Page 93 of Smuggler's Cove
“Wait until you get a look at the view from the house. It is spectacular.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Madison sighed.Should she invite him in for a nightcap? Tea? Coffee?She decided to decide when they got to the house. If Olivia and Lincoln were still up, she might invite him in or not. She allowed the next few minutes to float by as she enjoyed her feelings of elation.
When they arrived at the house, Madison noticed the lights were still on and decided to invite Viggo in. It was safer that way. Not that she didn’t trusthim. She didn’t trust herself, feeling clumsy and awkward. Madison couldn’t remember the last time she was with a man and felt the way she felt that night—all goofy and giddy.
Viggo agreed to join her for an evening cup of tea. Olivia and Lincoln were sitting on the patio in front of the firepit. The air was cool enough to warrant the warmth, but not cold enough to shiver. A cashmere throw made it quite comfy.
“This looks inviting.” Madison said, “And the view! Wow. This is spectacular.”
Lincoln sat up. “Hey. Join us.”
“I shall put on a pot of tea. Be right back.” Madison went into the kitchen, and Viggo pulled two chaise lounges closer to where Lincoln and Olivia were reclining.
“How was dinner?” Olivia asked with a sleepy yawn.
“Delightful. Madison is quite an interesting woman.”
“Yes, she is,” Lincoln said. “I am sure you, too, have interesting things to tell.”
“Me? Not really.”
“I doubt that, but I am not going to pry,” Olivia said with a smile, before excusing herself to give Madison a hand, but really to get the skinny from her sister-in-law.
Olivia sidled up to Madison, who was arranging herbal tea bags on a tray with cups, saucers, cream, sugar, and lemon. “And?”
“And it was wonderful. Such an interesting man. Kind. Accomplished. Modest. Loves animals.”
“So far, so good.” Olivia leaned against the counter.
“Yes. I would like to see him again, but I don’t want to seem pushy. You know, as in how I can be pushy, according to my brother.”
“Tell him you had a wonderful time. See how he reacts. If he says he would like to do it again, tell him you’ll cook dinner. If he says nothing, then let it go.”
“Good advice.”
“That’s what you pay me for.” Olivia gave her a wink.
Madison and Olivia brought the teapot and accessories out to the patio. Madison set the tray on a large cocktail table, and everyone fixed their own. An hour later, Lincoln and Olivia said their goodnights, and Viggo acknowledged it was time for him to go, as well.
Madison walked him to his truck. “Thank you for an exceptional evening, and the tutorial on jetties, wharfs, piers, and docks.”
“Thank you for joining me, and you are a very good student.”
Madison didn’t wait for any encouragement. Might as well jump. “I would like to see you again. Perhaps dinner on the patio?”
“I would like that very much,” Viggo said. He gently lifted her wrist and kissed the back of her hand.
Madison thought she might faint. “I’ll be here every weekend preparing for the opening. Good night.” She turned and walked into the house without looking back, but she knew he was watching her glide effortlessly to the door.
Madison was up early the next morning. She brought her coffee to the patio and wrapped herself in a throw. She recounted every minute of the evening before, from when he knocked on the door to the kiss on the back of her hand. If she had to give it a grade, it would be an A+. Now if only she could keep herself from second-guessing herself. How long should she wait to invite him to dinner? One week? Two weeks? She would seek counsel from her brother. Yes, her brother. She wanted a man’s opinion. Not that Olivia’s didn’t matter, but Madison didn’t want to make any stupid mistakes.
She gazed out at the crystal-clear water in the distance and noticed kitesurfers gliding on the bay. For her, it was too early and too chilly for such a sport, but she enjoyed watching the colorful sails drift and bob. She could get used to mornings like this. Relaxed. Quiet.
The silence was broken by Olivia making her way outside. “Good morning! And how are you this lovely day?”
“I could not be better.” Madison shielded her eyes from the morning sun.
“The two of you seemed to hit if off rather well.”
