Page 41 of Starlight Bay

“Thanks, Beth, very helpful.”

“No prob. I’m here for you. Should I wait up tonight?” Bethany cocked a brow over her glasses and Lana’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink.

“No. I’ll text when I’m on my way home.”

“Got it. Have fun, kids!”

With that, we were dismissed, Bethany returning to her book.

“Be right back,” Lana said, dashing out of the room. A few seconds later, she came back with a jean jacket and purse and we headed out.

“Well, that’s Bethany at her finest.” Lana smiled. “Thought it’d be best to get the formal introduction out of the way. It never gets any easier with her, I swear.”

I chuckled. “She’s fine. Very knowledgeable about lobster.”

“That she is. And everything else, too, just in case you were wondering.” I laughed, opening the car door for her. Our fingertips brushed and electricity jolted through me. Thank goodness I’d arranged a sleepover for Hudson tonight because I wanted Lana—in every sense of the word—all to myself.

“I hope the Boathouse works for you,” I said, sliding into the cool leather seat.

She nodded. “That’s perfect. It’s a great spot, right on the water. You’ll love it.”

“Good.”

Lana chatted the entire drive, pointing out all the Starlight Bay landmarks we passed. She seemed perfectly at ease, her hands fluttering around her as she told me a funny story, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. She was spectacular, and I could hardly keep my eyes off her.

Less than ten minutes later, I pulled into the circular drive of the Boathouse and gave the car to the valet. Resting a hand on the small of Lana’s back, we walked into the building with its tall ceilings and wood plank walls.

“Right this way, Mr. Thomas.” We followed behind the maître d, past the long wooden bar, through the main room, and exited out the huge floor-to-ceiling doors onto the boardwalk. At the end of the dock was our table, adorned with a white tablecloth, a flickering lantern, and gold place settings.

“Oh, Grant, this is lovely,” Lana said, beaming at me.

“And you’re just in time for sunset.” The maître d pointed at the horizon, the bright orange sun beginning to sink down into the ocean. Pulling a chair out for Lana, he offered her a napkin, then handed me the wine and cocktail list.

“Wine?” I asked Lana, browsing the menu.

“Sure. You pick.”

I selected a Chardonnay, then the maître d left us alone on the dock. Lana reached across the table, linking her fingers with mine.

“Thanks for arranging this. I’ve lived in Starlight Bay practically my whole life, but never ate out here. It’s beautiful.”

Not half as beautiful as you. The thought popped into my head, but I felt way too corny saying it. Instead I settled for, “I’m glad the weather is good.”

Really, Grant, the weather? You’re dining alfresco with a gorgeous girl and all you can think to say is a comment about the weather?

“You’re lucky you moved here now. Summer is our best season. Have you been to the lighthouse yet? I have to take you and Hudson there, but only on a clear day. You can see the Vineyard from up there.”

“That’s great,” I said, taking a sip of water, trying to wet my dry throat. This woman had me all twisted up inside, and it wasn’t a feeling I was accustomed to. I must bewayout of practice.

“The wine, sir.” A server appeared with the wine, opening the bottle, pouring out the tiny sip, offering it to me. I swirled and gave the go-ahead, then he poured the wine and vanished.

“Are you going with Bethany’s suggestion?” Lana asked, glancing over the menu.

“The full lobster dinner? Sounds messy.” I took another sip of the wine, hoping it would tamp down my overactive nervous system.

“Oh, it is. But it’s delicious.” She shot me an impish grin.

“I don’t know, what about you?”

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