Catching Serenity (7 page)

In the past, Spencer hadn
’t known her as anything more than a momentary distraction. Spencer was direct and to-the-point and—as far as she knew—wasn’t trying to make another woman jealous this time. But The Black Oyster? Located by the waterfront, it was one of the swankiest restaurants in town.

Pocketing the
cloth, Spencer tilted his head and light gray eyes bore into hers. “Are you already seeing someone? I heard something about a new shrink in town. Talk around town is you two were getting cozy at Martha’s the other day.”

Serenity turned her head and blew out a sigh.
“You should know not to believe everything you hear, Spencer, especially in Croisette Shores. ‘Getting cozy’ was nothing more than sharing cheesecake and coffee. Dr. Ross is a child psychologist and my client.” For a woman who prided herself on keeping her personal life private, it seemed she’d freely offer information to any attractive man who asked these days.

“
Dinner sounds wonderful,” she said. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted accepting his invitation. Even if it wasn’t a date, she hadn’t been out with a man in so long, she wouldn’t know what to wear, how to act, what to say. Other than a few random outings to the beach or to the movies in high school, Danny was the only man she’d ever dated. All at the ripe old age of twenty-five.

Running a hand over her hair,
Serenity glanced away, trying to push the image from her mind of Jackson sharing food with Hayley the former prom queen at this very moment, those brown eyes probing the depths of the pretty brunette’s soul. A very single and available soul. But neither was she going to dinner with a former school acquaintance because she wanted the news to get back to Jackson. Heavens, if she did that, how would it be any different than Spencer using her to make another girl jealous in high school? They weren’t in high school anymore.

“
Excellent,” Spencer said with a wide grin on his way-too-handsome face. “Wear something fabulous.”

That comment struck her as territorial
. Warning flag. “Spencer, if we have dinner, it’s nothing more than a trip down memory lane.” She flinched. “Sorry if that sounds rude, but I don’t want you to harbor illusions of anything more. It can’t happen.”

Something flickered in his eyes, but he nodded.
“Understood.”

S
erenity started to climb in the Prius, but she hesitated. “I’m not living at the old house with Dad. My house is over on—”

Spencer
’s smile grew broader and he winked. “I know where you live. I’ll see you at seven on Wednesday.”

~
CHAPTER 7~

Forty minutes later, Serenity and her dad made their way across the
beach. As usual, tourists and locals alike wandered up and down the shoreline while others sunned themselves or flirted with the gently lapping waves in the low tide. Although they hadn’t quite reached their familiar section of the beach, she wasn’t sure her dad could walk much further without exhausting himself. She stopped. “How about we set up camp here?”

Clinton nodded
. “Seems as good a place as any.” As she suspected, he sounded a bit winded.

“
Serenity!”

Her heart skipped a beat as she and her father both turned.
Sure enough, Jackson waved and gave her that blinding smile as he approached.

Beside her, Clinton chuckled as
she waved to Jackson. “In town a few weeks and you’ve already got a man?” Raising one hand, he shielded his eyes and squinted. “Wait a doggone second. Is that the doctor?”

“
Yes, it’s the doctor, but he’s certainly not my man,” she said, making a big show of putting down her oversized tote bag and cooler, staking their claim on the small area of the beach. “At least not in the way you mean. He’s my client. Big distinction.”

“
Yeah, right. Be a good girl and put that pretty smile on your face,” her dad said under his breath. “Don’t want you to be a hermit like your old man. One in the family’s enough.”

She resisted moving her hand to her hip.
“That’s exactly why I got you out of the house. But matchmaking? I didn’t know you had it in you.” Patronizing yes, but she didn’t expect him to push her at a man.

“
I’m not dead yet, and I can tell when a man’s interested in my daughter.”

“
You can tell all that by the way he’s walking over here? Besides, he was with Hayley Foster this morning in church.”

“
He was probably just chatting with that Foster girl. She’s attractive enough, but she can’t hold a candle to my girl. And, from what you told me, you were chatting up that Walton boy. Doc Jack looks harmless enough and there’s nothing wrong with a little friendly conversation.”

Reaching them, Jackson smiled
, the ends of his hair curling in the ocean breeze as it’d done during their walk to the playground. She’d liked it then, and she liked it even more now. His hint of a dimple winked at her and flecks of warm golden honey danced in those incredible eyes. With bare feet, swim trunks and his shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest, Jackson must have every woman on the beach drooling.
Lord, have a little mercy
. Serenity averted her eyes when all she wanted was to stare. Her thoughts unsettled her but served as a reminder why she’d stayed away from men in recent years, especially unbelievably attractive ones.

Her dad grunted, and Serenity snapped to attention.
“Dr. Dad, this is my Clinton Ross.”
Oh joy
. “I mean…” She opened her mouth, but what more could she say? The damage was done.

“
Mr. McClaren.” Having the good sense not to look at her, Jackson stepped forward and extended his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir.”

Clinton gave Jackson the once-over
. “So, you’re the new guy in town.” He darted a quick glance at her as he shook Jackson’s hand. “Doctor, huh?”

“
I’m a psychologist, yes.”

“
Which means you’re pretty smart.” Clinton jerked a thumb in her direction. “Figure this one out yet?”

Shifting from one foot to the other, Serenity
’s cheeks burned as she sank further into the sand. If she was blessed, it’d be quicksand. The end would be quick and she wouldn’t suffer. Raising her face to the sun, she closed her eyes and willed her father not to spill all her secrets or make her humiliation worse than it already was.

“
Serenity decided I needed some fresh air and color in my cheeks,” Clinton said. “She treats me like an invalid. Her mama’s a nurse, so I guess she comes by the nurturing honestly.”

Opening her eyes,
Serenity caught Jackson’s curious glance. She surprised her father by planting a quick kiss on his cheek. “Be good,” she whispered.

“
Seems to me your daughter has your best interests in mind, sir.”

Clinton laughed.
“Now you sound like a politician. Diplomatic. Well played, Doc. You and I should get along fine.”

The two men talked while
Serenity pulled the portable beach umbrella from the tote. All over again, Jackson’s ability to make friends easily impressed her. When he offered to put the umbrella together, she willingly handed it over and watched as he assembled it in a matter of seconds, securing it in the sand while she prepared the folding chair for her father. “I’ll get you a can of iced tea, Dad. Would you like one, Jackson?”

“
Well, sure he would,” Clinton said. “The way he’s looking at you, girl, he’s not going anywhere soon. Where’s that other chair, Doc? Pull up a seat and let’s get acquainted.”

What was
with
everyone and their comments? Turning aside, Serenity tried to hide her embarrassment as she dug two cans of iced tea from the cooler. From the corner of her eye, she saw Jackson pull the other chair from the tote and put it together. She popped the tab on her dad’s can of tea and handed it to him. Perhaps he was right about her treating him like an invalid. But he had no one else, and he certainly wasn’t taking good care of himself. When she handed a can to Jackson, the warmth in his voice with a simple thank you was enough to get her heart pumping.

Pulling her dad
’s hat from the tote, Serenity tugged it down over his head, making sure to cover the tips of his ears. “Don’t want to forget this.” His once thick, naturally blond hair was thinning on top and she didn’t want his scalp to get sunburned.

“
I have the umbrella, girl. That’s enough shade.” Yanking the hat from his head, Clinton tossed it across the sand.

“
You stay put and I’ll go get it,” Jackson said, handing back his can of tea before jogging across the sand. Retrieving the hat, he stopped to chat when someone called out a greeting.

“
That man runs like an athlete,” her dad said. “Firm handshake, too.”

“
I suppose,” Serenity said, her thoughts scattered as she dropped into the chair beside him. She’d also noticed a faded scar running horizontally across the length of Jackson’s right knee. Whatever caused it must have been very painful. Snapping her gaze away from Jackson, she refocused on her father. “Dad, when Jackson comes back, please don’t embarrass me.”

“
Don’t you worry about that,” Clinton said, lowering his voice as she settled in the chair beside him. “I tossed that hat to give us a second or two. I’ve got a plan. Give me a few minutes with the guy and then I’ll conveniently pretend to fall asleep. Ten-to-one he’ll ask if you want to take a walk.” He ignored her quirked brow. “You look very fetching today, girl, and he’s a blame fool if he doesn’t ask.”

“
All this and an actual compliment, too? Thanks.” His words warmed her more than he could know. Ever since she was a little girl, she’d sought her father’s approval. Her mother’s, too, but that was probably a moot point now.

Spying Charlie
further down the stretch of beach with his granddaughter, Serenity scrambled out of the chair low to the sand. Jackson jogged back toward them and she motioned for him to sit down beside her father. “I’m going to say hi to Charlie and Maya. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said, handing him the tea.

“
Give them my best,” Jackson called after her, and Clinton murmured his agreement.

“
Sure thing.” Serenity adjusted her oversized, floppy hat and strolled toward her friends.

When she spied her,
Maya waved and squealed a greeting she couldn’t quite make out, carried away by the sound of the surf. Dropping her grandfather’s hand, the child flew across the beach toward her, arms opened wide. Serenity’s heart swelled with love tinged with the familiar aching sadness as she dropped to her knees. Maya flew into her embrace, wrapping her small hands around her neck and burrowing into her.

This child
had no idea what a soothing balm she was for her weary soul. Sharp twinges pinched her heart as she hugged Maya closer. What would it be like to hug her son like this? Born only a month after Maya, Liam would be a playmate and good friends with this adorable child. It’s what she’d always hoped.

Serenity tightened her hold for a few seconds before releasing Maya.
“How’s my favorite girl in the whole world?” Pulling out of the hug, she laughed as the youngster planted a sloppy, wet kiss on her cheek. “I need to catch up on my Maya love. Let me get a good look at you. You’ve gotten so tall!” She smoothed her unruly spiral curls with one hand.

“
You look pretty, Miss Serenity. Like a real princess.” Maya appraised her with sparkling eyes and a dazzling smile minus a front tooth. She’d inherited the height and light brown skin of Charlie’s son, Ray, and the mesmerizing green eyes and lighter hair from her mother, a devastating combination.

“
Thanks, sweetie, but
you’re
the prettiest princess in Croisette Shores by far.” Serenity tilted the child’s chin with one hand. “Someone’s lost a tooth.”

“
Yep.” Maya grinned at her grandfather. “I put it under my pillow and got a whole dollar.”

Serenity smiled.
“The tooth fairy sure is a lot more generous than when I was your age. Did you buy something with it?”

“
Nah. Mom says to save it since a dollar won’t buy much these days. I need to put it in the bank.”

“
Your mom’s right. Tell you what. Have her bring you by my office tomorrow morning, if she can.” She tweaked Maya’s nose. “I have a birthday surprise for someone very special.” She made a mental note to buy some paper to wrap the sundress and hat she’d found at a local consignment shop, brand new with tags from an expensive designer still attached.

“
For me?” Maya’s eyes sparked with excitement. “Oh look, it’s Carly!” Waving to another girl making a sand castle a few hundred yards away, Maya looked up at her grandfather. When Charlie nodded, she took off with a quick wave. Her long curls trailed behind her as she ran, the picture of a happy, carefree child.

“
Maya’s such a beautiful child,” Serenity said before glancing back at Charlie. “She’s put the sparkle back in your eyes.”

“
That she has. Maya inherited Marcela’s spirit and sense of adventure. She fills my soul.” His wife had been gone almost a decade, she of the flowing, colorful caftans, gold bangle earrings and exotic beauty. More than that, she’d radiated a joy from within. Serenity heard the deep emotion in Charlie’s voice and squeezed his hand before releasing it. He angled his head to where Jackson and her father were engaged in a lively discussion. “From the looks of it, they’re getting along well. I understand my favorite decorator’s working with the good doctor.” The corners of Charlie’s lips upturned.

She appreciated his attempt to lighten the mood
, but gave him a mock-pout. “I’m not looking for male companionship, Charlie.”

H
is laugh was rich and hearty, another thing she’d missed. “I’m talking about helping you get started with your business, child. You can’t tell me you’re going to turn down a paying client.”

“
No, and thank you. I’m most obliged.”

Charlie
’s broad smile sobered. “Have I told you how glad I am you’re finally back home, Serenity? Back where you belong?”

For a half-second, Serenity considered asking her dear friend if he
’d written the note, but something held her back. “Yes, a few times.”

Charlie
darted another glance Clinton’s way. “He’s missed you more than you know.”

Kicking up sand, she
nodded. “I know, although sometimes he has an odd way of showing it.” Following Charlie’s gaze, she couldn’t stop her grin. “At the moment, I’m hoping it wasn’t a major mistake leaving Jackson alone with him. That could spell trouble.”