Page 92 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"I'm thinking later could be now."

"I can't leave my guests."

"I know."

"But…"

"There's a but?" he asked hopefully.

She checked her watch. "It's almost time for the eclipse. When it goes dark, anything could happen if you're in the right place at the right time."

"Good point. Then you better get used to me being glued to your side."

"I'm okay with that," she said, sliding a little closer to him.

He wanted to throw his arm around her, but Chelsea and Jake had returned.

"How's business going?" Jake asked Lizzie.

"It's good this week," she replied. "What about you?"

"A little slow. Waiting for the heat to kick up a notch, so we can get more people on the water. But that probably won't be for another month. I have been running some kayaking tours this week. I got two new boats. You guys should try them out—on me, of course."

"Not me. I'm not a lover of boats that require me to work at moving them," Chelsea said with a laugh. "But I'm sure Lizzie will take you up on it."

"Maybe next week if things slow down," she said. "I do like getting out on the water."

"What about you, Justin?"

"I'm leaving Sunday."

"Where are you from?"

"San Francisco."

"Love that city," Jake said. "Well, if you're free tomorrow, let me know. I have some open slots in the afternoon."

"Tomorrow I will be going to my grandparents' vow renewal ceremony."

"Oh, you're Marie's grandson," Jake said. "I didn't know that."

"You know my grandmother?"

"Sure. I took her and Ben on a guided hike last summer when they were here. Those two have more energy than people half their age."

"That's true." His gaze drifted to his grandparents, who were surrounded by their new friends. He'd never had the same ease at fitting into a group. He'd never been all that interested in meeting new people, but his grandparents were perpetually curious about everyone who came into their presence. Sean had been like that, too. He was sadly probably more like his parents, who were only extroverts when it involved their work. He frowned, not wanting to ruin this day by thinking about them at all.

"There's Brodie," Chelsea said, drawing his attention away from his grandparents.

"I want to talk to him, too," Jake said. "I'll catch up with you two later. Nice to meet you, Justin."

"You, too," he said, having a hard time disliking such a friendly guy. But as they left, he heard himself say something he'd never expected to say. "Have you and Jake ever gone out?"

Lizzie looked at him in surprise. "No. We're friends."

"Is he single?"

"Yes. He's very popular with the ladies."

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