Page 5 of Deep Tide

“Not Harleys or anything. Those bikes the tourists rent with the little bells on the handlebars. Still really annoying, though.”

She stretched her legs out and stared at the water wistfully, and he wondered what she was thinking. He’d been watching her all night as she glided from place to place, directing people and food. And when she wasn’t directing, she was smiling and laughing with wedding guests. Every person in the room seemed to be a long-lost friend. Except for him. He was the odd man out here.

She drained the last of her champagne and sighed. “Well. I should go.”

“Can I buy you a drink?”

She gave him an amused look. “It’s an open bar.” She glanced behind her. “And anyway, I think they’re closing down now.”

“That place isn’t.” Sean nodded down the beach, where colored strobe lights and music emanated from a thatched-roof building. Several of the tourists walking in that direction seemed to be headed there.

Leyla followed his gaze. “That’s Buck’s Beach Club. I think we’re a tad overdressed.” She turned to him with another smile—this one polite. “Anyway, it’s midnight.”

“Bedtime?”

“Yes.”

He stood and offered her a hand getting up.

“Nice talking to you, Sean.” She leaned over to scoop up her sandals and—by some miracle of fashion—managed not to spill out of her dress.

He retrieved the champagne glass and handed it to her. “Sure you wouldn’t like to have a drink with me?”

She gazed up at him. “Anyone ever tell you you’re very persistent?”

“Yes.”

She looked down the beach, and he could see there was some kind of debate going on in her head. Leyla Breda was smart, and she probably knew exactly what he’d been thinking about when he walked over here. And he was still thinking it, but he’d also enjoyed talking to her.

A lock of hair blew against her cheek and she peeled it away. “Do you like coffee?” She turned to face him.

“Sure.”

“I can meet you for a latte tomorrow.”

He kept his expression blank, even though she was clearly putting him in the friend zone. He couldn’t remember the last time that had happened, but it had definitely been a while.

She watched his reaction, and he knew this was a test.

“Sounds great. Where?”

Surprise flickered across her face, but then it was gone.

“You’re new in town. Have you been to the Island Beanery? It’s—”

“The place on the beach with the flower boxes.”

Her eyebrows arched. “You’ve tried it?”

“I saw it on my drive in. It’s just down from the condo I’m renting.”

She nodded. “I’ll meet you there at noon.” She started to walk away.

“Wait. You want to trade numbers in case you need to change the plan?”

She smiled over her shoulder. “I won’t.”

CHAPTER

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