Page 6 of Last Date
“Of course.” His tone was lackluster. “Mother is over-the-moon happy that he’s home.”
“Your whole family must be.” Perhaps his lack of enthusiasm was caused by emotional exhaustion. It must have been a tough few weeks for the Green family.
“Naturally, we’realloverjoyed.” He focused his gaze on me again. “So, you never answered. Will you join me on my yacht?”
I grimaced at the sudden change of subject. “Oh, well…”
“Come on. Say yes.”
“You’re not pranking me, right?”
He threw back his head and laughed. “I love your modesty. It’s so refreshing.”
It wasn’t really modesty that had me surprised at his invitation. I wasn’t chopped liver, but Allister was… well… Allister. We simply didn’t run in the same social circles. Of course, I knew who he was, but the fact he knew who I was had me bewildered. “It’s awfully kind of you to ask…”
His smile faded. “Uh-oh. That sounds like you’re going to say no.”
I grimaced. “I’m not sure what to say.” I’d always thought Allister was sexy and couldn’t deny I’d had a crush on him all during high school.
“I realize this is short notice. I meant to ask you sooner, but I’ve been so distracted by the whole Elon is home thing.” He leaned in, and the scent of peppery basil and white thyme filled my nostrils. “I’d love to get to know you better, Kip. What do you have to lose? Let me pamper you a little.”
“But why me?”
He frowned. “Why not you?” His uncertain laugh was the first sign he maybe wasn’t as confident as he pretended. “I really didn’t think you’d be this resistant to the idea.”
“It’s not that I don’t want to go.”
He studied me. “Then why not just say yes?”
“Well…” I frowned. “I don’t think we’ve ever even had an actual conversation before.”
“Does that concern you?”
“It’s more that I’m not sure how you even remembered I existed.”
He laughed. “I saw you being interviewed onGood Morning Pearl Coveyesterday, during the business segment. You were so down-to-earth. It intrigued me. I remember you from school. I know I was ahead of you in grade, but you were on my radar.”
“I see.” It was heady to hear those words coming out of his mouth. “This Friday, you said?” I bit my lip trying to recall my schedule. Not sure why I was hesitating, really—it wasn’t like my social calendar was booked solid. If I remembered correctly, I had charity bingo night on Wednesday, something my mother had roped me into, and that was about it.
“Please say yes. I think it’ll be a lot of fun.”
I met his earnest gaze and was struck by how blue his eyes were. I couldn’t deny a little tingle of excitement at the idea of spending a romantic cruise with a man as attractive and charming as him. Rubbing the back of my neck, I gave an uneasy laugh. “I… suppose that sounds like fun. Sure, I’ll be your date Friday.”
“Excellent.” His smile was tinged with relief. “You won’t regret saying yes.”
“You might regret asking though.”
“No. I’m looking forward to it.” He straightened and pushed his hands into the pockets of his gray wool coat. “How about we meet at the harbor around 5:00 p.m. My yacht is calledMy Way. She’s a forty-seven-foot beauty I just acquired last week. When on board, you’re going to feel like you’re in a palace. I’ll make sure Captain Roscoe has the vessel stocked with plenty of bubbly and Beluga caviar.”
“Oh, that sounds… awesome.” I wasn’t about to admit that my tastes ran more to canned spray cheese, Triscuits, and beer.
He sighed. “It should be a spectacular evening. Pearl Cove City Council approved the Valentine fireworks again this year. We’ll be able to see them clearly from the boat.”
I frowned. “I could have sworn I heard those were canceled.”
Giving a smug smile, Allister said, “I convinced the council that they should have them after all.”
“You must have friends in high places.”
