He’d run himself ragged trying to escape thoughts of her. Her lips. Her curves. Those gray-blue eyes that could bring him to his knees. The perfect slide of their bodies coming together, his cock buried deep inside her, and the way her fingers tangled in his hair and pulled hard as she met her release.
Back in Langley Park, all he could do was surrender to the memory of those two precious days. It was all he had of her. It was all he could ever have of her.
He’d blown the trust fund baby’s mind when he offered to buy the restaurant on the spot. His dad had given him the house. It had been paid off for years, and he knew he could get a line of credit or take out a second mortgage to purchase the restaurant. And then there was his brother—the top chef raking in the dough in New York City. He knew his sibling would jump at an investment opportunity.
A runner zipped past him carrying a roast pork loin with pancetta and sage, a new addition to the buffet by his brother who was no longer a silent partner in Park Tavern. In a few days, he’d not only be the co-owner but now the executive chef. Gabe was back in Langley Park for good. Reunited with his teenage love, the baker’s granddaughter, Monica Brandt, he’d brought the limelight of being a TV chef to Park Tavern. He and Monica, a former model and master baker in her own right, had begun filming a cooking and lifestyle television series in the Kansas City area.
The door to Park Tavern opened, bringing in a cool rush of late October air and his old friend, Ben Fisher. His daughter Kate, now eight years old, sneaked past her father and made a running jump for him. Sam caught the little girl and laughed.
“Sam! I lost another tooth!” she cried, opening her mouth and pointing to a void.
“Do you have enough teeth left to eat? We could always throw some bacon into the blender for you,” he teased.
She wrinkled her nose. “Gross!”
He glanced down at the book in her hand. “What have you got there?”
“Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby Age, 8. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a reading machine.”
He smiled. Kate had come a long way, and a good deal of her improvement was thanks to the beautiful woman walking toward him. Ben’s wife, Jenna Lewis Fisher.
“Kate was so excited to show you her chapter book,” Jenna said.
“Every time I see her these days, she’s reading,” he replied.
Ben shook his head. “And her love of Star Wars diminishes a fraction with each new book.”
“Ah, man!” Sam teased. “We worked really hard to get her into Star Wars.”
Ben’s love of all things Millennium Falcon and X-wing fighter had gone back to their days playing Star Wars in the park as kids. It had also been the key to getting Ben and Kate out of the house after Sara’s death. For a solid year, Ben, Kate, and Zoe had spent Saturday mornings at his bungalow watching the films.
Jenna leaned into her husband. “She will always love Star Wars. But it’s good to get a little variety.”
“Do you hear this?” Ben asked, but the look he gave his wife said, that to him, she made up the moon, the stars, and all the galaxies, close to home and far, far away.
Sam gestured toward the back of the restaurant. “I’ve got a table reserved. The whole gang should be here any minute.”
As much as he loved seeing his friends, he was keeping an eye out for Zoe. They’d settled into a routine. Of course, they were friends. The first few years after Sara’s death, he’d spent most of his free time with Zoe, Ben, and Kate. Ben kept his circle tight. Along with Michael MacCarron, his parents, and his office manager, Rosemary Giacopazzi, Ben didn’t let anyone new into his life. That is until Jenna came to town almost two years ago and changed both Ben and Kate’s lives forever.
The door swung open again, and in came Michael and Em MacCarron carrying little Billy, Nick and Lindsey Kincade with their daughter, Skylar swaddled in a pink blanket, and Oma and her friend, Mr. Collier. Everyone knew Mr. Collier was more than a friend, but Oma was adamant about maintaining this ruse. Well into her eighties, Oma was still a prim and proper German lady.
But where the hell was Zoe?
She’d been working a story. At least, that’s what she was telling everyone. Constantly checking her phone. Not picking up calls. It wasn’t like her. But for the last several weeks, she’d been preoccupied. She’d blown him off. She’d missed get-togethers with their friends.
Could she have met someone?
His body went rigid. A mix of shame and jealousy washed over him. It not only wasn’t fair to hope she never found love. It was downright heartless.
Oma tapped his arm. “Samuel, I only saw half a strudel on the buffet.”
“I’ve got Jonah on it. I’m sure he’ll have another one out any minute,” he answered, used to Oma’s perceptive eye and gestured toward their reserved table.
After a fire had damaged the bakery, they’d set up a temporary operation in Park Tavern until the renovations and repairs were completed. But Oma had decided to leave the baking life to her granddaughter and Gabe and had recently moved to the Langley Park Senior Living Campus where she spent her days with her “friend” Mr. Collier. Oma had dedicated her life to her granddaughter and the bakery. It was good to see her happy and taking some time to relax. But from the weary look on Mr. Collier’s face, he’d venture to guess that Oma was still quite a force to be reckoned with—even in retirement.
“Please tell me you’ve got the sticky toffee pudding and the asiago cheese in the buffet again this week?” Em asked, pushing up on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek.
Michael joined them with a babbling Billy in his arms, and Sam looked between his cousin and Em. “Now that’s an interesting food combo. Are you two expecting again?”
“Oh, the weird food craving thing,” Em said, nodding. “No, no, I’m not pregnant. It’s Vivaldi.”
“You lost me,” he chuckled.
“Michael and I are working on a Vivaldi Winter Remix. I’ve been so immersed in the music. It reminds me of winter, and that makes me think of my time in London and sticky toffee pudding. But it’s also Vivaldi, an Italian and a Venetian, and that makes me want asiago cheese.”
Michael gave him a wry grin. “See, it makes perfect sense.”
Em blew out a breath. “Can you even imagine another baby? Between keeping Billy happy and my practice schedule, I’d go insane!”
Working and signing at a school for deaf children in Australia, Em had unknowingly rehabilitated her injured fingers and regained her ability to play the violin. It was one hell of a road to get here, but now she and Michael were making music, blending classical pieces with techno beats. And the music world had welcomed her back with open arms. She was booked for performances years out, and the techno tracks had already hit one million downloads.
“How are you holding up?” Nick Kincade asked as his wife Lindsey joined them.
Sam cocked his head to the side. “Let’s see. I’ve got both a restaurant and a bakery running at full force in my kitchen. Gabe and Monica’s celebrity status is pulling in three times the business we’re used to, and I’ve got staff flaking out left and right.”
“So just another day at Park Tavern?” Lindsey offered with a gentle smile.
He laughed. Christ, he was glad his old friend Nick Kincade had decided to settle in Langley Park, and he couldn’t be happier that Nick and Lindsey had found each other. Nick shifted their daughter into the crook of his arm. The baby girl cooed and smiled up at him as his friends greeted each other and worked their way through the restaurant to their reserved table.
Settled.
Content.
Loved.
While none of the paths were easy, everyone in his life had found that special person.
Scratch that. Almost everyone. Then again, with Zoe’s cloak and dagger act these last few weeks, maybe she had, too. He ran his hands through his unruly auburn locks when he looked over to see his brother and Monica at the table. They must have slipped by him. An easy thing to do with how
packed the place was and his mind focused on Zoe. Jonah was at the table chatting with Monica. He loved the kid, but the boy had a gift for gab.
He moved through the restaurant and tapped Jonah’s shoulder. “Jonah, what did I say about talking to the pretty ladies?”
“Sorry, Sam! I’ll go check the hash browns.”
“Good call, kid.” He patted the teen’s shoulder and glanced around, again searching for Zoe.
Monica put a hand on his arm. “Are you looking for someone?”
He shifted his stance. “Did Zoe come in with you and Gabe?” Maybe he missed her, and she was just in the restroom or something.
Monica narrowed her gaze. A perplexed look crossed her face, and he knew why. As far as everyone was concerned, he and Zoe were bosom buddies. The platonic Lucy and Desi of Langley Park ready to make you laugh at a moment’s notice. Why would the other half of the comedy team not know what was going on with his best bud?
She shook her head. “No, she didn’t. But you know she’s working a story. She’s been chasing a lead for quite some time.”
He looked past her to the kitchen, trying for nonchalant. “Has she told you anything about it?”
He met her gaze. That perplexed look was back then she glanced past his shoulder and smiled. “No need to worry. I see her now. She’s coming this way.”
Relief flooded his system, and he whirled around. Only inches away, Zoe reared back, wobbly from their near collision. She met his gaze, and the breath caught in his throat. Something was different. A hard, determined glint flashed in her eyes. He parted his lips to speak. He needed to say something, but nothing came out. He was her friend, right? A friend could be concerned for another friend. But his mind couldn’t land on one damn thing to say. She watched him for a beat, then two before Em broke their silent tête-à-tête.
“Glad you made it, Z. Now, come and hold my child. I think Gabe’s face is starting to scare him.”
Zoe held his gaze a beat longer then turned her attention to the table. But instead of shooting back a snarky comment or hilarious barb, she said nothing.
Finally, his brain kicked in, and the connection to his mouth rebooted. “What is it, Zoe?”
She crossed her arms and smiled. His chest tightened. That wasn’t her real smile. He’d seen her use this smile over and over in the days after Sara’s death. This was her placating, don’t you worry I’ve got it all under control smile.
“I’m sorry, everyone. I can’t stay for brunch,” she answered.
Jenna frowned. “Not even for one mimosa?”
The tightness in his chest loosened a fraction. If there was anyone who could make Zoe stay, it was her sister-in-law. But that relief was short-lived when he caught Zoe lift her chin.
She shook her head. “No, not even for one. I have to go. I’m leaving Langley Park.”
The ground shifted. At least he would have sworn it had. Leaving? She was leaving Langley Park?
“What do you mean you’re leaving?”
Sam looked over to see her brother Ben. He’d come to his feet, his face awash in confusion and concern. He was grateful to his friend for saying what he couldn’t.
“Yeah, Auntie Zoe!” Kate chimed. “You promised once I learned the nines multiplication facts, we’d go to The Scoop and order the biggest mother-flipping ice cream sundae they could make.”
Everyone at the table stopped talking, their gazes bouncing from Kate to Zoe.
Zoe’s face softened, and the hard edge she’d come in with receded. She glanced around the group. “For the record, Kate didn’t use any curse words. But you all know me, and that could have been a lot worse.”
Her friends and family gave a collective nod.
Zoe went over to Kate and twisted the end of her braid. “I’m only leaving for a few days, Jellybean. I promise, once you memorize your nines, we’ll hit up The Scoop for the biggest,” she glanced at her brother who was eyeing her like a hawk, “most delicious sundae you can imagine.”
The little girl still wasn’t satisfied. Kate crossed her arms and schooled her features, a trick she’d picked up from her father. “Then where are you going?”
“Yeah, Zoe, you haven’t mentioned anything about a trip,” Em added.
“It’s just a thing for a story I’m working on in southeast Kansas. I’ll be back by the end of the week.”
“Can you tell us what you’re investigating?” Lindsey asked.
Her placating smile was back. “It’s just a little research. I’m not even sure if there’s a story. I’m still pulling the pieces together.” She glanced at her watch. “I better get a move on. I just wanted to stop in and say hello. My schedule’s been a little crazy. I’m sorry if I’ve seemed distant.”
“You know we’re always here for you, Zoe. If any of us can help, just ask,” Jenna said, reaching out and squeezing her hand.
“Auch du meine Güte!”
Everyone’s gaze jumped from Zoe to Oma, looking quite irritated.
“Good grief! Let the woman work! Go, Zoe! Go and report and make sure the people of Kansas are informed!”
Oma didn’t mince words, and her interjection immediately shifted the vibe. The furrowed brows disappeared, and the once worried faces gracing the group relaxed.
Sam watched as Zoe worked the table, going from person to person. She got to her niece, and the little girl twisted a bracelet off her wrist and handed it to her aunt before giving her one last hug. Then she headed toward the door, completely ignoring him.
He followed her. “Hey?”
She slipped through the entrance and onto the sidewalk.
“Zoe! Stop!”
She did as he asked but didn’t turn to face him. “Sam, I need to go.”
“Yeah, I was there when you told everyone. You may not have noticed me because you barely glanced my way.”
She turned and met his gaze head-on. “Better?”
“It’s a start. What is going on? We’re friends, Z. You can tell me anything.”
Her cheeks bloomed scarlet. “You want to know where I’m going?”
He narrowed his gaze. “Stop playing games.”
Her eyes widened. “Me stop playing games? What about this game we’ve been playing for the last five years?” She shook her head. “Forget it! I just have a lot on my mind with this story.”
A lump formed in his throat. This was the shift he’d been dreading since the day she’d returned to Langley Park.
He took a step toward her. “Where are you going?”
She gazed at the sky and laughed. “A couples retreat.”
He froze, every muscle rendered incapable of movement. Fuck! There was someone else.
“Who?” he asked on a tight whisper.
“Who, what?” she shot back.
“Who are you going with?”
Christ! Did he even want to know?
“Nobody! My significant other had to cancel. His wife went into labor.”
“Jesus, Zoe! Are you having an affair with a married man with a pregnant wife?”
He hated to admit it, but by the way she’d been acting these last few weeks, an affair would make sense.
She shook her head and laughed.
“I don’t see what’s so funny about that?”
“You’re one to talk,” she said, all traces of amusement gone.
“Come on, Z, what’s going on?”
She sighed. “Cam, you know, Cameron Baxter from KPR. He was going to go with me, but Suzie went into labor a couple of hours ago right before Cam and I were supposed to leave.”
“Wait! You and Cam are…” He couldn’t even say the words. He knew Cam and Suzie. They’d hung out all the time when he’d gone up to Lawrence to visit Zoe.
She crossed her arms. “Cam and I aren’t sneaking around behind Suzie’s back. The retreat happens to be near a facility I’m trying to investigate. Going to the retreat would give me a way to get close and try to observe what’s going on there without anyone knowing.”
“So, you and Cam were…”
“We were going to pretend to be married. See.” Zoe dug into her purse and pulled out a handful of rings.
He glanced at the wedding bands. “How can you go now?”
She paced back and forth. “I’m just going to bullshit my way in—tell them my husband was delayed or something. I just need to get a look at this juvenile detention center for girls.”
“Wait, what do you think’s going on at this place, Z? Is this dangerous?”
She stared down at the rings. “This is important, Sam.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Her bottom lip trembled. “We brushed a lot under the rug when I came back to Langley Park after Sara’s death.”
A vise clenched his heart. Pain so acute, he’d forgotten he’d been living with heartbreak for so long.
“Zoe…”
Her eyes burned into him. “Let me finish, Sam.”
He nodded.
She released a slow breath. “I’m not some kind of saint who left a fancy reporter job in D.C. solely to be with my bereaved brother and niece. They fired me. I was fired five minutes before I got Michael’s call telling me Sara had killed herself.”
“Zoe, I’m—”
She raised her hand. “I was fired because I botched up an investigation. An investigation into a girls’ juvenile detention facility near the Virginia and West Virginia border where I knew, I knew, terrible accounts of abuse and neglect were being perpetrated on the girls inside.”
“The facility next to the couples retreat you and Cam were going to, it’s next to a girls’ detention center, isn’t it?” he asked, putting it together.
She nodded. “Several weeks ago, I met a teen at an opening of a Girls and Boys Club who’d just been released from a girls’ juvenile detention facility in southeast Kansas. She won’t go on the record, but her account of her time inside matches up with what was going on at the facility I was investigating when I was still in D.C.”
“Why all the sneaking around then? Why can’t you just get their records and turn them into the authorities?”
A hot blush crept up her neck. “It doesn’t work that way. These are privately owned facilities. They’re not required to report let alone keep this kind of information. But you see, I’ve got another chance, Sam, and I’m not going to screw it up this time. I jumped the gun in D.C. I pinned everything on a traumatized seventeen-year-old girl who recanted her story and left me with nothing. No story. No job. No reputation. Worse than that, I’ve let down every girl that has had the misfortune to pass through those gates since, and now I think the same thing is happening here, in a Kansas facility.”
The Complete Langley Park Series (Books 1-5) Page 116
