be her grandmother’s. Phoebe got a necklace that was hers. Apparently they were close and my great-grandmother was nothing like her daughter—who was way too judgmental in life.”

  She held up her hand and studied the ring. “I always loved the colors in the stone, and since my birthday is in October, it’s my birthstone. Just like my mother’s and great-grandmother’s, according to my aunt.”

  He was glad she had something that belonged to a good person in her family.

  “I only wear it on special occasions.” She met his gaze. “And tonight is one of those, thanks to you.”

  Yes, he thought. It definitely was.

  She smiled and glanced down at her menu
.

  They ordered their meals, he chose a steak and she picked lobster, and they relaxed, ate, and enjoyed each other’s company. The whole time he watched her, surprised at the change he’d seen in her from the first day he’d picked her up on the side of the road.

  She was open in her conversation. She laughed more and it lit up her beautiful face. He hoped he had something to do with the change, but he wasn’t arrogant enough to take complete responsibility. Oh, hell. Yes, he was.

  “Can I get you anything else?” the waiter asked.

  Kane glanced at Halley.

  She shook her head. “I’m good.”

  “Just the check, please,” he said to the other man.

  Halley placed her napkin on the table. “Before we go, I’m going to stop by the ladies’ room, so if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll be waiting.” He watched her go, those long, lean legs a sight to behold.

  Imagining them wrapped around his waist as he fucked her caused a definite issue, and he had to alter his focus if he wanted to be able to walk out of the restaurant without anyone noticing his bulging erection.

  This woman and the things she did to him… What had started with a broken-down car had led to something real. At least for him, and when he looked into her eyes, he saw more than friendship when she gazed at him. More than sexual attraction, of which they shared plenty. It was that more that had him wanting to take her home and into bed.

  He wanted to show her what he felt for her because he didn’t think she was ready for the words. Words he’d never said out loud to any woman in his adult life. He was hoarding them, saving them for when the time was right. Because what had begun with an agreement to take things one day at a time had left him completely invested, and he wanted to let her know.

  * * *

  Halley freshened up in the restroom. She washed her hands and swept a fresh coat of gloss over her lips, realizing this was the first time she’d willingly gone out without reservation. Kane had asked and she’d said yes. Easy as that.

  She was changing, letting her mother into her life… letting Kane in. As much as trusting made her nervous, she had to admit she felt lighter and freer without that constant shadow of worry sitting on her shoulder. Phoebe had said to expand her horizons, and somehow, without planning to, she’d done just that. Maybe her sister didn’t approve of all the ways in which she was reaching out, but Kane was right. Halley had to live life for herself.