Page 56 of Beginnings By the Sea

“Have we met before?” I asked her.

She shook her head and shrugged. “I don’t see how. I’m pretty sure I would’ve remembered you if we did.”

Her tone had turned flirty, but I just stared at her in response. She cleared her throat and nodded toward the road.

“I just got to Oak Island this morning. I’m staying at the Sandy Shore Bed & Breakfast. I thought it was time for a solo vacation.” Her eyes twinkled when she said that, and it was clear she’d said it that way for a reason. “My name’s Candace Parks,” she said, holding out her hand.

Groaning inwardly, I shook her hand firmly, then let go. “Miles Henley. Which car is yours?” I asked, peering around the parking lot.

My plan was to help her and leave.

Candace pointed toward the other side of the parking lot where a bright red Mazda Miata sat.

“It’s the back left tire,” she informed me.

We walked over and her arm brushed up against mine several times. I tried putting some distance between us, but she kept getting closer.

“Do you have a spare in the trunk?” I questioned.

She nodded and opened her trunk. Luckily, I had changed numerous tires over the years, so I knew it wouldn’t take long.

As I worked on changing the tire, Candace continued to make small talk, asking me about my line of work and if I was from around the area. I tried to keep my answers short but couldn’t ignore how her eyes sparkled with interest.

Something about her didn’t sit right with me. It was like there was a hidden agenda behind her flirty behavior, especially with the way she kept trying to touch me. What really gave me déjà vu was that this had happened to me once before with a woman who looked exactly like Candace Parks, only it was many years ago.

I had always prided myself on being a good judge of character, and I could tell something was off with the woman.

Once I finished changing the tire, I wiped my hands on my jeans and checked my phone. There was still nothing from Nyla.

Candace moved closer, her fingers gliding up my chest. “How do you want me to pay you for fixing my tire?”

I backed up and moved her hand away. “I’m not interested in that,” I said, my tone clipped. “I’m with someone.”

She gave me a mock frown and continued to touch me. “That hasn’t stopped others before. I have no doubt I can give you a night you’ll never forget.”

Suddenly, in one quick move, she flung her arms around my neck and pressed her lips to mine.

I pushed her away quickly and held up my hands. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

Without missing a beat, I turned on my heel and headed straight for my car, my gut clenching with frustration.

“If you change your mind, you know where to find me!” she shouted.

Huffing, I jumped in my car and sped away as fast as possible. The night wasn’t off to a good start, and I had a feeling it was only going to get worse.

27

NYLA

We landed at a private airfield in the mountains of North Carolina and there was a black limo waiting for us on the strip. The air was much cooler and crisp than at the coast.

Everleigh told me many times about how gorgeous the Great Smoky Mountains were, and she didn’t lie. It was breathtaking riding around the winding roads and seeing the vast expanse of the mountain range in the distance.

“We’re almost there,” Cohen said, grinning at me.

I glanced down at my jeans and top. “Hopefully I’m dressed okay for wherever we’re going. This place must be fantastic for you to want to hop on a jet and come here on a whim.”

Cohen chuckled and shrugged nonchalantly. “You’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

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