What Makes Us Stronger (A Well Paired Novel Book 3) Read online

  “We don’t know each other very well.” Again, Grace stated the obvious.

  “Not yet. I’m still getting to know everyone, really. It’s only been the past year that I’ve gotten to know the women in town.”

  From what Lily had heard, Grace was Miss Popular before she’d gone off to Europe. Alexis had said something about her traipsing all over the country trying to find herself. It seemed like she’d found herself in fashion.

  She’d been back in Crystal Cove for a few months and, according to town gossip, hadn’t done much other than work in retail shops in Rockland. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but Grace never seemed happy. Her smiles and laughter were forced, not genuine.

  Again, Lily was an expert in that field. If Grace needed a friend, Lily would be the most understanding.

  “You’re going to Ty’s?” Grace nodded toward the bag at Lily’s feet.

  “Yeah. It’s okay though. We don’t have any set plans.”

  “All the girls had a crush on him in high school. He was older than me. A grade older than Alexis, I think. Him and Brandon Miller. They were the town hotties. There weren’t any good looking guys in my grade.” Grace took her hair out of her bun and wound it up again.

  Lily watched and waited patiently. There was something serious going on with Grace. It wasn’t drugs or alcohol. Her hands shook a little and her eyes were puffy, but more from crying or not sleeping.

  “I haven’t met Brandon Miller. Is he related to John and Melissa Miller who own the Sunrise on the Water Inn?”

  Small talk. Make her feel comfortable, then maybe she’ll loosen up and talk about what really brought her to Lily’s front door.

  “Yeah. They’re good people. Brandon’s a doctor in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. When kids graduate they either move away and make something of their lives or stay here forever and...” Grace licked her lips and slouched in the chair.

  So coming back to Crystal Cove was a defeat for Grace. Okay. One step closer to the issue.

  “Hope seems happy here. So does Ty.” Although he often had that far away trance that she saw in Grace. “You couldn’t move your sister from here if you tried. I don’t even think Ben could.”

  “You’re right. I guess things have changed since I was a teen.” Grace picked at the hem of her white shorts. “I don’t suppose you grew up in a place like this?”

  Could Grace see through her as much as Lily could see through Grace?

  “No. I was a city girl.” That much was true. It was easier to keep her story straight if she kept to as much of the truth as possible. “I’m sure the grass is always greener, but I think I would have loved to grow up in a community like this. One built around families and small businesses.”

  “You never dreamed of traveling? Going to Europe? Paris? Italy?”

  Lily stilled, thankful Grace couldn’t see the turmoil in her stomach or hear the buzzing behind her eyes.

  “Maine has it all. Mountains. Ocean. Farms. Wineries. Your family’s winery is one of my favorite places to visit. Alexis said you’ve never been into the winemaking business.”

  “I prefer to be on the other end of the bottle. Sipping it. I don’t mind filling in and pouring samples for customers, but that gets old.”

  “What are your plans for your future? Something in fashion?”

  “Actually. Can you keep a secret?”

  Lily almost laughed at the irony of the question. Her entire existence was a secret. “Of course.”

  “You know the Bergerons? The couple who owns the insurance company two doors down?”

  “They’re very sweet. My business and rental insurance is through them.”

  “They’re retiring.”

  “Ruth told me last week when she came in to get her hair done, and they sent me a letter about options for other companies.” She’d gone with their recommendation and transferred her plan to the Lincolns in the next town over.

  “And their space will be available to rent.”

  “I thought they owned their building and mine?” Bergeron Insurance took up one half of the brick building next to her and Doug Chambers’ accounting firm rented the other half.

  “Exactly. Their space will be available to rent. Ruth said she and Herb aren’t looking to make much of a profit, just enough to pay the mortgage and utilities.”

  “And you talked to her about it because...”

  “I’m thinking about opening a boutique. I’ve made a lot of friends in fashion schools and thought I could have a store that showcased new designers. Like an internship in a way.”

  “You think there’s a market for that kind of clothing around here?”

  “I wouldn’t sell high-end stuff. More practical wear. Cute stuff, though.” Grace turned toward Lily and finally, a spark lit up her face. It was the first time Lily had seen true excitement in her. “Crystal Cove isn’t a tourist trap like Camden and Rockland, but people drive through town and if we have shops, they’ll stop. I’ve talked to Ben about it as well.”

  Ben had been a godsend to the town. When he’d first visited with his sights set on helping Coastal Vines, he’d met with all the small business owners and come up with a plan to bring more revenue to the town.

  Building the function hall at the winery for events—like Hope and Cameron’s wedding—launched the plans, and every business had seen an intake in customers and revenue since. Including the Sea Salt Spa.

  “So we’d be neighbors.” This could be fun. Grace needed a friend. Lily had been in her shoes not so long ago.

  “Yeah.” The spark dimmed, and suddenly Lily felt as if Grace were scrutinizing her, studying her reaction. Trying to get a read on her.

  Uncomfortable with Grace’s odd behavior, Lily reached for her backpack and stood. “I’m happy for you. Let me know how I can help when it comes time.”

  Grace stood as well, still serious. “You’d be okay with new designers coming in and out of my shop? Some are from the States, but some may be from Europe.”

  “I think it’s wonderful.” She hefted her bag across her shoulder and headed toward the door. “Keep me posted.”

  When Grace finally disappeared down the walkway, uneasiness settled in her belly. Lily didn’t think Grace’s visit was about her boutique. She’d appeared ragged and stressed. Something was going on with her, but Lily wasn’t the right person to ask. Or to meddle.

  Thursday was book club. If Grace showed up haggard like today, she’d be the center of attention, trumping the Lily and Ty gossip. It was kind of a lose-lose.

  Closing the door to her worry, she got in her car and drove to Ty’s.

  He greeted her at the door with a kiss and an affectionate squeeze of her butt. “Long day at the office?” Ty took the bag from her and ushered her inside.

  “Sorry I’m late. Grace came by as I was leaving.”

  “Grace?”

  “Yeah. I was just as surprised.” They headed to the kitchen where a bottle of Lobster Red from Coastal Vines sat on the counter next to two glasses. “Wine with dinner? Is someone hoping to get lucky tonight?”

  “That’s not what I—”

  Ty was adorable when she embarrassed him. “Easy, hot stuff.” Lily pressed a kiss to his lips and rested her forearms on his strong shoulders. “I’d planned on getting lucky with or without the wine.”

  “Well if that’s true”—he shifted her hair to one side and kissed her neck—“did you plan on before or after dinner?”

  Lily tilted her head, giving him free reign of her neck, and moaned with his touch. “Both.”

  “You’re turning me into a sex addict.” Ty worked his hands under her shirt and massaged her back.

  “We haven’t had sex since last week. I’d hardly call that an addict. Unless...” She knew he wasn’t sleeping with other women, but giving him a hard time was fun.

  His lips left her neck and he pulled back, his brows deeply furrowed. “I’m not that kind of guy. I don’t sleep around.”

  God, he w
as gorgeous and stunning and rugged and manly and so, so sweet. Lily couldn’t help it. Her heart had betrayed her and had fallen for Ty. There wasn’t a single thing about him she didn’t adore and appreciate. And respect.

  Trust didn’t come easily to her, and she didn’t think she’d ever trust another man again. Yet here she was, dating a man for less than a month and already in love.

  “I know.” She traced her finger across his brows and down his cheek, landing on his lips. Lips she wanted on hers. “I’m only teasing.”

  On stealth mode once again, Ty picked her up in one swift move and set her on the counter. They feasted on each other, not taking the time to fully undress. Kissing with a hunger similar to their first time, yet more familiar and with a deeper connection.

  Frantic hands tore at his button and zipper while he slipped his hands under her waistband.

  Ty stilled, pulling back just a hair. “Elastic. No zipper.”

  She’d worn a pair of cute slip-on shorts intentionally. “Like I said. I had plans on getting lucky, and I didn’t think you could handle another zipper.” Lily gripped on to his jeans and pushed them down as far as she could reach, which wasn’t far enough.

  It didn’t take long for her shorts to come off. The chill of the granite countertop under her warmed up as soon as Ty placed his hands on her thighs, moving them apart so he could stand between them.

  Dinner would have to wait.

  With their stomachs full of grilled salmon, Meatball resting at their feet, and the bottle of wine nearly empty, Ty and Lily sat on his deck and enjoyed the night air.

  “I’m thinking of putting in a fire pit similar to Hope and Cameron’s.”

  Lily curled her legs up under her and leaned her head back on the chair. The only thing that would make the evening better is if Ty had a couch outside, or a deck swing so they could sit closer.

  Needing the contact, she reached over their armrests and laced her fingers in his. “That would be nice. You said you have other plans for the house? When you have time to get to them, what other projects do you have up your sleeve?”

  “I don’t want to bore you.”

  “Why do you think that would bore me?”

  Ty rubbed his thumb across her palm. “Most women don’t find construction talk interesting conversation.”

  “I don’t know what women you’re referring to, but I’m not them.” Mia’s slip at the bookstore last month resonated within. There was a woman out there who had done serious damage to Ty, and he was still fighting the battle scars.

  “No. You’re not.” The soft sigh coming from his lips spoke of a bigger meaning behind the conversation.

  Torn between wanting to help Ty with his demons and wanting to keep things as they were, she didn’t know if it was her place to pry.

  “You don’t seem the type to date women like that. Women who wouldn’t be interested in you. Your career.”

  “I work for my dad’s construction company. Some wouldn’t call that a career.”

  “What?” Lily squeezed his hand. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard. You work hard, you do beautiful work, and you’re making a successful living for yourself. What’s not to respect? You must have dated trolls in the past. Don’t ever lump me in with them again.”

  This time she was mad. She knew too well how cruel and manipulative superficial women could be, and it sounded like Ty had been hurt by one. While she may have traveled in their pack, Lily liked to believe she was never cruel to a man. To any human being.

  Setting her wine glass down on the decking, she figured she’d ask him the tough questions. If he told her to stop or changed the subject, she’d let it go.

  “Tell me about her. The woman who broke your heart.” She watched Ty as he closed his eyes and lowered his chin to his chest. “Or should I say the tramp who broke your heart?”

  That elicited a tiny grin from Ty’s lips. “I’ve never called her that, but it may be more appropriate.”

  “I’m sorry, Ty. I take it she’s not from around here.” Hope would have known about her. That meant he’d met her overseas.

  “Texas.”

  “Is that where you had your basic training?” She could picture Ty out at a bar after a grueling week of boot camp, or whatever they called it, winning the hearts of every girl in his path.

  “Not exactly.”

  “Is she from Afghanistan?”

  “No.” Ty lifted his head and released her hand, rubbing his across his face. “We were both stationed in Kabul. We were in different squadrons but were at basecamp together.”

  “Oh.” Not what she expected. Lily didn’t think she could measure up to another soldier. To a woman who fought for our country. All Lily had to offer was a heritage she couldn’t claim and a past she had to forget.

  “We were engaged.” By the anger in his eyes she could tell he hadn’t lost the woman to war. Something more personal.

  He told her in brief words about the woman returning pregnant. About her choosing money and security over a man with no financial future.

  Lily’s heart bled for him, for the hurt he’d been harboring for so many years. Ty sharing his personal loss with her deepened her love for him even more. “I’d say you’re doing pretty well for yourself.” She rubbed her hands up and down his thighs in a soft and loving manner.

  “I don’t have the fancy car. Or a yacht. I can’t afford to take exotic vacations. Or to buy expensive jewelry.”

  “Hm. The jewelry I can do without.” If he only knew. “But the yacht. Well, had I known that I wouldn’t have had sex before the wine.”

  “You’re making fun of me?” A grin tugged at his lip.

  “No.” Lily scooted out of her chair and sat sideways in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’m sorry she hurt you and caused you so much pain.”

  “I wasn’t ready to settle down anyway.”

  She didn’t believe him, but she understood he needed to make himself believe it. “Someday, when you’re ready, you’ll make an amazing husband. And father. Don’t let her betrayal make you think you’re not good enough. Or that all women are after a Texas oil rig.”

  “Just a yacht?” The light came back in his eyes.

  “A stroll on the beach works for me.” Lily cuddled closer, resting her head on his shoulder, absorbing his warmth, his strength.

  His love.

  “Tell me about this.” He dipped his hand under her shirt, touching her lower back where her tattoo was.

  “My tattoo?”

  “I haven’t been able to figure it out. Is it a cursive H? Your initials? I think it requires a closer look, which means your clothes are going to have to come off again.”

  “Oh really?” She wiggled in his lap. “I’m game.”

  “Tell me first.”

  It was only fair. He’d just unloaded a heavy burden he’d been carrying around for years. It was only fair for her to share a piece of herself. Just a tiny piece.

  “It’s a Celtic symbol for starting over. New beginnings. I got it before moving to Crystal Cove.”

  “What did you leave behind? Why did you need to start over?” His touch was too sweet as his words whispered across her neck.

  “A bad upbringing. I needed to discover myself. Figure out who I was. Who I am.”

  “I’m rather enjoying discovering who you are, Lily.” He pressed his lips to hers and she sunk into the kiss, thankful he didn’t push her any further.

  If he did, she’d have to feed him lies. The truth couldn’t come out. Ever.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  TY ROLLED HIS PUSH mower out of the shed and hoped to get the back lawn mowed before the sun set and the mosquitoes came out full force. Someday he’d buy a ride-on mower. For now, the walking and pushing was therapeutic.

  First Cam, and then Lily. Talking about his ultimate rejection and betrayal wasn’t as hard as he thought it would be. In fact, it was almost freeing. It didn’t change anything. He’d still been lied to, cheat
ed on, and dumped because he didn’t have connections to millions, but knowing he had friends who cared more about him than any of that lifted his spirits.

  In fact, not since he’d been a hotshot soccer player in high school had he felt so secure in himself. Crystal Cove wasn’t the pit of despair he thought it was after his high school graduation.

  The town was full of good people, good families, and growing businesses. It wasn’t where shallow and vain people settled down to raise a family. He’d been gung-ho about leaving the cove as soon as he graduated high school, thinking there were bigger and better things for him out in the big world.

  And, yeah, there were definitely bigger, and maybe better, but not better for him. However, he didn’t begrudge his time in the service. And now that he’d gotten a lot off his chest, he didn’t begrudge his relationship with Kristi either.

  Every relationship, every obstacle in life was a learning experience. Ty learned a lot from his first serious relationship. He’d had blinders on for months, so in love with being in love that he didn’t look at all the signs of a troubled relationship.

  Her questions about his future. The subtle belittling of his father’s business. The pressure to work his way up in the military or pursue a high-paying job. The demand to keep their relationship a secret.

  They weren’t in the same squadron and hadn’t crossed any lines, yet some did frown upon soldiers fraternizing with each other. Hell, it happened all the time.

  Ty was proud their relationship was real, not a random hook-up. Yet after Kristi admitted to cheating on him and telling him the baby wasn’t his, he questioned how faithful she’d been during the eight months they were in a relationship.

  Stupid. That’s how he had felt. Totally blindsided by the cheating. And if that wasn’t already a knife in the heart, finding out about the baby was the twisting of the dagger deep in his chest until there was no point of return.

  The only saving grace was burying himself in the war. In concentrating on his physical health. If he wasn’t in meetings or on the battleground, he was working out. And when he could, he Skyped or sent emails to Hope and Delaney.

  They’d been the perfect distraction from his problems. In comparison to what Hope had been through, his drama was miniscule. When his active duty time had been served, he was more than happy to return home. To be there for Hope and Delaney.