President Darcy

Darcy’s fists clenched on his thighs. “Yes, Elizabeth is attractive. Too damn attractive.”

“Why’s that?” Bing asked. “Does she have a boyfriend?”

What a horrifying thought. “I don’t think so, but she…I just don’t think she’s into me.”

Bing leaned closer to Darcy. “Why do you say that?”

“There’s the whole ran-screaming-from-me thing.”

Bing raised an eyebrow. “I thought she didn’t scream, and it was a fast walk.”

“Whatever you call it, she fled my presence.”

“But she sought you out today.”

“To apologize.”

“That might not be the only reason,” Bing said. “You wanted to apologize to her, but that’s not all you want.”

“Hmm.” Darcy was mesmerized as he watched Elizabeth playfully splash her uncle.

“She blushes when you look at her.”

“She does?” Darcy gave Bing a sharp look. “But she argues with everything I say.”

Bing chuckled. “Isn’t that part of her appeal?”

“Huh,” Darcy considered. “Maybe.”

Bing squinted at his friend. “You like the woman. She’s on your beach. Why are you sitting here like a dead horseshoe crab? She keeps glancing this way.”

“She does?”

“Yeah.” Bing chuckled. “Why don’t you go play in the water with her?”

Darcy snorted. “Do you know how long it’s been since I ‘played’ in the water?”

“I’m guessing you could have counted your age in single digits.”

Darcy nodded. Why had he wasted his time going to college and learning about politics? Obviously playing in the water was a vital life skill he had grievously neglected.

“I bet it’s like riding a bicycle,” Bing said, clasping Darcy’s shoulder. “You’ll remember once you get started.”

Darcy eyed Elizabeth wistfully. It did look like fun. Could he simply wade into the ocean and join in the splashing? Oh Lord, I’d probably look like an idiot.

Darcy slid down in his beach chair. “Maybe later.”

Bing gave him a long look. “You know,” he said slowly, “I think what you need is a strategy.”

“A strategy to play in the ocean,” Darcy echoed.

His friend’s eyes glittered. “You need the proper tools…and I happen to have water guns in my beach bag…”

Hmm. It would be easier t

o join the fun with a water gun in hand, although it wouldn’t be exactly dignified.

“It’s a high-powered gun…with pump action and a scope for accuracy…” Bing’s voice tantalized him.