Page 43 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“It’s a bed-and-breakfast. My godmother owned it, and I inherited it recently.”

“So sorry for your loss. How big is it?”

Everleigh shared some sparse details, but what she really needed was an escape route. Where was Cade? Why wasn’t he walking over? And why couldn’t this Trevor guy get a clue?

Chapter 11

“Well, now what?” Roger said. “Volleyball? Swimming?”

Cade glanced around, taking in the groups of people and families enjoying the sun and the waves.This was a bad idea,he told himself. “I’m not sure. I hate crowds. And sand in my clothes.”

“You’re always such a grouch.”

Cade snorted. Maybe, but he wasn’t one to back down from a challenge—especially from his redheaded partner. There was something about the glimmer in those dark-brown eyes...

And there she was—still wearing that dress. The floppy hat was perched on her head with her knot of red hair peeking out the top.

She was standing with her arms crossed, nodding and smiling while a stocky guy with shaggy dark hair talked her ear off. Everleigh’s wide eyes suddenly locked on Cade’s as the guy continued to yap. A strange feeling threaded through him.

The guy said something, and she turned back toward him. Who was he? And why did it bother Cade so much that he had stolen her attention?

“Who’s that guy talking to Everleigh?”

“Don’t know. Don’t care. Let’s swim,” Cade grumbled.

They chose an empty spot to drop their towels, sunglasses, phones, and keys, then Cade pulled off his tank top and jogged into the water. He dove through a wave and enjoyed the feel of cool, salty water on his skin. When he came up for air, he shoveled his hands through his hair and focused on the shoreline, where the guy remained with Everleigh. She continued to give him a winning smile, probably because she was enjoying the conversation too. Why did the sight of them jerk a knot in Cade’s gut?

“Her friend Quinn is here too,” Roger said.

Cade had been so focused on Everleigh that he had forgotten about Roger for a moment.

“We should invite them to join us in the water.”

“Good idea.” Cade made his way to the shore and walked up the beach past a group of kids building an elaborate castle. He continued through the hot sand to where Everleigh stood with the guy.

“Eight bedrooms,” she was saying.

“And it’s on the bay?” The guy appeared impressed. “How many acres did you say?”

But Everleigh had turned her attention to Cade. “Hi, partner. You actually came!”

“Told you I would. I know how to have fun.” He folded his arms over his chest. “Do you?”

“I do,” she said with a wink.

The guy held his hand out to Everleigh. “Let’s play some volleyball.”

A strange expression traveled over her face, but instead of taking the guy’s hand, she locked eyes with Cade. “Want to join us?” she asked.

Cade shook his head. “I’ll sit this one out.” He pointed toward the water. “I’ll be out there.”

He wasn’t certain, but she seemed a little disappointed. “All right,” she said. Then she turned her attention back to the other guy. “I’m a little rusty. Haven’t played since high school.”

“Don’t worry,” the guy said. “I’ll help you.”

Cade held back an eye roll. It was probably best for him to back off anyway, since he didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. Even more, he didn’t want to be the third wheel with Everleigh and this other guy.

Still, watching her walking over to the net with him irritated Cade.

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