Page 31 of Love In Harbor Falls

“Yeah. Born and raised.” He smiled. “After my parents passed away, I moved back into my childhood home and did some updates and renovations. It would be where Olivia and I would live after we were married. But, since things didn’t work out, I sold it and bought a boat instead of another house.

“You live on a boat?”

“I do.” He grinned. “It’s right outside the bar at the marina. After selling the house, I tried giving Katherine half of the money, but she wouldn’t. She knew I’d always wanted a bigger boat than we had growing up, so she told me to take the money and buy one.”

“Wow. I didn’t know that. Why didn’t you just keep the house?”

“Too many memories, I guess. Good memories, of course, with my parents, but not so good ones with Olivia. Everything I’d done to the house was what she wanted, and after she left, I wanted nothing to do with it.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I like living on the boat. Plus, I only have to take a few steps, and I’m at work. Next time you’re at the bar, I’ll show it to you.”

“I’d like that.” A shy smile crossed my lips.

After eating, Colin helped me set up the rest of the collection.

“What do you think?” I asked him as I stood in front of the display with my arms crossed.

“I think it looks great, and so will everyone else who walks in here.” He smiled. “How did you come up with the name Everlasting Art?”

“The name is exactly what it means. Art is the one thing that is everlasting. Even when the artist is no longer around, their creation and imagination always will be.”

“I like that. I think we should talk about last night,” he said, touching my cheek.

“Why? There’s nothing to discuss. We had sex like two consenting adults, and it was fun. That’s all it was, Colin.” My stomach twisted into a knot.

“Yeah. You’re right. I’m sorry I brought it up. I should go.”

“Thank you for dinner and your help. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome, Adalyn. I’ll see you around. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” He opened the gallery door.

“You too, Colin.”

I sighed as I placed my hand on my forehead. What the hell did I do?

CHAPTER17

ONE WEEK LATER

Adalyn

The gallery was coming along right on schedule. I had hired a local crew to go in and set up the heavier pieces of art. The opening was next week, and I made sure to advertise in advance by posting online and leaving flyers on the counters at the local stores in the area, with the owner’s permission. The people in Harbor Falls were incredibly nice, and everyone helped each other when needed.

I hadn’t seen Colin since that night at the art gallery. Every now and again, he would send a text message my way, either saying good morning or telling me to have a nice day. I would respond with the same, and that was it. He said nothing more or even asked me to go out with him. I wouldn’t lie and say I didn’t miss him because I did. But keeping busy with the gallery was the way to get my mind off him.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and I was out on the deck, sipping my coffee and talking to my mother on the phone, when a text message from Colin appeared.

“Good morning. I know this is last minute, but it’s such a beautiful day, and I was going to take the boat out for a while. I’d love for you to join me if you’re not busy today.”

It had been a busy week, and I needed a day off from everything gallery-related to regroup. After ending the call with my mother, I sent him a message back.

“Good morning. That sounds great. When were you planning on leaving?”

“Whenever you can get here.”

“I can be there within the hour.”

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