Chapter One
Tessa had been toiling away for months, scrubbing walls, refinishing floors, installing new tile, assembling furniture, painting, and more. Moving to Devlin, the quaint coastal town, had been the best therapy for her. With each passing day, she felt more like her old self. The sadness was still there, but the heavy weight of grief was no longer consuming her every breath.
It had been a tremendous amount of work, but the opportunity to see her dream of opening an all-romance bookstore come to fruition was worth it. But a week before the grand opening of On the Wings of Love, she felt no closer than when she started this endeavor. If anything, the list of details to take care of had tripled in the past couple of days.
Tessa stepped up another rung on the ladder, stretching wide to clean the large front window of the newly renovated carriage house. The faint scent of ammonia tickled her nose as she scrubbed the window clean.
Her eyes focused through the spotless glass at the curious passersby. The all-romance bookstore had become quite the buzz around town. It seemed everyone had an opinion, and not always a favorable one, but she didn’t care. Reading romance novels had gotten her through some of the darkest moments of her life when she’d lost all she held dear.
Tessa’s chest tightened with heaviness, compressing her lungs. Breathe, just breathe. Focus on the bookstore.
Turning her attention back to the window, Tessa reached up on her tiptoes, struggling to wipe the top of the window. “Oh, damn,” she swore under her breath as the rag dropped out of her hand and flittered to the floor. “That’s the problem with being short.”
“Mumbling to yourself again, Tessa dear?”
“Just a little, Bernie,” Tessa giggled. “Did Mrs. Smith deliver the curtains?”
“Oh yes, dear me, I am becoming forgetful.” Bernie edged toward the back door. “She delivered them this morning up at the house, but I forgot to bring them down with me. I’ll go and get them. I can’t wait to see how they’ll look.” Before Tessa could say a word, Bernie scurried out of the room.
Bernie, or Mrs. Bernadette Kingston to be exact, was the owner of the sprawling century-and-a-half old property that included the Queen Anne-style house, vast garden, and carriage house. Bernie, as she insisted on being called, was an eighty-year-old widow of six years with more energy and spunk than Tessa, who was much less than half her age. Despite the age difference, they’d become instant friends and partners in frequent, comical mishaps.
Tink, tink, tink. The heart-shaped bell on the door chimed.
“We’re not open…” Tessa’s words faded as one of the most handsome men—with the dirtiest hiking boots—she’d ever seen filled her doorway. He was the exact opposite of the frilly dainty space in every possible way.
The stranger’s rugged jeans seemed to accentuate every sinewy curve of his muscular legs. The crisp white t-shirt molded to his firm chest. His strong jaw and tousled blond hair gave him a devil may care sort of vibe. He was like Indiana Jones, Captain America, and Han Solo all rolled into one. The adventurous, all-American good guy, but really a scoundrel waiting to be redeemed kind of man.
A familiar, almost forgotten sort of excitement rushed through her. Oh, no, no, that could not be… not attraction. No. Absolutely not. No.
Tessa had been happily married and look how that turned out. Dating… men… love… it was all in the past and out of the question. Oh sure, she might still be on the pill but that was because of her horrible periods. It had been ages since she’d noticed the opposite sex and she would not start now. Anyway, this sort did not appeal to her.
Stop ogling the handsome man filling the doorway!
But no matter how hard she tried, she could not take her eyes off him. Why did the stranger have this effect on her? It was definitely not like her. Tessa stood speechless, grasping the ladder as if it was about to take flight.
He stood at the threshold just staring at her with bemused curiosity. When he finally did speak, the deep timbre of his voice reached all the way down to her toes. “Is Bernie around?”
The mention of her eighty-year-old friend brought Tessa out of her schoolgirl daze. What could he want with Bernie?
“I don’t usually loiter in doorways, but my boots—” He raised a brow as he glanced down at his mud-caked boots.
“Oh, I’m… yes. She just went up to the house. The curtains are in and she forgot them. We’re trying to get the shop ready and…” Tessa clamped her mouth shut and mentally shook her head. Why was she babbling like an insane idiot?
She started to ease down the ladder. “I’ll go get her.”
She’d just stepped off the last rung when the back door off the small kitchen opened and closed. Two seconds later, Bernie entered the main area of the shop. But before Tessa could say she had a visitor, Bernie shouted with excitement.
“Rex! I can’t believe it’s you!” She tossed the package she was carrying on the empty display table and scurried over to where the stranger named Rex continued to loiter at the entrance and hugged him.
“Good to see you too, Grams.”
Grams? As in grandmother? This Rex person was Bernie’s grandson? Tessa’s thoughts filtered through the past several months. Bernie had referred to her grandchildren and young great-grandchildren on several occasions, but the mere mention of children had sent Tessa running in the opposite direction.
Bernie pulled away from Rex. “Oh, where are my manners? Rex, this is Tessa Pearson. Tessa, this is my grandson Rex Kingston.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Kingston.” Tessa didn’t know if she should shake the handsome intruder’s hand or keep nervously to the shadows. She opted for the latter. Her insides were already a jumbled mess and for reasons she would not consider.
“Oh, stuff and nonsense, Tessa. Call him Rex. You know I dislike formalities.” Bernie looked up at Rex with all the love of a grandmother. “It’s been too long since you’ve been home.”
“I saw you a few months ago at Mary’s.”
“Your sister’s home in Florida doesn’t count.” Bernie reached up and tapped the side of her grandson’s cheek three times in rapid succession. Her eyes softened and glistened with love. “You haven’t been home to Devlin. I’ve missed not having you here.”
A sharp pang struck Tessa’s heart. Her mother used to look at little Ryan that way. Hot burning tears threatened the corners of her eyes. Tessa turned away, feigning interest in the cleaning supplies she’d left on the shelf of the ladder. Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth, she reminded herself. Since the accident, the simple exercise had helped to ease anxiety and keep unwanted tears at bay. Okay, you’re going to be okay.
It had been too long since Rex had been home. Despite what his grandmother believed, she was not getting any younger. Her constant mishaps of late had been a rude awakening to that harsh reality. Grams would not be around forever. Rex was constantly concerned about the woman who’d raised him and his little sister. Oh sure, he talked to her several times a week and saw her whenever she travelled to Florida, but it wasn’t the same. He wasn’t here.
He’d lost sight of what was most important during the past couple of years. Aided by guilt and embarrassment, he’d kept his secret and his distance, claiming work was too hectic. After Grams had a mishap several months ago involving a missed step—which thankfully, only resulted in several bruises, Rex came to the realization he needed to move back home. The second he’d got off the phone with Grams, he’d phoned Dr. McLaren, his first mentor, now chief physician at Devlin Memorial Hospital. Even though he still had hospital privileges there, Rex hadn’t wanted to get Grams’ hopes up by saying anything until he knew it would all come together. He was determined not to make the same mistake twice. He hadn’t been here for his grandfather. Rex couldn’t live with himself if something happened to Grams, and he wasn’t here to protect her.
Grams looked past Rex. “Where’s Natalia? Didn’t she come?”
“No.” Just the mention of that woman’s name sent a rush of anger surging through his veins.
“Will she be joining you later? I haven’t seen her in ages. You two should be spending more—”
He cut Grams’ lecture off with a firm, “No.” He sucked in his breath before saying the two words he’d been dreading. “We’re divorced.”
Grams’ eyes were sharp and assessing. “Divorced? When? Why?”
Rex knew he would have to tell Grams eventually, but he had purposefully avoided it so far, drowning himself further in work ever since the fiasco started three years ago.
“Finalized two years now and a difference of opinion.” Difference of opinion, ha! Natalia had liked the money his career brought in but wanted nothing to do with being the wife of an ER doctor. Unfortunately, he discovered that not-so-minor detail the hard way. The lying bitch was no better than his mother.
Women were nothing but trouble.
Take this woman, Tessa, who continued to keep her back turned. Cleaning products could not be that interesting. She was probably eavesdropping, looking for an opportunity. She’d probably heard how much his family was worth, decided to befriend a kindly old woman, and milk Grams for all her money. This woman was up to no good, he was certain of it. Rex’s arrival was perfect timing. He would not let his grandmother fall victim to schemes. He’d heard far too many horror stories.
“Two years!” Grams’ loud exclamation snapped his attention back to the conversation. Her hands flew to her hips, preparing for the scold. “At what point were you going to share this information with me?”
Rex felt like he was five years old again and had just got caught sneaking a treat from the cookie jar. “Umm, now?” His response sounded sheepish. He hated hurting his grandmother, just as much as he hated getting a scolding from her.
“Does your sister know?”
“I told her last week.”
“Well, at least you’re consistent. Let’s go up to the house, have a pot of tea, and discuss why I am only now hearing about this.” Rex had a moment’s reprieve from Grams’ scornful gaze when she turned toward Tessa. Her voice softened. “I’ll see you at home later. Don’t work too hard.”
“See you later, Bernie.” The woman waved goodbye to Grams, while gazing cautiously at him. That woman was hiding something.
“That woman lives with you?” Rex whispered as Grams brushed past him and out the front door.
Fast-moving clouds in the distance signaled the pleasant afternoon was about to change, and it appeared it would begin with Grams. Ignoring Rex’s question, Grams went on a tirade. “I cannot believe you didn’t feel the need to tell me about you and Natalia this whole time. What happened between the two of you? And why have her parents said nothing? For heaven’s sake Rex, they may only live here in the summer months, but they still have a house just on the other side of town, not the other side of the world. If you thought to avoid a scene, you’re wrong. Now that you’re back, everyone in town will talk,” she said in a huff as she walked briskly along the side path that led up to the house.
A loud creak rattled from across the side yard, breaking through the blustery afternoon. Rex’s gaze followed the sound, his eyes settling on the exterior door that led to the basement as it knocked against a rock that was somewhat holding it in place.
“What’s wrong with the basement door?”
“Won’t close all the way since the last rain.” Grams stopped and whipped around to face Rex. “Oh, no you don’t.” She began with a wag of her finger. “You will not change the subject. We can discuss the warped door after we talk.”
They walked up the front steps in silence. The large welcoming veranda offered no such comfort today. Grams unlocked the door and went straight to the kitchen. Rex was expected to follow, no questions asked. He took off his boots and left them next to the welcome mat and headed for the kitchen where all the interrogations took place.
Grams had just put the kettle on the stove when Rex walked into the bright, cheerful kitchen. She took her place at the head of the sturdy oak table, crossed her arms, and waited.
Rex was six foot two and thirty-five years old. He had seen death more times than he wanted to remember. He’d hiked all over the world, in some of the most dangerous countries. He wasn’t really afraid of anything. And yet, nothing brought him down faster than his grandmother’s displeasure.
She let out a soft sigh. The tension in her voice eased, but only slightly. “What happened?”
Frustrated, he ran a hand through his hair. Rex inhaled deeply. Better to get this over with now. He had more important things to worry about, like the attractive woman who seemed to have weaseled her way into Grams’ life.
“We wanted different things. That’s all.”
Grams huffed. “You know I detest these games, Rex. Sooner or later you’re going to tell me the whole story, so let’s just get it all out in the open now.”
For one brief moment, Rex thought about getting up and leaving, but Grams’ eyes held him in place. She’d been through this before with his father.
He sighed heavily. “Natalia claimed I was working too much. That I didn’t know how to have fun anymore.” Going clubbing and spending weekends partying on the lake had lost its luster a long time ago. “I suppose I changed.” Working in the ER will do that to a person. He became obsessed with trying to save people. “I knew our marriage was in trouble but didn’t know how to fix it. I thought…” He sucked in his breath, then slowly released it, feeling deflated. “One day I came home early and… her things were gone. All that was left was a note saying she’d started divorce proceedings.” Memories of that distant day still jabbed at his heart.
Grams reached for his hand. “Oh, Rex, I am sorry.”
He shook his head. “It’s for the best. She didn’t want what I wanted.”
Grams squeezed his hand gently. “And what do you want, dear boy?”
It was the same question he’d been asking himself for the past several years. He used to want a wife and family, but now after everything that had happened, he just wasn’t so sure. Maybe if he found the right woman, a woman he could trust… maybe.
There was one thing he did know. “I’m moving back to Devlin. Dr. McLaren offered me a position in the ER.”
Grams patted his hand. “I’m glad. It’ll be nice to have you home. Your father’s house has been empty for far too long.”
The teakettle began to whistle as steam pushed through the opening. Grams got up to prepare the tea. Now was a good time for his interrogation. She was preoccupied with a task and wouldn’t think much of his questions.
Rex leaned back in his chair and, with nonchalance, began to question his grandmother. “Who’s that woman?”
“Her name is Tessa Pearson. Moved up here about five months ago.” Grams turned to face him. “You remember Dr. Lee?”
“Yes. What does she have to do with Tessa?”
Grams turned her attention back to the loose-leaf tea she was packing into the tea ball. “She used to work for Dr. Lee. Anyway, Tessa wanted to open a bookstore, I wasn’t using the old carriage house, and the rest is history.” Like her flimsy account explained all of life’s mysteries. His grandmother placed the rose and gold teapot on the table.
“Why is she living here?”
Grams brought over two matching teacups and saucers and set them down. “We’re both…” She paused and looked Rex directly in the eye. “I know what you’re doing and it’s not going to work.”
“What?”
“Don’t play that game with me. Your father, God rest his soul, played the same games when he was a child. Oh no, Tessa and I have an understanding. All you need to know is that she’s suffered a loss and I expect you to treat her kindly.”
“I’m always kind—”
Grams raised a skeptical brow. “And if you want more information, ask her yourself.”
That’s exactly what Rex intended to do.
Tessa had been lingering at the bookshop for hours, kept company by Beethoven. She didn’t want to risk seeing Bernie’s grandson again. She didn’t like the feelings he stirred, or to be more accurate, she did not want the feelings he stirred. Besides, there was still much to be done. Better to devote all her energy to making the bookshop perfect than thinking about an arrogant handsome man.
The slight buzzing sound of Tessa’s cellphone vibrating across the table caught her attention. She glanced down at the caller ID before energetically answering the phone.
“Hey, Jillian!” Tessa greeted her best friend with excitement.
“Hey you! I only have a minute, but I wanted to hear how the bookstore is coming along?”
“Downstairs is done. The black and white tile turned out perfect in the kitchen. Most of the upstairs is done. Mrs. Smith finished the curtains for the front window. I can’t wait to hang them and…” Laughter broke through her babble. “What’s so funny, Jillian?”
“It’s nice to hear you ramble with excitement again.” There was a long pause. “I think it might be time.”
“No.” Tessa did not want to have this conversation again. Not that she was against love. She just didn’t think it could happen a second time. “No, I’m not—”
“Okay, I won’t push. Just promise me not to be too stubborn about it.”
Tessa closed her eyes and tilted her head back. “Oh, all right. Perhaps I’ll consider dating if…”
“If…?” She could almost see Jillian’s hopeful gaze.
“If a zombie pirate knocks on my door,” Tessa giggled.
Jillian laughed. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too. Promise you’ll come up for Thanksgiving?”
“Only if you let me cook.”
“Like I’d have it any other way. Love you, Jillian.”
“Love you more. Ciao.”
“Ciao,” she whispered back before the phone went silent. Jillian was the only thing she missed about Los Angeles. Tessa put her phone on the table and got back to work.
“Time to hang the curtains.” Her hands trembled with excitement as she opened the package Mrs. Smith had delivered earlier that day. It was like Christmas morning.
As promised, Mrs. Smith had matched the style of curtain Tessa had found in a magazine. Thankfully, the hardware had already been installed and, within a short amount of time, the curtains were in place. Tessa stood back and admired the white and silver fleur-de-lis side panels that framed the wide front window perfectly. The embroidered infinity pattern on white sheer fabric filled the space between the panels and added just the right touch.
Tessa glanced about the bookstore. It was everything she had dreamed of. The old carriage house, once dusty from disuse, was now an elegant romance bookstore. White bookshelves lined one large expanse of wall. The other wall had a decorative scrolled white marble fireplace flanked by white cabinets displaying first editions, including one by Kathleen Woodiwiss. Comfortable oversized grey and white damask chairs, and the Rococo revival style tête-à-tête, invited patrons to sit and linger.
She took in the recently installed crown molding with Acanthus leaf medallions finished in brushed silver leaf. It was the perfect choice to accentuate the white and silver stenciled tray ceilings. The only splashes of color would be the candles Tessa had yet to unwrap, and the decorative floral vases she’d purchased from an estate sale, that still needed to be washed. That was a task for another day.
The white Mora grandfather clock chimed eight times. Where had the time gone? She glanced through the side window up toward the main house. Light from the kitchen window shone bright. Tessa supposed it was safe to go home. She stretched her arms up and wide, relieving the pain in her back.
For a brief moment, she thought about staying another hour or two. She still hadn’t tackled two of the rooms upstairs. However, that intention was interrupted by a cool wind whipping through the space as the back door opened. Bernie was probably coming to tell her it was past time for dinner.
Tessa turned around, expecting to find Bernie, but instead came face to face with the one man she’d been trying to avoid.
“Mr. Kingston, I didn’t expect to find you still here.” It was better to keep things formal.
“I don’t suppose you did.” His tone was sharp, almost accusatory.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Why are you here?”
Seemed like a redundant question, but she was willing to humor him for a moment. “The grand opening is less than a week away. There’s still much to be done and—”
“That’s not what I meant. Why did you move to Devlin? Why did you move in with my grandmother?”
Tessa’s blood began to boil as warmth crept up her neck, settling into her cheeks. Who did he think he was? Well, besides Bernie’s grandson, but he hadn’t been around before.
For Bernie’s sake, she stamped down the anger that was brewing and tried to remain calm despite her churning insides. “I moved here because it sounded peaceful and I needed… a change.” She wasn’t about to tell him the real reason. Not that the man had any sense of compassion, but she didn’t want it, regardless. “A mutual friend thought Bernie and I could be of use to one another and since she doesn’t have any family—”
“She has family.” He crossed his firm arms across his muscular chest.
She supposed his tone was meant to sound intimidating.
“Not living in Devlin.” She stood her ground, and it felt wonderful.
“She does now.”
Oh crap. “You’re moving here?”
Another gust of wind sent a torrent of leaves rustling into the kitchen.
“I thought I asked you to send Tessa up to the house. What are the two of you doing?”
“Nothing, Grams. Just getting to know each other better.” His condescending tone and watchful blue gaze did not sit well with Tessa. “I need to go.” He kissed his grandmother on the cheek and left silently.
Tessa exhaled the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
“Don’t mind him. He gets moody at times. Too much of his father in him.”
“Bernie, you won’t tell...” Tessa trailed off, unsure how to bring up the delicate subject.
Bernie took Tessa’s hands in hers. “Dearest, you have nothing to worry about. I promised I wouldn’t say anything to anyone about what brought you here to Devlin, and I keep my promises.”
A nervous laugh escaped Tessa’s lips. “I know you do. I just don’t want people to see me as the poor young widow who lost everything. I’ve had enough of people’s pity to last me two lifetimes. I just want to open my bookstore.” And avoid one Mr. Rex Kingston. He was a distraction her heart did not need.
Bernie’s eyes filled with the same warmth she’d shown her grandson only hours ago. “I know, dearest. Your secret is safe with me.”
Tessa offered a smile in thanks. If she tried to say anything, she would probably break down and cry again, and she was tired of crying.
“Now, let’s see how those curtains look.” Bernie turned on the string of accent lights highlighting the front of the bookshop window. “Oh, Tessa, it’s lovely.”
Tessa stood beside her friend, admiring their hard work. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“The bookstore will be a great success. I just know it.”
I hope so….I truly hope so.
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