Sunkissed Days Read online

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  “You’re kind of quiet tonight,” Mallory said, sitting beside him out on the boathouse deck. “Everything okay?”

  No. Not a damn thing.

  “Just…I don’t know…just thinking about next week. I’ve got a lot of packing to do. A lot of stuff to get organized and I’ve been putting it off so now it’s all just feeling a bit overwhelming.”

  “Oh.”

  He had her hand in his but he didn’t look at her. “I think I’m going to need to spend some time focusing on all of it, you know? I should probably spend some time with my folks and there are some other people I’d like to see before I go so…”

  Even without looking, he could feel that she tensed.

  “I’m not saying we’re not going to see each other before you go, but…”

  “But you kind of are,” she said sadly, slowly pulling her hand from his.

  Refusing to let go, Jake held on tightly and turned toward her. “We knew this was coming, right?”

  She nodded and even in the moonlight he could see the tears forming in her eyes.

  “If you were home, wouldn’t there be things you needed to do to get ready for school? People you’d want to see?”

  Again, she nodded.

  “C’mon, Mallory. Talk to me.” It gutted him to even ask. He wasn’t good at this, at talking about his feelings or listening to people talk about theirs. But for her, he’d do it.

  “I knew it was coming and yet I kept hoping that it wouldn’t,” she said quietly. “Like…that something would happen that would prevent one of us from going to school or for the summer to simply never end.”

  He smiled sadly because she had no idea how close to home that statement hit.

  Gently pulling her hand to his lips, he kissed it. “I know.”

  “And now that it’s here I feel like all the plans we made – all the promises we made – aren’t going to come true. We’re going to go our separate ways and…that’ll be it.”

  “It won’t be like that, Mal. We won’t let it,” he said fiercely, even though just hours before, he was struggling with the same thing. He saw the tears now falling down her cheek and it just about killed him.

  “Tell me what you want me to do,” he pled. “Do you want me to not go to school? Or…or…transfer to one up in New York? Because I’ll do it. If it means making sure you don’t cry, I’ll do it.”

  Her eyes went wide even as she gasped in shock at his words. “Jake, I…you can’t do that,” she said almost breathlessly. “This school you’re going to is one of the best for your field. I mean…it would be crazy for you to give that up!”

  And he knew that too, but right now he wasn’t thinking too clearly. All he knew was how he hated seeing her cry.

  “I’d do it for you. For us. I want you to know that.”

  She sighed. “Jake…”

  Before she could say anything else, he cupped his free hand around her nape and pulled her in close and kissed her. There was anger, frustration, and lust there and for a minute Jake wasn’t sure if he was trying to punish her or himself. All he knew was that it was all too much. His mind couldn’t take anymore.

  School or no school.

  Mallory or no Mallory.

  It was too much and he just needed a few minutes not to think about anything.

  He tugged until she moved and was sprawled across him on the lounge he was occupying. Her curvy body pressed up against him from head to toe.

  It was heaven.

  It was hell.

  Sex wasn’t going to change anything. He could make love to her every hour of every day until she left to go back to New York and it wouldn’t stop it from happening.

  But right now, it seemed to be what they both needed. And as he carefully rolled her beneath him, he was determined to make them both forget about everything else for a while.

  15

  Her bags were packed.

  The car was loaded.

  And all Mallory could think about was how much she didn’t want to leave.

  It wasn’t solely about Jake, although he was a big part of it. It was everything else – her cousins, this town, and Pops. Magnolia Sound was always where Mallory wanted to live. For years she had begged her mother to let them move there, but for reasons of her own, she refused.

  As a child, Mallory had no choice but to go along with her decision, but now as an adult? She could totally see herself moving here – or close to here – when she graduated college. Just thinking about it was enough to make her smile.

  “Hey there, sweet pea,” Pops said as he shuffled out onto the front porch. He stopped beside her and together they looked out at her packed car. “Looks like you’re leaving with a lot more than you came with.”

  She laughed softly. “I know. I shopped a lot more than I should have, but my dorm room is in desperate need of a makeover.”

  “And I know you’ll make it beautiful. Just like you did with my office and the boathouse.”

  Unable to help herself, she leaned over and hugged him. When his arms came around her and held her tightly, she knew she would start to cry. Her breath hitched and she clung to him a little longer than she usually did. Pops pulled back first and gave her one of his sweetest smiles.

  “Now, now…don’t do that,” he said softly, using the pad of his thumb to wipe her tears away. “This is always how it goes, you know that. And you know you need to get back home and help your mother out before Sam makes her crazy.”

  She knew he was teasing and it was the exact thing she needed to make her smile. “I can only imagine what the summer was like with it being just the two of them.”

  “I’m sure you heard enough of it from both of them while you were here.” He laughed and shook his head. “Your brother’s a hell-raiser who doesn’t like to listen to anyone, but he’ll outgrow that eventually. Hopefully I’ll live long enough to see it,” he added with a wink. “God knows I heard about enough of it every summer. Including this one.”

  And then her tears started up again. Pops was ninety years old – this wasn’t news to her and she knew most people didn’t get to live that long. But the thought of there coming a time when she couldn’t stand beside him and smell the tobacco from his pipe made her heart ache more than it already was.

  “You better,” she said, her voice a little wobbly. Taking one of her hands in his, Pops led her back into the house. “Where are we going?”

  They walked through the living room, the dining room, and even through the kitchen before he led her out onto the deck. The weather was perfect – not a cloud in the sky and the temperature was unseasonably cool – and Mallory figured they were going to go for one of their walks through the garden.

  She was only partially correct.

  Down by the path that wrapped around the garden, sat a beautifully set table with two chairs. “Oh my goodness! What is this?”

  Pops walked over and held a chair out for her. When she was seated, he leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I know you need to get on the road, but I thought we could have a little picnic breakfast before you go.”

  There were chocolate croissants, fresh fruit, a quiche, a carafe of coffee, and…

  “Is that what I think it is?” she asked, motioning to the covered casserole dish.

  “Biscuits and gravy? You better believe it!” His grin was infectious and soon Mallory was serving them both. “I asked Gertie to set this all up and I was hoping you weren’t going to be running out the door at daybreak.”

  That made Mallory laugh. “You know I’m not a morning person, Pops!”

  They ate their lovely breakfast and talked about the classes she was going to be taking next semester. And while she knew Pops didn’t understand much about modern technology and computer programming and analysis, you’d never know it from the questions he asked or the interest he took in all she had to say.

  “You were always so smart,” he said, taking the last bite of his biscuit. “From the time you were a lit
tle girl, you were always so studious. But it’s not all there is to you, you know.”

  She looked at him curiously.

  “Look what you did around here,” he explained, motioning to the yard, the property. “You’re artistic and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I know you feel like you have to do something big, something important to keep up with the world today, but…if it’s not your passion, then your degree is worthless. Remember that.”

  It wasn’t the first time he had mentioned – in a roundabout way – how he didn’t quite approve of her career choice, but part of her figured it was just Pops being Pops. He was still old-fashioned and maybe because he didn’t understand technology like her generation did, didn’t think it was the right career path for her. If he knew how in demand she was going to be once she had her degree, he’d possibly change his mind.

  Maybe.

  Then again, maybe not.

  “I will,” she said softly, reaching across the table and placing her hand on his. “I promise.”

  He gave a curt nod. “Good.”

  Gertie appeared and began clearing their plates away and Mallory instantly stood. “Here, let me help you.”

  “Nonsense,” Gertie swatted her away playfully. “You help your old Pops back up to the house and I’ll get these dishes.” And then she was loading dishes into a big rubber bin and walking away.

  Pops came up beside her and held his arm out to her. “Shall we?”

  Smiling, she did a curtsy – like she used to do when she was a little girl – before hooking her arm with his. “We shall.”

  Slowly they made their way back up the stairs, across the deck, through the kitchen, dining room, and living room, before ending up in his study. Mallory stood back while he walked around and then took a seat behind his desk. He opened a drawer and pulled out an envelope. With a serious expression, he held it out to her.

  “What’s this?”

  “Just a little something so you know you can always come back and visit at any time. Consider it a travel fund. You know I’d love to come and see you and walk around that fancy college of yours,” he said, “but I can’t handle the pressure of flying anymore. Those days are behind me.”

  The image of walking around campus with Pops made her smile, but she knew he was right. It would be too much for him.

  She took the envelope from him but didn’t open it. “Thank you.”

  Another curt nod. “You got everything packed up?”

  “I think so.” Then she looked over her shoulder. “Gertie mentioned to me last night that she was going to make me up a cooler of snacks and drinks for the ride so I’m going to go grab it.” Walking around the desk, she hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.

  “You come back in here before you leave, you hear?”

  She squeezed him again. “I will.”

  Swallowing hard, Mallory left the study and made her way back to the kitchen where she found Gertie putting several foil-wrapped items in a small cooler. “What kind of goodies are you sending me off with?”

  There were brownies, fruit, bottled water, two chicken salad sandwiches, chocolate chip cookies, and a bag of chips all securely packed up for her and Mallory knew she wouldn’t eat half of it, but chances were Sam would finish off whatever was left when she got home. With a fierce hug, she thanked Gertie – not only for all of the wonderful meals and her cooler of treats, but for being the one to stay here and take care of Pops.

  Cupping her face, Gertie said, “You mean the world to him, you know that, right? There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you.”

  Mallory nodded.

  “That man loves his family like I’ve never seen another man do,” she went on. “All of you. He’s so proud of each and every one of you and as much as most people don’t believe it, old Zeke is still as sharp as a tack.”

  “Oh, I believe it. Sometimes I have to remind myself that he’s really ninety because he doesn’t act that way to me.”

  “To me either. I think he’d still be out there running the construction company or taking part in all of the businesses he still owns in town,” Gertie went on. “But his body is tired. He’s slowed down a lot but having you here all summer has done a lot of good, so…thank you.”

  It was quite possibly the sweetest thing she could have said.

  “Thanks, Gertie.” She gave the older woman another hug and then reached for the cooler. “I should get going.”

  “I’ll put this out in the car for you. I need to go check the mail. You go give Zeke another long hug to hold him over until you come to visit again, okay?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Together, they walked out of the kitchen when Mallory realized she didn’t have her phone on her. She panicked for a moment and then turned to Gertie. “I think I left it out by the breakfast table. Let me go grab it.” She hugged her again.

  “Have a safe drive, Mallory.”

  They went in opposite directions and as Mallory skipped down the steps she breathed in the ocean air and smiled. No doubt she was going to miss all of this, but it had been a good summer – a great summer! And the memories of it would get her through until she could come back.

  Things between her and Jake weren’t the best. After their wild romp on the boathouse roof almost a week ago, things were strained and he was distant. They said their goodbyes last night. He said it would be for the best if he didn’t come by this morning.

  She had to agree.

  Looking over her shoulder toward the path that led to his house, she was tempted to run over and see him one last time, but she knew he wasn’t there. He was going to Wilmington today to visit some friends. And again, she had to remind herself how it was for the best. She already cried all night. No sense in making herself cry more while she drove.

  Like that’s not going to happen anyway…

  Grabbing her phone, she ran back up to the house and straight to Pops’ office. After another round of hugs, kisses, and promises to call when she got home, Mallory made her way down to her car and gave the big house one last look.

  A long breath whooshed out as she started the car. “I’m coming back,” she murmured. “This isn’t goodbye and it isn’t forever.” And with those words, she slowly drove around the large, circular drive and made her way up to the road.

  She hadn’t gone more than a mile when she groaned.

  “Dammit!” Immediately, she did a three-point turn and made her way back to Pops’ house. “Darn phone charger.” Berating herself for forgetting it, she shook her head. “As organized as I am, how could I have left it behind?”

  The answer was simple – she’d brought it down to the boathouse yesterday and left it there by mistake. All morning she kept reminding herself to go down and get it, but between breakfast with Pops and saying goodbye, it slipped her mind.

  Rather than going to the front door, Mallory pulled the car around to the Sound side of the house and parked since it was closer to the boathouse. No need to go inside and go through another round of goodbyes, right?

  It took less than five minutes, but as she was heading back to her car, she spotted Jake walking up the back steps of the house and going into the kitchen. Was he coming to say goodbye to her before she left? Her heart skipped a beat and she giddily went after him.

  Just one more kiss, she told herself. One more kiss and I’ll be able to handle anything.

  When she walked into the kitchen, he wasn’t there.

  Through the dining room, and he wasn’t there.

  Nope, not in the living room. What in the world?

  In the distance, she heard voices. Jake was talking to Pops. She heard her name mentioned and while she felt a little bad about eavesdropping, she was a little curious if Jake would profess his love for her to her great-grandfather or – at the very least – say how much he was going to miss her.

  “I hate this, Zeke. You know that.”

  “I know you do, but you’ll do it because you know it’s the right thing.”
>
  Silence.

  “It shouldn’t be like this…I hate lying.”

  Lying? What was he lying about? She thought.

  “You’re not lying, son. You’re doing what you need to do.”

  “Am I? Because it feels like a lie. I should have talked to Mallory…”

  “Leave Mallory out of this!” Pops snapped. “This has nothing to do with her and everything to do with you and your future. And if you actually want a future – a chance to make something of your life – then you’re going to take this and go.” He paused. “Don’t look back, Jacob. You know this is what you need to do.”

  Her stomach clenched and she felt like her breakfast was about to make a reappearance. What was she supposed to do? What were they talking about? What was Jake lying about?

  “Take the money and go,” Pops said.

  Oh, God! Pops was paying Jake to go away! How…why…?!

  The little voice in her head kept telling her to move – to go and confront the two of them – but she couldn’t move, was almost paralyzed where she stood. And just when she thought she’d go mad, Jake stormed out of Pops’ office and was walking right toward her. Only…he didn’t see her. He was looking at the ground and it wasn’t until he bumped right into her that they both seemed to snap out of their inner thoughts.

  “Mallory?” he cried, seemingly horrified at seeing her there. “What…I thought you were gone.”

  Her throat burned and she took a step back. “I was. I…I forgot my phone charger and came back for it.” She paused and glared at him. “And I thought you were going to Wilmington.”

  He glanced away guiltily. “Yeah, well…I had to…um…”

  “You know what?” she said with disgust. “It doesn’t matter. Really. Clearly you’ve got your secrets and I don’t mean enough to you to share them.”

  “Mallory…” he reached for her but she moved away.

  “It’s better this way,” she said, hating how her voice shook. “Now I finally know where I stand.” Taking another step back, she gave him one last look. “I think under these circumstances it would be best if we just called this what it was – a summer fling. Nothing serious, right?”