A Stranger In The Cove

“Weird? Or just something you couldn’t immediately solve?”

Kate sighed. “Both. I’d better go.”

“Okay. See you later.”

Kate left the gallery and made her way along the high street toward the Teenage Support office, buttoning her coat against the late winter chill. Her head bent low, she wondered when it would ever feel like summer again in Templeton.

What she needed was a hot cappuccino and one of Marian’s breakfast rolls. A guaranteed diversion from Mac. She pushed him to the back of her mind and forced her focus on the day ahead.

Deserving and desperate kids and their families needed her full concentration and dedication. Maybe Izzy was right and Kate should butt out of Mac’s life. What drove her to reach out to people was her work with those who had been bullied—and experiences she had with her mother. Mac was a big boy who most likely knew exactly what he was doing.

Feeling more positive, Kate pushed open the door of the bakery and shook out her curls, already turning to frizz, thanks to the cold sea air. When she looked up, her eyes were drawn toward one of the booths. Mac Orman sat with some papers in front of him as he stared toward the counter, his eyes narrowed.

What looked to be a half-eaten breakfast had been pushed to the side. He turned his focus to the open notebook in front of him and scribbled something on the page, his expression grim with stony concentration.

Kate’s suspicions rocketed. Was whoever he was looking for in the bakery right now? Was he writing down their actions or day-to-day business for some reason? Was he stalking someone? She looked around. Nobody seemed to be taking any notice of Mac and his notebook. She took her time hanging her jacket on the old-fashioned coat stand as she furtively watched him.

There it was again. He looked at Ella behind the counter and made a note. Then he looked at an older woman Kate didn’t recognize. Made another note. What was he up to?

Mac glanced toward her and flinched. Aha! She lifted her chin. Caught red-handed. Whatever he was writing certainly wasn’t innocent. She straightened her spine and walked toward him as he quickly shut his notebook and slipped it on to the seat beside him.

* * *

MAC FORCED A slow smile and tried his best not to be distracted by the sexy, disheveled sight of Kate Harrington. Her deep, dark eyes were almost hypnotic, but he’d have to be half-blind not to notice the concern in her gaze when she’d questioned him last night. She seemed nice, sweet...and all sorts of sexy mixed in. Another time, another place, he might have been interested.

But not here. Not now.

He needed Kate to keep her nose out of his business. To let his cold façade slip would risk his pursuit of the elusive Marian Ball.

Judging by the suspicion in Kate’s gaze as she marched toward him, she’d seen him checking out the locals. She glanced toward the counter and back again, annoyance etched on her pretty face. Her shoulders lifted as though she were bracing herself before she dropped them and stood right beside him.

Here goes...

He stood in the hope she wouldn’t sit. “Morning.”

She stared. Her eyes assessing, judging.

He raised his eyebrows. “Getting breakfast?”

“And coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.” She eyed him carefully. “You?”

He tilted his head toward his table. “Breakfast done and pretty nice it was, too. This Marian, whoever she is, must be one hell of a cook.”

“She is, but Marian’s out of town. It would’ve been Ella or one of the other girls who fixed your breakfast.”

He stilled and tried not to inhale as her words knocked the wind out of him. How could he not have considered Marian Ball might be out of town? He forced his expression into cool nonchalance, but from the way Kate’s gaze bored into his, alight with interest, he knew he’d already been analyzed, and a calculation had been made.

He slid back into the booth. “How well do you know Marian?”

“Why?”

“Why?”

“Yes. It’s a simple enough question.”

Annoyed, Mac said, “I’m trying to be friendly here. Make a little conversation. If you don’t want that...” He tilted his head toward the counter. “Don’t let me keep you.”

“Fine. I know Marian really well.” Uninvited, she slid into the booth opposite him. “As do most people in town.”

Mac studied her. How much could he say, or ask, about Marian Ball without arousing Kate’s obvious distrust. “Is that so?”

“Uh-huh.” She held his stare, her eyes giving away nothing.

He blew out a breath. “So, this place is hers?”

“I’m pretty sure she owns it now, but it was Jay’s, and his father’s before him.”

Mac frowned and glanced toward the counter. “Jay?”

“Our resident millionaire. He’s as cute as hell and richer than Rockefeller, but the guy only has eyes for two women in town.”

“Two women?” Mac smiled. “You don’t strike me as the kind to talk so fondly about a guy dating two different women. You got a thing for him?”

“No, but Jay’s a great guy. He’s kind and generous, my friend’s fabulous boss, a loving husband, and a great father to his little girl, Sarah.”

“Ah, his wife and kid. I get it.”

“Do you?”

He frowned as wariness clouded her gaze. “He’s married, he’s a daddy. That’s the two women in his life.”

She leaned her forearms on the table, her brown eyes dark with warning. “You need to understand something about the people in this town, Mac. For the most part, we’re good and caring. We look out for one another. Certain people have done amazing things for me and they’ve asked for nothing in return. That makes me protect them and do all I can to ensure their happiness. So, if you’re here looking for somebody, I hope you’re not intending to upset or hurt them in any way.”

He clenched his jaw. “I’m here to resolve some unfinished business, remember?”

“Yes, I do. Personal business. Which, judging by the way you’re looking at me, might irritate the hell out of me.”

She slid her gaze to the side of his seat. “So, why the notebook?”

He glared. Who did she think she was? “Are you kidding me?”

“Far from it.”

“You think I’m going to sit here and let you question me again? For the love of God, I only met you last night.” He leaned forward, matching her posture. “You need to forget you met me. Forget why I’m here. I’m in the Cove for good reason—a reason that has nothing to do with you.”

Her cheeks flushed, but her eyes only hardened further. “Be that as it may, you’ve got me concerned.”

He sat back and crossed his arms. “Why? What business is it of yours who comes into the Cove? Regardless of their purpose.”

She stared at him before looking around the bakery. “I...” She met his gaze and slumped. “Fine. You seem on edge. If I can help—”

“You can’t.”

“Is it Marian? Is that who you’re looking for? Because if it is, you need to know she’s the boss around here.”

God, the woman was canny. He’d give her that much. He sighed, no more able to stay angry with a pretty woman than he could with his mother. “I kind of figured that.”

“Not the bakery. The town. Marian is the boss of Templeton.”

He searched her expression for the flashes of teasing and laughter he’d seen in her eyes at the Coast. She stared back at him, her gaze solemn.

“So, she’s a dragon? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”

“A dragon? Marian?” She huffed a laugh. “Marian is the furthest thing from a dragon you’re going to meet. Of course, on occasion, she can be way too bossy, but her heart’s in the right place. She’s kind, caring, and supportive to everyone. Sure, she might breathe fire now and then if someone upsets one of her brood, but she’s got the people who deserve her love at heart. Which means, Mr. Orman, if you upset one of us and are still here when she and George return from vacation, your ass is going to be pinned to the wall before you have any chance to flash that sexy smile of yours.”

Marian flew from his brain, and he smiled. “Sexy?”

“I’m serious.”

“Well, thanks. I’ll take the compliment gladly.”

She looked away with a scowl. Mac studied her profile. He couldn’t decide if he was more attracted to her when she flirted or when she was angry. Either way, he wouldn’t be acting on it. Not in a town where the woman who could be his father’s birth mother lorded it over the residents as though she were some kind of guardian angel.

If Marian the baker was his biological grandmother, she was the woman who’d given her child up for adoption. He needed to know why and how that happened. The woman Kate described didn’t sound like she could be the Marian he was looking for. Would someone maternal, caring and protective really be okay knowing she had a child out there somewhere?

Kate slid from the booth. “I have to go.” She stared at him. “Just take my advice and don’t go upsetting anyone in town. Whatever your issue is, think it through carefully. I’ve known far too many people who have come close to destroying themselves by holding on to anger, planning revenge, or forever regretting something they can’t change. None of those things solve anything. Believe me.”

The sudden sadness in her eyes made his chest ache, and he touched her hand before he could consider the crack such physical contact would create in his veneer. “Hey, you okay?”

She glanced toward the door. “I’m fine.”

“Has someone hurt you?”

“Of course not.” She hitched her purse higher on to her shoulder. “Just be careful. That’s all I’m asking.”

She hesitated, her focus falling to his mouth before she nodded and headed for the exit, breakfast clearly forgotten.

Mac watched her rush along the street until she was out of sight. Whatever had caused her unchecked sadness, Kate Harrington was strong, feisty and full of determination. God only knew how the unfortunate guy who ended up falling in love with her would get through their years together with his balls intact.

Picking up his notebook, Mac slowly rose before walking to the counter. He smiled at the young girl serving. “Can I settle the bill, please?”

“Sure.” She rang up his purchases. “That’s seven twenty, please.”

He handed her a ten-pound note. “So, when does Marian get back from holiday?”

“Next week. She’s going to be full of stories. I can’t wait.”

“Stories?”

“Oh, yeah. Her and George, that’s her husband, are a blast. So funny...” Her eyes twinkled with laughter. “So naughty, if the truth be told. Here, that’s two eighty change.”

“Thanks.” He dropped the coins into a pot on the counter and glanced at the leaflet taped to its side. Proceeds for the fund-raiser at the Coast. Contact Kate Harrington for details.

He looked up and met the girl’s gaze. She tilted her head toward the pot. “You should come along. It’ll be a fun night.”

“Oh, I will.” He smiled. “Most definitely.”

Chapter Four

KATE EMBRACED THE adrenaline flowing through her as she ducked into the marquee that had been erected at the back of the Coast. Although a little harassed, she thrived on the pressure of creating successful events. Despite the light snowfall, the lit space was warm and inviting. People had been wandering in for the last hour. As the time for the Moon Shadows to play neared, that trickle became a steady stream.

Couples and families milled around, some grouped by the heaters, laughing and enjoying their drinks amid the growing anticipation of the fun ahead. As the colored fairy lights along the top line of the marquee danced across the faces of the revelers, Kate scanned the room.

The fund-raiser needed to go off without a hitch. The money already collected was fantastic, and two of the four major donors who’d arrived looked to be enjoying themselves, seemingly impressed with the decorated marquee, stalls and family games scattered around. She glanced toward the makeshift stage at the far end of the marquee.

Now all she had to worry about was the Moon Shadows delivering three no-holds-barred, hour-long sets to take the crowd into the evening. Then Nick Carson would take over as the DJ for the late-night dance party.

Kate narrowed her eyes. As far as she could see, only four members of the band had arrived. Where was the replacement?

“Kate?”

She turned at the light touch to her shoulder. “Hi, Vanessa. Everything okay?”

“Sure.” Vanessa adjusted her hold on the crate of glasses she carried. “I’m just going to deliver these to the drinks table. Hopefully, with an extra bar set up, we can easily cater to the number of people we’re expecting.”

“I hope so.” Kate glanced around. “There are far too many young mums in the Cove. It’s imperative we do all we can to help them.”

Vanessa’s gaze softened. “Hey, you do all you can to help everyone. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Everything’s going to be great.”

“Hmm, I hope so.” Kate cleared her throat. “So, have you seen anything of Mac today?”

Vanessa’s smile faltered before she lowered the crate to the floor. “No, have you?”

Concerned by the sudden unease in Vanessa’s eyes, Kate frowned. “He hasn’t done something to upset you, has he?”

“Not as such. No. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Kate touched her friend’s arm. “Hey, what’s going on?”

Vanessa sighed. “His attitude worries me, that’s all. Dave and I have done all we can to make Mac welcome, but he doesn’t seem to want what we have to offer.” She grimaced. “Maybe I’m too used to people enjoying themselves when they’re here.”

“He hasn’t been asking you personal questions, has he?”

“No. Why?”

Hating that Mac Orman held a secret that was pretty much guaranteed to affect someone she knew, Kate crossed her arms. “I’m just concerned he might be in the Cove for all the wrong reasons.”

“Such as?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, I for one, trust your judgment. If you think I need to give Mac some space—”

“I didn’t say that. In fact, I think we need to do all we can to keep him close.”

Vanessa smiled and wiggled her eyebrows. “There wouldn’t be an ulterior motive in there somewhere, would there?”

“No.” Kate feigned a glare. “So, you can stop looking at me like that. Considering I caught him in the bakery the other day looking as though he was taking notes on some of the people in there, you can say I entirely distrust the man.”

“Taking notes? What do you mean?”

“He had this book and he was scribbling in it as he studied people. The minute he spotted me, he snapped it shut clearly not wanting me to read anything.”

“Isn’t that understandable? The guy’s entitled to his privacy, right?”

“Hmm.”

Unease whispered through Kate as it had time and again since she’d left Mac at the bakery. Right along with memories of the way he’d spotted her vulnerability at the end of their conversation. “Something’s definitely up with him.”

“And you’re going to find out what.”

Kate nodded as determination rose inside her once more. “Yes, I am.”

“Good. I’ll see if I can find out anything, too. But in the meantime, let’s be nice to him. I’m sure he’ll turn out to be an okay guy, and this notebook is nothing to worry about. He’s probably plotting a book or something.”

“A book?” Kate huffed. “Plotting, period, more like it.”

Vanessa picked up the crate and shook her head. “I’ll see you later.”

As her friend walked away, Kate exhaled a shaky breath and headed toward the band as they warmed up their instruments and checked leads and microphones. She really needed to focus and forget Mac Orman. For now, at least. “Hey, guys.”

She recognized the lead singer from the band’s poster as he came toward her, his smile warm and his hand outstretched. “Kate Harrington, right? Joe Masters. It’s good to finally meet you in person.”

Kate shook his hand. “Same to you.” She looked over the stage. “It seems as though you have everything under control. Will you be ready to kick things off in fifteen minutes or so?”

“Absolutely.”

“Only, I was a little worried the replacement guitarist isn’t here.”

“He’s not.”

Her heart picked up speed. “And that doesn’t bother you?”

“He’ll be here any second, I’m sure.”

“You’re sure? But you’re due on in minutes.”

Joe winked. “Relax. Everything will be fine.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he jumped onto the stage and proceeded to talk with the drummer. Kate took a deep breath. She had people to greet, donations to lock in the safe as well as a hundred and one other things to check on. If Joe Masters said his band would be ready, she’d have to trust him. But if a new musician didn’t show up in the next ten minutes, she’d be on the phone to every local band she could think of to ask if their guitarist would spare a night to play with an up-and-coming band for charity.

Stopping to chat and greet people as she went, Kate made slow progress toward the food stand. where Dave, the Coast’s landlord, was, happily cooking burgers in a closed, mobile oven.

Kate leaned on the counter beside him. “It’s going well, isn’t it?”

“Never had a doubt.” Dave pointed his tongs toward the main bar inside. “There’s plenty of people in there who will make their way out here once the Shadows start.” He frowned as his attention landed on something over Kate’s shoulder. “He’s a strange one, that Mac Orman. Not sure what to make of him, even though Vanessa, God love her, tries to convince me he’s all right.”

Kate turned and her heart kicked. Dressed in blue jeans and a black shirt beneath his ever-present leather jacket, Mac looked just as ridiculously hot as he had when she’d seen him in the bakery a couple of days before. She thought over Vanessa’s observations, interested to hear Dave’s take. “What do you mean by strange?”

“Well, the guy clearly isn’t lacking in the looks department, if the way Vanessa was watching him earlier is anything to go by. He seems pretty sure of himself, but...”

She faced Dave, pleased she wasn’t the only one impervious to Mac’s charms. “What?”

He turned back to the oven. “Something tells me that guy is here with an agenda. I don’t like strangers with agendas.”

Kate looked at Mac again. He stood near the band, wearing a stony expression and holding a bottle of beer. “No, me neither. Maybe I should try to uncover that agenda. What do you think?”

“By all means, if you think you can. Just do me a favor?”

“What?”

“If anyone asks, this little bit of digging was all your idea, not mine. Okay?”

Kate smiled. “You’re not actually scared of Vanessa, are you?”

“’Course not, but if she thinks I’m causing trouble, I’ll be sleeping on the couch. At my age that doesn’t do my back any good, if you understand what I’m saying.”

“Understood. I’ll keep my investigating to myself.”

He nodded and Kate took a deep breath before she headed toward Mac. He turned as she neared, almost as though he sensed her approach. He clearly struggled to change his expression into something less hostile as his slow study drifted over her body, seeming to assess every part of her.

Kate’s stomach knotted with attraction. But there was no way of knowing who Mac was, or what he was capable of. Her guard needed to be in place at all times.

She forced a smile as she stood in front of him. “Mac, nice to see you again.”

His gaze lingered on her mouth before he met her eyes. “I’m surprised to hear you say that, but thanks.”

Deciding she would make a better detective if she smoothed the tension between them, she laughed. “Just because I’m concerned why you’re here doesn’t mean I don’t like you. You seem pleasant enough. So, did you come in for a look around? Or do you plan on staying awhile?”

“I thought I’d check out the band. The Moon Shadows are pretty good.”

She glanced at the band, more than a little concerned that the guitarist hadn’t shown up. “I’m not much for country rock, but from what I’ve heard, they aren’t half bad.”

“What sort of music do you like?”

She shrugged. “Acoustic, Ed Sheeran, that sort of stuff.” She faced him. “And I’m partial to some ballads and smooth jazz on occasion.”

He nodded, his gaze intense on hers. “Good choices.”

Their eyes locked, and the noise around them faded. Kate struggled to look away, struggled to speak. “Any more luck finding the person you’re looking for?”

“Not yet, but it’s early days.”

“Early days?” She faced him. “You plan on staying longer than a week?”

He took another gulp of his beer. “If I have to.”

“But you can’t.”

His blue eyes brightened with amusement. “Why not? I thought it was Marian who was the boss around here. So far, no one named Marian has tried to push me out of town like you are.”

“I’m not trying to push...” She glared. “Stop doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Tormenting me.”

He raised his eyebrows. “I torment you?”

“No.” Her cheeks burned. “You infuriate me.”

“Then my aim has been met.”

She opened her mouth to respond when the leader singer from the band joined them. “Kate? Could I have a word?”

Grateful for the interruption, she faced the singer. “Sure. What can I do for you?”

He grimaced. “Bad news. I just called the replacement guitarist. He can’t make it.”

Her stomach dropped. “And he’s only told you now? Can you get by without him?”

“No can do, I’m afraid. Can’t play our songs without a lead guitarist.”

“Then what am I supposed to—”

“I’ll help you out.” Mac stepped forward and extended his hand to the lead singer. “Mac Orman. Guitarist.”

Joe shook Mac’s hand. “Joe Masters.”

Kate stared wide-eyed at Mac, her heart beating fast. “You? You’ll step in?”

He flashed her a smile. “Anything to help out a lady.” He turned to the singer. “I’ll just run upstairs and get my guitar.”

Joe frowned. “How well do you know our music?”

Mac nodded. “Really well. Big fan, in fact. Well, except for the times I’m looking for some ballads or smooth jazz.”

Kate’s mouth dropped open, but words failed her as Mac headed inside the bar. She stared at the empty doorway and snapped her mouth closed.

Joe patted her on the shoulder. “There you go. Panic over. Told you I had everything under control.”

He strolled away, leaving Kate standing alone and flailing in a sea of attraction, grateful to a man she really didn’t want to lean on. But apparently with Mac, she didn’t have a lot of choice.

* * *

MAC HUMMED A Moon Shadows tune as he let himself into his room, reliving the look of shock, then relief on Kate Harrington’s face. That had been worth a million pounds. It had been a long time since he’d wanted to be the one to ease a woman’s stress and worry. He wanted to do both for Kate, even if his reasons weren’t entirely honorable. He needed a way to lessen the woman’s distrust of him so he could get on with his mission.

The question was, why had she made his business her business?

He grabbed his guitar from where it lay on a chair and took his phone from his pocket to silence it. His mind wandered to Kate once more. She looked fantastic in a pair of tight blue jeans, black boots and a peach knit top. Decent, yet almost indecent. Just the right side of sexy.

He dropped his gaze to his phone, and his smile promptly disappeared.

The display showed three missed calls from his older sister. Immediate guilt warred with his need to keep what he was doing in Templeton to himself a while longer.

But if he avoided her, Dana would only keep calling. His sister was never one to be impeded by anyone, especially her younger brother. He pressed the button to return her call.

She answered on the second ring. “At last! I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”

Mac shouldered the phone and grabbed a pick out of his guitar case. “What’s up?”

“What’s up? Where are you? I can’t believe you’d take off like this. Not when we need you here.”