Page 43 of When Morning Comes Around

“Hi. What can I get you?”

The girl behind the counter greeted her with a friendly smile, bringing her back to the moment. She ordered a coffee and a pastry and went to sit in one of the booths. She felt like afool – probably because she was a fool. She didn’t know what Dominic’s game was, but she had no intention of playing it.

~ ~ ~

When Dominic got to work on Wednesday night, Taryn greeted him with a smile.

“How’s it going, big guy?”

“I’m doing great, thanks. How are you?”

“I’m good. It’s been business as usual around here. Want to tell me what’s really going on with you?”

He gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”

She laughed. “You got yourself a lady friend.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?” he asked again.

She waved a hand at him. “You should know what it’s like around here by now – you can’t get away with a damn thing.”

“I’m not trying to get away with anything – I just don’t know what you mean.” Taryn’s question had made him feel guilty. It was crazy – he had nothing to feel guilty about. But he felt as if she somehow knew about his kiss with Sadie last night.

She gave him a puzzled look. “What are you getting so defensive about?”

“I’m not. I just don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“On Saturday, you were spotted walking on the beach with a woman.”

A wave of relief washed over him. “Oh, right.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “The way you said that makes me think that there’s more going on.”

He shrugged. “There’s nothing going on.” He was tempted to add, not yet, but that would only make her even more curious.

“Okay, so tell me whatwasn’tgoing on at the beach on Saturday, and who itwasn’tgoing on with.”

He smiled through pursed lips. “Can I at least get to work on my prep? I’ll tell you while I do that.”

“Okay, but don’t think that I’m letting you off the hook. I want to know what’s going on with you. I’m confused.”

Dominic went and washed his hands then got set up to start slicing lemons and limes. Taryn stood with her arms folded, watching him the whole time.

He let out a reluctant chuckle. “Go on, what are you confused about?”

“You. When you first arrived here, I thought for sure that you were going to be one half of the next Summer Lake romance. But then, I learned about Polly. And I get it, I get the way you are.”

Dominic shot her a quick glance and raised his brows. “How am I?”

“You’re a bag of contradictions. Whenever we all go out, you flirt as if you’re looking to meet someone. But you’re not, are you?”

He continued slicing lemons, and didn’t answer.

“Exactly,” said Taryn. “What I don’t get is if you’re not interested in meeting someone new, but you try to convince people that you are to keep them off your back, why would itbother you that people saw you with this woman – whoever she is – on Saturday?”

He blew out a sigh. She was right. To anyone observing – although why anyone would want to, he didn’t know – his behavior must seem strange.

After a few moments, she stepped closer. “I know I’m a pain in the ass. I just… Yes, I’m nosy, and I stick my nose in where it’s not wanted. But… I guess all I’m saying is that I’m here, if you want to talk to someone.”

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