Finding Home Again

“You okay, honey?”

She glanced over at her mother and pasted on a smile. “Sure, Mom, I’m okay. Just had a busy weekend. I showed five houses on Saturday and one after church yesterday.”

“How did that go?”

“I think it went well. No buyers yet, but I think one of the couples are really interested in the Flemings’ place.”

“That’s good. Hmm, I wonder where Kaegan is this morning,” her mother said.

Bryce bit down on her lip, coming close to saying that she didn’t know, nor did she give a royal damn. Of course, she wouldn’t say that since the woman standing beside her was her mother, although she’d been mistaken for Bryce’s older sister a number of times. Her mom looked just that good for her age and her father wasn’t bad-looking for his age, either. Good genes.

Years ago when her father, Chester Witherspoon, had graduated from Catalina Cove High School, he had fled to Canada to avoid fighting in the Vietnam War. It wasn’t that he’d been a coward or anything; he just didn’t feel the country needed to go to war. A few years later after the war had ended he returned with a Canadian-born wife and baby in tow. It was then that he’d decided to do his patriotic duty and enlist in the military for six years. During those years Bryce’s parents had another son, Duke. Four years after Duke they had their only daughter, Bryce. Both Ry and Duke lived in Catalina Cove and were partners with their parents in the family-owned café. Her brothers were happily married to wonderful women with two kids each.

Although no one ever said it, if anyone cared to do the math, it would be quite obvious that Debbie Witherspoon had gotten pregnant before she’d married Chester. That fact never bothered Bryce. Her mother had adopted the philosophy that if you lived in a glass house you shouldn’t throw stones. That was the main reason why, unlike a lot of the other parents in town, the Witherspoons hadn’t bashed Vashti when she’d gotten pregnant at sixteen and refused to reveal the identity of her child’s father. The Witherspoons had stood up for Vashti and had been quite outspoken in saying it wasn’t anyone’s business what Vashti decided to do and whom she told or didn’t tell.

“I think I’ll go help your dad and brothers in the back. Time to put my pies in the oven for the lunch crowd,” her mother said.

“Okay, Mom.”

Moments later, while Bryce was placing their orders in front of Ray and Sawyer, she felt heat behind her and didn’t have to look to know Kaegan had arrived.

When he sat down she glanced over at him. “Your usual, K-Gee?”

He glared at her and she wanted to smile but managed to keep a straight face. He hated that nickname and she’d only called him that to annoy the hell out of him.

“Yes, my usual, Brycie.”

She momentarily went still, not expecting him to retaliate by calling her that. Brycie had been his special name for her whenever they made love. Not able to deal with the memories right now, instead of saying anything she nodded and walked off to the kitchen.

When she saw her mother busy mixing up her pies, she said, “Kaegan is here now, so you can stop fretting.”

Her mother chuckled. “I wasn’t fretting. I’d just noticed he hadn’t arrived at the time he usually does.”

It was no secret that Chester and Debbie Witherspoon always had a soft spot for Kaegan. In fact, very few people knew that it had been Bryce’s mother who’d gone to the school board and pushed for Kaegan to attend regular school and not the fake homeschooling his father claimed he was getting.

It might bewilder some people as to how her parents could still be so fond of a man who’d obviously hurt their daughter. But she knew her parents. The one thing she could give them credit for was not getting involved in their children’s business. They accepted the fact that Bryce and her brothers were adults and treated them that way. They got along with their daughters-in-law, and whenever disagreements would come up, they didn’t take sides.

She understood her parents’ feelings for Kaegan. He’d been a part of their lives just as long as he’d been a part of hers back in elementary school. They loved him like another son. Although her parents didn’t know all the details of their breakup, they believed it was something she and Kaegan would eventually work out. And just like the situation with her brothers and their wives, when it came to her and Kaegan, they refused to take sides.

Her brothers weren’t as easygoing as her parents. All they knew was that Kaegan had hurt her, and in the beginning that had been enough for them to take sides. But when she refused to tell them what Kaegan had done, they soon took the same position her parents had. Kaegan was like a part of their family. Ry and Duke figured whatever had pushed her and Kaegan apart, they would either work it out or they would not. Her brothers made the decision to let her handle her own business when it came to Kaegan and not get involved, and she appreciated that.

Placing hot blueberry muffins in the basket to take to Kaegan’s table, she wondered if his tardiness had anything to do with the woman who hadn’t been able to keep her eyes off him at the party. It appeared everyone had left the party Friday night, but that didn’t necessarily mean she hadn’t returned later for a weekend sleepover.

Reminding herself that what Kaegan did wasn’t her business, she went to pour his coffee.

“YOU’RE NOT VERY talkative, Kaegan,” Sawyer said, stirring his coffee.

Kaegan glanced up. “Not much to say this morning.”

Ray chuckled. “Well, I have a lot to say, mainly about Friday night. That was a damn good party and the food was fantastic, as usual.”

“Glad you enjoyed it.” And because he considered these two men his closest friends, he figured he needed to give them a reason for his solemn mood, even if it wasn’t the only reason. “I anticipate a busy week. I got another big order for the Chappell Group that needs to go out Thursday.”

“I’ll be able to help,” Ray said, smiling. “Ashley’s parents are coming for a short visit. When it comes to her mother, I have to take her in small doses, so trust me, you’ll be doing me a favor.”

Kaegan chuckled. “Was it that way before, when you were that Devon guy?” For a few years Ray had lost his memory.

“It was worse. I think at times she’s trying to determine how much of ‘Devon’ is still in me. Her only saving grace is that I understand she’s happy and excited that I finally got her daughter pregnant. She’s always wanted grandchildren.”

“And now you’re giving her doubles,” Sawyer said, grinning. “You’re going to love being the father of twins.”

“Says a man who should know,” Kaegan said, also grinning. He was happy for these two. He recalled how just a few years ago the three of them had been single men, without a thought of a female in their lives. All of that had changed. At least for two of them things had.

“I saw Farley’s sister at your party. She came without him?” Ray asked.

“Yes. He wasn’t feeling well, and I guess she didn’t want to miss a good party,” Kaegan said, chuckling.

“She’s a divorcée, right?” Sawyer asked.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“She’s pretty,” Ray said, looking at him over the rim of his coffee cup.

He glanced at Ray. “Is she? I hadn’t really noticed.”

In truth, he had noticed, but not enough to warrant his interest. She wasn’t his type. Not that he believed everything he heard, but on more than one occasion he’d heard his men whispering that she was into kinky stuff and that threesomes were her specialty. Personally, he wasn’t into sharing.

He glanced up when a cup of coffee and a basket of blueberries were placed in front of him. When his and Bryce’s eyes met, something stirred deep within his gut and he immediately resented the feeling. He also resented that he was noticing how pretty she looked this morning. Could it be the hint of blush she’d added to her cheeks? Or that her lashes seemed a little longer than usual? In the past, Bryce only put on makeup when it suited her. Was there a reason she was wearing some now? Was there a man coming into the café that she wanted to impress?

“Will there be anything else?” she asked him.

He hated that his thoughts had been on a past that could never be rekindled. She was glaring at him and he automatically glared back. “From you? No.”

He saw her bite down on her bottom lip, probably tempted to tell him where he could take the coffee and muffins and shove them. Instead she turned and walked off. He watched her leave and figured that even if he no longer cared one iota for her, he could still appreciate a good-looking ass in jeans. He kept his gaze glued to her backside until she disappeared behind the counter. He wished he didn’t remember a time he considered that ass and every damn part of her body as his.

“Keep it up and one day you’re going to get hot coffee thrown in your face, Kaegan,” Sawyer said, breaking into his thoughts.

He looked over at Sawyer. “If that happens, I’m sure you’ll be quick to arrest her.”

Sawyer shrugged his shoulders. “Can’t say that I will. I might figure you had it coming.”

“I will have to agree with him,” Ray added. “I don’t know what happened between you and Bryce years ago, but I’d think the two of you should—”

“Continue to ignore each other,” Kaegan interrupted.

“The two of you don’t ignore each other,” Sawyer said, after taking a sip of his coffee. “You antagonize each other. You do her and she does you.”

Kaegan wished Sawyer hadn’t said that. Why did memories of him and Bryce together suddenly flash through his mind? Her naked beneath him while they made love. He had been her first and she had been his.

He glanced at his watch. “I got to go. Marty called and one of his kids is sick, so he won’t be coming in. I’ll be helping with deliveries today.”

Ray raised an eyebrow. “Where’s John?”

“On vacation. He and his family left Saturday for Walt Disney World.”

Ray nodded. “You know if you need me to pitch in I’m just a phone call away.”

Kaegan knew that was true. When Ray had first arrived in town he had worked for him, first out on the boat and then in the office as a bookkeeper. The man had a way with numbers and in the end it was discovered why. He was a Harvard man with dual degrees in computer technology and finance. Even after Ray had started up his own company, Ray Tours, he would often volunteer and help out in any way he could, especially during audit time. Kaegan always welcomed the help. He still did, but knew Ray’s business had grown by leaps and bounds. Instead of one touring boat, Ray now had five. When Ray had gotten his memory back, it was discovered he was a very wealthy man. But Kaegan still appreciated that he hadn’t changed. He was still the laid-back man he considered a close friend.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Kaegan said, standing and leaving enough money on the table to cover his bill and a tip. He glanced over to where Bryce was waiting on another table. Why his gaze had been drawn to her, he wasn’t sure. He never was sure.

“You’re still leaving, Kaegan?”

It was then that he realized he had been standing there staring at Bryce. He glanced at his friends. “Yes, I’m still leaving.”

He then turned and walked out of the café.

BRYCE WAS AWARE the moment Kaegan left because she no longer felt the heat of his gaze on her. Why did knowing he’d been watching her, was always watching her, fill her with a degree of satisfaction?

She had taken extra time with getting dressed today. Although she’d told herself it hadn’t been for him, she knew it was at him. Maybe it was time for her to let him see what he used to have, but wouldn’t ever have again. One day he would regret believing the worst about her.

“That will be all, Bryce.”

She smiled at the Coopers, the couple whose order she’d just taken. Like Ray, Kaegan and Sawyer, the older couple were regulars. “I’ll be back with your tea.”

As she walked off, she felt the cell phone in the pocket of her jeans vibrate. When she got to the hallway that led to the kitchen, she pulled the phone out of her pocket and saw the caller was Vashti.

She clicked it on. “Good morning, Vash, and, no, I haven’t forgotten,” she said, before her best friend could tell her the reason for the call. Bryce had promised to cover for her at the inn for a couple of hours while Vashti took her son, Cutter, in for his regular checkup with the pediatrician.

“Glad you remembered. What time will you get here?”

“What time do you want me there?”

Two years ago, Vashti had inherited the inn that sat on the gulf, Shelby by the Sea, from her aunt. She’d spent a year remodeling the place, not only bringing it back to its once glorious splendor, but also adding additional perks that made the inn one of the most sought-out places for newlyweds, couples celebrating anniversaries and writers needing a retreat to be inspired. Reservations were booked months in advance and Shelby by the Sea always had a full house. Most people checked in on Mondays and stayed until Sunday, and some stayed more than one week. Vashti was expecting at least six couples to check in today before noon, which was why she wanted to make sure Bryce covered for her.

Bryce loved Shelby by the Sea and remembered spending a lot of time there with Vashti while growing up. When Vashti had reopened the inn, Bryce had agreed to be the inn’s assistant manager that first year to help Vashti while she got things off the ground. That meant she was familiar with how things operated at the inn and could step in and help out any time she was needed.

“My appointment is at ten thirty.”

“Then I’ll be there at ten. My first appointment isn’t until three.”

“Thanks, Bryce. You’re a lifesaver.”

“That’s what friends are for. I’ll see you in a few.”

She clicked off the phone when a man walked in. Isaac Elloran. He’d graduated from school the same year as her brother Ry and had moved back to the cove last year. His wife—or ex-wife—had graduated with them, as well. According to Ry, the two had been high-school sweethearts who’d gotten married but had divorced a few years ago.

Bryce didn’t know Isaac that well, but he seemed like a nice guy. And he’d moved back to Catalina Cove to start a new life for himself. She’d heard he was a technology expert who’d sold his business and was able to retire early. It was obvious the man was loaded, with that fancy hot sports car he drove around town and that huge house he’d purchased near the ocean.

He was also handsome and had caught the attention of a number of the single women in town. However, she noted he didn’t date much, as if refusing to let any woman get too close. She’d also heard from Ry that he was still pining for his wife and the divorce had been her idea and not his.

She grabbed a menu and headed in his direction when he sat down at a table. Although she was on the lookout for a nice guy, she wouldn’t put Isaac on her list. The last thing she needed in her life was another man who still loved his ex.

CHAPTER FOUR

KAEGAN GOT INTO his company’s delivery truck, glad to get out of the office for a while, mainly to breathe in some fresh air. For some reason he felt annoyed this morning and seeing Bryce hadn’t helped. But then, he saw Bryce most mornings at the café, so what made today any different? It could be because of the tiff they’d had Friday night, and then to see her this morning looking just as good, even better than she had on Friday, had annoyed the hell out of him. At the moment he was too mad to ponder why.

Kaegan had time before his delivery to Shelby by the Sea, so he decided to take what he considered the scenic route, which went through the main section of town. He would be one of the first to admit that Catalina Cove was a beautiful place.

Kaegan recalled resenting having to leave the security of the bayou to come to this part of town to attend school. He hadn’t liked it until he’d met Vashti and Bryce. Because he’d gotten little schooling before, they’d started him in first grade instead of third, where he belonged due to his age. The other kids ignored him but Vashti and Bryce hadn’t. It wasn’t long before they’d become his best buddies.

Forcing his mind from that period in his life, he studied his surroundings as he drove through the historical part of the cove. The land the cove sat on had been a gift from the United States government to the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte for his role in helping the States fight for independence from the British during the War of 1812. Some believed Lafitte wasn’t buried at sea in the Gulf of Honduras like history claimed, but was buried somewhere in the waters surrounding Catalina Cove.

For years because of Lafitte, the cove had been a shipping town. It still was, which was evident by the number of fishing vessels that lined the pier on a daily basis. That accounted for the fact there were a large number of seafood restaurants in town. The Moulden River was full of trout, whiting, shrimp and oysters. Tourists came from miles around to sample the town’s seafood, especially the oysters. The cove’s lighthouse-turned-restaurant was one of the most popular destinations in town. You had to make reservations weeks in advance to get a table.

It wasn’t long before he pulled onto Buccaneer Lane, where Shelby by the Sea was located. It was a beautiful tree-lined street that ended at the ocean. He noticed the number of vehicles parked in the long winding driveway of the large mansion with the beautiful manicured lawn that sat on the gulf. He recalled hanging out here as a kid with Vashti and Bryce whenever Vashti’s aunt Shelby had something for them to do.

When he pulled into the yard he was glad none of the cars blocked the lane that went to the back of the inn, where deliveries were made. Some people might find it odd that the CEO of a company would do such a task as he was doing here today, but he wouldn’t ask any of his employees to do something that he himself wouldn’t do. He didn’t spend all his time stuck behind the desk. Usually on Fridays he went out on the harvesting ships with his crew.

As he got out of the truck to begin unloading, he could truly say that although he and his company were now taking on bigger clients, he still appreciated the local business owners who contracted with his company to provide all the seafood they needed. Shelby by the Sea was one such client.

When he got everything loaded on the cart, he pulled it through the back and rang the doorbell. He expected Mrs. Livingston, the inn’s chef, to be the one to open the door for the delivery. Instead when the door opened, it was Bryce.

Kaegan frowned. He’d seen her that morning. Once a day was all he could tolerate of her. “What are you doing here, Bryce? Where is Mrs. Livingston?”

Bryce moved aside. “She had a run to make to the store and told me to watch out for someone from your company. I expected Marty or John. I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Well, you got me.” The minute he’d spoken the words, it flashed through his mind that, no, she didn’t have him. Not in the ways that counted with him.

“Fine. Just drop it here and leave it.”

“That’s not how things work. You need to count the number of boxes before signing off on anything, and then I load them in the freezer for you.”

She rolled her eyes. “I know how it’s done, Kaegan. Need I remind you that I used to be the assistant manager here?”

Honestly, he didn’t need her to remind him of anything. “Why are you here?”

Instead of answering him, she took her pretty little time scanning the invoice. All four pages. Then she glanced back at him. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Vashti had to leave for a couple of hours to take Cutter in for his checkup and asked me to fill in while she was gone. Anything else you want to know?”

“Not if it’s going to take you forever to answer.”

She glared at him and he ignored it and wished he could ignore her. She was wearing the same outfit she’d had on this morning. That same blouse. Those same jeans. Definitely a turn-a-guy-on sort of outfit. When she leaned over to read the labels on each box while checking the items off the invoice, he honestly wished she didn’t tilt her curvy ass up like that while bending over.

He recalled the times he’d made love to her from behind and how much they’d enjoyed it. On weekends, when he could send for her to meet him halfway between her college and his military base, he would always arrive at the hotel first and they would spend an entire weekend together in bed.

Kaegan knew he should have suspected something was up when she began canceling some of their romantic weekends, saying she was getting behind in her studies. He’d believed her and had begun feeling guilty that he was interfering with her schoolwork. He’d never suspected the real reason was because she was betraying him with another guy.

“Everything’s all here,” she said, straightening up and signing the invoice.

“Fine.” He took the paper from her, being careful not to touch her hand in the process. “Let Vashti know the delivery was made and on time.”

He headed toward the freezer and began unloading the boxes. She didn’t say anything, but he could feel her standing there and staring at him. The same way he’d stared at her. The heat of her gaze was all over him—he could feel it. He started to say something about her standing there and watching him when the doorbell sounded.

“That’s probably the Braziers. They’re the last couple Vashti expected to check in before noon.”

He wondered why she was telling him that. Why was she still there at all? He didn’t get a chance to ask her before the sound of her heels clicking on the tile floor told him she’d left.

With her departure, he drew in a deep breath, inhaling her lingering scent. He liked it, even though he wished he didn’t.

Trying to put Bryce, her scent and how good she’d looked out of his mind, he continued to stock the boxes in the freezer. But he still thought about her and couldn’t understand why he was doing so. He tried to remember the last time he’d taken a woman on a date.

A number of the women in the cove were aware he and Bryce had been sweethearts in high school and had even talked about marriage once she completed college. Many figured it would just be a matter of time before they got back together. Those women didn’t know how wrong that assumption was, but he was willing to let them think whatever they liked. He dated when he got the urge, and usually when he did there was a woman to take off the edge.

As he was finishing up, he heard the voices belonging to Bryce and two others, and decided he wanted to be gone if Bryce returned. Seeing her twice in one day was enough for him. Nearly too much. He quickly finished what he was doing and left.

“THANKS FOR HELPING out today. Anything interesting happen?”

Bryce glanced at Vashti. Had her friend known Kaegan would be making those deliveries and hadn’t told her? She would admit that Kaegan seemed as surprised to see her as she’d been at seeing him. “Anything interesting like what?”

“Anything. Mondays are always interesting here at Shelby. Last Monday we had that dog deliver puppies on the roof of the gazebo. Not sure yet how she got up there. Then the Monday before that we had that paddleboat wash up on shore with clothes but no people. Sawyer is still working with the Coast Guard trying to determine if a couple who possibly went swimming skinny-dipping in the ocean were reported missing. So far no one has filed a missing-person report.”

Bryce nodded. “The only interesting thing that happened around here was that Kaegan dropped by.”