Hearts on Fire 4: Kisses Sweeter Than Pie (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “You won’t regret this.”

  She barely smiled.

  God help me, I hope I don’t.

  Chapter 4

  “Are you serious? How terrible,” Florence said to her son Ace.

  “Yeah. The poor thing was beside herself. Buddy and Trent think she’s completely alone with no family. She had a hundred dollars under her mattress that hadn’t burned in the fire, and a bag with clothes stuffed under the bed. Nothing else.”

  “She spent the last bit of money on the ingredients and pie pans to make the pies for this morning. Oh God, she must be so upset. She doesn’t deserve this,” Cindy said as a tear rolled down her cheek.

  Serefina took Cindy’s hand. “Where is she now?” Serefina asked.

  “Johnny offered her the apartment above their garage. She didn’t seem too keen or trusting, but we all assured her that people were kind in Treasure Town,” Ace said.

  “They offered her their apartment? Interesting,” Serefina said and smiled.

  “You think they like her?” Florence asked.

  “Oh brother, here we go. I don’t know a thing,” Ace said as he leaned back in his chair but kept a possessive hand on Serefina’s thigh.

  Serefina gave him a light tap to his chest. “She doesn’t have a job, and no other money, Cindy?” Serefina asked.

  “She works a few hours a week at Angel’s Wings but the owner can’t offer more hours. It’s not busy enough.”

  “I should go by the apartment and let her know that it’s okay she couldn’t get the pies done. Perhaps she can try again when things get better,” Florence said.

  “I have a better idea. If this was what she was counting on to make money and support herself, then none of this is her fault.” Michaela spoke up.

  “Well, she’s not very trusting. She had a hard time even accepting the apartment, and Buddy said she thought they wanted something from her in return.” He raised one eyebrow up. Serefina scrunched her eyebrows together.

  “That doesn’t sound good. Maybe Jake was right about her having a troubled past. You said she wouldn’t give all her information either?” Michaela asked.

  “She’s just scared. She reminds me of myself when I first came to town,” Cindy offered. “I had a bad relationship, lots of trouble. I thought my life was a mess. But then everyone was so nice here, and I felt so good about things that I started a new life here. Nina is the same. I get the feeling that she’s scared, but she’s also strong and determined. She’s very shy, too. That’s why waitressing or doing anything that involves a lot of socializing wouldn’t work right now for her.”

  “I have an idea,” Serefina said.

  “Oh no,” Ace said.

  Florence and Cindy smiled.

  “What is it?”

  Serefina leaned forward and began to explain, and with each detail Cindy and Florence jumped on board to help. Florence was so thrilled that her sons fell in love with Serefina. She was an amazing woman.

  * * * *

  Nina had a tough time sleeping despite the fact that she felt as if she were in a resort. Johnny, Buddy, and Trent never mentioned that their house was on the beach and that the apartment above the garage had a gorgeous view of the ocean. She kept the windows opened last night and enjoyed the sounds of the small waves hitting the shoreline. This was heaven, but she was scared.

  Just like everything else that occurred in her life, the moment she felt confident, a little happy or positive, her world came crashing down.

  She had taken a shower and put on new clothes and thought about what she should do first today. She needed to contact Fannie somehow to say she might not make it in to work tomorrow because she was miles from the boutique instead of within walking distance. That was a negative. She would have to see if she could pick up a bike, maybe find one at a garage sale or something.

  Just then she heard the knocking on her door.

  As she walked through the living room, still in awe of the décor and the beauty of the apartment, never mind the queen-sized bed in the bedroom, she opened the door.

  “Good morning.”

  She was shocked to see Cindy, Florence, and another woman there all holding boxes and grocery bags.

  “We heard about what happened. I’m so glad that you’re okay,” Cindy stated, setting down the bag and pulling Nina into a hug.

  Nina didn’t know what to do. She didn’t quite hug Cindy back but she didn’t pull away either.

  “We got you a bunch of things to help you get back on your feet and get the business started,” Florence said as she began to pull out new pie pans, baking supplies, eggs, milk, fresh fruit.

  “Oh God, I can’t believe this. I don’t know what to say,” Nina said, standing there in complete shock. The tears rolled down her cheeks.

  “Just say thank you. Oh, I’m Serefina, welcome to Treasure Town.” The beautiful woman stuck her hand out for Nina to shake, and Nina reached out and said thank-you.

  Florence came over next, held Nina by her arms, and smiled.

  “You’re no longer alone in this town. You have three new friends, and if those pies come out as tasty as the other day, then you’ll have yourself a steady job at Sullivan’s as our own local pie maker. We’ll order only from you, and cash on delivery. How does that sound?”

  Nina was overwhelmed, and without even thinking she hugged Florence who chuckled and hugged her back.

  Perhaps things were looking up after all.

  * * * *

  “She lied about her last name,” Jake told Buddy over the phone.

  Buddy ran his fingers through his hair as he looked out the back window toward the garage and apartment. He could smell the most delicious scents coming from that direction and he knew Nina was baking pies. He kept making excuses to go outside and sniff the air. She had been at it all day since Cindy, Serefina, and their aunt Florence stopped by with supplies.

  “I had a feeling. She’s definitely hiding something,” Buddy said, feeling his gut clench.

  “I can’t find out anything about her. It’s like she just showed up here a few months ago out of nowhere. I even stopped by Angel’s Wings to talk with Fannie Higgins. She said that Nina is a sweet young woman, very quiet, great, hard worker, and she wished she could give her more hours, but the truth was she hired her even though she didn’t need help. She felt badly for Nina. When she arrived looking for work, she appeared exhausted and only had change in her pocket for a water bottle from the machine.”

  “I don’t like the sound of that. You think she was homeless or something?” Buddy asked. Saying the words out loud, thinking that was a possibility, upset him.

  “Could very well be. She did say she would find a place to stay for a day or so back at the apartment. She had no money other than the hundred dollars. If she’s on the run from trouble, we would need her real last name to try to find out more about her.”

  “Or we could ask her and say we will keep it private. She’s scared and untrusting. That’s for sure.”

  “Well, you and your brothers sure did take a liking to her.”

  “Just as my aunt and Serefina did,” Buddy replied, explaining about them dropping supplies off and offering help.

  “My God, we’ve got some great people in this town.”

  “We sure do. But I don’t want their kindness taken advantage of either. If Nina turns out to be some scam artist or criminal, we need to find out before anyone gets hurt,” Buddy said, and felt that sensation in his gut chime off that he was totally wrong. Nina wasn’t a criminal.

  “I’ll give you and your brothers a few days to see what you can find out. Then I’ll come back over and have to insist she tell us the truth about her last name.”

  “She really doesn’t want any of us to know anything more about her. Trent thinks she saw the arsonist and can describe him but simply is scared about being involved.”

  “It could be because of what she’s running from if that’s even the case. She seems really sweet, and she’s ver
y attractive. Those eyes of hers are amazing,” Jake added.

  “I know. But it’s odd, it’s like I can see how beautiful they are but yet they’re filled with sadness. I don’t know. Maybe I’m losing my fucking mind?”

  “Or you just found the woman of you and your brothers’ dreams? It happens just like that. Believe me, it’s instant,” Jake said and chuckled.

  “Like you guys and Michaela?”

  “Could very well be, and if you recall, Michaela was pretty secretive when she first arrived. Look where that led.”

  “Great. Thanks, I’ll talk to you soon,” Buddy said and disconnected the call.

  He put down his cell phone and looked back out the window. He needed to figure out who exactly Nina was. Why did she lie about her last name? What was she so scared of? He was a detective, and he could definitely do this.

  * * * *

  Nina was exhausted but she’d done it. She’d made a dozen pies for Sullivan’s as ordered. As she looked at all of them lined up on the island in the kitchen, she smiled. If this took off, she would have to order some custom boxes with a name on it. That brought tightness to her chest. She always imagined her name on the box and on a storefront. But could she do that or would putting her name out there bring Rico to her door? What would he do if he found her? Would he kill her on the spot? Would he beat her, rape her first since he failed the first time? Would he make her come back to him and to a life of abuse? She felt the tears fill her eyes, and then there was a knock at her door.

  She thought it might be Cindy. Nina needed a way to get the pies to Sullivan’s. She was in a jam again and would have to rely on help from strangers or her new friends.

  She opened the door and was shocked to see Buddy standing there. He looked good. Too damn good for her comfort zone.

  “Good morning. Did you sleep all right?” He stepped inside. She closed the screen door, but left the wooden door opened so that she wasn’t completely closed inside with Buddy. As much as she wanted to think she was safe, she knew her judgment wasn’t good about men.

  “Everything was fine. Thank you,” she said.

  “Wow, you made all these from scratch?” he asked, walking around the kitchen inhaling the smells and smiling. He was truly a handsome man. He had to be in his thirties, a good eight or so years older than her. He was sporting his dress pants, the gun on his hip, his badge, and a dress shirt. He must be heading to work.

  She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and watched him look around and then lean against the counter. He looked her over and she self-consciously tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear, lowered her eyes, and realized she still wore an apron. She reached back to untie it and pulled it off then held it for support in front of her. Buddy made her nervous for lots of reasons. His authority, profession, and large muscles were effective, much like his height. He had to be at least six two.

  “How are you planning on getting these to Sullivan’s?” he asked.

  “I haven’t figured that out yet. I know I need to find a bike or something. Maybe at a garage sale.”

  He smiled. “You can’t stack these on a bike.”

  “I know that. I meant to get to work at Angel’s Wings. I was a couple of blocks away before, but now I’m miles away.”

  “How did you get there before?”

  “Walked.”

  “You walked everywhere?”

  “Yes.”

  “You don’t own a car.”

  She chuckled softly. “No.” She raised her eyebrows and started to wipe down the counter the rest of the way. She realized that he probably thought she was a loser because she couldn’t even afford a car, never mind a cell phone.

  “I can give you a ride on the way into work. Could you get a ride back here later?”

  “You don’t have to—”

  He raised one palm up for her to go no further. “You just said that you don’t have a car. No means of transportation to deliver these pies. I’m offering my assistance. I have a truck and we can load these up, secure them so they stay safe in transport, and then I can drop you off.”

  “That would be great. Are you sure it’s not an inconvenience?” she asked as she prepared to place the pies into a large, wide box.

  “I’m sure. Maybe if you’re still in town, you can call Johnny or Trent’s cell phone and they can drop you back here. I can give you their numbers.” He pulled out his cell.

  “Oh, I don’t have one. That’s okay though. I’ll find a way back. Don’t worry. You guys have done so much, really,” she said, feeling badly now for not having the luxury of a cell phone either. “Let me just get washed up really quick before we go.”

  He nodded his head and she hurried to her room to change and wash up.

  * * * *

  No cell phone, no car, maybe no driver’s license to prove her name as some form of ID. That could be a way to find out who she was. Asking for her ID right now might not be so wise. He looked around the apartment. She had just gotten there last night but already it felt different in here. The last tenant was a teacher at the local high school. He’d gotten engaged a few months ago and moved into his fiancée’s apartment so they could save for a house. He was a nice guy but it never felt like this in here. The smell of homemade baking and a woman’s scent and feel surrounded him.

  “Okay, I’m ready.” She pulled on a small backpack then reached into the refrigerator for a bottle of water. He noticed there wasn’t much in there aside from a few water bottles and some leftover fruit from the pies.

  She went to reach for the large box and he stopped her.

  “I’ll get it. You get the door. You have the key, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, let’s go.

  As they headed toward the truck and he secured the pies, he saw Nina looking at the garage and the set of old bikes. Their mother’s bike, the one with the large front basket, was leaning there.

  “Are these yours?” she asked.

  “Yes, Johnny was going to fix them up and sell them but hasn’t gotten around to it yet.”

  “Would he sell me the one with the big basket? That would be great for me to deliver a few pies or even go food shopping and get to work.”

  He felt funny about her having to do that. Ride a bike four miles or more to work, to the shop, and to deliver pies.

  “I’m sure we can help you out with deliveries as they come.”

  “Buddy, I appreciate all your help, but like I said at my old apartment, I don’t want to owe you guys. I don’t know what you expect in return from me. It makes me feel uncomfortable.” She lowered her eyes and couldn’t look at him. He didn’t like the feeling he got, but he needed to gain her trust and play this cool.

  “Honey, a thank-you would be sufficient. Ask Johnny about the bike when he gets home from work later. I’m sure he’ll work it out with you.” She nodded and got into his truck. So much for getting more concrete info on her. All he seemed to do was gain more questions about the woman and wonder why she was so distrusting and resistant to help.

  * * * *

  Nina was insisting that she would carry the box of pies into Sullivan’s herself when the front door to the place opened and Florence, Cindy, Lester, and Al came out to help.

  “You made it!” Cindy cheered, and Nina was once again overwhelmed with emotion. She looked at Buddy, and he seemed to stare at her as if contemplating whether she was authentic or not. The man wanted answers. His brothers did, too, as did the sheriff. She wasn’t sure how long she could fend them off and avoid answering their questions.

  “I hope you like them. I can make just about any pie with whatever fruits are in season,” she said as she followed everyone inside. Lester carried in the box of pies.

  As they entered, she noticed all the people. Lots of first responders like firefighters, paramedics, police officers. It was a real hangout spot she guessed. The whole idea that she was surrounded by men and women who represented the law had her shaking.

  �
�Al will get your money for you,” Florence said, and then Al squinted his eyes.

  “Is a check good?” he asked Nina.

  She nibbled her bottom lip. “Cash would be better. I haven’t gotten around to getting a savings account yet.”

  She glanced at Buddy and once again his expression intimidated her.

  “That’s okay. We can do cash. You need to build up your business and then you’re going to want to get an account to keep your money safe,” Florence said.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Nina replied. Florence took Nina’s hand into hers and she wanted to pull away, fearful of the physical contact, but resisted. Florence was a nice woman, motherly and sweet.

  “You call me Florence. We’re friends now, remember?” She winked. Nina smiled and nodded.

  Before long people were ordering the pies as the aromas filtered through the air. Nina watched in awe as slices disappeared and people complimented her.

  “You’re going to need some business cards,” Cindy said.

  “I need a lot more money before I can start doing that kind of stuff. I hope this works out. I haven’t even finalized the rent I will need to pay the Landers brothers.”

  Cindy smiled. “Something tells me that isn’t something to worry about.” Cindy winked and then walked away to finish working her tables. Nina glanced at Buddy, who was shaking Al’s and Lester’s hands before he said good-bye.

  “Remember to call Johnny or Trent. Florence has their numbers.” His expression and his tone were firm and authoritative. It bothered her. She wasn’t about to fall back into a routine where men told her what to do and expected her to do it. She was on her own, and no matter what, she needed to remember that. He walked out and Nina remained a little longer. Everyone was just so darn friendly.

  A good thirty minutes passed and she decided that she would walk the four blocks to Angel’s Wing’s to see Fannie. Cindy said she was worried about Nina, and the woman had been so kind to give her that job.