Page 41 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Uh...” He rubbed the stubble along his jawline. “Well.” He was stumped.

She pointed at him. “I thought so.”

“Hold on. Don’t nurses work twelve-hour shifts?”

She nodded.

“Maybe I should ask you the same question,” he said. “Am I right to assume you don’t always make time for fun either?”

Her brow furrowed. “You are. I can’t remember the last time I went out with friends.” She paused. “Or on a date.”

He found that little tidbit surprising. He imagined she was not short on offers. Not that it was any of his concern. He climbed past a few rakes, shovels, and bikes before he located the two beach chairs folded up in the back corner and brought one to her.

“Thanks.” Then she gave him an exaggerated frown. “I guess that means you’re not coming with me.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I knew you wouldn’t go for it.”

He propped his shoulder against the doorframe. “Is this a challenge?”

“Maybe.” She shrugged, but the eagerness in her expression was unmistakable.

“I need to finish cleaning the filters, but then maybe I’ll head that way.”

She grinned. “Sure, you will,” she teased.

“See you there, partner.”

“We’ll be around Fourth Street. Look for the volleyball net. Not that I actually expect to see you.” And with that, she turned and strutted toward her waiting SUV.

Cade shook his head. He wanted to accept her challenge, but he also didn’t want to feel like the odd man out among her friends. Plus, he hated crowds.

He texted Roger:Meet me at the beach?

Roger: Now?

In about a half hour.

Okay. Finished a job early today.

“Can’t believe I’m doing this,” he muttered on his way back to the inn. But for some insane reason, he couldn’t resist Everleigh’s little game.

***

“Everleigh!” Penny Robinson nearly knocked Everleigh over with a hug. “It’s been, like, forever since I’ve seen you!”

“It has, but you look exactly the same,” Everleigh told her high school friend. And she meant it. Penny had unblemished dark skin and bright hazel eyes. “You’re still a knockout.”

“Speak for yourself. So, where’ve you been since graduation?”

“Oh, here and there,” Everleigh said with a laugh. She shared a bit about her work with Penny, and soon a group of their friends from high school were gathered around to listen. As she spoke, she found herself searching the crowd for Cade. Their playful banter before she’d left the inn had surprised her, and now she couldn’t stop thinking about him and hoping he would show.

“Time for volleyball!” Penny announced.

While the group began dividing up into teams, Quinn sidled up to Everleigh. “You look distracted. What’s up?”

“I’m just thrilled to see everyone,” Everleigh exclaimed. “Are you going to play?”

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