Page 20 of Love & Lattes at The Mermaid Cafe
I want Lena in my arms and by my side. Not just during the tour but always.
I draw back slightly, staring into her blue eyes before easing her back to me, fitting my lips to hers.
It’s a kiss that is a counterpoint to the storm. Gentle, humble, an introduction to feelings that I can’t yet put to words.
I should be confounded. With Emilia, the attraction had burned hot right from the start. And then somehow, the flame had extinguished amidst the daily grind of getting ahead. With Lena, things had started at a gentle pace and slowly built until my longing had become too insistent to ignore.
Lena pulls away from our kiss first. She looks at me the way I want a woman to look at me—like I’m the one she’s been waiting for.
But instead of kissing me again, Lena says, “Throw your bottle into the ocean before you leave.”
And then she disappears back down the stairs.
Chapter Fourteen
Lena
I run all the way back to the boardwalk, feet splashing in puddles, rain running down the back of my neck.
But I can’t run away from the emotions churning inside of me.
Cade’s kiss was marvelous. And even though I thought I’ve come to terms with my spinsterhood, there’s a part of me that aches to fall in love again.
Therein lies the reason for my tears.
I’ve fallen for a man I know is wrong for me. He’s smart and funny. He’s been through trials much harder than the Mermaid Bay Legacy Tour. But Cade will never choose me over his father, his family’s business, or his legacy. And I wouldn’t ask him to.
I stumble, sobbing, and slow to a walk.
That’s when I notice there’s an ambulance in front of the Barnacle Diner.
Drenched, teary-eyed, defeated, I don’t want to see anyone but I can’t pass by without seeing if I can be of assistance. I push through the diner’s door to an unaccustomed hush.
“It’s Dee.” Marina moves to my side. She looks as wet and windblown as I am. “She’s had a heart attack. Or maybe a stroke.”
The paramedics are getting Dee situated on a gurney in the kitchen.
I go cold inside. This is just what Cade predicted. Dee needs to retire but I’m certain all her money is tied up in the Barnacle Diner. If she’s had a stroke, her medical bills will cost a fortune. She needs to sell.
And Cade is well-positioned to buy her out.
My breath catches.
“Trouble’s got to you, hasn’t he?” Marina draws me over to a booth by the window and gives me a hug.
I say nothing. She says nothing.
The Mermaid Bay Legacy Tour has failed.I’vefailed. I feel that failure like a gut punch.
We hold hands as they wheel Dee out.
Chapter Fifteen
Cade
The morning after I kissed Lena, I walk along Mermaid Bay’s beach from the pier toward the lighthouse, my thoughts a jumble.
Lena. Mermaid Bay. Dad. The family business. My goals. My pride.
