Read Brushing Off the Boss: A Half Moon Bay Novel (Entangled Bliss) Online

Authors: Annie Seaton

Tags: #enemies to lovers, #artist, #small town romance, #Mira Lynn Kelly, #opposites attract, #forced proximity, #San Francisco, #Kristan Higgins, #Category Romance

Brushing Off the Boss: A Half Moon Bay Novel (Entangled Bliss) (2 page)

BOOK: Brushing Off the Boss: A Half Moon Bay Novel (Entangled Bliss)
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“That’s a long haul. What kind of bike have you got?” Cole took his arm from around Georgie’s shoulder and leaned forward.

“A Ducati. Best one I’ve ever had.” He glanced at Georgie as she moved her chair a little closer to his. “And I’ve had a few.”

The guy was giving him bad vibes.

“What gallery?” she asked.

“The Sea View Gallery in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I bought it around the same time that Ana hooked up with Blake.” Jack settled back in his chair and glanced around, wondering where Sienna and Ana had disappeared to. “I was going to sell it, but now I’ve decided to move here and use it as my base. Try my hand with my own gallery and doing something I love.”

Georgie’s eyes widened and she grabbed Jack’s arm. “Did you say the Sea View Gallery? In Carmel-by-the-Sea?”

“I did. Why? Is something wrong?”

“Oh, shoot,” she said.

Ana held the door open and Sienna strode in. Her black hair was cut short, framing her face in a pixie cut. Her dark brown eyes looked huge, outlined with that black pencil stuff she always wore. She flopped into her chair and sat back with her arms folded and stared across the table at Jack.

Her gaze was not friendly, and the come-hither look was gone. Jack looked from Sienna and back to Georgie, unsure of the vibes he was picking up.

“Happy birthday. If I’d known this was a birthday party, I wouldn’t have intruded.” He looked around for the waiter. “The least I can do is buy a bottle of champagne.”

“I’ll get it from the bar. The waitress is busy.” Sienna stood and pushed her chair back hard. It hit the low windowsill behind her with a loud
crack
.

Jack slid his chair back and followed her to the bar at the other end of the restaurant. She was edgy, and it seemed as though she was trying to get away from him. It was strange because five minutes ago she’d been smiling back at him. As they waited behind another couple, he took hold of her arm. “Would you like to tell me what I’ve done to upset you?”

“No, I wouldn’t.” Sienna stared up at him without a smile. He could have sworn her voice broke slightly, and she turned away from him and stared through the window. The sun had slipped below the horizon, and fingers of mist were settling over the calm sea as the sky darkened.

Jack shrugged and gave his order to the barman. The tension rolling off Sienna was enough to make him fidget as he waited for the bartender to open the champagne. Finally, the bottle was on the bar in front of him. “Coming?” He grabbed the bottle and waited for her to follow.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” It was quite clear she didn’t want to be in his company. Jack shrugged.

On his way back to the table, Cole pushed past him. Jack placed the bottle in the wine bucket and glanced back just in time to see the guy lean into Sienna. He put his hand on her waist, and she shoved it away. Jack’s fists curled as words were exchanged, and Cole glared at her for a few seconds before he pushed past her and headed for the door. Georgie and Ana, deep in conversation, missed the whole interaction.

Sienna walked back to the table, a flush on her cheeks.

“Everything okay?” Jack kept his voice low as she returned to her chair, a surge of protection rising in him

“Just fine and dandy.” She waited until Georgie looked across at her. “Your friend had to leave suddenly. I’ll explain later.”

Jack was bemused when conversation turned to the hardware store.

“Magda came in the other day.” Georgie held out her glass for a top-up and smiled at him. “She and Joe are leaving for the Caribbean next week.”

Ana turned to Jack to include him in the conversation. “Did you ever meet them? They are the sweetest old couple. They’ve lived in Nebbiton forever. Blake bought the hardware store from them when he left your father’s company.”

Jack shook his head.

“How many cruises have Joe and Magda been on now?” Ana asked Georgie.

The conversation buzzed around Jack and it was as though he’d imagined the prickly atmosphere when Ana and Sienna came inside, and the interaction he’d just witnessed at the bar. He sat back, interested to catch up with all their news. He hadn’t been out this way for a year and a half. He’d stayed in New York to support his mother after his father’s heart attack. To his surprise, she stepped in to help him with the company while his father went through a series of heart operations and a massive lifestyle change. In the end, to his great relief, Jack had only had to play a minor role in the business, and he’d spent a lot of time with his father. His father had disapproved of his casual attitude and frowned at the playboy lifestyle he thought Jack led. They’d had a few rocky years, and finally made their peace after his father finally understood that his creative nature didn’t lend itself to being in big business, and Jack had spent more time on his art and less time hitting the clubs.

When he first bought the gallery in Carmel, Jack had viewed it merely as an investment in something he loved, and his father’s company had managed it for him. Now he had a chance, once and for all, to prove to his father that art was not a hobby, but his lifetime career. Getting the commission for his sculptures in a new building in San Francisco had built Jack’s confidence, but until he’d finished them and met the deadline, he was not going to tell anyone why he’d moved here. He would prove to everyone that he was a true artist and that the commission had not been a fluke, no matter what his dad said. There had been an offer to buy the gallery last month, but he’d told the management company to tell the buyer it was no longer for sale. He had something to prove to himself.

This was Jack’s big chance to make something of himself in the art world.

Something that hasn’t been given to me.

There was no way he would ever get sucked into letting money rule
his
life. Chasing the dollar almost killed his father, and he had no life outside of his work.

Not for me. No way.

“Sir?” Jack looked up at the waitress who was standing beside him, with her order pad ready.

“I’ll just have the seafood chowder, thanks.” Jack stifled a yawn. “Sorry. I need to have an early night and grab some sleep.”

He caught Sienna looking at him as he reached for his water glass. If he drank any wine, he’d probably fall asleep at the table.

“You do look tired.” Her voice had lost the icy edge and the angry color on her cheekbones had faded. Maybe it was that other guy who had been bugging her.

“Yeah, I love riding my bike, but the last three days were pretty hectic. I wanted to get over to the coast to—”

“Well, it’s good to see you here.” Sienna cut him off before he could finish. “I’m sure we’ll be catching up some more.”

“Hope so. Are you still in Nebbiton?” He’d assumed that Sienna still worked in the hardware store where they’d first met.

“No,” she said slowly. “I’ve moved down this way.” She held his gaze, her beautiful dark eyes fixed on his.

He lowered his voice. “I’ll give you a call later in the week when I get settled. Same number?”

Sienna looked at him over the top of her glass, but her expression was guarded as she nodded slowly. “Same number.”

Georgie cleared her throat loudly, and he reluctantly broke eye contact with Sienna and settled back in his chair.

“Don’t drown like our great grandmamma. That was one of Uncle Renzo’s favorite stories,” Georgie said. Jack looked across the table at her as her laugh rang out, before he switched his gaze back to Sienna. Damn it, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Sienna had a wry grin on her face.

“And you, as gullible as usual, always fell for Uncle Renzo’s story,” she said, nudging Georgie with her elbow.

Jack must have looked confused, and Sienna leaned closer to him as she explained. Her perfume was sharp and floral, and he took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh fragrance after a day on the road smelling dust and tar.

“When we were in high school, Uncle Renzo brought us down here to the pier at Monterey for a birthday dinner, and he told Georgie a story about his grandmother falling asleep at the table when he was a little boy, and drowning in her chowder.”

Jack grinned as Sienna continued the story. “He had her sucked in, hook, line and sinker, for the whole night until she started to cry, and then he took pity on her.”

Sienna smiled as she looked at Jack. Her long, delicate neck arched gracefully as her head turned slowly from side to side, and Jack got another whiff of her perfume. Her eyes were hooded, and Jack sensed she was waiting for something.

He couldn’t smother the next yawn that overtook him when he finished his meal. Jack pushed his plate away and put his hand over his mouth. “Sorry.”

“Boring you, are we?” Sienna smiled, and he held her gaze for a long time before she looked down again. Her long dark lashes hid her expression.

“Not in the least, but I’ll have to get some sleep or I’ll drown in the chowder too.” He joked to lighten the tension between them; could almost hear the attraction crackling between them. He was looking forward to spending time with her, as soon as he got himself organized.

“I hear you’ve been in business back in New York.” Sienna tipped her head on the side and narrowed her eyes.

“Yeah, I have been. But it wasn’t really my scene. I’m sure I’m going to like the West Coast much better than the hectic pace of New York.”

“It can get hectic here too,” she said, and there was something strange in her tone, as though she was trying to talk him out of the move. Jack racked his brain trying to think how much Blake knew of his reasons for coming down here. He knew he owned the gallery but nothing else. No one else knew about his commission.

“So you didn’t like being the boss? You’re going to do that sort of thing down here?” Sienna sounded interested.

“No, I’m not.” Jack shrugged. “I intend on finding a good manager for my business and I’ll look for a place to live near the beach. I’m sure I’ll get plenty of time to go surfing.”

“I hear it’s hard to get good staff down this way.” Sienna glanced at him and he had the feeling she disapproved of his plans.

Jack narrowed his eyes; he didn’t need anyone else judging him. “Is it? I’m sure I’ll find an agency to help me.” It was as though they were playing a game, although maybe he was reading too much into her words.

“So are you all still in the hardware and restoration business?”

Ana and Georgie shook their heads, but it was Sienna who answered him.

“I suppose you could call my
work
that. I still work with ‘doohickeys’ of a sort.” She sat up straight in her chair and her voice was still a bit snarky. He wasn’t imagining it; she was playing games with him and he didn’t like it. Maybe he wouldn’t call her after all. He didn’t need any unnecessary complications taking up his time.

Jack put a civil smile on his face. “That’s right. I’d forgotten the slogan for that hardware store that Blake bought. What was it again?”


Whatchamacallits, thingamajigs, and doohickeys for every need
,” Georgie piped up. She and Ana had been watching the interaction between Jack and Sienna with interest.

Why did he get the feeling that everyone else knew what was going on? It was hard to concentrate because he was so tired from the long ride today. Time to leave.

Jack pushed his chair back and stood slowly, but Sienna’s eyes stayed on him. “Time I hit the road. You’ll have to excuse me. I’ve had a long day.” Jack turned to Ana and Georgie and smiled. “I’m sure we’ll catch up in Nebbiton. I’ll be up to see Blake in the next couple of weeks. As soon as I get settled I’ll give him a call.”

Sienna lifted her wineglass to her lips and sipped slowly, regarding him over the rim.

“I’ll give you a call too, Sienna.” Jack’s eyes fixed on her rosy lips until her next words dripped from them.

“I’ll look forward to it.” But her terse tone belied the words. Jack turned to ask for the bill but Sienna’s next words stopped him.

“So tell me, Jack, whatever possessed you to buy an art gallery when you’ve had nothing to do with the art world?”

So she wanted to be smart. Well, he could play the same game. He turned slowly to face her.

“A gallery just sells a different type of product. Business is business whatever is sold. Paintings, pottery, furniture, wheelbarrows, stocks and shares…even doohickeys”—he flicked a glance at her—“or whatever it was you were in charge of in that hardware store. As long as you have a buyer and decent staff, there’s money to be made. No knowledge of art required.”

They were his father’s words, and although Jack didn’t believe them for a moment, he made them his. Sienna had really pushed his buttons with her “nothing to do with the art world” comment.

Her eyes flashed at him as her cheeks colored a deep red. “Well, Jack, I’m sure your
staff
will look after your gallery and make lots of money for you while you’re off surfing.”

“That’s all I can hope for.” He caught the waitress’s eye and asked for the check before turning back to the table. “I’ll get the bill—that’s my gift to you both. I hope you had a happy birthday, ladies.”

The scowl on Sienna’s face said otherwise.

Chapter Two

“So what did you say to Cole to upset him?” Georgie stood outside the door of the restaurant with Sienna, while Ana went to the restroom. “Why did he leave?”

“Why would you think it was me who upset
him
?” Sienna didn’t let the hurt show in her tone. She kept her voice firm as she faced her sister. “He made a move on me.”

“I can really pick ’em, can’t I?” Georgie frowned. “I can’t believe he hit on you on our second date. I’m destined to be a spinster. I might as well move in with the surrogate great-aunts now.”

Sienna shook her head with a small smile before she looped her arm around her twin’s shoulder. “I don’t think you’re quite ready for crocheting coat hangers with Thelma and Mitzi just yet. You just have to toughen up.”

“You’re not as tough as you make out.” Georgie gave her a sideways glance. “I saw the way you were trying to act mean with Jack, but you can’t fool me. You’re as soft as marshmallow inside. I’ll just focus on my job for a while, pay off my apartment, and then I’m going to travel. We might make Machu Picchu together yet.” She punched Sienna lightly on the top of her arm. “And then when I get back, we can both move in with the aunts and you can paint the toilet roll holders.”

“Very funny,” Sienna said drily. “I’ve got grander plans than that for my art.” She stifled a giggle. “Although I suppose the toilet roll holders are products too. A bit quirky. Maybe we could ask Jack to sell them in the gallery. After all, what did he say? Wheelbarrows, stocks and shares…even ‘doohickeys’.”

“I’m pleased to see your sense of humor is back,” Georgie said. She turned to Ana. “I guess I need a lift home, seeing as my sweet sister here sent my driver home without me. Can you drop me off?”

Ana nodded and the three girls headed off along the pier together in a comfortable silence. The air was crisp as the chill of the fall air settled, and Sienna took a deep breath when the salt-tanged breeze drifted across from the bay. She opened her bag and pulled out her keys. “I’ll see you all next weekend?”

“Whoa, not so fast.” Ana grabbed her arm. “We need to talk.”

“What about?” Sienna wanted to get back to Carmel, and think about the bombshell that Ana had dropped about Jack being the owner of the gallery…
her
gallery.

“Are you okay? About the gallery?” Ana frowned.

“Yes, I’m okay.”

The gut-wrenching disappointment that hit her when Ana told her about Jack owning the gallery, and changing his mind about selling, settled in Sienna’s stomach like a stone. She worried about the schedule for her exhibition. She needed to keep using the studio to finish her pieces in time. She’d done so much preparation; the exhibition couldn’t be put back. To make matters worse was the jolt that hit her nerve endings,
everywhere,
every time Jack looked at her or opened his mouth to speak and let that sexy voice pour over her. If he was going to be her boss, dating him was out of the question. Besides, all her energy right now had to go into finishing her pieces and setting up the exhibition. She had no time for a social life—and didn’t want to ruin her reputation in the art community by going out with the boss. Funny that, until she’d found out Jack owned the gallery, she had looked forward to catching up and having some fun.

Sea View Gallery was perfect for her, and the building had everything that she wanted. This afternoon seemed like a dream now; she’d had such plans for the place. It had the best layout, with a kiln room underneath; it was close to the beach; and she already started to change the interior. And not only that, she was using the studio at the back for her work. She’d even slept on the sofa in the studio a few nights when too tired to drive home. She was planning on spending all day there tomorrow to do some more enameling of her frogs.

But she didn’t want to worry Georgie and Ana. “Another space will come up for sale eventually.”

“I was worried you’d be really disappointed.” Ana reached over and kissed her cheek. “We’ll catch up soon. I’d better pick Faith up. She’ll have worn out the old dears by now. I know Thelma and Mitzi love her, but they spoil that daughter of ours dreadfully. They wanted to know if we were ever getting married so she could be the flower girl. Would you believe they started pulling out dresses from
their
grandmother’s time?”

“So is there going to be a wedding?” Sienna smiled at her friend.

“Of course there is…one day. And you two will be the first to find out when.” Ana grinned, then headed for her car.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” Georgie waited with Sienna and turned to her with a frown. “You’re devastated about the gallery, aren’t you?”

Sienna linked her arm through her twin’s. “That’s a bit over the top. Not devastated, but I am disappointed. I had such big plans.”

“I could see the sparks snapping between you and Jack. I told the soup story to kill the sexual tension that was hanging over the table. Now you have to work for him.”

“If he won’t sell, I’ll find something else.” Sienna sighed. “I don’t want to have to ask approval for everything I do. I just hope I can still have my exhibition at the end of the month. Maybe I can find a vacant shop in Nebbiton.”

Georgie stared at her. “Carmel-by-the-Sea is the artsy capital of the northern California coast. Don’t give up so easily. Maybe he won’t come in and change plans you’ve made.”

“I’ll think about it.” Sienna leaned over and hugged Georgie. “Between sleazy Cole and sexy Jack, we certainly had an eventful birthday.”

“Just don’t make any hasty decisions. I know how much time you’ve invested in this exhibition.” A phone beeped loudly. Georgie unzipped her bag and scrabbled around in it. “Blasted phone. It always gets lost in this bag. Got you, you little sucker.” She blew Sienna a kiss before she hitched her bag back onto her shoulder and glanced down at the screen.

“A text from Cole.” She shoved the phone back in her bag and turned toward Ana’s car.

“Georgie?” Sienna put her hand on her sister’s arm as she moved away.

“Uh-oh.” Georgie rolled her eyes. “You’ve got the big-sister lecture face on.”

“I know we joke about it, but promise me you’ll be a little bit more…er…careful when you accept a date next time?”

“I know, he was a sleaze but—”

“Stop trying so hard. There’s no such thing as happy ever after.” Sienna crossed her arms, waiting for Georgie’s reaction.

“You are so cynical. I worry about you.” Georgie frowned and rubbed her forehead with her hand. “Romance is alive and well. Look at Ana and Blake. Look at all the lovely old couples in Nebbiton who’ve been married for a hundred years.”

“A hundred?” Sienna looked away at the fog rolling in from the sea. “Ana and Blake, well, they’re one in a million. You’ve got to stop going out with losers just to try to find something that doesn’t exist.”

“Just because our mother made bad choices doesn’t mean we can’t find love. You have to learn to trust.”

Sienna pushed away the sympathy that rose in her chest when she saw tears well up in Georgie’s eyes. Her twin was going to end up hurt…again.

“I don’t
need
to be loved by a man. It’s not what I want. I love what I do and I’m really happy with my life the way it is.” She shook her head as the disappointment of the night’s events resurfaced. “If it hadn’t been for Jack changing his mind about selling the gallery, I would have been well on my way to being settled. But I’ll find something else.”

“Well, we’re going to have to agree to disagree again.” Georgie’s face was closed and she turned away. “I’d better hurry, Ana’s waiting. So no hasty decisions about the gallery, especially if Jack lets you keep the date for the show. Okay?”

Sienna waved as she walked over to her car parked two rows away.

“I promise,” she said.

She would have to catch up with Jack first thing on Monday and find out what was happening. It was strange that no one from the company had even contacted her to say he was coming.


Jack rolled the Ducati up to the curb a couple of doors up the street from the gallery. He knew there was a garage behind the building, but he only had a key to the front door. The rest of the keys had always been with the manager.

He let himself in and felt around for a light switch. There was a full moon to help light his way; there were few streetlights in town. He flicked the switch and shelves were bathed in a soft light; a brighter spotlight highlighted a colorful display in the window. The space was well laid out, and looked different from when he first bought the place. He’d run the numbers, ducked into the gallery for a quick look, and realized the property would appreciate in value. Its location was one of the best in the small artsy town. So he’d bought it and left it in the hands of Dad’s company, which looked after a few of his interests.

Whoever was managing it now was doing it well. He hoped the current manager would stay on. He didn’t want a full-time role running the place. His deadline was coming up fast, and he was itching to get back to his sculpting when his stuff arrived next week.

A stack of work to do before I can get those pieces finished.

Jack grabbed the bag he’d thrown in the door earlier and wandered around, picking up the occasional piece on display. Vases, bowls, all with a motif of small animals and insects, as well as an eclectic array of pieces, filled the shelves. And the color followed a pattern that appealed to his sense of order. Everything in the window facing the street was in bright primary colors and bathed in the strongest light. As he let his gaze wander down along the shelves to the back of the gallery, he appreciated the skill that had gone into the placement of the pieces by color. Midrange yellows and greens filled the middle shelves, and were lit with a fading light. At the back of the gallery, set in an alcove, white bowls were set off by a soft light shining down from beneath the low ceiling. Candles and bowls of flower petals placed discreetly between the artwork gave off a soft floral fragrance.

Very nicely done.
It was well balanced.

Jack yawned and a muscle tightened between his shoulders. He tipped his head to the side to stretch his neck. If he didn’t grab some sleep he’d be useless tomorrow. At least it was Sunday and the gallery would be closed, according to the discreet sign on the glass counter near the door. He switched off the lights and pushed open the door at the back, which opened into a small kitchen. Two more doors were at the back of the kitchen. Jack pushed open the first, nodding with satisfaction as he took in a small bathroom.

Putting his bag on the floor, he pulled his T-shirt over his head and ran water over his face in the small sink. He wiped his face and hands on his T-shirt before he pushed open the last door. It opened into a studio filled with shadows, but the moonlight streaming in through the large bay window facing north hinted at the light that would fill the room in the daytime.

Too tired to turn on the light and lift all the drop sheets covering the shelves to see what was beneath them, Jack headed over to the sofa tucked into the back corner of the room. Thank goodness he didn’t have to crash on the floor, although he was so tired he could have slept anywhere. He threw his T-shirt onto the floor before he stepped out of his jeans and kicked them aside.

A blanket was draped over the back of the sofa, and he sank gratefully into the soft cushions and closed his eyes. As sleep overtook him, he forgot about the gallery and all his plans; his artist’s eye took him back to Sienna, with her large dark eyes made bigger by black kohl, accentuated by the short feathery hair just touching the fair skin on her forehead. Her high cheekbones had worn a soft flush throughout dinner, and a sexy smile had tilted her rosebud lips before her mood had changed. Jack drifted off and sleep overtook him with Sienna’s face planted firmly in his thoughts. He could even smell her perfume.

Jack couldn’t be sure if it was the light streaming through the bay window or the need for coffee that roused him from a deep sleep hours later. He swung his legs over the sofa and leaned forward, rubbing his hands over his stubbled chin. He’d go in search of that much-needed coffee as soon as he shaved and showered. He looked down at his watch. It was only seven o’clock; he was sure he’d find an open restaurant close by in a tourist town like Carmel.

Coffee…and eggs. Or pancakes. Or both. With bacon.

Jack lifted his head at the sound of dishes, and he realized he really could smell coffee.

It’s not just wishful thinking.

He quickly retrieved his jeans from the floor and stepped into them before he walked across to the door. He lifted his hand to turn the knob, but the door opened in front of him before he reached it.

“Holy moly.”

A hot cup of coffee hit his bare chest at the same time Sienna’s exclamation reached his ears. He jumped back when the mug tipped over and hot coffee spilled all over the wooden floor. The cup bounced without breaking.

“What on earth are you doing here? And bringing me coffee? Are you a mind reader?” He rubbed his eyes and looked at Sienna, trying to figure out what the hell she was doing here. “Or am I still dreaming?”

“What?” Sienna gawked back at him.

“How did you know I was here?” Jack racked his brain trying to remember the conversation last night. “And how did you get in? Did I forget to lock the door?” He rubbed his hands over his eyes again trying to wake up. He stepped across the room and picked up his T-shirt and pulled it over his head. Sienna just stood there looking at him, not saying a word.

He walked back over and took her arm. “Sorry. You woke me up. I didn’t even check to see if you were okay. The coffee didn’t burn you, did it?”

“No, I’m fine.” She pulled back from him and folded her arms. Jack looked down, following the direction of her gaze. He grinned and zipped up his jeans over his black boxers before he reached out and gently held her shoulders.

“It was very sweet of you to bring me coffee. Did Georgie tell you I was here?”

Beneath his hands, Sienna put her shoulders back. Her muscles tensed when she took a deep breath. “Let’s just get one thing clear, mister. One thing I am not…is sweet.”

BOOK: Brushing Off the Boss: A Half Moon Bay Novel (Entangled Bliss)
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