Chapter Eight
Halley waited at the coffee shop in town for her mother to show up as planned. She sat outside with an iced cappuccino and a cinnamon roll, the sun shining, Monty on his leash, lying down beside her. Things were good, if she wasn’t so wary about dealing with her mother.
Not that Meg had done anything to set off alarm bells, but that was the issue. After her aunt’s dire warning, her mother was acting so genuine. Calling every few days, asking about her life, being present and there. It was confusing because of how much Halley wanted to believe prison time had changed her.
She glanced up as her mother approached, dressed better than the last time Halley had seen her, wearing a pair of white capris and a red top.
She smiled as she settled down into a chair. “I’m sorry I’m late. The bus was running behind schedule.”
Halley smiled. “It’s fine. It’s a gorgeous day and Monty loves being out and about.” She leaned down and scratched the dog’s head.
“Oh, look at him,” her mother said. She picked him up and held him up for inspection.
Monty was now clean, fluffed, and so sweet.
“He’s adorable. How old is he?”
“The vet thinks he’s about three,” Halley murmured. The same age as she’d been when she was sent to foster care. There was something both ironic and meant to be about it all, she thought, before turning back to her mother. “How are you?” she asked, not wanting her mind to dwell on the past while she sat across from the woman whose actions had led to it all.
Her mother put Monty back down and met Halley’s gaze. “Not bad. I got a job at a convenience store within walking distance from where I live.” She leaned back in her seat.
“That’s wonderful.” A first step, Halley thought. A big one, too. If her mother could pay her own way, that would go a long way toward proving herself to her sister and to Phoebe. Who Halley still hadn’t told she’d been in touch with Meg.
Her mother frowned. “It pays the bills but not by much. And the hours are long and in the evenings. But I’m managing.”
“Good. It won’t be easy, I’m sure, but things will get better.” Halley paused, then asked, “Would you like something to drink?”
Her mother nodded and gestured for the waitress. She ordered a large coffee, light with sugar, and turned back to Halley. “How’s your painting going?”
“Very well, actually. I seem to have broken through a block and I love my newest work. Faith, the gallery owner, called this morning when I was walking Monty. We’ve been playing phone tag but I’m hoping for good news about a sale.” At least, that’s what Faith had alluded to in her earlier message.
Her mother placed a hand on top of hers. “I’m so proud of you.”
At the motherly gesture, Halley’s eyes filled with tears.
“I guess that brings me to what I should have said last time I was at your house.” Her mother shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
“Which is?”
She leaned forward and said, “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t the mother you deserved. I’m sorry I was so lost that you were taken away and I’m sorry for whatever you went through when you were in foster care.”
Her words took Halley by surprise, but the conversation she’d had with Kane was still lingering on her mind, the subject too raw. “That’s over,” Halley said too sharply, immediately regretting her harsh tone.
Just then, the waitress returned with her mother’s drink, and they both waited until they were alone.
Her mother spoke first. “I never, ever meant to get so into drugs that you girls suffered. I’ll never forgive myself. I just hope you can forgive me one day.”
Halley managed a smile though it wasn’t easy. Still, her mother was reaching out and she seemed so sincere. “I’m trying,” she said and meant it.
Everyone had the potential to make bad choices, she thought. Her mother’s decisions had led to addiction, and things had spiraled out of control. But she’d paid her dues and she wasn’t living an easy life now. Halley actually felt bad for her, knowing she was struggling.
The waitress returned with a check in her hand and placed it down on the table.
“Thank you,” Halley said. Before she could reach for the paper, her mother grabbed it.
“I’ve got it,” she said.
“Oh. Well, thank you.” It wasn’t a big check and Halley let it go.
Her mom reached for her purse, dug around inside, and winced.
“What’s wrong?”
Her mother’s cheeks flushed red. “I don’t have my wallet. I just have bus fare,” she said without meeting Halley’s gaze.
“It’s fine. I’ve got it,” Halley rushed to assure her, sensing the cost was more of an issue than she’d let on. “It’s happened to me before, too.” She fudged the truth to alleviate her mother’s embarrassment.
Her mother smiled. “I’ll get it next time.”
Halley nodded.
They rose to their feet. Her mom walked over and pulled her into a hug for the first time. Halley’s arms sat uncertainly at her side, and then, though it didn’t come easily, she hugged her mother back.
“Halley?”
She froze at the sound of her sister’s voice, stepping back from her mother and meeting Phoebe’s gaze. “Umm, hi,” she whispered.
Phoebe, dressed for work in a cream suit, looked at them, her gaze darting from Halley to their mother. The first time Halley had seen Meg, she’d had a sense of déjà vu, but she’d known immediately who she was, even if it had taken time to wrap her brain around the fact. Now her sister stared open-mouthed, and Halley watched as she processed the same way.
“How could you?” Phoebe finally asked. “Did you conveniently forget she abandoned us? Left us to the state’s care? Did you blank on what you went through?” she asked, her voice rising.
“Phoebe, stop.” She grabbed her sister’s hand.
Meg, meanwhile, stood there looking at her oldest child. “Phoebe? I’m sorry,” she said, stepping forward. “I just want to apologize.”
“Right. Because that makes it all better. Because it undoes all the harm you did. Oh! Did she hit you up for money yet, Halley? Because it’s only a matter of time.”
“Phoebe, she’s changed. She’s working on things. She has a job and she’s trying,” Halley said, defending their mother and surprising herself in the process.
Phoebe’s jaw dropped and her mouth hung open. When she’d composed herself, she glared at Halley. “Now you’re defending her! Mark my words, Halley. She wants something from you. She’s just buttering you up so you’ll hand it over.”
Halley straightened her shoulders. “You’re wrong,” she said because she desperately wanted to believe it.
Their mother stood in silence, her cheeks flaming. People around them were watching, listening. This was going to be great gossip for the town. The Ward sisters had made a scene with their ex-drug-addict mother.
“I should go,” their mother said. “I’ll talk to you,” she said to Halley before giving Phoebe one last lingering glance and walking away.
Phoebe glared.
“Come on,” Halley said. “I’m allowed to have hope that she’s changed.”
Phoebe’s face softened. “I’m just worried you’re going to be hurt when she shows her true colors. And you’ve been hurt enough.”
Halley sighed. “I love you for caring but maybe this is something I have to learn for myself. Or maybe I won’t have to because she really has changed.”
“And pigs fly,” her sister muttered.
“Can we agree to disagree on this?” Halley asked.
“Yes. Fine.” Phoebe crossed her arms over her chest and met her gaze with a serious one of her own. “But listen, when she fucks up—”
“If—”
She shook her head. “When she does, I’ll be there for you without saying I told you so. Deal?”
Halley dropped her shoulders and sighed. “Deal.”
Phoebe pulled her into a long hug.
* * *
Kane was beneath a car in the garage when Jackson yelled for him. “Harmon! Phone call!”
Kane slid out from his prone position and wiped off his hands. He pushed himself up and headed for the office to take the call, which turned out to be a client wanting to discuss whether it was worth putting money into his old car. After debating the pros and cons, he hung up and started to head back to the bay when his cell buzzed in his pocket.
He pulled it out and glanced at the screen to find a text from Halley. Sold painting to NYC gallery owner!
The fact that she bothered to text him about her good news was huge and he grinned. Celebration is in order, he texted back.
A few hours later, Kane walked up the front steps to Halley’s instead of going around the back the way he usually did when he came to work. He’d stopped by Andi’s place of work and left with a bouquet of flowers, so he strode up the walk and rang her doorbell, planning to surprise her and hopefully take her out for dinner instead of having her cook for them both.
Although he loved her meals and the fact that she didn’t mind cooking for him, he wanted to go out with her in public. To expose her to more of the world, and he didn’t want her to have a chance to say no over the phone or via text.
He rang the bell. It took a while for her to open the door, and when she did, she looked surprised to see him.
She held Monty in her arms. “Kane! Why didn’t you come around to the deck?”
He pulled the flowers from behind his back and held them out for her.
Her expression softened as she took in the bouquet. “They’re beautiful! Thank you,” she said, accepting the wild flowers.
He’d opted for a more casual bunch instead of roses because they reminded him of her spirit. Harnessed but waiting to be set free.
“How’s the little man?” he asked, petting the dog’s head.
“He’s great. So to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” she asked.
“Well, I was hoping to convince you to let me take you to dinner.”
She stepped back and eyed him, looking him over from head to toe. “And that explains the nice jeans and the button-down shirt. Looking good, Mr. Harmon. Very good.”
Her expression told him she liked what she saw and he grinned. “So what do you say?” he asked. “Let me take you out to celebrate your sale.”
She grinned at that. “I’m really not dressed to go out.” She gestured to the oversized tee shirt she often wore to paint.
He shrugged. “I can wait while you shower or wash up. No problem.” He wasn’t looking to give her an out.
“If you’re sure you don’t mind waiting.”
He shook his head. For her? He could wait a lifetime, a revelation that should have shocked him but didn’t. His feelings for her were real and had been building from the beginning. Acknowledging them now felt right.
He followed her inside and she filled a vase with water and arranged the flowers he’d bought inside. Then she headed to the living room area and placed the bouquet on a shelf near her easel. Monty followed her everywhere she went, his little paws clicking on the tile.
“Okay, well, let me shower and I’ll be out in a few minutes. I have to get the paint off my hands.” She waved them in the air. “And you can watch Monty.”
At his name, the pup let out a high-pitched woof.
Kane played fetch with Monty and one of his toys until Halley returned, freshly showered, wearing a pastel blue dress, halter style, that still managed to show off her cleavage. And her hair fell softly over her shoulders, giving her a feminine, flirty, ever beautiful look.
Damn. He let out a low whistle. She spun and grinned. “You like?”
“I love it.” So did his cock, which was erect inside his pants.
“Let me put Monty in his crate and I’m ready to go,” she said, unaware of his physical discomfort.
A few minutes later, she slid a pair of gold sandals on her feet, grabbed her purse, and was ready to leave.
A short drive in his Camaro and they arrived at the Blue Wall, where his sister was working. The restaurant was crowded with people as they approached the hostess stand.
“Hello, you two,” Andi said.
“Hey, sis.”
“Hi, Andi. It’s good to see you,” Halley said.
She smiled. “Kane made a reservation, so your table is ready.” She gathered two menus and said, “Follow me.” She led them to a table in the back of the restaurant, not secluded, because there was no such thing in the restaurant, but at least they had some privacy.
Kane smiled at the people he recognized as they walked to the booth. He waited for Halley to sit and settled in across from her, the low lighting casting her in a soft glow.
The waiter immediately came by and took their drink order. He asked for a bottle of champagne because he wanted to celebrate her good news.
He met her gaze and smiled. “So tell me more about this sale.”
Her eyes lit up at the topic. “A man from a large Manhattan gallery purchased the painting from Faith, and he told her that if it sold well in his gallery, he would be in touch with me for more of my work.”
“I’m thrilled for you. I know this has been a dream of yours.” She spent so much time on her own that the outside recognition must feel good.
“It has. And thank you.”
Just then, the waiter returned with the champagne. He opened the bottle and filled their glasses before leaving the bottle in an ice bucket beside the table.
“To your success,” he said, raising the glass and touching it to hers.
She grinned. “I’ll toast to that.”
They talked about his week and the variety of customers who’d come into the store before the waiter returned to take their orders.
“How’s your dad?” she asked when they were alone.
He groaned at the question, hating to subject her to more conversation about his family issues. “Andi’s had it. She wants to move out, and we’re going to tell him at Sunday night dinner.” He heard the defeat in his tone but he couldn’t help it.
Understanding lit her gaze. “You can’t change him. You know that, right? It’s not your fault he can’t get his gambling under control.”
“Knowing it and really feeling it are two different things. I know he’s making his own decisions, but I can’t help feeling like I’m failing him and my sister somehow.”
She shook her head, reaching across the table and putting her hand on his, curling her fingers into his palm. “You’re strong for all of them, but you can’t do more than you’re doing.”
It meant the world to him that she was here to listen. “I appreciate your support. What about you? You said you were meeting your mother today. How did that go?” He’d wondered about her visit all day, curious about whether her mother had continued to be contrite and apologetic without hitting her up for money.
“I had a great meet with my mother except that we ran into Phoebe and she wasn’t happy. She read me the riot act about how she hasn’t changed and I’ll be sorry I opened myself up to her. And I surprised myself by defending my mother.” She winced and pinched the bridge of her nose as if she were getting a headache.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I just… I hate being in the middle and I don’t want Phoebe mad at me. She said she isn’t, so I’m glad, but I just know she’s wrong. My mother apologized. I mean really apologized for what happened to us as kids. She took responsibility.”
“I’m glad. That’s what matters, right? You do what you feel is best for you, and your sister will do the same for herself. At the end of the day, you’re two separate people.”
She laughed. “You make it sound so easy.”
“Any easier than me not blaming myself for my father’s actions?”
She shook her head. “Touché. Very good point,” she said with a grin.
“I have my moments,” he said with a wink.
Her cheeks flushed pink at that wink and he liked knowing he affected her.
She picked up her glass and his gaze was drawn to an oval opal ring on her finger. “That’s a beautiful ring,” he murmured, the blues and pinks glittering in the dim lighting.
“Thank you. My aunt gave it to me. It used to be her grandmother’s. Phoebe got a necklace that was hers. Apparently they were close and my great-grandmother was nothing like her daughter—who was way too judgmental in life.”
She held up her hand and studied the ring. “I always loved the colors in the stone, and since my birthday is in October, it’s my birthstone. Just like my mother’s and great-grandmother’s, according to my aunt.”
He was glad she had something that belonged to a good person in her family.
“I only wear it on special occasions.” She met his gaze. “And tonight is one of those, thanks to you.”
Yes, he thought. It definitely was.
She smiled and glanced down at her menu.
They ordered their meals, he chose a steak and she picked lobster, and they relaxed, ate, and enjoyed each other’s company. The whole time he watched her, surprised at the change he’d seen in her from the first day he’d picked her up on the side of the road.
She was open in her conversation. She laughed more and it lit up her beautiful face. He hoped he had something to do with the change, but he wasn’t arrogant enough to take complete responsibility. Oh, hell. Yes, he was.
“Can I get you anything else?” the waiter asked.
Kane glanced at Halley.
She shook her head. “I’m good.”
“Just the check, please,” he said to the other man.
Halley placed her napkin on the table. “Before we go, I’m going to stop by the ladies’ room, so if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
“I’ll be waiting.” He watched her go, those long, lean legs a sight to behold.
Imagining them wrapped around his waist as he fucked her caused a definite issue, and he had to alter his focus if he wanted to be able to walk out of the restaurant without anyone noticing his bulging erection.
This woman and the things she did to him… What had started with a broken-down car had led to something real. At least for him, and when he looked into her eyes, he saw more than friendship when she gazed at him. More than sexual attraction, of which they shared plenty. It was that more that had him wanting to take her home and into bed.
He wanted to show her what he felt for her because he didn’t think she was ready for the words. Words he’d never said out loud to any woman in his adult life. He was hoarding them, saving them for when the time was right. Because what had begun with an agreement to take things one day at a time had left him completely invested, and he wanted to let her know.
* * *
Halley freshened up in the restroom. She washed her hands and swept a fresh coat of gloss over her lips, realizing this was the first time she’d willingly gone out without reservation. Kane had asked and she’d said yes. Easy as that.
She was changing, letting her mother into her life… letting Kane in. As much as trusting made her nervous, she had to admit she felt lighter and freer without that constant shadow of worry sitting on her shoulder. Phoebe had said to expand her horizons, and somehow, without planning to, she’d done just that. Maybe her sister didn’t approve of all the ways in which she was reaching out, but Kane was right. Halley had to live life for herself.
And right now she had a sexy man waiting to take her home and to bed. Life was good, and when was the last time she’d actually had a positive thought like that going through her head?
She dropped her gloss into her purse and rushed back out to Kane, stopping short when she walked out of the restroom and saw he wasn’t alone at the table.
Liza had shoved herself into his side of the booth, her ample and probably fake cleavage exposed above the V neck of her tight dress. She swallowed back the bite of jealousy, reminding herself that Kane, who was leaning back and away from her touch, didn’t want to be with her, despite the fact that she obviously wasn’t taking no for an answer.
Halley hadn’t done confrontation with mean girls since foster care. Even in high school, she’d ignored the jibes about her being unwanted and unloved and turned into herself rather than argue or fight back.
But this was Kane and he was hers, and the more Halley watched, the angrier she got. She strode over to the table and glared at Liza.
“Did you not see the second champagne glass? Or do you just not care that he’s not interested in you?” she asked Liza point-blank.
She didn’t see the point in beating around the bush when the other woman was the type to deliberately ignore signals.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Was that you he couldn’t wait to get rid of?” Liza asked in a catty voice.
“Oh, for the love of God. Go away, Liza. He’s mine.”
She huffed and slid out of the booth. “I’ll come back when she’s not around,” Liza muttered and strutted away, her ass swinging as she walked.
Halley rolled her eyes. “Is she dense or what?”
“I’m yours?” Kane asked, pushing himself out of the booth and standing beside her.
She blushed a healthy shade of red, she was sure because her face was on fire. “Can we go now?”
She pivoted but he grasped her hand and turned her back. “Not until I hear you say it to me.”
“Kane—”
He cupped her face in his hand. “If it’s true, it shouldn’t be so difficult to say.”
He leaned down, his face inches from hers, the scent of his aftershave making her weak. She wondered if the rest of the restaurant was watching, but she couldn’t bring herself to look away from his handsome visage or to care if they’d become a spectacle. “You’re mine,” she whispered.
His face lit up with pleasure.
“Now can we go home?”
His eyes gleamed as he grasped her hand and led her out of the restaurant, into his car, and drove her home. Of course, there was no rush to the bedroom, not with Monty whining from the crate. Turned out the dog had made a nice mess.
Kane groaned.
“I’ll clean it. Would you mind running him outside?” she asked.
“No problem. I can do the messy work.”
She shook her head. “I’ve got it. Honestly.”
He scowled but did as she asked, hooked Monty up to his leash and took him out the door.
She pulled the pan out of the bottom of the crate and headed to the kitchen, removing her watch and placing it on the windowsill where she always put any jewelry she happened to be wearing. Then she slid her ring off her finger and placed that in the center of the closed metal watchband. She rinsed the pan with soap and water, dried it, and put it back inside the crate just as Kane returned.
“Come on, little man. Back inside,” Kane said to Monty.
One look at the big, strong man walking the tiny dog and her heart turned over inside her chest. His hair fell over his forehead and she itched to brush it back, to run her tongue along his strong jaw and kiss those full lips. He was well-built, muscular, and so sexy he took her breath away, yet with the tiny dog he was gentle.
“Come on, Monty. Crate,” she said, a dog treat in her hand.
Kane unhooked the leash and Monty went running into his den, eager to get his reward. She locked him up with his soft blanket and favorite toy and stood to face Kane.
He held out his hand and she walked over, sliding her palm along his. He curled his fingers, lifted his arm, and pressed his lips to her hand. Her skin tingled where his mouth touched her flesh and her nipples hardened into tight peaks.
“I want to make love to you,” he said in a gruff voice.
His words wrapped around her, both alluring and frightening at the same time. Love was a foreign emotion to her. She’d never had love, not as a child, and as a teen, she’d been too traumatized to accept it.
She didn’t doubt he’d chosen his words intentionally, but I want to fuck you would have been easier to hear.
* * *
Once their clothes were off, Kane set about showing Halley how he felt about her. She lay on her back, and under the dim light of the lamp on the nightstand, he worshipped her body. He kissed her lips, then trailed his mouth down her neck, past her collarbone, and over her chest. He nipped and licked his way, taking his time, arousing her with every sip and nibble of his mouth and teeth.
She writhed beneath his ministrations, arching her back, bringing her breasts and nipples within tempting tasting distance. He dipped his head lower and sucked a nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue over the tightened bud and flicking and pulling it between his teeth.
“Oh, Kane.” She slid her fingers into his hair and pulled at the longer strands, yanking them harder with each swipe of his tongue and nip.
The sensation went straight to his cock, as it pulsed with need, demanding to be allowed inside her wet pussy. But he had a goal, overwhelming both her senses and her heart, and so he kept on demonstrating his feelings without words.
Words he was certain she wasn’t ready to hear. He’d seen her face when he’d told her he wanted to make love to her. The flash of panic before she’d shuttered her expression and willingly followed him to the bedroom. Overwhelming her with sensation that caused her to feel was his only hope of breaking through her final walls.
He moved to the other breast, giving it the same thorough, sensual treatment before licking his way over her stomach, moving lower, trailing his way down her undulating flesh. He slid his tongue from her navel down to her silken sex, damp and waiting for him to seductively torture it next. He smelled her arousal, and it made his already tortured body even harder.
He parted her sex with his fingers, holding her open so he could swipe his tongue up her center, landing on her clit. She bucked beneath him, and he pinned her thighs with both hands, keeping up the pressure as he lapped at her like a delicious treat. She arched up, grinding her sex into his mouth, and he worked her hard until she climbed, inching higher until her legs began to tremble and shake. Finally, she soared, coming apart beneath him, and damned if he didn’t grind his dick into the mattress as she flew, coming as close to premature ejaculation as when he was a horny teen.
He wiped his mouth against her thigh and slid up her body, taking in her sated expression. Her eyes were heavy-lidded, and her soft lips were parted to draw in breath, with a hint of a satisfied smile lifting her mouth.
Watching her, he gently swept a stray strand of hair off her face. Her gaze focused intently on his as he braced one hand beside her head and grasped his dick in the other, positioning himself between her thighs.
“Ready, beautiful?”
She nodded and he slid into her waiting heat.
A groan escaped her throat, and her hands came to his ass, holding on tight as he began to move, causing her hands to slip off as he pulled out, then thrust back in deep. She grabbed his shoulders, bracing, expecting him to take her hard and fast.
She was about to be surprised. He held back, jaw clenched against the need to take his own relief as quickly as possible. Instead he slid out excruciatingly slowly, then took her again in an intense glide home, grinding himself against her clit before easing out once more.
She moaned, her body shaking, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, clutching him harder, grinding their bodies together. He felt her trembling as her soft walls milked his cock hard, her dampness clasping him in heat. He’d wanted feelings to erupt from this joining, and his were out in full force.
Making love to her was everything—it encompassed him body, heart, and soul. He could only hope she was experiencing the same melting emotions that were rushing through him right now.
* * *
Halley knew she was in trouble. So much trouble, as Kane did as he’d promised, making love to her, his rocking motions so gentle as he took her higher. And she went along for the ride, lost in his thoroughness. Every time he slid out, he thrust back, grinding against her, and waves of arousal washed over her along with a tidal wave of emotion she was helpless against.
She gripped his shoulders as the first wave hit, digging her nails into his skin. “Kane!” She screamed out his name, holding back the more serious words that threatened to erupt, the love she felt for this amazing man caught in her throat as she came.
He held her tight as she rode out her orgasm, rocking into her over and over, milking every last spasm from her body before taking his own release. Afterwards, he collapsed on top of her until he caught his breath and she inhaled his musky, male scent, the sensuality of the moment and the emotions caught inside causing a lump to form in her throat.
What did she do with these overwhelming feelings she was so afraid to name, let alone speak out loud? How did she trust herself to love him freely, to believe that she wouldn’t ever be hurt?
She didn’t know, but she understood that she had to find a way if she wanted a future with Kane. She just didn’t know if she was fearless enough to manage the feat.