Page 42 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

Quinn pushed her sunglasses up on her head. “It’s not really a short person’s sport.” Then she brightened. “But I’ll play if you’re on my team.”

“Deal.”

They plodded in the direction of the net, and the hot afternoon sand squished between Everleigh’s toes. She adjusted her sun hat, scanned the beach, and froze when she saw Cade standing on the boardwalk with the guy who had accompanied him to the memorial service.

“I can’t believe it,” she whispered. “He actually came.”

“Who?” Quinn’s petite nose wrinkled.

“Cade.” She tried in vain to pull her stare away from him. Dark sunglasses shielded his eyes, and he wore a gray tank top that emphasized his athletic arms. Black swim trunks did wonders for his muscular legs. A towel was slung over his shoulder.

“And his friend too.” Quinn made a noise of approval. “That Roger is handsome.”

Everleigh’s eyebrows shot up. “Quinn! Do you like him?”

“I didn’t say Ilikedhim. I just like tolookat him.” Her grin made Everleigh laugh. “Should we ask them to join us for volleyball?”

“That’s a great—”

“Everleigh?”

She turned at the sound of her name and saw Trevor Whalen approaching her. “I thought that was you,” he said. “How’s it going?”

Quinn’s face registered confusion.

“Hi, Trevor.” Everleigh motioned between them. “This is my friend Quinn. Quinn, I met Trevor yesterday at the grocery store.”

Quinn offered him a little wave.

He nodded and then turned his attention back to Everleigh. “What are the chances I’d see you here again today? Seems like it’s meant to be. What are you all up to?”

“Oh, uh...” She needed to politely get rid of this guy so she could go see Cade. “Just a little volleyball.”

“Do you come to the beach often?”

“I’m not really a beach person.” She turned toward where Cade and Roger stood, and when her gaze collided with Cade’s, she tried to read his expression. But those dark sunglasses didn’t make it easy.

“No kidding! You grew up here, right?” Trevor asked.

“Uh-huh.” She folded her arm over her sundress.

“But you don’t like the beach?”

“It’s not that...” She hesitated. She didn’t know Trevor well enough to share a personal story about nearly drowning. “I’d just rather sunbathe than swim. Not a big fan of the waves.”

“I wouldn’t have guessed that. I love the ocean. In fact, I’m a surfer. I guess you don’t surf then.”

“Nope. I sure don’t.” Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Cade and Roger moving toward her. She justhadto find a way to end this conversation. Could the guy not take a hint?

“Everleigh,” Quinn interjected. “Should we go?”

Thank you, Quinn!

“Go ahead. She’ll meet you at the net,” Trevor told Quinn. “Are you staying with family while you’re in town?” he asked Everleigh.

Everleigh gave Quinn an apologetic look, and Quinn rolled her eyes in Trevor’s direction before heading over to the net. Everleigh curled her lips into a polite smile for Trevor. “I’m over at the Sunshine Inn.”

“Like a hotel?” he asked.

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