Page 151 of Square Deal

Still, Austin had a calming presence that kept my mind off a certain blond billionaire.

“So, what made you want to go into firefighting?” I asked as we walked down the beach.

His large hand engulfed mine as he laced our fingers together. I felt the scrape of his calloused fingers against the back of my hand.

“I wanted to serve my community. I grew up in Beaufort—can’t imagine living anywhere else.” He smiled at me. “I like knowing everyone. I know that when we get called to Mrs. Macuddy’s house out on Pearl Drive, it’s usually just because she’s lonely. I know all the teachers at the elementary school since we’re out there doing demonstrations so much. I know all the kids who want to grow upand be firefighters.” He cracked a lopsided smile. “I like being on a first-name basis with the hospital staff, but I’m pretty sure Melissa’s sick of me coming in all banged up after calls.” He took a deep breath and blew it out. “I, uh, I love this place. I want to serve it well. Make it a good place to have a family—to raise kids.”

Austin shrugged sheepishly and rubbed at the back of his neck. “Sorry—that was probably more than you wanted to know. Let me rephrase that: I wanted to be a firefighter because I like danger and I like being a hero. It gives me time to work out so I can be sexy as hell, and, uh, it gives me great stories to tell the ladies.” He punctuated it with a wink.

I laughed long and hard. “I liked your first answer better.”

He bumped my shoulder with his. “Me too.”

Ugh, my heart.

Why weren’t there sparks with him? He was a fine specimen—tall, built like a bulldozer, and had a smile that could charm the pants off of unsuspecting women.And probably some men.

Ten out of ten.

If there was a build-a-boyfriend, he would be everything I would pick from the buffet of options—and then some.

We made it through the crowd of summertimers fishing from the beach, and a hoard of kids building sandcastles and running into the water.

Austin and I were overdressed compared to the bikini-clad, swim trunk wearing populous. We stopped when the beach began to curve to a pointed jetty. Austin let go of my hand and unbuttoned his dress shirt.

I raised my eyebrows. “I didn’t realize this wasthatkind of sunset on the beach.” I dropped my voice to a whisper. “Has no one ever told you that sex on the beach is a terrible idea? Sand isnotyour friend.”

He smirked. “Don’t worry. I promised Maddie I’d be a perfectgentleman.” Austin took his shirt off and laid it at my feet. “You look too pretty to get dirty sitting on the sand.”

He offered me his hand as I sat down on his shirt. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“My mama raised me right.”

“Yes, she did.”

We sat in companionable silence and watched the boats navigate through the Bulkhead Channel as the sun sank lower and lower.

“So I’m gonna call it,” Austin said as the sky turned from blue to pink.

Cotton candy skies over the ocean were pure magic.

“Call what?”

He leaned back, propping his arms behind us so I could recline too. “This isn’t a love connection.”

I laughed nervously. I wish I could argue with him and say he was wrong, but I couldn’t. He had us pegged.

“I’m sorry I wasted your time.”

“Why would you think this was a waste of time? I had a great night. Did you?”

“I did.”

“Then we can chalk it up as a win. Just because it’s not love doesn’t mean it was a waste.”

I wiggled my toes in the warm sand and sighed. “I can’t blame Maddie—she came through. You’re a catch, Austin Hale. You’re everything I told her I wanted.”

“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment, Miss Hayes.” He studied me a minute longer. “Can I ask what you think you’re looking for?”

---