Cal laughed. “Sound like just my kind of guys.”
Haley had to admit, they would probably love Cal, until they found out he’d kissed her, then they’d try to threaten him with his life. She looked Cal up and down. He could handle them. “I guess we’ll have to see about that.”
Cal just smiled and gave her one more kiss. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“If you’re lucky,” she said as her parting shot.
“I generally am.” He winked and walked away, but stopped a few strides down the hall. “Use the deadbolt and the chain. Are the patio doors secure?”
Haley narrowed her eyes at him. “You forget I can take care of myself.”
He smiled at her. “And you forget that I am going to watch out for you no matter how tough you are.”
She softened. He thought she was tough.
“Now I want to hear that lock and chain.”
Haley scowled at him and slammed the door. She waited until his footsteps came closer and then waited some more. His chuckle came through the door. “Obey me, Haley, or we’ll sit here all night.”
“Obey me?” She rolled her eyes. “You want to try that line again?”
“Please listen to me, my beautiful lady.”
Haley grinned. She waited a few more seconds then turned the deadbolt and loudly pulled the chain across.
“Good girl.”
Haley watched through the peephole as he walked away. She laughed, but sobered quickly as she went to check the patio door locks for the tenth time before locking herself and Taz into his bedroom. With the heavy dresser in front of his door, she might get some sleep tonight.
Cal hoped that Haley was able to rest last night. When he’d kissed her goodnight, he’d been on cloud nine from her earlier kisses and hadn’t stopped to ask if she was still worried about the ghost/stalker. They hadn’t seen any more evidence of the guy’s tricks and Cal hoped they wouldn’t. It ticked him off that Katie snuck back into the hotel and left her that creepy note. The police didn’t feel Haley was in much danger, especially since they hadn’t seen anything more from the ghost and Katie was long gone.
He sighed. Maybe the security guard, Troy, was right and it was a ghost. Running his hand through his short hair, he laughed at that idea.
He didn’t know enough about Haley yet, but he wanted to spend more time with her. He wondered how long it would take before she realized how wealthy he really was and thought he’d lied to her or something. Interesting that most women wanted a wealthy guy, but he didn’t think it was Haley’s style. She seemed to like the small town life with her little boy.
Throwing on a t-shirt and shorts, he dropped his keycard, wallet, phone, and keys in a pocket and jogged down the hallway. He needed to get her cell number. Rapping on Haley’s door, he waited impatiently. Would she be the type who wanted to stick to her plan of sitting on the beach or would she be up for a little adventure?
Haley opened the door, her face lighting up when she recognized him. “Hey.” She leaned casually against the doorframe. Her dark curls were wet and she was wearing a blue and white striped sundress over a swimsuit. He’d never seen her wear jewelry. She didn’t need it.
“Did you get any sleep?” he asked.
“Have you ever slept with a five-year old?”
Cal chuckled. “Can’t say that I’ve had that pleasure.”
“Well, let me tell you, my back got an adjustment I’m not sure it needed. Somehow he wriggles until he’s sideways then he starts kicking me in the head. Good times.”
Cal studied her. “You slept in his bed because of the note.”
“Yeah. No patio door in his room so I feel safer.” She looked down. “I’m sure it’s no worry though. Are you hanging on the beach with us today?”
Cal was going to do all in his power to make sure they were safe. Even if that meant sleeping on their couch. He smiled, wondering if he’d get more kisses like last night. His thirst for Haley wasn’t going to be easily quenched. “I wondered if you were up for a bit of adventure this morning. If I promise to come sit on the beach and buy you daiquiris after lunch.”
“That’s the kind of offer a girl can’t refuse.”
Cal grinned. “That’s what I was hoping.”
“What do we need?”
“Slather the Tasmanian Devil with sunscreen and we’ll be ready to go.”
Haley tilted her head to the side. “How did you know he was named after the Tasmanian Devil?”
“It just fits.”
“Yes, it does.”
“Who named him that?”
“My mom.” Her eyes got a faraway look. She must miss her mother a lot.
Taz pushed past his mom and jumped at Cal. “Cal! Mama said we can build castles today.”
Cal bent down and couldn’t resist giving the boy a quick squeeze. “We will, buddy, but I talked your mom into coming with me on an adventure first.”
His dark eyes lit up. “Can I come too?”
“Did you think we were going to leave you here alone?”
Taz harrumphed and put his hands on his little hips. “I’m five. I can watch myself.”
Cal glanced at Haley. She shook her head. “You don’t watch yourself.”
“Yeah-huh. When you’re working, I have to play all by myself in the play part of the store.”
Cal hid a smile. “Well, you’d better come with us today. I’ve got a fun surprise for you.”
“Will there be treats?”
“For sure.”
Taz pumped his fist in the air and gave Cal’s leg a hug, clinging to him. “I love you so much and so much and so much and so much!” He gasped for a breath and Haley gently pulled him off Cal’s leg and directed him back into the room.
“We’ll get him sunscreened and be ready in just a minute.”
“Kay.” Cal stood in the open doorway, watching Haley and Taz go into the master bedroom. Haley gave him a soft smile. Taz made a heart with his hands, grinning before they disappeared.
Cal could’ve sworn that he was the Grinch and his heart had just grown three sizes. He had never been around such a loving little boy. He wanted to pick Taz up, squeeze him, and proclaim his love back. He rolled his eyes at himself. They would be gone in a few days and he had no promise that Haley wanted their relationship to continue.
The thought of returning to his life of dating, hanging out with friends, renovating hotels, and making money depressed him. He had to be more careful not to be a sappy sucker and let himself fall too deeply in love with the mom or her son. Otherwise he’d never recover.
Haley leaned back on the boat and let the sun soak into her skin. Taz was on Cal’s lap still exclaiming about the dolphins following alongside the boat, even though the sleek animals had been gliding close by for more than twenty minutes. They were the only people on the boat with a captain and two crew members. The boat wasn’t huge, but it could’ve accommodated at least twenty people. Cal must’ve bought out the tour. She wanted to tell him he didn’t need to spend money to impress her. One of the men on the boat seemed to make it his mission to keep them stocked with food and drinks and their tour guide, Jeff, was great, joking with them and teaching Taz about the marine life.
Jeff pushed his dreadlocks away from his face and asked, “So how long you two been married?”
“Oh, we’re—”
“Six blissful years,” Cal interrupted her.
Haley shot him a look and he smiled innocently. The thought of really being married to him while she watched him hold her son had her insides doing flips. She could tell it affected him when Taz kept proclaiming his love. She wasn’t sure if she should ask Taz to stop or just enjoy this vacation and realize it, and Cal, were only temporary. Temporary. Her smile slipped a bit.
“See those plumes?” Jeff pointed. “We’ll be seeing some whales soon.”
Haley strained and could see the white water shooting above the waves.
“Big ones?” Taz asked.
“For sur
e, little man.”
The boat cruised toward the plumes and within a few minutes Haley realized Taz would be getting his wish to see the whales up close. She was a little more reluctant. Those bodies rolling out of the water and spraying into the air looked bigger than their boat. Her palms started to sweat.
The captain idled the boat.
“He has to keep at least a hundred yards away,” Jeff explained. “Fine’s pretty steep.”
Cal nodded his understanding. Haley’s shoulders relaxed a little bit. A hundred yards was a safe distance. Hopefully.
Taz leaned forward. “Can you see, ‘em, Cal?”
“Yeah, buddy.”
“Why does he call you Cal instead of Dad?”
“Yes, why, sweetheart?” Haley asked, biting her cheek to keep from laughing.
“Oh, you know five year olds.” Cal winked at her. “They have minds of their own. Right, Taz?”
Taz nodded, oblivious to anything but the whales breaching and blowing. Haley was glad she was on the far side of the boat, away from those monstrous creatures.
“Jeff…” A horrid thought had popped into her mind.
“Yes, ma’am?”
“What if the whales come within a hundred yards of us?”
“Well, then, we can’t be held responsible for that, can we?” He laughed. Cal and Taz joined in but Haley didn’t. “Look, there’s some behind us too.” He pointed over Haley’s shoulder.
Haley whipped around as a whale rolled and spit not even two boat lengths away from them. The smell from the blowhole was rotten, fish garbage. Her stomach dropped like she was on a rollercoaster. Taz and Cal cheered. “That was awesome!” Taz cried out.
Jeff nodded.
“Why do they reek so bad?” Haley clung to her seat until her knuckles turned white.
“They like krill and that smell is just the aftereffects of whatever they ate last. Like a trash disposal.”
Haley wrinkled her nose. That same whale rolled again then flipped its tail and dove.
“He’s just said goodbye,” Jeff said. Haley didn’t cry about him leaving, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
A loud noise like a water fountain shooting and the horrid smell announced another whale. Haley spun around and was certain this whale was going to take out their boat as the spray and smell assaulted them. The gargantuan creature couldn’t be more than fifty feet away and he rolled toward them.
Haley screamed. Cal wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re safe.”
Burrowing into his side, Haley wasn’t quite sure whether to believe him or not. He made her feel safe, but what man could defend her against a monster like that whale? The whale skimmed under the water then surfaced even closer. He released an eerie moaning sound. Haley could’ve sworn she could reach out and touch the beast.
She whimpered in fear, grabbed Taz, and pulled him close, certain this was the end. Cal’s strong arms sheltered them both. Haley buried her head in his chest and prayed like she’d never prayed before. The whale rolled and the wave rocked their small boat. Haley cried out.
Cal hugged her tight and whispered, “It’s okay, sweetheart. He won’t flip the boat.”
“How can you be sure?” She couldn’t look anymore. If they died at least they would die together.
“Look,” Cal said.
Haley lifted her eyes. The whale flipped up his tail and dove and Haley finally relaxed, though she stayed pressed into Cal’s side. Haley was thrilled there were no more whales on the horizon, until she looked at her little boy’s face. “I love them whales,” he said. Turning, he wrapped his arms around Cal’s neck. “Thanks for showing me them. You’re my best.”
Cal’s grin stretched across his face. Seeing both of the boys that happy made the rotten smell and the worry over a whale capsizing their boat all worth it.
Cal talked Haley into taking Taz ice skating after lunch. She warned him they might be visiting the medical clinic next. Cal had laughed, but he glimpsed the responsibility and worry she experienced daily as she cared for Taz. He wanted to ease that load, but he didn’t have that right. Yet.
Taz was ecstatic as Haley laced up his skates and he immediately pushed in front of them onto the ice. Two quick slides and his skates flew out from under him and he landed on his head.
“Taz!” Haley hurried onto the ice with half-laced skates. “You okay?”
“Yeah, Mama, didn’t hurt.” He rubbed at his head, rolled over onto his knees and pushed himself into a standing position. Haley reached out, but he pushed away from her, tried to move his feet, and was back on the ground before Haley could catch him.
His bottom lip stuck out this time, but he didn’t cry. Cal couldn’t help but love this kid. He finished tying his skates and hurried over as Taz struggled to get up. Reaching under the little guy’s armpits, he said, “How about we go around together a few times, just until you get the feel for it?”
Haley smiled gratefully to him. “I’ll catch up.”
“Kay, but I’m not a baby.” Taz jutted his chin out as he held onto Cal’s hands and skated between his legs.
“Not even close. You’re a big guy.” Cal hid a grin. He was amazed how much work it was to keep the little dude up. It was like Taz had no balance or ability to keep his feet underneath him on the skates.
Haley caught up to them and encouraged and coached then they each took one of Taz’s hands and skated around a few times. Taz was so unbalanced, he pulled Haley off kilter and she fell onto her son. Taz’s skate tangled with Cal’s and he fell on top of both of them.
“Ouch,” Taz muttered from the bottom of the pile.
Cal disentangled himself then lifted Haley off of Taz and held her next to him. Even though the ice was cold the temperature in the building was still nice and the warmth of Haley negated any chill.
Taz looked up at them with wide eyes. “I gotta get better at this.”
“You will.” Haley gave him an encouraging nod.
Cal thought she was being extremely optimistic. He’d never realized how hard it was to teach a five-year old a new skill, but he was glad Taz was determined to keep trying. Taz was as graceful as a giraffe on the ice. At least he didn’t quit or break down bawling. Taz’s shirt had ridden up on his abdomen and his olive skin was interspersed with white spots. Cal couldn’t help but stare.
Taz noticed. “You like my spots? Mama says I’m like a snow leopard.”
“Cool.” Cal had noticed the white mark on the back of Taz’s neck but hadn’t realized his stomach and back had so many. It wasn’t a big deal, but he wondered if it was hard for Haley. He caught her eye and smiled. She hesitantly returned the smile and that sense of wanting to protect these two increased. He hoped no one teased Taz about those spots because they’d have him to deal with.
Taz pushed his way to his feet and Haley reached out to steady him.
“Mama. I gotta do this like a man, like Unca Isaac would want me to.”
Cal bit his cheek to keep from laughing at the stern look on Taz’s face. He really needed to meet this Uncle Isaac. He sounded like a good guy.
“I don’t want you to get hurt.” Haley’s face showed enough worry that Cal felt bad for her, but he loved that Taz wanted to be so independent.
“I got this, Mama.”
Taz pushed off and made it almost twenty feet before his feet flew out and he banged onto his back.
Haley climbed to her feet. “Oh, Taz.”
Cal stood next to her. “He is one tough kid.”
Haley skated forward, but Cal reached out and took her hand, tugging her to a stop. “Let him try it. He wants to do this.”
“You haven’t been through two broken arms and five times in the E.R. for stitches with him.” She glared at him.
Cal grimaced. “You’re right. I just hate to not give him a chance to try it.”
Haley exhaled slowly, but didn’t pull her hand free. Cal rubbed her hand with his thumb
in what he hoped was a reassuring motion. The feel of her small fingers in his had his mouth dry and his mind racing with the desire to keep her close.
Taz was standing again and clinging to the side of the rink. He shoved off and made it a bit farther before tripping and landing face first on the ice, skidding to a stop. Cal took off skating with Haley close by his side and her hand still in his. They made it to Taz’s side and Cal released Haley, bent down and picked the little boy up.
His face was red from the ice and it was obvious he was blinking back tears. “Apparently, I suck at ice skating.”
Cal hid a laugh. He loved the way Taz talked. “But your mom was telling me how good you are at…”
“Soccer, riding horses, snow skiing, and he rode his bike without training wheels when he was three.”
“Wow.” Cal squeezed the little boy. “That’s amazing. I didn’t ride a two-wheeler until I was seven. Don’t tell anyone, okay?””
Taz giggled. “That’s embarrassin’. Don’t worry, I won’t tell.”
“Thanks bud. So, who’s ready for ice cream on the beach?”
“Me, me.” The smile was restored to Taz’s face.
“Thank you,” Haley whispered over her son’s head.
Cal smiled back at her. He’d do anything to make these two happy.
They ate dinner in the hotel restaurant and Haley couldn’t help but notice how the waitress groveled for Cal’s attention. She wasn’t sure if the woman was hitting on him or just hopeful he’d give her a raise.
After dinner, they took Taz on a walk down the beach. The breeze off the ocean was chilly tonight, but Cal’s large hand surrounded hers, warm and strong. Taz danced along in front of them and the comforting rhythm of the waves made it just about perfect. Haley shouldn’t have, but she allowed herself to imagine they were a family together enjoying the end of a fun vacation day. Could that dream ever come true?
“This is bor-ing.” Taz ran back to them and tugged on their joined hands. They were almost back to the beach that stretched behind the hotel and the lights from the hotel were spilling onto the sand.
The Independent One: A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance Page 9
