by Jill Sanders
They walked into a large room with high ceilings and exposed ventilation. The whole left side of the building was exposed brick that, with a little work, could be refurbished. The hardwood floors would have to be sanded and stained and might need a few coats of lacquer to make them shine.
There was a very small kitchen area off to the other side with what he assumed was a small bathroom behind it. Everything else was open and exposed, one big great room for him to do whatever he wanted with.
He walked around the room in silence as he planned everything out. He frowned when he noticed the air mattress sitting against a wall by a dozen unpacked boxes. She should be in a hotel, he thought, not sleeping on the floor. Better yet, she should be in a large poster bed with a canopy of silk covering her.
Shaking his head, he turned back to the room and imagined a large king-sized bed made of dark wood sitting in the corner behind a half wall that separated the space from the rest of the room, a soft white canopy of silk draping down from each poster.
He laughed inwardly. This wasn’t where his experience was. He was a builder. He remolded things, not designed them.
Walking into the small bathroom, he shook his head and thought of a plan to expand it, adding a closet for her clothes and storage. She would want a tub; every woman wanted a tub. Maybe something with jets. He turned and looked at her back as she watched people below. Yeah, definitely jets. He smiled and made a mental note to check on a few different options.
The old shower would have to go. Most of the tiles were just barely hanging on. When he turned on the faucet, the old pipes kicked, and he knew there was some updating needed there. It took too long for the hot water to hit, and even then, it was lukewarm, so he added a new tankless water heater to his mental list. The toilet and sink were so outdated, he immediately added those, as well.
He walked back out to the main room. The lighting would need to be updated, and he’d have to add electric for new appliances in the kitchen. He looked around and thought that he’d move the whole kitchen to the other side, in front of the stairs so that the brick wall was completely bare. That side he would save for her living space and a small dining area.
“Well?” she asked as he walked up beside her. The windows were tall, starting around their knees and going all the way up. Some of the windows would have to be replaced. It would be best if all of them could be replaced with double-paned windows, but he doubted she had a budget to cover the cost.
“You’ve got a nice space here.” He looked out at her view. The boardwalk was below them and he watched for a moment as people strolled by. Beyond that was a long strip of beach and then the emerald water. It was a calm day and barely any waves rippled the water, which made it look green for as far as the eye could see.
He turned towards her and noticed that some soft strands of her blonde hair had fallen around her face. She had either forgotten to put on makeup that morning or had very little on. Her skin looked so soft, he itched to reach out and touch it. His eyes roamed over her and he couldn’t deny the sudden and powerful tug he got from looking at her curves. She was taller than most women he’d dated. He gauged her height around five-eight. The old jeans she was wearing were snug in all the right places, making him wish he could run his hands over those long legs.
When she turned her eyes towards him, catching him in his assessment of her, he couldn’t stop the smile.
“Beautiful view,” he said, softly.
Chapter Five
“Yes,” she said under her breath, holding in a sigh. Her knees threatened to give out on her, and she was finding it very hard to concentrate on breathing. She heard a light buzzing in her head and took a few deep breaths before she embarrassed herself further by fainting under his heated gaze. “I had hoped that some of these windows would open.” She turned her eyes back to the view and tried hard not to feel the heat radiating from the man standing next to her. Frowning a little, she looked at the large wall of glass and wished to hear the ocean.
“That could be arranged. Did you have some sketches for up here?”
She turned back to him and shook her head. “I haven’t had time yet. I could—”
He shook his head, stopping her. “Why don’t you just tell me what you had in mind, instead.”
She smiled and explained how she’d dreamed of turning the open space into her new home.
An hour later, she watched from the large windows as he walked back towards his small office a few doors down. She saw him stop and talk to a few people. He looked and acted like he belonged here. Like he’d always been here. She sighed and longed for that feeling. It had been years since she’d really felt like she fit in. Even at college, she’d always felt like an outsider. Maybe it was because she’d been living in a large town house in the wealthiest part of town instead of in the dorms with the rest of the kids.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she watched people enjoying the small waves and the sugar soft sand.
The first thing she’d done yesterday after walking through her building was to walk down to the water’s edge with her shoes off and feel the cold water and soft sand. She’d forgotten how soft it was. Sighing, she turned back towards her room and started unpacking her boxes. Since she didn’t have a closet yet, she folded all of her clothes and put them on the long shelf that ran along the back wall, using the small area as a makeshift changing room since it was sheltered from the large windows along the front of the building.
After spending a little over an hour sweeping and cleaning the upstairs, she decided a long walk on the beach was just what she needed.
At some point she would have to hit a grocery store for some basic items, but until she felt a little more centered, she wanted to enjoy these little moments and—for the first time in her life—her freedom.
She was thankful Marcus hadn’t continue to ask her about her past. Once she’d made it clear to him that she didn’t want to talk about her family, he’d changed the subject.
Just knowing that he had been adopted made her wonder more about him and Cassey and their other siblings.
He’d mentioned that he didn’t talk about his real parents, but it didn’t stop her from wondering about them. Much like, she was sure, he was wondering about hers.
She changed into an old pair of flip-flops and left them along with many others next to the steps that led down to the beach. The long hike across the white sand to get to the water’s edge was exhilarating. It was strange, but from above, it hadn’t looked that far to the water. By the time she’d reached the cool water, she was almost out of breath.
She used to be in excellent shape, back when her mother had enrolled her in several dance classes. But when she’d started high school, her mother had replaced them with early college classes instead.
Vowing to start jogging every day, she walked briskly along the shoreline, only stopping a handful of times to pick up shells.
By the time she made it back to the boardwalk, she had a pocket full of sand dollars the size of nickels and quarters. Her other pocket had two medium-sized conch shells, one of them completely white.
Slipping on her shoes again, she decided to find someplace for lunch. Her stomach hadn’t stopped complaining for the last half an hour. She’d seen the little bakery called the Lunch Box and decided a sandwich was in order.
When she walked in, she was greeted by a friendly looking silver-haired man dressed in shorts and a brightly colored shirt.
“Hello, sweetie. What can I get you to drink today?”
She looked up at the carefully written menu on the chalkboard behind him. “Raspberry ice tea sounds wonderful.” She smiled.
“Oh, a native.” He smiled at her and for a moment, she thought he’d realized she owned the building a dozen doors down. “Boston, right?”
She smiled. “I guess I just can’t hide it around here.” When his eyebrows shot up in question, she continued. “That’s the second time I’ve been asked that in two days.”
“Oh?” He smiled. “It took me living down here fifteen years before people stopped asking me.” He smiled. “I’ll grab that tea for you.” He turned to go, but looked over his shoulder. “The specials today are right there.” He pointed to the side of the chalkboard. “Take your time deciding.”
She was so engrossed in the menu, she didn’t realize someone had sat next to her until they spoke.
“I saw you talking with Cassey last night, correct?”
When Shelly turned, she was surprised at how beautiful the blonde woman sitting next to her was. Her long hair was tied back in a fancy braid, exposing the most beautiful face and skin Shelly had ever seen. The woman’s smile was perfect. Every tooth was as white as freshly fallen snow. Shelly’s eyes took in everything about her. Her clothes were light and stylish. Shelly felt small and plain sitting next to the woman. It was all quite intimidating. All she could do was nod her head.
“I’m Wendy. I bartend at Boardwalk Bar and Grill.” She held out her hand, waiting for Shelly to take it.
“Shelly.” She took her hand and shook it. “I just purchased the furniture store a few doors down.”
“That’s what I thought. Cassey couldn’t stop talking about you last night. I’ve been too busy to come over, but I’m glad I bumped into you today.” When the woman smiled, her eyes lit up. Could this woman be interested in her? Her face started to heat with embarrassment. Shelly waited, feeling a little awkward and not sure what to say. What could this woman possibly want from her? She hadn’t really had any friends growing up, except the kids that her parents forced her to hang around. And she’d never been hit on by a woman before.
Wendy chuckled a little. “I’m not coming on to you.” She leaned a little closer and bumped her shoulder with hers. “Although, you are pretty sexy in those work clothes.” She giggled at her joke.
Shelly looked down and realized she was still wearing her dusty pants and shirt from before. She really had to start thinking about how she dressed when she went out.
Just then, the older man delivered her tea. “How’s it going, Wendy? I’ll be with you in a shake.” He smiled and then turned back to Shelly. “Have you decided yet?”
“Yes, I’ll have the special. Can I get a side of potato soup with that?”
He nodded and then turned to Wendy. “Your usual?”
Wendy laughed. “It is Wednesday.” She leaned on the counter and placed her chin in her hands as the man walked away to put in their orders.
“That’s Marvin. He and Alfred own this place.” She turned around on the bar stool and leaned back on the counter so she could watch people outside. “Cassey said you were going to open a boutique of sorts?”
Shelly nodded and took a large sip of her tea. The sweetness hit her as the liquid cooled her off. She hadn’t realized how warm it was outside.
“Yes, I’m hoping to open by spring break.”
“Wow,” she said, kicking her feet a little. “The place sure does need a lot of work. Have you met with hunk number one yet?”
“I’m sorry?” She twisted a little to watch people walk by outside like Wendy was doing.
“You know, Cassey’s big fun brother, Marcus. Hunk number one out of three.” She smiled and glanced at her.
“Oh.” Shelly nodded. “Yes, last night and again this morning.”
Wendy whistled and shook her head. “Twice in so many hours. Be careful, he might grow on you.” She winked. “The Grayton boys have a way of either pissing you off or making you completely fall for them.” Wendy’s eyes saddened and she turned around quickly.
Was this woman trying to tell Shelly something? Did she have a thing for Marcus? All of a sudden, Shelly realized she hardly knew anything about him, yet she’d already decided that their relationship had the potential to go somewhere.
Now, everything was clearer. That’s why Wendy had hunted her down. To stake her territory. Well, Shelly wasn’t one to trample on anyone’s toes.
“I only met with him because I needed the work done. I didn’t realize…” She dropped off as Wendy spun back towards her, a look of confusion on her face.
“Didn’t realize what?” she asked as she reached over and took a drink from the water that Marvin had just delivered.
She looked down at her tea, then back at the woman. “That you two were an item.”
Wendy laughed. Not just a little chuckle, but a loud, whole-body laugh. After about a minute of listening to her, Shelly couldn’t stop herself from smiling along with her.
“Oh, that’s rich. Wait until I tell him that joke.” She pretended to wipe a tear from her eye. “No, Marcus and I are just buds.”
Then it dawned on her. She’d been talking about one of his brothers. Her mouth dropped open and she let her lips make an “O.”
“Yeah, not there either.” She shook her head. “Although I would like to kill one of them.” She winked at her again. “I’ll let you figure out which one though.”
Shelly laughed. “I haven’t met any of the others yet.”
“Oh, you will. They never stray too far.”
Just then, their food arrived and Shelly laughed when she saw that Wendy had gotten the special as well. The roasted turkey panini looked fabulous. She bit into it and realized it was better than sandwiches she’d paid top dollar for.
“Now you know why I come here for lunch every Wednesday.” Wendy smiled at her as she took another bite of her own sandwich.
She enjoyed her conversation with Wendy over lunch. The woman was a talker. She’d asked Shelly a few questions, but when it was clear that she didn’t like talking about herself, Wendy had started talking about anyone and everyone she knew. Shelly thought she was trying to familiarize her with the locals a little. By the time her sandwich and soup were gone, she felt like she knew more about the small town of Surf Breeze than she knew about the town where she’d grown up.
“Of course, Blanco Beach is the best beach,” Wendy said, leaning closer to her whispering, “But don’t tell anyone else.” She sighed. “The beaches have quite the competition going between themselves.”
Wendy had told her that the locals didn’t really say they were from a specific town, but rather which beach they lived closest to. Blanco Beach was the beach just outside her front door. The name was fitting.
“Of course, this whole stretch of the Gulf has white sand, but we have the best sandbar. Just wait, this summer when you can hit the warm water, you’ll see.” She smiled as they walked out of the little cafe together. Wendy stopped and nodded to the water. “Right there. You can wade out about a hundred feet and plop down on your butt and enjoy. Course, some people complain that the surf isn’t strong enough, or that you can’t ride the waves.” She frowned a little and looked off to the water.
Shelly saw concern in her eyes. Wendy shook her head and turned back to her with a smile.
“Now, if you need any help with your place, let me or Cassey know.” She smiled. “Oh, you should stop by the bar and grill Friday night. We have a live band coming in. The Wailers. They’re one of my favorites.”
Shelly walked back up her stairs feeling like she’d just made her very first real friend.
*******
Marcus walked into his bathroom and sighed. All he wanted was a hot shower and a few hours to plop down in front of the TV and shut his mind off, but he knew there was a stack of papers his brother had worked up for Shelly which needed to be hand delivered.
“Sure you don’t want me to swing by and deliver those?” Roman had asked when he’d handed them to him.
His brother had a different kind of look about him. Where Cole had a surfer, beach bum look, and Marcus was rough and rugged, Roman was clean-cut and professional looking. Women ate his kind up. He could hardly remember a time when Roman didn’t have someone mooning after him. He and Cole couldn’t complain in that department, either, but Roman had a way with women they would never have.
Marcus didn’t want him anywhere near Shelly yet, so he’d told hi
m that he had a few more design questions he had to go over with her. Roman had seen straight through his lie, but his dark eyes had softened and he’d said he was going to swing by Spring Haven Home that evening.
Spring Haven Home was an idea Marcus had talked to Roman about years ago, when they were still scraping their knees climbing trees and trying to build the best tree house. He’d actually forgotten about the idea until Roman had driven him by an old house in Spring Haven and shown him the business plan.
It had taken a little over a year for the two of them to remodel the old place into something that could be used as a group foster home.
They’d started Paradise Construction to help pay for the place, and after Cassey opened her bar and grill, she’d started pitching some extra money in as well. It took a few yearly fundraisers and a whole lot of work on Roman’s part to keep the home up and running, but it was his baby. Marcus hadn’t expected it, since out of all the kids, Marcus was the only one who’d spent time at a place like it.
He supposed it was because Roman loved kids. His brother couldn’t get enough of them, actually. He spent most of his free time down at the place working with the kids. He planned outings, crafts—you name it, Roman was there. Not only did his brother have the best business mind in the clan, he was Peter freaking Pan while he was at it.
After grabbing a quick shower to rinse off the sweat and grime he’d earned helping his men finish off the McCallister’s renovated attic, he pulled on a pair of his nicer khakis and a button-up shirt. Might as well take a hint from his brother and look the part. Glancing at himself in the mirror, he smiled. He didn’t like dressing up. Hell, he was most comfortable in shorts, a T-shirt, and flip-flops. That or old jeans, dusty shirts, and work boots.
He pulled the comb through his wet hair and put on a dash of aftershave. Not that he was trying to impress her. Hell, okay, he couldn’t lie to himself. He was trying to impress her. Why not? He was young and unattached, and Shelly was beautiful, and as far as he could tell, unattached as well.
