by Melody Grace
11
Jules couldn’t sleep. Even though Reeve had worn her out in the best possible way, it was too humid to get any rest, the air close and sticky in the shed even with the windows thrown wide.
Plus having a six-foot-tall, hundred-and-eighty pound furnace in the bed beside her didn’t help one bit.
“You’re too hot,” she said, wriggling to try and get comfortable.
“Why, thank you,” he joked, pulling her in for another damp, sweaty kiss. She laughed, but even the taste of his lips couldn’t settle her in this heat.
“Come on,” she said, scrambling out of bed. “I can’t sleep like this. And trust me, you don’t want to see me when I’m tired and cranky.”
“Yes ma’am,” Reeve said, looking amused as she threw a gauzy nightdress on, grabbed a blanket, and led him outside and down to the beach. It was a perfect starlit night, with the ocean lapping gently, glinting under the half crescent-moon. The lights from town glittered across the bay, and a blissfully cool breeze whispered in the air.
“Much better,” she sighed in satisfaction. She dropped the blanket, and went to go dip her toes in the cold water, watching the waves foam at her feet.
Reeve joined her, shirtless in his boxer briefs. “Now that’s one hell of a view.”
She turned, and found him looking directly at her.
Jules flushed. “I told you, Sweetbriar Cove isn’t all bad,” she said lightly, even as her stomach turned a slow pirouette.
“You were right,” Reeve said, wading in. “There’s a lot of good things about the place, I guess I was too wrapped up in the past to see. But now… ”
He trailed off, and Jules had to bite her lip to keep from asking more. Like did he see himself staying here, and putting down roots? What were his plans after summer ended?
And did she have a place in those plans, after all?
A spray of cold water broke through her thoughts: Reeve was playfully splashing her, so Jules splashed him right back, squealing at the chill.
“Cool enough for you now?” he teased, suddenly picking her up. He threw her over his shoulder, and waded deeper, making out like he was going to toss her in the surf.
Jules laughed in protest, holding on tight. “If you throw me in, I’m taking you with me,” she warned, locking her arms around him. “You know I’ll do it!”
“OK, change of plans.” Reeve kissed her instead, and carried her in to shore, depositing her on the blanket. Jules reached in to kiss him again, and this time the heat of his body was a welcome balm as the breeze ruffled the edge of her nightshirt. His mouth moved over hers, luxuriously slow, and time seemed to still in the silver moonlight. It felt like they were the only two people in the world, even though she knew that there was a whole inn full of guests just a few paces away from the shore.
“I’m sorry I sent you away this morning,” Reeve said, when they finally came up for air. He shifted, so he was lying on the blanket, with Jules tucked into the crook of his arm. “I know you wanted to help, but when it comes to my family… I have to keep things at arm’s length, or it makes me crazy,” he said, tracing his fingertips across her bare skin. “Being across the country helps out with that. So having Frank show up out of the blue… I just shut down. I’m sorry about that.”
“It’s OK.” Jules nestled closer. If anyone knew about disappointing parents, it was her. “Wait, you call him Frank, not ‘Dad’?” she realized.
Reeve nodded slowly. “He hasn’t been my father in a long while,” he replied. “Not in any way that matters.”
She laced her fingers through his. “Me either. With my Mom, I mean. Beth.”
“When was the last time you saw her?” Reeve asked quietly.
“Not for a while,” Jules admitted. “Four, maybe five years? After she left, she settled in Arizona. She was supposed to have me every summer, and holidays, but… There was always something clashing for her, work, or plans. And once I left for college, it was just birthday cards sometimes, and a call out of the blue.” She paused, gazing up at the midnight sky. “The last time, she was visiting Boston for work, so we had an awkward lunch together, and she proved just how little she knows about my life.”
Jules stopped. Even after all these years, the echo of rejection still lingered. It was always hard with Beth, wondering what their relationship might have been if she’d stayed, and been a mom to Jules. How things could have been different. Sometimes, she wondered if Beth had just lasted a couple more years, Jules wouldn’t have been so young. She could have taken care of herself. She could have helped more, the way she helped her father after she left.
Making sure she was useful. Making sure she didn’t do anything to drive him away, either. It didn’t take a genius—or expensive therapy—to see why she went out of her way to help so much in her relationships now.
“Have you ever told her, how you feel about what she did?” Reeve asked, still stroking slow circles on her shoulder.
Jules shook her head. “I don’t know what she could say to me to make it OK. I know I’ve been lucky,” she added. “My dad is great, and I’m fine, I really am, it’s just… A part of me always feels like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. If I’m dating a guy, even if it seems like everything is settled, I’m still waiting for it to get yanked out from under me. And then it does, and we break up, or I get fired, and it’s like, ‘of course’. I wind up feeling stupid for ever thinking it could be different this time.”
Jules stopped, wondering if she’d gone too far. She never talked like this with guys, never said a word about what was lingering, just beneath the surface. But she wanted to, this time.
She wanted Reeve to know her, even the dark, painful parts.
He propped himself up on his elbow, facing her. “You want to know what I’m scared of?” he asked, eyes intent in the dark. “That deep down, I’m just like him. Winemaking, the vineyard… It’s in my blood. I try to pretend like I’m over it all, but the idea of selling it to those idiots who would tear the whole thing down? I can’t stand it, I wanted to throw them out the door.”
“You’re nothing like him,” Jules said, but Reeve didn’t seem convinced.
“Where’s the line between passion and obsession?” he asked instead. “Because I always feel like if I’m not careful, I’ll step over it without even realizing.”
Jules studied him. He had passion in him, she’d seen that for herself, every night. But now she cast her mind back over what he’d told her about his life back in California, how casual and unconnected he’d seemed, and it all made a little more sense. “Is this why you only work for other people?” she asked. “So you don’t even have a chance to get too attached?”
He paused, looking curious. “I never thought about it like that, but maybe. I can’t get invested when it’s someone else’s property. Someone else’s plan. I don’t want my work to be the only thing the matters in my life. I want more than that,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t want to push people away like he did, and wind up all alone.”
But looking at him, Jules wondered if he stayed so fixated on keeping things casual, not putting down roots, he might wind up just as lonely as his father: Caring too little, instead of too much.
“What would you do, if you weren’t worried about that?” she asked, sitting up. “I mean it, if you had a blank slate, and your dad hadn’t set such a bad example. What would you want to do?”
“I don’t know,” Reeve exhaled softly, but when he spoke again it sounded like something he’d thought about plenty. “I’d find a piece of land,” he started, his voice wistful in the dark. “Something small, just a few acres. I’d still consult, but I’d work on my own wines, too. Cultivate my own varieties, keep things small-batch, not worry about selling all over the world. Quit with all the travel. Just be a part of a community somewhere. A place I could put down roots.”
Jules’ heart ached for him. Because everything he was describing was right here: Sweetbriar Cove, the
town, his family’s vineyard. But it was so clouded by the past that he couldn’t see that it was right in front of him, there for the taking.
But who was she to judge him? Her own past still followed her around, making her yearn for something to hold onto. A future she could count on. And there in the moonlight, Jules felt a new edge to her longing, sharper than anything she’d felt before.
Because she wanted that future to have Reeve in it.
The two of them, together… The idea filled her with a dizzying sense of possibility. Every day she spent with him, she was falling a little more in love. She just couldn’t help it. And if this didn’t have to end with summer, then what kind of life could they build… ?
Jules swallowed back the hopeful questions forming on the tip of her tongue. It was too soon, she told herself. Too much. She snuggled closer to him instead, and let her eyes drift closed, soothed by the lullaby of the waves lapping the shore, and the sound of Reeve’s heartbeat, steady in his chest.
This was enough for tonight. Tomorrow…
Tomorrow she would see what she could do to help change his mind.
12
“Staring at your phone won’t make it ring.”
“I know.” Jules put the handset away with a groan of frustration. It had been a week since she’d submitted her revamped portfolio to Sojourn for the job. A long, drawn-out week where Jules had resisted the urge to call again and see if they liked it, and the hiring manager had clearly resisted any urge she may have had to call. “This ‘playing it cool’ is not my strong point,” she grumbled, strolling through the town square with Evie in search of morning coffee. “Playing it hot and heavy is much more my style.”
“Speaking of… ” Evie smirked. “Do I need to post a warning for my guests about half-naked attractions on the beach?”
“I wasn’t the one who was shirtless!” Jules protested with a laugh. She’d woken on the sand with Reeve that morning to an audience of Beachcomber guests—and Debra’s enthusiastic, drooling dogs. “And Reeve just brought a new fan for the shed, so we’ll be sleeping behind closed doors from now on, don’t worry.”
“Good.” Evie replied. “I mean, it’s good things are going so well with you guys. Not that I need to rate the inn NC-17.” They laughed. “How is Reeve, anyway?” she asked.
“He’s been busy this week, dealing with his dad. Frank’s insisting on staying at the vineyard, something to do with the grapes,” Jules explained. “So I haven’t seen him much.”
Except for the nights he showed up at her door, and fell into bed with her. Jules would never complain about nights of torrid passion, but she was beginning to wonder if she would ever see the man in daylight again.
“Well, it looks like they’re getting along alright now,” Evie said. She nodded behind them, and Jules turned to see Reeve and Frank just entering the diner across the square. As the doors swung open, she could see the cheerful expression on Reeve’s face, chatting to his father about something.
She felt a rumble of curiosity—and hunger.
“I’m feeling puckish,” she said. “You know, some pancakes would really hit the spot. Want some?”
Evie grinned. “I’m surprised you have room, after all the pastries we just ate.”
“OK, so maybe I’m dying to meet his dad, for real this time,” Jules admitted. “Reeve hustled me out of the door the minute he arrived, and I haven’t been near the vineyard since!”
“You go ahead and join them,” Evie said. “I’ll see you later.”
Jules quickly gulped down the rest of her iced coffee, and tossed it in the trash as crossed the street, just as a text arrived on her phone.
Grabbing breakfast at the diner if you’re around.
Jules smiled, arriving at their booth as Reeve was still typing. He blinked. “Did you just teleport?” he teased, getting up to greet her with a kiss.
“Just good timing,” Jules said, sliding in beside him and smiling over at Frank. “I hope you ordered extra bacon.”
“Now, that’s my kind of woman,” Frank said approvingly.
“So… ” Jules glanced back and forth between them. “How’s everyone doing this morning?” she asked cautiously. There weren’t any visible injuries, so at least they didn’t seem to have come to blows.
Yet.
But Reeve and his father seemed to have reached some kind of détente. “Fine,” Reeve replied, as he poured them both coffee from the pot on the table, and Frank pushed the sugar canister over towards him in what looked like a familiar routine.
Jules exhaled in a breath of pure relief. “Great!”
“Reeve’s been showing me all the social media magic you’ve worked for the vineyard,” Frank added, taking a sip of coffee. “The place looks great. Although, I can’t say I understand why we need it,” he added. “The wine will speak for itself.”
Jules smiled. “Yes, but think about it as… a loudspeaker for the wine. How will people even know to come try it, or look you up? That’s my job, really: Finding the best ways to let people know about great businesses.”
Frank looked thoughtful. “I suppose it can’t hurt. We’ll want to get the word out any way we can, once we’ve got the latest vintage bottled and ready to go.”
Jules shot a look at Reeve, bracing herself for more tension and arguments. But he was too busy beckoning the waitress over and placing their orders, looking perfectly at ease.
“… And pancakes, with blueberries.” He finished. Jules cleared her throat, and he grinned. “Make that two orders.”
Frank noticed some new arrivals. “I need to have a word with Earl,” he said, rising.
“Frank… ” Reeve gave him a warning look. “No feuding in the diner.”
“I can be civil. We need to talk about the property line, that’s all. If he’d just sell me the plot, it wouldn’t be a problem,” he grumbled, moving off to intercept the other man.
Reeve caught Jules’ inquisitive look. “Don’t ask,” he said with a smile. “Frank’s convinced that if he can just buy another acre, all the vineyard’s problems will be solved.”
Jules felt like she was missing some information, seeing Reeve this relaxed about family vineyard business, but she wasn’t about to go looking for trouble. “Earl looks like he can handle himself,” she replied instead. “Cassie was telling me he’s a force to be reckoned with at bridge club.”
Reeve chuckled, and slung an arm around Jules’ shoulder. “How about you? Any word from that magazine yet?”
She shook her head. “It’s driving me crazy, waiting! But I can’t bug them about my application, I have to seem too cool, like I have a million other options.”
“Playing hard to get,” Reeve said with a smile. “You can do that, no problem.”
“How?” Jules exclaimed. “I’m the worst at hiding my feelings.”
“Is that so?” Reeve lifted an eyebrow. “Because I seem to recall you turning me down at least the first few times I asked you out.”
“That was different.” Jules smiled at the memory—and how she gave up the pretense after just a couple of mindblowing kisses. “I wasn’t playing games. I really did have no intention of dating you.”
“Then it’s a good thing I won you over with my charm and good looks,” Reeve said with a smirk.
“Ha!” Jules elbowed him lightly. Then she studied him. “You seem different,” she said, taking in the relaxed posture, and easy smile. “Happier.”
Reeve gave a shrug. “I guess I am,” he said. “I realized, things are going to work out in their own way, and I just have to trust in that.”
“Wow.” Jules blinked. “That… Doesn’t sound like you. What happened to stubbornly digging your heels in and refusing all help?” she asked, only half-kidding.
Reeve grinned. “You happened.” He kissed her, soft and sweet, and then drew back again. “You… This town… It seems to have a mind of its own. I mean, think about it,” he said. “Neither of us had any intention of sticking around here l
onger than a couple of days, or getting involved with the town—or each other. But here we are.” He made room as the waitress delivered their overflowing dishes. “So I figure, if the powers-that-be got me into this mess, they have a way out of it, too. You never know what opportunities are around the corner.”
Jules watched him dig into the pancakes, processing this sudden change of heart. Reeve had been so stressed by the vineyard, and then his father’s sudden reappearance, she’d been worried he would pull away, or shut down again. But instead, he seemed calm. Upbeat, even. Confident that the future would work itself out.
Maybe she should take a page out of his book. Right from the start, their connection had been undeniable, and despite all her plans to keep her distance, she’d found her way straight into his arms. She should just trust that it all meant something. That they were both exactly where they needed to be.
“You’re right,” she decided, picking up a fork. “Things will work out in their own time.”
* * *
But as the week continued, staying carefree wasn’t quite so easy—especially when she was still hanging on her phone’s every buzz and sound, waiting for Sojourn to call. Even meeting Rose and her new boyfriend, Scott, for their big double date at the pub wasn’t enough to distract her for long.
“They probably already hired someone, and forgot to tell me,” she sighed. The guys were getting drinks at the crowded bar while she and Rose held a table, and fended off all the tourists looking for a place to sit. “And when I finally work up the nerve to call, they’ll all laugh at me for believing I could be in with a shot.”
“Hush with all your doom and gloom,” Rose replied, smiling. “They probably haven’t even begun reviewing everyone’s applications. Once they take a look at yours, they’ll let you know. It hasn’t been that long,” she added, encouraging.
“It feels like forever!” Jules exclaimed. “If this was a guy, I would know for sure he wasn’t into me and delete his number from my phone,” she added defiantly. “Who leaves it this long to call?”
