907 For Keeps Way (Cherry Falls)

He pauses in the doorway to the storeroom and smirks. “It’s on the house. Complimentary rental is a part of our new matchmaking service.”

“You’re a dick,” I say, laughing.

“That’s what they all say.”

He disappears through the door with Maker on his heels. I make my way to the parking lot.

I climb into my truck, taking a moment before turning it on to steady my heartbeat.

My conversation with Weston managed to shove the hopeful part of me over the edge.

Could he be right? Could we be a good match?

I’ve considered it more than once over the years. And now I’m about to spend an afternoon on Kissme Bay with her.

Alone.

In a kayak—all wet and sweaty.

My mouth goes dry. My cock hardens.

The idea of making a play for Kaylee Richards is a gamble. She’s newly divorced, a single mom, and hasn’t really expressed any interest in me.

Still, the idea of having her all to myself for a couple of hours today made me get out of bed with more energy than I have in a long time.

Just take it slow. See what happens.

I put the truck in reverse.

And hope for the best.

Four

Kaylee

“Your shoes are by the back door.” I turn my car into the parking lot of The Docks. “Anna, stop ranting and listen to me.”

My fifteen-year-old daughter sighs. “They are not there, Mom.”

“Not that I don’t appreciate you using the word mom as a term of endearment,” I say sarcastically, “but they aren’t my shoes. It’s not my job to follow you around and make a note of where you discard random objects.”

Anna groans. “What if I left them at Dad’s?”

Then his teenage girlfriend might be wearing them.

I shake my head and turn off my car. That’s not fair. Even thinking it makes me feel bad … even though it could possibly be true.

“Call him and see if they’re there,” I say, proud of the lack of emotion in my voice.

“He won’t answer.”

“Give him the benefit of the doubt, Anna.”

“He never answers me, Mom.” She sighs again. “I’ll just have to wear the black Nikes even though they totally don’t go with this outfit.”

“I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

I climb out of the car. The afternoon sun is warm and bright as I grab a waterproof bag I borrowed from Haley for this little adventure.

“Where are you, anyway?” Anna asks. “Do I hear birds?”

“Is it so weird to hear birds?”

“On the phone with you? Definitely yes. You’re not … you’re not an outside person.”

This is true—at least as far as my daughter knows. My life since becoming a mother has been decidedly indoors.

In the nursery. In the kitchen. In the gym for a cheerleading event. In the school for a PTO meeting. In Cherry Pie Pizza for work.

In the home for the never-ending pile of laundry and cereal bowls.

I can’t blame her for thinking that, and I would’ve let it go six months ago. But now? As I’m walking toward the docks to meet Dane McDaniels? Something about Anna’s statement strikes me.

“You do know that I was a Girl Scout,” I tell her. “And I used to fish with your granddad. I’d help your grandma in the garden all summer. I was the zucchini-growing queen, I’ll have you know.”

“I can see that, actually. You’re really good at growing basil.”

I laugh.

“So, where are you? You didn’t answer me,” she says.

I pass the marina and wave at my friend Evelyn. “I’m at the Kissme Bay Marina.”

“Why?”

“You sound offended that I’d be here,” I say with a laugh.

“I’m not offended. Just shocked.”

My feet stutter-step as my gaze lands on Dane.

Holy shitballs.

I’ve never wanted to run away and toward someone in the exact same moment before. Both options have their strengths—strength like his arms in that black sleeveless shirt. Both have their weaknesses—weakness like my knees as he sees me too.

His smile is slow. Intentional. He raises one of those tanned, sculpted arms and waves at me like I don’t see him.

Really, Dane? Do you think anyone here doesn’t see you? Come on.

A chill races down my spine.

“So, are you going to tell me why you’re at the Kissme Bay Marina?” Anna asks. “Or is this some clue that I use when Dateline interviews me after they find you floating in a week?”

“Anna!”

“What?” She laughs. “Pardon me for thinking it’s out of the ordinary for my mother to be at the marina. That’s the first thing they’ll ask me—did your mom go there often? I’ll have to tell them no and then they’ll look at me like I caused your death by overlooking this little factoid, and then I’ll have to live the rest of my life with guilt. And with Dad and his girlfriend. Ew.”

“Something is wrong with you,” I say, laughing too. “Stop watching those crime shows. They’re twisting your brain.” I readjust the strap on my shoulder. “I’m actually meeting Dane McDaniels here.”