Page 106 of Resting Beach Face
“It’s not your fault.” His eyes met mine. “I guess I didn’t know him as well as thought I did, but I don’t regret the choice I made. I’ve got other job options I can explore.”
“Like the call this morning,” I said, and he nodded. “Think that will work out?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Reba returned with our drinks and we each placed a dinner order. Declan got a taco salad and I ordered the chipotle steak burrito.
Once she’d gone, he smiled ruefully. “This is terrible date conversation, isn’t it? Let’s talk about other things.”
“Hey, you’re staying in Swallow Cove. That’s the best conversation I could imagine.”
“I am,” he said softly. “I want to build a life with you.” He swallowed. “Is that…too much too fast?”
“Nothing about this has been fast. Not to me. I want that too.”
Even if we’d only today said we were dating, we’d been in some kind of undefinable relationship for weeks, and I’d seriously wanted him for years.
“So, we’re on the same page? We want a future together.”
“Yes, one hundred percent.”
“Okay, good.” He hesitated. “So, we’ve talked about my future, but what about yours? Do you want to stay with the resort?”
I thought about that. I’d never been career-driven. I’d always worked for the paychecks I needed. But my time at the resort had been the best fit I’d ever found.
“I like working in hospitality,” I said. “I’m good with people.”
“Too good sometimes,” he grumbled.
I smirked. “Is that your jealousy trying to peek out again?”
He stabbed a lettuce leaf and shoved it in his mouth, opting not to answer.
I chuckled. “I probably will stay at the resort unless some other opportunity arises. I never want to go back to plumbing.” I shuddered with disgust. “Those are three days scarred into my psyche forever.”
Declan laughed, and his smile punched the air right from my lungs. Damn, but I loved that I could bring out this side of him. That he could relax with me and let down those barriers he’d mentioned.
I wanted to make him laugh again and again.
“Too bad you didn’t inherit a B&B,” he said. “You’d probably love it.”
“I probably would.” I hesitated. “But I understand that it’s not for you. I’m just glad you’re trying to stay.”
“Not trying,” Declan clarified. “Iamstaying. I’ll find something to do. If I have to…I don’t know…start a greenhouse and sell produce at the Outdoor Market, then I will.”
I grinned. “You say that like it’s a last resort, but it sounds like something you’d love.”
He tilted his head thoughtfully. “You know, you’re right. Pearl and Ruth Marie put the thought in my mind and it keeps rattling around, even though it’s unrealistic.”
“Why is it unrealistic?”
“I’m a financial analyst, and that’s a big undertaking I couldn’t manage alongside a job.” He shook his head. “It’s just a pipe dream.”
“It’s only a pipe dream until you find a way to make it happen.”
His lips quirked. “I guess that’s true. I’m usually a little too practical to chase dreams.”
“Well, you’re in the unique position of doing whatever you want going forward. Maybe it’s time to be a little more fanciful.”
