by Cait Jarrod
He broke their gaze, kissed her forehead, and pulled her against him, wrapping his arms tightly around her. “You feel good, which brings us back to the issues we need to move beyond.”
He was right. Neither of them had tossed their problems behind, at least she hadn’t. She needed to tell him why she was here, what brought her to Colonial Beach to see Randy. “I came to Randy to find Andrew.”
When he remained silent, she searched his eyes for signs he was upset, saw none, and added, “I wanted revenge.”
“I figured.”
She took the plunge and asked a question that had nagged her, one she consistently reconciled on her own when he was the only one who could answer it. “Will you always be honest with me?”
“Yes. At times I might not be able to tell you details of a case, just like earlier. When I can, I will.”
The tenderness of his words…the intensity of his gaze, grasped her heart. The man was too good to be true. She pressed her lips to his.
A groan vibrated through his chest.
He cupped the sides of her face and slid his tongue over hers. The hunger in his kiss was so demanding it made her dizzy. “Larry,” she said against his lips on a pant and grasped his wrists.
He eased back until their lips barely touched. “I have to leave to process the arrest.”
She heard what he said, but the vigor she experienced in his presence dug its hooks into her, refusing to let her move. “I want you,” she whispered.
“Ah, babe, you’re killing me.”
Larry’s words held passion unlike the anger tone Andrew used when he said the exact words. She shut her eyes on the tears forming. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
A watery gaze impeded her view. “For being you.” Her lips trembled. The emotion came out of nowhere. Happy, yet a dam broke from deep within her she couldn’t control. The excessive ill-treatment she’d endured from her life with Andrew escaped on a sob.
Larry hugged her, securing her tightly in his strong arms.
She pressed her face into his chest like she had earlier with Randy and cried. For a long moment, she basked in Larry’s comfort, his powerful presence giving her what no man had ever given. He let her be herself and accepted her as she was. She wiped the moisture from her face. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
A low guttural sound vibrated from his chest and he squeezed her tighter.
When he remained silent, her nerves jumped with nervous energy that she’d spoken her feelings too soon. She had to see his face to know what to think and eased away.
Red eyes bored into hers, his mouth a firm line, and the pulse in his neck ticked.
She nibbled on her lower lip.
An array of expressions flitted across his handsome face before staying with tender eyes and an inviting mouth.
She believed Larry was falling for her, too. His reactions said so, but if his face and the whites of his eyes hadn’t turned red, she wouldn’t have known he’d even heard her.
Larry not acknowledging what she said released a shot of disappointment.
She wouldn’t push. He’d let her know his feelings when he was ready. They both had issues that needed fixing before they moved their relationship farther. Her and her overwhelming feelings put them in an awkward position.
She rose and scanned the beach. The crowd from earlier had disbursed. With the exception of a few beach goers, only she and Larry remained.
Returning her focus to his, she held out her hand. “We better go.”
He climbed to his feet, grasped and squeezed her hand. The return walk to her mother’s car was quiet. When they reached it, he pinned her back against the door, braced his hands against the roof on either side of her. “Give me time.”
Before she had a chance to digest his words and formulate a response, he took her mouth into a kiss that held as much fervor as it did possibilities, leaving her breathless and liquefying her muscles.
“See you in The Memory Café later?” he asked against her lips.
“Yes.”
He opened the car door.
She slid inside and started the car.
Irritation, confusion, and with a heart full of warmth and hope, she drove away, eyeing his reflection in the rearview mirror.
He stared after her.
Chapter Fifteen
“Mother-fucker,” Andrew fumed as he drove Randy’s boat into a boat slip on the Rappahannock River.
He didn’t give a fuck if the water gods towed the boat for illegally parking. Randy would have to deal with it. How in the hell could his trusted friend rat him out to big fuzz?
He swiped a hand through his hair, second-guessing his anger. Randy didn’t know Andrew would come for a visit today. Hell, he hadn’t been there for months. Besides that, Randy didn’t know his alter-ego connection to the agent.
Holding onto the boat’s rope, he climbed onto the wooden pier, secured the line around the cleats, and gazed at the flowing water. He recalled seeing Charlene at Randy’s.
At first when he spotted Charlene standing in Randy’s yard, he’d jumped to conclusions that she was two-timing him with his old buddy. But, he knew if Charlene and Randy were ever interested in each other, it would have happened before now. There was a time the three had been inseparable. Just the same, he’d decided to watch from a distance. He parked his car behind a neighbor’s shed and walked on foot toward them. On neutral territory, Charlene might consider coughing up some money and give him a chance.
The idea went up in smoke when the red-headed fucker parked his Suburban on the road a little ways from where Andrew parked. At first, he thought the person was a stalker. Then he saw the binoculars and red hair. The black SUV had agent written all over it.
The only way out for him was by boat. If he drove his car, the agent would have a description and a license plate. In no time the pigs would track him down and make him pay for the damage he did to that Chevelle.
The image of Randy diving off the pier into the water filled his mind. The awkwardness in which he fell didn’t look right. His body was disjointed as if his shoulder had twisted backwards. Did big fuzz shoot him?
The heat rose in Andrew’s face and he curled his fists. “Someone will pay.”
He tugged out his phone, hit Hulk on speed dial.
“Hulk, here.”
“Hulk, Mouse. I need you to do me a favor. Come to the City Docks. Bring Monk’s car.”
“What?” The chicken shit’s voice quaked. “He’ll have my ass.”
“Don’t be a pansy. While Monk’s gone for the week, I’m in charge. I need you to take a boat back to Colonial Beach and pick up my car.”
After a few grumbles, Hulk agreed and disconnected.
Andrew stepped back into the boat, stashed the key back where he found it under the front seat, and went in search of a bar. He’d need some serious liquid encouragement to carry out what he had planned. Payback.
****
Parking in The Memory Café’s rear lot, Charlene blew out a breath. The tense moment with Larry on the beach surprised and shocked her. She spoke her thoughts without thinking. The scandalous part? She was glad she had.
She used her key to let herself in the rear entrance. A scent of warm bread, cheeses, and an array of spices filled the air, making her stomach growl.
“Hi, Charlene,” Marge said, looking into the hall from the kitchen, her arms, elbow deep in bread dough.
Charlene smiled and moved toward Pamela’s stepmother. “Miss me?” They hadn’t seen each other for the last couple of days.
“I sure do. No one makes crepes like you.” Marge’s sweet smile and bright, gentle eyes made her feel appreciated.
“You’re too kind. I better head up front to collect Henry.”
“He left, dear. Didn’t your mother tell you? Henry had an upset tummy. I think he ate too many cookies. Pamela’s father carried them home when he drove Grand Ann and Grand Ben back to their apartment.”
&nbs
p; “Oh.” With all the commotion at Colonial Beach, Charlene hadn’t heard any incoming alerts. She retrieved her cell from her purse and checked messages, two from Doris. The first, stating what Marge had said, and the second read: “Henry’s better. Have a good time at Cocktail Hour. Is it okay if Henry stays the night with me?.”
Charlene smiled. Her mother looked out for her and Henry well. So much so, she worried about her mom not having spare time to do her own socializing. “Yes, thank you,” she said in the return text and gazed at Marge. “I’ll treat myself to a margarita while I wait for the others.”
Marge nodded toward the oven along the back wall. “Grab the two plates of food. Celine’s already here, chewing Pamela’s ear off about Steve. Those two have a rocky relationship.” Marge shook her head. “If she doesn’t eat, she’ll get sick.”
“Will do. Let me give Henry a quick call first.”
“I turned the oven off a few minutes ago. They’ll keep.”
Charlene nodded as Henry answered the phone. “Hi, Mommy.”
“Hi, sweetie. You doing okay?”
A long silence passed before Henry said, “Me and Grandma are watching Spiderman.”
Now, she understood the long pause. “Does your belly hurt?”
Another silence.
“Sweetheart.” Charlene couldn’t keep her irritation from seeping into her voice.
“No, I’m good. Mommy, I should go Spiderman’s about to...” his voice drifted off.
She smiled. “Go watch your movie. I love you.”
“Love you. Bye.”
The phone went dead. She sighed. If her mother needed to speak to her, she’d call.
“That boy of yours is adorable, so inquisitive and helpful. You’ve done an excellent job with him, dear. You’re a good mother.”
Swelling with pride, Charlene thought she’d bust. A sob worked up her throat. She cleared it. “Thank you. You’re pretty awesome yourself.” She picked up the oven mitts and retrieved a rectangle plate of quesadillas, her personal favorite, and a round plate of tortilla chips with melted cheese.
Her stomach grumbled in response.
Marge laughed.
“Like I said, you’re awesome,” Charlene sang, appreciating Marge’s thoughtfulness and feeling eager to see her friends. She always enjoyed their weekly gathers, but tonight, she felt excited and lighter like the world didn’t weigh down her shoulders. She pushed through the swinging doors, leading to the black and white tile dining room.
A man she didn’t recognize worked behind the bar mixing a drink. By his buzz cut and fit body, she figured him for military and wondered if he was one of Pamela’s step-brothers.
He winked.
The man oozed testosterone. Still, he didn’t hold a candle to Larry. She nodded and rubbed her lips together. The taste of Larry lingered, filling her with excitement once more. She giggled. If she didn’t control her giddiness, Pamela and Celine would know something was up and question her. Was she ready to share with them her feelings concerning Larry?
“Hi, ladies.” She stepped onto the patio. Evening began to descend and the autumn scents of earth drifted over on the slight bit of wind, giving the outdoor dining area with several tables scattered around a cozy feel. She set the platters in the center of the table beside the stack of small plates then sat in a black iron chair next to Pamela and searched the street. Not much traffic stirred tonight. Talking over the engines made hearing each other a challenge. “How are you, ladies?”
Relief washed over Pamela’s face. “I’m so glad you came early. I need reinforcements.” She laughed.
“Wait a minute,” Celine retorted, humor lacing her voice. “I listen to you girls whenever you have troubles. Look at it this way. You’re lucky I only have one problem.”
“Steve,” Charlene and Pamela said in unison.
Celine’s mouth fell open. “Jeez. Give a girl a break.”
Charlene grabbed a decorative tumbler from a pile from the center of the table. “Are you expecting a crowd?”
“I hope so. It’d be nice to have everyone here.” Pamela lifted one of the margarita pitchers from in front of Celine and filled Charlene’s glass.
“How are you?” Celine covered her hand. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come by yesterday. Fredericksburg Tourist was packed.”
“No biggie.” Charlene sipped the liquid and savored the taste of tequila, a refreshing drink after spending the day riding an emotional roller coaster. “That’s good.”
Pamela sipped some water. “I expected you’d want to talk about Andrew.”
“I figured you’d be uptight and would need to blow off steam,” Celine said around a mouthful of margarita.
“Nope. I’m declaring Cocktail Hour an Andrew-free zone.”
Celine choked. “You had sex!”
“Shush!” Pamela’s eyebrows slashed over her blue fierce eyes. “This is a PG establishment.”
“Sorry,” Celine said with a small, mortified smile.
Pamela gazed over her shoulder into the café.
No one watched them except for the bartender. He eyed Celine.
“No foul,” Pamela said then faced Charlene. “Fess up, you have.”
“How’d you two get the idea I had sex from me not wanting to talk about Andrew?”
Celine and Pamela exchanged a silent conspirator glance.
Oh, boy. So, much for wondering if she should talk about Larry, they’d do it for her.
“Larry?” Pamela’s normally welcoming smile transformed into calm tone and she arched an eyebrow at Charlene.
If she hadn’t known Pamela, she’d actually have been nervous and answered immediately. As it was, Charlene would use this time to collect her thoughts and work out what to say. Hanging out on the pier, her and Larry chatting with one another in a way that was so comfortable she felt like she’d done it forever. Well, until her mouth ran away from her and confided her feelings. After that, things between them had become awkward.
Her mind jumped to the kiss next to her mom’s car…phew…she fanned herself and sipped more of her drink to camouflage the heat rising from her body to her face.
“That does it.” Celine gulped her drink. “I want some of what Charlene’s having.”
“Oh, no. You can’t. We’re exclusive.” Charlene looked at her half-empty drink. “This stuff is like truth serum.”
“The bartender put a dash of serum in the pitcher to make people talk.” Pamela laughed. “You have no choice.”
“It’d do you good to tell us all the details.” Celine braced her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm while sipping margarita through a straw. She gazed, dreamlike, at Charlene.
“I don’t kiss and tell.” Charlene grabbed a plate and slid a quesadilla onto it and ate. They could stare at her all they wanted, but she wouldn’t spill, not when she really didn’t know what to tell them. Was she in a relationship? Did Larry have feelings for her? Confessing her feelings for him when she didn’t know his for sure, was that what girlfriends did with one another? She hadn’t had close friends since high school. The problems with Andrew, she told Celine and Pamela everything, but this was Larry...their friend. She didn’t want to say something that might make the relationship between any of them awkward.
Celine had told her and Pamela everything about her and Steve’s relationship and he was Pamela’s best friend, had been since high school. Pamela didn’t think any differently of him.
Charlene swallowed the mouthful of food and blurted, “Yes, we had sex. It was the most incredible, delicious night I’d ever experienced. I think about him non-stop.”
Celine sighed.
Pamela patted her hand. “I know the feeling.”
Charlene locked gazes with Pamela. “I don’t know his feelings for me. He acts like it, yet won’t say.”
Pamela snorted. “The life of an agent. They’re reserved and cautious. The job and what’s happened in their past dictates it. Give him time. Larry spending time with
you tells me how much he thinks of you.”
Charlene rested back in her chair. Larry said the exact same words, give me time. She planned to, but hearing a wife of a former agent drill the same thought home added that much more verity to his comment. “Thanks, Pamela.”
“Anytime.”
Charlene looked between her friends. The bond they’d formed over the last few months amazed her. They welcomed her and Henry so easily that emotion filled her heart and stung her eyes. “Love you, girls.”
Chairs screeched and arms surrounded her.
“We love you, too,” Celine and Pamela said, smashing her as if she was in the middle of a sandwich.
If they didn’t back away, she’d be a puddle of water. She patted their arms and they settled back in their seats, drying their eyes with their fingers.
Charlene grabbed a tissue from her purse and blew her nose. She needed a safe subject to talk about and asked, “Where’s Sue?” By this time of day, Sue worked the floor, joking and laughing with the customers as she took the orders.
“She’s sick,” Pamela said.
“Is that why there’s a new bartender?”
“Jackson,” Celine breathed, her dreamlike expression fixed on him behind the bar.
Pamela clicked her fingers together in front of Celine’s face. “You’re dating my best friend. You can’t have eyes for my stepbrother.”
“Correction.” Celine lifted a finger. “Before your stepbrother was family, I had eyes for him. Besides, Steve and I are on a break.”
Pamela slumped back in her chair. “There isn’t gonna be a happy-ever-after with Steve and you, is there?”
Celine pressed her lips together and put food from each dish onto a small plate. “I hate to say. Besides, we’re not talking about me. Charlene’s in the spotlight.” Celine stuffed a forkful of food into her mouth.
“Why is that?” Paul asked, his dimples deep on each cheek, as he stepped over the single linked chain separating the sidewalk from the patio.
“Where have you been?” Pamela stood and smacked his chest before giving her brother-in-law a hug.
Celine hugged him next.
He blinked his green eyes at Charlene, and spread his arms. “Come here.”
