Full Circle (4 page)

Ellie plastered on a fake smile. “Of course.”

“We’ll talk later,” Mia said, obviously not buying the lie.

Thankfully, the attention went from her mild outburst to Mr. Roy asking about Heath’s job, which Ellie herself was also curious about. She realized she didn’t know much about his life. Besides living in Chicago, she didn’t know how he spent his days. She did, however, know how he spent his nights now. And with that thought she drained her wine glass. Again. Ignoring Mia’s worrisome look out of the corner of her eye, she held up her glass, letting Abby know she was ready for a refill. While Abby was at the table she topped Heath’s glass off too.

Heath gave little information about his job, as if he didn’t care to share that part of his life. She wondered if it was just his job he didn’t want to share details about. She had the feeling she wasn’t the only one who didn’t know him anymore.

It was Melissa who went on to brag about how successful Heath had become since leaving Seaside, all about investments and financial consulting and stuff. Ellie detected Melissa didn’t appreciate their quaint town and thought it would’ve only held Heath back if he’d stayed.

Melissa wasn’t the first person to regard Seaside as slow. Most viewed it as the perfect vacation spot. Lazy days, sailing, tours through the historic district by people dressed in pirate costumes, but to the residents it was home. They thought of it as a safe place to raise a family—a community.

“I disagree.” That came from Renee. “I’ve lived with the hustle and bustle of a big city, and while it was good for me at the time, I would take Seaside any day of the week.”

      Melissa turned to Heath. “What was that town we went through, darling?”

“Raleigh.”

“That’s like the biggest city nearby,” Melissa said, as if she knew all about North Carolina and had seen bigger and better things.

“No. Not Raleigh. I was born and raised in New York City.”

“And you moved here? Were you a secretary, or something?” Melissa said around the rim of her wine glass, sounding not the least bit impressed.

Turning toward Renee, Ellie caught sight of Mia as her eyes widened.

Renee didn’t skip a beat. “Do you find something wrong with clerical work?”

“Oh, no, I just think it’s easy and not as challenging as—”

“Modeling,” Renee finished, her brow furrowed and voice tight.

Not picking up on Renee’s annoyance, Melissa continued. “Modeling is one of the hardest professions. Not only do I have to keep a good figure, but sometimes the shoots are in the worst weather conditions.”

“Mmm…” Renee said, putting an end to the conversation.

“Renee was a pediatric surgeon,” Ellie said. “Now she volunteers her time between the library and elementary school.” Mia told her Renee had never married or had children. She was devoted to her career. Five years ago, she gave it up in hopes of living a more simple life. She then left New York and headed to the sleepy, coastal town of Seaside. Ellie thought it brave for a single woman to up and start her life over again. Ellie was glad she was here, though. It was as if love had been calling her name, the sea leading her to Mr. Roy. Their love gave Ellie hope for her future. That was until Heath showed his face and threw her for a loop. He reminded her of all the reasons she shouldn’t believe in love.

Melissa’s red painted lips turned into a perfectly shaped O. “Oh.”

Heath eyed Ellie over the brim of his wine glass. Was he really mad at her for putting Melissa in her place, for taking up for Renee? In return, she shot him her own “go screw yourself” look.

A tick started in his jaw, his frustration clear as day.

Ellie sipped her wine, desperately waiting for Abby to come take their food orders when Melissa said, “So, you’re Saint Ellie?” There was no ignoring the distaste in the other woman’s tone.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, honey, I mean that as a compliment.”

Ellie knew Melissa’s true intentions with her so-called “compliment”. Ellie had embarrassed her, and she didn’t like it.

Mia flagged Abby down as she was dropping off a tray of appetizers one table over. The waitress smiled and signaled she’d be over in a minute. A minute couldn’t come fast enough for Ellie. She was dying and barely holding her tongue as Melissa went on about how she’d heard how special and loved Ellie was, but at the same time making it clear Heath was hers. Was she that insecure? She and Heath had done nothing more than shake hands. And that’s all Ellie planned to do with him.

“Melissa, that’s enough,” Heath said between tight lips.

Ellie smirked, not caring that Heath had noticed. If that’s who he cared to spend his time with, then childish behavior was what he got.

They all ordered full course meals, except for Melissa. She went with a garden salad, minus the croutons and cheese, with fat-free ranch dressing. Without having to ask her, Abby refilled Ellie’s wine glass for the third time. Ellie guessed it wasn’t just her who could sense the tension around the table. Ellie mouthed “thank you” to the waitress as she handed her menu back to her, not caring who noticed.

From there onward the conversation was light. In fact, the only thing everyone seemed to worry about was their wine glasses. Ellie started to pace herself—only because she feared what would come out of her mouth next, but she noticed Heath had more than his fair share. Probably to get through the constant pulling and groping from Melissa. The woman held on to him like they were on a ship that was about to be pulled under.

Halfway through her salad, Melissa excused herself from the table, and Ellie wondered if she was going to heave up her food. It was sad to think, but she seemed like the type.

“Mia didn’t tell me you were going to be here,” Heath surprised her by saying. He kept his voice low, as if not wanting to be heard by the rest of the table.

Mia was going over her day with Mr. Roy and Renee, and they seemed to be immersed in Mia’s story of a screaming infant and how she was reconsidering ever having children.

“Well, she didn’t tell me you were coming either.” In a way she was thankful to break the awkwardness that stood between them.

“To dinner?”

“To Seaside. I only found out you were coming back last night.”

“Disappointed?” One corner of his mouth turned up into a smile. Apparently his mood had changed—probably due to the wine—and he was no longer shooting darts at her with his eyes.

She chose to ignore the loaded question. And honestly, she didn’t know how to respond.
Was
she disappointed he was back? If she was thinking of his family, of Mia, she had to say no. She was pissing mad at him for avoiding them for so many years. But for selfish reasons, like how he caused a sense of warmth to spread through her entire body and an ache in her chest, she’d wished he’d stayed away.

“Why are you here?” She knew Mia’s side of the story, but she’d yet to hear Heath say one thing all night about being happy at seeing his family. She’d swear he regretted crossing Seaside city limits. And that just pissed her off.

“Tonight?” he asked, giving her a smartass grin.

If any other man looked at her like that she would’ve tipped a wine glass down the front of his pants, but it actually helped her remember why she disliked him so much. He wasn’t a small town guy anymore. The Heath who painted his neighbor’s house every summer just because it was the right thing to do was long gone. And that made her sad for him. That was the man she’d fallen in love with. At one time he’d been a respectable part of the community and had values.

She met his gaze evenly. “Don’t be an ass. You know what I meant.”

“I came for Mia.”

He didn’t hint at wanting to see her again, nor did she expect him to. What disappointed her and made her a little angry was he seemed not to care about his father. Parents weren’t perfect, but Mr. Roy had been nothing but kind to her, and while she didn’t know all the ins and outs of his and Heath’s relationship, she felt he didn’t deserve to be shut out.

“What’s wrong? You thought I came back for you?” Heath asked, clearly mistaking her silence for something else entirely. He rested his elbows on the table and narrowed his eyes. When leaning forward his leg brushed against hers. His touch caused a tingling sensation that ran all the way up her thigh. She swallowed hard, not sure if she enjoyed the feeling at the moment. “You did, didn’t you, Ellie? You’ve missed me.”

And was it her, or was his leg moving against hers? As if reading her thoughts, Heath cast a wolfish grin as his knee came close to touching the inside of her thigh. Things were getting real. She could no longer hear anything except the pounding of her heart in her chest. Oh, God this wasn’t happening. But it was. And she hated him for making her feel this way, for distracting her. Conflicted, she craved more, forgetting they were in a public place with his family all around them, but knowing it was wrong. He would only break her heart again. A piece of it had already died earlier in the night, the moment she saw Melissa at his side.

She‘d actually been close to forgetting why she hated him, but then like all those years ago, he reminded her just how big of a jackass he really could be. As if they were back in that place, her seventeen and in love, and him twenty, taking whatever he wanted with little regard to her feelings. His touch vanished, and she was left wondering if it was ever there to begin with. It was the same feeling as she had back then—why? Why did he enjoy toying with her emotions? Why did he come so close to giving her everything she wanted only to pull away? And why in the hell was he putting her through this for a second time?

She was so relieved to see Melissa strolling to the table, eyes cold and posture stiff. “Heath,” she snapped. “I’m ready to go.”

That got the attention of everyone at the table.

Mr. Roy seemed to be the only one who gave a crap. “Are you sick? Did the salad not sit well?”

“Something like that,” Melissa said through pursed lips.

Heath slowly turned in his date’s direction, and with a sharp tone that got even Ellie’s attention, said, “We’re all still eating, darling.”

“Oh, no, we’re finished.” Ellie pushed the last bit of fish onto her fork and shoveled it into her mouth. She then drained her wine glass. “You should get her home, Heath. She doesn’t look well.” It seemed everyone but Melissa knew Ellie was mocking her. And for a moment Ellie regretted her comment, because she wasn’t the vindictive type, nor did she let other women get under her skin. But she then decided Melissa deserved it after the little
Saint Ellie
jab. Now they were even. Almost.

Heath eyed Ellie. Now his frustration seemed to be aimed at her. She could see another tick in his jaw, and was oddly surprised she’d unsettled him twice in one night. That made her feel a little better. He deserved as much after his little leg-to-leg incident. She was still reeling from it.

With a smile that seemed forced, he pushed to his feet. He walked around the table and kissed Mia on the cheek. The simple contact caused Mia to beam. He told Mr. Roy and Renee goodbye and insisted on paying for dinner. Reluctantly, Mr. Roy agreed, but only if he could leave a tip. Ellie tried not to be offended he didn’t acknowledge her. Melissa did though. A smile as fake as Santa Claus was directed at her. Ellie could play this game too. She gave the little twit her best “screw you, bitch” look and felt very satisfied with herself. Especially when Melissa turned on her expensive high heels and followed behind Heath. What a couple. It was so noticeable he didn’t care for her. What
did
he see in her? And then an unpleasant thought crept into her thoughts. Sex. Well, if that wasn’t unsettling… It was probably going to be the cause of her sleepless night.

Chapter Four

Heath cursed under his breath as he handed Melissa into the rental car. She had her bitch face on and he anticipated a quiet drive back to his father’s. Which was okay, because he had yet to come to terms with that bizarre dinner. He still couldn’t believe he’d acted out against Ellie, but for a moment all the years had melted away and he was once again in her space, scenting her and falling back into the time when they thought the sun rose and set on the other. Until he collected himself and yanked his thoughts back into the present, effectively breaking the thread of need binding him and Ellie together.

The temperature in the vehicle dropped steadily as they drove along, nothing that adjusting the temperature controls would change. He focused on the road and thought about Ellie. She wasn’t that girl he remembered any longer, having matured into a full-bodied, beautiful woman, not that he was seeing her with anything other than objective eyes. She was still feisty and easily equipped to deal with Melissa, something that surprised him. Although he supposed their interaction over dinner had smacked of high school. Or maybe grade five. It felt as though he was losing his grip on his usual reality, sucked back into small town living, complete with all the typical intrigue he remembered. This was a place where everyone knew everyone else’s business, as was being continually rubbed in his face. He assured himself he wasn’t interested in getting up in Ellie’s business, though he hadn’t missed her attentiveness to his, so helpfully shared by Melissa. Why was it he felt vaguely uncomfortable to have his faithful pursuit of the almighty dollar aired so publicly? The flash of pity in Ellie’s eyes certainly had no impact on him.

“She’s quite the paragon.” Melissa’s cold tone was like ice water.

Heath didn’t bother to play dumb. “Ellie? Apparently she is.”
And more a member of my family than I am.

“How well did you know her?”

He was unable to read anything from her studied, neutral tone, and that in itself didn’t bode well. He pulled up in front of the house and parked before replying, throwing open his door. Speaking as he climbed out of the car, he said, “She was a couple of grades behind me in high school. She and Mia have been best friends since elementary school. Maybe before.”

Melissa was already exiting the vehicle by the time he went around to open it for her. One of those million dollar smiles she gave the camera graced her full lips before she opened her mouth to spoil it. “All small towns need those kind of women, I suppose. Do-gooders who always rush to aid others. Probably has a dozen cats to keep her company.”

“You’re the cat, Melissa.” He took her elbow and escorted her to the house, a firm squeeze of warning cutting off whatever else she had to say. Not that he needed—or cared—to defend Ellie. “And why are we talking about Ellie as if she’s of importance to you?”

“But she is to you.” Melissa tugged free of his grasp and shifted impatiently while he used the key his father had provided.

“Can you find your way to your room? I’m going to have a drink and check my emails.” Heath ignored her suggestive last comment. It didn’t matter what Melissa thought she knew. He was fully aware of the truth, and the ship carrying whatever he and Ellie had once shared had long since sailed on the deep, uncharted waters of betrayal and pain.

“I’ll have a drink with you,” she said, looking somewhat disconcerted at his offhand response.

“If you like.”

“I thought we might … take advantage of the time alone, Heath.” She stepped into him and pressed her body against his, drifting a manicured hand up his bicep to toy with his collar. He felt absolutely nothing and couldn’t imagine spending a minute of his time in bed with her. Ever again. Quite unlike the interest his cock had taken the instant he’d laid eyes on Ellie again. And the feel of her leg pressed against his—

“No.” He moved away and headed to the bar.

The room echoed with silence, other than the grating of the bottle across the bar’s surface and the clink of the glass he set down beside it. “Do you want one?” he asked, over his shoulder.

“I think I’ll retire early. I suspect tomorrow will be an … interesting day.” There was a wealth of portent in Melissa’s tone and a flicker of warning cooled the back of Heath’s neck. He regretted bringing her along when there were other, far more accommodating females on his list. The fact she’d reacted so badly to Ellie told him something, something about astuteness, but he shoved it away. Melissa hadn’t seen anything to give her indication that he felt something for Ellie, because he didn’t, other than curiosity and distaste.

He’d hoped she would demand to return to Chicago, but it appeared she planned to stay awhile, despite his clear lack of interest. He could feel her oppressive presence already, spoiling the wedding, making people miserable. Renee didn’t deserve that. Heath turned and fixed her with a look he usually reserved for individuals attempting to thwart his business efforts. “Mind your manners, Melissa. I won’t tolerate any more behavior like you displayed at dinner. You’re usually far better controlled.”

Her eyes flashed with malice before she smiled again. “I’ll comport myself with care, darling. I know how important this visit is for you. And your family and friends.”

Melissa sashayed off down the hall and he stared after her before shrugging. He’d keep her close and keep a good eye on her, but damned if he was going to fake his interest. Better she knew where she stood. All the same, it was shaping up to be a miserable vacation. The front door opened and closed, and his father and Renee soon entered the great room, hand in hand, looking positively in love. Heath’s chest hollowed for an instant before he drew in enough air to assuage it. Love was vastly overrated.

Leading his fiancée to a chair, Roy then crossed to the bar, rubbing his hands together. “Where’s Melissa?”

“Early night. It was a long travel day.”

“Oh. Well, are you up to spending a few minutes with your old man and Renee? Have a couple of drinks?”

Heath wordlessly offered the freshly made drink he’d poured and dispensed another, remembering Renee’s earlier preference. They’d all consumed a considerable amount of wine that evening, blurring the edges of varying degrees of awkwardness, and while he had been fit to drive, he hoped his father had been too. He abruptly wondered how Ellie had gotten home. Then he remembered her past affinity for walking, one of those trivial things that stuck in one’s memory.

“We took the girls to their respective homes,” his father said. “There’s been some strange fellow wandering around. Nothing threatening, probably just down on his luck, but people are being vigilant.”

Heath stiffened. He told himself it was because of Mia, and that he’d want any woman to be safe, including Ellie. “What’s the word from the police?”

Renee gestured, catching his attention. “They’re aware, Heath. The individual took one of the small cabins near the estuary where the tourists don’t much care for the less enticing scents from the sea, and he’s been made aware that walking the streets late at night makes for suspicion. I think he’s ex-military or something and isn’t settling back into society all that well.”

Heath recognized a compassionate person, as well as a sensitive one, and he hoped Renee had common sense as well. Probably so, considering her former career. But he didn’t like to think about men roaming the streets of Seaside and being a potential risk. “Point him out, if you see him in the next few days.”

Roy nodded vigorously. “We will, son. I didn’t mean to alarm you.”

The conversation turned to other inhabitants of Seaside Heath remembered, and to those he’d never met. The milieu seemed much the same, people looking out for one another as Mia had described, and he thought it was probably a good place for his dad to live out his years. His sister seemed content too, although she showed some ambition, wanting her own photography business. And Ellie—well, her situation didn’t matter to him, but he was slightly annoyed his dad didn’t talk about her again, and neither did Renee. He wasn’t certain how to bring up her name again without giving away anything, not that there was anything to give away. He was thinking like some confused teenager.

“Ellie looked well.”

Renee and his dad exchanged a long glance.

“What?”

“She wasn’t herself tonight, son. We talked about it on the way home.  I’ve never seen her so … agitated isn’t the word, but for sure she wasn’t our Ellie. Didn’t you notice?”

“I haven’t seen her for years.” Heath strove to keep his voice level. “She looks fine. Older of course.”

Renee laughed. “That’s unkind, Heath. Of course she’s older. How long has it been?”

“Thirteen years.” That bit of information tripped off his tongue instantly. Maybe he should have included the months and days, except he wasn’t that obsessed. He’d merely added up the time on the road from the airport, kind of like a math problem.

“Well, there you go. I suspect she saw you as older too. When Melissa wasn’t chatting with her.”

Women had a gift for speaking in that carefully neutral tone, conveying the unpalatable, and Heath gritted his teeth, then went with the truth. “Melissa can be cutting. I’ve already spoken with her about it and expect she’ll be more appropriate.”

“I don’t know why she took such a dislike to our Ellie, but Mia was seething.”

Heath hadn’t noticed. It had been awkward enough, breaking bread with his estranged father and pretending not to be aware of Ellie a mere foot away, as well as monitoring Melissa’s bitchiness. But of course Mia had a reaction to what transpired. He sighed. Better not to think about how he’d encroached so deliberately on Ellie’s space. Maybe he could encourage Melissa to go home.

“Ellie can take care of herself.”

Roy nodded. “She can indeed. Her parents are away and she manages just fine without them. Although she spends time with us when she can.” The older man smiled with contentment. “We treasure her.”

“I’d heard she struggled the last year of high school. Mia told me.” Heath couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer and maybe his dad had heard gossip. Older people tended to recall things like it was yesterday.

Leaning back against the cushions, Roy closed his eyes, patting Renee’s knee. Blinking his lids open, he said, “I think you’re right. We weren’t as close as we are now, but Mia was upset about Ellie. Long time ago, now. I don’t know if I ever knew the reason. You know how teenaged girls keep their secrets. I suppose you’d transferred schools by then.”

Heath felt Renee’s eyes on him and raised a shoulder as if bored with the subject. “You’re right. Long time ago. I’m glad she’s doing well with the floral shop.”

“Maybe you could give her some pointers. From a financial viewpoint.” Trust his father to push.

“Maybe.” Like Ellie would want him within an inch of her, let alone want to hear his financial acumen. She’d made that clear tonight, as though she was the injured party
from long ago
, although she couldn’t be sure he knew her secret. Good thing he hadn’t told Mia anything. The taste of that secret soured his mouth and he threw back his drink to wash it away. “I’m off to bed. Planned to check my work email, but I’m done in.”

Roy and Renee both stood with him, and his dad caught him in an awkward, one armed hug. “I’d like for us to have some time alone to really talk.”

Non-committal wouldn’t cut it this time, not with Renee looking at him, this time with both a plea and a warning in her eyes. But Heath didn’t want to get into it with the old man and spoil the wedding either, and the kind of talk that would transpire would do just that. There were too many people who’d be affected. He decided to stall and hopefully avoid his father when all was said and done. “You’re not going away immediately after the wedding, right? And I don’t leave until two days after. Let’s do it then.”

Roy hesitated, then took his arm away and Heath breathed in deeply. “Sure. That’ll work. Right afterward though, because we’ll be leaving the following day. Unless we find there’s some spare time in between. When the women are fussing with the arrangements.”

He’d make certain he was too busy, but Heath nodded. Too much time had passed to mend bridges. It wasn’t about forgiveness anymore, not totally anyhow. He had a particular opinion of his father, set all those years ago, and he’d made a life that didn’t include either parent. Or the girl of his dreams. Heath didn’t see the need to change it. He’d never shied from hard work, but inflicting pain on oneself in an impossible repair attempt of a relationship wasn’t his idea of time well spent.

“Good night.” Setting his glass down, he strode down the hall, aware silence once again filled the great room.

* * * *

The double bed was comfortable, if smaller than what he was used to, and the bedding of good quality. Heath piled another pillow under his head and stared at the ceiling, the ambient outside light slanting through the partially opened blinds to pattern the room in mysterious shadow and form. Melissa no doubt slept the sleep of the plotter just down the hall, and he supposed Roy and Renee had gone to the master suite on the other side of the house. The thought of being out on the water and renewing its acquaintance was the only soothing thing he could cling to, and he decided he’d find time to rent a boat.

His body stirred restlessly and he reached to adjust himself behind the light fabric of his boxers. He normally slept naked, but it felt strange to do so under his father’s roof, and he wondered, not without a degree of ruefulness, if he wasn’t indeed retreating into this childhood. The memory of Ellie waiting at the table in the restaurant, the way her huge brown eyes locked with his, imparting a message he daren’t interpret with Melissa and the rest of them filing in, sifted to the surface of his thoughts. He’d barely hung onto his control as his immediate instinct had been to gather her up and taste that full mouth. Heath hadn’t meant it the way Renee interpreted, the comment about Ellie looking older. Nope, she’d definitely grown into a woman any red blooded man could appreciate, away from the artifice of the big city lifestyle. Damned if he hadn’t missed it, unaware until tonight.