Page 10 of A Beach House Beginning

“That’sthe serial killer?”

Jenna winced, feeling guilty that she had confided in her dear friend after she found out Wes had recently been released from prison.

“He’s not a serial killer. I never said he was. He was in prison for property crimes. Fraud, extortion, theft. But Anna and Rosa assure me he was exonerated.”

“There you go, then. You should be fine.”

“Especially since I have nothing to steal.”

“You and me both, honey. We’re teachers.” Kim looked in the direction Wes had gone. “I have to say, I wouldn’t mind having that man on top of me.”

“Kim!” she exclaimed.

“Living upstairs,” her friend said with a wink. “What did you think I meant?”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re a happily married woman. Not to mention soon to be a grandmother.”

Kim was only in her midforties but had married and started a family young. Her daughter was following in her footsteps, married and pregnant by twenty-two.

“I am all those things, but I’m not dead. And he is way hotter than you let on, you sly thing.”

Jenna could feel her face flush. She hadn’t told Kim much about Wes.

“I am curious about why your sexy new neighbor is stopping by in the middle of the day to talk to you. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“No!” she exclaimed quickly. “Nothing like what you’re thinking. He jumped me this morning.”

“Go on,” Kim said, eyes wide with exaggerated lasciviousness.

Jenna let out an exasperated laugh. “My car died, I mean. He jumped my battery. He offered to fix it tonight, but since he was coming by the school today to see his daughter for lunch, he offered to fix it now.”

To her vast relief, this information was enough for Kim to drop the double entendres. “That is really nice of him.”

“Yes. It is.”

“And you’re sure that’s all?”

“Yes,” she said, more forcefully this time. “He’s been very kind. That’s all.”

Kim made a face and reached for Jenna’s hand, her features suddenly serious.

“I’m only saying this as your friend, but I can’t think of anyone else who deserves to have their battery jumped by a sexy guy. And if he’s kind and thoughtful, all the better.”

The genuine concern in her voice touched Jenna, even if she didn’t agree with the sentiment. She was deeply grateful for the many friendships she had made since coming to Cannon Beach. The people of this community had truly embraced her and welcomed her and Addison into their midst.

She still could not quite believe she was now free to stay here as long as she wanted.

“I appreciate the sweet sentiment, Kim, but I’m fine. Completely fine. I have everything I need. A great apartment, a job I love, Addie. It’s more than enough. I don’t need a man in my life.”

And especially one who intimidated her as much as Wes Calhoun.

Kim did not look convinced, but before her friend could argue, Wes returned to Jenna’s classroom, on his own this time instead of with his daughter.

He set Jenna’s keys on the edge of her desk. “Here you go. She’s running great now. Started right up. Looks like you’re due for an oil change, though. You’re going to want to get on that.”

“I will. Thanks. What do I owe you for the battery?”

He looked reluctant to give a number but finally did, something that seemed far less than she was expecting.

---