Salt Water Wounds (Oyster Cove #1) (16 page)

“I remember,” I affirm.

“I’ll go talk to Bristol,” Dane offers. “She’ll be fine, Dad.”

I doubt it will happen on this day, but eventually maybe.

We spend the rest of the afternoon talking about doing a cost efficient makeover to the house. The boys offer to pitch in some of their hard earned money to fix the kitchen cabinets, while Dane boasts that one of his friends, who happens to own a flooring company, owes him a favor. He thinks we can get both bathrooms redone at a minimal expense. Bristol doesn’t contribute to the conversation. In fact, she ignores us for the rest of the trip. When it’s time to head to shore, she stays at the bow and refuses to look anywhere but forward.

After gathering our catch, we all head home to tally up the fish and start cooking. Out back there’s a large steaming pot hooked up to a propane tank. Next to that sits a deep fryer. I’ve spent years experimenting with spices to make my own batter and breading for these particular family get togethers.

For the most part we enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Bristol retreats to her room and refuses to come out even to eat. The rest of us sit out back drinking beer and talking shop.

After a case of beer, and more food than any of us should have consumed in one sitting, the six of us guys retreat to my bedroom and start rummaging. Each of my grown sons have moments where they get emotional. Cooper and Caleb take out some boxes from the top of the closet and find pictures from when their mother played sports in high school. Then they manage to retrieve their individual baby albums and that’s when we all get a bit ridiculous.

We spend hours sitting and going through old photographs, some of which we put to the side to have enlarged and add to the walls. Dane wants a few for his apartment, so he creates a pile. I offer them each their own baby book to keep. Their mother’s words fill all the pages as she documented every single first, mostly to make sure I could at least read about it when I was away working.

It’s tough, and but the time they begin to vacate the room I’m left with a mess, and a heavy heart.

We’ve made progress, though it seems like it’s going to be a bit harder than tossing everything in the attic and being done.

I try to sleep, but it doesn’t find me. Midnight comes and goes, and just as I’m about to get up and look for something to watch on the television, I hear a knock on my door.

“Dad, it’s me. Can I come in for a minute?” It’s Bristol.

I sit up in the bed before addressing her. “Yeah. Come on.”

She’s got her arms crossed, her face sad and looking around at the piles of her mother’s belongings. I can tell she’s contemplating turning around and forgetting what she’s come to say.

“What is it?”

“Do you still love her?”

I pat the spot beside me. “Of course I do. What would make you think that’s changed?”

Bristol shrugs. She refuses to look at me. “All of a sudden you’re dating and getting rid of Mom’s things like you’re kicking her out. It’s not fair.”

“Bristol, I’ll always love your mother. She was everything to me. I wish she was here every damn day. Losing her devastated this family. Don’t think for one second that I could ever replace her.”

“I don’t want you to love someone else, Dad.”

I sigh. “I don’t, but I can’t promise that will never happen. It’s taken me a long time to be able to look at another woman and not feel guilty about it. The truth is, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to love anyone the way I loved your mother, but I’d like to think I deserve to be happy again.”

She’s sniffling. I reach over and rub her shoulder. “Please understand that your mother can’t be replaced.”

“I want to. It’s just hard, especially when I saw you with that woman the other day.”

“The other day? When?”

“You took her on the Layla, Dad. I saw you. You held hands. You were kissing.”

“I wasn’t aware anyone was around.” Now I feel like an asshole. Of all the people to spot us. “Alice Perry and I are friends. Right now we’ve decided to keep it that way. She’s having some personal issues and doesn’t want to involve me in them, but if something changes I’d be interested in seeing her again. She’s kind to me. She cleaned our whole house and helped me see that I could smile again. You may not understand that, but it’s true. Sometimes I need to know I’m not going to be alone forever. You kids are going to move out eventually. Where will that leave me?”

“It hurts so much. I know you have every right to date again, but I can’t stand it.”

“I’m sorry. I wish there was an easy resolution, but I’m afraid it’s not fair for either of us to ask the other for something like this. I promise I’ll tell you next time, if you promise to understand that I get lonely and sometimes appreciate spending time with friends.”

“You’ve never had lady friends before.”

“That’s not true. Perry’s been asking me out for years. I see her almost every day. She’s probably the only person who makes me smile aside from you kids. It’s different. She’s different.”

“I hate her son. He’s a jerk. I hear he’s moving with his father. We have mutual friends that said he’s trying to get his parents back together. Did you know that?”

“Yes. It’s part of the reason Perry called things off. She’s going through a lot. That woman has had a hard time. She’s not the enemy. She’s just trying to protect her son from a man she fears could ruin his life. He’s been in jail, and apparently beat her real bad when they were married. He went to jail for assaulting a police officer.”

“Is he the person you got into the fight with?”

“Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you just call the cops?”
“Perry asked me not to. She doesn’t want to the police informed until she has enough to send him back to jail. She even said she’d put herself in harm’s way to make it happen. I wish there was some way I could protect her from that, but she’s made it clear I’m not to get involved.”

“You must really like her.”

“I do.” I’m not going to lie about it. “She’s helped me. I wish I could do the same for her, but she’s stubborn like your mother was. She thinks she can handle everything on her own.”

“I’m sorry about earlier, Dad. I don’t want to lose you.”

“You’ll never lose me, baby. Never. I’ll drop everything to come to your rescue, always. Ever since the moment you came into this world I knew you were the most important female in my life. I’d die before I let anyone hurt you. I hope you know that.”

“Yeah. Sometimes I get mad though.”

“That’s okay. We all get mad. I know I’m not exactly the best parent. I drink too much. I can’t relate to female issues. I know nothing about periods, and don’t get me started on boys wanting to get with you.”

“Jody’s a nice guy, Dad. You’d like him if you gave him a chance.” Of course she’d bring up the boyfriend.

“Don’t push it.”

“Seriously. He’s nice to me. He doesn’t treat me like the boys in high school.”

“How old is he?” I’m almost afraid to know the answer.

“Twenty-one.”

“That’s too old.”

“Dad. It’s four years. When I’m thirty he’ll be thirty-four. It’s not a big deal. You’re being overprotective.”

“Of course I am. You’re my baby.”

“I’m not a baby. I’m seventeen. Pretty soon I’ll be eighteen. I’m not going to stop seeing Jody, because in a couple months it won’t matter.”

This pisses me off, but not because I want to be an asshole. She’s right. If I want to move forward and start over new, I have to let my children become adults. “Does he treat you right?”

“He does. He brings me flowers and draws me pictures. He takes me places and never asks for a penny.”

I stop her before she can talk about what else he does for her. “Fine. Bring him to dinner. Let me have a chance to get to know him.” I’m cringing inside just imagining how it’s going to go, but I have to do this for Bristol. In order to repair our severed relationship I need to find common ground with her. “If you agree to be nice to whoever I want to spend time with.”

She sighs. “It’s a deal.”

She throws her arms around me. “You’re going to love him, Dad. You’ll see. Thank you for this.”

I’m taken back by her reaction, elated to feel her appreciate me. At the same time, I’m freaking out.

When Bristol leaves the room I’m wired. I pick up my cell phone and start to call Perry, until I remember what time it is, and the fact that she’s asked me to give her space. Then I’m left miserable, and pondering how I’m supposed to see her and not want more.

It’s a pain in the ass.

Chapter 18

It’s been over a week since I’ve seen or heard from Buck.
Ten whole days without the feel of his touch. Just thinking about it gives me chills. I miss him, but know he’s keeping his distance like I’ve asked.

In that time I’ve managed to pack up my house and convert the old storage room in the bar into a makeshift bedroom for me to stay in. It’s going to suck when I’m off and have to hear the music, but at least I know I’ll have a good ten to twelve hours of silence once the tavern closes.

In the past ten days I’ve had to speak with my father, and agree to one dinner with Peter and Nick so they’d both leave me alone about it.

Tonight is the big event. After work I’m going to put on a smile and pretend all is well with the world for a couple of hours. I’m not doing this because it’s what I want. I’m doing it so I don’t lose my son to his lying bastard of a father.

I’ve been at the tavern for a few hours, but since it’s spring it’s been dead. My other bartender won’t arrive for a while, so I decide to make the best of my time and do inventory. I sit down on the floor behind the bar with my clipboard and begin checking my liquor to see what I’ll need to order.

The sound of the door alarms me someone has entered. I take my time standing, because I’m used to the regulars and don’t worry about offending someone by being prompt. When I’m on my feet I look around but see no one. Not at first.

I feel someone behind me, start to spin, but am prevented by strong hands around my waist. I’m startled until I hear his sexy voice speaking close to my ear. “I couldn’t stay away. You’re all I keep thinking about.”

I close my eyes and pretend we’re in another life where problems don’t surround us. For ten days I’ve done nothing but miss this man. Pushing him away was difficult, but telling him to stop holding me is damn near impossible, especially when I wish he’d never have to let go.

“Buck.” He doesn’t let me turn around.

“Say you miss me,” he whispers against my ear.

“I have,” I manage.

His hand comes around the front of my abdomen and slips inside of my pants. His fingers dig until he’s breached my panties and cupping my neglected sex. I’m already turned on, desperate to feel something other than stress and pain. I need this, and he’s the man to make it happen. “I can’t stay away from you,” he says while his free hand shoves my t-shirt up to enable him to stroke over my breast. He keeps his lower hand moving until he’s penetrating me. I cry out, but the mellow music shields what’s happening. There’s a chance someone could come in at any moment, but neither of us seem to be worried. He’s stayed away for a week, and every night I’ve gone to bed recalling what it feels like to experience his touch.

His skilled fingers continue thrusting inside of me, all while I’m gasping and praying nothing stops him. I feel those appreciated lips mapping a trail down my neck and then finally ending at the back of my shoulder. My nipples tingle as he does it, one hardening between his two fingers. I want to kiss him, but fear that twisting around to do it will ruin the momentum. I’m on the brink. He’s bringing me to a much-needed orgasm as I grip the sides of the bar and let the man I want in my life take me to euphoria.

I don’t know what I expect when he finishes. We’ve not spoken in days, and our last conversation didn’t exactly end well. I’ve purposely pushed him away to keep him out of my drama, yet here he is, right back in the center, beckoning me to reconsider.

He pins me against the bar and places gently kisses over my chin, my cheek then finally my lips. We become engulfed in the embrace, even when we hear the sound of the door opening. I push him away to greet my customer, smiling when the person realizes who I’m kissing. “Sorry to interrupt,” Brian Groves says while sitting down. “Want me to come back?”

I wipe my lips and let out a snicker. “No. You’re fine.”

“I was just leaving,” Buck announces.

“You were?” I’m at a loss. Did he come here only to taunt me and leave me wanting more? He’s gone from being impossible to naughty and flirtatious, and it’s very attractive on him.

“Yeah. I have somewhere else I need to be. I’ll see you around, sweetness,” he whispers against my hair before kissing my head and exiting the bar the same stealth way he entered.

I’m blushing in front of Brian, prepared to receive the third degree. Instead the man orders his drink and waits a few minutes before saying anything about it. “Buck’s a nice guy. If I would have known you were available I would have snagged you up before he had the chance.”

I flash him an ornery grin. “Very funny. I’m sure your wife would appreciate that.”

“A man can try, beautiful.”

“Thanks for the compliment, Brian.”

After four beers, Brian leaves the bar. I half expect Buck to come back in, but he never does. Since I know I’m about to have an awful evening, I decide to make it a bit better.

I shoot Buck a text giving him direct instructions where to find me later.

I’m leaving the key to the bar underneath the seat of my moped. If you’re interested in picking up where we left off, meet me tonight after the place closes. Clothing optional. – Ally

I make sure it gets delivered and see that he’s read it, then await his reply.

A secret affair? I’ll take what I can get. – Buck

I’ve awoken a monster haven’t I? - Ally

I crave you. – Buck

His text makes me hot as I read it. I place my hands over my mouth and giggle like a teenager.

See you tonight. – Ally

Giddy over the idea of seeing Buck again, even though we have to sneak around for it to happen, I’m settled to get the dinner over with.

Peter has selected a popular favorite called Don’s Seafood, located on Main Street in town. It’s a local family restaurant with a bar overtop, sort of like mine, but family run, with a full shared menu and entrance for both. It’s one of my favorite places to eat on the island, and their silly slogan
‘if it smells like fish, eat it.’
brings the tourists in to purchase merchandise and try out the large selection of fresh seafood and other coastal favorites.

I’ve agreed to be picked up by Peter and Nick, so after heading home to shower and change, I wait for the car to arrive. Peter steps out and walks to the front door. He’s in a nice pair of khaki slacks and a button up plaid dress shirt. His hair is slicked back, and he’s wearing a pair of wide rimmed glasses that make him looked distinguished. He’s still attractive, and could probably have his pick of women, but somehow can’t take the hint that I’m not interested in anything he has to offer.

He holds out his arm for me to take when I open the door. Wearing a sundress and a pair of sandals, with a cardigan to keep from being chilly, I step the side and refuse the offer. “Don’t push it, Peter. I’m doing this for Nick.”

“Then I’d suggest you take my arm and stop bitching.”

I roll my eyes and walk ahead of him. He’s not going to threaten me so I listen. My days of obeying him and blaming myself are long gone.

We’re seated near the back of the restaurant, and since it’s not crowded we can see the water in the distance. Peter picks up a menu and begins complaining about the selection. “How can people eat so much seafood? Where can a guy get a nice steak around here?”

“They have steak,” I correct him and point to the item.

“It tastes like shit. I tried it last week. This island needs a Longhorn.”

Nick sits his menu to the side. He always orders the fried clams. “I’m having the usual.”

I smile and sit mine down too. “I’m going to pick the steamed shrimp. Make sure you get cream spinach. I know it’s your favorite,” I say with a wink.

He smiles and acknowledges that I’m right. When I glance at Peter I can tell he knows what I’m up to. I’m trying to prove that I know my son, while he only see what’s on the outside. “I chose this place because Nick said it’s his favorite. He told me we have to try the pie.”

“Yeah. You really do, Dad. Mom tries to make it, but she never gets it exactly right.”

I mess around with my fork, hoping I’ll see someone I can talk to in order to prevent having to sit here in front of the man I wished would drop from the face of the earth.

We’ve ordered our food, and made our salads at the fresh bar, before another few families come in to eat. Out of the corner of my eye I see a familiar figure and turn when I think my mind is playing tricks on me.

Buck enters the restaurant with his daughter and the twins. They’re seated at the table behind Peter, making it easy for me to glance up without him knowing what I’m looking at. Buck’s eyes meet mine and my body ignites with passion. It takes everything in me to keep my composure.

Peter is talking about his new place that’s located on Wallops Island, only a few miles outside of Chincoteague. He and Nick are explaining what they plan on changing to the home, while I steal quick glances with Buck.

Our food comes next, and I’m a little excited because I know we’re halfway done this charade of a family dinner. It’s not until Buck stands and heads toward the men’s room that I feel the need to excuse myself. I check behind me to make sure no one is watching before placing my hand on the men’s room door. Much to my surprise I feel someone grabbing me from the opposite direction and pulling me inside. Buck stares into my eyes while locking the door the ladies bathroom. “God, you look beautiful,” he mumbles against my eager lips. “What are you doing here with him?”

“Trying to keep the peace,” I say between his welcomed kisses. “Please don’t hate me.”

“Sweetness, I want you too much to hate you. Are we still on for tonight?”

“I hope so.”

He kisses me slowly at first, then sweeps me into his arms and presses me against the porcelain sink. My legs wrap around his back as we get carried away in each other. I’m panting when we stop for air. “You better get back out there.”

“Wait until I’m sitting,” I request.

He points to his groin. “That’s not going to be a problem, I think I need a few minutes.”

I kiss him one more time, holding my lips against his extra long. “The hardest part of walking away from this is knowing how perfect I feel when I’m in your arms.”

He slaps me on the ass. “See you later. Keep the dress on. I’m going to enjoy helping you out of it.”

The worst part of knowing what’s to come with Buck, is having to pretend I’m comfortable while still in the company of Peter. As much as I want to make an attempt for Nick, I can’t go against my better judgment, even if Peter insists he’s changed.

I don’t know how it’s possible, but Peter never mentions seeing Buck, and for that I’m thankful. I don’t want to have to explain being in the bathroom for nearly five minutes with a man I’ve promised to stay away from, nor do I want any of Buck’s children in danger because of my psychotic ex.

As we finish dinner, I wish I would have let Buck press charges for assault when he had the opportunity. Peter would be locked up and I’d figure a way to get through to Nick without having him leave home. Instead I’ve only allowed my enemy to swoop in and become the idol to a boy who is desperate to have a father in his life.

After dinner, which Peter foots the bill, they drive me back to my house. Nick says goodbye in the vehicle, while Peter gets out to walk me to the front door. “This isn’t necessary,” I tell him on the way.

“Nonsense.”

Once we’re there, I spin around and address the situation. “I’ve done what you asked of me. I stopped seeing Buck and agreed to be cordial with you for Nick. That’s all this is, Peter. You’re not going to change my mind. I wish you’d move on and find someone else. This isn’t fair to either of us.”

He brings his hand up and brushes my cheek. “You’ll come back to me, because if you don’t, I’ll make sure you’re left with a son that hates your guts.”

I’m immediately emotional, but do my best to hold in the anger. “Why? What have I ever done that was so bad?”

“You left. You had your lawyer serve me with papers behind bars. You kept my son from me and wouldn’t accept my letters.”

“You beat me,” I whimper. “You beat me until I hated myself. You left me no choice. Please, if you ever loved me at all, you’ll stop this. Have a relationship with Nick, but leave me out of it. I’ve suffered enough.”