Page 57 of Somewhere You Belong

“That’s not what Penn said.” Parker pops a fry into his mouth.

I slam the towel down onto the bar this time, scrubbing furiously at the same spot. “Penn doesn’t know what he’s talking about. In fact, the last time Willow and I spoke was rather pleasant.”

“Oh, she has a name.”

I glare at him for a second. “Most people do.”

Parker squints at me. “Andpleasant? Where hell did that word come from?” Then he shakes his head and takes another bite from his burger, mumbling around his food. “Nope, I think Penn’s right. This woman has you rattled. Your vocabulary is even changing.”

“Fuck. You.”

“Seems I walked in on a good conversation.” Grady Reynolds, Astrid’s brother, takes a seat right next to Parker.

“And if you still want your lunch, you’ll stay out of it,” I reply, grabbing his burger that’s already waiting for him under the heat lamps in the kitchen window.

Every Thursday, Parker and Grady come by for lunch before the restaurant opens to the public. I know what it’s like to own your own business and need a break from time to time. That’s why I hired Brian, my other manager, a few years ago, so I could get abreak now and again and not burn myself out. And when my father fell ill, I was even more grateful that I had time to step up for my family when I had to.

Parker doesn’t own the vet’s office outright, but he practically runs the place by himself. The owner, Richard O’Neil, is semi-retired, only working three days a week while my brother serves the town and their pets at all hours. But from what it sounds like lately, he needs some help and another doctor.

Grady moved back to Carrington Cove shortly before Brandon, Astrid’s husband, died almost four years ago. Before that, he was the classic small-town celebrity, leaving our coastal town for California to play professional baseball. Everyone kept tabs on him and cheered him on throughout his days as one of the top pitchers in the MLB. But when an injury ended his career, he reluctantly came back home to start the next phase of his life. No one will come right out and tell him, but he’s been a bit of a grump ever since he moved back.

Luckily for him, the owner of the auto repair garage he worked at as a teenager was looking to sell at the time, so he took over an already established shop and clientele to pursue another passion of his. His former celebrity status obviously helps his business, but he’s also made a name for himself with custom engine work and reliable service. And all of the single ladies in town just love to ask him to help with their car troubles.

“I need food, so you’re on your own, Parker,” Grady grumbles as he picks up his burger with both hands and nearly devours half of it in one bite.

The guy is intimidatingly large, that I’ll admit.

I wonder if that’s another reason why Penn doesn’t want to pursue his feelings for Astrid? Is he afraidof Grady?

“It’s okay. Penn seems to be keeping me in the loop and I’m sure he’ll tell you soon enough.” Parker motions to me for a refill of his Coke.

Grady wipes his mouth with a napkin. “Oh, if you’re referring to the smoking hot blonde who inherited the Bayshore House, he’s already told me.” He smiles over at me before taking another bite of his burger.

“Jesus Christ.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and move over to the soda machine, refilling Parker’s glass before sliding it back to him. Then, I head for the ice machine, filling the bucket before refilling the steel bar well. “Good to know Penn’s spreading my business around.”

“How are you going to convince her to sell you the house, man?” Grady asks as I grab a box of lemons, slicing them on a cutting board and placing them into smaller steel bins.

I watch my hands, making sure not to slice my fingers off, but also so I can avoid their eyes on me. “I don’t know. We didn’t get off on the right foot, as you know. I’m not sure that there’s much else I can do except try to smooth things over and hope she changes her mind about me.”

But lately, every time we’re near each other, all I want to do is trace every inch of her body with my tongue and make her shut her sarcastic mouth with my own.

I’m fucking losing it.

“Yeah, but there is one thing you could use that I’m sure could persuade her.” His eyes drop down to my crotch and then back up to mine just as I look up.

Perplexed, I say, “Please tell me you’re joking, or that you hit your head before you came in here.”

Parker nearly chokes on his food. “Oh shit.”

Grady shrugs, smugly smiling as he chews. “I’m just saying. Give a girl some good dick, and there’s a lot more she might be open to.”

Parker tilts his head from side to side, as though considering. “The man has a point.”

I jut my chin at him. “That’s rich coming from you, Mr. I’m-swearing-off-women-forever.”

Parker points a finger at me. “You know exactly why I made that call, but you’re not me. And if I didn’t know any better,” he continues, narrowing his eyes at me, “I’d say you’re not keen to the idea because you actuallylikethis woman. At least, that’s what people were saying when you were watching her play darts here the other night.”

Jesus, am I that transparent? Apparently the whole town can tell that I can’t keep my eyes off Willow. Making her the talk of the town certainly won’t convince her to sell me the house.

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