Page 34 of Deep Waters
Slowly, I covered the block to Harbor Brews, not thinking, just following my feet. Frozen in a mental loop of the conversation with my dad.
Zach looked up from behind the counter. A few customers were clustered at tables, but I’d caught him in between ferries. The pleased light in his eyes faded as he read my expression, his mouth turning down in a frown.
“What’s wrong?” he asked softly, brows furrowed.
I scrubbed my hands across my face. “Nothing. My dad just called me into his office.”
“Why?”
He said it with such concern, it chipped away at the ice that encased me in a wintry prison, holding me locked in my father’s disappointment.
“To let me know he was upset that Simon and I called things off.”
“No sympathy for his heartbroken daughter?”
“I’m not that good of an actress.”
Something flickered in his eyes.
“Then why is he disappointed?”
“San Juan Marine Repair, of course.”
He circled the counter, extending his arms. I stepped into the shelter he offered, inhaling the sharp scent of coffee that clung to him. His arms wrapped around me, gluing me back together in a tight hug. Part of me wanted to nestle closer, but it’d only take one bored gossip to set the town on fire. I needed Simon’s dad on my side for what camenext. Stirring up rumors of a love triangle between me, Simon, and Zach wouldn’t help my plans.
“Thanks,” I said, pulling away reluctantly. “You give good hugs.”
Simon. My dad. My brothers. When was the last time, other than my girlfriends or Zach, that I’d had a hug? Forever.
“Anytime.” He traced a hand from my shoulder to my elbow. “I mean it.Anytime.” He grinned. “Or, if you prefer, we can make a standing appointment.”
I arched a brow. “For hugs?”
“Or other things,” he added. His quick reply made me smile. “In case you missed it, I’m downright thrilled you’re single.”
I chuckled. “I think I got the message.”
“Did you?” Something about the way he said it, the way his eyes held mine, steady and searching, made me pause. “Speaking of families, Hurricane Vanessa has officially summoned you, and the kids, of course, for family dinner this week.”
I groaned, and Zach’s face split into a grin, his dimples flashing.
“I love your mother. Do you think she’d murder you if she heard that nickname?”
Zach chuckled. “You know my mother better than that. She’s heard it and claims it with pride. It’s part of her success in getting us to do her bidding.”
“You say that like she’s some kind of evil mastermind. Your mom is lovely.”
“Andan evil mastermind. Don’t let her sweet exterior fool you. She’s one hundred percent Gran’s daughter.” He leaned across the counter, eyes flashing. “So. Tomorrow night? You, me, the kids, and all my local relatives?”
“It’s a date.”
“Yeah, it is.”
Something about the promise in his tone thrilled me. Little zings of pleasure prickled beneath my skin, washing away the last of the tension from the confrontation with my dad.
“See you later at home?” I asked, the words slipping from my lips naturally.
It wasn’t, really. But somehow, with Zach there, it felt like one.
