Page 56 of Wrecked

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The smell of fresh bacon and coffee had him salivating as he descended the stairs, but they didn’t have time.

They had a kidnapper to find.

Could she really have intel on W?

Hailey stepped off the stairs right behind him. Her voice rolled out sexy and refreshed. “That coffee smells wonderful.”

He glanced over his shoulder. Who was that woman?

She beamed a killer smile, looking seriously happy. She’d pushed her sunglasses up to rest on her head as if they were headed for a day at the beach.

“Mahnin’, yah two.” Angie stepped out of the kitchen with one of her favorite aprons. This one read, “Made with Love, which means I licked the spoon ... and kept using it.”

Sam suffered a moment of embarrassment, but not over the apron. He’d never brought a woman to Angie’s home.

Never.

How was he going to smooth this over? He pecked a kiss on her cheek. “Morning.”

Hailey moved up and offered her hand. Her voice would melt sugar. “I’m Hailey. I’ve heard so much about you. Please don’t think badly of Sam for me being here unannounced. We hadn’t spoken for a while when he called. He sounded lonely so I decided to surprise him.”

Being the gracious woman Angie was when not irritated, she shook hands. “Nice tah meet yah.” Angie glanced at Sam’s duffel. “Yah leavin’?”

He shrugged. “I’ve got a week off and nothing to do. We’re headed down the coast, but I’ll be back before I return to work on Tuesday.” He held his breath, fearing Angie would ask about the boat. He didn’t want to mention it and give Hailey, if that was her freaking name, any more connection between him and Angie than she had.

The fact that Angie did not start asking questions indicated she wasn’t sold on this relationship one bit. “I’m always sayin’ yah should take some time tah have fun.”

No, yesterday she was saying he should spend time working on the house so it would still be standing when he showed up unexpectedly again.

Had Nitro left her any way to contact them?

Probably not.

Sam hoped that was the case because Angie would be on the phone the minute he left to call and ask about Hailey.

“Want breakfast?” Angie asked. That was also not her standard MO. She’d normally tell him to set the table and fix coffee for him and her.

Hailey hooked her fingers around his arm. “I wish I’d thought about eating here, but I didn’t want to put anyone out. We have brunch plans in Boston.”

“That’s so sweet.” Angie gave Sam a smile that said she’d want answers as soon as he returned. Not to dare avoid her. “Run along and have a good time.”

“Thank you, and it was lovely to meet you.” Hailey started to move and tug him with her.

He patted her hand. “Give me a minute, baby, and I’ll be out. Okay?”

She released her grip on him. “Of course.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek, then walked calmly out the screened door. The sunglasses were in place before she stepped out on the porch and stretched.

That was her letting him know she wanted him to get moving before the sun climbed higher over the eastern bay.

Angie stared at Sam. Her silence damning him for lying to her.

He sighed and leaned down, hugging her to him. He whispered, “I’m sorry. I’ll explain when I get back. Try not to be angry with me while I’m gone. The boat is amazing. I love you for a lot of reasons and that’s a new one.”

She wrapped him up again and his muscles eased at not leaving her angry. “Be careful, Sammy.”

No Sammy boy. She was worried, but showing him a strong front, she backed away and smiled. “Yah be good and dohn fahget tah bring me a gift.”

“I won’t forget.”