Small blue shuttle vans used to run from Emerald Beach to Surf Breeze every hour, but the shuttles had recently been discontinued, and tourism had slowed down. There had been a large uproar from the local business owners, who had petitioned and attended several city hall meetings, but so far, they had not been successful in getting the shuttles running again. Shortly after the shuttles stopped running, the local businesses had been flooded with offers to sell their land or buildings. No one was interested in the businesses, just the property they sat on.
Some of the business owners sold right away. Others were starting to talk about selling. They had gathered and held a meeting at her place a few weeks back, but so far, everyone had been convinced to hold out just a little longer.
She was eating her breakfast—wheat toast and a sliced apple—out on the patio when she heard someone walking up the outside stairs. Turning, she watched Luke open the gate with a white bag and a cup of coffee balanced in his hands.
“What do you want?” she asked, turning back to the local newspaper she’d been scanning.
“Now, is that any way to greet an old friend?” he asked.
“Old friend?” She turned her head and watched him open the tall gate.
“Sure.” He smiled. “After all, I brought you donuts and coffee.” He set the bag and cup down and then took a seat next to her.
“I already have breakfast.” She nodded towards her half-finished toast and apple.
He frowned. “That’s not breakfast, that’s bird food.” He moved her plate aside and pushed the bag of donuts in front of her.
She leaned back and crossed her arms in front of her, noticing that his eyes went to her chest. She had yet to get dressed for work and was wearing shorts and a tank top since it had been surprisingly and wonderfully warm out that morning. She quickly uncrossed her arms when his gaze made her skin feel like it was on fire.
“I don’t know why you keep persisting.” She took a peek inside the bag and almost moaned when she saw the raspberry-filled delight. Reaching in, she decided that she might as well enjoy it.
The first bite was like heaven. Closing her eyes, she moaned at the richness of the dessert. When she reached for her coffee, he pushed the paper cup in front of her instead. She shrugged her shoulders and took a sip, then frowned.
“Who have you been talking to?” She set the cup down.
He smiled and leaned closer to her. “You have a bit of raspberry”—he used his finger to wipe away some of the jelly from the corner of her mouth— “here.” His voice dropped to a low murmur.
She had an image of him talking to her in that tone as he ran his hands all over her. He would coo to her as he told her exactly what he wanted to do to her, what he wanted her to do to him. Shaking her head, she leaned away.
“Well?” she asked again.
He smiled. “I don’t know what you mean.” He reached into the bag and took out a chocolate-covered donut and took a bite.
“Raspberry-filled donuts, double-chocolate-chip Frappuccino. Have you been talking to my brothers?”
“Brothers? I haven’t talked to your brothers.” He leaned back as he took a sip of his own coffee.
She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him as his eyebrows shot up.
He shook his head. “I didn’t know you had brothers. Wendy mentioned you had a weakness for the donuts and Frappuccino.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Wendy!” She closed her eyes and swore she’d fire the woman if she weren’t such a great asset to her business and a very close friend.
“Don’t be too harsh on her. I pestered her enough last night that I’m surprised she didn’t give me more information about you.” He leaned in, taking another bite of his donut.
“Why are you doing this?” She was really beginning to feel annoyed and stalked.
He chuckled. “I’m attracted to you, Cassey. I thought I saw a spark of attraction in your eyes as well.” He shrugged his shoulders and took another sip of his coffee. “I thought we might explore it together.”
Honesty was something she hadn’t expected from him. Yes, she had been instantly attracted to him; she couldn’t deny it. She had noticed it in his eyes as well. But could she trust him? Since she knew she could trust herself to uphold her decision, maybe she could afford to explore a physical relationship. At least for a while.
“I’m not looking for a relationship right now.” She frowned as she sipped her coffee.
“Who said anything about a relationship?” He shrugged and looked a little distant.
She leaned back, trying to gauge him. “I suppose I could use a distraction.”