He stepped back again, and she moved away from the wall, gathering her bearings.
He pointed at her breasts. “Um, may I?”
She stared at him, wide-eyed. “Oh, God, yes. Please.” She started to turn around so he could hook her bra back up, but he slid his hands under her shirt from the front and gathered her bra straps, hooking them together around her back. When he finished, he smoothed her shirt down around her waist, and then stepped back, opening the door.
“Thank you,” she said, and then walked through.
Kelly the server sped by with two drinks in her hands and a smile on her face. “See you later!”
Cassidy grinned like a maniac and headed to the front door.
7
When Cassidy got to the shop and came through the double swinging doors from the back, Sebastian was at the counter with Marigold. “There’s the lovely Cassidy Anderson of Seaside, Florida,” he said. “We were just talking about you.”
Cassidy slid Marigold a death glare, and she just shrugged back all innocently.
“Okay,” Sebastian said, “I was asking her if you’d seen Till Life Do Us Part yet, but apparently there’s something else I should know. What’s going on with the two of you?”
“Nothing,” Cassidy said.
Marigold picked up the cleaner and a roll of paper towels. “I’m just going to do the tables.”
Sebastian stared at Cassidy like he was trying to see through to her brain. “My goodness, I go out of town for one measly weekend and I miss something epic. What’s going on with you?”
She gathered her hair to put back in a ponytail. “Oh, nothing. I’m just losing my mind.”
“Yeah, well, I’m sane for the moment, so let me help you. What is all this?” Sebastian had been one of Cassidy’s closest friends for about five years now. She hosted him for Thanksgiving at her home every year and had even been known to take him back to Nashville with her for Christmas when he’d agree to go. He had no family that he wanted to speak of. They were more brother and sister than store owner and customer, which was how they’d met. He’d not missed a day stopping by her bakery, assuming he was in town, in five years. He was her perpetual single ally. They’d nursed one another through countless bad dates and crises. So why was she trying so hard to shut him out now?
Marigold cut her glance at them, hovering close. Cassidy rolled her eyes. “Just get over here.” Marigold grinned and scooted over to plant herself next to Sebastian.
Cassidy covered her eyes and mouth with her hands. “So I did something a little out of character.”
“What was that, hon?” Sebastian asked. “I can’t understand you. You sound like Charlie Brown’s teacher.”
Cassidy removed her hands from her face and repeated, “I did something out of character,” the words booming through the store. She couldn’t even look at Marigold. Before Dane came along, Cassidy hadn’t known Marigold to have sex with anyone in the years she’d known her, much less a one-night-stand.
Marigold rested her elbow on the counter, leaning in. “With Jesse?” she asked, delicately.
Sebastian gripped the countertop. “Hang on. Do you mean Dane’s friend Jesse, the tattooed hunk of divinity who’s got that hippy bar in Grayton?”
They both looked at Cassidy for clarification, and she nodded shamefully.
Sebastian closed his eyes and held up a hand like he was in a praise and worship service. “I need a minute.”
“It all happened really fast.” Cassidy looked around, even though there wasn’t a soul in there other than them. “I just got carried away.”
They both leaned in on the countertop. “How carried away?” they asked in unison.
Cassidy rubbed her temple. “We were on the beach, and there was wine and—”
“Hang on,” Sebastian said. “You had sex on the beach?”
Cassidy gave him a guilty look. “I’m not proud.”
“You should be,” Marigold said.
“That’s not even the worse part. I was so freaked out after it was over that I practically bolted back to the house and kicked him to the curb.”
“Aww,” Sebastian said, making a frowny face.
“So I go over there today to do the cookie delivery and give some sort of loose apology, and we get started up again.”
“You just had sex with him again?” Marigold shouted.
Cassidy cringed. “No, but we were in the stairwell, and he was coming in from the beach and he had these literary tattoos on his torso.”
Sebastian bit his fist. “Brains, too. I can’t take it.”
“So what’s the problem?” Marigold asked.
“The problem is I can’t get mixed up with this young guy.”
“Why the hell not?” Sebastian asked.
Cassidy thought about Todd and their group in Jamaica. Those people were so enlightened, so dedicated to making the world a better place. As much as she hated to admit it, she’d be ashamed if they saw her back here in privileged Seaside, luxuriating in an affair with a twenty-something kid while they were off sleeping on cots and helping improve the lives of those less fortunate. The guilt was starting to strangle her.
“It’s just embarrassing. I’m forty-four. What’s the point?”
“The point is to have your mind blown,” Marigold said.
“There’s just other things I could be doing.”
“Like going to the movies with me?” Sebastian asked.
Cassidy pointed at him. “Yes. Exactly.”
“I was kidding,” Sebastian said. “If I ever find out that you are sitting in a theater with me when you could be in bed with that man, I’ll murder you.”
“Me, too,” Marigold said.
Cassidy caught sight of one of the Harrison Pool Supply trucks pulling up out front. “Oh, crap. That’s one of the Harrisons. She pointed at the two of them. “Not a word about this to anyone. Do the two of you hear me?”
Sebastian zipped his lip and then handed Marigold an imaginary key that she pretended to swallow. Cassidy shook her head at these two chickens who she loved more than life.
Shayla opened the door to the shop, rocking a Harrison Pool Supply polo and shorts. She could try all she wanted not to impress, but she would always be one of the most stunning people on earth. She smiled at the three of them. “I guess I picked the right time to come by,” she said, wrapping her arms around each of them. “What are you three up to?”
Sebastian pulled out his wallet. “Just headed to the nursing home. Since it’s almost lunchtime, let’s do brownies and cookies today instead of cinnamon rolls.”
Marigold scooted around the counter. “I’ve got this.”
They were trying a little too hard to act natural, but Cassidy had to love them for it.
Shayla looked a little confused but seemed to blow it off. She met Cassidy’s gaze. “I actually came here to talk to you if you have a minute.”
“I do. You want to step into my office?” Cassidy asked, indicating the double swinging doors.
Shayla followed her in there, and they each took a stool by the countertop. “So, I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it the other night, but…” Shayla flashed her left hand and then covered it with her right. Shayla was one of the most practical and down-to-earth people on the planet, and she’d had the misfortune of being paired with a man who had money coming out his ears and loved to spend it, poor girl.
Cassidy grinned at her. “Can I see it?”
Shayla reluctantly showed Cassidy her left hand. To Chase’s credit, the diamond was simple but stunning. “It’s beautiful, Shayla.”
She looked at it and then covered it again. “I know it could be worse. I think it killed him to hold back even this much.”
“I’m sure he’ll live through it.”
“I’ll get used to it. It’s just gonna take some time. I may be one of these women who just wears a band and then pulls out the ring on special occasions.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”
/>
“Anyway, the wedding’s going to be really small. Just family at my parents’ house.”
“That sounds lovely.”
“Thanks. I hope no one is offended by that. It’s just…you know me. Can you imagine me in front of a big group of people with a wedding dress on reciting vows?”
Cassidy just smiled her response.
“Anyway, we both want our friends to be some part of all this. Honest to God, you all are as much our family as our actual families are.”
Cassidy nodded. “I feel the same.”
Shayla gave her a look. “So, while my idea was to have a cookout and a toast and be done with it, Chase has more grandiose plans.”
“Okay,” Cassidy said.
“He wants to take everyone away for a weekend trip on us. Of course, if it was up to him, we’d all be going to Hawaii or Fiji or Turks and Caicos. But I talked him down to this resort in South Florida that I think will work for all of us. It’s not very far away. I know everyone can’t be gone from work too long.” She offered a hand toward Cassidy. “We’re even doing a Saturday to a Monday instead of a Friday, so I’m hoping that could make this doable for you? The shop’s closed on Sundays and Mondays, right?”
“Oh, gosh, you all didn’t plan that around me, did you?”
“No, not at all. Fridays are Bo’s and my busiest days.”
“You’re not taking a honeymoon?”
“Not right now. There’s just too much going on. But we will. Anyway, please think about whether or not you could close the shop for a Saturday. We’d love to have both you and Marigold there. Of course, Mr. Moneypants offered to pay you for lost profits for the day.” Even though she rolled her eyes, Cassidy could tell Shayla was gauging her to see if she might consider taking the money.
Cassidy chuckled. “Only Chase O’Neil would offer to take someone away for the weekend and pay them for it.”
“Right?” Shayla asked, shaking her head. “Anyway, just think about it. We’d love to have you there, but we understand life goes on whether or not the two of us get married.”
Cassidy smiled. “I don’t have to think about it. It’s a done deal. When will it be?”
She winced. “We’re looking at next weekend. I know that’s super short notice, but it’s the only weekend that’s working with our schedules. Bo and Maya and Seanna and Blake are already confirmed. I’m going to hit up Sebastian if he’s still out there when we’re through. I think Chase is checking with Dane and Ashe and Ethan today. I’m stopping by Desiree’s office right after this.”
“Is that everyone?” Cassidy asked.
“For now, but you know Chase. Before this is over, he’s liable to have invited every stray dog and cat east of Pensacola.”
“Understood.”
Shayla touched Cassidy’s knee. “And you are more than welcome to bring a date.”
“Oh, God no. Put me and Sebastian in a room. We’ve bunked together several times on trips. We’re great roommates.”
“Thanks for the offer, but Chase would be mortified to ask people to bunk up. I’m warning you, he’s gonna go all out on this trip.” She scratched her forehead. “It makes me a little uncomfortable.”
“Sweetheart, all of these people know Chase. Nobody thinks he’s showing off, I promise you that. He’s purely generous. We all know that, and we appreciate him.”
Shayla smiled. “Thanks for saying that.”
“How are we getting there, by the way?”
Shayla winced. “Private plane. Chase swears he’s getting a great deal and that it’s gonna be cheaper than flying everyone commercial.”
“Do you believe him?”
“Hell, no.”
Cassidy laughed, and Shayla checked the time on her phone. “I better go. My mean-ass brother will get antsy if I’m gone too long from the shop.”
Cassidy loved the relationship between Shayla and Bo. They had each other’s back like no siblings Cassidy had ever known. Cassidy and her sister weren’t nearly as tight as that. As much as she wished things could be different, she knew that was just the way it went for her and her family.
They both stood, and Cassidy and Shayla wrapped their arms around one another. “Love you, girl,” Cassidy said. She pulled away, holding Shayla’s shoulders. “Congratulations are for the groom, so I’ll just say best wishes.”
Shayla smiled. “Thanks. Honestly, I can’t wait for it all to be over. I hate being the center of attention.”
“Well, I’m afraid once Marigold gets wind of this she’s gonna have some plans for this weekend that may require a tiara and a white sash with the word bride in all caps.”
Shayla waved Cassidy off. “I’ve already thought of that. She can have at it. Dress me in a tutu if she wants.” They both looked out to the front where Marigold was chatting up a customer. “I’m just so thankful to have friends who love me like you all do.” She turned to Cassidy, her eyes a little glassy. “You know, that’s a rare thing.”
Cassidy felt the pressure building up behind her own eyes. “I know it is.” They took one another’s hands and squeezed them hard.
Shayla swiped at her eyes. “Oh crap. It’s already starting.”
Cassidy chuckled. “Get ready. As soon as you tell Marigold about this weekend, you’ll be unleashing a beast.”
Shayla shook her head and then stood tall, ready for battle. “Bring on the penis-shaped piñata.”
8
Jesse set glasses of draft beer down in front of Dane, Chase, Bo, and Blake. “Have you guys decided what you want to eat?”
“It’s your bar, man,” Chase said. “You know better than us.”
Jesse was proud of his place, but this guy was rolling in it, apparently. He was probably used to eating a lot better than this.
Dane picked up the cards he’d just been dealt. “Everything here’s good. I’m a big fan of the oysters though.”
“Then bring us four plates of those,” Chase said, “and anything else you’ve got too much of back there.”
“Are you gonna play with us?” Blake asked.
Dane shrugged at Jesse. When Dane had asked him if they could do this poker night in his private room, he’d told Jesse it was the first time he’d been asked. He wasn’t sure how strict these guys were with their rules. Dane was only in because their regular fourth had bailed.
“Can you get away?” Chase asked.
Jesse glanced out at the main floor. They were busy but not slammed. “Maybe for a round or two.”
“We’re damn sure not gonna turn down your money,” Bo said. “Join us.”
Jesse wouldn’t mind getting an in with these guys who were Cassidy’s friends. It’d been a week since she’d run a finger over his tattoo, drawing him to her like a siren. He’d not had the balls to text her, especially after her comment about getting on with her life. He could keep coming on strong, and might be able to get her to sleep with him again, but that wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted her to want to get to know him for more than whatever fascination she had with his looks or his youth. He hoped hearing that he liked to read might pique her interest, but he’d not heard another word from her. He knew he should give up, but he wasn’t ready to. And he hadn’t figured out a way forward yet.
“Let me put in an order for the food,” he said and headed to the kitchen. When he returned, a pile of cards sat in front of an empty chair one of them had pulled over. How could these guys make him feel so welcome in his own bar?
Jesse listened and observed for a few rounds, letting them engage in their easy conversation and banter with one another. They liked to give each other shit. The harder core, the better.
Bo eyed Jesse, and he felt it coming. He was a little surprised it had taken Bo this long. “So, have you taken Cassidy out yet?”
Dane met Jesse’s gaze with a knowing look. What had he and Marigold been talking about? Did Dane know something he wasn’t sharing with him? He’d have to beat it out of him in a bit. Jesse looked at Blake to see if he wa
s going to play good cop again tonight, but he just stared at his cards. Maybe his curiosity was getting the best of him, too.
Jesse moved some cards around in his hand. “This seems to be a subject you can’t drop.”
Bo shrugged. “Just making conversation.”
Chase smiled. “It’s killing him because he could never land her.”
“I’m sorry,” Bo said, putting his cards on the table face down. “I’m a very happily married man, in case you haven’t noticed.”
Blake snickered. “Doesn’t mean you’re not competitive.”
Bo sat back, glaring at Chase and Blake. “I’m ashamed of the two of you, indicating that I would actually care who Cassidy dated, other than making sure she wasn’t being mistreated, of course.” With that, Bo gave a pointed glance to Jesse.
Jesse slid his gaze to Dane, who just smiled while staring at his cards.
Chase motioned at Bo. “Please, will you just admit you’re dying to know what he’s got that you don’t?”
Bo slid his chair back. “I will take your ass out right here if you don’t shut the hell up.”
Chase, who was at least half a foot taller than Bo, looked completely unfazed at this threat.
“I think there’s a story we’re missing out on, Jesse,” Dane said.
“Definitely,” Jesse said.
Blake grinned. “She kicked his ass once.”
Bo gave Blake an exhausted look. “Now why would you say that when you know it’s not true?”
“It’s not?” Blake asked, eyebrows raised.
Bo pouted a little as he picked up his cards. “She punched me. She did not kick my ass.”
Dane and Jesse met each other’s gazes and cracked up along with the rest of the table except for Bo. Damn, she hit Bo? At least she hadn’t punched Jesse. #winning
Finally, Bo dropped his cards again, a smile making its way across his face. “Fuck it. I’m impressed, okay? How’d you get her interested?”
Jesse didn’t know how to handle this. He now had four sets of eyes on him, waiting for a response to how he landed Cassidy when he wasn’t even near the landing strip. He shrugged. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Grayton Beach Dreams Page 6
