Page 24 of Island Homecoming

“You’re frowning,” he observed.

“More like lost in thought.”

“Well, we’re walking into an ice cream shop. Frowning goes against the rules.”

She made a deliberate effort to change her expression.

“Better,” he said, opening the door for her.

“Gee, thanks.”

On a low chuckle, he nudged her gently toward the line to place their orders. It wasn’t a long wait at this hour—most people were smart enough to get dinner before dessert and tourist season wasn’t in full swing.

Nash, bucking the just-friends idea, paid for them both. She didn’t protest, if only to spare the kid working the register from their weird dynamic.

“I can’t remember the last time I did something like this,” she admitted as they walked out of the shop. They’d both chosen upside down cones, which were served in dishes. Easier to enjoy the treat with less fear of making a mess.

“They don’t have ice cream in Key West?”

She rolled her eyes and bumped his shoulder. “Of course they do. I meant the rest of it.” At his confused glance, she elaborated. “I think I’ve forgotten how to relax. Especially here. It’s been one case after another at work. And then…” Well, she didn’t want to sour the happy moment with that story.

Beside her, Nash made a humming sound, carefully breaking off a piece of the waffle cone.

“It’s like the whole town got a facelift. The signs are brighter and the colors adjusted. It’s more than fresh paint.”

He hummed again. “Like going from black and white to color.”

“Accurate. I mean it was beautiful before, but something about the town center feels more coordinated now.”

“Because it is,” he said. “Specifically, these few blocks. The mayor’s office, tourism board, and chamber of commerce have really leaned into the whole small town revitalization movement.”

“With awesome results.” She smiled and lifted her chin toward Nina’s shop. The door was propped open with a green five-gallon bucket filled with fresh cut carnations and daisy stems. The message printed on the chalkboard sign in the bucket with the flowers read: “Help yourself to a smile.”

“Smart.”

“That’s Nina.” He scooped up another bite of ice cream. “Brookwell has a lot to offer,” he said. “For the residents and visitors. If we can keep the core community solid, we all benefit from tourism. Despite the inevitable problems.”

Her mind slipped right back to the drug bust and the reports she’d read earlier.

He elbowed her, guiding her to take a left and cross the street toward the park that filled one corner of the town center at the intersection of Central Ave and Bay Street.

“What’s your plan to resolve the sudden rise in crime around here?” he asked, obviously teasing.

“Me personally? Not a single thing.” She took a big bite of her ice cream, then nearly regretted the flash of a brain freeze. He laughed at her. “I’m here to guard a warehouse and figure out my next move,” she managed when she recovered.

“How did that happen?” he queried as they made their way to a bench under the shade of a big sprawling oak tree.

“I made a deal with my attorney to take this job in exchange for them helping me with the unexpected legal problem.”

His eyes gleamed with amusement. “So everyone’s blackmailing you?”

“Funny.” She shook her head, taking a seat beside him. “You’re a funny, funny guy today.”

A breeze moved through the trees and she suspected they would have rain again tonight. Good thing she kept her rain gear in the trunk.

“We’re not supposed to have rain until sometime after midnight.”

As if he’d read her mind. “Trust the landscaper to know.”

---