I didn’t know if he meant that we were good as buddies or good as a potential relationship. “I just hoped that you’d still want to go out sometime and do stuff.”
“I’m always up for stuff,” he said, taking the burger I handed him and unwrapping it. “What kind of stuff?”
I laughed. “You might want to hear me out before you agree for sure. It’s a little boring usually.”
“What’s that? Try me. I’m so eager for something to do, anything would be fun at this point. Even watching paint dry. Which I’d particularly like any day now.” He glanced back at his house, which was still the crazy color. It was starting to grow on me.
“Well, I told you about my father owning the Muddy Rudder a long time ago, right?”
“Yes. It was a bar, right?” He opened the beers and put them down between us.
“Well, the bar used to host this annual seafood cookoff. It’s tomorrow.”
“Food? I’m in.” He took a bite of his burger and then closed his eyes. “This is amazing.” He sighed and then turned to look at me. “Sorry, you were saying. It’s a cookoff? Does someone win a prize?”
“Yeah, we used to pass around this old, rusty anchor, which was a lot of fun and strictly for bragging rights, but once the new owner took over, he provides a trophy each year. I have the old anchor at my house, and just for fun, I like to enter a dish in honor of my father.”
“That’s amazing. Have you ever won it?”
“No, I haven’t. I suck at cooking. I just do it so the Tyler’s still have a face in the community. Some of the old-timers are still around, and they make sure Dad gets credit for founding it, but as the years pass, I just want to keep his legacy alive.”
“So, do you need help in the kitchen? Two horrible cooks might be better than one.”
“I don’t think that applies to cooking, but I appreciate the offer. Lissa is coming by later. She always helps me, but if I need a hand, I’ll call and hold you to that offer.”
“Well, I’d still love to go for sure. It sounds like fun.”
“It’s not, but at least we’d be together.”
“I’d like that even more.” He reached over and tapped his beer against mine. “To our second date.” He took a drink and then turned his attention back to the water. “Maybe this time, you’ll let me kiss you.”
“Maybe.”
He looked at me from the corner of his eyes. “You torture me. I like it.” The thought had crossed my mind to let him kiss me before I left, but after his remark, I was even more determined to make him wait.
“I’ve heard the longing makes it better. We’ll see if that’s true.”
“Oh, you want someone to long for you, huh?”
“No, I want you to.”
“Good answer.” He took another bite of his burger, and I got started on mine, eating in silence as the fish moved in the water around the dock.
“So, what do you cook for the competition?” he asked.
“It’s a dish my mother taught me to make. She used to go down south for the summer and taught me to make seafood cornbread. I love it, but it’s not for everyone, and I always manage to burn a few pans of it, which is starting to be a running joke.”
“Does that bother you?”
“Hell no,” I said with a laugh. “In the early days, it wasn’t about who had the best food. It was about everyone coming together as a community and getting wasted in Dad’s bar. Then it spread out, and when Dutch bought it, it got more and more competitive, and now it’s a touristy thing.”
“Ah, I see. Is Dutch from around here?”
“Nah, he was some rich guy who came in to retire. But he’s been here forever now it seems.” I pulled my lips in tight, realizing what I’d said.
His face fell. “So, there’s a natural aversion with the locals to city men with money?”
“Nah, we’re used to that here. You’re not the first or only city man with money who’s come here. In fact, when the summer really sets in, you’ll be a part of the majority.”
“Good to know. So, what else is there to do for fun around here?”
“Not much. Bars, weekend parties, boating. But I usually stay in and find something to do.” I realized how dull I sounded.
“Well, from the sounds of it, we both need to get out more.”
“Did you go out a lot back home?” I imagined his life was full of big parties and large crowds of friends every weekend.
“I used to, and while I never thought I’d say this, I don’t miss it. I guess it got old after a while. This is definitely a fresh start.”
“I bet you were big with the ladies,” I said. “Probably a new one each week.”
He laughed. “You think I was a man whore, don’t you?”
“Well, the car, the suits, the good looks. You were probably pretty popular.”
“You’d be right about that to a degree. I’m not proud of being that experienced, Sage.” His voice fell to a much softer tone. “It’s easy to be the life of the party and lose yourself. But after a while, everything loses meaning. I was not only getting bored to the party scene but growing numb to it.”
“That sounds sad.”
“I guess that’s a good word for it, though I’ve never been one to sit and sulk in self-pity. At least not until I moved here all alone. I think the first happy thing to happen for me since coming here was meeting you.”
I took the lasts bite of my sandwich and wadded up the wrapping. “You’re just saying that so I’ll kiss you.” I was onto him already.
“Is it working?” He gave me a devilish grin. “I’m serious, but whatever works.”
I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “That’s a start. Baby steps with you, Greyson Young. I’m afraid you might just be too much for me.” About that time, my phone pinged to announce a message, and I pulled it out of my pocket to check it. “That’s probably Lissa. She’s the only person who checks on me, and she knew I was coming.”
My face fell as I saw the message.
“Is it bad news?” He put his hand on my shoulder.
“That’s one way of putting it.” Maddox was still trying to get my attention. “It’s just an old ex, who doesn’t get the picture.”
He gave a nod. “I can see why someone would be hung up on you. You’re gorgeous. I’ve always been a sucker for a redhead. Especially a smart one.”
“If I were smarter, I’d have never dated this asshole in the first place.”
“Is he dangerous?”
I laughed. “I wouldn’t say dangerous, unless annoying me to death counts.”
“I’d take it seriously, Sage. I’ve seen these kinds of things escalate into messy situations.”
“We’re not like the big city. This is a small-town crush, and he’s not going to do anything. He’s just upset that the rest of the girls in this town finally figured him out.”
“Well, still, I want you to be careful. If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks.” He was sweet to offer, but I was more afraid of him than Maddox. He could break my heart, and that would hurt worse than anything Maddox could try.
We sat talking a few more minutes, and then I got to my feet and brushed off my jeans. “I have to get going. I have some work to do at the house.”
“Do you mind if I text you?”
“I’d like that, but I’d much prefer to hear your voice. Call me?”
“Yeah, I’d love that. I’ll walk you out to your car.” He got up and took my hand, and we walked together up to the driveway and past the new Jeep.
“That’s new.”
“Yeah, I thought I should get something to drive around here that didn’t stand out so much.”
“Well, I hate to tell you, but I think you failed. But she’s gorgeous. I love the color. It beats my old truck.”
He glanced over at my Ford and smiled. “I love that. How long have you had it?”
“It was my dad’s. I used to have a little car, but it bit the dust, and t
his monster is still working, so I figure why get stuck in a brand new car note?”
“I like it.”
“You’re saying that to be kind.”
“No, seriously. Money can’t buy this kind of cool. It has a story. I admire that.”
I loved the way he looked at me with such sincerity. “Thanks.” I gave a shrug and opened the door with one hand as I fished my keys out with the other. I climbed inside, and he stood in the door.
“Can I kiss your cheek?” he asked with a low, gruff voice. It sent chills down my spine, and I took a deep breath, knowing I was ready for more.
“I suppose. It’s only fair since I kissed your cheek first.”
He leaned in and kissed my cheek. I felt my face grow warm, and my body seemed to respond in a way that it hadn’t ever for anyone else. I knew in that moment that I wanted his lips on mine and his body against mine too.
He pulled away. “Thanks for lunch. Come by anytime.”
“I guess I’ll see you at the cookoff tomorrow. I’ll message you the details.”
“Absolutely.” He shut my door, and I cranked up my old truck, the engine sounding strong as my heart’s beating for Greyson.
Maybe it was a good thing that I practiced what I preached and took it slowly. Even though I already knew exactly who I wanted to give myself to.
13
Greyson
The next day, I headed into town to see Sage. She had not texted me much during the day, and I only had a quick goodnight call before turning in to hear her voice. It was around eleven, and I was surprised that she and her friend, Lissa, were still in the kitchen working on their final batches of cornbread.
When I got to the event, it was apparent by the crowd that it was a much bigger deal than she’d let on. The streets were crowded with families, and there were different games and booths and a huge tent where the food was set up for the competition right in the middle of it all.
I found Christian standing outside it, talking on the phone. He was in jeans and a bright green shirt that read Vance Family Furniture, and he already had one hand gripping his hair as if he could pull it out. As I walked up, he hung up and shook my hand. “How’s it going, man?”
“Pretty good so far. I came to see Sage. Have you seen her around?”
“Yeah, she and Lissa are inside setting up the booth. I’m afraid they are our competition today. My mom is here with her lobster bisque, representing the furniture store, and she’s determined to win. She’s got me doing a hundred different things, and I’m about to lose my sanity.”
“Ah, well, according to Sage, she’s not much competition.”
He gave me a look like he wasn’t so certain. “I don’t know. If she does as bad as usual, she’ll give the judges food poisoning, and the entire competition will be over. I tried it earlier because my mom wanted me to sniff out the competition. I think one of our girls was a little heavy handed on the seasonings.”
“Is it that bad?”
“Yeah, it always is. If we marry those girls, be prepared to dine out a lot.” He chuckled. “You should get in there before the committee shuts them down. I’m about to go pick up my dad. Mom left him at home, and now she needs him. Apparently, it’s not enough to torture me.”
“Oh man, I feel for you. I’ll catch you later then.” We shook hands, and then we parted ways, and I walked into the tent and spotted Sage immediately across the room.
Before I could get there, I ran into my other neighbor, Lyle Abbot.
“Mr. Young,” said Lyle with a suspicious tone. “I see that you still have not complied with the rules set forth by the Home Owners Association.” He looked down his nose at me, even though he was a good bit shorter.
I took a deep breath, if only to swell my chest and look a bit more intimidating. “Dodd is supposed to have his people come and do the paint job, and I still have plenty of time on my permits.”
“Well, I should hope so. There is a very hefty fine to pay if you don’t get it done.”
“I’m well aware of the fine, but I’m still in compliance as long as my permits are valid. I have another month. Besides, for all I know, you and your friends are in cahoots, and you’ve created this problem to try and drain my pockets with those fines. I can assure you; I will not be played.”
His eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “I beg your pardon?”
I walked away without saying anything else, and while I knew I hadn’t won any favors, it was sure nice to get that off my chest. I didn’t really think anyone was trying to shake me down, but maybe it would shut the man up.
As I approached, I could see Sage and her friend laughing in the booth, even though they looked like they were both in a rush.
I walked up unnoticed, so I moved behind Sage, who was bent over sifting through a box. “I know I brought scissors. Where are they?” She still hadn’t seen me.
“Maybe the sharp-dressed man behind you can cut that thread.” Lissa smiled big as I put my finger to my lips.
Sage turned around and found me smiling. “Surprise.” I thought it best not to shout the words, and while I hadn’t given her as big a start as she’d given me, I’d done the trick.
“Greyson!” She hugged me, and it was a nice surprise, considering the last time we’d met up at my house, she had not hugged me at all. “Lissa Moore, this is Greyson Young. Greyson, Lissa is my best friend I told you about.”
Lissa was gorgeous in her own right, and I could see why Christian was so attracted to her, but even though the curly hair was a turn on, giving her an exotic look, I only had eyes for my wholesome Sage.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said as she looked me up and down.
“It’s very nice to meet you,” she said. She wagged her brows teasingly at Sage. “He’s even hotter than you described.”
Sage glanced over her shoulder at her friend. “Easy girl, I have dibs.”
“And here are those scissors,” said Lissa, who found them in a different box. “I’ll just make myself busy over here.” She turned her back to us, but I was sure she was all ears.
“I like your booth.” They had it decorated with Tiffany-blue streamers and balloons and matching tablecloths over all of their tables. The pans of cornbread were all lined up in a row for serving, their little burners keeping them warm. “That looks amazing.”
Lissa brought a pan from the back table. “This one is going to the judges,” said Lissa. “You should give him a taste, Sage.” She grinned as if she were tricking me.
Sage took a tiny square of the bread with a napkin and fed it to me. The texture was grainy and dry, but the flavor wasn’t horrible. As much as I tried, there was no hiding the look on my face as the seasonings kicked in. I coughed a bit to clear my throat, but it was like I’d eaten a handful of grit.
Lissa came to my aid with a small bottle of water, which I gulped down quickly.
“It’s horrible, isn’t it?” she asked like she already knew. “I suck at cooking. The competition is fierce with the complexity of some of these dishes anyway, and it’s really more about the donations I’ll make for the children’s charity.”
I had forgotten the event was for charity and realized she wasn’t likely to sell much of the bread. “That’s wonderful. Put me down for a donation.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit with surprise. “You don’t have to do that.”
I couldn’t let her fail at collecting donations. There was not much of a chance she’d place if she didn’t kill the judges with the dry creation. “No, I want to. How about twenty grand? And then I’ll also match what you make in sales.”
“Twenty grand?” asked Lissa, who was still in our conversation, even though she’d turned back to the other table across the booth.
Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure I hadn’t messed up. “Is that too much? Not enough? I guess I stuck my foot in it again.”
Sage gave Lissa a pointed look before turning her attention back to me. “No, it’s a sweet gesture, and I’m not sure you re
ally can donate too much when it comes to children. Right?”
“Right,” agreed Lissa. “It’s just, that’s more than most of the other booths will raise, even Christian’s.” Lissa’s shock made me feel a bit self-conscious.
Was Christian going to be upset that I’d stepped on his toes? And did I really care? The New York me wouldn’t have cared one bit. But then, things were so much different in Camden. I wasn’t the social butterfly here, more like a one-winged moth flying in a circle right into a bug zapper. “Is it okay if we keep it anonymous?”
Sage looked over at Lissa, who shrugged. “Sure. I don’t see why it’s anyone’s business.”
I had tried to do a good deed and ended up looking like a rich douchebag from the city again.
Just then, there was an announcement over the loudspeaker for all entries to be put on the judges’ table. Sage took a deep breath and grabbed my arm as if she might fall over. “That’s means I’m up,” said Sage, taking her dish and hurrying across the tent with it. “Wish me luck!”
I watched with Lissa from the booth as she headed across the stage where the judges had their own table, and then she placed her plate there with the other entries. She got her number and shook a few hands, as well as received a few worried looks, and she walked back over to us.
“Won’t be long now,” she said, showing us her number thirteen. “Is this good luck or bad?”
“For you or the judges?” asked Lissa with a giggle.
“Don’t let the number freak you out, Sage. It’s all about your awesome cooking skills.” I knew to keep my teasing to a minimum but still played along.
“That’s what I’m worried about.” Sage laughed and then gave Lissa a nudge. “Here comes your boyfriend.”
I turned to see Christian walking up with his number. “What spot did you get?”
“Thirteen,” said Sage, rolling her eyes. “I was hoping for a higher number. I even hung out at the end of the line.”
“It’s cool. I got eight.” He flashed his number and gave the girls a wink. “You’ll have a job keeping these two out of trouble. Better you than me.” He walked away laughing at me like I was a sucker. I turned toward the girls, who gave me innocent smiles, batting their lashes at me.
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