No Breaking My Heart (28 page)

The pontoon rang a bell, pulled away from the sandbar. Cruised farther down the coast. In the silence that followed, Alyn stared up at Halo. No man should look so good wet. He ran one hand through his hair, pushed it back off his face. Water droplets tipped his eyelashes. His gaze was hot, determined, and dangerously bright. A warning he was about to kiss her.

Still she hesitated. “I don't—”

“I do.”

They did.

He trapped her close, and their bodies aligned. Her arms circled his neck. They were as close as two people could be and still have their swimsuits on.

Anticipation tingled and her knees went weak when he walked her backwards, to a greater depth. Where the ocean played beneath her breasts, and fully covered his groin.

His mouth descended. A man ready to claim his woman. He'd chosen her. He teased and tasted, and courted her with hot, deep, moist kisses. He bit her bottom lip and sucked the plumpness. She moaned.

Her resistance floated away.

The strong beat of his heart collided with her own. The hard ridges of his abdomen flexed against her belly as he breathed in and out. Roughly. More rapidly.

His hands slid lower, to cup her butt, lifting her against his sex, settling his erection into the vee of her thighs. She arched her back, raised her hips, and deepened their contact. She rocked and rubbed the full length of him. The man was large. Very large.

His hand moved beneath the water, rounding her hip, and grazing her inner thigh. The callused pads of his fingers eased between her legs. He stroked her through the lavender bikini bottom. The abrasive rub of his fingertips was erotically sensual. His unrelenting attention taxed every nerve ending in her body.

A craving took hold, and she moved against his fingers. He increased the pressure. Her lungs compressed. Her heart beat too fast. Her inner muscles contracted. She tensed to the point of snapping. He took her to climax. Sensations, tremors lingered.

Her low moan broke their kiss. Their breaths connected in short pants. He rested his forehead against her brow. He now knew her body far better than she knew his. She'd found release, and he remained hard. Her cheeks grew warm. She was afraid to look at him.

He was the one to tilt up her chin with his thumb, to meet her gaze. Her chin felt a little tender. Whisker burn. Halo hadn't shaved in several days. He was all sexy roughness and soul-stealing. He'd captured her heart.

He released her slowly. Let her slide off his body in one fluid motion. His erection poked her all the way down. She licked her lips. “What about you?”

“What about me?” His tone was amused.

“I—” she faltered.

“Had an orgasm,” he helped her.

“You—”

“Didn't.”

“What now?” She wasn't sure how to handle the situation. How to handle the man.

He didn't have time to answer. Danny ran to the shoreline, waved to them. “Halo,” he shouted. “I want to do the fan walkway outside the stadium. Come help.”

“Two minutes,” Halo called over his shoulder.

“Maybe I should go ahead, and you can follow,” she suggested.

“I need to deflate.”

“I'll start the walkway.”

Alyn was on her hands and knees, forming a sidewalk when Halo returned. His gaze was steely, and he walked stiffly. No one seemed to notice, and if they did, no one commented. He crouched down across from her, and next to Danny, on the opposite side of the stadium. The sand castle was detailed and enormous. It would've taken first place in any contest. The builders were focused, intent, squaring off angles and rounding edges.

The building continued until twilight. Until her brother clapped his hands and declared it finished. People rose, backed slowly away, as if letting the sand castle breathe. Fully come alive. Awaiting the shout of “play ball.”

The waning sun scored the stadium in shades of red and hints of purple. The fan walkway was tinged orange. Halo retrieved his iPhone from his backpack, took group and single pictures. Alyn captured one of boy and man, both smiling, both content and proud with the day's activity.

“Be sure you check out the Rogues' Facebook page and website when you get home,” Halo said to Danny. “I'll have Jillian post a few pictures on one or both.” He glanced at Alyn. “You can track updates on spring training, home and away games, and future events on-line, too.”

Danny frowned. “Wish I was staying.”

Halo ruffled his hair. “So do I, dude, but you need to get back to school, and I need to focus on our upcoming season.”

“You're ready.” Danny was positive. “You'll hit a home run every game.”

“Maybe not every game.”

“I'll be counting.”

Alyn wouldn't be counting his at-bats; instead, she'd be marking off days on her calendar until he returned to Richmond. She'd gotten used to having Halo in her life. She would miss him. More than she cared to admit.

* * *

Their time in Barefoot William came to an end. Far too quickly. Private time with Halo was limited. A few kisses. Nothing more. Flying home with the pets wasn't an option, so Halo hired a limousine service to drive them back to Richmond. One with a television, Wi-Fi, and mini-fridge.

On the day of their departure, they strolled the beach one last time. High tide and foot traffic had leveled the stadium. Only one small section of the fan sidewalk remained.

Shortly thereafter, they stood on the sidewalk outside the inn, each taking a turn hugging Halo. Danny was sad. Halo fist bumped the boy until he smiled. Martha thanked him profusely. The vacation had done her mother a world of good. Then came Alyn. Her arms wrapped his waist and she laid her cheek on his chest. The beat of his heart was steady and strong, and would travel with her.

He stroked her hair, tipped up her chin, and kissed her deeply. Leaving her breathless. She climbed into the black stretch limo, and settled beside Quigley in his child car carrier. Then clutched her locket and stared out the window. Her gaze held Halo's until they turned the corner. The professional driver got them home safely. No detours this time. The ride home wasn't nearly as much fun as their initial trip south.

Thirteen

A
lyn had never been so busy in her life. She was living her dream. The Shy Lily was taking shape. A moving company hauled every piece of heavy furniture from her home to downtown, then up a flight of stairs to her shop, where she arranged the groupings. She further cleared out the storage unit. Adding even more pieces. Mirrors, lamps, clocks, and other smaller items created the perfect ambiance.

The store's interior was as old as her antiques. Indoor red brick walls. Soft blue cottage-style shutters on the windows. She had a view of city hall, a historical building restored over time. Quigley came with her to work. They took advantage of a nearby park. The pug was able to stretch his hind legs without contractions, and paw-tap the floor. Their veterinarian was pleased by Quigs' progress. Alyn hoped he'd be walking by Halo's return. Or soon after.

When late afternoon came, she would join Danny and her mother for supper. She missed spending time with them, but there were only so many hours in the day. Most were spent at her store. Jacy Kincaid, owner of the corner coffee shop, had come upstairs and introduced herself. She was married to Rick Kincaid, managing general partner/ co-chairman of the Rogues. Jacy had heard she and Halo were engaged, and offered her congratulations, delivering a caramel latte and box of butterscotch scones. Alyn had liked her immediately.

Today, Alyn closed the shop at five-thirty, loaded Quigley in her car, and drove home. She carried her pug inside, settled him in his cart, let him wander. There was lots of open space now, since she'd moved the antique furniture to her shop. Quigs made wide circles around the coffee table. Then followed her to the kitchen.

She found her mother standing before the stove, preparing baked chicken. Alyn stopped inside the doorway and stared, absorbing the color and fragrance of the room. A bouquet of magenta orchids was collected in a milk glass vase on the table. A potted orange bromeliad along with two smaller African violets decorated the countertop. The arrangements reminded her of when her father was alive. He'd brought her mother flowers daily.

“Kitchen looks pretty, Mom,” she said.

Martha glanced over her shoulder. “Eleanor Norris dropped by today,” she told Alyn. “The woman still drives. It appears she and Herman get around town just fine. We enjoyed tea and butter cookies. Eleanor is a curious sort. She asked to see the greenhouse. I was reluctant at first, but gave in. We spent two hours together, tugging back vines and organizing planters. I sent her home with two containers of bare root hybrid tea roses, which she intends to revive. Eleanor hinted at us going into business together. Something small. Part-time. I have the greenhouse, and she has the floral know-how. She worked beside her husband for sixty years. She stays in touch with all her old customers. I'm giving it some thought.”

“Definitely worth considering,” said Alyn. The venture could benefit both women. Give them a sense of purpose. “Should you move ahead, I'll place my order now. A weekly delivery of lilies for my shop.”

“Lovely,” her mother agreed. Only to dip her head, and sigh. “After Eleanor left, I sat down on the sofa and cried.” Her voice broke even now. “The loss of your father weighed heavily today. I hurt. He was the other half of my heart. My life. I kept looking around the greenhouse, expecting to see him. To hear his laugh. I missed him sneaking up behind me. Kissing my cheek. Wrapping his arms about my waist. I felt so alone. So lost. To think I will never see him again—”

Alyn crossed to her mother, hugged her tight. Sadness embraced them both. “I understand, Mom. I miss him every day, too.”

They stood holding each other, until Martha eased back slightly, and grabbed tissues off the counter. They wiped away tears, blew their noses. Her mom cleared her throat, said, “I want you to know the same love I had with your dad. Halo Todd is a good man. I only wish he was more than your business partner.”

Alyn wished so, too. “Time will tell.”

Her mother patted her cheek. “Make the most of your ten months with him. Don't let time pass you by.”

Alyn nodded. She would make every day count. “Where's Danny?” she asked.

“Playing on the computer in his bedroom. Ten minutes, and we eat.”

Alyn went to see which game was distracting him from his homework. Quigley remained in the kitchen. She found her brother on the Rogues' Facebook page, scanning posts and photographs.

He bounced on his chair, grinned at her. “Halo hit a home run today against the Miami Marlins!” He was beyond excited. He motioned her to view fan photos. “Rogues won, six to four.”

Alyn looked over his shoulder. There, before her on the screen, was Halo, crossing home plate. His expression was smug, as if he was doing his job, and he was good at it. Very good, Alyn thought. She read fan praise for Will Ridgeway. The pitcher was throwing heat, and drawing strikeouts. The team had scored a runaway preseason.

“Halo and Landon have more photographs on Facebook,” said Danny, locating Landon's official fan page. “They're having a party. Read to me,” he requested.

Alyn obliged. “Landon got engaged to Eden Cates, the photographer,” she said with a smile. “They're getting married at her home, a restored wedding chapel. Friends and family are pictured, celebrating their announcement.”

“Where was the party?” he wanted to know.

A neon sign hung over the bar. “Lusty Oyster.”

“What's ‘lusty'?”

She went with, “Healthy and strong.”

“An oyster that lifts weights.”

“Funny image, don't you think?”

Her brother laughed. Then squinted at the screen. “Halo's sitting at Landon's table.” He touched his fingertip to the man's face.

Halo's presence was unmistakable. Seated and smiling with Landon on his left, and—she blinked,
Sharon Thomas
on his right. The woman from the boardwalk. The one who'd come on to Halo while Alyn was inside Olde Tyme Portraits having their pictures reduced for her locket. Alyn had intervened on his behalf, and Sharon had moved on. But not for long, it seemed. She was with him now.

“Halo looks happy,” Danny noted.

Way too happy for an engaged man. Alyn was pleased for Landon and Eden. They made a solid couple. She and Halo were unraveling. In less than a month.

She crossed her arms over her chest, took several deep breaths. Her fault? Maybe. She would partly shoulder the blame. He'd asked her to stay in Barefoot William. She'd declined. He'd seemed disappointed when she left. Apparently, he'd recovered. In record time. Sharon had reappeared, and now kept him busy. Him and his blue balls.

She and Danny scanned the remaining party pictures. The shadowed lighting couldn't hide the empty beer bottles on the table, the couples dancing in the background, and the shared kisses. Sharon's lips brushed Halo's cheek, near his ear. She might've bitten the lobe, for all Alyn knew. The blonde's hands were under the table. Touching Halo? His thigh. Groin.

Her stomach twisted. Was she misreading the situation? Hard to conceive. The evidence stared her in the face. He was having a good time with his buddies. Them, and their women. All without her. The realization left her cold. Hurt. She'd trusted him. Mistakenly. He'd let her down. Ten times the fool, she thought. She was a slow learner when it came to men. Halo in particular. Pain took hold. Gripping her so tightly, she broke. She wasn't certain she could pull herself together again. She was that shattered.

Her mother called them to supper. Danny shut down the computer. They walked to the kitchen together. Alyn fed Quigley, then took a chair at the table. Not the least bit hungry. She pushed her food around on her plate. Making pathways with her fork through the mashed potatoes.

Her mother looked worried. “Problem, dear?” she asked.

Her mother seldom went on-line, only twice a month to check bank statements and balance the household budget. She hadn't seen the photos that confused Alyn. Her mom was fond of Halo. Alyn didn't want her involved in a situation beyond their control.

She nudged Danny with her foot under the table, a request that he keep quiet. He side-eyed her, reached for a second piece of chicken, and kept right on eating.

She fingered the corner of her napkin before saying, “I'm fine, Mom. Just tired. I'm calling it an early night.”

Her mother didn't press, merely appeared sympathetic. She corralled Danny to clear the table and load the dishwasher. Her brother dragged his feet, but got the job done. Alyn left the table to walk Quigley. They strolled around the block. Quigs kept a steady pace. Once back at the house, she went to her bedroom, readied the pug for bed. He soon snored.

She showered, slipped into a T-shirt and cotton tap pants. Crawled into bed. She slept fitfully. Morning came too soon.

* * *

Three weeks later, and spring training wrapped. The Rogues headed back to Richmond. The city welcomed them. The team had done preseason proud, winning twenty-five of thirty games. Bull's-eyes marked their backs. They were the team to beat.

It was late afternoon, and Alyn would soon be seeing Halo. He'd texted and called every day. Sometimes twice. She tried to keep her own texts light, informative. When they talked, her voice level. Smooth, as if she hadn't a worry or problem in the world. Or a broken heart. She even managed to laugh a little. The sound of his voice made her stomach soft. So deep and sexy. She forced herself to stand back, to stay strong, and to imagine life without him. It was difficult to do. Over the past few days, she slowly began to limit, then to avoid all communication. The toughest decision of her life. Pride was all she had left.

She wore the locket, never taking it off. It felt cool against her skin. The thought of removing the necklace, placing it in a jewelry box, represented another failed relationship. She'd had plenty of disappointment in her life—what was one more? They still had a business deal. Which she was about to break.

She'd recently designed an internet website, and The Shy Lily had branched out overnight. Flourished, actually. The hits were numerous. The requests for private showings of the merchandise were continuous. She'd sold several pieces before going public. Large, lucrative sales. She was close to reimbursing Halo. Paying off her loan was her top priority.

Alyn paced her shop now. The hardwood floors had a worn patina. She went to the window, saw Halo's Hummer pull to the curb. A jerky stop, as if he'd hit the brakes hard. His vehicle hogged two spaces. She noted his exit, and tried to collect herself. No time. He glanced up, as if he knew she watched him. He stared back. He was coming for her.

He had his game face on. She barely recognized him. His shoulders were squared. His expression hard and unrelenting. Scary, yet sexy. Her pulse jumped. Her stomach knotted. Calm eluded her. He gave her chills.

He crossed the street, dodging traffic. The closer he got, the harder his expression. He'd gone long between haircuts, she noticed; the ends brushed his collar. He wore a rugby pullover, dark brown with a navy stripe. Jeans. Athletic shoes. He carried a manila envelope.

She'd been expecting him, and dressed up a little. She was about to break up with him, and wanted to leave a lasting impression. She would greet him in a white eyelet tunic top belted over a tiered sage skirt. Then show him the door.

She bit down on her bottom lip. More than anything, she wished their situation was different. That they would hug and kiss, and he'd take her on the new brass bed, acquired at an estate sale, and recently delivered. She'd positioned the queen-size heirloom with the railed head and footboards and new mattress near the front window. The natural light enhanced the fine linen bedding and lacy pillow covers. She'd had an offer of ten grand, but had held out for fifteen. It would sell to the right person. Someone who'd appreciate its ornate beauty and history as much as she did.

Quigley had sniffed the bedframe, decided it wasn't a chew toy. Having grown tired of her arranging furniture, he was presently napping in the small storage room. Door closed.

She now stood behind a chesterfield armchair, clutching the back for support. Her fingers dug into the rich burgundy leather. She awaited Halo, wishing for an escape. No backdoor.

The buzzer sounded below stairs, announcing his arrival. He came through the door, and she heard him set the dead bolt. Loud in the silence. She wasn't going anywhere.

He was up the steps before she could catch her breath. All tall, dark, and intimidating. He stopped on the landing, glaring with an intensity that nearly knocked her backwards. He flared his nostrils, and the corners of his mouth pinched. Widening his stance, he slapped the envelope against his thigh. A dull, angry sound.

His voice was hard when he said, “You've gone silent on me.”

That she had.

“I found you.”

Not too difficult. “You had two choices. Home or here.”

“I stopped by your house first.”

“You've seen Danny?” Her brother would've been thrilled.

“He was glad to see me. You, apparently, are not.” His lips pursed. “Woman, we need to talk.”

Talking was what she'd had in mind before he'd arrived. His accusatory stare left her apprehensive. As if she'd done something wrong, and he was calling her out. Their meeting was all about him. Not her.

He cut his gaze to a table in one corner. A French inlaid rosewood oval designed for a formal dining room. He motioned her to take a chair. Sitting made her vulnerable. She'd have preferred to stand. She went ahead and joined him. Sat three seats away. Distance was her friend. Too close, and she might do something foolish. Like kiss or hug him. Tell him how much she'd missed him. How her heart was glad to see him.