Embraceable You (Irish Hearts Series)

by Mary Tate Engels

  Siena was amazed to see these ladies, even those of a certain age, choosing sexy and colorful bras. She took it as a good sign.

  Claire preened for her friends and brought gales of laughter. "See how nicely everything stays in place with a good bra underneath?"

  "What’s this I hear about a style show, Siena?" Camille asked innocently.

  Siena helped Camille adjust her new bra straps. "You do hear everything, ladies. Yes, we’re planning to have a style show on opening day, which is April first if everything goes well."

  "April Fool's Day?"

  Siena flashed a smile. "Why not? It'll make good headlines."

  "Perfect! Okay, tell your ladies who’s doing the modeling," Zoey said. "Maybe we can get some more volunteers."

  Siena checked her list. "We have about five local women who’ve agreed to do it, including Zoey. I offered to give them a free bra as payment if they’ll model on opening day. And we're going to have five give-away prizes for customers."

  "A free bra? I’ll do it," Camille said.

  "I will too," agreed Annabelle.

  "Sign me up too," Claire said. "I don’t want to miss out on anything that's so much fun, and a little naughty."

  Siena notices that Roberta failed to volunteer. But no one said anything. "Are you sure? I don’t want you ladies to get in trouble with your families."

  "Oh good grief. My family doesn’t tell me what to do. Or what I can’t do." Claire propped her hands on her hips. "Don’t you want us? I realize we’re not the youngest chicks around – "

  "Oh no, it’s not that. You are some of the youngest and best people I know. Of course, I want you in the show." Siena couldn’t hide her surprise and delight.

  "You’ll be surprised, my dear, what I can do with a scarf. We’ll show off the bras, but hide the old parts," Claire said with a laugh. And they all agreed to try to find more volunteer models among their friends and to help in any way possible.

  When the ladies left, Siena started boxing items and arranging them by size. She had to clear out everything and get the place ready for the remodeling. Her little voice warned, I hope the whole thing doesn’t backfire but she pushed it aside.

  It was after dark when Siena put the teakettle on upstairs and contemplated dinner. When she heard a noise on the high outside steps, she knew it was Zach even before she opened the door. No one else used that frozen entrance.

  "Have you had dinner?"

  She shook her head.

  "Come with me."

  "Where?"

  "Away. Out of town. For the weekend."

  She looked questioningly at him.

  "Because . . . I want to see you, need to spend some time with you. Alone."

  The teakettle started screaming and she backed up, allowing him to enter.

  Was she dreaming? She didn’t care. She just wanted to be alone with him. She needed for him to need her. She wanted to recover her rebel-lover, not the mayor, not the town hero, nor the angry son. But her man. If this were a dream, then she’d go with it. Dream away!

  Siena turned off the teakettle and threw some clothes into an overnight bag. She wanted to tell him all about her plans, and to share her enthusiasm on why and how she could salvage Aunt Addie’s failing shop. She wanted him to be impressed by her efforts and to think she was brilliant. Or at least business-savvy.

  But he was quiet, sullen almost, in the car. They rode in silence, sometimes exchanging small talk about the weather and quaint harbor towns they passed through. Nothing about what each had been doing in the week since they’d seen each other.

  He drove fast along the ocean on Highway One, through picturesque fishing villages that were, like Haven’s Point, built in the traditional Down East style. They all had harbors filled with boats, colorful lobster buoys hanging on sides of buildings, and clusters of little shops, painted like rainbows.

  At a little restaurant in Freeport, Siena declared their lobster bisque and a glass of wine "the perfect meal."

  "Do you like what you see in Haven’s Point?" he asked.

  "Yeah, sure." She took a sip of a merlot and smiled. "Nice wine."

  "Yeah, very good," he agreed. "So Siena, what drew you in? Made you want to stay in the Point? When you first arrived, it seemed that the only thing you wanted was to leave."

  "I don’t know exactly. I’m liking the people and . . . it’s really beautiful." She sighed and thought a minute. "I don't know what you're getting at, Zach."

  "Simple. What's the appeal for you?"

  Siena crossed her arms on the table. "When I came here, I was job-less, fiancé-less, had a strained arm and was starting to watch old movie reruns on TV. Going nowhere fast. Dana, my darling mother, was off and running cross-country on a hog with Chaz. Getting away from everything fast. I knew she wouldn't come up here and take care of Aunt Addie's estate. I guess I just stepped up to take care of things around here. So for now, this is where my best and only prospects are."

  "Your mom, is this whole thing about her? Your desire to do something, make something happen like start-up this business because she can't?"

  Siena leaned back and narrowed her eyes. "Hey, you’re good. Will you be my shrink? You must understand that my mother makes me crazy. I feel like, have always felt like, the adult. While she’s focused on capturing her youth. And actually, it's okay. I get it."

  "Not a bad plan. Wish I could capture mine." He took a large drink of wine and shifted.

  Siena looked at his darkly shadowed face. "What would you do differently?"

  He looked beyond her. "I’d redo it. With a mature brain."

  "Not possible. We only have now."

  "That’s why I’m working so hard for Haven’s Point."

  "So you're trying to do things your father couldn't. Or didn't."

  "Touché."

  "To be honest, Zach, maybe deep down, I came here because there was nothing better for me to do. And when I saw what a mess things were in, I wanted the challenge. But a part of me wanted to see what had happened to you. We all remember our first love." She smiled sheepishly. "I imagined you in overalls, rubber boots, and with five kids."

  "Not even close." After a pause, "Surprised?"

  "Intrigued."

  "I imagined you . . . just the way you are. Smart, savvy, and well-dressed. But married to a rich guy, two kids and a summer home on the coast."

  "Yeah, right." She shrugged and moved so the waitress could serve their dinner. "Did I tell you that Dana got a tattoo in Key West while recovering her youth?"

  He laughed. "What? You jealous?"

  "No. ‘Course not."

  "Does it bother you for her to do things like that?"

  "Maybe so. I’m here working my ass off to start a new business, and she’s out there playing. And making it pay off. Did I tell you she's writing a blog? Her view from the back of a Harley. It's crazy, but it's working for her. Gotta give her credit for that."

  "That’s honest. But she’s not you." He reached across the table and touched her hand. "Thank God. Let's go."

  Another hour up the road, Zach pulled to a stop in front of a picturesque hotel named Port in the Storm.

  He looked at her, his face shadowed, his expression intent. "Siena, sounds like we both need to learn to live in the present, for ourselves."

  She placed her hand over his, laced their fingers, and squeezed. "Is that what this weekend is about? Letting go?"

  "It's just for us, alone. To let everyone else go." He turned his hand to clasp hers and squeezed back. "Maybe to recapture our youth together. What drew us together? Can we get back there?"

  She pulled his hand to her lips. "Yes. I'd like that." Her heart pounded. Her little voice asked, And then what. . .?

  She didn’t wait for answers.

  In the sailboat-decorated room, Zach took her in his arms and kissed her with such intensity that they soon passed into the misty world of love and passion. Just the two of them . . . all night long. . . loving and sleeping and loving ag
ain. . .

  The next morning, they woke in each other's arms, wound together, legs intertwined, arms relaxed in an embrace. It was the first time they had spent the entire night together and opened their eyes to a new day in the same place. And that was delicious to Siena.

  They snuggled sleepily and kissed and scooted closer, until their bodies were matched skin to skin. Then, as his erection grew hard and hot, he slid into her and she welcomed him and clasped her legs behind his hips. This time, in contrast to the other times when they had hastily made love, this time was leisurely and sensual, growing slowly to a furious peak that came fast, almost as a surprise to both of them.

  Although their climax was wonderfully breathtaking and amazingly exhausting, Siena was reluctant for it to end. She wanted their closeness, their union, these precious moments with Zach, to last forever. In time, they would have to return to the real world, and she would again pretend that her every thought didn’t include Zach. She would remember him at this moment, this magnificent miracle of entering her body, of her receiving him in the most glorious fashion. And of the love she felt for him, for them together.

  Afterward, they lounged together, exchanging opinions and preferences like small talk, as a sort of getting-to-know-you-quickly game that online daters sometimes do.

  She traced his lips with her finger, trying to memorize the shape, the feel. "Tell me your favorite food."

  He licked his lips. "Anything with lobsters. Chunks in bisque or the whole damn thing, tearing it apart and dipping it in melted butter."

  "Even looking at you from the plate?" She wrinkled her nose.

  "Yep, here’s looking at you, kid. Must be in my blood. What’s yours?"

  "Much more tame. Strong hot tea and scones or quick bread made with berries and tiny bits of jalapeños for a flavor punch."

  "Jalapeños, huh? I could try that." He traced a finger around her ear, lingering on the lobe and tickling behind it. "What about music?"

  "Alicia Keys, no doubt. You?"

  "Jesse Cook or any guitar that sounds exotic."

  "Exotic? I would have pegged you for a grunge band or something wild."

  "Nope. I always wanted to play the guitar. Just didn't happen. I dreamed of having a garage band, along with my pro-hockey career of course. Didn't every kid?"

  "What happened to those dreams, Zach?"

  "My hockey career ended in knee surgery. I lost my scholarship and had to go to work to finish school. And then, work some more to eat and live as life goes on. As far as the band, I was never a good enough musician. Takes practice, which I didn’t do. Too busy working and trying to make it." He touched her cheek with gentle fingers. "What are your unfulfilled dreams?"

  She shifted away from his embrace. "Oh my, everything! Until recently, my dreams revolved around Warren. His infidelity rocked my foundation. My mistake was building my dreams around him, around any man."

  "Ooooow, that hurts."

  "Right now, my dreams are to make my new business successful. I see that as my future. Because right now, I have nothing else."

  He pondered that a minute. "I believe you can do that, Siena." He let his hand slide to her flat belly. "Will that make you happy?"

  "Very! It’s a goal that would give me confidence in my business abilities. And help a few women in town. Build something beyond myself." She paused. It was the first time she had stated what she wanted to anyone besides the cats and Venus. And it was a little startling since she'd never thought about her future in that way. "What would make you happy, Zach?"

  "I could be happier with breakfast. Worked up an appetite this morning." He started to get up, but she held his arm.

  "Your turn, no skipping."

  He pursed his lips. "I want to show this town that the Cassidy name is worth something. That's what I'm here for. And to do something to help my mom, so she can lift her head high. Now, how about breakfast in bed?" He kissed her nose and left her to consider his response.

  "Breakfast? Sure, whatever." She watched him picked up the phone and walk to the window. So he was serious about retribution. His troubled youth must have made a powerful impact on him.

  Zach placed an order for breakfast in the room, and then headed to the bathroom for a shower. "Hope you’re as hungry as I am and the food’s as good as it sounds."

  Strange how he could leave her with something so profound as his reason for being in Haven's Point, then turn his complete attention to food and a shower. After breakfast, she would show him how serious she was about the new lace shop. She would entertain him with some of her samples so he could see what the new and improved Amazing Lace Lingerie Salon was all about. This could be fun.

  Breakfast came while she was showering and when she stepped out, wrapped in a huge sheet towel, he had it all laid out on the table by the window overlooking the local bay. He wore jeans and a skinny sweater, looking lean and gorgeous. She pulled on a loose, long sweater with nothing underneath.

  Breakfast was a feast of color and rich aromas. Hot blueberry scones with clotted cream. Black coffee for him and strong hot tea for her. Scrambled eggs with luscious, buttery lobster chunks. She ate a little of everything, and he cleaned up whatever was left.

  "Now, I have something to show you," she said with a sly smile, glad to have his full, satisfied attention for a change. "Just sit back and enjoy."

  She peeled off her sweater and grabbed the samples from her suitcase. "Every woman wants to feel sexy and beautiful –"

  "Here, here!" he applauded. "And you certainly are, my love."

  "Our specialty lingerie at The Amazing Lace Lingerie Salon will make everyone alluring and sexy." She smiled and held up a few colorful items as she listed them. "These are our main products – panties, thongs, bras and nighties. But there will be more. Using our styles, designed by moi," she curtsied, "and Zoey and Claire and some of the Lacy Ladies. I've got a deal with a company in South Carolina is using our very own hand-made lace to create our unique products. Aren't you impressed?"

  "I am." Then he frowned. "Zoey's involved in this, too?"

  She waggled a finger at him. "Don't worry about anyone else. Just us. Now, sit back and enjoy."

  So Zach stretched out on the bed, hands laced behind his head, watching her with great amusement. "Okay, show me your sexy products."

  Siena dangled a pair of briefs and stretched them out for his approval. "Sheer Lace in front, the back smooth and soft for comfort. Our items will have names. This is Leslie."

  He nodded approvingly. "I do believe that Leslie is more."

  She smiled and continued. "But this . . ." twirling the next item on one finger, "is what most of the younger women wear. A thong." She stepped into the strips of lace and pulled it up. The lacy front barely covered her crotch and the back, disappeared between the split of her butt. She showed him how well it fit and the beauty of the lace in strategic places. "This one’s called Birdie."

  "Ah, a bird in hand, " he said laughing, reaching.

  "Later," she promised. "The bra is another essential item. Here we have lace cups to show that size matters. Everyone will be measured and fitted exactly for their body shape. This style is called Allura."

  "I’m allured as much as possible. Is this when the client gets to caress and undress the model and try a little lap dancing?"

  She laughed delightedly and stepped close so he could admire how the bra embraced her breasts. "Ah, alluring." He sat up and kissed each one, teasing her nipples through the lace to firmness.

  She arched and pushed her breasts against the bra. "Oooooo…"

  He reached down and peeled off her thong and cradled her crotch with one hand. Two fingers slid inside.

  She drew in her breath sharply and straddled him. With agonizing slowness, she unzipped his jeans. "Look what I've found!" She stroked and teased the hard length of him with her tongue until he groaned and pulled her to him.

  Bracing her knees on either side of his hips, she lowered herself until he entered her fully.


  "Do you like my new products?" she purred.

  "Hmmm, love all your products." His voice sounded tight.

  "I thought you would . . ." She leaned her breasts forward to rest on his chest, giving them a different angle for exploring sensual pleasures. Then she pushed him back and rode him hard until they both moaned with earthshaking jolts of climax after climax.

  When they wilted together, they were covered with the sheen of a sexy glow, in love and satiated.

  They spent the weekend satisfying their years-long yearnings and becoming familiar with every desire and wish and unfulfilled dream. Occasionally they ventured out to walk along the rocky shore, to watch the waves crash on the rocks, or to dine at a recommended restaurant for lobster and wine. But then they hurried back to the room for more explorations and sexual pleasures. The weekend was over way too soon.

  After their little tryst out of town, Zach and Siena craved each other more often, late at night, out of sight of the curious town. Sometimes she would join him if she saw the lights on at his house. But she always left before dawn.

  Sometimes he would bound up the high steps on the outside and stay for a few hours. He always left after their lovemaking, never falling asleep or staying until morning.

  Siena was glad to be in his arms whenever possible. She didn't know how this would turn out, but she worried that her feelings for him were deeper and he was along for the ride.

  Claire and money

  The problem with having lots of money and your friends having almost none is that you just want to help everyone. Being wealthy is like a volume knob, Danny used to say. It makes you a loud jerk or a better person. Lord knows I tried to be better and generous, but it was hard.

  I grew up poor, damnable poor in the west of Ireland. We made our living on the prospect of someone coming into O'Sullivan's Pub and having a pint. Or five! And that's an awful way to live. We were so poor that my dear da sold me into a good marriage.

  So, it's very hard for me to let go of a penny, even now, after all these years of living a very good life with Danny.