She’d struggled for months with the decision to move home. After a great deal of soul searching, she’d determined it was best for Ike to be near his extended family, and what was good for Ike was good for her. Since Ryan’s death, she’d fought a valiant battle as an independent single mom. In reality, she was exhausted. While she worked hard to make sure Ike was well provided for, he’d spent far too much time in daycare. The costs of city living offset the higher salary she’d earned, and continuous pleas from Ryan’s family to relocate had finally convinced her to come back to Jefferson Point.
The patter of small feet running in her direction pulled her away from her thoughts. Ike appeared at the screen door, thumb still in his mouth, his blue eyes wide. He spotted her and lit up like a sparkler.
“Mommy, Mommy!” He cheered as if he hadn’t seen her for months. His big blue eyes and adorable little face, so much like Ryan’s, never ceased to squeeze her heart. The moment the door opened, he clutched her legs.
“Down.”
“You mean, up?” She held her arms out to him.
“Yeah. Eggs.” he agreed, as she picked him up. She snuggled him close and he patiently tolerated her kisses. Carrying him back into the kitchen, she placed him in his high chair and began rounding up breakfast.
Avery glared out at the autumn sunrise over the river. She had the best view in town, but today she couldn’t enjoy it. Searing pain had woken her early, and every muscle in her body screamed at her for her activities over the past few days. She’d spent the weekend helping Nicole move and had seriously overestimated her strength and endurance. Then there were her nocturnal activities with Jason …
He’d appeared at her doorstep at 10:00 P.M., sinfully handsome and a bit disheveled. There was no justification for why she’d let him in. Ordinarily tough as nails, her business associates respectfully referred to her as “the machine.” When it came to Jason Gates, she floundered. She’d broken off their engagement a year before, yet here he was hogging her covers. As he slept, she glumly perused her former fiancé’s bronze body and tousled blonde hair. Her hormones had betrayed her, and Avery loathed herself for her weakness.
When did I become so pathetic?
Turning back to the window, she slapped her forehead in disgust. The noise was louder than she’d anticipated and Jason stirred.
Anxious to avoid waking him, she moved out of her bedroom and crept to the guest bathroom for a shower. Lathering up her thick dark hair, she vainly attempted to wash away the mistake of the night before. After fifteen minutes in the scorching water, Avery still felt filthy, and she reluctantly shut the shower off.
Jason was eye candy—gooey, delectable gourmet eye candy—and it had taken her too long to realize how little substance he actually possessed. What lurked beneath Jason’s pretty package proved unpalatable. With his constant drinking and thoughtless spending, they’d been wildly mismatched.
She shook away the unpleasant memories attempting to overwhelm her. Wrapping her slim body in a towel, she rubbed the steam off the mirror and studied her delicate features, her tan skin, and her brown eyes. She wasn’t pleased with the dark circles underneath them.
Shifting her focus to the perfect tile work in her bathroom, Avery frowned. She had purchased her dream home when she was first engaged to Jason. It was nestled on an overlook of the water, had a gorgeous fireplace, and a kitchen worthy of a Better Homes and Gardens photo shoot.
So why does it feel like a tomb?
Avery already missed having Ike at the house. Nicole and Ike had been with her for two weeks during renovations to their new place, and Avery had volunteered to let them stay with her indefinitely. Nic insisted she and Ike needed their own space; prolonged exposure to his behavior would drive Avery to the nuthouse. Avery thought of his little cherubic face and smiled; his resemblance to her brother made her both happy and sad. Ryan would have been so proud of his son.
The shower had helped her aches, but there was more unpacking to be done and she needed to leave before she lost her motivation. It felt odd skipping work on a Monday morning, but she rarely took time off and Nic’s homecoming was a worthy cause.
Avery turned on the hairdryer and blurted a swear word before quickly shutting it back off. A conversation with Jason would taint her entire day. After swiftly applying a smidge of makeup, Avery tiptoed into the foyer. She picked up her leather jacket and purse with great care. Trying not to make a sound, she opened the front door and held her breath as she closed it. The clean getaway elated her and her face split in a perfect, bright smile. As she turned toward the river, that smile vanished. Directly in her path was a gorgeous stranger. His appearance was so exotic that the sensation he provoked was akin to seeing an eagle sitting on her front stoop.
“It’s a little warm for that jacket.” His voice was rich and delicious like caramel, and his symmetrical face appeared expressionless. As Avery admired him, she speculated he might be Native American. Dark-skinned, his long jet-black hair fell past his broad shoulders. He seemed tall, and his medium build was well defined. His casual stance radiated confidence. Dressed in jeans and a gray t-shirt, he couldn’t have looked more divine in a tuxedo.
“It is warm—kind of hard to believe it’s October. Is there something I can do for you?” Avery impressed herself as she found her voice. Years of hobnobbing paid off and she spewed polite conversation on autopilot.
“I’m here to collect Jason Gates,” the stranger replied, approaching her slowly. As he neared, she noticed his eyes were hazel. He seemed to regard her knowingly. She flushed with humiliation as realization overtook her like an avalanche. This guy knew Jason had spent the night. Keeping secrets in Jefferson Point was a hard mission to accomplish on a good day, and it clearly wasn’t going to be one of those.
“What makes you think he’s here?” Avery plastered on a confused expression. She felt lame for trying to cover up her tryst. She was a grown woman and she and Jason were both single, but she valued her privacy. At the sound of the door opening behind her, Avery closed her eyes with a defeated sigh.
“Sneaking off so early? This is your house, remember?” Jason’s carefree tone incited her. Avery glanced over her shoulder at him and was horrified to see him wrapped in one of her bed sheets, which he grasped casually around his waist. His thick blonde hair was wildly mussed from their lust-filled evening. His ripped arms and sculpted abs were a swift reminder of why she’d let him in the night before. Seeing no graceful way to recover from this turn of events, she shrugged and defiantly lifted her chin.
“Someone’s here for you, Jason.” She turned again at the magnetic stranger and found him eyeing her unabashedly. His eyes on her caused her to shiver involuntarily.
“Ah, where are my manners? Avery, this is Shilah. He works for my father. He was kind enough to give me a ride here after the poker game last night.” Jason’s tone was casual, as was his approach to life in general. Avery gazed at the handsome newcomer again, musing that Jason had probably lost a ton of cash playing with him. Shilah looked from Avery to Jason, his expression completely unreadable.
“I wasn’t in any kind of shape to be behind the wheel.” Jason smirked, and Avery’s eyes narrowed. It was bad enough that Shilah knew they’d spent the night together, but now Jason portrayed her as a drunken booty call.
I guess the truth hurts.
“Don’t you have to be at work? Sorry, I forgot who I was talking to,” Avery snapped. “I actually have places to be. It’s been a pleasure, Shilah.”
Avery grasped his hand and firmly shook it. His touch was electric, making the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Mentally slamming the door shut on her out-of-control libido, she squared her shoulders.
“Jason, get dressed and get out.” Tossing her shoulder-length dark hair, she strutted away. Her anger simmering, she willed herself to maintain a cool exterior. As she swung her long legs into the car, she could hear Jason chuckling.
“You’re a complete bastard.” Shilah kep
t his voice as neutral as the expression he wore.
“And you’re here way too early, dude. Come on in, I’ll be ready in a few.” Jason pushed the door wide open and disappeared into the house.
Shilah considered for a moment and proceeded inside. His curiosity got the better of him. He’d heard about Avery Harper on more than one occasion, but the reports seemed contradictory. He’d been taken by surprise by her fierce brown eyes and “in your face” confidence. Why would a woman so stunning put up with the likes of Jason Gates? He was an amusing enough guy to hang out with, but he wasn’t all that bright, and obviously was no gentleman.
When he’d dropped Jason off the night before, he’d assumed this chick must have been someone with low self-esteem. Avery was not at all what he’d expected, with her model-like figure, quick wit and firm handshake. As he waited for Jason, he strolled through the rooms and found himself impressed and fascinated. It was a lot of house for one woman and though her taste in men sucked, it appeared she knew how to decorate.
He ran his fingers down the keys of her impressive piano. Family photos were perched on the baby grand. As he browsed the menagerie of photos she’d scattered on the walls, he realized that at least half of the photos were of children. He wondered if any of them were hers. Shilah shook his head, baffled. How had she ever ended up with Jason?
Avery blasted angry heavy metal that matched her foul mood. It wasn’t long before she realized she was speeding like a cheetah. Taking a deep breath, she let her foot off the gas. As she passed Stone Valley Country Club, she glowed with satisfaction. As Operating Manager of her father’s business, she took great pride in its success and popularity. Stone Valley was considered to be one of the best 18-hole courses in the Midwest. Her clubhouse had one of the best restaurants for fine dining in town, and anyone with taste had their parties in her banquet rooms. Reminding herself that she was off the clock, she made an effort to thrust work from her mind.
Minutes later when she arrived on Main Street, she zoomed into a parking place and engaged the emergency brake of her silver Charger. Jefferson Point was a very hilly town; she didn’t want to come out with her morning latte to find her “baby” in the river. She trudged up the sidewalk to CoffeeSmith’s, her favorite joint, wondering if the occupants had already heard about her escapades with Jason.
She entered the whimsical and funky establishment just in time to witness her friend, Lauren, pulling scones out of the ovens. Though it was now October, tourist season continued with the Riverboat rides still in full swing. Jefferson Point was situated on a particularly scenic portion of the Mississippi, and had been a booming port in the days when the river was the primary source of commerce and travel. Nestled amongst the antique shops, wine tasting rooms, and art galleries on Main Street, CoffeeSmith’s did a brisk breakfast and lunch business. Fresh-faced and cute as a button, Lauren appeared ready to greet the day. She and her assistant, Jules, whizzed around behind the coffee bar.
“Aves! The usual?” Lauren greeted her cheerfully, passing off the trays of baked goods to Jules. They were an odd pair. Lauren was a petite strawberry blonde with big blue eyes. Always enthusiastic and bubbly, she lit up every room she’d ever entered. A solemn and stoic yin to Lauren’s yang, tattooed and pierced assistant, Jules, loomed in the background, with a hairnet over her Betty Paige hairstyle. Jules’s dark Latina skin was naturally the color of cocoa, whereas Lauren’s was as ivory as cream. They worked side by side with the intuitive skill of a well-oiled machine. Lauren’s bright smile was salve to Avery’s soul. The past few days with Nicole had been tense and awkward, and she was relieved to see a friendly face.
“Yes, please. How’re tricks?” Avery gestured with her head to imply she meant the shop.
“We’re killing it. I am so making Jack take me on a friggin’ cruise this winter. I have worked my ass off—literally—for it!” She raised her eyebrows up and down suggestively. Avery laughed. In spite of her chaotic morning, Lauren managed to lift her spirits.
“Here’s to tropical cruises and men who don’t need Viagra. Clink!” Lauren handed Avery her café au lait and tapped coffee cups with her. It cracked Avery up that Lauren, a talented barista, refused to drink anything but straight black coffee. “What’s up, girl? You look like someone just ran over your puppy.”
“It’s just been weird with Nicole. She’s quieter than ever.” Avery took a sip of the piping hot drink. It wasn’t untrue, and it gave her something else to talk about besides Jason.
“She’s probably just overwhelmed. I’m sure being here brings back a ton of Ryan memories. You should bring her by. I’ve been itching to see her and the little guy.”
“Yeah, I think we’ll come by for lunch. I thought we’d take Ike to the pumpkin patch this weekend. Wanna come and bring the girls?”
“Sounds like a plan. We’d better do it before the weather turns,” Lauren agreed as the oven timer dinged. “That’s me. Gotta go. Come by later. We’re firing up the grill since it’s so nice out. Burgers and brats, baby.”
“Okay. See ya.” Avery grabbed her drink and headed for the door. Her attitude adjusted for the better, she stepped back into the sunshine.
The sound of someone pounding on her back door interrupted post-breakfast cartoons. Nic peeked out the window, and then felt foolish. She wasn’t in the city anymore, and didn’t need three deadbolts and a chain. Avery stood on her back porch, appearing ridiculously awake and pulled together.
“Hey.” Avery breezed in the door.
“You look great. You’re giving me a complex.” Nicole felt self-conscious about her damp hair, and lack of makeup or contacts. Avery dismissively waved her manicured hand.
“It’s just us girls. There’s my buddy!” She continued to the couch where Ike sat, staring at cartoons. She bent down to greet him and Ike attempted to look past her at the TV. Nicole and Avery both chuckled.
“He couldn’t care less.” Avery tossed her expensive handbag casually on the dining room table and took a seat. She sifted through the nearest box. “It looks like you got more done last night.”
“Yeah, the living room is pretty much finished, and Ike’s room is totally unpacked.” Nicole joined her.
“I’m so glad you’re back. It’s going to be so great to have you guys in town,” Avery gushed, taking Nicole off guard.
Avery and Nicole had been best friends since Nicole and her mom had moved to Jefferson Point their sophomore year. Things had been awkward between them for about a year after Ryan died. When she and Ry lived in Chicago, Avery visited often, especially during Nicole’s pregnancy. After Ryan was killed, Avery vanished, later confiding that seeing them had just been too painful. While Nicole understood, it had been agony to lose her best friend and her husband at the same time.
“I hope you’re right. It’s going to take some getting used to. I have to thank you again for finding this place. It’s perfect for us.” Nicole’s gratitude was sincere. Having a support system was like having a mammoth weight lifted off her shoulders. Avery had found them the loft house, which sat over an empty storefront. The entire Harper clan was in the process of networking to help her find work. The economy sucked, but Nicole was an experienced interior designer. Fortunately, she and Ryan had both been savvy with money. After paying off Ryan’s student loans, she and Ike had a decent cushion. That being said, she loved designing and hoped she’d be able to work in her field.
It didn’t take Nicole long to notice Avery was distracted. Her demeanor had completely changed since the afternoon before; she seemed fidgety and distant.
“Is there something wrong, Aves? You seem freaked.”
“Just sore,” she responded, but with every passing hour she seemed to grow more agitated.
Suddenly, Avery’s reserves burst like a dam, and she unloaded to Nicole about Jason. Mortified, Nicole gaped at her when she told of the stranger’s appearance at her door and Jason’s brazen behavior in response. Having briefly dated Jason in high school, Nicole was un
iquely sympathetic about his antics.
The fact that Avery and Nicole had both dated Jason wasn’t unusual for a small town like J.P. Though Ryan had been her high school sweetheart, he’d dumped Nicole over the phone her junior year using the “long distance relationships don’t work” excuse. Her young heart had been eviscerated, and Jason was a welcome and aesthetically pleasing distraction.
By lunchtime, they’d finished unpacking everything but the office. Nicole needed to take her time organizing all of her papers, so she announced they were finished.
“Let’s celebrate! I’ll take you to lunch.”
“Let’s go to CoffeeSmith’s. Lauren’s grilling and she wants to see you.”
“All right. I’d better change, though.” Nicole looked down at her lounge pants. She glanced at her untamed curls in the nearest reflective surface and quickly pulled her hair up into a ponytail.
“Cool. I’ll get Ike ready.” Avery scooped up the boy. “Time to get dressed.”
“Okay…” he said reluctantly, as if giving in after a long argument.
Twenty minutes later, they climbed out of Nicole’s Jeep and pulled Ike out of his car seat. Nicole joked that they were the laziest people alive for driving four blocks for lunch, but after several days of hard work, they were physically spent. They found a vacant table on the back deck of CoffeeSmith’s. The place was slammed, but Ike was having a ball watching the barges and boats go by. They ate burgers and kicked back, both grateful that the tedious job was coming to an end.
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