Beautiful Music

By Lisa DeVore

Jena Shea's structured life as an attorney is shattered when she receives word her sister has been lost at sea. She leaves her Ohio home for Florida to look after her orphaned niece. Complications arise when she is forced to deal with Chase Reiss, the man who broke her heart a decade ago.

Chase plans on raising his brother's daughter, and Jena plans to return home with her niece. He suggests a compromise, but can she let the past go? Chase never stopped loving Jena, but she wants nothing to do with his rock star lifestyle. When a stalker threatens, Chase will do whatever it takes to protect her and his niece.

As danger draws closer, Jena finds security in Chase's arms, but the threats escalate. Time is running out, and Jena has to make a decision that might mean losing him forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Jul 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781628302578

Lisa DeVore

Lisa DeVore has always dreamed of being a published author since she wrote her first "book" at age eleven. Living in her NE Ohio town, with its own castle, led to an active imagination. She splits her time between family, writing, and utilizing her accounting degree. She's an avid reader, loves dolphins, the beach, and hearing from her readers on Facebook or Twitter. Lisa is married to her best friend, and they have two sons and a daughter.

Book preview

Inc.

Beautiful Music

by

Lisa DeVore

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Beautiful Music

COPYRIGHT © 2014 by Lisa DeVore

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Tina Lynn Stout

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Crimson Rose Edition, 2014

Print ISBN 978-1-62830-256-1

Digital ISBN 978-1-62830-257-8

Published in the United States of America

Praise for BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

Lisa DeVore is a great new voice in romantic suspense!

~Jules Bennett, author

Dedication

With love to my mom, my husband, and my kids

for believing in me

when I didn't always believe in myself.

To my cheerleaders, Jules Bennett and Sarah Anderson

for all the advice, handholding and encouragement.

A huge thank you to my editor, Ally Robertson.

You are amazing!

And always in my heart, my Dad, my first hero.

I wish you were here....

Chapter One

Jena, a package just arrived for you.

Jena Shea looked up from the case file she was studying to see her assistant, Lauren, walking toward her with a small package wrapped in brown paper.

Thanks. Jena accepted the box and turned it from side to side. There’s no return address. I wonder who it’s from.

You could open it, Lauren suggested with a laugh.

I could, couldn’t I? Jena quickly ripped the paper off the box. She attempted to lift the lid, but found it taped shut. She grabbed her letter opener, sliced the tape, and removed the tissue paper.

She pulled a beautiful silver frame from the box. Tears filled her eyes as she saw the faces of her sister and niece staring back at her.

That’s your sister? Lauren had moved behind her and spoke from over her shoulder.

Yes, and my niece, Jena expressed with pride. Her sister had been a surrogate mother to her after their parents died in a car accident when Jena was ten.

There’s a card in the box.

Jena opened the envelope and pulled out the card. The front read, Congratulations! Loneliness washed over her. Jasmine and Andrea were her only family. She had lost so much time with them; especially Andrea. She could barely focus on the writing through her tears.

My Dearest Jena,

Andrea and I are so proud of you! Becoming junior partner at such a young age is quite an accomplishment. I have sent the picture to remind you what we look like. All work and no play makes for a dull sister. Looking forward to our visit next week.

Love, Jasmine

Jasmine’s congratulating me on my promotion, Jena explained as a smile mingled with the tears. She situated the picture front and center on her desk. She stared at it for a moment and used her palm to wipe a tear from her cheek.

You’ll see them both next week, Lauren reminded her.

I wish they were coming here instead. Jena dreaded the trip. Her mind flitted back to a relationship gone wrong, and the all-too-familiar nausea seized her stomach.

I believe you’re the only person who would complain about a vacation to sunny Florida from the Ohio Snow Belt, Lauren laughed.

Jena wrinkled her nose and shrugged. Too many memories and not all pleasant.

You want to talk about it?

Lauren had become her friend in addition to her employee. They shared their joys and their sorrows; however, he was off limits. I’ve tried that. Doesn’t help.

On that note, do you need anything else done before I take off?

Thank God she knew when to let a subject drop. No. Go on home. I’m just going to finish this up before I leave.

You spend too much time alone. Why don’t you ask Todd to dinner? He has a thing for you.

Don’t start playing matchmaker. I don’t have time for relationships. Jena’s muscles tensed with the mention of the subject. She rolled her neck from side to side.

Blah, blah, blah. All right, I’m going home.

Jena leaned back in her leather chair as Lauren shut the door behind her with a thud. Her gaze rested on her sister and niece in the picture. Their matching blonde manes shimmered in the Florida sunlight. Something had made them laugh, and Jena caught herself smiling back at them. Her smile faded as a thought occurred. Had he taken the photo? Was it him that made them laugh?

No! she exhaled sharply. I won’t go there. He’s in their lives and I can’t change that. She rubbed her temples, released the breath she was holding, and opened the file. Work was the best distraction.

Seconds passed before her office door swinging open interrupted her.

Knock, knock, Todd Richards, a colleague in the law firm, announced with a huge grin. He moved toward her desk with a large, overflowing vase of roses.

What do you have there? I know. You’ve come to show off your loot from another secret admirer. Jena smiled broadly.

They are for you, my gorgeous colleague. He executed an exaggerated eighteenth century bow.

I’m impressed. You didn’t spill a drop. She paused as his statement sank in. Who would send me flowers?

Silly woman, me of course.

You? Why would Todd bring her flowers? She was silently praying he wasn’t going to ask her out on another date.

He placed the vase on the corner of her desk. What? You don’t like them?

Jena didn’t want to hurt his feelings. They’re beautiful, but what did I do to deserve such an ostentatious arrangement? Jena immediately regretted the question. She bit down on her lower lip as she waited for the answer.

He sat on the leather chair in front of her desk and leaned back casually. You know that case you’ve been helping me with?

I’ve helped you with a couple. Her nervousness quickly changed to annoyance with the make yourself at home attitude. Jena blatantly looked at her watch. She really wanted to get out of here.

The pharmaceutical company, he answered, oblivious to her impatience.

Yes?

We won, he said with a wide grin. I couldn’t have done it without you, so I thought it warranted some flowers.

In lieu of my cut? Relief washed over her. He was thanking her for her help. She could enjoy the moment since she knew he wasn’t expecting something in return.

No, you will still get that, but I’d like to add dinner to the flower arrangement.

She inwardly groaned. The gift of flowers without the strings attached was too good to be true. She tried not to let her irritation show. Mmmm, can’t tonight. She shook her head. I have to finish this file, but thanks for the offer. He was a nice guy, and she did have to work with him.

You work too hard, although I love that about you. Forget that tonight. He motioned toward the file on her desk. Let’s celebrate.

Really, Todd, I appreciate the gesture, but I can’t. I have to get this done. Some other time, okay? Why had she added some other time? That would only encourage him. She swallowed another groan.

Todd’s smile melted into a frown. Biting her tongue seemed like the only option at this point. If she didn’t she would be sitting at a table for two, complete with candlelight. She looked down and rearranged her file to fill the awkward silence.

Okay, some other time then.

Jena tried to ignore the disappointment in his voice and the drooping of his shoulders as he came around her side of the desk. What was he doing?

He leaned down and softly kissed her on the forehead. Stiffening with the contact, she pushed her chair away from her desk and stood.

Don’t be here too late by yourself, Jena. You know I worry about you.

She ignored the comment. Thanks again for the flowers. They brighten the office. She smiled at him, but silently wished he would just leave.

Sure, he said, You earned them. He lingered for a few seconds, See you tomorrow, Jena.

See you tomorrow, she repeated with an enthusiasm she wasn’t feeling. Jena wanted to race for the door and open it for him—anything to make his exit quicker. Instead, she stood behind her desk as Todd walked out closing the door behind him. She exhaled with relief and ran her hands over her face. He was becoming pushy and she didn’t like being backed into a corner.

Her feelings quickly turned to the uncomfortable; creepy skin-crawling uncomfortable. Why wouldn’t he let this go? She told him numerous times she wasn’t interested in a relationship. All she could offer him was friendship. Obviously, attending company functions with him would have to stop. He was getting the wrong idea.

How was she going to fix this? He could be the most perfect human on the planet and she would pass. She had her reasons. Besides, work relationships were taboo. Didn’t everyone know that?

With jumbled nerves, Jena walked over to the flowers and absently inhaled the calming aroma. They smelled so sweet. She closed her eyes and inhaled once more, breathing slowly. The phone rang and she jumped. Geez, will you calm down?

Hello, Jena Shea, she answered in her professional voice.

Ms. Shea, this is Sheriff’s Deputy Hernandez from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. I’m sorry to inform you your sister, Jasmine Reiss, has been in an accident.

An accident? What-what kind of an accident? Is she okay? Her heart thudded as she waited for his response. Please be okay, please be okay, please… Why wasn’t he saying anything?

I’m afraid not, ma’am. There was an accident at sea…we’ve been unable to recover any remains. I’m sorry. She’s presumed dead.

She dropped the vase and was only vaguely aware of glass shattering around her. She couldn’t breathe. Dear God, this couldn’t be happening. The phone slipped from her hand and landed with a thud on her desk. She could still hear the distant voice of the Sheriff as she leaned against the desk for support. Her body trembled. She covered her face with her hands and sobbed. No! No! Please, God, not my sister. Please!

Chapter Two

Why did it always rain on days like these? As if the heavens were crying, too.

Jena supposed the gloom of the day was fitting. The enormous clouds hung low and menacing to the ground. The winds coming off the ocean howled as they wrapped around the little church. Her eyes had opened early this morning to the sound of the rain pelting against her bedroom window. She hadn’t slept. She went through the motions. Her puffy eyes were the collateral damage.

Jena and Andrea had been standing at the entrance of the little ocean side church for what seemed like hours, while people filed by them offering words of sympathy as they left the service. They had shaken their last hand when Jena turned her attention to the front of the church and saw Andrea’s uncle, Chase Reiss. She watched as he lifted Jasmine’s picture from the table and held it in hands. After several moments, he replaced the picture and headed toward them.

Jena’s heart pounded harder with every step he took in her direction. Her hands trembled and she was holding her breath. She made a conscious effort to exhale as she folded her hands tightly in front of her. Seeing him brought back all the memories she buried…or thought she did. She never grieved the end of their relationship. She knew that. The irony was not lost on her. She would be grieving two deaths on this visit. There was no way around it.

The memories of happier times flooded her mind. They had been happy until…

She forced herself to replace those memories with the way his back looked as he walked away from her, how he never explained why he stopped loving her, the humiliation, the dark lonely nights, her heart breaking into a million pieces, and hiding the tears from her family. Yes, she needed to remember those things.

He knelt down and hugged their eight year-old niece. Hey, kiddo, you know your mom’s right here? He placed a hand over his heart. She will always be with us.

Oh, don’t worry, Uncle Chase, she’ll be back. Andrea took off skipping down the church aisle.

Her niece’s statement worried Jena. Andrea was taking the death of her mother with an ease that bordered denial. By the look on Chase’s face he was thinking the same thing, but he managed a small smile in her direction.

Chase embraced her and spoke softly in her ear, I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry sounds lame.

Jena, uncomfortable with the contact, pulled away first. It’s okay, Chase. There really is nothing to say. She focused her attention on Andrea, avoiding his gaze. She would not allow herself to have any expectations where he was involved. That ship sailed.

Maybe if she got the niceties over with he would leave. She gathered her courage, met his eyes, and broke the silence. Thank you for being here. No one understands better than you what I’m going through.

He nodded, but stayed put.

Jena’s eyes wandered to the front of the church, resting on the picture of her sister. A candle flickered beside it, a candle that would soon be snuffed out like the life of her sister. Jena swallowed hard and took a deep breath. She didn’t want to cry again, but how could she not?

She couldn’t believe she was gone; couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact she would never see her again, hear her voice, or her laughter. Picking up the phone and calling her was no longer an option. How could this have happened? A boating accident with a boyfriend Jena never met. None of it seemed real.

Her niece continued to skip up and down the aisle with seemingly not a care in the world. Did she accept this because this was normal to her? Her father, Dr. Collin Reiss, had died in a car accident when Andrea was three. She barely remembered him. Chase had stepped into his brother’s shoes and been the father figure to Andrea.

Jena?

His voice brought her back to the present. I’m sorry. I guess we should be going. An overwhelming sadness washed over her. Leaving this church, leaving the picture of her sister behind meant Jasmine’s life was over. How could she turn her back and walk away? Closing her eyes she took another deep breath; an attempt to hold back the sobs that were forming.

Chase moved closer and fixed his eyes on hers. He caressed her cheek softly with the back of his hand. Jena stepped back immediately.

What? he spoke softly.

She sniffed and pulled a tissue from her purse. We should be getting back to the house. I need to be there to greet everyone… her voice trailed off.

You’re not alone in this.

I know. I have Andrea…and Mrs. R. She couldn’t look him in the eyes. His eyes had always been her undoing. He could reach her soul with only one look.

Let me help. She was my sister-in-law. Andrea’s my niece.

Of course, she sniffed as she dabbed her eyes. What was she thinking? He was offering to be there for her? His concern was for Andrea. She understood.

Andrea came bounding up to her. Aunt Jen, can we go now?

Her niece appeared totally unaffected while she could hardly contain the panic that was growing stronger by the second. At thirty-one, she had lost her parents, her brother-in-law, and now her sister…and gained full time responsibility of an eight year-old child. And she was face to face with the only man she ever loved; the man that turned her away.

Aunt Jen? Andrea whined.

I’ll follow you, Chase promised.

Jena’s nod was her only reply. She didn’t dare open her mouth. If she did, she would scream. She was smothering under all the demands and expectations. Jena concentrated on suppressing the panic. She was going to raise Jasmine’s daughter just as Jasmine had raised her. She was a Shea, and they lived up to their responsibilities.

She took Andrea’s hand and led her to the car. Her head was starting to pound. The sooner she could get through this, the sooner she could take Andrea back to Ohio and resume her life.

With Andrea nodding off in the backseat, the ride to her sister’s house gave her plenty of time to think. Her memories became a movie in her mind, drifting to the night her parents died, her sister taking charge, raising her, sacrificing for her… Jasmine put her through law school. When she met Collin on vacation and moved to Florida Jena supported the decision. Yes, the move was out of character for Jasmine, but Jena didn’t question her. She deserved happiness and Collin was a great guy. Jena smiled as she thought of him. Then she had met Chase. Jena sighed. No happy ending there.

Pulling in the driveway, Jena nudged Andrea. Wake up, honey, we’re here.

Andrea yawned and climbed out of the car, holding her stuffed teddy bear closely. Jena followed her to the back of the house and into the kitchen. Food trays, casserole dishes, and desserts covered every available space. Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper, was busily removing tin foil and plastic wrap as Andrea inspected the cookies.

Can I help with anything, Mrs. R.? Jena asked hopefully. Maybe she could hide out in the kitchen.

I have everything ready. We only need to move it to the tables. Are you all right, dear?

I’m holding up, thanks. Exhaling deeply she tossed her purse on the counter. And thank you for doing all of this. I don’t know how I’d cope without you.

She gave Jena a quick hug. We all have our way of dealing with grief, and this is mine. Andrea, make yourself a plate, dear. My great-niece is in the living room waiting for you.

Noel’s here? Andrea’s excitement was evident, but she remembered her manners. May I go, Aunt Jen?

Sure, go on. Make sure you eat something.

Andrea was through the door before Jena turned her attention back to Mrs. R. You know, she’s as cool as a cucumber and I’m falling apart. I’m supposed to be taking care of her.

None of that now. You’re doing fine. That girl is lucky to have you and Chase.

With the mention of his name, Jena flinched. Had the housekeeper noticed?

By the way, where is Chase? Mrs. R. questioned with hands on hips.

I don’t know. He said he was following us. She cleared her throat. The heat of embarrassment crept up her neck and into her face. Hoping to gain composure, she turned her back and filled a glass with water.

I’m sure you’ll feel better, dear, once he gets here. Mrs. R. walked over to the kitchen window and peered out. Jena heard her say under her breath, Where is that boy? He needs to be here for you.

Jena’s temper rose as she became defensive. She took a deep breath, considering her words before speaking. Mrs. R. was more than a housekeeper. She was family to Andrea and Jasmine, and Jena didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Mrs. R., Chase is Andrea’s uncle and is welcome to be here for her. He is nothing to me. I don’t know why you would think otherwise.

Jena grabbed two covered dishes before she bolted for the living room. Why must everyone assume she needed Chase Reiss? She hadn’t needed him for ten years and she sure as hell wasn’t going to start now.

Chapter Three

Chase took the scenic route to Jasmine’s house in an attempt to gather some self-control. He wanted to kiss away the tears, hold her in his arms and tell her how wrong he had been. He was desperate to explain why he walked away all those years ago. When he saw her in the church he had to force himself to keep quiet about the past. This wasn’t the time. Oh, she was polite, but he knew she wished he would disappear.

Chase turned the radio on in an attempt to distract himself from his thoughts. Great, just what he needed to hear, a sappy love song. Shutting the radio off in disgust, he let his thoughts drift again. He would wait, but he would make her understand why he ended their relationship. He wanted a second chance and he wouldn’t stop until he got just that.

He rolled to a stop in front of the house and shut the motor off, watching people enter through the front door. He knew his presence wouldn’t be appreciated, but this is where he needed to be. Well, no putting it off, Dude, he said aloud, opening the truck door with a confidence he wasn’t feeling. He decided to use the back entrance, maybe talk