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“Please, for me. Take this seriously. I’ve lost all hope for Richard, but you…” She cupped my cheek and gazed uponme with affectionate eyes. “You would make a wonderful husband and father someday—soon.”

“So I get married, and you let me remodel?”

She only smiled and gave my cheek a pat, then reached for her bag. “The party starts at seven. Be a good boy and be on time, and dress to impress like you always do.”

Just like that, without giving me an answer, Miriam Buchanan-Astor left the building she loved so much, while I stewed in my office for another hour before deciding to go for a walk. I passed Pearl’s desk on the way out and smirked. “Thanks for the pastrami. And change all my weekend plans. I’m going to the Hamptons.”

“You’re welcome, and I already did,” she gloated. I snorted. Mom probably already clued her in about the weekend plans.

“Of course you did,” I sighed, riding the elevator down forty floors, trying to clear my head. When I exited through the front doors, the late afternoon sunshine hit me, and for whatever reason, like the deli was suddenly the strongest magnet in the city, I was drawn to it. A peek inside the windows showed Chelsea moving about, then she spotted me.

She rushed out to greet me with a smile that could light up any dark cave on sheer energy alone. “Hi. We’re closed, but I can get you something if you like. I made a fresh peach pie and there’s two slices left.”

No wonder the fruity scent of peaches teased my nose and my stomach the second she stepped out the door. Mymouth watered, almost leaking with drool. “No, thanks. My mother brought me your pastrami sandwich.”

“Oh?” She brightened, if it was possible for her to shine more. “How’d you like my take on it?”

Given the way she waited with her breath held and her expectant green eyes, I should tell her how incredible it was—best damn sandwich I’d had in a while. Better than sex, although my imagination ran wild thinking a night with her would top it. But I held back my enthusiasm and grumbled. “The onion bread was an interesting choice.”

Her shoulders fell a little, but she maintained her smile. “Wow. Tough critic. I entered it into New York City’s best deli sandwich competition sponsored by the tourism agency. Let’s hope it gets a better response there.”

“Yeah, good luck.” I shoved my hands into my pockets and stalked off.

I had half a mind to call my business associate who was on the board of the tourism agency to say they should think twice about awarding the honor to Sun-Up Deli.

Jeez, I couldn’t be that much of a bastard, could I? I’d already tried calling the fire inspector on her, and messed with her deliveries through my buddy at Delaney’s, but this? No, I couldn’t do that to her; she doesn’t deserve it. And I sort of have a soft spot for pretty redheads.

Two blocks away and I was still kicking my ass and rewarding myself for being the city’s biggest jerk. If they had a contest for Jerk of New York, I’d win, hands down.

10

BILLIONAIRE’S ARMS

CHELSEA

Billionaire’s Beachin the Hampton’s was the last place I ever thought I’d have a chance to visit when I left Holly Creek. And, only possible because of an invite from Suz, our friendly, favorite DJ, who called and said she was part of the entertainment for some big fall party.

She needed a replacement for her assistant who had come down with a flu bug last minute, so Sophie was more than happy to take her place, and arranged for Maisy and me to tag along, too. We’d get to attend the fancy party, and she might have mentioned something about a boat race, too.

I fussed about leaving, at first, drained from working so hard, although loving it. But also something else bugged me—the way Rex walked away from the deli last night—and I stewed about it ever since. When he hardly reacted to the extra flare I put into the sandwich, it hurt. I thought he’d at least be decent and encouraging when he heard the newsabout my entry into the sandwich contest. Why didhisopinion matter so much?

Suddenly, the idea of leaving the city for a quick getaway appealed. I needed to get Rex as far away from my mind as possible, and nothing would soothe me more than walking along the beach with my feet in the sand, dipping my toes in the water. That’s something I couldn’t get from Holly Creek, for sure.

We threw clothes into overnight bags and drove through Long Island to Southampton. Along the way, the drive impressed me not only because of the magnificent homes and views, but also the little orchards and wineries. Still, as beautiful as everything was, it couldn’t compare with home.

Holly Creek would always hold my heart, with the four seasons and the natural beauty around us. This time of year, the fall leaves would begin to change, about to give the greatest show with reds, oranges, and yellows. But more than that, home will always be the people, my family there.

I missed home and the little farmhouse we grew up in. How quiet it must be now with only Mom and Colt there. We texted almost every day, even if there was nothing new to report, and Maisy and I called each Sunday. Mom said they were getting along fine. Colt complained Mom was smothering him, but I knew he’d miss her if he was miles and miles away.

“We’re finally here, according to GPS,” I announced, and turned in through the gate of the address Suz had provided. Up ahead, at the center of a circular drive, a magnificent Shaker-shingle sided home appeared. My mouthdropped, counting the white framed windows three stories high, plus a level below like a daylight basement. “Oh, my God. Is this where the party will be tonight?”

“Yes, but there’s a guest house over to the right, Suz told me, where our room is…Oh my God.” Like me, she and Maisy dropped their jaws, because the guest house was about the same size as the main house, but only two stories tall, not three, and between them both likely thousands of square feet.

“It’s safe to say we’re far from home,” Maisy whispered in awe.

Suz met us out front, rocking hot pink hair and a black leather off the shoulder dress. I admired her ability to pull-off her fierce looks every time we saw her.

“Ladies! You’re here. Give the keys to the valet and I’ll show you to your room.” Walking through the house was like entering a whole new world. Everything was picture perfect, decorated in white fabrics and furniture of dark wood and shining white walls with dark beams overhead. I was afraid to touch anything.