Falling For You At Christmas: Shellwater Key Tale

by Kristin Wallace

“You’re totally getting Tara a puppy, aren’t you?” Cassie asked, when what she really wanted was information about the lovely Emma Bertram.

  “Actually, Erika is getting it,” Jared said wryly.

  The admission distracted her enough that she stopped fretting about the pretty chef, for the moment anyway. “Really?”

  “We talked about it, but both agreed it’s not a good idea to have an untrained puppy running around this inn,” Jared said, with a grimace. “I’d have to lock the poor thing up in my suite all day while Tara is at school, and what if it got into a guest’s room and did his business or chewed something up? Plus, a lot of people are allergic to dogs.”

  “I guess that makes sense. So, your ex-wife will have full custody, of the dog at least?”

  He shook his head with a rueful expression. “I guess. Besides that, Tara doesn’t always want to go to her mother’s. She loves the inn, with all the people coming and going. She already sees it as her legacy.”

  “So the puppy is sort of a bribe, like the ski trip to Switzerland?”

  Another grimace. “This divorced business is not for the faint of heart.”

  “No, I don’t suppose it is.”

  Jared gave her a sad smile. “I should get back to The Stroll. You good here?”

  “Sure…are you good?” she asked, wondering exactly how Jared felt about watching Emma Bertram walk off arm-in-arm with her handsome fiancé.

  “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

  Jared was gone before she could probe any further. Not that she had a right to know or even care. In a couple of days, she’d go home and would probably never see Jared Latham again.

  A prospect that suddenly made her want to cry all over again.

  Chapter 5

  Despite the move to a new room that didn’t contain the distracting presence of the Latham family, Cassie didn’t sleep well. The shared moment with Jared over the Holy Family, the uncomfortable conversation with his mother, and the unexpected wrinkle of a woman in Jared’s past meant she tossed and turned all night.

  On top of her worries, the ache in her back had grown to encompass her entire lower body. Everything seemed to hurt now. Panic flooded through her around in the morning when she recalled Amelia Lamb’s prediction about the baby coming early. However, Cassie’s doctor and several friends had told her that minor contractions often began a few weeks before the birth. They were perfectly normal, but didn’t mean actual labor had started.

  Just before sunrise, Cassie gave up and slipped out of bed. She dressed quickly and then waddled downstairs. The lobby was empty, and there were only a few people scattered around the dining room, sipping coffee or reading the paper. It didn’t look like breakfast service had begun yet, but wonderful scents were coming from the kitchen.

  Cassie continued outside. She stepped onto the porch and inhaled the salty breeze. It was cooler this morning, and she rubbed her arms to warm up. A sliver of light had begun to break the unrelieved darkness of night.

  At this time of day, with no cars or people around, Cassie found she could actually hear the waves crashing against the beach in the distance. Drawn to the sound, she headed across the street. The early morning hours had brought out the runners. Men and women – some alone, others in pairs or groups – jogged by at regular intervals. When she reached the edge of the boardwalk, Cassie took off her shoes and wiggled her toes in the cold sand. It had a sort of powdery quality, unlike the denser variety on the east coast or the shell-laden beaches to the south in places like Sanibel Island. The runners had some competition with a group of women doing yoga up the beach not far away.

  Lumbering across the sand took some doing, but Cassie was determined to reach the waves. She giggled as the cool water lapped around her feet. The light had grown stronger, and she turned to see that the sun had appeared over the top of the buildings lining The Strip. A glorious burst of color that rivaled any sunset streaked across the sky.

  The sun also rises. Comforting to know that each day started almost like a clean slate. No mistakes had been made, worries seemed to pale, and there was a promise of wonderful things to come.

  “Cassie, is that you?”

  She glanced over and saw Henry Stuart walking toward her. “Hi, you’re up early, too?”

  He have her a wry grin. “It’s a habit of mine. I always wake up early so I can get to work. I’m supposed to be on vacation, but I can’t turn off my inner clock now. What are you doing up?”

  “Couldn’t sleep.”

  “Should you be out here alone?” Henry gestured to her stomach in a vague way. “I’m pretty sure Amelia wouldn’t like it.”

  Cassie ignored the warning and focused on the more interesting aspect of his comment. “It’s Amelia now, huh?”

  Henry sent her a wry look. “It’s a funny thing adults do. They call each other by name.”

  “Yes, but when you say her name there’s something special behind it,” Cassie said, playing on her hunch.

  The austere glare disappeared, and suddenly the “King of the Deal” looked unsure. He began walking slowly along the shore, and Cassie went along. “Am I that obvious?” he asked.

  “Just a little.” Cassie smiled. “I think it’s sweet. Plus, I happen to really like Amelia. She seems like someone special.”

  Henry shoved his hands in his pockets and focused on the horizon. “I think she could be.”

  The quiet admission seemed to surprise him, as it did Cassie. “Can love really happen so quickly?”

  “You’re asking the wrong person.” Henry laughed, and there was more than a tinge of bitterness in the sound. “I managed to run off everyone I’ve ever loved.”

  “What happened?” The baby chose that moment to punch her in the kidney, and she rubbed a hand to try and dislodge the little fist or foot.

  “Well, I—” Henry froze as he noticed her action. “Are you all right? You in pain?”

  “No.” Cassie shook her head. “Baby Stevens is getting her morning exercise, too.”

  “Why don’t we at least sit down?” He pointed back toward the boardwalk. “There’s a nice bench over there.”

  “Okay, but I want to know why you think you chased everyone away.”

  Cassie let him guide her to the bench. Once she was seated, Henry took his place. They were right behind the yoga class. The teacher was doing some kind of impossibly bendy pose. Cassie didn’t know enough about yoga to be sure, but it might have been downward dog. It was the only term she could recall anyway. Goodness, the woman seemed to be made of rubber. Cassie hadn’t been able to see anything below her knees for months. She kind of hated the flexible lady right now.

  Henry chuckled a little.

  “What?” Cassie asked, tearing her eyes away.

  “I was just thinking I’d kill myself if I tried that pose,” he said, indicating the people on their mats.

  “I was thinking the same thing, only I want to kill her for being so bendy when I’m such an ugly, fat hog.”

  “Are you crazy? You’re a beautiful woman,” Henry said with such firm command that she believed him.

  “Thanks, I guess I’m feeling sorry for myself.”

  He waggled his eyebrows up and down. “I doubt our Mr. Latham thinks you’re ugly.”

  She shook a finger at him. “Oh no, we were dissecting you for a while. What’s this nonsense about running off the people you loved?”

  “Unfortunately, it’s not nonsense.” Henry rubbed his chin. “I let my marriage and family flounder because I was too busy building an empire. I didn’t have time for my wife or daughter. Missed all the important games, the vacations, even graduations. There was always another deal to be made or a meeting to attend. My wife eventually got fed up and left, and my own daughter barely speaks to me anymore. I let her down too many times.”

  “And now you have all the money in the world, but you’re alone at Christmas.”

  He heaved a despairing sigh. “Right. I tried calling my daughter before I left,
but it was strained and awkward. I couldn’t see spending another holiday alone in my big, old empty house so I came here.”

  Cassie put a hand over his. “Maybe it’s not too late, at least not with your daughter. My dad and I have grown apart the last few years. I’m so angry and disappointed with him, but I think if he showed up tomorrow, I’d forgive him. You are her father, and that can never be changed.”

  Henry raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. “Thank you. I’ll call today and try again. Maybe go visit after the Christmas rush dies down.”

  “Good. I think you might be surprised by what happens. And what about Amelia Lamb?”

  The chiding look returned. “You’re not going to let that go either, are you?”

  “Not when it’s so obvious you’d be perfect for each other,” Cassie said. “I think you both deserve to find something special.”

  “Amelia perhaps, but I’m not so sure about me. I already told you how badly I messed everything up.”

  “Except, I’m guessing you’ve learned from your past mistakes and won’t make the same ones again. Isn’t Amelia worth taking a chance?”

  A wry chuckle shook his shoulders. “You’re like a dog with a bone. Won’t give up.”

  “Not if I can help it, and I’d like to help you and Amelia. You’ve both made me feel not so alone this Christmas, and that’s a huge gift.”

  “Better than gold, frankincense, and myrrh?” he asked, with smirk.

  “Yes in fact.” Cassie grinned at him. “Way better.”

  Henry’s gaze shifted down the beach, and then he glanced back at her. “Since we’re giving out advice, might I share some of mine?”

  “I can hardly refuse now.”

  “I foolishly let my wife go without a fight, and I’d hate to see you miss out on something special. Don’t let love slip away, even if it seems crazy or not the right time.” His eyes shifted over her shoulder again. “Or perhaps you’ve only just met.”

  This time Cassie followed the trajectory of his gaze, and she spotted Jared jogging up the beach. An involuntary breath of feminine appreciation escaped before she could stop it. She was vaguely aware of Henry’s knowing chuckle beside her, but everything else faded against the sight of Jared Latham’s long limbs churning along the sand. Every muscle and sinew flexed and bulged. She might have whimpered out loud.

  “Go get him, dear,” Henry murmured in her ear. Then he was gone, but again Cassie hardly noticed. How could she when male perfection was literally coming closer? Jared had spotted her and shifted his path.

  “You’re up early,” he said. “Most people are still swaddled in their beds at this time.”

  Jared really shouldn’t mention beds when he looked so hot and sweaty and delicious. She really should have prepared better for such an encounter. Girded her loins and her senses or something.

  “Couldn’t sleep,” Cassie managed to spit out.

  There was a little bead of sweat meandering down the side of his perfectly formed shoulder, and Cassie wanted to wipe it off…or lick it off.

  Gah! Stop that!

  “You okay?” Jared asked, his brows pinching together in a frown.

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “Really? Your cheeks are red.”

  That’s pure grade lust.

  “I’m really okay,” Cassie said. “How are you?”

  “Hot…” Jared groaned a little.

  Yes…yes you are.

  “Hard to believe it’s Christmas Eve, and I still can’t make it through a run without sweating through my shirt,” Jared said.

  Cassie thanked God for the Florida winter that kept Jared Latham hot and bothered. She would have paid the Almighty to ramp up the heat so the shirt would come off completely if such a bribe were possible.

  “Mmm…” Cassie murmured because he seemed to expect some response.

  Then Jared did the most amazing thing. He used the bottom of his shirt to wipe his face. A move that exposed rock hard abs, a true six-pack complete with an impressive V. Cassie had wondered if such a physique actually existed outside of movies or magazines featuring models that had to be photo manipulated to look that way. Cassie also noticed every member of the yoga class had stopped mid-pose to stare. Two actually fell over in an attempt to get a better look.

  Cassie herself might have whimpered out loud again, although maybe it wasn’t quite a whimper because Jared instantly knelt down in front of her.

  “You’re not all right,” he said. “Are you in pain? Should I call someone?”

  “Definitely not in pain.” Cassie shook her head to dislodge the dangerously lust-filled thoughts. “I was enjoying the show.”

  “What show?” He glanced over his shoulder. “The yoga class?”

  “No, the one where you lifted your shirt, giving me and all those stretchy ladies over there a morning they won’t soon forget.” She glared at a skinny woman with obvious implanted D cups, who was staring at Jared like a panther ready to pounce. “I think I know why they choose this spot to hold their class now.”

  His grin turned positively wolfish. “You liked that?”

  “The whole world liked that,” Cassie said. “I think the seagulls even stopped to watch. It was that impressive.”

  “Glad I could get your day off to a nice start.”

  Oh, his grin could slay dragons. “Don’t be cocky. I could have abs like that if I wasn’t carrying a large watermelon inside me…and if I actually ran on the beach. I could probably be all bendy like those women over there, too. I’m so jealous that they can touch their toes. I’m jealous that they probably don’t have hemorrhoids and gas and so many weird aches and pains that I can’t keep track of them anymore.”

  “Cassie, you’re beautiful as you are,” Jared said, reaching out to rub a circle over her stomach. “This is beautiful.”

  A man she’d known for only two days touching her belly should not have been a turn on. Cassie never wanted him to remove his hand.

  He twisted to sit next to her on the bench. The yoga class seemed to give a collective groan of disappointment, and then they began to disperse. Soon the beach was nearly empty.

  “I’m pretty sure any one of those women would be over here in a second if you sent them a signal,” Cassie said.

  “I don’t want any of them.”

  “No?” Cassie rotated her head toward him. “Are you still hung up on that pretty chef who came by last night?”

  “What?” He jerked a little on the bench. “Emma?”

  “Yes Emma. Something went on there, right?”

  “How did you even guess…” he shook his head.

  “I just knew. Call it a sixth sense.” Cassie shrugged. “So what happened?”

  It was his turn to shrug. “Nothing really. I met her during Parent-Teacher night at the start of the school year. She was there with Paige. I liked her and thought maybe we’d hit it off, but the truth is I never had a chance.”

  “Because of the gorgeous fiancé?” Cassie asked.

  “Gorgeous?” Jared twisted toward her now. “Reece Casings?”

  “Yeah, he’s hot.”

  “I thought I was hot.”

  “Yes, but those two things are not mutually exclusive. Emma’s fiancé is also beautiful. I can see why she fell for him.”

  “Because he’s hot?” Jared drawled. “I thought men were the ones who are always accused of judging solely on appearance.”

  “I’m sure there’s more to it than just his looks,” Cassie said. “If he was truly horrible, I doubt Emma would be with him. She didn’t strike me as that shallow. In fact, I might have liked her if I didn’t think you—”

  Cassie bit her lip. The sleepless night, the morning breeze, and Jared’s indecent abs had loosened her tongue way more than she’d thought.

  Jared stilled. “You think I’m in love with Emma?”

  “Are you? Maybe a little?”

  He rested his forearms on his knees as he contemplated the beach. “There was a time a co
uple of months ago when I thought perhaps I could fall, but now—” His voice trailed off, and he turned his head to gaze into Cassie’s eyes.

  “Now what?” she asked in a breathless tone.

  “Now I know it was more of a hopeful wish,” Jared said. “Now I know what it feels like when someone suddenly shows up and changes everything.”

  In a kind of slow motion that gave her plenty of time to pull away, he reached for her. Cassie had no intention of pulling away. She closed the distance. The touch of his lips made her quiver from head to toe, and then the kiss turned hot. Fourth of July fireworks went off behind her eyes. His hands tightened behind her head, and he tilted her chin for a better angle.

  When they finally came up for air, Cassie was practically in his lap. At least her stomach was. The baby kicked hard enough that he must have felt it because he chuckled. “I think she likes me.”

  Her baby girl already knew how to pick the hot guys. “You have no idea.”

  They kissed again, and Cassie wondered if it were possible to stretch out on the bench and feed the raging hunger he’d created.

  But then his phone went off, and they both jerked. Jared looked at the screen and sighed. “Backed up toilet in one of the rooms.”

  Cassie wrinkled her nose. “Well, that’s the way to ruin a mood.”

  He glanced up, regret in his fabulous blue eyes. “I have to go take care of this.”

  “Of course you do.”

  “Maybe we’ll talk later?”

  “Sure we will.”

  Or not. He probably already regretted the lapse in judgment. He’d made out with a guest on a public beach. After he’d promised to be professional and not take advantage. Cassie watched him go, wondering how on earth she’d managed to make her already topsy-turvy life even more chaotic.

  Chapter 6

  Cassie took a deep, bracing breath and turned to the mirror. The image staring back made her grimace. She’d chosen a red dress that fell in a straight line almost to her knees. Cute, but at this point she wouldn’t be surprised if a bull mistook her for a red cape and charged at her.

  Oh well, at least it had a square neckline that showed off an impressive, but not obscene, amount of cleavage. The one positive aspect of her pregnancy figure was the addition to her cup size. She’d never had much up top before, but now her cups definitely ran-eth over.