Dean snapped his laptop shut with a little more force than necessary. He slid it back on the desk and made room for his elbows. Groaning, he massaged his temples with his fingertips.
His lawyer was pushing for a court date on the paternity suit. Dean was still holding out hope that this woman would drop the charges when she realized he wouldn’t settle. She didn’t have a chance in hell. Her kid was only a year old. Since Dean had given up sex over two years ago, her case was groundless.
But just like the rest, she had to try. She wanted a piece of his money, his fame. Why should he have to prove his innocence, time and time again? If anyone should be proving anything, it was that woman.
Dean pushed out of his chair and stalked toward the kitchen, his goal the last cup of coffee in the pot. Most people would be kept awake, drinking coffee this close to bed. But the warmth of the liquid sliding down his throat soothed him, smoothed out his frayed nerves.
He carried his favorite mug, a Kermit one his mom had given him for Christmas years ago, out to the deck. The humidity wasn’t bad after dark, and the night was still warm. Dean listened to the crickets in the grass and the soft sound of the waves hitting the bluff. His nose picked out the lingering scent of charcoal and burgers. Shannon had barbequed for dinner.
As he closed his eyes, the steam rising from the coffee tickled his nose. He took that first sip and felt it all the way down to his stomach. Yes, coffee had a calming effect on him. He smiled. Shannon had suggested this local brand. Logan’s Bakery carried it by the pound. Cady Eaton, the manager, had definitely snagged a lifelong customer in Dean.
Shannon consumed his thoughts, yet again. A piece of Dean understood that she was part of what calmed him, what redirected his focus from upsetting things. But he wasn’t ready to admit that. She scared him. Okay, to be more precise, his feelings for her scared him. She made him want things he had no business wanting. She made him want to trust again.
He set his mug down on the patio table and slumped into the chair. He couldn’t ever tell her who he was. It would kill him, the changes he’d see in her. He knew she and the kids were hurting for money. He’d be more than happy to help out where he could. But if she knew who he really was, what kind of bankroll he came with, she’d look at him differently. She’d start wanting things.
Would it be so bad if she wanted things? Was it possible that there was a woman out there that Dean would willingly give everything he owned just to be with? He thought about his old band member, Toby. Toby was married now, had a little boy. No, things were different for Toby. Vanessa wasn’t a fan that he’d met out on the road. She and Toby had known each other since they were little kids. She’d been there to support him right from the start of his career.
Dean glanced at the house, thinking about another email he’d read that evening. Some stupid reality show wanted to reunite all the boy bands from years past. This was what Jax had been trying to talk him into. Jax missed the fame, the women, and all their attention. Dean would be happy if he never had to step into the spotlight again. Couldn’t they do this without him? Wasn’t there always one difficult band member who went into seclusion and refused to be bothered? That was him. Please just let that be his role.
He was really starting to enjoy life in Scallop Shores. At first, he had intended to really live the hermit’s life, only coming out for provisions when he absolutely had no choice. But Shannon had convinced him that he couldn’t live that way. Once he realized people weren’t going to attack him in the streets for autographs and pictures, he began to explore.
It was a beautiful, old, historic town. Someday, he was going to have to take the historical society’s tour of the tavern, the old Gaol, the schoolhouse, and the wharf. But since he’d arrived just in time for tourist season, he was getting to know the beach areas before they closed up for the winter.
Then what? If he was going to put down roots, stay in Scallop Shores permanently, he had to find something to do with his time. Dean got up and began to pace the length of the deck. This was his thinking pace—head down, concentrating. Not to be confused with his stressed pace—agitated and faster, treading just a little bit harder across the smooth wood boards.
Would it tip people off if he were to give guitar lessons? He was proficient in all sorts of music and instruments. Did he qualify for a teaching position at school? Forget it. That was probably locked in by some old guy who wouldn’t give it up until he croaked. Besides, he’d have to let the school in on his background. He couldn’t do that, could he?
Dean’s pacing led him to the door and back into the house, his Kermit mug abandoned on the patio table. He’d been writing songs, even sold a few. But what could he do that would ensure that he didn’t slip back into his hermit shell? Something that got him involved in the community.
Shucking his jeans and t-shirt, he slipped under the covers with a notebook and pen. Propped up against pillows, Dean jotted notes and made lists until his yawns nearly cracked his jaw. He tossed the writing supplies onto the pillow beside him and wriggled his way to a prone position. Just can’t let Shannon figure out my other life, was his last thought before succumbing to slumber.
• • •
“Oh my goodness, you look so adorable!” Shannon hugged her friend Quinn, smiling wistfully at the woman’s huge belly.
“Counting down the weeks now. Only four more to go until these two make an appearance.” She rubbed her rounded tummy with one hand while reaching for her glass of lemonade with the other.
“So does Jonah still want to name them Luke and Leia?” Talia asked.
“Yes, and Lily wants to name them Mickey and Minnie. You see what I’m up against?”
The women all laughed.
Talia and Jeff were hosting a barbeque and had asked Shannon to bring everyone—her mom, Roger, and even Dean. The kids had raced off to play with the twins and their friend Lily. The men were clustered around the huge gas grill having a serious discussion—about meat? Sports? Who knew? She was happy to see that Dean looked at ease. He usually seemed to be on edge around Talia, but today he was fine.
“How did you know you wanted to open your own business, working with kids?” Shannon posed her question to Talia.
“Why? You thinking of taking on entrepreneurship?” Her friend cocked her head to the side.
“No, not really. Well, I don’t know.” Shannon trailed off, her brow crinkling.
Catherine scooted her chair closer so she could get in on the conversation. Quinn was leaning forward as well. She’d gotten their attention.
“I was thinking about college—finally starting, you know? But that seems so daunting. I’m not eighteen anymore. I don’t even know where to begin.”
“But you’re thinking about it.” Catherine’s eyes were shining. “Do you know how long it took me to get to where you are now? My baby was all grown up before I started to think about having a life, a goal.”
“Mom, it’s no big deal. I’m still thinking about the kids. I’m thinking about their financial future.”
“But you need something for you, something that’s all your own. It’s what gives your life purpose.” Talia was nodding excitedly.
“Well, I guess that’s the crux of it, right there. Only I don’t know where to begin.”
“You wanted to teach, right? Do you still want to do that?” Catherine asked.
“I do. But a four-year degree, and then student teaching and … it’s so overwhelming. When would I find the time to go to school? Who will watch the kids while I’m studying?”
“There’s a teacher’s aide position opening up at the elementary school. One of my clients teaches first grade. She told me the number of incoming students this year is much higher than last year. She’s put in for an aide to help with the child to teacher ratio, and she isn’t the only one.”
“Don’t I need a degree for that?”
“You need a high school diploma, for sure. I think they ask for some college credit, but it can’t hurt to try. Especially, if you let them know that your ultimate goal is to become a teacher.”
“Life experience goes a long way, my friend, and when they know you are single-handedly raising triplets, they will beg you to take the job.” Quinn patted Shannon on the knee.
Pulling her lip between her teeth, she thought about working at the elementary school. She wouldn’t have to quit her job managing Ms. Sheffield’s estate, because her boss very rarely needed anything after Labor Day. A good thing, too, because Shannon and the children lived rent free in her cottage. She didn’t know what they were going to do when she did, finally, decide to give up this job for something more permanent.
“I’ve been so used to spending every waking moment with them. If I have to rattle around that big manor house all by myself while they’re in kindergarten, I’d go insane.” She took a deep breath. “I need this.”
Dean’s laughter rang out from the other side of the deck. Shannon turned her head, their gazes colliding. He held on tenaciously, like he was daring her not to break eye contact. Then he winked. Incorrigible! A small smile on her face, she refocused on her own conversation, hoping the other women hadn’t noticed.
They had. Of course. Shannon’s mother was beaming, her approval of Dean and a possible relationship readily apparent. Talia was flashing her a “just do it” grin. Shannon rolled her eyes and tried to keep the blush from taking over her whole face.
“Bright Starts has openings for before and after school care, if you need them. They’re right across the street from the school. Lily loves it there and her teacher is the sweetest thing.” Quinn’s smile was encouraging.
“Oh! And they run on the Scallop Shores school district schedule. So they’re closed on the same days you’d be off,” Talia added.
Well, she certainly had a lot to think about. Shannon tucked her legs beneath her in her chair, and reached for her beer. She took a long sip, cradling the bottle in her hands while she played casual observer.
Her mom had gotten up from the table to join Roger, the two drifting off to enjoy a quiet conversation away from the rest of the group. Talia had left for the kitchen, tossing the salad and getting ready to serve dinner. Jeff flipped steaks, burgers, and hot dogs. Shannon could see that most had been taken off the direct flame. They’d be eating soon. She chuckled when her stomach rumbled loudly enough to be heard the next town over.
The boys were all wrestling on the grass and it took Shannon a moment to spot Dean. He was sitting beneath a shade tree. He held a clutch of dandelions and sat patiently while Brenna and Lily tucked some more behind his ear. He looked so ridiculous and so … hot. Shannon groaned.
When the triplets were really little, she’d tried to imagine what Vince would have been like with them. But that had just been a depressing reminder that her children didn’t have a father figure in their lives. Their father hadn’t wanted them. He hadn’t wanted her enough to stay.
She had tried to be everything to her kids: mother, father, doctor, and teacher. By this point she’d gotten so good at being everything to them that she hadn’t stopped to wonder if they really were missing something. Watching Brenna chattering away as she decorated Dean, she worried that her daughter was pining for a father.
They looked so cute together. It would be so easy to let her imagination run wild, to fantasize about a future that involved Dean. He would be such a good dad. Not every man had those instincts, least of all any man she’d ever met. Dean didn’t even seem to realize this about himself.
But fantasies like that belonged in romance novels. Real life didn’t come with guarantees. Real life was cruel. Counting on someone else to stick around and play happily ever after only led to disappointment. Shannon had learned that the hard way. She wasn’t going to fall for it again. She tore her gaze away from the cozy scene, shutting out the fantasy trying to take root in her heart.
“I’m only here for a few more days. If you don’t take advantage of that and go out with your gorgeous neighbor, you are a fool.”
Catherine spoke quietly but purposefully in her ear. Shannon didn’t need to turn to see the stubborn set to her mother’s jaw. She just knew that it was there, the expression that was on her mother’s face. That “don’t-mess-with-me” look had gotten Shannon to do her chores, finish her homework, anything that Catherine expected of her daughter, without argument. It was for her own good, of course.
“Mom, I’m not a kid anymore. You can’t tell me what to do.”
“You know that’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m pushing you out of your comfort zone and you don’t like it.” She sat down opposite Shannon. “Tell me you don’t want to go out with him.”
“We don’t have a future.”
“I’m not talking about the future. I’m talking about one night, alone, no kids. Go catch a movie. Go skinny dipping at the pond. Go back to his place and have your wicked way with him. Be happy. Be a woman, Shannon. Enjoy some one on one time. Enjoy … Dean.”
“Oh, my God, Mother!”
Now it was all she could do not to picture Dean naked. This was too much! She was going to kill the woman … right after she took advantage of her babysitting services so she could go out with her neighbor. Or stay in. Great. Now she was a ticking time bomb. A drooling, ticking time bomb who couldn’t stop picturing her next door neighbor naked.