Page 4 of Beginnings By the Sea

I waved a hand dismissively in the air. “No worries. I thought I’d save you the trouble. You guys are slammed today.”

Then again, it was lunchtime on a Saturday, so that made sense. Evie took my card and glanced over my shoulder to who I could only assume was Everleigh.

“Isn’t it Everleigh’s turn to pay?” she asked, focusing back on me and then over at Everleigh again. “Because she’s shaking her head at me and giving me the evil eye.”

“Just run my card,” I said, grinning over my shoulder at Everleigh, who scowled half-heartedly at me. “She’ll get over it,” I reiterated to Evie as I faced her again.

Evie giggled. “You guys are too funny. She won’t let you get away with it next time,” she said, running my card through the machine and handing me the receipt. I signed my name and added a hefty tip.

“Oh, I know. Everleigh is one stubborn woman.”

Evie nodded in agreement. “That she is. You two have a good rest of the weekend. I’ll see you and the rest of the crew on Tuesday.”

She smiled and moved down the bar, her hips swaying in tune to the music that filled the air, as she headed to a group of guys who wanted a round of beer. Evie was a social butterfly, just like her mother. She seemed so at ease at talking to people she didn’t even know.

When I was twenty-three, I was the same way. I met people everywhere and had numerous dates lined up for the weekends. At least until I met my ex-husband, Miles. He was everything I ever wanted, and it was effortless at the beginning of our relationship. We got along great, could talk for hours, and never ran out of things to say. The passion and desire between us were off the charts. Sadly, I let my career get in the way, breaking us apart. I haven’t experienced a relationship like I had with Miles with anyone else since then.

Now that I was thirty-two, things didn’t feel as easy anymore. Guess you could say I was out of practice when it came to dating.

I took one last look at the receipt to ensure I added the tip right. Once I confirmed I did my math correctly, I turned quickly and bumped right into a man who clasped my arms in his firm yet gentle grasp.

“Whoa, easy there,” he said, chuckling lightly.

The impact caught me off guard and I gasped. “I am so sorry,” I apologized, lifting my gaze from the man’s broad chest to his face.

He was handsome and perfectly coifed with his gelled dark hair and polo shirt that matched his forest green eyes. I’d been living in Oak Island for months, but if I had to guess, the man wasn’t a local. Judging by the smell of his expensive cologne and the several thousand-dollar watch on his wrist, I’d say he was probably from a big city. New York would be my guess.

The man grinned and let me go, his smile warm and inviting. “There’s no need to apologize,” he said, stepping back. “I shouldn’t have been so close.” He held out his hand. “My name’s Cohen.”

I shook his hand. “Nyla.”

His grip was firm and I liked it.

“Are you from around here, or are you visiting?” he asked.

I happened to look over at Everleigh, and she wore a big smile while discreetly waving her hand like she was urging me to talk to the guy.

“I live here in Oak Island,” I replied, focusing back on Cohen. “And you?” I wondered, trailing my gaze over his pricey clothes and shoes.

Cohen noticed what I was doing and chuckled. “Actually, I just moved here from New York a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been a little busy with work, but now that things are settled, I’ve had some time to get out.” I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face. Cohen’s gaze narrowed curiously, and he grinned wider. “Why are you smiling?”

I shook my head. “I figured you were from one of the big cities up north.”

He smirked knowingly. “What gave me away?”

I shrugged. “I’m from Boston. I can spot a city guy from a mile away.”

“Ah, so you don’t hold the title of local either, do you?” he said.

“Yes, she does,” Evie chimed in from down the bar. “And I think she fits in perfectly.”

Debbie happened to walk by and patted me on the shoulder. “I second that,” she replied in passing.

Cohen chuckled and shook his head. “Okay, so you’re a local now. I would love to be considered one too one day. Do you think you could give me some tips on how to fit in?” He nodded at the bar. “I can buy you a drink and we talk about it?”

My stomach fluttered with excitement. The man was charming, but I would say no even if I didn’t have plans with Everleigh. The last thing I wanted was to appear too eager.

“I’m sorry,” I told him. “But I’m here with a friend and we have plans today. Maybe some other time?”

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