Page 23 of When Morning Comes Around

Some of the tension left his shoulders when she asked, “Are you at a loose end?”

He smiled, relieved. That was probably it – she was right. He shrugged. “I guess I am.”

A flash of something – something that looked like disappointment – crossed her face.

“It’s not just that, though. I…” His mind raced. What could he say? He didn’t want her to think that he’d only offered because he didn’t want to spend the morning sitting at home. “I enjoy hanging out with you.” He swallowed. That was the truth, but he wasn’t sure he should’ve said it.

Some of the tightness in his chest unfurled when she smiled and said, “Awesome! I enjoy hanging out with you, too. We can rescue each other from an otherwise empty morning, thanks.”

He nodded happily. “We can. So, where to?”

She laughed. “I have no freaking idea. I planned to walk up and down Main Street just to see what’s going on. I figured I’d stop into The Boathouse, see how much the place has changed.” She shrugged. “How about you – any suggestions?”

He grinned. “Like I said, I’m the chauffeur – I’ll go wherever you say.”

“How would you feel about a walk on the beach?”

He closed his eyes briefly and regretted it when she added, “Okay, so, scratch that…”

He laughed. “No, I think you misread the look on my face. I was relieved. I’d walk up and down Main Street with you, if you wanted to, but I’d feel much more at home on the beach.”

“Oh, right! Good to know – me too. It always used to be my first stop when I got back to town. I love it down there.”

“Are you ready, then?”

“I am, let’s go.”

As they drove back through town, Dominic couldn’t help second-guessing himself. He didn’t understand why he was going out of his way to spend more time with her. Usually, he took every opportunity he could get to spend time with his brother, Damon. And yet this morning, he’d turned Damon down…

As if she’d been reading his mind, Sadie asked, “Do you see much of your brother?”

“I do. I hang out with him and his lady, Jo, a couple of times a week usually. I think you’ll like her.” He stopped abruptly, realizing that his words might sound as though he intended to introduce the two women. “I mean… she’s friends with Nina and Terry, so I’m sure you’ll get to know her.”

She gave him a puzzled look. “Right, I’m sure I will.”

They fell silent after that, not speaking again until he parked in the little lot above the public beach.

He cut the engine and turned to her. “Are you going to be warm enough? It’s windy out there.”

“I will be if I can get my big coat out of the back.”

He smiled. “Of course, I forgot about that. I was going to offer you my spare jacket from the back seat.”

“Oh.” She glanced over her shoulder. “That would be great, if you don’t mind. It’ll save me rummaging through my trash bags, feeling like a homeless person.”

He chuckled. “I don’t mind, but it’s your call. Mine might be a bit big on you.”

They got out, and he took two jackets from the back seat. He had a habit of taking them off while he was driving, throwing them back there, and then forgetting to take them inside with him. He held them up for Sadie’s inspection. “Take your pick.”

She took the red buffalo plaid fleece jacket with a smile, leaving him his favorite black one.

“Is this okay?” she asked.

He chuckled. “It’s the one I was hoping you’d choose – I like this one better.”

She smiled back at him. “Phew! I feel like I finally got something right.”

He gave her a puzzled look. “I don’t feel like you’ve gotten anything wrong.”

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