“I don’t have time for women, Millie. That’s just the way it is.”

  “Such a shame,” Jolene teased. “A fine stud muffin like yourself. Oh, speaking of stud muffins. I heard your brother is headed to the Vancouver Jackals. You must be proud.”

  Becca exhaled as she studied me. She knew how much I’d wanted to be a part of the team. “I don’t think he wants to rekindle the world of hockey. Do you, Jake?”

  “Nope. I sure don’t. Riley is in charge of his own life. Becca, can I get a club sandwich and some chips, please?” I made a mental note to have a discussion with my brother. I’d give reasoning with him one last try. After that, I’d wash my hands of him. The least he could have done was find the decency to tell me so I wasn’t forced to hear it from the town gossips. I gritted my teeth before I said anything that would come back to bite me. I’d been doing a lot of that lately.

  “Sure you can. Let the man have some peace, folks,” Becca said loud enough for the entire diner to hear then glared at her own mother before heading to the computer to place the order.

  I sucked in my breath, feeling angry that Margaret would have trusted a pig like Malcolm. At least he hadn’t gotten his slimy hands on the place. However, at some point I’d warn Cassandra to stay away from him.

  If she ever talked to me again. I couldn’t be certain at this point. I felt the heat of additional stares but within a few seconds, the crowd went back to jabbering about others in town. I tried to listen in on the conversations but after a few minutes, my mind could only concentrate on Cassandra.

  What I hadn’t wanted to happen had been easy to allow. I’d broken the rules I’d set in motion. Even worse, I stood a chance of dragging Cinnamon Girl down with me. The best thing to do was stay away from her before things got of hand. The only way to do that was to hire another contractor myself. I knew of one I could trust. Maybe I’d give him a call.

  Was it the chicken shit way out?

  You bet it was. However, someone as beautiful and vulnerable as Cassandra didn’t need my brand of crazy. Or the baggage that would always be with me. I pulled out my phone, checking to see if I had Garrett’s number. As luck would have it, I did. I couldn’t help myself, sliding my finger across the screen to Cassandra’s number. The attorney who’d handled the probate had given it to me and I’d almost forgotten I had it. A part of me wanted to call or text her, but at this point I wasn’t certain what I could say.

  She deserved the truth even though we’d only shared one special moment together. Very slowly I scrolled away from the screen, shoving my phone back into my jacket.

  Sighing, I allowed my mind to drift to the night I’d shared with the beautiful girl one last time before putting it to bed permanently. Yeah, it was the right thing to do, even if the ache would remain for some time to come.

  “Hey, Becca. I’ll take the food to go. A couple things just came up,” I said after making my decision.

  “Sure, Jake. Is everything okay?”

  “Everything is fine. I just have some work to do.”

  “Sure thing,” Becca answered. “It’ll just be a minute.”

  As she slid the bill across the counter toward me, I yanked out my wallet. The decision was a tough one but it was best for both of us.

  Whether my Cinnamon Girl knew accepted it or not. At some point, she’d learn that I was a terrible person and more.

  After Becca handed me the bag, she followed me out to my truck. “You okay?”

  “Peachy. Why?” I answered.

  “Because I know that look.”

  “What look is that?”

  “The one where you’re about ready to blow a gasket. That’s the way you were just before heading to the ice. Maybe you need to do a little practicing like you used to.”

  “I got a bum leg, Becca. I don’t play hockey any longer.”

  “From what I can see, your leg is all healed.”

  “Is that why you followed me out here?”

  “No, stick in the mud. I followed you out here because I know you too well. What were you trying to learn by coming into the diner?” She folded her arms, giving me the same hard look she had all those years ago when I was still a human being.

  Shrugging, I unlocked the door of my truck, placing the food inside. “Let it go, Becca.”

  “You might have fooled everyone that you don’t think the new girl is pretty, but I could see the gleam in your eyes. It’s time you moved on. You know that.”

  “Moved on from what?”

  “Oh, let me count the ways. From grief. From anger. From self-hatred. Pick one. You’re not a spring chicken any longer.”

  One of many things I liked about Becca was that she’d never hesitated in telling me the absolute truth even if it hurt like hell. I’d missed her openness and trust, as well as her caustic mouth. Maybe that’s why I’d been so entranced with Cassandra. “You don’t mince words, do ya?” At least I could grin.

  “Nope. You need me to give you a kick in the ass every so often.” She inched closer. “I’m serious though. I have a feeling you like this girl.”

  I stared up at the sky for a few seconds, hating the fact my pulse was racing. “It doesn’t matter if I like her. She doesn’t need an anchor around her neck. She’s going to have enough to deal with.”

  “Why do you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Sell yourself short? You’re a wonderful man and a fabulous catch. Just because that bitch left you in the lurch doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to have something special.”

  She’d refrained from saying my ex’s name ever since the puck bunny had walked out on me, even going as far as telling me she wanted to beat the crap out of the girl more than once. “I’m fine. Stop trying to fix me up.”

  “I don’t even know the girl, other than what Mommy dearest had to say about her. I just know you and want you happy.”

  “I am happy.”

  “You are so bad at lying. But I won’t bug you about it except to say that you do deserve to have everything you want in your life. You’re paid a hefty price for caring.”

  “It’s been justified penance.”

  “Bullshit. Just think about what I said. You deserve happiness more than anyone I know of.” She rose onto her toes, pressing her hand against my chest and leaning in. As she kissed me on the cheek, I did think about what she’d just said. Then I shoved it aside. I knew what was best, but not for me.

  For the woman who’d made me feel alive.

  CHAPTER 13

  Cassandra

  Another morning had dawned and Jake was nowhere to be seen. Well, bully for him. The shithead didn’t have the nerve to show up to see if I was kidding about him working on the house.

  That was probably because he was with his girlfriend.

  I hissed, glaring out the window as I thought about what I’d seen while heading for the diner as recommended by Millie. I’d been excited about finding the perfect truck and one that I’d easily been able to afford. I’d thought a little celebration lunch was in order. Of course, I had to see a girl kissing him in the parking lot. They looked mighty cozy.

  Don’t jump to conclusions.

  Yeah, well, it was pretty clear what I’d seen. However, when he finally showed up for work, I would give him the benefit of the doubt. I’d want someone to do that for me. Still, the ache I felt was unexpected. So why was I still baking for him? Was it all about proving to myself that I could?

  Maybe.

  Was it more about trying to pretend as if I didn’t feel like I was a failure? You bet.

  Damn it.

  After I shoved the last batch of cookies into the oven, I paced the floor of my kitchen, trying to figure out why and how I could have been so stupid. Okay, so that guy had told me he wasn’t married, but he certainly hadn’t been up front about seeing anyone else. Okay, so we weren’t an item, but we did have sex. Normally, that meant some level of honesty. Shit. I’d been out of the dating scene for far too long.

  The fact he hadn’t returned to the house was starting to disturb me in several ways, including dragging unwanted anger to the forefront of my mind. I was irritated enough he’d just disappeared that I’d been tossing flour and sugar around as if it was going out of style. Every surface in my kitchen, as well as my jeans, was covered in white. What did I care? I’d even arranged for a cashier’s check to take care of the debt my mother owed, including the brand spanking new iPhone.

  At least I’d calmed down from the day before, using my frustration to unpack the boxes, finally adding touches of my own. I’d spent way too much money at a couple of local stores purchasing a few pictures and some linens so I could turn the bedroom into my own. Replacing the mattress would come later. And I’d treated myself to some new jeans and a couple of sweaters since Mr. Grinch had made fun of what I’d been wearing.

  Oh, God. I wanted to hate the man. How had I allowed him to crawl under my skin?

  Because he made you feel like a woman.

  Yeah, there was that.

  I’d wanted to ask him if he smoked, which I doubted, but it would give a plausible explanation for what I’d noticed on my driveway. It was funny that the anger I felt outweighed the fear that had trickled within me the morning before. If not Jake, it could easily have been someone coming to explore staying at the place, or a tourist looking for a place to stay. There was no indication the B & B was closed. Not one.

  Grousing or worrying wasn’t going to do me any good. Only the truth would ease the vixen inside of me.

  I’d been determined to do something nice, but as usual, I was second guessing myself. Plus, right now, my intentions weren’t on the up and up. So, here I was, determined to finish the cookies as if I was Suzy Homemaker. Fuck that. Maybe I would hire a chef. Yep. That was more my style. So what if I wasn’t a small-town girl? Huh? What of it?

  Yeah. There was a hint of the girl I’d once been. I headed for the oven, turning on the light and staring inside. A moment of relief flooded me. They looked delicious.

  After burning the first batch of chocolate chip cookies, the secret recipe I’d found in my mother’s aging recipe box, I’d been successful in getting one pan out of the oven unscathed. Well, after burning my fingers on the heated surface not once but twice. Still, I considered my endeavor a partial success. As an added bonus, my trashcan smelled of chocolate and vanilla, two of my favorite scents.

  Although fresh pine and rainwater were certainly right up there. I’d taken a tentative bite, shocked that the cookie was scrumptious. I couldn’t believe the chick who tortured eggs when scrambling them had been able to bake such a delicacy. I’d even found a festive plate. Granted, it had Santa Claus and Rudolph in the center, but at least it was something attractive to place my cookies on. That might get his goat. Ha. I was indeed such a bad girl. I’d get the truth out of him.

  When the oven dinged, I grabbed a potholder and breathed another sigh of relief as I removed the perfectly golden-brown treats, placing them on the counter to cool. I’d go freshen up then head to Jake’s place. He damn well better be home.

  Before I had a chance to leave the kitchen, the ring on my phone made my heart flutter. It was crazy but I was hopeful if was Jake calling, maybe asking me out on a date. Oh, my lord. Not only did he not have my phone number but two seconds before I’d been angry with him.

  The number wasn’t one I recognized although it was local. Tingles drifted down my spine as they’d done when Jake had touched me.

  “Cassandra Dayne.”

  “Uh, yeah, Ms. Dayne. This is Garrett Thompson. I’m a local contractor here in Depoe Bay. I was calling because I know you own the place now and you need some work done.”

  I certainly wasn’t spiteful and wouldn’t allow what I’d seen to get in the way of business. I planned on remaining an adult even if my contractor had two-timed his girlfriend. “I’m sorry, Mr. Thompson, but I’m already working with a wonderful contractor. I appreciate your call though.”

  “Jake Spencer?”

  “Yes, that’s the man. If you’d like to text me your information, I’ll certainly keep it on file.”

  “I think there’s been some kind of mistake. Jake called and mentioned he couldn’t finish the job. We’re old friends. I told him I’d be happy to step in.”

  The sledgehammer effect was only matched by the gut-wrenching jab from an invisible and very dull knife. “I see.”

  “Anyway, I have some free time tomorrow if you don’t mind me stopping by so I can see the scope of work.”

  “That would be fine.” The ache only continued to grow.

  “How about two-thirty? Will that work?”

  “Sure, Mr. Thompson. That will work just fine. I’ll see you then.” As I ended the call, I took a deep breath, holding the phone to my forehead. After placing the phone on the counter, I grabbed the Santa plate, heading to the trash. It was funny how much better I felt as I grabbed one burnt cookie after another. By the time I’d filled the plate, I was feeling much better.

  After wrapping plastic wrap around the treats, I stood back. I was even able to allow a wry smirk before glancing at the drawers, opening one after another until I found what I was looking for.

  The meat tenderizer would be perfect. Humming softly, I returned to the plate, grateful it was made of melamine. Then I took out my aggressions on the cookies, smashing them to smithereens.

  Yep, the girl I’d once been ages before was back. No longer would I allow any man to take advantage of me.

  Ever.

  I’d thought about bringing Moose with me, but I honestly didn’t want him to get any more attached to Jake than absolutely necessary. Fortunately, the asshole wasn’t home. I’d left the plate on his front porch along with the check in an envelope, wishing I’d had a little marijuana or even a laxative that I could have added to the cookies. Yes, that was horrible of me but at this point, I didn’t care.

  The fact I’d accepted such bullshit behavior from my ex should have allowed me to see right through the rugged man’s façade. But I’d lost myself in Jake’s sinfully blue eyes and chiseled jaw. To hell with that.

  I’d soothe the ache in my heart by stopping by the diner as I’d intended the day before. If I ran into the man and his girlfriend, I’d do nothing but wave. But first, I was headed to the post office my mother had used. I’d almost forgotten that she had very little mail coming to the house. The drive to the other side of the small town had helped me understand why my mother was so in love with the location. Everything was quaint from the houses to the businesses. There were so many tree-lined streets and from several locations, you could catch a glimpse of the ocean.

  I wanted this to feel like home but right now, I just felt empty and I hated that more than anything. Maybe Garrett Thompson would allow me to forget all about Jake. One could hope.

  After parking the truck I jumped out, surprised when the three people who passed me waved as if they were old friends. There was something about small town vibes that I liked. It was entirely different than being in DC where everyone questioned everything.

  I was surprised at the stack of mail in the box and took the time to go through the ads and other basic trash mail, tossing them into the bin inside the post office. There were several bills, which I’d anticipated and another piece that caught my eye. It was from a real estate firm in town, but it didn’t appear to be an advertisement.

  As soon as I opened it, another wave of anger skidded into my system. It was a threatening letter addressed to my mother, the threat about suing her for breach of contract. What the hell? My mother hadn’t been attempting to sell the place. She’d prepared her will years before. I stared at the name on the envelope but couldn’t tell when it had been mailed.

  The attorney had told me he’d had all her mail redirected to his office until only a week ago. Surely he would have known if she’d entered into a contract. Something didn’t add up. While I wanted nothing more than to find the man’s office and confront him, I figured it was in my best interest to find out who the guy was.

  I could contact the attorney, but I had a feeling if all the regulars went to the diner, someone inside could tell me all about Mr. Robinson.

  And I’d be able to kill two birds with one stone. I’d even buy my fur baby a beloved cheeseburger in celebration of my newfound independence. See. I was feeling better already.

  I dumped the mail into the seat beside me, heading back to the other side of town, enjoying the scenery along the way. When I pulled into the diner, I was eager to grab a burger, maybe a glass of wine and a chat with the locals. It was time I took full control of my life.

  As I headed inside, my mouth watered from the smells inside the place. It was adorable in atmosphere, pictures of all kinds of people covering the walls that didn’t have windows. I even noticed a few celebrities as I walked by, heading to the counter. Almost immediately Millie came out from the back, a smile bursting on her face.

  “Well, hey there, new neighbor. Grab a seat,” Millie said.

  “I think I will.”

  “What can I get you?”

  “You wouldn’t happen to have a nice glass of wine, would you?”

  Millie laughed. “Of course, honey. Would you like a glass from your mother’s vintage?”

  “I think I would.”

  “Red or white?”

  “Red, the darker the better.”

  “I’m so glad you stopped by. Your ears must have been burning.” As she pulled a bottle of wine into her hand, searching for a corkscrew, I narrowed my eyes.

  “Why?”

  “Because Jake was in here yesterday. I think he’s sweet on you.”

  “Oh, I doubt that. We don’t really get along. Plus, he has a girlfriend.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “Because I saw him kissing a girl yesterday. I’m many things but not a homewrecker.”

  “Hmmm… I think you’re wrong. He hasn’t been with anyone since that floozy walked out on him a few years ago after the tragedy.” She popped the cork and immediately grabbed a glass.