Lighthouse Way (Huckleberry Bay 1)

He shows me photos of a big building that looks like an old barn from the outside, but inside, it’s a beautiful home.

“You could make yours into a garage and add a loft apartment that you can turn into a viewing area for clients later.”

“No one can get started until next year.”

Apollo scoffs. “Come on, man, you have plenty of money, and money talks. This custom company I worked with out of Washington would probably be able to work you in. I’ll get you the information.”

“I appreciate it.” I nod, thinking it over. “Yeah, if I could get the garage done, it’s okay if the rest takes some time.”

“Well then, let’s get your garage done.”

He shares the contact information for the company with me and then gets into his truck and leaves. I immediately call Zeke.

“Hey,” he says. “I was just going to call you. I can be there next week.”

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. “Okay, that’s great. I bought the garage this morning.”

“We don’t do anything slow, do we?” he asks with a laugh.

“Never have,” I confirm. “Also, there’s an apartment above the garage where you can live if you want until you figure out your living situation.”

“Dude, I already bought a house. Sight unseen. I have a rental until I can move in.”

“You bought a house?”

“Well, a condo. New development just went up south of town. I’ll have a view of the water, and I don’t have to mow any grass.”

“Yep, we move fast,” I reply and immediately feel better that Zeke is coming to Huckleberry Bay for good. “If all goes well, we can start getting the garage ready for business when you get here.”

“Good. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see you next week.”

“See you.”

“You did what?” June demands, her hands on her hips and her green eyes shooting daggers at Apollo. We’re at Luna’s place for dinner, all six of us, just two days after my talk with Apollo outside my house.

And from the look on her face, I’d say she’s not even remotely happy.

“I called the custom company that Apollo recommended for my garage,” I repeat. “They start tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” she echoes. “Do you have floor plans? Have you worked with an architect? Do you have permits and all the million other things that are required for this kind of project?”

“They’re a luxury company,” Apollo points out. “The point of hiring them is that they handle all those things.”

“You’re literally always on my shit list,” June says, pointing at Apollo, “but now, you’re right at the top.”

“That’s not new,” Apollo shoots back. “I live in that spot with you, remember?”

“You just gave away my business,” she says.

“No.” I hold up my hands to stop them from bickering. “He didn’t. Think about it, June. You have plenty of work with Luna’s bed and breakfast, and you said yourself that no one would be able to get a project started for me until spring. Well, I can’t wait that long. This is a solution. I chose a design they’ve used before, and they’re making some adjustments for me. Ten garage bays is a lot, but they’re making it work.”

“I—” she begins but then stops. “Ten bays?”

“Yeah. I need to store my cars, and Zeke and I will be working on the custom stuff there, as well.”

“That’s a big garage,” Luna adds as she pulls a pan out of the oven. “What about your house?”

“It can wait,” I reply simply and watch as Luna reaches up high to pull down a serving platter. Just a tiny strip of skin shows from beneath her sweater, but it makes my mouth water. “The garage can’t.”

She glances my way and grins. I haven’t been alone with her since the other day in this kitchen, and my hands itch to touch her.

“The garlic bread is almost done,” she says. “Sarah, do you mind grabbing a breadbasket from that cabinet?”

“Sure,” Sarah answers and immediately jumps up to help.

“How are you settling in?” Tanner asks her, just as I hear June whisper to Apollo that their discussion isn’t over.

Apollo rolls his eyes.

“It’s been a good few days,” Sarah says as she helps Luna transfer hot bread into the basket. “I got a job at the diner. Gordy was excited to see me and hired me on the spot.”

“Which we knew he would,” June adds.

“And I’ve enjoyed being here with Luna. Although I know I can’t impose forever, it’s nice to know that even after all this time, my friends are here for me.”

“You do not have to rush out of here,” Luna says with a frown. “I hardly know you’re here, you’re so quiet. You don’t have to worry about going anywhere else.”

“A girl needs her own place,” June says. “I get it. But Luna’s right. You don’t have to rush it.”

“I might have an idea,” I announce, getting everyone’s attention. “There’s an apartment above the garage that I just bought. It’s small, and it needs a lot of work before anyone can move in, but if you want it, I’ll rent it out to you cheap.”