Some Kind of Wonderful (Puffin Island 2)

“Scoop of the day?”

“Emily’s idea. I promote a flavor. Larger scoop, lower price.”

Conscious that the line was building up behind her, Brittany nodded. “Salted Caramel Crunch sounds good.”

“Make it two.” Zach’s voice came from behind her and she felt delicious warmth spread to every corner of her body.

She was fairly sure the warmth reached her face, which was an embarrassing turn of events for a woman who’d believed she’d left her blushing days behind in her teens. Because she didn’t want him to see how flushed she was, she took her time turning around.

“You’re expecting me to buy you an ice cream, Flynn? I’m a penniless archaeologist.” She cast what she hoped passed for a casual glance over her shoulder and her mouth dried. Now it wasn’t just warmth, it was heat. The way he was looking at her made her feel as if she might need to call the paramedics.

911 dispatch, what seems to be the problem?

Well, there’s this guy …

“I’ve got this.” He handed over a bill, and took both ice creams. “I’m interested to know how you were planning on eating ice cream and carrying that bag when you only have one hand.”

“I admit I hadn’t thought it through. Ice cream finds a way.” And in any case, if Zachary Flynn had the same effect on the ice cream that he had on her, her salted caramel would be in a puddle around her feet in seconds.

The intense pull of lust was entirely inappropriate for their surroundings. They were standing in a crush of small, eager children.

Reading her mind, Zach gave a faint smile, led the way through the throng of children and parents, and held the door open for her.

She brushed past him, wondering why she should find such an old-fashioned gesture sexy when she’d been opening her own doors for most of her life.

Outside the sun dazzled, and she put her bag down and took her ice cream from him.

“Thanks. Do you realize this is the first meal you’ve ever bought me?” Trying to act normally, she licked around the edges, catching the sweet melting drips with the edge of her tongue.

“I bought you dinner when we were dating.” He broke off as Hilda approached and Brittany saw his shoulders tense.

“Good morning, pumpkin. How’s that wrist of yours behaving?” Hilda beamed at Brittany and gave Zach a speculative look. “I hear you broke into Kathleen’s cottage.”

Zach was still. “Yes, ma’am.”

Brittany waited for him to explain that he’d heard her scream, but he didn’t. He said nothing and she felt a rush of exasperation.

“He was helping me out, Hilda.”

“I know. Emily told me all about it. She was round helping Agnes adjust some curtains the other day.” Hilda nodded approval and patted Zach on the arm. “Good to know you’re looking out for our girl. You have strong muscles and I like a man with strong muscles. My Bill was the same. We had a lot of fun in the bedroom.”

Brit

tany didn’t look at Zach. “Hilda—”

“What? Sex isn’t just for the young, you know. The only difference is that we oldies aren’t allowed to talk about it. You need to eat your ice cream before it melts.” She gave his arm a final squeeze. “And fix that lock for her. If anyone knows how to make that cottage secure, it’s you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Not by the flicker of an eyelash did Zach show any reaction to the oblique reference to his murky past.

As Hilda wandered off to her next conversation, Brittany closed her eyes. “Sorry. If it’s any consolation, I think you’ve been given the seal of approval. Not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

“She cares about you. They all care about you.” He finished his ice cream. “And she’s right that your lock needs fixing. I’m going to deal with that.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that lock.”

“I gained entry into your property in under five seconds.”

“That’s because you have special skills.”