Page 47 of The Cottage on Pelican Bay

“That’s broccoli and cheese today. I’ll let your waitress know.”

When he turned to walk off, she called out to him. “Levi?”

He turned around. “Yes, Margie?”

“I’d like to invite you over for dinner on Sunday.” And not wanting him to think she was being too forward, she added, “To thank you for getting that collar for Butterball.”

He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Your dad thanked me and that was all the thanks I needed. To be quite honest, he really didn’t have to. Like I said, he would help me out when he let me cut your parents’ yard as a kid. He knew how much I needed the money.”

That was something else her father had told her. Levi’s father had been an alcoholic. His parents barely got by because of the money his father used to buy booze instead of taking care of his family. The man had died when Levi had been fourteen, and he and his mother had to move in with his paternal grandparents.

“Does that mean you won’t be coming to dinner?” she asked, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

“No, it doesn’t mean that at all. I would love to come, and I appreciate the invite. I just don’t want you to think you owe me a meal because of that cat collar.”

She smiled. “Would it help matters if I said I’d like to invite you because I think you’re a nice person?”

“Yes, and I’m looking forward to it. What time do you want me there?”

“What about around three? Dad likes to eat not long after he gets home from church.”

“Three will be fine. Do you need me to bring anything?”

“No. Are you allergic to any foods?”

“None that I know of.”

“Great! I’ll see you Sunday at three.”

Levi turned to walk off, then turned back to say, “Again, thanks for the dinner invitation, and I’m glad you decided to dine at the Green Fig today. I hope it’s not your last time.”

“It won’t be,” she replied.

Levi held her gaze for a long moment as if what she’d said had a double meaning for him. He gave her a smile that warmed her insides, before nodding and walking away.

20

Zara had slipped between the bedsheets when her cell phone rang. She recognized the ringtone. It was Saint. “Hello.”

“Hello, Zara. You won’t have to worry about Samantha confronting you about me again.”

A part of her wondered what he’d said to Samantha. Then another part didn’t want to know. He was a problem solver. It was his problem and he’d handled it. “Thanks.”

“And just so you know, I also talked with my mom.”

She raised a brow. “Your mom?”

“Yes. I figured Samantha had gotten some of her ideas and assumptions from her.”

Zara released a deep sigh. “You did say on more than one occasion that your mother wanted grandkids, and she was sending single women your way. I can understand her wanting you to be involved with someone in a more serious way, Saint. Like everyone else, she knows I’m only in town temporarily.”

“Like I told her again tonight. The choice of the woman I want to be involved with is not hers to make. It’s mine.” He paused a moment and then asked, “We’re still on for lunch tomorrow, right?”

“Yes, we’re still on.”

“I have a meeting at ten, but it should be over around noon. You pick the place and I’ll meet you there.”

“Umm, what about Andrew’s?” she suggested. “I heard it’s getting good reviews.”

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