Page 55 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

He set the business card down on the end table and focused on the television. While the anchors began reading the latest news, his eyes defied him and kept returning to the card. He picked it up and studied it once again.

Huffing out a frustrated breath, Cade weighed the idea of calling the man. Curiosity finally overcame him. The guy had been so determined to find him that he’d tried emailing himandvisiting hisplace of work. Maybe he truly did have important information to share with him.

Cade pulled his cell phone from his pocket. What was the worst that could happen? If the guy had bad intentions, he could hang up on him and block him. And if the guy was genuine, Cade might be glad he called.

He turned to the cat, who had buried his snout in the blanket. “Should I call this guy?”

Bryant blinked up at him, yawned, then readjusted himself on the blanket.

“Fine. I’ll call him.” He muted the television and shook a finger at the cat. “But if he’s up to no good, I’m going to blame this on you and Everleigh.”

Cade dialed the number and then held the phone up to his ear. He settled back on the sofa and drummed his fingers on his lap while the phone rang.

“Hello?” a man asked.

“Is this Declan?”

“Yes.” He paused. “Cade?”

“Yeah. Everleigh said you stopped by earlier to see me.”

“I’m glad you called. I tried emailing you, but I don’t know if you received the message.”

“I did.” Cade rested his elbow on the arm of the sofa. “What’s this about?”

Declan hesitated. “There’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’d rather talk in person.”

What was it with this guy? Cade let his head fall backward and land on the sofa cushion. “Why? I don’t even know you.”

“It’s... awkward.”

Like this conversation?“All right,” Cade said, relenting. “When?”

“My schedule is open, and I’m in town for a while. I’m staying at the Rosewood Inn.”

Cade hesitated, but he had a feeling that if he didn’t agree to meet this guy, he wouldn’t give up. It was in his best interests to see what he wanted and then get rid of him. “How about lunch tomorrow?”

“Perfect.” Declan sounded relieved. “Where?”

“Do you like pizza?”

“Who doesn’t?”

Cade felt himself relax, but only slightly. “Meet me at Slice of Heaven at noon.”

“Perfect,” Declan said. “Thanks, Cade.”

“Sure thing.” He disconnected the call and tossed his phone onto the cushion beside him. He groaned. He’d probably just made a colossal mistake. He couldn’t believe he’d let Everleigh talk him into reaching out to this guy. What if he was only out for money or something to do with the inn? Or what if this was just the next step in some elaborate scam?

Possibly worse yet—what if his reason for tracking down Cade was legitimate?What on earth,he wondered,could it be?

Cade tried to concentrate on the news anchor babbling about NASCAR while photos of a race team flashed on the screen. His apartment suddenly felt too small. He needed to burn off this nervous energy.

He crossed to the window facing the bay. The sun had begun to set, sending a brilliant rainbow of colors across the sky. Movement drew his attention to the swing set, where Everleigh was slowly gliding back and forth.

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