I spent the entire night before analyzing every minute of my date with Bronn.
If that’s what it was.
From the moment that I almost backed over him with my car, to the way he smiled widely when he realized it was me that had tried to kill him, to his teasing about having run someone over before, I’d scrutinized his every action.
His take-charge attitude about ordering for me should have annoyed me. I was an independent woman; I didn’t need a man speaking for me. But he’d remembered the way I liked my water, and even though it wasn’t that complicated, I was sure as a bartender that he had heard a million drink orders yesterday. Yet, he remembered mine.
Maybe he’d spent the night before thinking of me, too?
My stomach flutters at the thought.
I laugh out loud, glad that I’m alone and don’t have to explain my sudden outburst, when I replay his proclamation that he had wimpy taste buds.
My heart squeezes when I remember the way his face had fallen, barely noticeable when he’d mentioned his father. Most people wouldn’t have noticed it. But every time I spoke of my father, my face would do the same.
Had he lost his dad, too?
I make a mental note to ask him about that. My mental list of things to ask him grows longer by the minute.
I want to get to know him.
And that scares the shit out of me. Not because I’m interested in a man, but because I’m worried that I would find a reason to want to stay in this town, and then my job would send me away and I would be reliving my childhood all over again.
Finally, being at peace with life only to have it snatched away from me.
Again.
So, after a night spent tossing and turning and only getting fitful sleep that was plagued by dreams of both the past and present, I shove out of bed well before the sun is set to rise and strap on my running shoes.
I’m determined to run Bronnson Williams out of my system.
The neighborhood that I’m living in is nestled along the Port Royal Sound, and they have a fabulous little beach called The Sands.
I make my way through the quiet streets, the sun just starting to peek over the horizon, and steer my thoughts away from Bronn, letting them drift to a time long ago.
“Mama, I miss the beach. Will we go home soon?”
Her face fell. “No, baby,” she whispered. “We’re not ever going back. This is our home now.”
My eyes filled with tears, sadness overwhelming me. “But, I don’t like this place. I miss the ocean. I miss my room. I miss Daddy!”
Mama’s face hardened. “That’s enough!”
Her tone scared me, causing the unshed tears in my eyes to fall.
Instead of pulling me in her arms to comfort me, she turned on her heels and rushed from the room, leaving me to cry for my losses alone.
When I pull myself from the painful memory, I realize that I’ve made it down to The Sands. I glance around, seeing that I’m alone and slow my jog down to a walk.
At the water’s edge, I drop to my ass and cross my legs, content to sit and listen to the sounds of the water while I wait for the sun to rise. The sadness lingers, but begins to melt away the longer I sit.
Mama wasn’t being cruel all those years ago, the way I’d always thought. She was hurting just as much as I was and coping the only way she knew how. She was determined to forge a new path in life for herself and her only child. I wish I could have realized that then, but I was only a kid.
And now it’s too late.
Mama is gone.
Just like Papa.
Just like Daddy.
It’s just me now.
I have Riley. And more than enough friends. But there is something about knowing that you have another part of yourself out there, someone that’s connected to you the way no one else is, that’s a comfort.
And Nana is still alive, but dementia’s stolen her mind.
Even though Mama had been estranged from her own parents for a while, she still took comfort in knowing they were there. And it had proven to be an effort worthwhile, because over time she’d mended fences with them. After their reconciliation, she’d reminded me constantly that it was never too late for apologies and second chances.
After we’d left Beaufort, my mother had made good on her promise that we would never return. Our family vacations never included the beach or ocean. She told me it was because she preferred the mountains or the plains, but I knew that it was really because she was trying to erase the memories of where we’d come from.
I didn’t understand her motives then, and even now I still can’t fully comprehend it. But, whatever her reasons, she took them to the grave with her, and there was no use in speculating about it.
I sit in the sand a while longer, watching the sun rise spectacularly over the water, and breathe deep, relishing the smell of the salt water. A dolphin leaps from the water in front of me, and I squeal in delight. Several more follow their leader, and I’m treated to a show that I never could have imagined I would see living in the capital of the state.
“You were wrong, Mama. This is my home,” I murmur.
I push to my feet, wiping the sand from the seat of my leggings and resume my run. I’d managed to push the thoughts of Bronn from my mind, but I wasn’t sure the memories that had taken his place were any better.
I push harder than I should, intent on running the negativity out of my blood. While on my second lap around the neighborhood, I spy a quaint coffee shop and decide to stop in and treat myself. The bell over the door chimes and I’m welcomed by the scent of brewing coffee and freshly baked pastries.
“Good morning!” a perky brunette greets from behind the counter.
I smile and lift my hand in a wave.
“Out for a run?” she asks.
“Yeah, I ran in high school and college, but I’ve been slack lately, and it was pretty evident this morning.” I laugh, clutching the stitch in my side.
I’d been a state champion cross country in high school and continued running and competing in college, but after graduating hadn’t been as strict as I once was. This morning’s run was the first in at least a month, and even though I hadn’t pressed myself as hard as I could have, I was still going to be feeling it tomorrow.
She nods. “I try and run a few mornings a week before opening up the coffee shop. But more often than not, my cozy bed wins out over my desire to stay in shape.” She’s unloading cookies from a tray into the display case and I meander over to check out the selection. A cheese danish the size of my head catches my eye.
“I’m going to have to change my running route so that it doesn’t pass by here, otherwise I’ll ruin all my hard work with these goodies you have.”
She laughs and straightens, setting the tray on a counter behind her. “You new in town?”
I nod.
“Well, I’m Dani. I own this slice of caffeine heaven along with a couple of other businesses downtown. See something you like in the case? First one’s on the house.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that! But, yes, I’ll take that cheese danish. And a large coffee, extra cream. I’m Grace by the way.”
She pulls the danish from the case and puts it in a box before setting it on the counter and moving to make my coffee. Over her shoulder, she tells me, “Consider it my version of a welcome basket.”
She’s putting the finishing touches on my coffee when the bell above the door chimes again, and I turn instinctively to see who’s come through the door.
My eyes widen when I see that it’s Bronn.
So much for getting him off my mind!
My hands automatically fly to my hair and I try desperately to smooth it down.
An older gentleman sitting by the door catches his attention, and I breathe a sigh of relief that he doesn’t notice me.
I turn back to the barista and whisper, “Uhm, do you have a bathroom?”
One eyebrow arched, she smirks. “Sure do. Right over there.” She lifts a finger and my gaze follows the direction that she points toward the back of the shop, directly behind where Bronn stands.
Shit!
I grab a napkin from the counter and dab my face, wiping away the sweat and shine from my run. “Do I look ridiculous?” I ask, my voice still low.
“If you mean your running attire, then no. But if you’re referring to the panicked look on your face because Bronn walked in…well, maybe just a little.”
Dammit!
She laughs and the noise catches his attention. He looks away from the gentleman he’s talking to and straight at me.
With a slow smile, he says a quick goodbye and then saunters over to where I stand frozen, adrenaline coursing through my veins as he makes his way over. That smile grows wider the closer he gets, and I can’t seem to catch my breath. He’s wearing a sleeveless shirt, and I can’t stop staring at his muscular arms, imagining what it would feel like if they were wrapped around me.
“Well, what a surprise to see you in here, Grace.” His voice is low and a chill shoots down my spine as his eyes take me in from head to toe.
Finally pulling myself out of the bicep-induced haze, I swallow hard and tell him lamely, “Yeah, I was just finishing up a run and popped in for breakfast.” It’s obvious what I was doing, but my mind blanks on any other form of intelligent conversation.
Bronn looks over my shoulder and nods. “Dani. Can I get one of those blueberry scones and a large coffee?”
I assume she agrees because his attention returns to me. “You have somewhere to be?”
I shake my head. “Job doesn’t start for another week.”
“Great. Let’s sit.” Just like yesterday, he doesn’t wait for me to agree, just turns on his heel and makes his way to a table in the corner.
With little choice but to follow, I make my way across the small shop and take the chair opposite of him.
“You’re used to getting what you want, aren’t you?” I ask after settling into place.
He lifts an eyebrow and I elaborate. “I mean, you didn’t even wait for me to say, ‘gee, yes, I’d love to have coffee with you.’ You just say, cave-man style, ‘let’s sit’ and then off you go. What if I didn’t want to sit? What if I wanted to stand? What if I wanted to sit outside, not in this dark corner?”
He leans forward, resting his arms on the faux wood tabletop. “Do you want to stand?” he asks solemnly.
I stretch my legs in front of me, wincing slightly as they twinge in pain. “Well, no. My legs are already sore from my run.”
He nods. “Mmhmm. And do you want to sit outside?” he asks, his face still serious.
“I mean, it is a nice day outside.” I glance around at the cozy shop that’s now empty, save Dani the barista. “But this is okay, too.”
“So, what you’re telling me is that this table I’ve chosen is fine with you?” His mouth twitches, and I swear he’s fighting off a smile.
My eyes narrow and I cross my arms over my chest. “I suppose that is what I’m saying.”
His eyes dart to my chest and he finally gives in and lets out a sharp burst of laughter. “You know, you do that a lot.”
“What? Bitch about something even though it really isn’t worth bitching about?” I ask, fighting my own smile.
He gives a quick shake of his head. “No.” Jutting his chin toward me, he says, “You keep crossing your arms over your chest, giving me a teasing shot of your cleavage. And the more often you do it, the harder it’s becoming to not give in and enjoy the view.” His voice drops deliciously low. “And, I’ll be honest with you, Grace, I’m trying real hard to be a gentleman here.”
The way he keeps saying my name, coupled with the silky smoothness of his voice causes my body to tingle and I squirm under his penetrating stare.
He notices and his eyes darken even further. “So, unless you want my inner caveman to win out and throw you over my shoulder, carrying you out of this coffee shop, I’d suggest you relax a bit. You can start by uncrossing your arms.”
He gives me a slow wink as one of his large hands tugs on my wrist, pulling it free, just like he did yesterday. My arms fall limply by my sides. My face is warm, flushed, and I’m unsure of what to do or say next.
For God’s sake, Grace, pull yourself together!
Like an angel sent from heaven, Dani saddles up to the table, Bronn’s coffee and scone in hand, and saves me from further embarrassing myself.
“Here ya go, honey,” she says, setting the items on the table.
She bends at her impossibly tiny waist and lays a kiss on Bronn’s cheek. My heart sinks so deep into my belly I’m positive it has an actual anchor hooked to it.
Her hand still resting on his shoulder, she turns and asks, “You want a refill on your coffee, Grace?”
Too afraid that I’ll say something stupid, I press my lips together and shake my head.
My mind races, first disbelief and then anger racing through my mind.
Does Bronn have a girlfriend? Fiancée? Wife?
Maybe they have an open relationship? Maybe that’s just the kind of guy he is and she doesn’t notice it anymore? She was extremely welcoming, maybe that’s just the kind of place this town is? Bronnson and Dani Williams, the small town welcoming committee?
The further my mind spins out of control, the dizzier I become.
My stomach lurches as the humiliation catches up with me, and I realize that I’ve made an idiot of myself.
Just as quickly as the humiliation threatens to overtake me, anger bubbles up and takes its place.
How dare he be so flirty with me! How could he be so disrespectful to Dani, taking another woman out to lunch, giving her that stupid spiel about hot sauce and then talking about my freaking breasts just now, while she dutifully makes his coffee just a few steps away?
Having had enough of the entire thing, I push to my feet and clear my throat. “Thank you so much for the coffee and danish, Dani.”
I swallow the lump that’s forming and turn my angry glare to Bronn. “It was really nice meeting you. Thanks for the conversation, but I’ve got to get going. I’ve uh, got to get to work.”
It’s a lie and I know that he knows it is the moment it leaves my lips, but I don’t care. I’ve got to get out of here before I say something that I can’t take back.
Like calling him a Neanderthal.
Or spilling the beans of our lunch date.
My hand is on the door handle and I’m just about to sling it open when Bronn’s strong hand covers mine. “Hey, where ya going so fast?”
Wrenching my hand free from his, I shoot him a glare before I sling the door open and march out into the sunshine.
He’s hot on my heels, showing no signs of letting me make a quick getaway. The anger that’s coursing through my veins finally erupts and I whirl to face him.
“You’re a pig!” I snap.
He stops in his tracks, his eyebrows shooting to his hairline. “Well, I’ve heard that one before. But usually I know what I’ve done to deserve the name calling.”
His casual response only furthers my already boiling temper. “You take me to lunch yesterday. Ask me to dinner tonight. Talk about my boobs this morning. All while having a girlfriend. Or wife. Or whatever she is!”
His jaw slacks and then, to my horror, he grins. “Dani won’t mind that I took you to lunch. Or asked you to dinner. Or talked about your boobs.”
A sound of disgust escapes my lips. “Well, I’m glad you’ve found someone like that, but your lifestyle isn’t for me.”
Bronn takes a step toward me, but I hold my ground. He doesn’t stop his advance until he’s towering over me.
“You sure you’re not interested in my lifestyle?” His voice is barely more than a whisper. “It’s not too bad, I bet you’d find you like it.” He winks and my mouth falls open.
My stomach is in knots, his proposition something I’ve never encountered before. “Absolutely not. I don’t share.”
He uses his thumb and forefinger on my chin and tilts my head back. I wriggle out of his grasp and take a step back. My action doesn’t deter him though. “Not even with my sister?”
Bile creeps up my throat. “Incest?” I whisper. I begin to back away from him, needing to put space between us.
Wait a minute.
When the lines around his eyes begin to crinkle from the smile on his face, it hits me.
“Oh, God,” I moan, covering my face with my hands. “I’m such an idiot.” I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life. “I wouldn’t be upset if the ground opened up and swallowed me right now,” I mumble behind my hands, my cheeks on fire.
He pulls my hands from my face, his own hovering only inches away from me. “Yes, you are.” He winks, his smile firmly in place. “But you’re a pretty fucking cute idiot.”
“You’ve got to be thinking that I’m crazy right now,” I moan, still unable to look him in the eye.
He gives a shake of his head, his hand still holding my wrists away from my face. “Nope. Only thing I’m thinking about is what time I’ll pick you up for our date tonight.”
Oh, God.
I’d forgotten all about our date tonight. And now that I’ve made a royal ass of myself, I’m beginning to second-guess it. “You, you sure you still want to go out tonight?”
He drops my wrist. Taking a step impossibly closer, he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his hand lingering at my neck. The light touch of his fingertips on my skin causes a different type of heat to course through my body. “I made reservations at The Shrimp Shak. Asked for the finest picnic table on the deck. Would be a shame to have to take my sister to dinner instead.”
My brow wrinkles. “Did you really make reservations?”
“Fuck no.” He laughs. “I don’t even think they have a damn phone in that place.” He grabs my hand, a habit I’ve noticed he has, and runs his thumb across the back of it.
The simple gesture helps melt the last of the embarrassment away. Warmth blooms in my chest when he asks earnestly.
“So, dinner tonight?”
There’s not a chance in hell I would turn him down, so I nod. “Wouldn’t want you to be forced to take your own sister out on a date.” I gasp in mock horror. “What would the townspeople think?”
He grimaces. “We wouldn’t want to get them talking again, now would we?”
Pressing my lips together, I shake my head. “No, definitely not.”