Sea Glass Cottage (29 page)

“I like thinking about later. Would it be rude to leave now?”

She roared with laughter. “Before cutting the cake? Yes. But after that…”

In another corner of the terrace, Julianne cornered the social worker, Carla Vargas.

“You know, it looks like I finally got a dozen students enrolled in sixth grade next year. The only problem is they don’t have a teacher yet.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Carla noted. But when the principal continued to stare at her, Carla asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because Murphy says you could put your four-year degree and master’s to better use and teach my sixth graders. The upside is that you wouldn’t have to travel all over the county from house to house doing spot checks. Instead, your experience and expertise with children could have a greater impact on that difficult age group.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“You’d need your state certifications, of course, but I can help you with those.”

“But I’m a social worker. I’m not a teacher.”

“All the more reason you’d bring an excitement to the new position.”

“I wonder if this has anything to do with Murphy wanting me to move in with him.”

Julianne beamed an innocent look in Carla’s direction. “I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.” When she spotted Thane, she told Carla, “At least think about it because you’d be an asset to the staff. Right now I need to go talk to Thane. If you could let me know by December first, we’d have time to get all the documentation done.”

When Julianne reached Thane and Isabella, she went into an entirely different pitch. “As you know Ryder and I are getting married in five more weeks.”

“Congrats,” Isabella offered.

“Yes, well, after tonight, I admit inspiration struck. What with work I haven’t had much time to plan anything. Ryder’s mother has tried to help but she’s doing it all from back East. She doesn’t get here for another three weeks. Anyway, after seeing what a phenomenal job Bree did on her wedding, Ryder and I decided we needed to think outside the box. I know this is a huge favor but I’d like to hold the ceremony on the cliffs, next to the lighthouse. Of course, we’d come back to Promise Cove for the reception.”

Isabella waved off her concern. “It sounds like a fantastic idea but I keep telling people I only rent the property from Logan. It’s really Logan’s decision.”

“Logan said that we should ask you. So here I am.”

“Me? It’s fine by me. I think it’d make for a wonderful, romantic setting. And you know what? If the weather’s bad, as backup, there’s the huge antechamber at the bottom of the lighthouse where light filters down from the top into the middle of the floor.”

“Oh my. That does sound romantic.”

“It is. You and Ryder will love it. Why don’t you plan to come by tomorrow and take a look.”

“We will. And Thane, I talked to Greg Prather about your idea…about his working at the resale shop.”

“Actually it was Isabella’s idea. And?”

“I think Greg’s a good fit. Turns out, he’s a lover of junk, someone who collects and fixes up old necklaces and other jewelry he finds and sells online. When you think about it, it’s really an uncanny fit.”

“So you’ll go ahead with the store.”

“Yes, but not next to the church, only because the Springer family still owns the property and it’s tied up in some sort of litigation. So Ryder’s come up with a solution and it’s much cheaper rent. There’s this slip of a space next to Ferguson’s Hardware. At one time, Tucker’s grandfather used it to stash old water heaters and any other items he thought might resell for a buck. It’s rundown and shabby but the guts and support structure seem sound.”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’ here,” Thane noted. “What’s wrong with the space?”

“Other than it’s small and cramped? Well for starters, it’s full of junk, I mean to the rafters. Like most of the storefronts in town it’s in sad shape, too. But Greg assures me if I hire him, he’ll help Ryder and me shovel the stuff out and clean it up so it’s habitable. And of course, my dad’s willing to pitch in on weekends whenever we need him.” 

“Is Tucker giving you a problem with the lease?” Isabella wanted to know. “Even in the short amount of time I’ve been in town, everyone has an opinion about Ferguson’s ability to run off customers.”

Julianne smiled. “It’s true. But Ryder’s done some major negotiating in that regard and used his leverage, the kind that only a Ferguson seems to appreciate. In fact, Ryder’s offered to take it off Tucker’s hands, keeping the hardware store as the boatyard’s major lumber supplier, if you get my drift.”

Isabella burst out with a laugh. “Oh, it’s brilliant. That kind of leverage tops an entrenched position in negotiations every time.”

“You bet. Ryder and I want you to know how much we appreciate getting to use the lighthouse for the wedding.”

“No problem. Come by tomorrow and get a feel for how best to work with the setting and the lighthouse itself.”

“We will. I can’t wait. And again thanks to both of you for the kick in the pants we needed to get the resale shop opened. Greg starts in two weeks after he gives notice at all his jobs.”

“I bet Murphy’s not happy about losing his stocker,” Thane said.

“Maybe Archer Gates can get on there. He’s been looking for work. I heard that from Tommy the other day when we were at the train store,” Isabella reported.

“I’m seeing Archer tomorrow when I pick up Jonah. I’ll send him to Murphy.”

“Good idea. Looks like the reception’s starting to wind down.” Isabella nodded her head toward the house. “It tends to do that when the bride and groom disappear upstairs to their honeymoon suite.”

Thane chuckled and watched as people began to drift homeward. Those designated as cleanup crew collected trash and bussed the outdoor area. In the kitchen, the wait staff washed dishes and plates before packing up and loading their vans to head back to Santa Cruz.

To Julianne, Thane offered their goodbyes, using the opportunity to whisk Isabella out of there and toward the car.

As soon as they reached his Range Rover, Thane scooted the seat back all the way to a recline position to make more room in the cramped front between his body and the steering wheel. He grabbed her around the waist, brought her onto his lap and covered her mouth. “Just a taste to hold me over. I’ve wanted to do this all night.”

“Mmm, what you need is a huge reward for your patience and perseverance,” she said as their bodies wrapped like tangled vines.

“I was hoping you’d see it my way. Your place or mine?”

“Whichever’s closer.”

“Fischer’s at my house.”

“Then Sea Glass Cottage here we come.”

A
t 14 Lighthouse Lane, Thane threw back the front door as they fell into the foyer draped all over each other. The frenzy continued as they bumped along shedding clothing as they went.

Fumbling with the zipper on the back of the cocktail dress, he finally slid it down enough so that he could peel it over her hips. They dropped where they were, causing the tapestry rug on the floor to skid with them sprawled on top of it. Jazz leaped out of the way in time to witness them tearing at each other, ripping off any obstacle that got in their way.

“Look at you. I’ve been saving this all day,” he said as he feasted on her mouth. He savored curves with one purpose in mind, pleasuring himself as much as he did her. He slicked along her body savoring sweet flesh. He used his tongue to linger over her belly. He tasted silky thighs.

He was doing things to her body no one had ever done before. The pace surging her along into a furnace-like heat. Fast and heady, she dug her nails into the smidgen of carpet and rode the swell. Stars exploded as shudders rocked through her. Little quakes rippled out, made her toes curl up. When she came, a feral moan escaped her lips. Something wild within her broke free.

Rearing up, she exploited his mouth. The kiss seared, went deep, then deeper.

“Now, Thane! Now!” she begged.

They joined, became a fierce one, bucking and rocking. They moved together, the wild rhythm urging them on. It felt like a tremor shaking the house as they spiraled upward, shattering into a thousand shades of gold.

He dropped on top of her, winded, and tried to pull in air. “I’m not sure I can move.”

“That was…incredible. I’m pretty sure I’ve lost the feeling in my toes.”

He finally stirred and moved his weight off her. “How’s that? Better?”

“I didn’t know sex could be like this. I thought it was just…you know…one-sided.”

“You’ve been with the wrong men.”

“Well. Duh.”

“That’s okay. I’ve been with the wrong women.” He sat up, gathered his clothes.

Sensing things had calmed down, Jazz thought it was safe enough to saunter over. She stuck her nose in Isabella’s face, looked up, licked Thane’s hand.

“Are you staying or do you have to get back?”

“I’m staying. I’m suddenly exhausted. Let’s catch some sleep, work up to round two.” 

The bed was
empty when he woke up. The smell of bacon had him kicking out of the sheets and getting to his feet. After taking a hot shower he found Izzy outside on the patio fiddling with some kind of ivy-looking thing that seemed to be on its last leg. She wore one of his oversized Tees that draped almost to her knees barely covering her panties.

“Hey.”

“Hi, sleepyhead. There’s fresh coffee.”

“Thanks. How long have you been up?”

“About an hour. I puttered around out here so I wouldn’t wake you.”

“What is that thing?”

“It’s called a peace lily. I found it last week at your place in the corner of the flower bed, neglected and almost dead. You know, California might be experiencing a drought but I’m pretty sure it’s okay if you spare a few drops of water for a poor houseplant that never did you any harm.”

He snorted out a laugh and went inside to get down a mug. “If I’m not mistaken someone sent that plant when my mother died. I guess I forgot about it. Want some eggs to go with that bacon I smell? I’m good at fixing eggs.”

“Sure. Do you know where everything is you need?”

“I’ll figure it out as I go.”

“Okay, I’ll work the toaster.”

Later when they sat down to a panful of perfectly scrambled eggs, she became acutely aware of how homey this scene was and how comfortable she felt in it.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

“That this is what I wanted when I got married. Peace. Joy. Normal. I didn’t get it.”

“You rarely talk about it and I haven’t pushed.”

“I know and I appreciate it. I don’t like bringing it up or thinking about that time of my life. I mean, what’s the point?”

“You’re very careful not to say too much.”

“Is that how it seems to you?”

“Sometimes because you often answer a question with a question.”

About that time a car horn sounded outside. “That must be Julianne and Ryder. They did say they couldn’t wait to take the tour. I guess they weren’t kidding.”

Sure enough, when Isabella opened the front door, Julianne was already out of the car and rushing past the lighthouse to take in the spectacular view. Ryder spotted them in the doorway and waved.

“Sorry we’re so early but Julianne is excited to see what this place offers so we can make a decision today.”

“No problem,” Isabella said. “You should check out all your options.”

“This is a beautiful spot,” Julianne said turning at the edge of the cliffs and breathing in the ocean air. “If we do this, we have to hope for good weather though.”

“Like I said last night, take a tour of the lighthouse. Make sure you walk up the spiral staircase and see the view at the top. Who knows? You might even decide your guests could make the climb to the watch room and have your ceremony up there,” Isabella suggested.

Ryder glanced up at the towering structure, took in the catwalk. “That would be so cool, such a scenic place to hold a wedding. We could have the service above...”

“Don’t even think about it,” Julianne countered. “I’d have to troop up there in a gown with a long train attached wearing heels.”

“You could walk up barefoot, put the shoes on when you reach the top.” That offer got Isabella a lethal glare from the principal. She lifted a shoulder. “Just saying.”

Julianne sighed. “Well, hey, I’m willing to explore the possibilities. How about you guys make that hike with us?”

“Sure. There are sixty-four steps up to the top,” Isabella said, turning to Thane. “Are you still in shape from your playing days?”

He grinned, leaned in, and whispered, “I thought I proved that last night. Twice.”

“Just checking,” she said, grinning back. She took his hand, told the other couple. “If you’re ready, I’ll lead the way. The view from the top is guaranteed to blow you away.”

From the moment they got inside the entrance and walked around the anteroom, Isabella knew this is where the couple planned to hold their wedding. “Even if it rains and you’re unable to hold the service between the cottage and the lighthouse, you could easily fit seventy-five people in this room.”

While Isabella took the couple on a tour and pointed out each historical fact to them, Thane watched Isabella’s eyes light up as bright as the beacon in the lantern room. If he’d wondered about her intentions to put down roots here in town before now, he had his answer. Not only did she glow with enthusiasm about the place, she had Ryder and Julianne so excited about their big day it was almost as if Isabella had planned the event out in her head. She was captivating. She was entertaining. She was everything Thane had ever wanted in a woman.

Then why did he feel like something was missing—that there was an enormous hole in her past? And could he overlook that feeling enough to move on with her? To make it permanent?

For Jonah’s sake he had to tread carefully. He had to be ever vigilant that there was no way his boy would get hurt in the process. But how could he do that without delving further into her past, a past she didn’t want to discuss?