Summer on Lovers' Island (Jewell Cove 3)

“So you’ve lost two parents, not one.”

“Essentially, yeah.”

The first firework of the night popped and then exploded with a bang. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned their faces to the sky, waiting for the next sparkly shower.

“I’m really sorry, Liz. That’s a lot to deal with.”

“I haven’t done that great of a job. I kind of burned myself out.”

Another pop, pop and “ooohs” from the partygoers.

“Know what? Take it from one who’s been there. This place can be really great for finding your feet again. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but me, too.”

The fireworks really hit their stride and Josh and Lizzie fell quiet, simply enjoying the colorful display. When it was over, the music started up again, the smaller children started to snuggle in mothers’ arms, and the older ones went on the hunt for leftover cake.

“You want a lift home?”

Josh’s voice was close to her ear, the warmth of his breath sending delicious shivers down her spine. “I came with Charlie and Dave.…”

“And Charlie just went inside to look at the nursery. They’re going to be talking babies for a while.”

She looked at him, wondering what he was asking, whether it was simply a courtesy and friendly gesture or if …

But no. They’d both been clear that romance was not even on their radars these days. “That’d be nice. It’s been a long day.”

“You want to tell Dave? I’ll go fire up the Beast.”

“Okay.”

A minute later and she was at the gate to Rick’s yard, looking out at Josh sitting in the cab of his truck.

Why did she feel like a teenager sneaking out to meet the town bad boy?

CHAPTER 6

The interior of Josh’s truck was clean, but the vinyl trim was worn and there was a rip in one of the seats. Lizzie smiled to herself at the imperfection. From everything she’d seen at the office, Josh was a very conscientious doctor. He didn’t brush people off but instead listened carefully to what they said—and didn’t say. He had a penchant for cleanliness, which was a definite plus in her book, and also for punctuality.

But she could see a laid-back side to him, too, like the casual dress, the hair that was a smidge too long, the easy way he talked to people. She liked both sides, really. He was easier to be with than she expected, with none of the awkwardness she’d anticipated feeling away from the office. And now he was driving her home. He smiled at her from the driver’s seat as he put the truck in gear, and a warning slid through her head. It would be okay for them to be coworkers, even friendly. But anything more would be a mistake. After the disaster of her relationship with Ian, she wasn’t about to travel that road again. Might as well cut that idea right off at the knees.

“Thanks for the drive home,” she said, trying to set the proper tone. “I didn’t want to cut Charlie and Dave’s time short. She’s really enjoying becoming part of the community.”

He pulled away from the curb and turned left at the stop sign. “And that’s not you?”

She shrugged. “Not like I’m going to be here long enough anyway.”

“Oh, you never know.” There was a smile in his voice. “Abby said that, and she ended up staying. So did Dave.”

“Well, I’m pretty sure that there’s not room for three doctors in Jewell Cove,” Lizzie rationalized. “Besides, I’m an ER doctor. And those departments are generally found in the city.”

“Hey, there are departments in Rockport and Brunswick and lots of other places.”

She looked over at him and gave him a look that said, Real emergency departments.

He chuckled. “You like the fast pace.”

“I do. And the unpredictability. I’m afraid small town just doesn’t do it for me. I mean, Springfield is about as small as I go. I’m more of a big-city girl.”