The Second Time Around

The Second Time Around

~~The Beaumonts ~~

Angie Daniels

Copyright © 2018 by Angie Daniels at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

The Series

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Dear Reader

Sneak Peek

Author Book List

About the Author

THE BEAUMONT SERIES

The Second Time Around (Jabarie & Brenna)

The Playboy’s Proposition (Jace & Sheyna)

The Player’s Proposal (Jaden & Danica)

For You I Do (Bianca & London)

Before I Let You Go (Diamere & Kelly)

Every Second Counts (Jabarie & Brenna)

A Beau for Christmas (Reese & Dominique)

Do Me Baby (Rance & Debra)

Breathless (Sedona & Keith)

Stilettos & Mistletoes (Sage & Cser)

All I Want (Bianca & London)

Chapter One

Jabarie Beaumont had a feeling something was about to happen.

He had felt it last night and again earlier this morning. Even now, on his way to work, the sensation still had not gone away. As he turned his silver Lincoln Navigator onto Main Street, he scowled. Whatever it was, he hoped it hurried up and happened.

While obeying the twenty-mile-an-hour speed limit, his eyes traveled up and down the wide cobblestone street lined with single-story buildings and mom-and-pop stores. In a couple of weeks, the downtown merchants would kick off a major sidewalk sale. The festivities would include a large parade down Main Street in honor of the beginning of summer. The season was a busy time for Sheraton Beach. Inside, store clerks were waiting eagerly for tourists to arrive. The Main Street Café was already crowded with people dying to taste Carla’s popular pecan waffles.

At the end of the block, Jabarie eased to a complete stop and waited for the light to change. Tapping his fingers against the steering wheel, he gazed over at the Cornerstone Bookstore. The quaint little store had been a prominent fixture on the busy corner for over two decades. Dozens of books of all genres were proudly displayed on one side of the window, and at the other end…was a woman. Pursing his lips in thought, Jabarie wondered who she was. He knew she wasn’t the owner. Since she twisted her ankle three days ago, Ms. Nellie had been at home with strict instructions to stay off her feet. The store had been closed ever since.

He lowered his sunglasses and rolled down the window. The woman turned slightly and removed a book from the display shelf. Honey-brown hair tumbled across her shoulders and glistened in the sunlight. White shorts barely legal clung to her hips and showed long shapely legs.

Every muscle in his body froze. He knew her. Even from this distance, he could see her pout-raised lips and those large hazel eyes. Alternatively, was it because he had them embedded in his memory? After the way his pride was stomped, he wasn’t likely to forget.

The driver behind him blew his horn. Startled, Jabarie put his foot on the gas and moved through the light, then eased to a stop directly across from the bookstore. While he tried to reclaim his breathing, he continued to watch the woman rearrange the front display.

At twenty-six, she was barely five-four yet packed a lot of curves onto that small frame. Curves he all too well remembered holding in his arms. Open at the top; her clinging pink blouse revealed smooth caramel skin and cleavage that sent his libido into overdrive. Damn, it had been a long time since any woman got to him like this. Why’d it have to be Brenna Gathers? Jabarie let out a deep sigh. It took guts for her to come back to Sheraton Beach after what she had done.

Don’t even go there, he told himself, but it was too late, his mind had already delivered detailed memories he’d rather forget. Details of the night she had walked out on him.

Shaking his head, he still couldn’t believe she was back. After skipping town on the day of their wedding, he never thought to see her again. The recollection brought a flash of anger he swiftly pushed aside. It no longer mattered, he told himself. That was five years ago, when they were young, their breath still smelling faintly of Similac.

So, what are you going to do? he heard himself say. If he had any sense, he would put the Navigator into drive and speed on to the work. But he had never been able to think straight when Brenna was involved. After a long thoughtful moment, he decided he couldn’t sit outside forever. He climbed out of the SUV and moved across the cobblestone street. Instead of going straight to the door, he stopped on the sidewalk, directly in front of the window.

After all these years, what did he possibly have to say to her? Brenna walked out on him, not the other way around. His hand stilled over his heart, the one she had torn to shreds years ago. He had gone on to build a life without her and regretted the feelings just looking at her could still bring forth. Gazing through the window, he scowled. Her curvy body was the same as he remembered. It just wasn’t fair. Their reunion would be so much easier if she had gained weight. Brenna Gather was still nothing short of gorgeous, the kind of woman who could get a man to do anything she wanted with a single smile. He always wondered if she knew she had that effect on people. Obviously, she did. Otherwise, she would never have had the guts to ask his mother for one hundred thousand dollars.

He sighed deeply, and as if she had heard, Brenna shifted in the window and her gaze came up to meet his. Her jaw dropped and her body went loose and half a dozen books fell from her cradled arms. Her cheeks flushed and she blinked rapidly. His surprise at seeing her again was nothing compared to her reaction.

Good.

Turning on his heels, Jabarie headed toward the door.

* * *

Brenna had known it was only a matter of time.

There was no way she could return to a small town like Sheraton Beach and not run into Jabarie Beaumont. Although she had prayed for a miracle.

In the meantime, she had tried to prepare for this exact moment. Had even memorized what she would say, the tilt of her head, and even practiced a mechanical smile. Now that the moment had arrived, she scrambled her brain and couldn’t remember any of it. Instead, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath as the bell over the door jingled, letting her know Jabarie had entered.

Hello, Bren.

The heat from his words radiated through her body. Just as it did every time she dreamed about him. How ridiculous she’d been to think she could prepare for this.

She swung away from the window and forced herself to face the man who five years ago had broken her heart. Looking up into his piercing dark eyes, her breath caught in her throat and she had to force herself to speak. Jabarie, she said, breathless.

I didn’t know you were back in town.

His voice sounded cool and controlled while his eyes studied her reaction. Needing to free herself from his intense stare, she dropped her gaze and stepped away from the window. Her knees were shaking, and it angered her that after all these years he still had that kind of effect on her. Moving behind the counter, she looked up at him again and tried to keep her emotions in check. I got in last night. As soon as Aunt Nellie told me she’d twisted her ankle, I tied up some loose ends and came back to help run the store until she’s back on her feet.

Jabarie’s brow furrowed. I just saw your aunt. She never mentioned you were coming.

Brenna simply shrugged. Maybe it slipped her mind. Anyway, she’s at home on bed rest.

He let out a slow breath. I know. I’m the one who drove her home from the clinic.

You did? Brenna found it equally strange that her aunt had forgotten to mention that Jabarie had brought her home. Then again, the way she cut her aunt off at any mention of her former fiancé, she could not blame her.

I even called and checked on her this morning. Ms. Nellie never mentioned you were back.

Someone has to run the store, Brenna replied as she continued to look across at the man she had loved since the fourth grade. Good Lord. He was still fine as ever. His large sepia-colored eyes were still mesmerized, his dimples remained irresistible, and his mouth was just as delectable looking as ever. It had been five years yet right now; it felt like she had just left. The pain resurrected and panged her heart. She had hoped with time and distance, she would have gotten over him. However, she had not. She’d never forgotten a single detail.

Realizing her thoughts were heading down the wrong road, she busied herself straightening a stack of bookmarks. Next thing she knew, he had moved behind the counter. She hadn’t even heard him move.

How long are you staying? he asked, leaning in closer, caging her in behind the counter.

Uh … until Aunt Nellie’s back on her feet. She took a deep breath. His cologne had not changed in five years. Or was that just his natural scent?

Then what? he asked.

I go back to my life, she replied barely above a whisper.

She noticed his eyes darken before he stepped away and moved over to gaze out the wide floor-to-ceiling window. She took that moment to attempt to pull herself together as she stared at his strong profile. He had always taken care of himself and he’d packed on the muscles over the years. The solid body standing before her was definitely proof. Jabarie still wore his thick curly hair low on top and faded on the sides. Above his right brow was a scar he had gotten while the two were skateboarding. She had to have been ten. Jabarie hadn’t noticed the rock that jammed one of the wheels of his board and sent him face-first onto the hot asphalt. She’d never seen so much blood in her life, yet thirteen stitches later they were back to racing up and down the street.

How have you been? She knew the question sounded stupid but she didn’t know what else to say.

He turned away from the window, hands buried in the pockets of his pleated slacks, and nodded. I’ve been well. And what about you?

Still trying to get over you. She swallowed. I’ve been busy.

So, I’ve heard. His voice dripped sarcasm.

What’s that supposed to mean?

He raked a hand across his face. She stared up at his intense gaze and realized one thing hadn’t changed. He still managed to make her heart flutter with a single look.

I know you’ve been busy. That means I heard you opened your own bookstore. His voice had softened considerably.

She simply nodded.

I’m glad to hear your dream finally came true.

Her dream had been to be his wife and have a couple of babies. Just thinking about it caused anger to brew to the surface, but she wasn’t about to go there. Thank you. She did not know what else to say.

Have dinner with me tonight?

Brenna gasped. Wanting to share time together was the last thing she had expected to hear from him. He moved toward her, then lifted one hand and caressed the side of her face. She fought the urge to close her eyes and lean into his hand. Wh … Why would you want to have dinner?

He cocked his head to the side and frowned. Why not?

She backed away from the heat of his hand and sucked in much-needed air. Afraid he might see her shaking hands, she moved over to the coffee shop in the corner and shook her head. I don’t think that’s a good idea.

And I asked you why not.

Before she could come up with a plausible answer, the bell jingling over the door shook her out of the private place she’d gone to. A woman with identical twins moved to the children’s section of the store. Brenna sent a smile their way, then looked back over at Jabarie. I need to get back to work. She turned on her heels.

Shall I take that as a no?

She stopped and turned around. He stood before her trying to hide his anger, but Brenna had always been able to look into his eyes and see beneath the surface. I think it’s best if we leave the past behind us.

When his lips formed a grim line, she decided it was time his visit ended. This was not the time or place to talk about what could have been. Although there would never be a right time. If only he’d talked to her five years ago instead of sending his lawyer, maybe things could have been different.

Take care, Jabarie. Spinning on her heels, she moved to help her customers.

Chapter Two

For the rest of the afternoon, Brenna was a nervous wreck. She spent half the day thinking about Jabarie, the other half anxiously expecting him to walk through the door. The younger Jabarie would have, she thought as she shut off the coffee shop. Stubborn and used to getting what he wanted, he never accepted no for an answer. Five years ago, he would have kissed her senselessly until she agreed to have dinner. However, as she moved to make sure everything was locked for the night, she realized just how much time had passed. She was no longer naïve and twenty-one. She was a different woman, and apparently, Jabarie was a different man.

With a sigh, she turned out the last light in the store and then armed the alarm on the way out. It had been a long and tiring day. Nevertheless, Aunt Nellie would be pleased. The store had a good day.

While moving out to her aunt’s Toyota Corolla, she inhaled the salted air and allowed the feeling of home to wrap around her. Despite her reason for leaving, it felt good to be back, even if it was only temporary.

She climbed behind the driver’s seat and started the car. If it had not been for a box of used books she needed to bring into the store this morning, she would have walked to the bookstore, as she had done for as long as she could remember.

Driving slowly down Main Street, she noted how little the ocean-view town had changed in the last five years. She was pleased to discover it had preserved its small-town charm. Annie’s Antiques was still to her left and the Sheraton Gift Shop to her right. One thing she noticed was that Gabe’s Candy Store was gone. Her lips curled upward as she remembered dashing there every Friday only seconds after receiving her weekly allowance. The store with the bright red awning out front was now a video game retailer. From the crowd of young kids coming in and out, Video Adventure was the happening place.

As she turned onto Palmer Road, she allowed her mind to travel back to the good times. Chasing ice cream trucks, flying kites, and of course hours of swimming. Warmth flooded through her chest. Yep, it was good to be back, even if just for a short time. In three weeks, she would return to her new life and once again leave the past behind.

She pulled in front of her aunt’s small ranch house and turned off the car. As she climbed out, she exchanged waves with Ms. Lucy, who was sitting out on her porch swing next door.

It’s nice to have you back, the seventy-year-old widow said in a low raspy voice.

As Brenna moved up the sidewalk, she gave the woman who made the best peach cobbler in town a friendly smile. It’s nice to be back, Ms. Lucy. Then with a nod, she hurried through the front door before the old woman could strike up a conversation. Once she did, there was no escaping.

Brenna tossed her purse onto the couch and then glanced around the little but uncluttered room. Everything was handmade, from the Afghans draped across the aging furniture to the crocheted tablecloth and homemade drapes. The thing she loved the most about the house she had grown up in was the abundance of windows overlooking the smooth, sandy Atlantic shore, where as a child she had spent hours playing.

She removed her tennis shoes and padded across the hardwood floor, entering the first room on the right where her Aunt Nellie was sitting up in a full-size bed, her ankle propped up on a pillow. There you are, Nellie said, chestnut eyes dancing with excitement. I was wondering when you’d get in.

Brenna flopped onto the rocking chair beside her bed. Busy afternoon. Where in the world did all these people come from?

Her aunt chuckled lightly. It’s gotten really popular around here since you left. I think tourists have discovered if they travel just a little farther south from Rehoboth Beach, they can find a small town more charming than any other resort on the East Coast.

Brenna nodded in agreement. In the last several years, several families have converted their homes into bed-and-breakfasts. No sky rises. Nothing commercialized. Sheraton Beach offered its visitors beautiful blue waters, friendly local merchants, and old-fashioned hospitality. Some of the very things she missed most about this place.

How did you get along today? she said.

Aunt Nellie gave a dismissive wave. Don’t worry. I was fine. Lucy came over and made me lunch, and then rolled my hair while we watched the soaps. At fifty-five, her thick shoulder-length hair still did not have a strand of gray.

Brenna crossed her ankles and smiled. It had always eased her mind to know that the small close-knit community always pulled together when a resident was in need. It was one of the advantages of living in a small town.

You see anybody in particular today? Aunt Nellie said.

The disadvantage of small-town life was that everyone knew everyone else and gossip spread fast. Anyone like who? Brenna asked.

Aunt Nellie shrugged. Oh, I don’t know … like maybe Jabarie perhaps?

Just as she had suspected, someone had already blabbed about him coming into the bookstore.

Who told you that?

Her aunt turned to her, an amused look on her face. Gavin Holmes said Jabarie stopped in the middle of Main Street and almost caused a traffic jam when he spotted you standing in the window.

What? she cried. Ridiculous. Mr. Holmes was practically ninety and blind in one eye. Aunt Nellie, you don’t actually believe that do you?

When it comes to you and Jabarie, yes I do.

At one time, she would have thought the same. Not anymore. She shook her head. It was nothing like that, believe me.

What did the two of you talk about? Aunt Nellie’s eyes were wide with curiosity.

Nothing really, Brenna said, trying to sound bored. He asked how long I was going to be here. I told him, and then went to help a customer.

Her aunt’s brow arched. You sure he didn’t ask you to dinner?

How did … Aunt Nellie was fishing, and she was not about to bite her hook. No, he didn’t. And if he had, I would have told him no. He had his chance five years ago and blew it.

Aunt Nellie looked disappointed. I really wish the two of you would take the time and talk.

What’s there to talk about? He betrayed me. End of story. There is really no point in reliving that time. Besides, I’m leaving as soon as you’re back on your feet. With that, she rose. You need anything?

Her aunt gave her a long hard look then finally shook her head. "No. I’m going to sit here and watch Deal or No Deal. Why don’t you sit back down and join me?"

Maybe later, Brenna replied with a weary sigh. I’m going to go shower and fix myself something to eat.

Mabel brought by some fried chicken.

At the mention of Ms. Butler’s famous southern fried chicken, her stomach growled. Sound scrumptious. With a finger wave, she moved toward the door.

Brenna?

She stopped and turned.

Aunt Nellie winked. I’m glad you’re here.

Brenna couldn’t resist a smile. So am I.

* * *

Showered and dressed in an oversized orange t-shirt, Brenna leaned back against the long wood bench and propped her feet on the porch railing. Staring out at the Atlantic Ocean, she couldn’t imagine a view quite as breathtaking. A distance away, high on a hill overlooking the ocean, lights glittered from the Beaumont Hotel. Guests could use the hotel’s lavish accommodations or stroll down and onto a