“I shouldn’t,” she demurred. “I have so much to do, and a swim would mean showering again and drying my hair for my meeting this afternoon.”
“Don’t say I didn’t invite you.”
“I really wish I could. How about later?”
“No can do. I’ll be online with Tokyo.” He made a face. “Another time. Maybe when Delphine’s on the way over. We can put on a show for her.”
“Share a kiss in the water?” she blurted and stepped back. She shouldn’t have let her fantasy show up in this conversation. Step away from the man in the toolbelt. Her belly fluttered and a thrill shot through her.
“Something like that.” He flashed her a grin that promised a world full of thrills. And probably hurt when he went back to New York.
“Well, I came out here to say that the bath refitting company says they can get the three units finished this week.”
“Let’s hope they keep to the schedule and stay on budget.” And there he was, the grouch. Growly and demanding when there was no need to be. She’d just told him the company was on target and on schedule. Their prices were fair, and she’d been given a discount because once they were on site, there was no travel time from one unit to the next.
She spun on her heel and tramped back to the motel. Next up on her list was a quick lunch in her car and then a run out to Barnacle Bill’s. She could have asked Grady to join her, but that would mean waiting for him to finish and clean up. She couldn’t miss her appointment with Tom Fester and since Grady was feeling growly, she might do better with Tom on her own. She’d flash her eyes and give him her best smile. Couldn’t hurt.
TWO DAYS LATER, FARREN was having drinks at The Sandbar Bar and Grill in the Sands with Eva. It was a typical hotel bar except that the whole wall that faced the beach was glass. Today, the sliders were wide open to catch the breeze and salt air. Beautiful, the view never failed to make her smile. She loved living in a place where she could have days like this.
In the evenings, small groups took tables inside and out on the patio.
They’d taken a table in the back so they could talk privately. So far, all she’d done was answer questions about Grady. Endless questions, it seemed. She’d invited Eva so she could give her an update on Singles Fest, but her friend wanted to talk about Grady. Farren had just explained how she’d bullied her way into his place the night they’d met.
“And how did you end up on a lunch date?”
“Despite looking like a shaggy mess, Grady was funny and charming, but I had to convince him that I was onto something with Singles Fest.” All of which was true except for the funny and charming part. “I waited for him the next morning so we could go through the units together and when he arrived home from his errands, he’d cleaned up so well I thought he must be someone else.”
“You didn’t recognize him? Wow, he must’ve been a hairy beast.”
“With holes in his socks,” she added for good measure. “But the man who showed up the next morning looked crisp and fresh and....” No, she couldn’t go there.
“Handsome? Because he looked great when I saw you with him at lunch.” Eva waggled her eyebrows like a lech. “Hubba hubba.”
Farren laughed. “Nobody says that anymore. And men shouldn’t be objectified any more than women.”
The eyebrow waggling continued. “Don’t distract me. The man’s gorgeous. And not just physically. He seems smart and kind. And interested in you. Also, he’s dated models and actresses in New York and LA. Everyone’s seen his photos.” She grinned and sipped her wine. “And you know exactly what hubba hubba means. We both had grandmothers, right?”
Eva’s amusement was contagious. “Mm, yes. I do know what hubba hubba means. Grady cleaned up is not what I expected.” She grinned. “To be honest I didn’t expect him to clean up at all. So when he suggested a stroll on the beach to get lunch, I agreed.” Simple lies were best. “Delphine hasn’t seen him in months, and I doubt she knows how badly he’d let himself go.” She assumed he’d cleaned up because they’d be seen in public. His sudden interest in grooming had nothing to do with impressing her and everything to do with his public image.
“How bad was he? Lone bomber scary or just run-of-the-mill grieving man shaggy?”
“Never mind about that,” Farren said with some force, sorry she’d mentioned anything about his bear-in-the-woods look. “I was hoping if Grady helped with Singles Fest, then his sister would, too.” Another lie. Sheesh.
“I decided to sit up on The Rock to eat my fish and chips,” Eva announced smugly. “You two looked like quite the happy couple from there. You clasped hands across the table and then shared your fries. I saw him feed you one.”
“You spied on us?”
“Everyone sits on The Rock to eat their take-out.”
She hadn’t looked around much that day. She’d been focused on Grady. “He wanted me to taste the vinegar he puts on his fish and chips.” Sitting on The Rock meant perching on the side of a boulder the height of a bungalow. No one could remember The Rock’s real color because for decades it had been the place to announce undying love and affection. Periodically the town painted over the names, dates, and love interests and provided a fresh canvas. And every time, a parade of older citizens scampered over the granite to replace what was lost. Now, there was talk of sandblasting all the layers of paint off to return the rock to pristine.
Newcomers. They wanted to change things. The Rock was perfect as it was. A landmark. She saw no reason to change it just because new people wanted to make their mark on the town.
Farren believed, like most of the longtime residents, that giving lovestruck people a place to tell the world about their love was romantic. And it saved other landmarks from being tagged.
“Okaaayyy. It looked lovey-dovey from where I sat.”
She’d be sure to tell Grady they’d put on a good show next time she saw him. Whenever that would be. They hadn’t made plans after that lunch. She’d only seen him working on the walkway. And she hadn’t been to the motel since she’d shown the bathtub refitting company the units they needed updated. So much for faking a relationship.
She gave a mental shrug, to dislodge the memory of Grady in a toolbelt with his shirt open and his forearms looking so strong. She’d see him again at some point.
“I invited you here to talk about the list of outings I have in mind for Singles Fest, not gossip about Grady.” Even if he was a grump of the highest order, he didn’t deserve to be fodder for derisive comments. Or giggles. Or feminine speculation.
But Eva looked ready to press her for more information when a deep male voice interrupted them.
“Hey there,” a man said from over Eva’s shoulder. Eva turned to face the man. “Would you mind if my friend and I join you?” he asked her with a smooth, engaging smile. Tall, dark-haired, and interested. A second man stood just behind the one who’d spoken.
“That depends,” Farren replied before Eva could send them on their way. It would be a relief to change the topic from Grady. “What is your purpose in joining us?”
Eva turned back to face her with a frown.
The men flanking Eva smiled widely. In fact, the man who’d spoken looked happy to answer Farren’s pointed question.
“Our purpose. Hm...having a drink and some lively conversation with two lovely women?” he said it like he was guessing and hoping Farren and Eva wanted the same thing.
He wore boaters, white shorts, and looked great in a light blue cotton shirt. The other man was dressed similarly except his shirt was navy linen. They were around the same age. Mid-thirties if she had a bet riding on it.
“Let me guess,” Farren said. “You’re here for some beach time, golf, and whatever else you can find to do in sleepy little Last Chance Beach.” Farren smiled gently because tourists wanted to feel welcome and indulged. “Fair enough.” She gave Eva a look of approval.
Eva indicated a couple of chairs at another table. “Pull those over and we’ll include
you in our lively conversation,” she said with a look for Farren that promised retribution.
“Archie Jones,” the first man said as he took a chair and set it beside Farren. His friend landed in the chair next to Eva with a sigh.
“I’m Jesse Carmichael,” the friend said. “Are we interrupting?” He waved at the women’s tablets. “This looks like a business meeting.”
“You’re not interrupting at all. In fact, I’d like to pick your brains, if you don’t mind.” Farren pulled her tablet toward her to give them more room on the table for drinks. Archie smiled his thanks and waved for the server. This was perfect. Not only could she discuss her plans with Eva, but she could get a male perspective at the same time.
She’d planned on talking this out with Grady, but so much for being seen in public together. One lunch and done.
Eva watched the men with amusement. But Farren noticed her friend’s eye caught on Jesse’s more than once. That meant Farren should focus on Archie.
“You want to pick our brains?” Jesse asked Eva. Her gaze snagged on his and pink rose in her cheeks.
Taking note of the obvious attraction, Farren opened her tablet to her profile questionnaire. “Yes, a few questions,” she said. “Nothing serious or onerous. You’re both single?”
They nodded and smiled.
She opened two files, one for each man. “Have you been married or in a long-term relationship before? Something serious?”
At the question, Archie looked at Jesse. “Not me, yet.”
Jesse nodded. “Yes, I was married, but I’m a widower. Two years ago.” He blew out a long breath as if he’d carried the burden as far as he wanted to.
The women offered their condolences, but they were cut short by the arrival of the men’s drinks.
Eva watched Jesse with deep sympathy in her gaze. After the server retreated, she said, “That must be terrible.”
“It’s my kids I worry about.”
Farren tossed Eva a look that screamed between them. A widower with kids counted as a single dad. She cleared her throat. “How many children?” she asked.
“Three,” he responded. “Two girls and a boy.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, where are they while you’re here?” Farren typed quickly.
“I was lucky because my in-laws agreed to take them. They’re busy people so this weekend away is a real break.” Jesse’s face grew curious. “Why?”
“You walked over here to join two women for drinks. Are you looking for a relationship? Or just a good time?” She leaned in and then back when she realized she must look like a hungry baby bird begging for scraps.
He flashed her a strong smile that showed he was down for sharing. “First, it was Archie who led the charge. Second, did you miss the part where I said I have three kids?” He chuckled. “There’s no way for me to find a relationship if I wanted to. Who’s going to take on another woman’s children? One, maybe, but three? They’re young and need a lot of time and attention. So, looking for a relationship is not on my agenda.”
Jesse flashed Eva a look, but she was gazing at the tabletop and missed it. In fact, Eva seemed to have shriveled into her seat. Her face had gone stony, and Jesse looked accepting when he read her expression.
Whatever spark of interest had been there for Eva had been snuffed out. It was obvious that his having children had made her withdraw. He was likely right. Finding a new relationship would be incredibly difficult for a man like Jesse.
Confused by her friend’s reaction, Farren knew she’d have to work fast to get through her questions. She cleared her throat.
“Would a woman having children put either of you off dating her?”
Archie shrugged and looked unconcerned. “Not necessarily. Especially if they were old enough to do stuff with, like going to games or bowling or other fun things.”
“Have you dated a woman with children?”
Archie flushed. “Yes, but not for long. The kids were too young. Diapers and car seats are not my thing.”
Jesse gave his buddy a disapproving look. “Archie here is all about the good time.”
Archie sipped his beer and shrugged. “I might hang out with a kid who was old enough to have fun with. Do things with. Just because I haven’t doesn’t mean it’s completely off the table.”
Eva spoke up. “Things like minigolf?” She nodded at Farren, who still hadn’t convinced Barnacle Bill’s to offer her groups a discount.
Jesse looked aggrieved by his friend’s comments. “Kids aren’t all fun and games,” he grumbled. “Kids need people they can depend on.”
“And you, Jesse?” Farren asked. “Would you have room for a woman’s children?”
“I guess. But they’d have to like my kids.” He sipped his beer and frowned. “That’s a whole other layer of like, you know?”
Farren agreed.
“These are some strange questions,” Jesse said.
Farren smiled to reassure the men. “You’ve both been very forthcoming and kind, so I’ll let you in on what’s happening.”
Archie shared a look with Jesse. “We’re all ears.”
“I’m starting a dating site with a series of get-togethers and long weekends planned for single parents, so I want to include children’s activities where the parents can meet and mingle.”
“And the kids can, too?” Jesse finished for her, his eyes lighting.
“Exactly.”
“I operate a daycare,” Eva explained. “There would be options if parents wanted time off to be with another adult.”
“Dates, you mean?” Archie, this time.
Eva nodded, but Farren spoke. “I’m planning things like dinners for the parents where they’d change tables through the meal. Typical evening singles events, but with the addition of family activities during the day.”
Jesse considered the information then perked up. “I could bring the kids and have fun with them, but time for myself, too?” His gaze swung once more to Eva who gave him a brusque nod.
Farren spoke, since it was plain that her friend had lost the power of speech. “You’ve got it. Think something like this would interest you?”
“Sign me up,” Jesse said with a wide grin. “Even if I didn’t meet a woman for me, it sounds like a great way to spend a weekend. Would it be here?”
“Yes, for now.”
“And Eva would handle daycare and the kids’ activities when I’d be out with the other parents?”
Eva nodded. “I’ll have babysitters lined up.”
Both men nodded but Archie looked bored.
“If things go as well as I hope, I’ll expand to each coast and up north on the Great Lakes. I think beach towns are perfect for this idea.”
“Here’s to success!” Jesse toasted and held up his glass. They all cheered until a dark shadow loomed over the table from directly behind her.
Farren looked up into the disgruntled blue eyes of her fake boyfriend.
GRADY TRIED TO KEEP it light and smile engagingly, but he was pretty sure he missed the mark when Farren paled. “Farren, I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said with a nod for Eva. “Nice to see you again, Eva.”
He’d walked into the bar looking for a quick lunch and a cold beer. From the back tables he’d heard animated conversation that drew his attention. Surprised by the source, he watched for a couple of minutes. When Farren started waving her hands and smiling, he’d edged closer. Those smiles she was tossing around were her real ones. His favorite.
Now, he was making himself a fool by glaring at her. Her smile drifted away, and her hands settled on the table. “Grady.”
No inflection good or bad. No sign of welcome.
He blinked and tried for a more friendly demeanor. “And you are?” he directed the question to the men who had tourist written across their foreheads. The boaters were a dead giveaway.
“I’m Archie and this is Jesse,” said the one next to Farren. “We just sat down.” His tone asked, ‘you got a proble
m?’ Now, that was some good inflection.
“Care to join us? We’re discussing Singles Fest,” Farren said. “Jesse is a single dad and Archie is not.”
“So, this is a focus group?” Sounded fishy to him, but whatever. He grabbed a chair from another table and squeezed into the space between Farren and Archie. “If you want input from a focus group, don’t you need some single moms, too?”
“This was impromptu,” Farren replied, while Eva looked ready to burst into laughter. “Archie and Jesse happened by and—.”
“Oh, I get it,” Grady interjected. He waved at the server for a beer. “Two beautiful women in a bar, two guys here for a weekend of beach and golf. Magnets.” He shrugged and slipped his palm up to cup Farren’s shoulder.
He probably should have walked out when he realized it was Farren cozied up in the back of the bar with these guys. But that might hurt their plan to convince Delphine they were dating. Satisfaction settled his mind. He was here now and here he’d stay.
He leaned in and kissed her cheek, startling her. He drew in her scent and sighed inside. He’d missed this. Looks like he didn’t need to get Delphine to hang around after all. He could fake kiss Farren in front of anyone.
“Uh, right.” She patted his hand where it sat on her shoulder and smiled up at him as if she meant it. The smile punched him in the gut.
“The bathrooms are being done today. They look good,” he said into Farren’s ear. She nodded.
“Great,” she said. “Grady owns the Landseer Motel and I’ll be offering special rates to families who attend our weekends. He has the biggest pool and best playground in Last Chance Beach.”
Jesse nodded. “My kids will love that. My boy’s learning to swim but the girls are like fish.”
Eva shifted uncomfortably. “I’m a certified lifeguard so I’ll be there with the children if the parents go off for adult events.”
“That’s a shame you don’t get to have any fun,” Jesse said with a warm smile for Eva. Eva looked blindly at the tabletop.
“Eva loves children,” Farren said.
“How do you feel about kids?” Grady asked her. Personally, he wanted a couple, but until now, he hadn’t seen himself with any. Maybe he’d been expecting Veronica to decide. He frowned, unsure what her position on children had been. They’d never discussed having a family and as of six weeks ago, he knew why.
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