WindSwept Narrows: #21 Charlotte Bell & Natalie Templeton

By Karen Diroll-Nichols

Faith Morrison stood with two seventeen year olds, talking games and waiting. They had a match set and a room reserved for them for a four played shooter game in the arcade at the resort. They’d been working together and talking to one another for almost three months before the teens had moved into the local area.

“You think dad would freak if he knew?” Jamie Hunter asked his twin sister when Faith Morrison wandered to the main desk to get their room code.

“That we’re meeting some gamers we met online? Oh, hmm...” Jenna rolled her dark eyes and shook her head. “Freak probably isn’t a strong enough word for his reaction.”

“Yeah, probably not,” Jamie watched the older woman and friend meet up and hug. “You just never get the picture right in your head when you’re playing, you know?”

“They don’t look old,” Jenna agreed, smiling broadly as the pair of woman approached.

“Hi! I’m so glad to finally meet you guys,” Charlotte Bell offered a hand. “Charlie and you’ve already met Faith. This is going to be a great match,” she promised, taking the lead and guiding them to the small room where the game was waiting.

You learn a lot about people talking and gaming, Charlotte realized as they played the popular shooter game. Working as a team, as they had been for months, they had an advantage over the other teams that appeared when cued for play.
Jamie and Jenna Hunter enjoyed the social part of the game as much as the action and strategy.

Both had dark hair and eyes. Both were smart, listened well to instructions and had good ideas when the team discussed how to play a mission.

Faith and Charlotte had gone through several people trying out to join their team until they both agreed on the twins. Anyone watching from the outside saw a blonde, a redhead and two brunettes all about the same age. Few would realize the women were over ten years older than the teenagers.

Ninety minutes later, controllers were set down and congratulations rang through the room. Water bottles and tall containers of soda were drained when the door opened, Charlotte’s eyes and body stopping in the entry.

“Now what is wrong with that picture?” She said softly, watching the two definitely out of place men wander around machines and people. Her hand went up to automatically twirl the long red ponytail she wore while gaming, full lips pursed and taking in the size, shape and demeanor of the pair. They were searching, she thought. And the only thing to search for in the arcade, was people. Mostly kids in the portion they were stalking.

“They don’t belong,” Jenna said instantly, stepping forward and standing next to Charlotte.

“You look lost,” Charlotte said loudly, catching their attention with a quick step forward. She saw their eyes do a quick scan, taking in the low scooped tee shirt, her chest dotted with freckles. Men. “Can I help you?”

“Just lookin’ for someone,” the shorter one commented, casting his glance around at the group. “You kids go play.”

“Who’re you looking for? Maybe I know them?” Charlotte pressed, fixing a bright smile on her face and sinking her other hand in the pocket of her jean shorts.

“Kid brother,” Came an absent answer, the pair of them looking around the large area.

“Hmm...I wouldn't need a photo to find my brother,” Faith commented casually.

“Go find security. Give Cat a call...I’ll keep an eye on them,” Charlotte turned to Jenna and Jamie. “You might want to stay...”

“I’m going with you,” Jenna declared instantly, frowning. “If they were after my brother, I’d want to stop them.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Diroll-Nichols
• Release date: Mar 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476086200

Karen Diroll-Nichols

At this time books are on AllRomanceebooks.com or smashwords.com or amazon.com. I write what I dream. I dream because I can't always be or do. And I always write to make people think and laugh and feel. I hope I succeed. I've been creating what I believe we're all in search of. Friendships and romance; communication and pure, simple fun. Throw in some misadventures and misunderstandings, not to mention a few not quite truths, and it should be a roller coaster of laughs, tears and thoughts. WindSwept Narrows Resort & Casino - Modern, contemporary romance with the occasional mystery and usually lots of family issues. They're building a community that's not greed based, but on the well-being of all. Hopefully. Yes, there's lots of romance - sometimes more than one per story. Yes, there's really sensual and sexy scenes. Devil Hills is a town between Seattle and Spokane, on the edge of the snow capped mountains on the Seattle side. It's a shifter town...and a few others. And of course, just like our world, there are those who believe they know what's best for everyone. Yep, lots of sex, arguments and laughter. Typical human mistakes and misunderstandings - but with a little fur thrown in to complicate things. Independence: Bailey is the first entry into this series that should fascinate and intrigue...what happens in a life when a little Dom and D/s are thrown into it. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart...but it'll make you laugh and maybe even identify. Breanna...slightly more spicy with 2 smart, caring guys falling for 1 slightly mixed up barista who makes wicked coffee and loves cooking. While I haven't a series name - there is a follow-up to her coming out before the end of the year, Danea...a fishy little tale on the coast of Washington. A Red Crystal Romance - well...what to say...imagine believing you're at the end of your life. You live in a retirement home. You're alone. The past in your memories and just fatigue in your bones. You visit a small metaphysical shop, buy some candles that smell good and are offered a chance to fish in a caldron of crystals. Free and for good luck. When you wake in the morning...nothing will ever be the same again. Yes, some of my stories have more than one romance in it. Because it's not a bad thing to have friends *************** A bio - wow - I live to the South of Seattle along the coast in a small town called Des Moines. Gorgeous Puget Sound as our backyard, with snow capped mountains in almost all directions. I've been writing for over 20 years and in that time I have noticed how hard it is for certain people to embrace their sexuality, and very very few have the backbone to even discuss it! I think sex is a very important attribute to our lives and is necessary in order to live a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle. It exists for exploration and simulation; it exists for bonding and pure, simple happiness at the whirlwind of sensations that can overwhelm and take your breath away. I hope that my stories simply depict that, ignite the fires within and maybe even give some pointers on how to please your partner in some new exciting ways. Bottom line: they are here for enjoyment. So read, enjoy and live the happy healthy lives we are all meant to live. Now - a dedication: I can't say I grew up with anyone encouraging me, and that's fine, they had things in their life they were dealing with. My parents and 1st husband and current in-law said it was 'a nice little hobby'. When you get that kind of reaction from people who matter, it has the effect that you no longer tell anyone. And no one ever asked what I did for hours on end over a typewriter and then VIOLA! a computer keyboard! So no one knew. Until I met and fell in love with my 2nd husband. He found the large file cabinet filled with thick manuscripts, filed in alphabetical order by lead female name. And he talked to me about writing. My writing. The single thing in my life aside from my two grown children, that I adored and cherished. They became my community; my friends. It's an amazing thing what happens when someone believes in you. Maybe it rubs off and you begin to believe in yourself, too. So everything I've created and set free on the internet to share are thanks to him and his belief and love. He helps me with words I know but that are stuck in my head floating around somewhere; he helps me spot gaps in my stories and we bounce ideas off one another for covers for my girls. He encourages me and has also come to learn some interesting traits about himself that he'd submerged because of a bad relationship. So we've grown together and continue to explore all that we can. He has my love and my heart and my gratitude for sharing a little of his courage and belief. Email: [e-mail] Website: http://www.facebook.com

Book preview

Chapter One

Faith Morrison stood with two seventeen year olds, talking games and waiting. They had a match set and a room reserved for them for a four played shooter game in the arcade at the resort. They’d been working together and talking to one another for almost three months before the teens had moved into the local area.

You think dad would freak if he knew? Jamie Hunter asked his twin sister when Faith Morrison wandered to the main desk to get their room code.

That we’re meeting some gamers we met online? Oh, hmm… Jenna rolled her dark eyes and shook her head. Freak probably isn’t a strong enough word for his reaction.

Yeah, probably not, Jamie watched the older woman and friend meet up and hug. You just never get the picture right in your head when you’re playing, you know?

They don’t look old, Jenna agreed, smiling broadly as the pair of woman approached.

Hi! I’m so glad to finally meet you guys, Charlotte Bell offered a hand. Charlie and you’ve already met Faith. This is going to be a great match, she promised, taking the lead and guiding them to the small room where the game was waiting.

You learn a lot about people talking and gaming, Charlotte realized as they played the popular shooter game. Working as a team, as they had been for months, they had an advantage over the other teams that appeared when cued for play.

Jamie and Jenna Hunter enjoyed the social part of the game as much as the action and strategy. Both had dark hair and eyes. Both were smart, listened well to instructions and had good ideas when the team discussed how to play a mission. Faith and Charlotte had gone through several people trying out to join their team until they both agreed on the twins. Anyone watching from the outside saw a blonde, a redhead and two brunettes all about the same age. Few would realize the women were over ten years older than the teenagers.

Ninety minutes later, controllers were set down and congratulations rang through the room. Water bottles and tall containers of soda were drained when the door opened, Charlotte’s eyes and body stopping in the entry.

Now what is wrong with that picture? She said softly, watching the two definitely out of place men wander around machines and people. Her hand went up to automatically twirl the long red ponytail she wore while gaming, full lips pursed and taking in the size, shape and demeanor of the pair. They were searching, she thought. And the only thing to search for in the arcade, was people. Mostly kids in the portion they were stalking.

They don’t belong, Jenna said instantly, stepping forward and standing next to Charlotte.

You look lost, Charlotte said loudly, catching their attention with a quick step forward. She saw their eyes do a quick scan, taking in the low scooped tee shirt, her chest dotted with freckles. Men. Can I help you?

Just lookin’ for someone, the shorter one commented, casting his glance around at the group. You kids go play.

Who’re you looking for? Maybe I know them? Charlotte pressed, fixing a bright smile on her face and sinking her other hand in the pocket of her jean shorts.

Kid brother, Came an absent answer, the pair of them looking around the large area.

Hmm…I wouldn’t need a photo to find my brother, Faith commented casually.

Go find security. Give Cat a call…I’ll keep an eye on them, Charlotte turned to Jenna and Jamie. You might want to stay…

I’m going with you, Jenna declared instantly, frowning. If they were after my brother, I’d want to stop them.

I…alright…good… Charlotte moved easily around people, looking casual and watching the various games being played. Please don’t get hurt. I don’t want to explain to your parents.

Just dad…besides, I can take responsibility for my choices, Charlotte. You know, she chatted comfortably. One thing about dad…he never ever sent anyone to fetch us. He always told us he’d come for us on his own, never send a delegate, she grinned at the thought and met the pale brown eyes. And he never did. He always looked for us by himself, even in the mall and he hates the malls.

Charlotte laughed. Most dad’s do, I think, she stopped abruptly, her palm up. It’s a kidnapping, she whispered, her head shaking.

The kid’s just playing games, Jenna whispered back, remaining in place when Charlotte told her to stay back. She wanted to be a doctor, not a cop. Fighting in games was fun, but she wasn’t interested in it in the real world.

You get him away from the game when I get the pair of them distracted. Take him to the game room we used and lock the door, Charlotte told her firmly, understanding in the nod the younger woman sent her way.

Charlotte drew in a slow breath and applied what she called a nothing smile. Something most guys never realized was there just to distract them. Worked every time.

Hey, can you guys give me a hand here? She put her hands on her shoulder as if she were holding a strap in place. Both men turned away from the boy playing the arcade game. He looked to be all of twelve. Maybe, Charlotte thought, turning her back and pretending to fall back. Oh…I think I’m not feeling so good…

Faith approached with Cat and snorted at the thought. She watched two men struggle between whatever they were after and a woman falling, literally, into their arms. Until said arms snapped back with two elbows catching them unawares. Faith caught the photo of the boy as it fell and Cat stepped forward, leaning over one of the men.

I thought I recognized you, Jerry, she wagged a finger when he made a move she didn’t like from his position on the ground. Dark eyes looked over at Charlotte. Nice move. These two gentlemen, and I’m using the word very loosely, specialize in child snatching for estranged spouses, particularly ones with more money than brains, she nodded to two people who had come in behind her.

We haven’t done anything. This crazy bitch fell on us, Jerry said as he was helped to his feet.

Then you can explain to the cops, Cat said with a shrug, accepting the photo Faith handed her attached to a letter. And they carry around the client information. How much move helpful can an idiot be?

Damn cop, one of them mumbled. What’d you come work for the resort for? Shoulda stayed a cop.

Previous careers come in handy, huh, Charlotte? Catherine chuckled and glanced at the already restrained wrists. Nice work…belt loop catch.

New book out – a hundred things to do with zip ties, Charlotte offered with a wink.

She a cop, too?

Used to be…another life, Charlotte answered, nodding to the twins approaching with the young boy. This is Catherine, guys, she’s part of security here. They’re staying in the resort, Jamie and Jenna Hunter. We had a four person match played today.

Kick ass? Cat asked casually, leading the pair toward the entrance.

Of course, Faith answered with a chuckle. They couldn’t have got him past the gates, she commented casually.

Alex Grantham, Catherine checked the list at the front desk. Father signed him in and he’s wearing the bracelet. So the alarms would have gone off. We’ve found the father in a seminar being held on the third floor. I swear… she watched the older man come forward, stepping into the middle and taking control, leading them off to an office to wait for the police.

You guys did good, Charlotte said with a clap on Jamie’s shoulder. Let’s get something to eat, she accepted the nods and headed the four of them to the refreshment center.

What was going on? Jenna asked, two pairs of brown eyes going from one woman to the other. He was a little confused, but thought it was cool when we showed him the game we were playing. I don’t think he’s very old…maybe ten.

I’m going after a smoothie…I’ll bring you back some water, Charlotte, Faith said, wandering off to the main counter, her employee badge out.

The boy they were after, Charlotte leaned back in the chair, looking from one to the other. The mother wanted to snatch him from his father. The father has custody in the divorce.

Jenna sighed and sat back, watching a tray settle in the middle. A large pitcher of ice water with lemons floating in the center and a tall cup of something with a spoon in the middle placed on the table.

What’s that?

Strawberries and crème and beyond good, Faith said with a sigh.

I’m after that, Jenna said quickly, following the pointing finger.

Girls are freakin’ weird. I’m after real food, Jamie shook his head and headed for the burger section, hands in the pockets of his jeans.

Faith looked after them then at her friend, fingernails toying with a slice of lemon in her water. Good kids.

They start college programs next week, Faith, Charlotte laughed. Were we kids at that age?

I’m still a kid, Faith responded with a firm nod.

I’m kind of glad there’s no one to mess with our family, Jenna said out of nowhere when she sat down, a tall cup of something crème colored. It’s gotta mess up your head when you got parents fighting over you.

Too many kids go through it, Charlotte agreed quietly.

Are you ready to hit the campus? Faith asked with a healthy spoonful of her smoothie on its way to her mouth.

Tomorrow morning, Jenna answered instantly.

We thought we’d get there before nine and explore then find the rooms to fill out papers and stuff, Jamie added after a healthy bite of his stacked burger.

Neither of you drive, Charlotte said with a little frown. You want a ride? It’s Thursday and my morning crew is good. I can take you over and call me when you’re finished. It’s a great campus. You’ll find tons of things to prowl through.

It’d be nice to have a ride, thanks, Jenna said with a bright grin. We can drive but buses are a lot more fun and it gives you reading time.

Jamie cast a curious look at his sister but said nothing about the ride. I’ll be glad to get the trash courses out of the way and into the good ones in the fall.

A vet and a doctor, Charlotte looked impressed. You have some long school hours ahead of you. I know people who would kill to have a path in their brains like you’ve done.

It’s just always been there, Jenna said with a shrug, biting her lip before asking her next question. You think people are types?

Charlotte swallowed a long drink of iced water and frowned at the look on Faith’s face. Type like…a brain, a jock…that kind of type?

Yes…well…I guess…

You lose the type thing once you’re out of school, Faith answered thoughtfully. You really do. Once you get thrown into real world things, not academic, people aren’t so easily pressed into slots. I mean…Dominic likes running, but he’s not all that athletic. He works out, too but he’s not a jock, she shrugged.

So you wouldn’t say you had a certain type? Jenna pressed curiously, looking specifically at Charlotte.

Me? I’m typeless, she said with a laugh. And it’s safer that way, believe me.

So what would be your type?

Faith lowered her gaze from the puzzled expression on Charlotte’s face and smiled.

You have someone in mind for her?

Just curious. He’d probably have to be a gamer type, Jenna said casually.

When the coughing stopped, Faith continued to pat her friend’s back. I don’t have a type, Charlotte repeated carefully, looking from Jenna to Jamie with a little frown. What brought this up? I look lonely? What?

She’s always been like that. Nosy, Jamie said, popping several fries into his mouth.

Hmm… Jenna just scowled at her brother.

We’ve been chatting for almost three months, Charlotte said easily, offering a half shrug. Why do you think people have to have types? It’s very restrictive.

You don’t date? Jenna looked from Faith to Charlotte.

I date Dominic all the time, Faith said through a slurp of her drink. I think the key is to find someone who is… she frowned a little. Adaptable. But exclusive. He’s all mine, she breathed happily.

Do you have a boyfriend, Charlie? Jenna asked persistently.

Feel free to slap her, Jamie said with a dismissing shrug. Only thing that’ll break her spell, trust me.

Why the interest in my personal life, Jenna? Charlotte poured herself more water, her curiosity aroused.

I don’t mean to pry, I’m sorry. Just if I meet someone interesting, she said cheerfully with a bright, beaming smile. I like to help.

Hmm…I’m thirty-four, single, naturally paranoid, definitely a non-neat freak, except in my kitchen, Charlotte looked at Faith with slight pout. Like filling out an application for those dating sites. Maybe you should ask my friend here, she tipped her wrist up and leaned down to grab her pack from the floor. I’ve got evening duty and have to be off. Message me for the next team game, otherwise, I’ll see you online. Bye, guys!

A round of good-byes echoed after her, Faith looking at Jenna almost without blinking.

You already have someone in mind.

Jamie snorted and took a long draw on the straw in his soda. And here comes the lucky candidate now, he tapped his foot against his sister’s sharply.

Hi, guys, Jesse Hunter looked from the new addition to his twins, a neutral smile on his face. How’d the big team match go?

We kicked ass, Jamie said without thinking. We got the best team on the server. I’m after more soda. What something, dad?

I’m good. Meetings offer food, he pulled a chair out, aware of the blonde watching him and the engagement ring on her finger. He breathed an unconscious sigh of relief. Jesse Hunter.

Oh, sorry, dad…Faith, this is our dad, Jesse Hunter, Jenna was deep in thought. She hadn’t got to ask the questions she wanted to before Charlotte vanished.

My pleasure, Faith said with a grin at Jenna and a slight nod that was instantly recognized. He might be just what her friend needed.

Since we’ve only been in town a week, how’d you meet my kids? If you don’t mind…do you attend the college?

Faith gulped her last spoonful, raised an eyebrow at Jenna and bit into her lip.

Jenna cleared her throat. We’ve been talking for almost three months, Dad. Faith, Charlie and us. That’s how we formed the team… she paused and inhaled deeply. Now came the freaking out part. We met online in the game.

I… dark eyes went from one to the other, his mouth snapped shut.

I finished college a few years ago, Faith offered brightly. But the extension where these guys are going has an amazing campus and courses. I take some refreshers there now and then when new tech stuff pops out and a new language changes give me grief at work.

You work with computers, Hunter said carefully, taking a longer look at the woman at the table.

I work for the IT department here at the resort, Faith answered easily. She looked him over as she stood up, lifting her pack to her shoulder and waving at the man approaching. They were alike, she thought. Both wore very nicely tailored, fitting suits with shirts that were definitely not cotton. Dominic Matthews, Jesse Hunter and Jenna and Jamie, she watched the wary exchange of handshakes between the men, her hand sliding easily into his free one.

I take it the game was a success?

Oh, puh-lease… Faith laughed. We kicked ass and then some. We’re a darn good team. Nice meeting you, Mr. Hunter. See ya, guys, she led Dominic off, chatting about his day and hers.

You met these people online? Hunter felt the well of mixed emotions brewing inside him.

Told you he’d freak, Jamie tossed things into the recycling bins and shoved hands into the pockets of his jeans.

I am not… He remained sitting, his head back for a long minute at the glare and silence he was getting treated to by his daughter. Alright. I’m listening.

Oh, look…we met new friends on campus at the school… She put a pair of cupped hands on the table and then moved them to another spot. Oh, look, we met new friends online in the game we play. What’s the difference?

It’s a whole new world out there, Dad, Jamie said easily, sinking to his chair and sighing. Good food here. You sure you don’t want something?

I ate on my way back here, he responded, his mind trying to wrap around the new world he wasn’t a part of.

Faith and Charlie aren’t trolling for kids online, Dad, Jamie stepped into the mediator role between his sister and father.

We’re going to campus tomorrow morning, Jenna said casually, meeting the glare from her father with a smile. Charlie is giving us a lift. We’ll be eighteen in two weeks. I think you’re suffering from a potentially empty nest.

You’re going for general practice physician, Hunter said flatly. Not shrink. My nest is fine, thank you, he said, running one strong, tanned set of fingers through the deep brown hair that touched his collar and fell from a semi straight center part.

And you’re in denial, Jenna teased, leaning over and hugging her dad. We’re okay, you know. We’ve been picking our own friends for years now. You’ve done good teaching us stuff, relax. We’re even allowed outside to play without a nanny now.

I can still ground you, he tossed back, but sighed.

He didn’t want to admit she was right. He’d had them as part of his life since they were two. They didn’t know their mother and he was sorry to admit, he didn’t remember much of her with the exception of the photo’s provided by their grandparents.

He’d been just less than seventeen when he met their mother at a summer party. Three years later, he’s told he’s a father and here are your twins, their mother died in a highway accident. They were instantly part of his life, smart, very active and very vocal. He’d been lucky to have parents who formed his circle of family for them.

Yeah, but you know I’m right, Jenna grinned at her father.

When’s the house going to be ready? Jamie slouched back, watching girls go into the arcade.

Another couple days. The carpeting is been pulled out and the flooring is going in now, Hunter answered absently, staring into the large expanse of the lobby.

Good. I’m not crazy about being without my stuff, Jenna said with a sigh. Classes at the campus will take about three years before we split off to other schools.

I know, her father said quietly.

But this is going to be home. So during breaks, we come back here and bother you, she didn’t like the way he’d been throwing himself into work lately and considered Charlie again. She might not think she had a type. And her father, trying to get him to date someone with a sense of humor and brain was a full time job. How come you don’t have a date?

Hunter closed one eye and looked at his daughter first and then his son.

She’s decided to make you her summer project, Jamie volunteered with a male shrug. I tried telling her you wouldn’t like being set up on dates, but…..

Yeah….. Hunter shook his head. You focus on your school, I’ll manage my private life. Key word there, Jenna, private.

You’re a dad. You’ve told us forever you have no private life, she said cheerfully, standing up and taking his hand. Come on inside. I’ll show you some fun, relaxing games to play when you miss us.

Chapter Two

Charlotte was in her shop bright and early with the crew starting pots, blending special brews and helping with the pastries she’d frozen the day before. The morning crowd was busily breezing through when she gathered her keys and waved at Deidra.

Back in a while, she called out, her pack on one shoulder as she went to the mid-sized SUV. One thing nice about mornings on the resort property was most people were still blissfully asleep. She saw the twins waiting near a column and glided easily to a stop, popped the locks and greeted them with a smile. Hi, guys. Not coffee drinkers?

Naw…I think we’re still in the soda phase, Jamie said with a chuckle, holding up the large cup with a straw inserted and moisture gathered on the outside.

I’m in the juice phase, Jenna said with a yawn, sliding into the front seat and sighing. Went running this morning with Dad…too early.

It’s good for energy, though, Charlotte laughed at the groan. Yeah, I feel that way sometimes, too.

You ever go on a cruise? Jenna asked, working at sounding casual.

Nope. Isabel and Gabe did…friends of mine…in January, I think. They loved it.

What cruise line?

There’s more than one? Charlotte shrugged. Heck if I know. I think I’ve seen commercials for a Disney one, but I’m sure that wasn’t it. Have you taken a cruise?

A couple, Jenna responded vaguely. Mostly along the west coast…Baja and Panama.

My folks were mostly into driving trips and getting to a point and spreading out until it’s over than coming home, Charlotte said after a little thought. She entered the large campus and followed the directions. Maps and all kinds of stuff in there. Have a great time. She watched them leave, heads bent and chattering and pointing and had to smile as she drove back to the shop.

She doesn’t know who he is, Jenna said, more talking to herself than her brother as they went into the common room.

Why should she? He’s been mostly based out of Vancouver, Jamie shrugged and found the map Charlotte had told them about. Books. Give it up, sis, dad doesn’t want anyone in his life. Let it go.

Paige Andrews looked from one to the other of the three men going from office to office, exchanging papers and talking, pointing and making notes on various large white boards in each office.

A brilliant smile met the large whipped crème coffee he held out to her.

Thanks, she no longer protested much when Sebastian took up the corner of her desk as if he’d always belonged there. What’s wrong with the new guy?

Not sure yet, he answered in the same theatrical whisper. Have you asked?

I’m biding my time, she said aloofly.

Sebastian snorted. Since when? I’ve my own private bull in a China shop, he returned with a shaking head.

Well, he was much calmer and less…edgy…the last week. This morning…not so much, Paige drew in the frosted coffee with a long sigh. Charlie brews the best ever fraps.

Jesse Hunter looked at the pair, and at the name on the large cup Paige held, his hands in the pockets of his slacks. That’s the shop Jenna mentioned. Her friend works there, dark eyes frowned, going from one to the other. You ever meet someone from online? Like from a game?

Paige shrugged. A few. No different than clubs or libraries.

Oh? You never told me that? Sebastian arched a brow patiently.

You never asked and it was game stuff. We’d meet in a cyber café or now the place is the resort and team up for matches, she shrugged. Are you meeting someone online, Hunter?

My kids did. A couple women…and they met at the resort, he shook his head, one hand run through the straight brown hair.

Know their names? Paige asked casually, though she already had a clue.

Faith was one of them. Blonde wearing coveralls and sneakers.

Then the other was probably Charlie. They’ve been teaming for some tourney’s in Halo, Paige nodded, aware of both men now staring at her. My friends do not stalk people online. Your kids are almost eighteen and I know for a fact they’ve been chatting with them for almost three months now. And they’re kicking ass in the tourney, she concluded with a proud chuckle.

They’re older than my kids, Hunter sat back in one of the cushioned chairs, suit jacket open and legs stretched out.

Wow…old people and young people mingling…who’d a thunk it, Paige ducked the palm that came behind her and stuck her tongue out. Seriously? I have work to do. Charlie brews the best ever coffees. I’m not sure what you’re concerned about, Hunter, I’d offer help or information if I knew what was wrong. They’re gaming friends.

That’s what Jenna says, too, he shoved air through his lips and pushed up. I’m off to the site. I want some words with the designer and he’s there today. See you Monday.

Hmmm… Paige twirled the tall plastic cup between her hands, head tipped and eyes following the new boss out of the office.

Charlotte helped with the late afternoon crowd. People on their way off work, or to work or just out to play on a Thursday night. When Keisha called her over and tried not to point at the man pacing and staring between menus and people, she began cleaning tables.

Hi, something I can help with? She offered a casual smile.

I’m looking for someone who works here, he said reluctantly.

Well, do you have a name? She kept cleaning tables, taking note of the tailored suit and nice shoes. His hair was a deep brown and fell in absent shanks toward the back of his head, until he ran a hand threw it, like he was now. Looking slightly embarrassed. Is there a problem? With the coffee or tea?

No. But I think I could use a cup of black coffee about now. Something plain and strong, he said, pulling his wallet free and going to the counter.

Alright, I can help with that, Charlotte took a long look at him and pursed her lips. But I think you need something different. Strong and flavorful and black, she made her selection and poured the cup, capping it off with a safety lid. Try that.

She accepted his money and watched him, the doubtful sparkle in his eyes changing just a little as he sipped the blend of spices she’d added to the beans when she ground it that morning.

If you don’t like it, I can find you a nice plain coffee, she offered lightly. If you tell me who you’re looking for, maybe I can help with that, too.

According to my kids, I’m getting old, he said with a long sigh, holding the cup up. And this is good. Really good, thanks. Have a great night. He turned and went toward the door, changed his mind and turned back, taking in the tall redhead with a ponytail swinging behind her as she worked the tables. His eyes went to her hands, no rings visible. He was flirting with a coffee shop girl, he realized with a shake of his head, echoes of his kids telling him he needed to date in her mind. Are you working all night?

Excuse me? Charlotte looked up, surprised.

Jesse Hunter, he held out his palm. And believe me, lame is a word that enters my head at the moment, but would you have dinner with me? Single, new to the area and not wanting to dine alone.

Charlotte Bell, she responded politely, staring at the strong fingers holding her hand. Single, lived here over ten years and I wouldn’t mind company for dinner at all. In about fifteen minutes. We close at six, she looked down at her jeans and tee shirt.

As I said, I’m new to the area but I’m sure you know someplace that’ll fit both our clothing, Jesse suggested with a grin. I’ll be in the parking lot.

Hunter, Charlotte repeated the name and followed the man with widening eyes. The twins. Oh, crap… They called and said they were taking the bus back, totally enjoying exploring and already bought their books for classes on Monday. He’s their father? She made it to the kitchen and went through routines to close things down, turning the sign over, finishing with the last customer, sliding trays of prepped pastries into the freezer and leaning heavily against the counter.

Was that why he came to the store? She’d spoken to Faith and heard he wasn’t too happy with his kids meeting people from an online game. He didn’t seem angry with her. She opened her phone and tapped in the number she wanted.

Hello?

Faith! He’s here! Their dad! Does he know me? Is he freaked about the online thing? I remember Jenna saying he would freak…

Will you breathe for pity sake, Faith switched hands with the phone and tried not to look guilty when Dominic arched an eyebrow at her. What did he want?

I…he said he was looking for someone but didn’t know their name, she groaned. She had the answers. Then he asked me to dinner.

"Then go to dinner. Geeze, you work