Summer by the Tides Page 17

  She made her way to the back of the house, resisting the urge to improve her appearance. All the words she’d mentally spewed at him after his betrayal rose in her mind. How good would it feel to hurt him as he’d hurt her?

  But the check in her spirit reminded her that retaliation wasn’t right. And those fiery feelings were no longer there anyway. So she breathed a prayer for wisdom and forced herself to pour him a glass of iced tea. She added one for herself just so she’d have something to do with her hands.

  Leaving Pippy inside, she slipped out the door. He’d seated himself in one of the aqua chairs and she wished, uncharitably, that the paint was still wet.

  “Thanks,” he said as he took the glass. “What a great place. How come you never brought me out here?”

  She sat in the chair next to him, glad it was a good few feet away, because she suddenly wanted to smack him. “I asked you several times. You said we were too busy.”

  “Well . . .” He slanted her a grin. “I’m sorry we didn’t. We probably could’ve used the break from work.”

  “And my grandmother could’ve used the visit.” She was cross with herself for not coming without him.

  “Of course.”

  He turned in his chair, and her gaze fell to his squared-off knees, then down to his immaculate brown shoes. He was fussy about his shoes, shining them nearly every time he put them on.

  “Listen, Maddy . . .” The smile was gone, replaced by a hangdog look. “I know I owe you a big apology. What I did was wrong.”

  “Which part, Nick? You not only betrayed me with Evangeline, you stabbed me in the back professionally. You knew I was counting on that promotion, and you deliberately took it from me.”

  “I know.” He gave a nod. “That was . . . pretty despicable of me. All of it.”

  “Did you ever care about me, Nick? Or was I only a pawn the whole time?”

  His eyes widened. “No, absolutely not. Is that what you’ve been thinking? Maddy, of course I cared about you. I hope you believe that. When we started dating you were so . . . refreshing. And we had so much in common. I loved hanging out with you. I never thought I even had a chance at that promotion.

  “Then a few months ago Evangeline . . .” He gave her a sheepish look. “She kind of hit on me one night after work—and I rebuffed her. I did, at first . . . But she wouldn’t give up. Then she told me she was considering me for the promotion, and I just got so caught up in it all. You know how ambitious I am—and you’re just as bad, Maddy . . .”

  His pointed look left no doubt that he was thinking of her falsified résumé. Nice.

  “I never told Evangeline about your résumé,” he added.

  Well, give the man a gold star. Who knew if he was even telling the truth? Had Evangeline really come on to him or had it been the other way around? Maddy couldn’t imagine her former boss doing any such thing, but she’d probably never know. Nick knew she’d never ask Evangeline, so he could say anything he wanted.

  Maddy didn’t even need to know the truth. She’d pretty much put this whole debacle behind her. Though clearly the forgiveness part was still a work-in-progress.

  “Okay,” he said. “I can see you don’t quite trust me, and you have good reason not to. Can’t blame you. But it’s true. I never said an unkind word about you until that day you walked in. I knew how badly you wanted the promotion, but she wasn’t going to give it to you anyway. So why shouldn’t it go to me?”

  “That’s not the impression I got from her when Joe announced his retirement. She told me I was first in line.”

  “Her opinion changed over the next couple months.”

  Maddy gave a rueful laugh. “No doubt.”

  He raised his hands. “I had nothing to do with that. You know Allison never liked you. She bent Evangeline’s ear every chance she got.”

  “Allison is a hostess who couldn’t even show up to work on time. Why would Evangeline listen to her?”

  “Allison is no longer there for that very reason, but she was a little drama queen behind the scenes. She stirred up some of the others and got them on her side. You had a mutiny on your hands and didn’t even know it.”

  She wouldn’t put it past Allison, but then, she only had Nick’s word. Noelle had never mentioned any of this to Holly. But then, Allison had probably left Noelle out of her games since her sister was best friends with Maddy.

  “You ran a tight ship, and Allison didn’t like following rules. That’s on her, not you. But Evangeline took her complaints more seriously than she should’ve.”

  And Maddy guessed Nick had done nothing to defend her. But what did it matter now? Water under the bridge. The job was long gone, and she and Nick were over.

  “What do you want, Nick?” she asked wearily. “Why are you here?”

  “I told you, I owe you a big apology. I’d like your forgiveness, though I know I don’t deserve it.”

  He had more to say. She could hear it in his voice. “And . . .”

  “And . . .” He gave her a charming smile. “I have an opportunity I wanted to share with you. Something right up your alley. I’m not sure if you’ve got another job lined up yet, but when I heard about this I thought of you immediately.”

  “A job?” She remembered what she’d overheard him saying to Evangeline and couldn’t hold back. “What about my ‘tendency to get frazzled’? My ‘inability to handle responsibility’?”

  “Ah, Maddy, I was an idiot. I know that, okay? Cut a guy a break. I’m trying to make up for it. That’s why I came. A buddy of mine is launching a restaurant in downtown Charlotte. I told you about it. He had the managerial staff lined up, but the general manager position fell through. I convinced him you’d be perfect for it.”

  “And you think I’d be interested?” In something Nick had set up with “a buddy of his”?

  “It’s a great opportunity, Maddy. I considered taking it myself.”

  “What about Pirouette? You just got that position.” Stole it, but who was counting? “And what about Evangeline? You were just going to leave her hanging out to dry after she promoted you?”

  “That’s why I decided to stay. But Evangeline and I were never serious, Maddy. We’re not even together anymore. I work for her now—that’s it.” He tilted a look at Maddy. “She’s just not you, babe.”

  She bristled. “Don’t call me that.”

  “Come on, Maddy. I wasn’t going to get into this today, because I think we need to focus on the job opportunity. But I do miss you; I’m just going to leave that right there for now. Have you accepted another position somewhere?”

  Maddy blinked at the emotional whiplash. “Not yet, but I have my feelers out. And to be honest, Nick, I’m a little skeptical about your involvement in this opportunity.”

  He put up his hands, palms out. “I’m not involved, not really. I’m just the broker of the deal, and I don’t need an answer today. Just think about it. It’s a great opportunity, and you shouldn’t let your emotions get in the way of that. You should know they have a great up-and-coming chef onboard—Louis Antoine Marseille.”

  Maddy did a double take. She’d read an article about him in Food and Wine magazine. He’d graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and had worked with some of France’s best chefs. He was a great catch, and it showed the owner was serious about excellent cuisine.

  “I told you it was a great opportunity. The job’s not going to be available forever, though. Miles wants to lock down the management in the next couple weeks.” He set down his iced tea. “Take a walk on the beach? I can tell you more about it.”

  Maddy hated to admit it, but she was tempted. Even despite the drawback of Nick’s involvement, it could be a real career boost.

  Chapter 26

  Connor had forgotten what this felt like . . . being happy, having hope. He’d gotten so accustomed to the dark cloud hanging over his head that it had become his normal.

  Maddy had changed all that. Who could’ve known that the woman he’d thought
snarky and judgmental was actually the answer to his prayers? The reason he was driving down the road with a goofy grin on his face.

  It’s just the beginning, he reminded himself, trying to temper his expectations. Although they’d spent a decent amount of time together, he’d only known her a matter of weeks. And his hope felt out of proportion with the beginner status of their relationship.

  And then there was that kiss. She’d been so soft and warm and responsive. And man, did he love the sweet scent of her hair. He craved it when he was away from her.

  He shifted in his seat, eager to see her. So eager he’d left work a full hour early, something he couldn’t remember doing before. It was time he gave his top dockhand, Brandon, a little more responsibility. The kid was capable and eager to prove himself.

  His thoughts jumped to the jobs still needing done at the cottage. He’d agreed to handle the things the sisters didn’t feel comfortable with: fixing the plumbing, changing out the linoleum in the laundry room, and replacing a window that had a failed seal.

  If they were productive tonight, maybe he could talk Maddy into a walk on the beach. He was eager to get her alone, eager for another chance to kiss her.

  He pulled onto Bayview Drive, wondering how quickly he could shower and change. Silly, maybe, since he was only going to get dirty again, but the smell of fish clung to him, and he wanted to smell good for Maddy.

  As he approached his place his eyes fell on a red car in the driveway next door. The Monroe sisters had company. As he grew nearer he realized it was an old Mustang—a late sixties model, if he wasn’t mistaken.

  He remembered Maddy’s comment from their date, and his stomach fell to the floorboard. He pulled into his driveway and sat there a moment, looking next door.

  Had she been expecting a visit from Nick? She hadn’t said anything.

  The Mercedes was gone, but Maddy’s car was there. Likely Emma and/or Nora was gone. That meant Maddy might be alone with Nick. Connor had no reason to be concerned about her safety—just because he was a tool didn’t mean he was dangerous.

  A few minutes later Connor went inside his house and went through the motions: taking a shower, washing his hair, getting dressed. His mind spun a mile a minute. Worry churned in his gut. What did Nick want with Maddy? Was she okay?

  When he got downstairs he grabbed his cell phone and pulled up Maddy’s number. He’d just make sure she was all right.

  But moments later the phone rang into voicemail. He hung up without leaving a message. Why would Nick have come all the way to Seahaven? She’d said he’d been trying to reach her. Was he here to make amends? Did he miss her, want her back?

  Connor walked into the kitchen where he could see the cottage through the window. He’d feel a lot better if he knew one of her sisters was there.

  The landline. He found their grandma’s number under his contacts and called it. He wasn’t sure what his place was. He recognized the jealousy twisting his gut, but she wasn’t his girlfriend. They’d only had one official date.

  The phone rang five times before going to voicemail. Darn it. He ended the call and squeezed the back of his neck. Why wasn’t someone answering? It was possible they’d all left in the Mercedes. But that was also unlikely.

  He was going over there, he decided, charging toward his back door. He hated to make things uncomfortable for Maddy, but her safety came first. It was worth the bit of awkwardness his appearance might cause. If she was fine, he’d excuse himself.

  But when his feet hit the deck, his eyes caught on movement down by the beach. He immediately recognized Maddy’s dark hair trailing in the wind. She walked beside a man he could only deduce was Nick. He was several inches taller than she was, dark hair, sleek looking.

  Connor’s lungs deflated, leaving him with a hollow feeling. If someone had asked him yesterday what Maddy would do if Nick turned up on her doorstep, he would’ve sworn she’d shut the door in his face.

  Instead, she appeared to be taking a leisurely stroll on the beach with him. He could barely see them now, over the dunes, walking together, more closely than he would’ve liked.

  Clearly Maddy felt they had things to talk about. Closure? Or was that just wishful thinking on his part? Maddy and Nick had a long history. They’d been in love—or Maddy had been—while Connor’s relationship with her was brand-new.

  Still, he couldn’t believe she was giving Nick the time of day after what he’d done. Connor watched from the deck, hands on hips, energy churning through his body, until he couldn’t see them anymore.

  He’d never felt this way before. Annie had been the first girl he’d been serious about, and she’d never given him reason to feel jealous. He put his palm against his chest where his heart actually ached.

  Enough of this. He took out his phone, opened the last incoming call on his phone, and waited until there was an answer.

  “Hey,” he said in greeting. “Still want to shoot hoops tonight?”

  “Sure,” Lamont said. “Thought you had other plans.”

  “They fell through.” He’d never actually said he’d be over to help the sisters tonight. And obviously Maddy had other plans now. “See you in ten?”

  “Sure thing.”

  Connor ended the call. He suddenly couldn’t wait to burn off some steam.

  “Dude.” Lamont hunched over, hands on his knees. “Take it easy on a brother. I haven’t played in weeks.”

  “You’re just sore I’m beating you for once.” Connor slapped the ball against the concrete. The local park was nearly empty tonight, the humidity chasing everyone away. They’d both lost their shirts five minutes in, and now sweat rolled off their bodies.

  Lamont drew a forearm across his forehead. “Why do I get the feeling I’m in the middle of some kind of therapy right now?”

  Connor put up a shot from the three-point range, and it sank through the net with a swish.

  Lamont scowled. “Man, you’re killing me. Something happen today? Your sisters getting on your nerves or something?”

  “My sisters are on my nerves twenty-four/seven.” He put a body on Lamont. Had to get up tight on the man. He wasn’t tall, but he was scrappy.

  Lamont pivoted, faked him out, and put up a shot. It banked off the board and dropped through.

  “Lucky shot.”

  “It’s that girl, isn’t it? What, she go back home or something? Leave you all alone and heartbroken?”

  Connor grabbed the ball and dribbled out. “She’s still here.”

  “Well, something’s eating at you. You haven’t played like this since—”

  Connor gave him a dark look. He did not want to talk about the days following Annie’s death. His friend had the good sense to drop it.

  Lamont shrugged. “Just saying, man. You’re a hot mess.”

  They played in silence for another forty minutes, until Connor was flushed with heat, his lungs full and achy. Lamont had put up a good fight, but Connor had beat him by four. He’d played like a maniac. Too aggressive, though Lamont gave as good as he got. Connor was going to pay for this tomorrow when he rolled out of bed—he wasn’t eighteen anymore.

  They headed for the wooden picnic table where they’d left their stuff. Connor sat on top, uncapped his water. His breaths were ragged, his throat so dry he downed the water in one long drink. Squirrels nattered from a nearby tree, and children squealed from the playground equipment. A hot breeze ruffled his hair, stirring up the earthy smell of his own sweat.

  “You ever going tell me what’s eating at you, or are we just going to pretend all that”—he nodded toward the court—“didn’t happen.”

  Connor wondered if Maddy and Nick were still walking the beach. Had he tried to kiss her? The thought rankled. Connor had wanted to walk the beach with her tonight. Had wanted to kiss her again.

  Now she was potentially doing both with her ex-boyfriend. Unreal. The Maddy he knew would sooner slap the guy than kiss him, but there was a lot he didn’t know about Maddy. And she’d
admitted her instincts weren’t the best. She’d described Nick as a con artist, and he hated the thought that she might be sucked right back into his web.

  “You two have a fight or something?” Lamont asked.

  Connor slid him a look. “What’s with all the touchy-feely stuff tonight? Been watching the Hallmark Channel again?”

  “Hey, my lady loves that channel—and I love my lady. Can’t fault that logic.”

  “Guess not.”

  Lamont and Brianna, dating for over a year now, were probably headed for an engagement soon. They were a fun couple. Connor had thought about asking Maddy to double with them sometime soon.

  He still felt like trash even after burning off the excess energy. Maybe he did need to talk about this thing with Maddy and Nick. It was eating his lunch, and better Lamont than one of his sisters. He hadn’t even told them he was dating Maddy; they’d never leave him alone about it.

  He capped his empty water bottle with a sigh. “So, when I got home tonight, her ex-boyfriend’s car was in her driveway. Her sisters were gone, and she didn’t answer her phone when I called.”

  “Huh. He’s not from around here, is he?”

  “He’s from Charlotte, like Maddy. Came all the way out here to see her—that can’t be good, right?”

  “Give her some credit. He cheated on her, you said. She don’t want none of that.”

  Connor wished he could make himself believe that. “That’s what I thought, man. Next thing I know she’s taking a stroll on the beach with him.”

  “A stroll on the beach, huh? Well, that could be closure, could be anything, could be nothing.”

  Connor pictured the two of them, side by side. “Didn’t look like nothing. Maddy said she hadn’t talked to him since the breakup, then here he is, showing up at her door.”

  “You don’t think she was lying about it, do you?”

  “No. She wouldn’t do that.”

  “See? Probably just closure. Maybe you should just ask her what’s up with this guy.”