Page 31 of Passions & Peonies

I check the time on my phone. “It’s five thirty.”

“I’m not going out looking like this.” She looks me up and down. “And neither are you.”

I glance at myself in the mirror. She’s right. My hair is all over the place, and my smeared mascara makes me look like a football player. I probably stink too. Thankfully, I’m not cherry-red anymore.

“So let’s hope they’re still at the marina when we’re ready, since you won’t send him a message. If he’s there, then it’s meant to be. Just don’t be disappointed if he’s not or they can’t go out.”

No promises there.

I hate it that I’m nervous and my confidence is lacking. My palms are sweaty, and I have butterflies in my stomach. Sky told me to wear my black tank dress with black strappy sandals. Casual yet fun.

I slow down as we approach the office.

“No second thoughts! Let’s go.” Sky urges me forward. “It’s now or never. He’s going to light up like a firefly when you walk through the door. Guys only light up like that for me when they see my boobs.”

I hip-check her because she’s so ridiculous about her boobs. “Give me a break. And, no he won’t. He’s probably not even there.” Just as I say this, the door opens and Josh walks out.

“Hey, beautiful ladies. Whatcha up to?”

“I came by to give Will his sweatshirt. He let me borrow it on the plane.”

“Oh, yeah. He mentioned that the other day. He’s in the office. We’re just about to close up. Go on in. I’ll be right back. Want to come with me, Sky?”

“Um. Sure.” They disappear into some sort of boat garage.

I knock on the door and then walk in. A bell rings overhead, and I cringe. Nothing like announcing I’m here.

“That was qui—” Will walks out of a room pulling a white polo shirt over his head. His abs flex with every movement. My mouth waters. He’s so gorgeous. Once it’s on, he does a double take and his face lights up, just like Sky said it would. “Lacey! Sorry about that.”

“I’m not. That was a mighty fine view. Here’s one sweatshirt and one 30 SPF lip balm.” I lay the sweatshirt on the counter and secure the tube on it so it doesn’t roll away. “I thought I’d drop it off… see if someone lost it the other day.”

He walks around the counter and approaches me. “I think I know whose they are. You look beautiful as always.” He cups my face with such care and teases my lips with his. “I’ve been thinking about you. It feels like a week since I saw you last.”

And just like that, all my worries melt away.

I rest my hands on his hips. “That’s nice to hear. I’ve been thinking about you too. I had such a great time on Monday.”

“So did I. Especially our private swim.” He winks at me.

“Behave.”

He lays his hand on the small of my back and urges me forward. “Let’s go to my office.”

“I hope we aren’t interrupting anything. Josh said you were closing up for the night.”

“Oh, Sky’s here too?”

“She went off with Josh somewhere.”

“They’ll be back in a minute. Let me send this last email.” He pulls a chair over to his desk. “Take a seat.”

“Sure.”

I like the way he dresses. Nothing special—just basic cargo pants that emphasize his sexy ass, a polo shirt with the Twin Anchors logo on the chest, and tennis sneakers without socks. He can dress casually like this every day. What a life. When he’s in this office, he radiates confidence and professionalism. It’s attractive that someone his age has such a successful business. It sounds successful, anyway. Looks that way too.

My eyes roam around his office. His desk is neatly organized—laptop, pen holder, stickies, golden anchor paperweight, some colored files, and of course, lip balm and sunscreen. This makes me happy, because I’m the same way. I have to be on top of things at all times with my job. Jocelyn would fire me if I weren’t.

Hmm.I haven’t even thought about work or home or the snow. Should I feel bad that I don’t miss any of that?

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