Chapter One

 

Five years later…             

 

Allen was caged in again. Every time he turned to get away, there was another opponent. They were faster, smaller, and younger than he was. Even though they were well matched in numbers, his crew was about to get their butts whipped. He went in for a kill, only to get stuffed and served.

 

“Get behind him, let's try that one again,” Aaron, his captain, said as they huddled together. “We've got these twerps. We aren't going to let a bunch of greasy-faced teenagers take us down, are we?”

 

“It’s now or never.” Allen knew they had to gain the higher ground again. He looked around, trying to avoid the watchful eyes, knowing the distraction could end up killing them.

 

“Break.” They parted ways as the buzzer sounded the timeout was over.

 

When the ball was in motion again, he realized there was no way they were going to win. Those greasy kids were going to whip their butts. They made three more points to the teenagers’ five before there was a squeal, causing the entire gym to look towards the bleachers.

 

“Aaron, your wife's water just broke. You better get over here and take her in. You're having a baby,” said Megan Jordan. She stood by the petite Lacey Stevens, who was past her due date and stood there holding her protruding belly. Aaron, along with Lacey's two brothers, Iian and Todd, rushed off the court and lifted her down gently from the bleachers. Luke and Allen stood there trying to catch their breath. They smiled and watched their friends all hover as Aaron carried his wife out the doors. Several of the women who'd been cheering them on left.

 

Two women remained. They talked as the other team and the referee left.

 

“Is that Amber, the new manager for the Golden Oar?” Allen slapped Luke's back as he looked at the pretty brunette. He kept trying not to look at the raven-haired beauty standing next to Luke's new girl.

 

“Yeah.” Luke smiled in her direction. Allen knew Luke and Amber had been seeing each other for about a month. Luke’s grandmother had died recently and he'd been going through a rough time. But seeing Luke's smile and watching his eyes light up when he looked at Amber, he knew he'd gotten through the hardest part.

 

The black-haired beauty standing next to Amber had been introduced to Allen before the game as Sara Lander, an old friend of Allison Jordan's. Sara had been born and raised in Pride, but for the past three years had been living in Seattle. He didn't know much more, but curiosity was killing him.

 

Luke waved to Amber and started to walk towards the locker rooms. Allen followed him, trying to keep his eyes from traveling to the two women standing by the bleachers. He couldn't understand why he was feeling a pull towards Sara, but he was, and he was the last person to deny an instinct.

 

“So, you grew up here?” Allen asked while the two men showered in separate stalls.

 

“Yeah, I moved east after school and spent some time at MIT.” There was a moment of silence. “Why?”

 

“Well, I figured you could fill me in on what you know about Sara.” He tried to sound casual, but his friend easily caught on and for the entire time they were in the showers and getting dressed, Luke gave him shit over it. He did get some useful information from his friend, but Luke spent most of the time getting back at Allen for all the shit he'd given Luke over the last few weeks about his feelings towards Amber.

 

With the tables turned, Allen knew he was in for it. He just smiled and returned the humor when he could.

 

When they walked out to the gym, Allen was a little disappointed to see Amber standing there alone, waiting for Luke. He watched the couple leave and felt a twinge in his chest. Why did it feel like he'd found everything he'd been dreaming of that fateful day when his chopper had gone down except the one thing he desired most.

 

He walked out, then hopped in his truck and checked his messages while his truck warmed up in the parking lot. He enjoyed his job as company commander of the new Coastguard base. When he'd arrived that first day to check out the facility, he'd walked out on the beach and sat on a large piece of driftwood. He’d known instantly that he'd found the right spot. It had taken him several months to tie up loose ends and find a place to live. He'd been lucky to find an older house just on the outskirts of town that needed a little work. It had been easy enough fixing the house up. The new headquarters for the Pride Coastguard was a different story; it had taken almost a year to turn the old sawmill into the top-notch facility it now was.

 

Over a thousand recruits had come in and out of the front doors of that place last year. So many that they'd turned one of the outbuildings into barracks to house all the recruits. Now, less than a year later, they were building another, larger building to the south of the original facility to house even more recruits. They were also adding a large kitchen facility along with a medical center. The small town of Pride was growing bigger thanks to the Coastguard, and Allen was in charge of it all.

 

There were those in town who didn't want over two hundred recruits running around town, but for the most part, people seem to appreciate the change and the added notoriety that came with having the Coastguard at their doorstep.

 

Even though the facility only housed the school, they had an active branch that could, at a moment’s notice, whisk away to be out on a call. Allen had gone on a dozen or so calls in the last year alone. Most of them were fishing boats that needed help. Some were recreational vehicles that had gotten themselves in trouble. But, to date, Allen had not felt the stress and pressure that he had overseas.

 

Allen drove off through town and noticed someone standing out in the rain on Main Street. When he looked closer, he realized it was Sara. He quickly pulled over, his first thought being that her car had broken down. But when he pulled up, she turned from looking into an empty building and waved at him.

 

Sara stood on the sidewalk in front of the large building, looking into the windows. The empty building was dark, but if she cupped her hands, she could see all the way to the back of the empty room. It was huge. Bigger than she needed. Her heart skipped a few beats as she mentally designed the space.

 

She heard a car drive up and turned and watched Luke get out of his truck and open the door for Amber. Sara had just met Amber a half-hour ago at the gym while they watched the men playing basketball. Apparently, she was the new manager at the Golden Oar.

 

Sara had been visiting Allison to see her and Iian's son, Conner. Allison was one of her closest school friends. When she’d gotten there, Allison had invited her to go watch the guys play a game against some teenagers at the Boys and Girls Club.

 

“Hi.” Sara waved to them and walked across the street. Luke looked at her like she was crazy for standing out in the cold, and she explained, “I was just driving by and saw the ‘for sale’ sign and thought I'd stop and look.”

 

“Are you in the market for an old building?” Luke asked.

 

She laughed. “Yes actually, I've been thinking about opening a bakery.” Sara turned back towards the building. “It's a lot bigger than I'd planned, but I think it'll work.” She turned back towards them. “I could even have tables in the front and offer breakfast items. The Golden Oar is great, but they don't open until lunch. I could sell coffee, donuts, and muffins. Not to mention cakes and pies.”

 

Luke took Sara's hand in his. “Marry me.” He laughed and she could see the humor in her old friend’s eyes. He'd always been a joker.

 

“Luke, you know I'd never marry you.” She laughed and punched him on the arm. “Do you know if Allison's family still owns the building?” She'd never thought to ask Allison before. She knew her friend was probably busy at the hospital with Lacey and their family.

 

“I think so, but you might want to ask next time you see her. I expect a party the second that baby arrives. Maybe this time tomorrow?” Luke took Amber's hand and Sara realized she was probably holding them up.

 

“Yeah.” Sara bit her lip and turned back towards the building. “Maybe I will ask her.” She turned back towards them and said, “I didn't mean to interrupt your plans. Have a great night.” She turned and walked back across the street.

 

She felt a little sad as she watched her friend walk up the stairs on the side of the local mart. She knew there was a large apartment Patty O'Neil rented out. When the lights turned on in the apartment, she turned and walked back to the empty store and realized she could now see into the empty building even better.

 

Leaning her face against the cold glass, she didn't hear the second car approach until it passed her and stopped on the wrong side of the street right next to her.

 

“Did your car break down?” His voice was deep and instantly she felt warmth spread up her spine. Turning, she looked up. It was dark inside his truck, but she could make out his profile. She'd seen him for the first time half an hour ago and she still felt the shock from that first view. Taking a deep breath, she walked over to his truck and placed her friendliest smile on her face.

 

“No, just looking at an empty building. Thanks for stopping though.” She hoped he'd drive away soon. Being this close to him was doing something to her. She was actually shaking.

 

“Can't you look at it in the daylight when it's not this cold out?” His voice was laced with concern.

 

She smiled again. “I guess I'm used to the cold.” She tucked her hands into her heavy coat pockets. Her gloves were keeping them warm enough, but she was beginning to feel the chill. “I can't really see anything tonight anyway. Thanks for stopping and checking on me.”

 

She could see him frown. “Why are you looking at an old building?” He looked behind her at the empty spot.

 

If she kept telling people, no doubt the news of her business venture would be all over Pride before she got a chance to talk to Allison about the space. “It used to belong to Allison. I'm just checking up on it.”

 

He frowned again and looked down at her. There was an awkward moment of silence. “Well, I'll wait until you get in your car.”

 

She huffed out her breath. He really wasn't going to leave until she got in her car. She felt like he was babysitting her. She was an adult. She could take care of herself. Pulling her shoulders back, she turned and walked to her car and got in. His truck lights blinded her as he sat behind her car. It was after six in the evening in Pride, and everyone was having dinner, tucked nice and warm in their homes.

 

She pulled her keys from her coat and turned them only to have her car sputter as she tried to start it. She'd just gotten a tune up before she'd left Seattle. She punched the gas pedal a few times with her foot and tried again. She could feel the lights from Allen's trucks boring into her back.

 

“Come on! Start. Don't embarrass me in front of him.” She tried again, only to have her car completely stop making any noise. “No, no, no. Don't do this. Please.” When she tried again, she realized it wasn't going to happen.

 

She jumped when he knocked on her window. He stood outside, his coat and hat sheltering him from the light snow that had just started. She leaned over and rolled down her window.

 

“Won't start?” He leaned closer.

 

“No.” She looked down at her car gauge. The engine light was on.

 

“Might need a new battery. If you want, I can take you home and you can deal with it in the morning.”

 

She looked straight ahead and felt the shaking starting again. “No, that's okay. I live just a few—”

 

“Lady, I wouldn't let my worst enemy walk a block in this weather. Gather your stuff up, I'll drive you wherever you need to go.” He opened her door and stood back, waiting for her to get her things.

 

Again, she felt like she was left no choice. She knew he was the commander at the Coastguard, so he was probably used to getting his way. That didn't mean he could boss her around. She gathered up her purse and decided everything else in the car could wait until the morning.

 

When she got out, she realized how tall he was. She had to look up to him when she spoke. “It's very nice of you to offer, but I'll be just fine. I only live two blocks away.”

 

“I'm just trying to be neighborly. I'm Allen Masters, by the way. We weren't formally introduced.” He stood there and smiled at her. She felt a little of her resolve melt; he had a great smile.

 

“Yes, I know. I'm Sara Lander. It's nice to meet you.”

 

During the basketball game, Allison had told her all about Allen. How he'd come into town and taken charge of all the construction, turning the old mill into the newly renovated facility the Coastguard now used. Apparently, he was also a pilot and went out on rescues all the time. Surely she could trust someone who risked his life every day to save others.

 

“Well.” She looked up at him and realized how good looking he was. Too much man, she thought. She felt like a teenager standing next to Tom Selleck in his heyday. What would she do with a man like him? She'd only dated one person seriously before and he didn't look like this. Allen was probably in his early thirties. His dark hair was covered with a ball cap with a Coastguard patch. His brown leather coat looked loved and worn in places. His jeans were the same, faded and worn out.

 

According to Allison, he'd been overseas in the war. She probably had nothing in common with him. He most likely found her to be irritating. Especially since she'd kept him standing on the sidewalk for a few minutes now.

 

Pulling her bag close to her, she nodded her head and raised her chin. “Fine. You can drive me home.” She started walking towards his truck and thought she heard him laugh. “Did you say something?” She turned and looked at him, her eyebrows raised in question.

 

He smiled. “No, ma'am.” He rushed to the passenger side of his truck and opened the door for her. She stood there looking at the large truck, trying to figure out how to get in it.

 

“If you grab onto that handhold there, you can step on the running board and pull yourself in.” He smiled.

 

She did as he suggested. It took her two tries to pull herself into the large vehicle. As he walked around the front of the truck, the heat hit her full force and she realized she was freezing. Her teeth started chattering the second he opened his door. She clenched her jaw to keep from letting him know how cold she was.

 

“I'm sorry, I guess I didn't realize how tall my truck is.” He smiled at her and she could tell he was trying to hold back laughter.

 

She nodded her head, not wanting to open her jaw in case her teeth should start banging together. He pulled into Main Street and started driving up the hill slowly. “Where to?” He looked over at her.

 

“Two blocks up, one to the right.” The warmth inside the cab was quickly heating her. When he looked at her, she felt heat spreading from her insides as well.

 

“So, are you going to tell me why you were really looking at the empty building?”

 

She quickly looked at him, trying to figure out how he knew she'd lied to him. When he just continued to smile, she told him.

 

“I'm thinking of opening a bakery. Well, I've been thinking of it ever since I saw the empty building.” She looked out the window. He was driving too slowly for her liking.

 

“Bakery, huh?” She turned and saw him looking straight ahead, thinking. “Are you any good at baking?”

 

“It does help to be good at it, in order to run my own bakery.” She laughed.

 

“I like that.” He smiled at her and she felt her stomach flutter.

 

“What?” She tried not to notice how nice his smile was. “That I can bake?”

 

“No, your laugh.” He glanced at her again. “You should do that often.”

 

She frowned a little. She didn't know what she should do now. Thank him? She was saved when he continued on.

 

“What kind of things would you sell in your bakery? Cakes? Brownies?”

 

“Yes, a little of everything. The nearest bakery is in Edgeview. They do a lot of cake orders for birthdays, weddings, and everything. But I was also thinking of doing sandwiches. Cold and hot.”

 

“Do you know how to make bagels?” He shook his head. “I haven't had a good bagel since Boston.”

 

She laughed. “Yes, actually, they are one of my favorites as well.”

 

He looked over at her and smiled. “I'd do just about anything for a loaded bagel with whipped strawberry cream cheese on top.”

 

She imagined exactly what she'd like him to do, causing her cheeks to heat. “There, it's the last house on the left.” She turned her face away, hoping he hadn’t noticed them turn bright red.

 

He pulled into the drive and quickly got out. Before she could gather her bag, he was opening her door and holding his hand out for her to take.

 

She put her gloved hand in his while trying to step down on the running board, but ended up falling forward straight into his arms. His muscled arms wrapped around her and she felt how solid his chest was against her own. He smelled of shampoo and leather, a wonderful combination. She looked up and started to apologize, her face so close to his she could feel his breath on her face.

 

“I'm—” Then his lips were on hers and she forgot where she was and what was happening. He tasted like heaven and just the feel of his warm mouth on hers sent every remaining chill from her entire body. Not only did she forget to breath, she forgot to move and stood encased in his arms like a statue as his mouth moved over hers.

 

He pulled back and smiled down at her. “Sorry, I must have slipped.”

 

She would have laughed if she'd regained any of her senses, but instead she just nodded her head and lowered her eyes to the V of his jacket.

What did someone do with someone like him? A more sophisticated woman would have laughed and flirted with him. But she was having a hard enough time putting two words together to make a sentence.

 

Just then the front porch light went on and she pulled out of his arms, almost slipping on the ice in her driveway.

 

“My mother.” She didn't know why she'd felt the need to explain things to him, but he smiled and dropped his arms.

 

“Well, if you can't get the car started in the morning, give Rusty a call. He'll fix it up for you real fast.” He shoved his hands into his pockets.

 

She hoisted her bag over her shoulder. Everyone from Pride knew about Rusty, the only mechanic in a thirty-mile radius. Sara didn't know what to say, so she just nodded and started walking towards the front porch, then stopped and turned around.

“Thanks for the ride.” She didn't want to seem rude. Her mind had just clicked into gear and she realized she was about to walk away without thanking him.

 

He nodded and smiled. “Anytime.” He turned and got back into his truck, waiting in the driveway until she was safely inside.

 

 

When she closed the door, Becca, her sixteen-year-old sister jumped on her. “Who was that?” She sat on the edge of the couch and peered out the front blinds.

 

“Allen Masters. My car wouldn't start, and he stopped and offered me a ride.” She tossed her bag onto the couch and walked into the kitchen to find her mother sitting at her desk in the corner, working on her computer. Her mother looked more like Becca than Sara. They had the same build, tall and skinny. Her mother's short gray hair looked stylish and her silver earrings bobbed up and down. Her mother was a chain smoker, but had recently quit. Now she chose to compensate by chewing on Nicotine gum all the time. “Evening, Mom. What would you like for dinner?”

 

It had been the same every night for the last several weeks since she'd gotten home. If Sara didn't cook dinner, Becca and their mother would eat something microwaved that had more chemicals in it than the boxes the food was packaged in.

 

Even though she loved her family, she was ready to find a place of her own. Becca had been allowed to run wild since Sara had left several years ago. It wasn't Becca's fault, really. Their mother had spoiled her from the moment she'd been born. Sara, on the other hand, had taken over the parent role since the fifth grade, when their father had packed his bags and moved to Vegas with their mother's best friend. Neither Becca nor Sara had seen him since.

 

“Whatever you want, dear. I can always heat something up.”

 

“No.” Becca jumped in, walking over to the countertop. “Sara doesn't mind cooking, do you?” Her sister was a lot taller than Sara’s own five-foot-five frame. Not to mention she had more curves than her and her hair was lighter than her own. Basically, Becca was the pretty child. Sara had curly, raven hair, but she'd never really looked at it as beautiful, just a nuisance to take care off. Mostly, she kept it tied back out of the way as she baked. Tying it back now, she got to work making spaghetti for her family as she thought of Allen Masters and the kiss that had baked her insides.