by Cate Beauman
She studied the hulking man, realizing he meant it. “She’s definitely a keeper.” But her small smile faded. “I’m afraid our meeting’s turned into a bit of a horror show.”
“It’s certainly been an original.”
Her smile returned, even when she was certain she was about to get the ax. “Yes.”
“I’d like to try again.” He pulled out his phone. “I’m hit or miss for the rest of the week, but I want to get this project going. How about dinner tonight?”
Gwen felt herself frown, expecting anything but a dinner invitation. “You want to have dinner?”
He nodded. “What’s good around here? I haven’t had much of a chance to check out the summer fare.”
She struggled not to sigh as she thought of her next dilemma. “Most everything is great, but I can’t promise I’ll be able to find a sitter on such short notice.”
“Bring Kaitlyn with you.”
Her left eyebrow winged up. “Because this afternoon has been such a success.”
He roared out a laugh. “All right. We’ll have dinner at the compound, then. We can pick up where we left off—keep things more relaxed.”
Dinner at his place. She didn’t love the idea, but he was trying to work with her. She was the one who needed this job. “All right.”
“Do you like steak?”
“Yes.”
“Steak it is.”
She stood, bringing Kaitlyn back to the stroller. “You’re sure about this?”
“One hundred percent. How about six thirty?”
She strapped Kaitlyn into her car seat. “Sure. I’ll bring dessert.”
He nodded. “Perfect.” Then he walked over to the plastic coat hooks on the wall, grabbing a royal-blue windbreaker, holding it out to her. “I figure you might want this.”
She took it, putting it on, breathing in his cologne as she rolled the sleeves several times, finding it huge. “Thank you. I’ll get this back to you this evening.”
He shrugged. “Whenever is fine.”
She gathered her stuff, then started for the door, rolling Kaitlyn in her stroller. “I’ll see you at six thirty.”
“Bring your appetite.”
She was a nursing mother; she always had an appetite. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”
“It sounds like we’ll be good to go, then.”
Cade shook his head, grinning as he closed his office door behind Gwen. Of the hundreds of meetings he’d led throughout his ten-year career, this had been a first. He’d been completely distracted, massively unproductive, and highly entertained.
He'd spent less than twenty minutes in the company of Gwen Carter, yet he’d learned plenty. She was definitely sassy like her younger sister. She trusted him about as far as she could throw him. And she knew how to keep her cool in a dicey situation. Gwen had handled herself like a pro when he’d been forced to point out her potentially embarrassing issue. Most people would have fumbled and faltered, but she’d rolled with it, delighting him with her quick wit.
And she’d made him laugh—one of his deep-in-the-gut belly laughs. When was the last time he’d laughed like that? His smile faded as he moved to take his seat behind his desk because he couldn’t remember.
Leaning back in his cheap leather chair, he stared out the window at his fleet of planes, breathing in the scent of Gwen’s fancy French perfume still lingering in the air.
She was sinfully gorgeous and spicy—pluses in the personal department. But he couldn’t dismiss his professional concerns—her ability to deliver on a big fucking redesign. He wanted perfection for this project—demanded it. The smart move—the logical move—was to hire someone who had more experience and fewer distractions in their schedule.
He opened his drawer, picking up the business card for one of the larger Boston firms that had come highly recommended. But for reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he wanted to give Gwen the opportunity to prove to him that she could handle the job.
Life whispers to you, Paxy, but you have to be willing to listen.
He thought of his sister’s favorite saying, and because Cadence had always been far wiser than he could ever hope to be, he set the card back down and closed the drawer, going with his instincts instead of listening to his brain.
He wasn’t a complete idiot. Rebecca had emailed him numerous samples of Gwen’s past projects—before and after photos from stagings she’d completed for Carter Island Realty and Rentals. Gwen had done excellent work. The high-end listings had sold within hours of hitting the market due to Gwen’s talent and attention to detail. But staging a five-thousand-square-foot home wasn’t in the same league as renovating an entire airport.
Sighing, he locked his hands behind his head as he often did, trying to decide if he liked that Gwen had been on his mind since he’d spotted her at the grocery store. He’d had no desire to build bonds or be close to anyone since Cadence’s passing, but he couldn’t deny that Gwen had captured his attention.
Shaking his head, he banished all thoughts of her, focusing on the paperwork waiting for him. He got to work, getting lost in reports, contracts, and the still-mind-boggling details of running the day-to-day operations of a small island airport.
Gwen walked into Carter Island Deli and Bakery, laughing when Molly and Callie glanced up, then rushed around the counter to shower Kaitlyn with grins and kisses. “Apparently, I’m chopped liver.”
“No, but you’re not nearly as adorable as this girl.” Molly plucked Kaitlyn out of Gwen’s arms, noisily kissing her niece’s cheeks again. “Come here, cute stuff, and let me snuggle you up before we get busy again.”
Kaitlyn grinned, babbling and cooing as she reached up, pulling on the long strands escaping Molly’s ponytail.
Molly freed herself from Kaitlyn’s tight grip. “Hey, watch those pinchers, little crab.”
“How are you?” Callie asked Gwen, wrapping her up in a hug.
“I’m good.” Gwen returned her beautiful blond sister-in-law’s embrace, loving that she could feel Callie’s growing baby bump as they embraced. Much to Callie’s dismay, it had taken months for her compact runner’s body to start finally showing signs of her pregnancy. But it wouldn’t be too much longer before Kaitlyn had a playmate. “I’m a little soggy, though.”
Callie frowned as she eased back. “You’re soggy?”
Gwen pulled the windbreaker open, showcasing the damp top half of her sundress. “They have a mind of their own, I swear. And I had no idea I was dripping like a damn faucet—practically geysering.”
Callie laughed her sympathy. “Oh, no.”
Gwen nodded. “Cade Paxton pointed it out during our business meeting.”
Callie’s big blue eyes grew huge. “Oh, Gwen.”
Molly stopped bouncing Kaitlyn about. “So, that’s where you got your cool new dress.”
“Yes, a real fashion piece for sure.” Gwen cleared her throat, preparing to tell her two best friends the rest. Because she already knew how this was going to go. “We’re having dinner tonight.”
Molly smiled smugly—the Carter smile—batting her long lashes. The Carter siblings inherited identical blue eyes and brow lines, as well. Nate and Gwen were often mistaken for twins despite the fact that Gwen was a year older, and Nate’s six-foot muscular stature towered over both of his sisters. But Molly was the anomaly of the family—five foot six and petite, with her enviable dark-brown hair and olive skin. “Well, well, well.”
Gwen rolled her eyes. “It’s business. We accomplished absolutely nothing while I leaked breast milk all over his office.”
Molly’s smile returned. “And where are you having this business dinner?”
“At the compound.”
Molly wiggled her brow. “Let me repeat myself. Well, well, well.”
Gwen couldn’t help but chuckle at her sister’s predictable teasing. “Give me a break.”
Grinning, Molly shrugged. “He’s a major hottie. I’ve been trying to tell you that for months.”<
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Gwen wrinkled her nose. “I didn’t notice.” And that was the story she was sticking with, even as she tried to forget his firm, sexy lips curving into a big smile and the way his laugh lines nearly crinkled into dimples with his grins.
It was Molly’s turn to roll her eyes. “Tell me you don’t think anyone in this room believes that. The blind notice when Cade Paxton walks by. And the whole Aussie thing? Just stop it.”
Gwen narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t you engaged to a hottie of your own?”
“Yes, I am. But that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun messing with you.”
Callie laughed. “I think we can all agree that Cade’s exceptionally dreamy, but that doesn’t mean Gwen’s ready to get back into the dating game just yet.” She hooked her arm around Gwen’s waist in solidarity.
“Thanks.” Gwen settled her head against Callie’s. “But I don’t have plans to date again. Ever. I’m not interested in complicating my life.” It was already complicated enough without inviting a man into the mix.
Callie rubbed her hand up and down Gwen’s back. “Maybe you’ll change your mind later on down the road.”
Gwen shook her head. “I don’t see that happening. I’m happy with the way things are. I have Kaitlyn and you guys. I’m rebuilding my life—just me and my baby girl.” She didn’t miss the quick look of concern Molly and Callie exchanged. “And it’s irrelevant, anyway, because Cade Paxton certainly isn’t looking in my direction.”
“Well, then he’s dumb,” Molly said, heating up.
Gwen could always count on Molly’s absolute loyalty. “I appreciate that you think so, but whether he is or isn’t doesn’t matter one way or the other. Cade is simply a means to a fat paycheck and referrals for more business after I knock his socks off.” She glanced toward the display case. “So, what should I bring for dessert?”
And just like that, she considered the subject dropped.
“I made a killer cheesecake today—lemon,” Molly suggested.
Callie nodded. “It’s definitely killer.”
“All right. I’ll take a couple of slices home with me.”
“I’ll get it,” Callie said, moving back around the counter to grab the thick lemony slices from the cooler section of the display case. “How about some raspberry sauce, too? For a drizzle?”
Gwen shrugged. “Sounds great.” She walked over to lean against the granite countertop in her sister’s pretty shop. She’d always loved the ambiance Molly had created: fresh-baked scents, ancient brick walls decorated with framed chalkboard menus, dark-stained refurbished floors, big leafy plants, gorgeous displays of delicious treats, and a charming seating area by the picture window.
Then there was their new business in the side room—Arts and Eats—where patrons signed up to enjoy Molly’s excellent desserts and conversation. Then they took a stained-glass class with the world-famous Callie Davis-Carter. Gwen did her part by managing the bookings and accounting. “And how are you today, mama-to-be?”
Callie beamed. “Great. Wonderful, actually. There are lots of little kicks going on in here.” Her smile grew wider. “Nate lays in bed for hours, talking to my belly, waiting for any movements this one makes.”
Gwen laughed, remembering the magic and wonder of feeling Kaitlyn’s kicks and jabs. “How’s the name game going?”
Callie winced. “Fits and starts. We’ve settled on Samuel Henry for a boy—after my mom and your dad. But we can’t decide on a girl’s name.”
“Samuel Henry,” Gwen said, letting the name roll off her tongue as she nodded. “Perfect.”
Callie beamed all over again. “We love it.”
Gwen smiled her happiness. Nate had struck gold the day he met Callie. Now they were married and expecting their first child. And Molly had Brad, who simply adored his bride-to-be. Their wedding date was just around the corner. Her brother and sister had found themselves amazing partners—something she hadn’t managed to do for herself. “You two are going to be the best parents.”
“We have a great role model.”
Gwen squeezed Callie’s hand before she reached into her purse, setting some money on the counter. “I should get out of here, get myself cleaned up, and keep my little night owl awake for as long as I can, so she’ll sleep during my meeting.”
Molly moved closer, sliding Gwen’s hair off her shoulder, her eyes full of regret. “I wish we could help you out—take this little nugget off your hands for a while.”
Gwen shook her head. “You two have Arts and Eats tonight. Kaitlyn and I will be fine.” She leaned across the counter, kissing Callie’s cheek, then Molly’s, before she took Kaitlyn and her bag, heading for the door.
“We’ll want details,” Molly called.
Gwen chuckled. “There won’t be any.”
“Oh, hey, wait,” Callie said, coming around the counter again. “We’re thinking about setting up a spa day with Marnie—maybe for next Sunday. A girls’ afternoon. Massages, facials, mani/pedis. Can we count you in?”
Six months ago, Gwen wouldn’t have hesitated. She loved being pampered. Now, she had to think of her dwindling bank account. An afternoon at the spa wasn’t cheap. “I’m not sure I’ll have a sitter. Kay’s already so generous helping me out a couple of afternoons a week.”
Callie frowned. “I’ll make sure Nate has the day off. He can keep an eye on Kaitlyn.”
Gwen glanced from her sister to her sister-in-law. Crap. “Uh, let me get back to you. I have a staging coming up, and I can’t say what my commitments are going to look like once the airport project gets going.”
Callie nodded. “Okay.”
“Thanks for the cheesecake.” Gwen made two smoochie sounds, then headed out the door, hating that she’d lied to the two women she trusted the most.
Chapter 4
Gwen fastened one-carat diamond studs in her ears, then adjusted her plunging top, straightening the left spaghetti strap on her shoulder. Tonight, she was going with simple and black. Kaitlyn would have no-fuss access for any of her snacking needs, and if her breasts wanted to play their nasty little games, no one would be the wiser.
She glanced over her shoulder, chuckling as Kaitlyn lay on her pink play mat, freshly bathed and dressed in a white and purple polka-dot onesie, talking her baby talk and chewing on her toes.
“Are those yummy toes?” Gwen turned and squatted down, wiggling her baby’s drooly toes, helping her daughter make the connection. “Kaitlyn’s toes.”
Kaitlyn smiled up at her, then got back to business.
“I’m glad those work for you.” She picked up a couple of multicolored rattles, one of Kaitlyn’s soft plastic books, and a few of the miniature stuffed animals Mom and Dad had surprised her with during their last visit, bringing the assortment of toys over to the diaper bag on her bed. “Okay, Little Miss, here’s the plan. You’re going to continue playing while I gather the rest of your things. Then you’re going to have a second dinner. Then you’re going to take a nice long nap while Mommy has her very important meeting.” She moved back to her daughter, picking her up, pressing noisy kisses to her cheeks. “What do you think about that?”
Kaitlyn babbled, making a grab for her earrings.
“Oh, I agree.” Gwen evaded her daughter’s hands with ease. “It’s brilliant, really, and I believe we can pull it off. You and me, we can do anything. It’s called girl power.” She brought Kaitlyn over to the rocker she had yet to move to the nursery, settling her daughter in for a feeding by one of the big picture windows. “We have thirty minutes before we need to leave, so bon appetit.” Gwen stroked Kaitlyn’s soft skin, praying that her little girl would follow their plan as she listened to the ebb and flow of the Atlantic a hundred yards in the distance.
Sometime later, Gwen’s eyes flew open when she realized she’d dozed off as the doorbell rang. “What time is it?” Rushing up, she glanced at the clock, relaxing some when she recognized that only twenty minutes had passed. Breaking Kaitlyn’s latch, she adjuste
d her bra. “Let’s go see who that is.”
“Coming!” she called, hurrying downstairs, opening the door. “Kay.” Blinking her surprise, she smiled at the pretty, plump sheriff’s office dispatcher she’d known her entire life. “What are you doing here?”
“Honey, I was just over at the bakery. Molly was telling me all about the meeting you have scheduled this evening, so I’m here to help you out. I feel so bad about earlier today.”
Gwen adamantly shook her head. “Don’t worry about it. Everything worked out just fine. You didn’t have to fight your way through the traffic to come all the way out here.” Kay lived three miles in the opposite direction.
“I did.” Their longtime family friend stepped inside, taking Kaitlyn from her arms. “You’re too stubborn sometimes, Gwenyth Carter. I said I’d help you today, and I ended up breaking my promise. That doesn’t sit well with me.”
“You had a job to do, and I understand that. I know how nuts things get around here this time of year.”
It was Kay’s turn to shake her head. “You go get your shoes on and head on out. Kaitlyn and I are going to have ourselves a catch-up out on the porch while we watch the waves. It’s gorgeous outside tonight. There’s breast milk in the fridge if we need some?”
“Uh, yes, but—”
“No more nonsense. Kiss your daughter.”
Gwen did as she was told.
“Now, you go have some fun. You look just as beautiful as always. We’ll see you when we see you. Night-night, Mommy.”
And Kay was off, chatting Kaitlyn’s ear off about Uncle Nate, Fanny Marstens, and Tobias’ naughty dog, who’d gotten into trouble again as they headed toward the deck.
Gwen shook her head, laughing, still adjusting to her rapid change of plans. But she couldn’t deny that she was entirely relieved and incredibly grateful. Tonight was a big deal.
Grabbing dessert from the fridge, her laptop case on the table, and Cade’s freshly washed windbreaker off the railing, she slid on her black strappy sandals, then headed for the compound—a short walk to the next driveway over.
