Page 5 of Secret Sins

An overwhelming sense of intrusion settled over me, and I picked my way carefully over the rocks, making sure I didn't slip on any lichen or stray seaweed. Climbing the stone steps, passing the lamps glowing yellow in the dusk, and letting out all the remorse, all the longing and guilt building in my chest, I let the tears flow freely down my face.

If asked, I couldn't say why I felt so anguished, walking away from a silly dog and a beautiful man at my back.

Chapter 3

Van

A day off was long overdue, and I finally had enough money to buy something other than dog food. Once I realized Heidi enjoyed the water, I vowed to bring her there frequently. Paying more attention to her leash in my grip, I took her back to the park early in the misty morning. Though I wanted to sleep in, sunrise was as far as I got before the nightmares wrested me from my bed. I thought I'd beaten them, but something about this fucking town brought them screaming back.

After dropping Heidi back home and giving her a new bone to occupy her time, I walked the handful of blocks to the bakery cafe I'd had my sights set on since day one. The aroma of yeast in a hot oven greeted me before I even opened the door, and I salivated. Swallowing rapidly, I stood at the counter and scanned the menu on the wall.

"What can I get ya, hon?"

Blinking, I shifted my focus to the petite brunette speaking to me. "Coffee, without a doubt, but I don't know what I'm in the mood to eat."

"Hot cross buns are popular this time of year, and fresh out of the oven."

This time of year? Oh, right. Easter was around the corner. "Okay, you sold me."

"Coming right out." The woman accepted my cash and rang me up, handing back my change before pouring a chunky white mug full of coffee.

I sat while I waited, taking that first gratifying sip and then simply staring into the black depths. "Jesus."

I heard a tinkling laugh, and the woman appeared with a plate of buns. "I can't tell you the secret, but we make the best coffee in Port Townsend."

"I'm inclined to agree."

Glancing down at the buns and inhaling deeply, I studied the criss-cross of icing and the dark studs of dried fruit. My first bite nearly sent me to the floor in a puddle. Damn, they were good, and filled the gnawing spot in my belly.

The other tables were empty, which suited me just fine. I preferred to be alone. People walked past the glass storefront in sporadic bursts, and the sound of a radio playing softly in the background caught my attention. The tune was familiar, but I couldn't place the song. I sipped more coffee, thinking that this was some kind of phenomenon right here.

That a boy with my past could sit here unencumbered on a Saturday morning and enjoy a simple meal was nothing short of a miracle.

Forcing my mind to remain empty, I focused on the buildings across the street. They all seemed to have something climbing the side of the brick; ivy or roses. Someone smarter than me had probably written poems about such seaside towns, rhyming everything in a way I never could. Quaint was the best word I could think of to describe it, and it suited the whole town.

"More coffee?"

Startled out of my thoughts, I shrank back in my seat before relaxing and giving a false smile to the woman. "Yes, thanks."

A customer came through the doors, and she moved on to serve them. A tall man came out from the back, a white apron tied around his waist, and his long hair bunched behind his head. He and the woman behind the counter exchanged a few words and a kiss before he disappeared.

I heard a little sigh to my right and tensed my shoulders before locating the source of the sound.

The bookstore woman stood behind me and to the side, her cat at her feet. Today, her hair wasn't covered, but flowing freely over her shoulders. A man could get lost in that much hair if he had half a mind to—assuming she'd let him. The same red Converse caught my attention as I refused to stare at her face. That damn cat was more obedient than most dogs, patiently waiting for the woman to move from her spot.

"Here you are," the other woman said, completing her transaction with the customer before turning her attention to Bailey and handing her a large reusable bag.

"Ellie, that's too much."

"Alex insisted."

"I saw him when he came up front. You guys are too generous."

"As much traffic as you send over, it's better than paying for a billboard. Take the food and the coffee, babe, and with all due respect." Ellie leaned in, her dark head matching her friend’s. "Bite me."

Just then, I discovered how captivating Bailey's laugh sounded. "Right back at you."

Hunching in my seat, I tried to remain unnoticed as she walked by.