Page 10 of Hometown Harbor 3

“Yes, that’s one of the reasons I won’t freak out if I have to go to Texas. I’m his baby girl, and he spoils me, although I try not to take advantage of that. I’ll have time to convince him that having my own car is a good idea. It may sound boring, but I’m fairly responsible in that I don’t do stupid things that will impact the wrong people. I don’t drink too much, and I don’t do drugs because I hate losing control.

“I’ll be able to drive to Houston on my own when I visit my dad, which will be a plus. I’m sure my parents are tired of carting me around. If they don’t drive, I fly, and that expense will be no more.”

“You’ll need something safe because otherwise, I’ll worry about you taking the five-hour drive to FSU. I’m confident this long-distance thing will work because I’m committed to it. Not dating other women at school will keep me focused on my studies, which is necessary since I’m a scholarship kid.”

“I looked into Florida State, and they have a nursing school where I can pursue my BSN. That means we’ll be at school together for three years.”

They arrived at Marcus’ house, where Dalton planned to shower. He stepped out of his smelly work clothes and was down to his boxers.

“Care to join me?” Dalton asked.

“I’ll pass, although you don’t make it easy when you walk around like that. There will be plenty of opportunity to get wet while we’re on the river.”

“You can wear your bikini in the shower if you want. It’s not often I come across a sixteen-year-old virgin, and I’ll never pressure you. I thought you were kidding when you told me you hadn’t had sex, but I thought about it, and I think it’s cool. I appreciate a woman with self-control who doesn’t give in to peer pressure.”

“I didn’t set out to be a virgin, but now, I’m glad I saved that piece of myself. It hasn’t hampered my ability to have fun, and I don’t plan to hold out until I’m married. I’m simply waiting for the right opportunity. You are still in the running.”

“Good to hear,” Dalton said with a smile. “Do you want to round up some drinks and snacks? The fridge and cupboard are stacked.”

“I’m on it,” she chirped.

Deenie was wondering how she got so lucky with Dalton. A guy with his looks who didn’t pressure her to hop into bed was like finding a unicorn. Her mother had been right when she told her the right man would come along. All Deenie needed was patience, and it was paying off.

Dalton was in the shower when his phone rang. She looked at the screen, and it was his Uncle Marcus. Deenie hesitated as she thought of what to say to the man who broke her mother’s heart. She heard Dalton singing in the shower, so she knew he wouldn’t walk out for at least a few minutes. Deenie didn’t want him to see her sneaky side, at least not yet.

“Hi, Marcus, this is Deenie. Dalton is in the shower.”

“Deenie, hi. It’s good to see you’re keeping my nephew company. How’s your mom?” he asked.

“She’s great, I guess. I haven’t seen her much because she’s been spending a lot of time with Winston, the painter.” Deenie knew that would bother Marcus, and he deserved to feel a little hurt after what he had done.

“Nathaniel’s friend?” Marcus asked.

“That’s the one, I think. He has blonde hair, and he’s good-looking. He has a Brad Pitt vibe.”

“Oh, good then. Um, yeah, just tell Dalton I called. I assume there are no problems at home.”

“Nope,” Deenie answered. “Everything is great. My mother, Winston, and I were watching the sunset the other morning and commented on what an amazing summer we’re having. It’s too bad you decided not to stay for it.”

“Did your mother meet my replacement at Seascape Realty?” Marcus asked.

“She did, and she appreciated him coming by to let her know you left. He’s been wonderful. Are you coming back this way anytime soon?”

“I have no plans. Work is keeping me very busy here on the Left Coast.”

Deenie hung up and smiled. Marcus must be feeling unimportant because he was easily replaced both personally and professionally in her mother’s life.

Dalton walked out in a towel. He was toned with a wasp waist and no longer smelled like a restaurant kitchen. He came up behind Deenie and kissed her neck, which was her most sensitive area, and he knew it. Her heart flew to the moon.

“Your uncle called, and he wanted to make sure there were no problems with the house. I told him everything is under control,” she said.

“We’d better get out of here before things get out of control. Do you know what I mean?” Dalton asked in a sultry voice.

“I know exactly what you mean. Let me throw on some shorts, and I’ll be good to go.”

“No rush. You can wear only that pink bikini all day, and I’d be happy.”

“Slow your roll, Romeo. Deenie kissed him on the lips and released herself from their embrace.

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