“Spill it,” Larkin demanded.

“But you haven’t even told me about your day yet.” Blayne dodged the demand by busying herself with the magazine options on the table next to her chair at the Flat Iron Coffeehouse. “As for me, I finalized the paperwork for Alora Kingsley to manage my store, she’s been doing a great job.”

Larkin stared at her.

“Evette’s niece, if you remember. Since you asked so nicely.”

Ignoring the sarcasm, her friend sank into the chair cushion. “I packed a few remaining boxes at the Cape house. Some albums that I’d had over there along with some of Maxine’s.” She smiled sweetly. “Now spill.”

Blayne tried to shrug off the wash of goosebumps that ran along her skin as the moment she’d shared with Jamie against The Ice Cream Cove played again in her mind. His kiss had rocked her harder than any kiss he’d given her before. Why was that? Was she such a rebel, or had she simply gone mad that the forbidden made him taste so sweet?

Because what woman in her right mind would go back to a man who’d left her like he had? But with each passing day it was becoming more difficult to keep her distance.

She was failing hard. A grin tipped up her lips.

Maybe it how his shoulders had filled out, overflowing her hands, or how he towered over her more than before?

She was a strong-ass woman, damn it. A man being bigger than she shouldn’t make him attractive, but damned if it didn’t do just that.

Or worse.

It could be his thoughtful addition of Archer’s Angels, or the care and attention he was taking on the project. That was so much worse because it was a hell of a lot harder to fight against an attraction based on respect and admiration.

If only she could get Larkin to tell her to stay away. To best-friend-threaten her into keeping her distance. Surely that would help.

“I’m sick,” she exclaimed.

Claire and Larkin looked at one another then back.

“Do you have a cold?” Claire looked confused.

“No.” Blayne shoved up from the velvet cushion, then sunk back down. Balling her fingers into fists, she said, “I kissed him.”

“What?” her two friends blurted in unison and scooted to the edges of their seats.

Larkin studied her from the corner of her eye. “Him who?”

Pinning her with a look, Blayne had to force herself to unclench her jaw. “You know him who.”

“And why are you acting like you’re mad at me?” her friend questioned.

Blayne smoothed the fabric of her red cigarette pants and dropped into the chair, questioning her decision-making on every plane.

Claire asked, “Are we talking about Jamie?”

“We had a successful day yesterday and we both got caught up in it all. We really do work very well together and—”

“Ha, so Ryker was right!” Larkin grinned.

Claire waved her off. “I don’t think now’s the time to gloat on your husband.”

“Oh, right.” A sheepish shrug couldn’t disguise the supreme satisfaction glowing from her eyes.

Shelly Anne walked up. “What’s up, girls? You three are busier than a beehive.”

Blayne threw a warning look to her friends.

“Can I get another espresso, please?” Claire asked abruptly. “I can’t get enough of this stuff.”

Shelly Anne beamed. “Of course, honey. Does Evette know you’re here?”

The former Studio 54 dancer had her long, waist-length hair braided with a few silver ribbons to go along with her bohemian-style silver skirt. She maintained a decades-old but friendly coffee competition with Evette’s North Cove Confectionery. Blayne could only imagine how fierce she’d been in her heyday and the competition was a no-brainer.

Larkin laughed. “She should know better if she thinks we wouldn’t come. Your coffee is the best in town.”

“Got that right.” She sniffed as if patting herself on the back. “Anything else, ladies?”

“No, but thank you, Shelly Anne.” Looking past her, she turned to Blayne. Crap.

“As I was saying…we got caught up in our success yesterday and Jamie kissed me. Hard. And long.”

Claire sighed. “Hard and long are two of your favorite things.”

“Claire!” Blayne laughed.

“Just because I’m not getting any doesn’t mean I don’t want any,” she retorted.

Blayne couldn’t fault her for that logic. “It was different somehow. Just like after the moose—"

“Wait, what? After the moose?”

This was the drawback of having good friends. They never missed a damned thing. She sighed. “Yes. After the moose took off, we kissed for the first time.”

“I knew something else was going on. Did it feel like the first time?” Larkin teased.

Shelly Anne returned with Claire’s espresso. “Be careful, honey. This is some high-octane stuff.”

“I’m a pro.” Claire laughed. “Don’t worry.”

“Well?” Larkin pushed.

“As a matter of fact, yes. It’s Jamie and all the same things I was attracted to before but more. I don’t know. He’s filled out. A man now. We were so young. But it’s more than just how drop-dead sexy he is. I wish it wasn’t.” Days gone by of laughing and dreaming flashed before her. “It scares me.”

“Why?” Claire asked.

Because losing him had been excruciating and scary in a foreign country all by herself. Thank God she’d already met Larkin by then.

She shook her head at the impossibility of it all. “I’m going home to Ireland.”

“I really wish you’d quit reminding me.” Larkin frowned.

“I know, but I am. I miss my family. I need to apologize to my da.” She swallowed past the pain. “Emma keeps me up to date with everything going on. Dylan’s a real heartbreaker these days, and Ruby’s in charge like always—but she shouldn’t have to be. I hate that I’ve missed so much, but I can still hear my da say not to come home.”

“Oh, Blayne. He didn’t mean it.”

“You don’t know Noah MacCaffrey. He says what he means and means what he says.” She tried to organize her thoughts through the web of pain and guilt that had been spun over the years. “I hurt the family. My da and I’d always been close, and I was so mad when he didn’t immediately understand my need to be with Jamie back then that I lashed out. Said hurtful things.”

“But by now…” Claire offered.

Blayne nodded. “By now he knows he was right. It’s time for me to face the music, but I couldn’t do that until I was worthy to do so. And thanks to you,” she gestured toward Larkin, “I’ll finally be able to face them.”

“You are more than worthy. And that didn’t just happen now.”

She blinked a few times. “This project will do so much for this community. It is so much bigger than myself or a firm or any business I can build. It changes lives and futures.”

With a nod, she strengthened her resolve. “Now, I can go home. Ruby needs a break from having to take care of everything all the time, though I think she loves it. She was always the leader of Dylan and Emma and me.” She looked around the coffeehouse at the couples and families. “And I’m lonely. I don’t have anybody here. There’s no reason to stay.”

“But that’s not true. We are family.” Larkin’s voice trembled.

Blayne rushed to reassure her. “Of course. But you have Ryker and the baby on the way. Your mom and dad are here. Maxine.”

“And my sister.” Larkin pinned her with a pointed look.

“I’ll always be your sister.”

“Yeah, yeah. You two love each other. Let’s get back to the kissin’.” Claire drank another sip from her cup.

Larkin and Blayne glanced at one another then shot a look at their friend. Her cheeks were pink, and a thin bead of perspiration was glistening from her upper lip. She’d scooted to the edge of her chair as if afraid it would give under her any moment.

“We love you, too, Claire. You know that.” Larkin rubbed her arm.

Claire looked at them like they were mad. “I don’t care. I want details.”

Blayne raised an eyebrow at the demand.

“Oh, count me in. I’m a sucker for details.” Mitch’s deep voice startled the three women as he sunk to the couch next to Claire. Larkin and Blayne quickly straightened in their seats.

Claire stiffened. Clearing her throat, she said, “You wouldn’t be interested in these kinds of details, Mitch. They have to do with full lips and big muscles…” As the words raced from her mouth, she snapped her hand that was trailing down his arm back to her side.

As if her words had slowly dawned on her, she continued. “Not your full lips, I mean, not that your lips are full or that your muscles are large. I mean. Shit.”

She looked at Larkin and Blayne for help.

Larkin stood, her belly making the action slow, then settled her arm around Claire. “Our friend here just had one of Shelly Anne’s high-octane espressos and is apparently hornier than a bull moose during mating season.”

That snapped Claire out of it. She shoved Larkin’s arm away. “I am not!” she shot back with a snarl. Jabbing her thumb at Mitch, she added. “And certainly not for this guy. He’s about as good a choice as Jaimie is.”

“What the hell?” Mitch said. “Look who’s talking. You’re wound tighter than Clint Fenwick during a PG-13 movie at the park.”

Blayne laughed. Mr. Fenwick watched over Cape Van Buren’s morals like Janice did her plants, with a sharp eye and persistent care. Though sometimes his care seemed somewhat stifling and judgy. The poor guy needed a little lovin’ to calm him down. Then maybe he wouldn’t be so afraid of it.

And then there was Mitch. One of the Cape’s most eligible bachelors who’d do just about anything for anyone. Except commit. He’d always hold a special place in her heart for all the free legal help he’d provided the center. Giving him a hard time had become one of her favorite pastimes, next to teasing Ryker. But this boy gave it as good as he got it. “Relax, Mitch. Claire’s got a point. Your reputation doesn’t just precede you, it parades ahead of you like a high school marching band.”

“You’re one to talk, Blayne MacCaffrey. I have buddies who’ll walk a mile out of the way to avoid passing your store after they’d dated you.”

Her grin was quick and sharp. “Good. I can’t abide idiots.”

Mitch slowly backed away. “I am regretting this whole exchange.”

“Be nice or I’ll tell your mom,” Larkin teased.

Mitch turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowds at the front of the coffeehouse. Smart man.

Blayne and Larkin slowly turned curious eyes on Claire.

“What the hell are you two looking at?”

“Do you like him?” Larkin asked.

“Not even a little. He’s irritating and cocky…and irritating.”

“You already said that,” Blayne teased.

“He’s an ass, and so are the two of you.” Claire grabbed her cup and threw it in the trash. “Stupid coffee high.”

Larkin laughed. “Uh huh…sure.”

“Weren’t we telling Blayne how she’s an idiot if she doesn’t jump Jamie?” Claire said.

Panic washed through Blayne’s chest. “Hell no. You were telling me how only a masochist would put herself into such a position after everything the man did to me.”

“No, you’re right.” Larkin sunk into the velvet cushions of her chair. “But what if he’s really changed? Then that means he’s all the things you loved but better.”

Blayne couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Who the hell were these people and where did her friends go? “Are you kidding? Since when do we push each other to run into broken relationships?”

“But it doesn’t sound like it was broken. Just badly timed.” Claire offered.

“Look, I’m not telling you to go down that same road again. But I worry about you not thinking this through and giving yourself a chance to figure out what you really want.”

“I know what I want,” Blayne ground out. “And it doesn’t include watching the love of my life walk away…for a second time.”

Two sets of eyes stared at her as if she had the answer. Her words echoed around her head, increasing her dread.

“I’m just saying, quit fighting everything between you and Jamie. He’s changed. Grown up. And I’d hate for you to lose out on this second chance because you were afraid. It’s time for you to live a little too.”

“I live plenty.” She snorted. Gathering her things, she stood.

“I’m suggesting hold off on the fast food for a while and try something a bit more savory, probably more satisfying, and definitely tastier.” Larkin winked. “Nothing is set in stone. Even if you allow yourself to really spend some time with Jamie, it doesn’t mean you still can’t go home to Ireland. But at least this way, you’ll go home knowing for sure.”

Blayne didn’t know if she should laugh or swear or cry. Larkin was supposed to keep her from the love of her life, not push her toward him. The problem was, she had a bad feeling that the more time she did spend with Jamie, the more time she’d want to. It was a terrible and incredible situation to be in.

But no matter what happened, she had to go home. This time it was more than just what she wanted. She owed it to her family. Jamie didn’t even know it, but he’d taught her a very important lesson when he’d left so long ago. The importance of family. He’d put his first as she should have done with hers.

Well, now was the time.

She’d get this launch off the ground with his help, and she might even let herself enjoy the time she did have with him.

But then it was off to Ireland.

* * *

Jay sat in the kitchen of the Cape Van Buren house—AKA new community center—and ran through the numbers one more time before saving the document. If his plan was executed the right way, the donor program would keep The Archer Conservation Park of Cape Van Buren running in a way that was sustainable and encouraged growth. Satisfaction settled in his chest. Now to make his plan to win back Blayne work just as successfully.

He had to find a way to remind her of how great they really were together before he’d fucked it all up. Their work on the launch was a great start, but he needed something more.

Something intimate.

A loud bang sounded from the basement, followed by a louder curse.

Pushing away from the large island, he walked to the top of the stairs. “Need a hand?”

“Nope,” Maxine yelled from below. “I know what I’m doing, young man.”

“Never doubted it for a second.” With a grin, he snatched the open, cobalt blue canning jar of moonshine from the counter and poured it into a small tumbler. He had one job. Don’t let anyone disturb Maxine while she was working with her harvest. He’d stand guard all day, every day, if it promised him some of her brew.

Taking a sip, he let out a sigh as he walked through the rooms. The painting was finished, the floors restained, and Cape Van Buren-inspired artwork now hung from the walls. The navy and eggplant color scheme, though striking, had been swapped out for a softer gray and neutral palette with a lot of wood and rope reminiscent of the coastal life they lived. Beautiful in its own way, and in line with the motif set in the lighthouse.

Later in the week, the new furniture and supplies would be delivered. Then they could set up the offices, classrooms, meeting room, and the new community space.

A grin stretched his lips.

Being part of something so significant to a whole town was a different sensation than anything he’d ever experienced before. He’d closed huge deals, helped companies turn never-imagined profits, and set his own investments up to serve him a lifetime.

Yet everything still felt hollow.

Alone.

No matter what he’d accomplished, it had never left him settled or with a feeling of purpose.

But this was different.

The fulfillment, the wash of contentment, of pride, was so much more than anything else. If he wasn’t careful, he could get high off something like this.

Or maybe it was simply the fact that he was a part of it with Blayne.

He’d lost count of the empty one-night stands he’d had over the years. How numb he felt, as if just going through the motions. No matter how sweet, or smart, or sexy the women he’d met had been, his dreams remained crowded with crystal green eyes and berry red lips.

But he’d persisted, searching for someone to fill the ever-present hollowness in his chest. How many hearts had he broken? And what kind of selfish bastard kept looking to fill a hole, knowing from the beginning that there was only one answer…one person who could?

Scrubbing his fingers through his scruff, he moved through the back hallway, past the honey room—that wasn’t going anywhere—and into the front receiving room. An opened box along the front wall caught his attention.

With another sip of the shine, which he secretly wished had the power to wash away his regret, he lowered to the floor, leaning against the wall. He set his tumbler next to him, then pushed the cardboard flaps open. The box was filled with albums, and he took them out one by one.

The first album had pictures of Larkin and Archer visiting the Cape. He flipped through the pages. This would be great to have in the library for visitors to look through. Kind of the beginning, the “once upon a time” of the new center.

The next one hit him in the gut.

Blayne’s glowing green eyes stared at him with a grin so big he’d call it cheeky—and she’d hate it. At least, she’d pretend to. She was way more sentimental than she wanted people to know. He’d always guessed it was part of her self-preservation mechanism.

He turned the page to find her and Larkin at the Cape Van Buren Independence Day Festival with fireworks bursting in the night sky behind their heads. He remembered that day clearly. In fact, he was the one who’d taken the photo.

The next picture made him pause. His chest squeezed with desire. Blayne sat on his lap with her arms around his neck. Her black beret had tilted in that sassy way of hers that left him wanting to cover her body with his, to stake his claim every time he saw it.

Selfish bastard was right.

They’d just finished a huge fund-raiser in the town square at The Fountain of Youth to provide financial assistance to families who required extensive pediatric care in town. The two of them had set it up, run it together, and ended with more funds than any other event that year. Maybe ever.

The front door opened, and Judge Carter strolled in with a look on his face that reminded Jay of a kid looking for candy.

“Hey, Judge, Mrs. Van Buren’s in the cellar.” He turned to the photo, loving the smile on Blayne’s face as his words finally registered. Shit!

He jumped up, jogging over to intercept the man before he reached the top of the stairs. “I mean she was in the cellar…dropping off…”

He racked his brain for anything the woman could have dropped off.

“Albums. That’s it.” He grabbed the older man’s arm and dragged him toward the boxes he’d discovered. “Remember this?” He showed the judge the photo of him and Blayne.

Judge Carter craned his head to look toward the cellar door. “Was?”

He waved dismissively. “Oh yeah. She left about an hour ago.” If the judge went near those steps, Jay was a dead man.

He swore he could feel the perspiration beading at his hairline. Never partaking in any of Maxine’s moonshine again would be the worst punishment ever.

He shoved the picture in front of the judge again. “Remember how much money we brought in that year?”

Judge Carter was hesitant to relinquish his search for Maxine, but he focused on the picture. “I do. I do. I don’t think we’ve had an event quite as successful since.” He scratched the whiskers at his chin. “Why would Maxine drop the albums in the cellar? I don’t think they’d keep very well down there with the dampness and all.”

Clearly, the judge hadn’t set foot in the basement of the Cape house since Ryker taken over. Maxine had talked her grandson into letting her use the space and had the whole thing finished out with climate control and good lighting. What better way to make her brew?

Hell, they could convert it into a comfortable apartment if they wanted to someday. But he secretly hoped they didn’t. It would be a huge loss if Maxine quit making his favorite drink.

Directing the man through the front door a little firmer than he was comfortable with, Jay snorted. “Sounds just like her, doesn’t it? I had to go down and haul them upstairs. You know Maxine.”

Holy hell, the woman would have his balls in her distiller for that comment. He glanced toward the door, praying she hadn’t heard him. The bead of sweat broke free and dripped down his temple.

“You okay, boy?” the judge asked. “You don’t look too good.”

A loud bang made both men jump.

“What was that?” Now the judge looked completely suspicious and stepped back over the threshold.

Puzzle raced through the foyer toward the kitchen and both men chuckled. “Damn cat,” Jay joked. “He’s always causing mischief. Larkin moved him over here when they started working on renovations.”

The judge nodded. “Good idea, keep the poor guy from getting lonely.”

Jay looked the man over. He’d never pegged the guy as a cat lover, but it was obvious he was averse to being lonely. Probably why he let Maxine run him around so much.

“Where’d you say Maxine went?”

Jay swallowed the guilt tightening his throat. “I think she said something about going downtown to meet up with Larkin.”

The judge nodded as he made his way down the steps toward the circle drive. “If she stops by, let her know I’m looking for her.”

“I will.” Jay waved then closed the door with a solid thud. Turning, he leaned against it with a sag of relief.

“Nice save, dummy.” Maxine stepped through the door to the cellar stairs. “I said don’t let him in.”

Jay shook his head and gestured toward the photo. “I got distracted. And FYI…you delivered the albums to the Cape if he asks.”

She glanced at the photo, then harrumphed. “You lied to a judge, hope it was worth it.”

Jay took in the smiling face of Blayne one more time then slid the photo into his back pocket. The idea of seeing that smile every day for the rest of his life fueled a determination in him so strong he wondered if he’d ever really wanted anything before. His struggle to work past his selfish tendencies lost ground every day he spent with her. He wanted, needed Blayne in his life.

And he wasn’t going to stop until made it happen.

“Oh, it is.”