Embraceable You (Irish Hearts Series)

by Mary Tate Engels

  She lifted her shoulders in a partial shrug. “This isn’t what I want to be doing, Zach. My heart's not in it. Nor my passion.”

  “Zoey, let’s talk about it later. I need you here. You need a job and this one’s yours.”

  She pulled her red hair over one shoulder and started down the hall, walking backward. “I'm giving it back. Meantime, find someone you can work with because I’m adios in two weeks.”

  “Damn it, Zoey!”

  She gave him a little salute, then whirled around, her boots echoing on the hardwood floor of the community building as she left.

  Zach sat there for a minute, just breathing, forcing himself not to yell obscenities at his spoiled sister. She thought she could do anything she wanted, anytime, no matter what. He slammed the papers into the top drawer of his desk, grabbed his iPhone and stuffed it in his jacket pocket.

  He considered going after her and trying to settle it now, but he had this other obligation. Oh hell, he wanted to see Siena – and he didn’t. Bottom line, it was all about business. And what’s best for the city of Haven’s Point. That's what he told himself.

  He stuck a note on Addie’s shop door saying he would be in the gym across the street when she arrived. With a vengeance, he pounded back weights while he considered Siena Summerfield, beautiful sexy Siena. Why the hell was this happening now?

  He didn’t quite understand but he was so curious about her. Just memories that lingered and mushroomed in a lonely mind. He didn’t even know her, not any more. But he remembered her – oh hell yeah. Remembered her sexy curves, the taste of her, the way she fit against him, how she read her sexy poems to him. He’d never heard such sweet, sexy phrases that didn’t sound obscene. She’d been his only friend when no one else would be seen with him.

  Large windows framed the front of the gym, converted from an empty sardine-packing house. At one time, fishing was big business in Haven’s Point. But now, it was all gone to other shores. The Buff Body Shoppe was his first project as Mayor, and he was damn proud of it. And glad people were using the gym. His selling pitch, ‘If we build it, they will come’ could have backfired, but thankfully didn’t. He credited it to good planning on his part. But he realized that people might be using it because they were out of a job and had the free time available. Now, for him, new jobs in town had to be priority-one.

  As Zach settled into the breathing rhythm of bench presses, he considered whether to reveal his ambitious plans for Aunt Addie’s property tonight or wait until later. When he learned that Siena was coming, he figured if she had any business savvy at all, she’d see the value in his plans for all concerned.

  Pushing through the pain of a bum knee, he scooted both feet behind a barbell and began lifting. Before he could complete a set, he spotted a car crawling along the coastal highway, making the slow trip of a reluctant traveler. No one else was on the road at this hour with a storm pending. It was probably her.

  The car parked in the empty lot near the outside stairs to Addie’s over-the-shop apartment. The driver stepped out, stretched, and gave the place a quick once-over. No fondness in her body language. No appreciation of the natural beauty, much less the quiet solitude. She – it had to be her - snuggled into a fuzzy white jacket, and walked rapidly toward the shop. Tall and leggy, a tangle of hair bouncing on her shoulders – oh yes, still . . . gorgeous. Siena looked great from a distance, even better than he remembered.

  Of course, it had been over twelve years since he’d even seen her, since they’d kissed behind Farley’s barn, teens pushing the limits and then some. More than mere curiosity moved him, and Zach grabbed a towel.

  He met her at the gym door, immediately struck that her eyes were still the deep violet-blue he remembered, her skin still the same flawless porcelain. Oh, yes. Beautiful and sexy. She stood close enough to touch, a long-lost vision that left him breathless. He took a deep breath and mumbled, “Hey. You haven’t changed, Siena.”

  He decided right then and there to wait until tomorrow to discuss the unpleasant business of business. Or maybe even . . . later.

  * * *

  Claire Cathleen O'Sullivan Fairchild

  When I first heard that we had lost our dear Addie, I looked out to see if Haven's Point was still above ground or had sunk into the sea. Tottering, it was. On the brink. I'd lost my best, dearest, lifetime friend, that's for sure. But the most important thing was that everybody in town had, too.

  Maybe this was her ultimate act - Addie's passing away so suddenly like this, to upset the balance and draw in new blood. She claimed that new blood would revive the lace's power and embrace the magic. Amazing how the Lord of the Universe works in such mysterious ways.

  We thought our new mayor would fix things. And he's done some good. But, he's… a man, and I'm afraid the powerful Fairchilds, my own family, got to him.

  I really do believe that our beautiful, hand-made Irish lace is magical. By faith, I do! It's worked for me since the day I brought it from the blessed Irish shores, except when my Danny died. And now, my Addie. Sometimes though, it's hard to believe in anything when things go bad. Really bad. Like now.

  I feel like we're in a leaking lobster boat, adrift, drowning in our tears. Lord, we need that new blood, fast.

  Chapter Two

  Siena stood in the doorway of the Buff Body Shoppe drinking in the well-sculpted male before her. Tousled brown hair and caramel eyes, a towel draped around his neck, sweaty tee shirt clinging to his body and broad shoulders – Oh God, he was a heady sip of red wine that burned all the way down. Behind him, half-dressed men and women in sports bras and tights pranced around, and the clink of metal sounded the musical rhythm of a gym.

  She waved the slip of paper she’d found attached to Aunt Addie’s door. “Looking for the mayor. He has the um . . . key.” The last word dwindled out as recognition registered.

  This was Zach. Oh my God, Zach. He looked familiar, and yet, strangely different. More of a man than the youthful hunk she remembered. More serious than the angry kid she had admired. More self-assured than the hot-blooded rebel who had intrigued her.

  This Zach had no potbelly, no overalls, no . . . she glanced down, and then quickly back up to his golden eyes, no wedding ring. “Zach?”

  “It’s been a few, Siena. You’re all . . . grown up.”

  His words brought back forbidden memories and she felt a glow of white-heat inside. “And you’re . . . still here?”

  He looked amazing. Nothing like she imagined, not even what she remembered of him. Back then with his bleached hair sticking out all over his head, he despised everything and everyone. Except her. He wore a perpetual pout which she thought was so mysterious and cute . . . and sexy.

  This man before her was a powerhouse of muscle and strength with a smile that crinkled his amber eyes into devilish ovals. He ran a hand through his hair.

  “I left for a few years, seeking my fortune beyond this little berg. Just came back last year. Can’t believe I’d ever end up here as mayor. But life’s funny sometimes.”

  “Right. Mayor? You?” She laughed a little.

  He shrugged, offering no more. “Sorry about your aunt. Everyone in Haven’s Point loved her. She’ll really be missed. I’ll open her place for you, help bring in your bags.”

  Siena wanted to ask if he was married with five kids but it didn’t matter. She wasn’t interested in another man to distrust. And experience had taught her that a man this good-looking – and in politics - was bound to be un-trustworthy.

  She glanced back at Aunt Addie’s shop, Amazing Lace. Not only was the shop dark, so was the apartment above it. They looked closed and uninviting. She shivered involuntarily, remembering the warm atmosphere her aunt created with hot tea and clam chowder. Just knowing it wouldn’t be happening again sent chills down her spine. Not ever. She couldn’t help feelings of resentment toward Dana for not coming here to soften this grim task before her.

  “Hurt your arm?”

  She turned back to Z
ach. “Yeah, I fell. It’s nothing. Just a sprain. More of an annoyance right now than anything.”

  He nodded slowly. “I remember when you broke your arm here, skating. We were young, maybe eight or nine.”

  “That was a long time ago.” She was surprised he even remembered.

  “I was impressed because you didn’t cry. You were a tough girl, and I admired that.”

  “It was all a fake. I just didn’t want to be a sissy in front of you.” She smiled and relaxed a little. He made her feel good. Always had. “Just so you know,” she said for herself as much as him. “I’m not staying. Only long enough to take care of Aunt Addie’s things.”

  “That’s fine,” he said as if he didn’t care. “I’ll help you.”

  She shrugged. “I’m just interested in selling. And closing up.”

  “Sure thing. Wait here a minute while I grab a clean shirt and my jacket. We’ll get you and your luggage inside, out of the cold.” He nodded at the dark building.

  Zach returned wearing a brown leather jacket with enough zippers and brass to do a Hell’s Angel proud. His jeans were tight and sexy on slim hips. He looked like someone in a Ralph Lauren ad, only not as combed. He handed her a purple envelope. “Key’s in there. And a note, too. I think she might have sensed this time would come.”

  “I shouldn’t be surprised. Aunt Addie always knew things.” Siena fingered the envelope, and tucked it into her coat pocket for later. It was hard, damned hard. And where the hell was Dana? Their footsteps crunched in the spotty snow as they made their way to her car. Siena popped the trunk of her red Toyota thinking that she needed some cash flowing soon to make the next payment.

  Zach grabbed several suitcases from the trunk. “We’ll go through the shop because the outside stairs are too icy. Snowed a couple of days ago.”

  “No wonder she went to Florida this time of year.” Siena clutched a couple of her smaller bags and started down the icy brick walk. Suddenly, the earth seemed to shift and Siena was moving, slipping, sliding. She tried to make a V-wedge with her feet, like in skiing, to avoid crashing into Zach. But her forward motion on the slick ice couldn’t be stopped. Clumsily she bumped into him, her long legs skidding between his. Struggling for balance, she dropped what she carried, tucked her injured arm against her chest and grabbed for him with one hand.

  It happened fast. They were clutching, grappling, dancing on ice. Arms hooked, legs intertwined, they clung to each other on the way down to a rough landing on the cold brick sidewalk – a blur of legs and arms and two pressed-together bodies.

  Everything scattered.

  One thing for sure, they were close. And breathing hard. Siena and Zach - nose to nose, lips to lips, her female to his sexy male. She closed her eyes and felt herself melting into his caramel-cream eyes as his warm, sweet breath caressed her. They were so close to a kiss that all she had to do was pucker. And she considered it. Seriously.

  “Are you okay? How’s your arm?”

  “Uh-huh, think so.” She scooted his hand from her breast and realized one of her knees was wedged in his crotch.

  “No sudden moves,” he grimaced gingerly, “or I’ll be singing with the sopranos in the choir.”

  She laughed low, embarrassed. “Wouldn’t want to be responsible for that. Sorry, I slipped on the ice.”

  “Sorry my trick knee wouldn’t hold us.”

  "Don't be sorry…" She muffled a sigh. "Nobody's fault. Meant to be… " She hiccupped, remembering that she didn't believe that crap.

  He put his lips next to her ear and whispered, “I see that Siena-banana is still in fine form.”

  “Damn you for remembering that name!” She tried to loosen her good arm to poke him but they were too tight.

  “Oh, Siena-banana, I remember everything about you.” He laughed, and she knew the teasing would never stop.

  She wiggled and they shifted even closer together. They were about as intimate as they could be in sweaters and leggings. “I believe this is what’s known as a compromising position, Mr. Mayor.”

  “In my business, compromise is necessary.”

  She could feel his hard body pressed against her. Snug and very nice, rolling in the snow with the mayor. It was all too much, and she started laughing.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I would never imagine you as a politician. Taking the pulse of the city and compromising on everything.”

  “Who said I’m a politician? I’m mayor-in-charge.” He started moving. “I think we’d better get up. Easy now.”

  When she turned her head, her nose brushed his. They were that close to a kiss. She pulled in her breath and pretended her heart wasn’t pounding.

  “Hold it . . . you shift this way. . . I’ll get up first, then I’ll help you.” With careful finesse, and maybe a little reluctance, they untangled their bodies. He pulled her upright and made a big to-do of brushing snow off her back and butt. He even adjusted the sling on her arm. “Is this okay? You sure?”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Just embarrassed for being so clumsy.” She motioned to the sling. “That’s how I got this. On Christmas Eve. I was distracted, not thinking about where I was going.”

  “You’ve got to be more careful, Siena-Banana. Our sidewalks are extremely slick this time of year.” He began gathering the things they’d dropped and continued the banter. “I’ll speak to the mayor about this hazard.”

  “Don’t expect quick action, considering how slow politicians work.”

  “I have an inside track.” He grinned and handed her a couple of items.

  Siena remembered romps in the snow with Zach. And cold, wet kisses that warmed them thoroughly. Oh yes, Zach had always exuded a strong maleness, a certain sexy strength – something definitely missing in her relationship with Warren. Apparently her former fiancé had saved his sexy self for someone in a short tight dress and no opinions.

  Back when Siena and Zach had kissed behind the barn, they’d both been skinny teenagers. Now, they were romance-weary adults. At least, she was. But she wouldn’t let herself get caught up in Zach’s sexy appeal. Again. She was still trying to get over a broken heart from Warren. Besides, her trust in men was all worn out.

  Zach unlocked the shop door and a flash of fur whirled past them. He flipped on the light switch and headed inside.

  Siena gazed at the cluttered cloister of a store. Everything from romance novels to feathered masks jumped out at her. And lace, lots of lace. Lacy stuffed animals. Lacy heart pillows. Little lacy angels. A stack of quilts in the corner with lace on them. A rack of sunglasses on the counter. A boatload of lighthouses, big and small. And lobsters in various colors and sizes, everywhere. She couldn’t suppress an audible groan and dumped what she was carrying right there in the doorway.

  Zach hauled everything to the bottom of the stairs that led up to the apartment. Siena steeled herself and ripped open the note from Aunt Addie.

  Dearest One,

  If you’re reading this, it probably means I didn’t make it back from my Florida vacation. I hope you will find happiness and joy in Haven's Point. They need you, body and soul.

  Please take good care of Sally and Harry, my Lacy Ladies especially Claire, and that Amazing Lace. It really is magical, you know. You just have to believe and call on the powers around you. Listen to Claire. She will be your very best friend in the whole world, just as she was for me. Now, don’t cry for me. I did my best to surround myself with happiness and good people. And that's all anyone can expect.

  With love for all,

  Addie

  Siena sighed. Aunt Addie was always talking about the power around her, but Siena didn’t feel one iota of power here tonight. And she didn't want to be needed, body and soul. That was scary. “Zach, who are Sally and Harry? And the Lacy Ladies?”

  “Cats, I believe. And the Lacy Ladies . . . well, you’ll meet them soon enough.”

  “Damn! I don’t want to have the responsibility for them.” The words just spilled out of S
iena, spurred by an overflow of emotions. “I don’t want Aunt Addie’s stuff. I want to be back home. Finding a job. Building that happy life Aunt Addie wants me to have. Not here. How could this be happening?”

  Siena balled her fist to her forehead and pressed. Life’s miseries were closing in on her, and she wanted out, out, out. She wanted a dynamic job, a fabulous love life, and most of all, to do some serious damage to Warren. And this remote berg was not the place for her personal achievements.

  “Need a shoulder?” Zach stood near, arms inviting.

  Giving in to her emotional overload, Siena pressed her face against him and let the tears flow. She was vulnerable. He was strong and willing. Maybe this was what she needed, an old boyfriend’s shoulder as a temporary solution.

  Both of them jumped when the shop doorbell clanged a very old-fashioned taa-ding. A man with fuzzy gray hair and a Santa Claus beard poked his head inside. “Hey, who let those damn cats out? I just saw them racing up and down the street in the snow. Addie will haunt us all forever if anything happens to them. You know . . .” He paused and looked around. “Oh, hi Zach. Who's this?”

  Zach stepped back, keeping one arm around Siena’s shoulder. “Siena Summerfield, Addie’s niece. Being in the shop has been a little emotional for her." He gestured toward Santa. "And this is George Rowan. Runs Kaleidoscope, the bookstore and frame shop next door. Also is a sci-fi writer of some note.”

  Siena quickly wiped a tear. “Nice to meet . . . ”

  George rubbed his boots on a doormat. “So you’re the one who’s taking over Addie’s shop? Well, luck to ya’.” He ended with an evil chuckle.

  “No, I – ”

  “First thing, ya’d better take care of those damn cats unless you want Addie's ghost haunting you. They go with the place. And I don't want to take the blame for their demise in the snow.”

  Siena lit up inside with anger and she gave him a look to kill. She’d had just about enough of this. Dana leaving her in charge of something she didn’t want, this miserable little shop, two runaway cats and this demon old man accusing her of mayhem with the cats. Then the Lacy Ladies, whoever the hell they were. And this . . . this out of control feeling she had around Zach.