Kisses, Family & Hope

Chapter 2

two

New York City

October 30

1:00 a.m.

As the credits began to roll on the modern-day adaptation of Rapunzel, Finn shut down his computer. He’d been curious about Ava’s comparing herself to the princess, and after watching the movie, he could see some similarities between the two.

Both Rapunzel and Ava had been raised in very rigid situations; their dreams and desires buried. And both longed for a life beyond those walls. But the differences came after their rescue. One had surrounded herself with both family and the man who loved her. Whereas the other felt, if she grabbed hold of one, it would jeopardize the other.

What would Ava think if she knew there were also similarities between the Flynn Ryder in the movie and himself? Would she be surprised?

He glanced at the silver coin that was habitually rolling across his knuckles. A memento of just how far he’d come in the last thirty-five years. And just like the man in the movie, Finley Reade had reinvented himself for love, and more than once. But each time he’d thought he was close to having it all, something beyond his control would snatch his happiness.

Somehow, he’d always managed to land on his feet, growing and gaining more than he had the time before. Until Claire. When she’d left him, he’d become a shell of a man, spending most of his time arseholed. Until a recurring dream woke him, giving him the push to change once again.

And while it had taken him a while, he was in a good place. He had two grown sons who were set in careers they both loved. His successful real estate business was in the heart of Manhattan. A penthouse apartment on the Upper East Side belonged to him, as did a home in the suburbs.

He’d thought he had everything a man could want. Except he was alone.

For the longest time, it hadn’t bothered him. If he wanted a date, he could find one. But after meeting Ava, he’d finally realized he was looking for the one to fill the empty space inside.

When he’d met her, it had been under circumstances that, if they’d taken the time to talk, would have been laughable. Because it had happened when his son, Killian, was on a journey to find himself. And that journey had been because he’d wanted to be worthy of a woman’s love. That woman was Emma, Ava’s daughter.

But when they’d met, talking had been the last thing on their minds. Their chemistry had been tangible, and all he’d wanted was to see how she’d look without the royal blue jumpsuit she’d been wearing.

January 1

While Finn waited for his client in the lobby of the building on E. 63rd Street, he tried to picture what she looked like. They’d spoken on the phone twice, and both times, she didn’t mince words, almost to the point of rudeness. Except there was an underlying something that sparked curiosity.

Was she short or tall? Heavy or thin? Did she have light hair or dark? Was she …?

“Finley Reade?”

He turned toward the familiar voice, a ready greeting on his lips, but one look at her and the words flew from his head.

Glossy black hair, alabaster skin, and eyes that were so blue they took his breath. 'Perfect', whispered through his mind. She was perfect.

“You are Finley Reade, aren’t you?” she repeated impatiently.

Finn gave himself a mental shake. “Forgive me. Yes, I’m Finn Reade. You must be Ava King.”

“Tell me about the apartment.”

Her no-nonsense, let’s get down to business attitude had his lips threatening to break into a smile.

“It’s two-bedroom, two bathrooms,” he began, leading her toward the elevator for their ride to the fifteenth floor.

She asked questions, each meant to gain the maximum amount of information in the most succinct way possible. So much so, that by the time they’d stepped off the elevator, he had a good appreciation for her mind and not just her looks.

Ava King moved with purpose, but her movements were graceful. Her scent was spicy with a hint of mystery. And when she talked, he had a hard time looking away from her ruby red lips.

He led her through the apartment and with each step, their movements took on a dance-like quality. Circling around each other, waiting, wondering who would make the first move.

A touch here, a brush there, seduction and foreplay working hand in hand.

“It comes furnished, right?”

The way she was running her hand back and forth along the comforter had Finn’s body tightening.

“That can be discussed,” he murmured, his feet unerringly moving toward her.

“Good,” she purred.

His dreams had come true when she’d ended up in his arms. And he’d discovered the woman under the designer clothes was just as perfect as he’d imagined. But hours later when he’d woken, and she’d been gone, he’d felt used, hurt, and annoyed with himself for crossing that line with a client. He’d then spent months unsuccessfully trying to get her out of his mind.

Except fate had stepped in when he’d arrived in Swan Harbor for Killian and Emma’s engagement party, and she’d walked back into his life. And while she’d behaved nothing like the woman he’d met on New Year’s Day, the connection between them had been just as strong.

During the party, they’d spent the evening dancing around each other. And with their choreography so in sync, each movement had become foreplay for the act to come. The anticipation climbing higher and higher, until they’d returned to the hotel.

He’d given up on her, and opened the balcony doors to enjoy a nightcap when a knock on his hotel room sent his heart racing. And when she’d stepped inside and into his arms, it was as if they were long-time lovers and not strangers.

But once again, she’d slipped out in the early hours of the morning, leaving his arms empty and his mind confused.

Upon returning to New York, his goal was to get her out of his mind; but it wasn’t meant to be. She’d swirled around inside his brain, playing havoc with his sleep and concentration. And when he saw her at Liam’s engagement party, the upper hand had again belonged to her. They’d spent hours between the sheets and when she’d walked out, she’d taken all his rational thoughts.

It had been then he’d met, Captain Jack, Swan Harbor’s resident eccentric, who’d told him to listen to his heart. And while that concept wasn’t a new one to him, every other time it had been him who had been forced to change. If he wanted a future with the lovely Ms. King, would that be necessary again? Or was it possible, this time someone would be willing to change for him?

* * *

New York City

October 30

8:00 a.m.

Ava rolled over and reached for her phone, only because the ringtone told her it was her daughter.

“Hello.”

“Mom?” Emma’s unusually chipper voice came across the line. “Did I wake you?”

“Yes, but that’s okay. I need to get up, anyway.”

“Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine,” Ava hurried to assure her. “Just didn’t sleep well.” Because Finn Reade had starred in her dreams all night – but that wasn’t something Emma needed to know. “Why are you so chipper this early?”

Emma giggled, “An emergency surgery, too much coffee, and sugar from Paula’s cinnamon buns. I’ll probably crash later.”

Which was one thing Ava remembered about Emma’s childhood. She’d fill up on sugar and then suddenly crash.

“Not that I mind,” Ava decided to ask before Emma got side-tracked telling some animal story, “but did you call for a specific reason?”

“Right.” Emma’s voice faded, and she could be heard giving instructions to someone before returning. “You’re still coming to Swan Harbor tomorrow, right?”

Ava hummed in agreement, her sleep-deprived brain sorting through her schedule. “I have an early afternoon flight, why?”

“Do you need to a ride from the airport?”

“No. I reserved a car, since I’m staying a few weeks.”

“About that,” Emma began hesitantly, “why is it you’re staying so long?”

“I thought I told you,” Ava pulled out her excuse, “I’m going to help Becca with her business proposal.”

Which was only partially true. Her daughter didn’t have to know the main reason had to do with Peter Foster, Emma’s father. She hadn’t seen him in thirteen years and knew that he’d changed, but that didn’t mean she trusted him not to cause problems.

At one time, she’d been madly in love with him, and thought he was going to be her Flynn Ryder. But, as she’d told Emma, he’d turned out to be the Gothel in her story. And while she’d tried to put that part of her life behind her, the feelings that went along with the memories weren’t as easy to forget.

Especially when her instant, all-consuming attraction for Finn Reade reminded her of her blind love for Peter. And that had ended badly.

She’d buried herself in work, and her relationship with Emma had practically disappeared. But all that had changed after her health scare. Emma was happy, and they were working on becoming friends as well as mother and daughter. She wouldn’t jeopardize that.

“You’re sure about that?” Emma asked again. “It has nothing to do with dad coming to Swan Harbor?”

“With Peter coming to Swan Harbor?” Ava echoed, working to twist the language as to not outright lie. “Why would that matter?”

Emma was quiet for several minutes, and Ava knew she was trying to decide if she wanted to pursue the topic. “No reason.”

But there was a tone in her voice that said she was nervous about seeing her father again. And that was the reason Ava had arranged her schedule to spend the holidays in Swan Harbor.

“Besides,” Ava reminded Emma, “while you refuse to set a wedding date, Liam and Elsa haven’t. And with Patty …”

Since Elsa’s mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Ava had offered to help wedding plan. She wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but …

“Very subtle,” Emma laughed. “It’s nice you offered.”

“It will give me practice for yours,” Ava muttered tongue-in-cheek.

“Soon,” Emma promised.

“Are you sure about that?” Ava asked before thinking how it would sound.

“Mom! Why would you ask that?”

Ava wanted to bite her tongue, but now that it was out there, she pushed forward.

“You’re not getting cold feet because of your father and me, are you?”

Again, Emma was quiet for so long, Ava almost jumped in to apologize.

“Mom,” Emma sighed. “I’ll admit happily-ever-after wasn’t something I ever considered until I fell for Killian. And sometimes, the thought of marriage is terrifying. But then I see how great Dylan and Molly are, or see how Rupert and Lois are even after fifty years, and I want that. Except lately, I’ve not been thinking of it as a happy ending.”

“No? What do you mean?”

“Finn said something about it being a happy beginning. And you know, I kind of like that.”

“The first day of the rest of your life,” Ava murmured.

“That’s exactly what I said,” Emma laughed. “I guess I know where Killian’s romantic side came from.”

“Finn?” Ava barely squeaked out, hoping Emma didn’t pick up on the breathless way she’d said his name.

“Yes, Finn.” His name hung in the air a few beats. “Speaking of him, you never told me what he said that made you mad at Elsa’s engagement party.”

Ava’s heart raced at the thought of how she’d felt in his arms as they’d danced. And when he’d started seducing her with his words and voice, she’d wanted ….

“Just a silly misunderstanding,” she lied, hoping Emma would drop it. “But I’m looking forward to planning your wedding.”

“And what about you, Mom?” Emma moved the conversation away from setting a wedding date. “Have you found your Flynn Ryder yet?”

Who needs a Flynn when they have a Finn?

“My what?” Ava asked, playing dumb.

Emma chuckled, obviously seeing through her. “Who knows,” she went on. “You’ll be here for a while. Maybe one of the Swan Harbor men will catch your attention. I know Tate thinks …”

“Oh, hush,” Ava forced out. “I’m perfectly fine without a Flynn Ryder.”

“I know that, but Swan Harbor has a way of making you listen to your heart.”

“Right,” Ava tried to blow off the comment. But thankfully, the man she wanted wasn’t going to be in Swan Harbor. If he was, temptation might prove to be too great, and she didn’t want anything to jeopardize Emma’s happiness.

“Trust me, mom,” Emma reiterated. “When your heart speaks, it’s best to listen.”

“I’ll remember that, but don’t worry. My heart is safe.” Except whether she was assuring her daughter or herself, she didn’t know. “I need to get ready. Was there anything else?”

“Actually,” Emma hummed, “any chance you could bring me some cannoli from my favorite Italian Bakery? Molly was craving and I sort of …”

“Bragged about Mike’s,” Ava guessed.

“Maybe, just a little.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Ava promised.

“Okay, that’s it. See you tomorrow.”

“Bye.”

Once the call was disconnected, Ava couldn’t stop the feelings of happiness that bubbled up inside. She might not be willing to take a chance on what she was feeling for Finn, but that didn’t mean her life wasn’t better than she could ever remember.

But what if?

Except she refused to completely allow those thoughts to form. Right now, Emma was her priority. It wasn’t time for her to have it all.

* * *

New York City

October 30

5:00 p.m.

Finn strolled into his office after his last showing, his thoughts already filtering through everything he needed to go over with Kim before he could leave.

“That’s good to hear, Mrs. Connor.” Kim rolled her eyes as he shut the door behind him. “Yes. I’ve written everything down.”

“Mail?” Finn mouthed, while the person on the other end was talking.

“On your desk,” Kim mouthed back.

He nodded, and after grabbing a cup a coffee, slid into his desk chair, and leaned back. It had been a long day on too little sleep, and now that he’d stopped, the fatigue was catching up with him.

“You look tired.” Kim tossed the notes from Mrs. Connor on his desk. “Late night?

“No.” Finn forced his eyes open. “Didn’t sleep much.”

“Anything I can do?”

Finn groaned, “I wish.” He waved his hand over the pile of mail on his desk. “There’s much to be done before I leave.”

Kim studied him, but Finn knew she wouldn’t be able to pick up anything in his expression. He was too good at hiding his thoughts.

“If you’re sure.”

“I am. How’s Ross?” he asked, knowing it would get her off topic of why he was tired.

“He’s good.” The dreamy smile that appeared when she spoke of Ross blossomed on her face. “We’re going to the Catskills for the weekend.”

“Sounds wonderful,” he murmured, his thoughts on how nice it would be if Ava would go away with him. “I’ll let Liam know his matchmaking abilities are still spot on.”

She laughed and shook her head, “It took your son long enough to realize how he felt about Elsa. But his matchmaking skills are quite good.”

“That they are,” Finn agreed. And then he glanced at the pile of messages on his desk. “Let me take care of these, and then I’ll let you know what needs to be done while I’m gone.”

“Sounds good.”

As soon as she’d left, he sorted his messages and returned a few phone calls. While he was listening to a rundown from Owen, one of his younger agents, he casually sorted the mail on his desk.

A white linen envelope caught his attention, and something about it caused his radar to fire. As soon as he’d gotten rid of Owen, he grabbed a pen and flipped it over to see only his name but no return address.

“b****y hell.”

Then he stopped, and something had him carefully examining his desk. His computer had been moved, pushed to the left a little more than normal. The cup he kept his pencils and pens in was closer to the edge than it had been. And the pile of folders he’d reviewed earlier in the day had been rearranged.

“Kim,” he bellowed, pushing up to rush into the other room. “Who’s been in my office?”

“What?” She looked up from where she’d been typing out a contract. “Someone was in your office?”

“Yes,” he snapped impatiently, even knowing he must sound like a nutter. But after the situation with Santora, he'd realized you could never be too careful.

“Uh-uh,” she frowned. “Since your meeting with the young Realtors this morning, just the cleaning guy.”

Finn tilted his head in concentration, “Do they usually come in the early afternoon?”

“N-N-No,” she stammered.

“Call and find out who was in today.” But when he noticed the stricken look on her face, he softened. “Please.”

“Sure, Finn.”

While she was making the call, he went back into his office and looked over the entire space.

He was anal about his belongings and as he looked, he could tell the pictures on the bookshelf had been rearranged. A pile of reports had been switched with a pile of flyers, and two of his marketing books had been moved.

“Finn?” Kim stepped into his office and by the look on her face, he knew he wasn’t going to like what she had to say.

“What did you find out?” he asked, bracing for the worst.

She winced, “Housekeeping said they haven’t sent anyone to our floor yet.”

“b****y hell!”

“Yeah,” she agreed. “Do I need to call the police?”

Should he call Killian’s old Captain? Or Killian?

But what if he was wrong? What if he was just tired and imagining things had been moved?

Do you really believe that?

“No.” He touched Kim’s shoulder apologetically. “Nothing was taken that I can tell. Did you see the person you thought was housekeeping?”

“In passing,” she told him, “They were coming in as I was leaving for lunch. Male, twenty something.”

“And you didn’t think anything was out of place, when you didn’t recognize them?”

Kim arched a brow as if to say, ‘really’? “Housekeeping changes staff like I change shoes, Finn.”

“Right. Alright, thanks.” He took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, but I’m just a little jumpy after everything with the man from Killian’s past.”

While she didn’t know the entire story, she’d heard pieces of it from Liam.

“I get that. Let me know if I need to do anything.”

“I will.”

He sat again and picked up the linen envelope, Finley Reade written on the outside. There was a single piece of paper inside, made of the same linen, and folded a single time. Finn slowly unfolded the paper. In block letters, he read,

WHERE IS IT? WE KNOW YOU HAVE IT.

“What the b****y hell?” he mumbled, tugging the ever-present silver coin from his pocket, sending it rolling back and forth over his knuckles.