Page 59 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

He stared at her as he tried to make heads or tails of his swarming emotions.

“If you want, I can go with you to talk to her.” Her expression glowed, reminding him of the midday sunshine. “I’m happy to be your emotional support friend.”

“Thanks, but I can handle it.” He pulled his hand away, and the disappointment in her face sent guilt flooding through him. But he ignored it. He’d already shared too much with her. “It’s late. I’m heading to bed.”

Her smile seemed forced. “Good night, Cade.”

“Night,” he called as she walked away. Once she was gone, he closed and locked the door before ascending the stairs to his apartment, dropping onto the sofa, and wishing he could stop the doubt and confusion buzzing in his head.

***

The following afternoon, Everleigh knelt on the sunroom floor and covered the woodwork with painter’s tape. She’d woken up that morning and decided it was the day to finally brighten up that room. She’d planned to ask Cade to help her in hopes of taking his mind off the situation with Declan, but he’d been so quiet at breakfast that she decided to back off. It was against her nature to let him be, especially when she could feel the anxiety pouring out of him. It pained her to see him so upset.

He’d hardly said two words to her while he cooked chocolate chip pancakes for the guests. Then he’d agreed to allow her to do thedishes and disappeared again. She’d heard his truck drive away earlier, and she considered calling him to check on him. But she forced herself to give him the space he needed. She just hoped he would come to her when he needed her.Ifhe needed her.

Since Cade was gone and their visitors had left for the day, Everleigh had ventured out to the hardware store for paint and supplies. Back at the inn she changed into an old, bright-blue tank top and shorts and then started on her project. It had only been an hour since she began, and she already regretted it. But she wasn’t one to waste money. She’d purchased the supplies and now had to follow through with it—unfortunately. Besides, the outcome would be a nice, bright, and happy room, which was always the best kind!

With a sigh, she continued taping the woodwork. When she heard a noise, she stopped and listened again.

Ding-dong!

The doorbell! She jumped to her feet and jogged to the front of the house. She yanked the door open and found Trevor on the porch.

“Trevor. Hi.” She pushed her hand through her hair and examined her old clothes. “I wasn’t expecting company.”

He gave her a sheepish smile. “Sorry for just showing up. I was in the neighborhood, and I hadn’t heard from you so...” He grimaced. “That sounded creepier than I wanted it to.”

She chuckled and rested her arm against the doorframe. “It’s fine. How are you?”

“Great.” He jammed his thumb toward the driveway. “I saw the For Sale sign. Have you had any offers?”

“None we’re taking.”

“It’s lovely out here on the bay. In my opinion, this is the most scenic part of Coral Cove. I’m surprised no one has snatched it up.”

“It’s a really special place. My godmother cherished it, and I loved working here with her.”

“You said she passed away?”

She nodded. “Cancer.”

He pointed to the wicker love seat on the porch. “Can you sit for a minute?”

“Sure.”

They sat down beside each other, and she breathed in the warm mid-October afternoon air.

“So, your godmother,” he began, “she meant a lot to you.”

“She was like my aunt, but sometimes she was like my second mom.” While she spoke about Alana, Trevor smiled and seemed completely engaged and interested. She wondered why Cade had said he didn’t like or trust Trevor when he seemed like a decent guy—not anyone she was interested in romantically, but certainly not a dangerous person either. What had happened to Cade to make him so leery of everyone he met?

“I’m sorry,” she finally said. “I didn’t mean to go on and on about Alana. When I start talking about her, I just can’t seem to stop.”

Trevor took her hand in his. “It’s okay. I understand. I feel the same way about my grandpa. I miss him every day.”

She tried to subtly pull her hand back. “So, what are you up to today?”

“I’m actually between jobs, which is why I stopped by. Do you need any help with anything around here?”

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