No Tan Lines (16 page)

He felt her chest vibrate, and he remembered that her cell phone rested in her cleavage. She ignored whatever call came in. Her mind was on ice cream.

He lowered his hands, but not before Jenna snapped a second picture. Shaye’s cousin was photo happy. His gesture was innocent enough, but her text would make him out to be a pervert.

Trace glared at Jenna, who pulled a face, then placed her order. Another few steps and Shaye took her sweet time selecting a flavor. There were only three kinds of ice cream, yet it took her several minutes to decide.

She finally went with strawberry and added six toppings. The scoop was the size of a tennis ball. Her plastic bowl overflowed. She grabbed a spoon and started eating so fast, Trace was certain she’d have a brain freeze.

“Medium chocolate with M&Ms, chopped walnuts, and coconut shavings,” he requested. One of the employees put his order together. He left ten dollars in the tip jar by the register. The staff nodded their appreciation.

Shaye Cates stood off to the side until Trace joined her. She saw the coconut in his bowl, and her blush deepened. Heat swept all the way to her hairline. The memory of him eating coconut cream pie off her hip was still vivid. She scooted toward the door.

He caught her on the boardwalk. “You’re a woman who eats on the run,” he noted. “Where to now?”

“The Ferris wheel,” she said. “It’s quiet and a good place to talk.”

He slowed. “Our business meeting?”

“I’m compromising. This is the best I can do on a Saturday.”

He took it in stride. They merged with the tourists and strolled several blocks to the end of the boardwalk. Along the way, two young boys eyed their blue water noodles with interest. Shaye was about to offer them the foam toys, but Trace moved first. He collected hers and passed them to the kids. They stared wide-eyed before excitement overtook them. They hit the sand at a run. “Thank you!” echoed over their shoulders.

Shaye felt a tug at her heart. She didn’t want to acknowledge his kindness to the boys, but she couldn’t deny that he seemed to like children. Either that or he’d gotten tired of carrying the water toy and had simply handed it off at the first opportunity.

They arrived at the Ferris wheel as it was being loaded. Two suspended aluminum seats remained. Shaye sat next to Trace, and the operator lowered the bar across their laps. Trace always seemed to crowd her. Their shoulders brushed, and their hips and thighs bumped. It was a tight fit, with him taking most of the space. At that moment, she didn’t mind, though. Snug felt peculiarly good.

The ride jerked slightly, then swept upward. The wheel lifted them high. The view was magnificent; the entire boardwalk and pier stretched out before them. Every amusement ride, arcade game, and shop was Cates owned and operated, with one exception: Nicole Archer’s store.

Word had spread of Kai’s interest in the woman. Whether true or false, he’d definitely spent long hours renovating her shop. Once her business was up and running, the family had witnessed him dropping off lunch and the occasional cup of coffee. Gossip had him buying a man’s triple-twisted leather bracelet at The Jewelry Box. Shaye had yet to see the bracelet on his wrist. She’d be on the lookout now.

She needed to remind her cousin that Nicole belonged to Trace. The jewelry designer would only break Kai’s heart if he prolonged his pursuit.

Shaye continued to be confused by Trace’s occasional hot and direct stares. He shouldn’t be eyeing her while he was involved with Nicole. There’d been a gentle strength in his hands when he’d straightened her hair band at the ice cream parlor. She’d felt like a couple when he curved his fingers over her shoulders and eased her forward in the line. She hadn’t minded his touch. At all. That scared her. A lot.

He’d been a good sport at the carousel and bumper cars. She’d had the advantage. She’d ridden the rides all her life. She knew the technique for grabbing the brass ring and how best to knock off a competitor’s baseball cap. Her brothers had taught her well.

Trace had bemoaned both losses but accepted her victories without complaint. He’d spent his twenty-dollar umpire fee on her boardwalk, then gone to his money clip for the ice cream and Ferris wheel tickets. He’d tipped big at The Dairy Godmother. His generosity was appreciated by her family.

She sighed. These were all short-lived moments without a future. He was still a Saunders, and she remained a Cates. That was a fact to face now, rather than later.

They sat in silence for three turns of the Ferris wheel. Trace finished his ice cream. Shaye had a few bites yet to go, including the toppings. She popped a pink mini-marshmallow into her mouth then a piece of waffle cone before saying, “We compromised today.”

He raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“You came to Barefoot William, and I let you stay.”

“Definitely a concession on your part.”

“Middle ground is hard to find.”

“Cross Center Street on Monday and spend the day at Saunders Square,” he invited.

Her mind scrambled with the thought. She stared off into the distance, looking for an answer. It was slow in coming.

Overhead, the sun and humidity climbed.

Along the coast, the Gulf was as smooth as glass. Sun-worshippers unfolded their nylon loungers. A few beachcombers hunted for shells. Swimmers splashed toward the sandbar.

To the east, fishermen collected on the pier.

Straight ahead, people filtered down the boardwalk. More browsed than bought. What purchases they made would barely cover the electricity for the shops.

Barefoot William needed sales. Livelihoods were stretched thin. Her family banded together to make ends meet. They rubbed two fives together in hopes of making a fifty.

She ate the last of the crushed peppermint candy, then said, “Trust me, Trace, I’ve got the volleyball tournament under control.”

His expression was far from trusting. He shifted, and the seat rocked. Her stomach pressed the bar. He exhaled sharply, then scrubbed his knuckles over his eleven o’clock shadow.

“If you want to take charge, take charge,” he finally said. “I can live with it.”

She was so startled, she choked on her candy. Trace thumped her back. Only after she caught her breath did he continue.

“But you’re renting my beach, and I’ll require updates. The closer our proximity, the better our communication will be. Work from Saunders Square, Shaye. I’ll give you a private office and lend you my secretary, Marlene Mason. She can be our liaison.”

“I’ve never had a liaison.” She let the word roll off her tongue. It tasted like peppermint.

“Marlene is sharp and efficient.” Trace recommended her strongly.

“She’s also from your camp. Would she take orders from me?” she asked.

He nodded. “She’s a woman full of good ideas and suggestions. She likes to organize.”

Shaye wasn’t a fool. The burden of organizing the volleyball tournament bore heavily down on her. The event was growing, far surpassing its original projection. She had family support, but her relatives worked long hours to survive. Everyone had a life off the boardwalk. Everyone but her.

Sleepless nights had her yawning. She needed to be at the top of her game. At the end of the day, it might be nice to have an assistant. A person to pick up the slack. Someone to keep the event on track.

His gesture was magnanimous.

She hoped there was no ulterior motive attached.

She didn’t fully trust him.

“I’ll give you Monday with no promise for Tuesday,” she said. That was the best she could do. She would soon be crossing Center Street, a major turn of events.

He accepted her decision without argument.

She signaled to the Ferris wheel operator, and he let them off with the next turn. They climbed out and moved to the side. Trace raised his arms over his head, stretched. She heard his back crack. He’d sat confined for too long.

“Are we done?” she asked.

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Now or in a few minutes.” She was honest.

“I have one more errand before I head home,” he told her. “Nicole sent out fancy invitations announcing her opening. I attended and saw you there. It was a huge turnout and very crowded. Customers spilled out onto the boardwalk. You avoided me. I didn’t get a chance to visit with Nicole. I thought to do so today.”

Shaye had thought the shop amazing. Kai had gone above and beyond in his workmanship to impress a woman who was involved with another man.

“I’m headed in that direction, too,” she admitted. “I chatted briefly with Nicole at the opening, but I’ve yet to ... officially welcome her.”
Welcome
stuck in Shaye’s throat.

They walked slowly down the boardwalk, their silence comfortable. Shaye was never chatty; she didn’t need to hear herself talk. Neither did she flirt. She’d been taught to be straightforward and honest.

Trace, however, brought out the sneaky in her. He was stubborn, often unmovable. That’s when she danced around him. She’d continue to do so. The tournament’s success was all-important to her. Maybe she’d find an ally in his secretary, Marlene Mason. Two against one worked for her.

They soon reached The Jewelry Box. The gold door sparkled in the sunlight. One step inside, and Shaye spotted Nicole off in a corner speaking to a customer, which gave Shaye time to look around.

She knew in an instant that Kai liked Nicole Archer.

Liked her a lot. Her cousin’s feelings for this woman were captured in every brushstroke and light fixture. Kai had given Nicole everything she’d asked for and more. So much more.

He’d yet to submit invoices for the repairs, which meant they’d come out of his pocket. He’d paid to make Nicole happy. This was a side of her cousin that Shaye had yet to see. She found it most interesting.

She admired the setup, from the optic white mannequins draped with jewelry to the wide glass counter showcasing Nicole’s more elaborate pieces. The woman was talented. Many of her designs were intricate; her choice of colors, unique.

One particular hair band caught Shaye’s eye, one made with midnight-blue velvet and plaited with sterling silver. It had a Victorian quality. Shaye appreciated such period pieces. They were feminine and classy.

Nicole wrapped up her conversation and immediately crossed to them. The brunette looked beautiful in her white suit and taupe heels. Her
glow
went beyond the sparkle of her earrings and necklace. It came from an inner contentment. Happiness lit her hazel eyes.

“Trace!” Nicole hugged him first, then turned to Shaye. “So glad you both stopped by,” she said, warm and sincere.

“Your shop looks great.” Trace walked from front to back, doing his own inspection. “Your displays are perfect. I like the spotlights.”

Nicole smiled. “Your approval means a lot.”

Once again, Shaye sensed their closeness. They were a good-looking couple.

“See anything you like?” Nicole asked Shaye. “I have a pair of topaz earrings that would complement your eyes.”

Trace tapped his fingers on the glass top of the display case. “Shaye’s interested in the blue hair band,” he said.

How did he know?
The very thought that he’d caught her admiring the piece unnerved her. She cut him a sharp look, which he ignored.

“Can we take a closer look?” he asked.

“Of course.” Nicole located the key and unlocked the case. She withdrew the band and handed it to Shaye. “You actually inspired the design,” she said. “I noticed your hair band the day I signed the rental agreement. It had a coral rose on pale blue satin. I decided to try my hand at a new line. This is the first one I finished.”

Shaye laid the hair band on her palm and was awed by the intricate work. The silver plait brought out the richness of the blue velvet. It was dressy yet could be worn to dinner or on a date.

Her heart squeezed just a little. There was no man in her life. Her days were spent working at the beach. The hair band was too pretty to be worn with a one-piece.

A glance at the price, and Shaye returned it to Nicole. Too rich for her blood. “It’s lovely,” she said. “I’m sure your designer bands will do well.”

She caught the flicker of disappointment on Nicole’s face. It was obvious she’d hoped to make a sale. Shaye, however, couldn’t justify the cost. She was on a budget.

Trace didn’t have a problem reaching for his money clip. Shaye soon realized that he’d buy every piece of jewelry in the store if it kept Nicole in business. He was supportive of his woman.

“Another rescue,” Nicole said gratefully. “First the trade show in Las Vegas, then this shop, and now a big sale.”

Shaye was confused about the trade show.

Nicole noted the crease in her brow and explained, “I met Trace at an auto expo at the convention center in Vegas. I worked there as a trade show model.”

“Nicole generated a lot of traffic,” Trace complimented. “She was the top spokeswoman for Porsche and boosted revenues.”

Nicole looked fondly at Trace. “He bought a sports car and helped me escape one of the lowest times of my life. Mean boyfriend. Little money. He brought me to Saunders Shores and backed my business venture.”

Shaye took it all in. The man was a modern-day Lancelot. She listened further as the two conversed. They seemed to speak as business associates, not as lovers.

She wondered if they were still involved. Her curiosity was for Kai, not for herself. There was no point in getting too personal. Trace would be out of her life in two and a half weeks.

“I’ll wrap up the hair band,” Shaye heard Nicole say.

She withdrew a sheet of sheer white tissue paper patterned with tiny silver stars. Nicole took great care in folding the paper around the band. She placed it in a shiny silver gift bag, then went on to add multicolored ribbons to the handle. The presentation was lovely. The bag was nearly as pretty as the hair band.

Two customers entered as Shaye and Trace were about to leave. Nicole gave Trace a second hug, waved to Shaye, then went to greet the new arrivals.

“I’m off.” Shaye moved away from the counter.

“Don’t forget your gift.”

Gift?
She looked at Trace and found him holding the silver bag.