Page 12 of Nightcaps at The Beach House Hotel

Rhonda and I knocked on the door to the house Darryl was staying in.

Darryl appeared wearing swim trunks, a T-shirt, and sneakers. He’d shaved his head, giving him a different but appealing look. Maybe it was the thought of him with four older sisters that made me feel as if he was someone to cuddle.

“Hi,” he said. “Can I help you with something?”

“We’ve had some distressing news,” I said. “A neighbor, a truly irksome guy who thinks he’s important because he’s the president of the Neighborhood Association, feels he should know who’s staying at our hotel. We promised you security, but you must be alert to the situation.”

“Yeah,” said Rhonda. “You want to be careful when speaking to others, especially when you’re on the beach.”

“I know you like to walk there in the early morning,” I said.

“You’d better talk to Abbie too. She’s here with me now. She’s going to be training me.” He turned and called out, “Abbie, there’s something you need to hear.”

Rhonda nudged me so hard I almost stumbled. I could see her mind working on a way to bring these two together romantically.

Abbie came up behind Darryl. “What’s going on?”

Rhonda and I filled her in on the situation.

“Oh, yes,” said Abbie. “I think I met him after you left the beach, Ann. His name is Brock something. Right?”

“That’s the bastard,” said Rhonda. “What did he want?”

“He asked who I was and where I was staying. I didn’t give him any information, I merely said I wasn’t interested.”

Rhonda and I exchanged amused glances.

“Guess he was surprised when you told him that, huh?” I said.

Abbie shook her head. “Working where I do, I meet a lot of people with big egos. His was humongous.”

Darryl stood by listening to the exchange with a thoughtful expression.

“Both of you need to be careful,” I repeated.

“We will,” said Darryl. “Thanks for letting us know.”

Rhonda and I left the house and headed to Tina next door.

Rhonda turned to me. “What did I tell you? I sensed something possible between them right away. Now, all they need is a little push from me.”

“That’s exactly what they don’t need. Let them work together on training and keep out of the rest,” I said.

“We’ll see,” said Rhonda, and I knew she wouldn’t let it go.

Tina greeted us with excitement. “Hey, are you here for a little girl gab?”

“Sort of,” I said. “Brock Goodwin is at it again. He’s trying to find a way to discover who’s staying at the hotel. We wanted to warn you to be careful.”

Tina clucked her tongue. “Does he ever stop annoying people?”

“Not if he can help it,” joked Rhonda. “We’ve already told Darryl and Annie.” Her face lit up with a smile. “What’s going on between them? I think there’s a chance for a long-term commitment there. I’m working on it.”

Tina glanced at me and laughed before facing Rhonda. “I wouldn’t bet money on it. Abbie is used to working with some very handsome, successful men who make a play for her. She told me she was not interested in anyone. Certainly not one in the entertainment industry. But I’ve met Darryl and he seems very nice.”

“I tried to tell her,” I said, feeling helpless.

“Don’t worry about Abbie. She can take care of herself,” said Tina, and we let the issue drop.

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