Remy
Remy carried out a freshly decorated set of unicorn cookies and slid them into the glass display case. The café was filled with happy customers enjoying their beverages while reading, working, or chatting at the several tables spread throughout the room—her dream come true.
Emma wiped down the steamer before holding the white paper cup towards Remy. “Here. Looks like you need a little caffeine in your life today.”
Remy stifled a yawn before she wrapped her fingers around the warm concoction. Bringing it to her nose, she inhaled the earthy roast with a hint of sweetness. “Mmm, thank you. Is it that obvious that I was up half the night?”
Emma smirked with a knowing glint in her eye. “Only for those of us who know how to read you. Now, tell me, how has this last week of sneaky sleepovers been? How much rest are you actually getting?”
Remy’s cheeks burned as she tried to hide her smile. Deciding the conversation was best had in private, she nodded towards the back room.
Emma followed her, not waiting until the door had swung closed to remark, “Good god, I’m surprised you’re not limping after such a hiatus and then going at it like rabbits.”
“Emma! Do you have to say that so loud?” Remy cringed.
The smile on her friend’s face only widened. “Well, you need to spill. I want every sordid detail. The dirtier, the fucking better.”
Remy rolled her eyes and sipped the hot coffee, buying herself some time. “We’ve had a lot of catching up to do.” She played coy.
“Five years is a lot of fucking to make up for.” Emma laughed.
“Why are you so crude?”
“All I want to know is, does he make you happy? You were wrecked after everything. I know he seems good now, but with addicts … you never know what will send them over the deep end.” The glint in Emma’s eyes faded.
Remy touched her friend’s arm. “Hey, I promise if it turns into anything unsafe or if I find out he’s using again, I will end it. But some addicts do turn everything around. They are not all like … her.”
Emma sniffed and nodded. “You can say my mother. She’s not Voldemort. He who must not be named.” They laughed together and Remy pulled her friend in for a hug.
“Okay, enough of this emotional crap. You have somewhere to be and I have a café to run while you’re gone,” Emma said, moving away.
Remy’s heart ached for her best friend. She admired how far Emma had come with such a difficult past. “You’re right. Take care of my Stardust Café and she’ll take care of you.” Remy winked and kissed her friend’s cheek before grabbing her purse and keys.
“Drive safe,” Emma said.
“I always do.”
* * *
Remy walked along the front path to Bently’s house. The summer sun was already beating steadily, forming a sheen of sweat on her body. Thank god for summer dresses.
A rustling in the bushes at the side of the house caught her attention. She froze, searching the mass of green. Is it an animal?
A low, deep growl emanated from the shrubbery. She gasped.
“That’s right, baby, it’s the big, bad wolf,” Mikel said as he climbed out from behind the leaves.
Remy placed a hand over her thumping heart. “You scared me to death.”
“You should fear me.” Mikel stalked towards her, a predatorial gleam in his eyes. He was still wearing his clothes from work: steel-toe boots, torn jeans, and an orange T-shirt with Seaview Construction written across his broad chest.
“You look mighty hungry, Mister Wolf.” She played along.
He leaned in, inches from her, and sniffed her neck before nipping it with his teeth. “I’m starving. Do you think you have something that could appease my appetite? It’s very specific,” he said, staring into her eyes.
She shivered at the intensity. This felt too real. She swallowed as her legs wobbled. “Th-that depends. W-what do you like to eat?”
He traced the shell of her ear with his hot tongue before whispering, “I’d like to eat you.”
Oh, Jesus, lord in heaven. Her panties were soaked. How did the heat rise ten degrees in the last minute? A flicker of movement in the window of the house caught her attention. A small head with curly hair bobbed behind the glass pane, staring at them. Lyra was excitedly bouncing up and down, pointing towards Mikel. They had an audience.
Remy turned her face, kissing the scruff of his beard, and placed her mouth by his ear. “You’ll have to do one thing for me first.” She backed away slowly.
“And what’s that?” He smirked.
“Catch me!” She ran towards the front door of the house just as his strong arms encircled her waist, pinning her backside against his erection.
The door opened and a vivacious little girl came bounding towards them, wrapping herself around Remy’s leg. “Mommy! Did Daddy scare you? He’s the big, bad wolf trying to catch little girls!”
“He did. Oh no!”
“That’s right. I see a little girl right now who would be a tasty treat.” Mikel licked his lips in show and reached his hands out.
Lyra squealed, releasing Remy’s leg and running away.
Mikel leaned in to her ear, speaking in a low voice so only she could hear, “Tonight we get to finish this and I get to feast on my favorite.”
Her body heated with his dirty promises and electric touch. The man surely knew how to set her on fire.
“I forgot how gross you two can be together,” Jasmine’s voice teased from the kitchen.
Remy walked in and took a seat next to her. “Well, I think it’s payback for the time I walked in on you having sex in the stockroom with a customer.”
Jasmine cringed. “I’m really sorry about that. I know I’ve fucked up a lot of stuff. I appreciate you giving me a second chance.”
“Of course. How are you feeling?”
Jasmine sipped the peppermint tea in front of her. “Okay. The morning sickness isn’t too bad today yet. I’ve been able to pick up a few more shifts at the hotel. Miss Jenson, who owns the big house on Shattered Cove beach, agreed to sell it to me as soon as I get the loan approved. I’ve got a big chunk saved for the down payment and then some for the remodel.” Excitement and determination painted her expression.
“That’s great. You’ve worked so hard to save. You’re finally getting your dream to come true. You’re making it happen.” Remy smiled.
“Yeah, well, this baby has thrown a wrench into things, but I’ll figure it out.”
“They usually do. I’ve found they’re totally worth the extra struggle they cause,” Remy said, as Lyra’s giggles erupted from the other room.
“Mommy! I caught the big bad wolf!” her little voice yelled.
“Awesome, baby! Way to go.” Remy cheered her on.
“Girl power! That’s ducking awesome, Lyra,” Jasmine said, winking at Remy.
“You may have to work on that before the baby comes. Or else you’ll have a tiny human that swears like a sailor.” Remy laughed.
“Ducking is not a curse word. Besides, I do it more to drive your boyfriend crazy,” Jasmine said.
Boyfriend. She still wasn’t used to hearing that yet.
“Well, I hope the loan gets approved fast. You’ve wanted to own a bed-and-breakfast for as long as I can remember.” Remy drove the conversation back to Jasmine.
“Yeah. Let’s just hope the bank thinks I’m worth the risk,” Jasmine said.
“What risk?” Bently said, walking into the kitchen. His face was pale, and his steps labored. The dark rings around his bloodshot eyes caused a wave of worry to wash over her. He was always such a force in their lives, full of life and jokes. This new Bently seemed like a shadow of his former self.
Jasmine shot out of her chair and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge before handing it to him as he sat across from them.
“The risk to invest in my bed-and-breakfast,” Jasmine explained.
Bently nodded. “Ahh, yes. Well, if they don’t, they’re crazy. Most people see that house as a big money pit though. It’s a good thing one of your brothers knows his way around construction.”
Jasmine sat back down, placing a bowl of soup in front of him. “I was going to ask Andre. I’m sure he’d be more than willing to help and give me a deal.”
“Ask Andre what?” Mikel said, carrying Lyra in on his shoulders. She was all smiles.
Jasmine huffed. “To help me remodel the Jensons’ beach house for my inn.”
“I can do it,” Mikel said, without hesitation.
“Are you gonna give me a better deal than Dre?” Jasmine asked, crossing her arms.
“Sure. You buy the supplies and I’ll do the work for free. Can’t beat free labor.” Mikel smiled.
Jasmine was quiet for a moment before nodding. “I would appreciate that. Thank you.”
“Anything for my little sister.” Mikel seemed to send an unspoken message with his eyes towards Jasmine. Hope filled Remy at the sight of them starting to make amends. If she and Mikel could find a way back to each other, anything was possible.
“Now, I seem to have misplaced my daughter,” Mikel said, making a show of searching the room.
Lyra giggled above him.
“Has anyone seen her? I can hear her, but I can’t find her.”
“No, we haven’t seen her.” Remy played along.
“I guess she won’t be able to look at the stars with us tonight, then.” Mikel sighed.
“I want to go! I’m up here, Daddy!” Lyra yelled and pulled his face to look at her.
He chuckled. “There you are!” He swung her around and kissed her cheeks.
Remy’s heart was bursting at the seams as the man she loved fit so perfectly into his role as Lyra’s father as well as her boyfriend once again.
“I’ve got a surprise for you, princess,” Mikel said.
“A surprise for me?” Lyra’s eyes widened and her mouth opened in awe. “It’s not even my birthday!”
“I know. But I saw your dolly didn’t have a proper bed and I made one for her.” He crouched down and opened the closet door before pulling out a beautifully carved, intricate cradle painted white.
“Oh, Daddy! This is beautiful. It has my name on it so everyone will know it’s mine and my daddy made it for me.” She ran into his arms, nearly knocking him over. Mikel caught her as tears welled in Remy’s eyes. The well of joy spilled within her, soaking her in the warm sunlight of gratitude. Life couldn’t get any better than this.
“Thank you,” she said.
Mikel’s eyes locked on to her, saying everything she had wished so long to hear. I’m here for you. I love you.
“Anything for my girls.”