“Hey, it’s Justin.” He left a voice message on Bailey’s cell phone. “Wanted to confirm dinner plans for tomorrow. Call me back.”
He disconnected from the call, then checked his text messages. No reply from Bailey. Where was she? His calls today had gone straight to her voice mail. Weird. She usually called right back. Maybe she was teaching a class he’d forgotten about, but he missed hearing her voice.
Paige bounced into his office, reminding him of when she was eight and had pulled out a tooth. “We won!”
“Won?”
“The inn.”
His pulse accelerated. He stood. “Bailey didn’t tell me she signed the contract.”
“She didn’t.”
“Then how...?”
Paige shook her head. “Tyler Cole called. The guy acted so put out. Turned down the contract we offered. Said no counteroffer would be made.”
“Wait a minute.” Justin rubbed his chin. “Without the contract, how do we win?”
She didn’t say a word, but her I’ve-got-a-secret-gleam gave him a funny feeling in his stomach.
“Tell me what’s going on,” he said.
“This morning we filed a claim for sole ownership.”
“On what basis?”
“The verbal agreement made between you and Bailey where she relinquished her claim to the inn.”
“There wasn’t a verbal agreement. She made us an offer, one that came with conditions that you and your legal crew ignored.”
“Not true. We took her words very seriously. Giving her that contract gave us time to get everything finished on our end.”
“What you’re doing isn’t ethical. It’s wrong.”
Paige shrugged. “We’ll let the court decide. Bailey may decide to give up her fight.”
“Give up?” Frustration threatened to overwhelm Justin. “The Coles of Haley’s Bay do not give up. Tyler will go after you like this is a personal attack, which it is, since you’re twisting Bailey’s offer. AJ has enough money to fund a war. They aren’t going to let this drop. Why did you do this?”
Paige looked perplexed. “Why wouldn’t I? Our dream, our jobs are at stake. Whatever it takes.”
“Not like this.”
“This is what I always do. What Dad taught me to do. I get whatever property you want. Just because you don’t see the fallout or backroom dealings doesn’t mean there aren’t any.”
He stood speechless.
“The Broughton Inn is going to be ours, so you’d better get busy with the approval process,” she said. “A complete teardown is what we’re after, but if not, do your best to make the old look brand-new.”
He couldn’t shake Paige’s words about how his family did business or stop wondering if Bailey knew what had happened, and that was why she hadn’t called or texted. She must know if Tyler knew.
Paige touched his shoulder. “Hey. What’s wrong? I thought you’d be excited. You look like you’ve lost your best friend.”
Justin hoped he hadn’t. “I’m wondering how Bailey’s going to feel about this.”
“Come on,” Paige said. “Did you not learn your lesson with your divorce about dating women who are the opposite from you?”
“Bailey’s not opposite. We’re quite similar.”
“You’re kidding yourself. Can you imagine what Mom and Dad would think of her?”
“I hope they’d like her because I do.” But if that was the case, why hadn’t he driven down with Bailey and introduced them? Because of the inn? Or was there more? “I’m heading up to Haley’s Bay with Buddy.”
“Better bring a hazardous waste suit. There may be fallout.”
That was what Justin was afraid of. He only hoped the inn wouldn’t be what kept he and Bailey apart, because he wanted them both in his life. He didn’t want to have to settle for only one. And wouldn’t if he had the choice.
* * *
The knock at Bailey’s front door made every muscle tighten, including ones she hadn’t known existed. She rolled her neck, but the action did nothing to relax the tension gripping her like a straitjacket.
She didn’t have to peek out the window to know Justin was standing on her welcome mat and rapping his knuckles against her door. Buddy had barked, and four people had texted they saw Justin driving on Bay Street. That was life in a small town, where everyone knew not only her business, but also her secrets and, in this case, her pain, broken heart and shame.
She walked to the door, keeping her head high, each step moving her closer to a confrontation that wouldn’t be pleasant but must be done. She wasn’t prepared.
How did a person prepare herself for saying goodbye to someone she’d come to care about...come to love? And Buddy. She didn’t want to say goodbye to the sweet dog.
Focus. She’d been played for a fool. Forget about the good times and magical kisses they’d shared.
Not magical. Stupid. They no longer mattered.
She squared her shoulders. His excuses would not sway her. If he even made any. Time to get this over with.
With her hand on the doorknob, Bailey took a deep breath. She opened the door. Buddy ran inside.
“Hey.” Justin’s smiled loosened the lines around his mouth. “I wasn’t sure you’d be here.”
The relief in his voice poked at her heart. She tightened her grip on the doorknob. “I’m here.”
He stepped inside. “You never called back or replied to my texts.”
She closed the door. Better to do this in private than in front of the watchful eyes of her neighbors, who were likely timing the length of the visit so they could report in to her grandmother and Tyler.
“I thought you lost your phone,” Justin continued. “Or might not want to talk to me.”
“I...”
Bailey knew what she wanted to say, but words failed her. All her practice had been for naught with him standing so close to her and looking far too handsome for her own good. The urge to fling herself into Justin’s arms and forget the mess she’d made was strong. She had to be stronger.
Bailey swallowed. Twice. “I didn’t want to talk to you.”
He flinched. “The inn.”
She nodded once.
“You spoke to Tyler.”
“At length.” She moved into the living room, wanting to put distance between them. “How could you lie about my offer to you?”
“I didn’t lie. Paige and the legal team decided to do this on their own. I had no input.”
“So you’re not guilty, just complacent.”
“You don’t understand.” He brushed his hand through his hair. “You’re a free-spirited artist who doesn’t care what anyone thinks of you. My parents expect me to live up to certain expectations.”
Bailey wasn’t buying his words. “You still could’ve stopped them.”
“No, I couldn’t. My family is at stake here.”
She struggled to remain in control and not lose it. “Your company. Not family.”
“It’s the same thing when you’re a McMillian. Paige didn’t tell me about filing until after the fact. You have every right to be upset, but it’s just business.”
Baily’s mouth gaped. She couldn’t believe him. “If this goes to court, you’ll be forced to testify under oath.”
“We’ll settle before this ends up in court. That’s what we always do.”
She wasn’t sure if he sounded confident or cocky, but she didn’t like his tone. Or any of this. She stared down her nose at him. “That doesn’t make your tactics right. And I’m not settling.”
He didn’t flinch. His facial expression didn’t change. “I told Paige you would fight.”
That surprised Bailey. “Not just fight. I’m going to win, so you’d better start practicing for your deposition, since it’ll be your word against mine. And I’m not the one who’ll be lying on the witness stand.”
He reached for her. “Bailey.”
She leaned away so his hand only found air. This...he wasn’t what she wanted. Not any longer. “Don’t touch me. I don’t want you to touch me again. Or contact me.”
“Is that what Tyler said to say?”
“Oh, he told me that weeks ago. I foolishly didn’t listen. But I won’t make that mistake again.”
Justin’s forehead creased. “You’re willing to let the inn come between us?”
“Us?” She half laughed. That was better than crying. “There’s never been an us. You’ve wanted the inn from the beginning for your family. I happened to be the way for you to get what you wanted.”
“That’s not what—”
“Nothing you say or do will convince me otherwise.”
“These past weeks, we’ve shared something special.”
Her eyes stung. She blinked. “Special? Not from my perspective. I understand you putting your family first. I should have listened to mine, but you’re no better than Floyd. And like him, you have no idea what you’re losing by doing this. I deserve so much better. So does the inn.”
“That’s not how this is.”
“It is. I trusted you. That’s why I made the offer.” Her voice cracked. Darn, she needed to stay in control. “I thought...”
“What?”
That they had a future together. But she’d die before she admitted those words to him. She raised her chin. “It’s too late, but I wish I’d never gotten involved with you.”
He flinched.
Good. Except it wasn’t. Not really.
He straightened. “Let’s talk about this over dinner.”
“Your family is trying to steal the inn using lies about my offer. I have nothing left to say to you.” She motioned to the door, hoping her fingers wouldn’t tremble the way her insides were. “Please go, and don’t come back.”
His eyes darkened. “So that’s how you want things to be.”
She hesitated, crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes.”
Justin called for Buddy. She hugged the dog and kissed his head. Oh, how she would miss this adorable furball.
Without a word, Justin grabbed Buddy and walked out of the cottage. Out of her life.
An engine started. She waited until she couldn’t hear the car’s sound anymore. She slid to the floor, buried her head in her hands and let the tears fall.
* * *
The sun rose each morning, but Justin found getting out of bed and heading to the office harder and harder to do. Nothing satisfied him. Today had been the most difficult. All he could think about was Bailey. Her pretty, warm smile and gorgeous, caring eyes were imprinted on his brain. Whether his eyes were open or closed didn’t make a difference. He still saw her.
Wyatt—Justin’s foreman and closest friend—spit out a sunflower seed shell. “That artist girl got under your skin.”
Justin nodded, but Bailey had done more than that, She’d found her way into his heart, too. He’d kept telling himself he liked her when the truth was, he’d fallen in love. Fallen headfirst. Fallen hard. Every cliché rang true where she was concerned.
Damn. He hadn’t been this messed up by his divorce. He hadn’t felt this emptiness inside, as if someone had ripped out his heart and not put anything back in its place. “I don’t know what to do about it.”
“You got over Taryn. You’ll get over this one.”
“Her name is Bailey.” Justin didn’t like the way the people closest to him ignored her existence. She was more than an artist or the obstacle standing between McMillian Resorts and the Broughton Inn. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, friend. A kind, beautiful, intelligent woman. Damn, she was right. He had it bad. “And I’m not sure I will.”
Wyatt eyed him warily. “Never seen you like this.”
“Never been like this. Not even with Taryn. I—” Justin shook his head, trying to dislodge Bailey from his brain. “The only place I want to be is Haley’s Bay.”
“Not at the inn.”
“I wish I’d never heard of the Broughton Inn. No, that’s not true. I wouldn’t have met Bailey. Too bad my family is hell-bent on seeing this project through to the end.”
“You were spearheading that mentality.”
“At the beginning, but now...”
“Because of her.”
He started to say yes, then stopped himself, because she wasn’t the only reason. “Bailey is the biggest reason, but my family’s tactics to close this deal...”
“Dude, that’s how it’s always been. You never cared. Or maybe you didn’t pay attention.”
Justin hadn’t. He’d focused on the result. The means hadn’t mattered. A part of him had known or guessed how the legal team operated, but he hadn’t let that stop him. Not until he’d seen the repercussions. Years of not paying attention, of focusing on his role and no one else’s, had caught up to him. Their method of business and the resulting damage was too much. “I don’t like it.”
“So tell them.”
He should, except...nothing would change. No matter what he said, the course was set. He knew that in his heart.
Because he’d been the same way with Taryn.
She’d wanted him to work less and spend more time with her. Move to Portland, away from his family and their company. He’d said no. That they could figure out another way. But what he’d offered to save their marriage hadn’t been enough. No wonder Taryn had left. He’d wanted his wife to do all the work and make all the compromises. Exactly what his family was asking of him now.
Taryn hadn’t been the one to blame for their divorcing. He was responsible, but he hadn’t realized it until now. Crap.
Justin didn’t want to make the same mistake this time. The way he’d felt about his ex didn’t come close to his feelings for Bailey.
He didn’t want the inn. He wanted her. “I screwed up.”
“What’s new?” Wyatt joked.
“Nothing. That’s the problem. I’m finished.” Justin rose from behind his desk. “I can’t keep doing this.”
Wyatt’s brow furrowed. “Do what?”
“Let McMillian Resorts ruin my chance at love and happiness again. I didn’t see it the first time with Taryn. I do now. Time to make a change.” He walked out of his office toward the conference room where he knew his family would be assembled. His heart pounded with purpose; every fiber in his being agreed.
“Took you long enough,” his dad grumbled as he entered.
“Now, now.” His mother patted his father’s hand. “Justin’s here. We can get started.”
Rainey, his younger sister, the baby of the family, fingered the pendant on the chain around her neck. Dark circles under her eyes and her pale complexion made him wonder when she’d last had a full night’s sleep. She needed a vacation.
Paige tapped her fingers against the table as if she’d rather be somewhere else. He knew how she felt. He was impatient, too. He wanted this over with now.
His father motioned to an empty leather chair. “Sit. Now that the three of you have shown us what you’re capable of doing, we’re ready to sign over ownership of the company to you and retire.”
Justin stood in the doorway. His and his sisters’ dream handed to them on a platter of lies. Unbelievable.
The only thing he knew was this company. He’d never worked anywhere else. This was his family, but until going to Haley’s Bay he hadn’t realized how much business defined them, as individuals and a collective group. Living like this was no longer enough. Family should mean more. And being without Bailey was not an option.
He sucked in a breath. Exhaled. “I quit.”
His father laughed. The gut-busting sound echoed through the conference room. “Stop being an idiot and wasting our time. Take a seat.”
“I have at least two months’ vacation and personal time off. Wyatt knows where all the projects stand. He’s overqualified but can step into my position without any problems.”
His family stared at him, mouths gaping.
His mother pursed her lips. “You can’t be serious. We’re giving you the company.”
“I am serious. I don’t want a company that’s run this way. I’m in love with a woman named Bailey. She’s the other owner of the Broughton Inn.”
His father’s nostrils flared. “If this woman’s got half a brain, she won’t want an unemployed bum for a boyfriend.”
“She’s very smart, and I won’t be unemployed for long once I tell my side of Bailey’s so-called verbal offer to the judge.”
Paige’s face dropped. “You wouldn’t.”
“Don’t be so sure about that.”
A weight lifted off Justin’s shoulders. He had no doubt he was doing the right thing.
He tossed his office keys onto the table. They clattered against the wood. “I’m sure this will take time getting used to, but I hope we’ll be over this by the time the holidays roll around.”
His mother stood. “Justin—”
“I’ve got to go.”
“Where?” Rainey asked.
“Haley’s Bay.”
His father frowned. “This artist is more important than your own family.”
“You’re important, too,” Justin admitted. “But I’ve lost one woman to McMillian Resorts. I won’t lose another, especially one who means as much as Bailey does to me. I need more in my life than work. I need her.”
The words I’m sorry were on the tip of his tongue, but he wasn’t going to apologize for wanting more, wanting to be loved, wanting more from a family than sharing a common work interest.
“I love all of you, but I love Bailey, too. I need to tell her and hope that’s enough for her to give me a second chance.”
“And if it’s not?” Paige asked.
Justin hadn’t thought that far out. He shrugged. “I’ll keep trying until I convince her or she has me arrested.”
Rainey beamed. “A good thing we have an attorney in the family. Though sounds like a bail bondsman might come in handy.”
“Likely. Bailey’s youngest brother is a police officer.”
Paige shook her head. “This isn’t going to end well.”
“I’ve gotta try.” And Justin would. Because he didn’t want to live with the what-if.
* * *
The phone vibrated against the living room end table. Bailey rolled her eyes. What part of “no” didn’t Justin McMillian understand? He’d been texting and calling all morning. She should have turned off her phone instead of only muting the sound.
A stupid mistake. One she would remember not to make again.
As she stood on a plastic tarp in her dining room, her vision blurred, the colors on the canvas blending together in an odd-shaped rainbow. Distractions always made her lose sight of a project. One reason she liked being alone.
She just needed to keep reminding herself that.
And forget about how much she missed having Buddy around, and...
She blinked until the canvas came into focus, the landscape of her grandmother’s house as clear as the robin sitting on the bird feeder outside the window.
More vibrating. That one sounded like a text.
A week ago Bailey might have been flattered. Okay, she would have been. But now Justin’s attempts at contacting her left her aching heart hurting more.
She hated that, hated...
No, she didn’t hate Justin.
But she was angry with him. A part of her felt sorry for him. But she didn’t hate him. She kept trying for indifference, but so far that hadn’t happened.
Stop thinking about him.
She needed to finish this commissioned piece if she wanted to pay her mortgage without having to dip into her savings.
Bailey used her forearm to push stray hairs off her face with her forearm. Paint splatters covered her hands. She didn’t need paint on her face.
Another text from Justin arrived. She would turn off her phone once she washed her hands.
She wasn’t interested in anything he had to say. She didn’t need him. Or anyone.
Bailey had what she needed to be happy—a loving family, her own home, a career that might not make her rich, but one she loved. So why did she feel so miserable?
She knew the answer, a six-letter word that started with a capital J and ended with a small n.
Not fair.
But her brothers, all five of them, would tell her life wasn’t fair. As they’d always done.
She got back to work. If she concentrated on finishing the painting, then she wouldn’t have to think about anything else. She could put everything into her work, including her heart.
Time seemed to stop. Minutes...hours...she had no idea how long she’d been working.
The front door opened. Three of her brothers—Ellis, Declan and Grady—walked in.
“See?” Grady said. “I told you she would be working and her door wouldn’t be locked.”
Declan double-checked the lock. “Not broken, which means you didn’t lock the door again.”
A headache threatened to erupt. “I’m working. Go away.”
Ellis looked at her painting. “Pretty good, but you haven’t answered your phone for two days.”
Declan picked up the cell. “Sounds off. Battery’s almost dead.”
“Go away.” She focused on her painting. “I need to finish this.”
“Mom sent us over,” Grady said. “Worried you were upset over breaking up with Justin. She wanted to make sure you were eating.”
“Sleeping,” Ellis added.
“Not crying nonstop.” Declan studied her. “Your eyes look a little red, but I thought they’d be swollen.”
“Oh, man,” Ellis said. “Remember the time Bobby Steele dumped you for that hot blonde?”
“Cecilia Remming.” Declan whistled. “As much as I love you, sis, can’t say I blame the guy.”
Bailey sighed. “Just because a girl has a D-cup in high school doesn’t make her the be-all, end-all. You do realize Cecilia ended up having breast reduction surgery last year because of back trouble.”
Declan checked her empty water bottle, then tossed it to Grady. “Don’t ruin the fantasies.”
“Fine. I take it back.” Bailey wasn’t a dream crusher. That title belonged to Justin. She waved her paintbrush, sending splatters of coral pink onto the tarp beneath their feet and causing her brothers to step back. “As you can see, I’m fine.”
“You don’t look so good.” Grady raised the water bottle. “I’m going to refill this.”
Ellis dug through the candy wrappers on the floor. “When did you eat last something that wasn’t all sugar?”
“Showered?” Declan sniffed. “I’d say at least two, maybe three days, based on the smell.”
Her shoulders sagged. Bailey straightened. She wasn’t about to answer them. If she did, they would know that she wasn’t exactly fine, but she was doing okay. Surviving. Hoping the emptiness inside would go away sooner rather than later.
“I’m working.” She motioned to the almost finished canvas. “I’ll do those things as soon as I complete my painting.”
Ellis studied her. “So the way you look, how messy your place is, has nothing to do with Justin?”
Bailey fought the urge to say something sarcastic or biting. No fighting with them, either. She counted backward from five. “This is how I work.”
And it was, except work usually left her feeling refreshed, able to stay up late and wake early. This painting hadn’t done that. If anything, work was draining what energy she had left.
“It’s okay if you’re upset.” Declan stacked empty cups lying on the floor. “We know you liked Justin.”
Ellis nodded. “You were different with him.”
“Yeah, not such a hardnose all the time,” Grady teased.
Declan glared at their youngest brother. “Shut up, Grady.”
“We’re not trying to butt in.” Ellis folded the throw she’d used for a nap. “We’re your brothers. It’s our job to take care of you.”
“No, that’s my job.” Bailey placed her brush on the easel. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m not a kid anymore. My heart’s been battered, but this isn’t the first time I’ve lost in love. This won’t be the last.”
At least she hoped not.
“You’ve been hiding out,” Ellis said.
Her shoulders sagged. “What part of working don’t you understand? I’m not doing a spin-art project. Creating a painting takes time. I lose track of things, including staying in contact and time. Go tell Mom all is well and as soon as this painting is finished, I’ll be over there.”
Her brothers exchanged glances.
“Really,” Bailey added for emphasis, then motioned them to the front door. “Go. Risa is expecting you home, Ellis. I’m sure you two single guys have hot dates tonight.”
Declan winked. “A lukewarm date, but no complaints if the night ends the way I expect.”
“I’m giving a talk at a Boy Scout meeting, then calling it an early night,” Grady said. “I’m on duty in the morning.”
Their little brother sure had grown up. All of them had. Bailey gave each one a hug. “I’ll charge my cell phone. But I’m not answering until the work is finished.”
“Fair enough,” Ellis said.
“And, sis—” Declan reached out to her “—we give you a hard time, and you can be a pain in the ass sometimes, but McMillian’s an idiot for letting you get away.”
The tension wrapped around her chest loosened. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
Her brothers filed out of the house, one by one. She closed the door.
“Lock it,” the three said in unison.
Bailey bolted the lock, then leaned against the door. She loved her family, and how her brothers wanted to take care of her was sweet. But she wished someone other than her siblings wanted to watch out for her. She wished she had someone to kiss good-night and wake up to each morning. She wished she had finally found her Mr. Right.
Being disappointed by Mr. Wrong, time and time again, was getting old.