“You’re welcome…” But her words trailed off because the woman had already turned and headed toward the door with brisk steps.
Beverly returned with her meal and set it on the table. “Here you go. Enjoy.”
She ate slowly, savoring each bite, as bits and pieces of conversations swirled around her. A lot of chat about the weather. A few remarks about the festival. Not one person seemed in any hurry to get up and rush out. This is what she had craved, a chance to slow down and just enjoy the moment.
After lingering over a final cup of coffee, she paid her bill. “Thanks, it all was wonderful.”
Beverly smiled. “Love to hear that. Coastal Coffee is my cafe and I love having satisfied customers.”
“Well, you have one in me. I’m sure I’ll be back soon.” She meant it. She could already envision herself becoming a regular here.
“I look forward to it.” Beverly’s words held warmth, welcome, and sincerity.
Amanda threaded her way through the tables and back out into the sunshine splashing down on the sidewalk. She squinted as her eyes adjusted and she settled her sunglasses on her face. The whole day stretched out before her, a luxurious expanse of unscheduled hours. Now, what was she going to do with it?
She had no agenda, no events to juggle, no emails or calls to answer. A heady freedom engulfed her. She was free to wander and explore and do whatever came to mind. With a contented smile, she strolled leisurely down the sun-dappled sidewalk.
CHAPTER 3
Amanda wandered in and out of the quaint shops lining Main Street. She couldn’t resist the allure of the local items. First she purchased a soft, butter-yellow t-shirt emblazoned with “Magnolia Key” across the front. Then she chose a coffee mug with the words “come home to Magnolia Key” written in a pretty script in teal with an illustration of the island’s iconic lighthouse on it. Armed with her purchases, she made her way back to her cottage.
She set the mug in the sink and hung up the t-shirt, smoothing the soft fabric, then wandered into the main room, settling onto an overstuffed chair. The chair surrounded her with comfort, and she picked up a novel she’d brought with her. Soon, she was lost in the book, a luxury she’d rarely had time for back home with the frantic pace she kept. When she glanced up at the clock a little while later, she was surprised to see it was mid-afternoon.
She got up and made herself a simple meal of a sandwich and a glass of iced water, which she ate sitting at a table by the window while enjoying the view. After cleaning up the dishes, she grabbed a hat and her sunglasses and headed out to the beach. Time for a nice, long beach walk.
The sunlight danced on the waves and a light breeze cheerfully accompanied her as she strolled along. Her feet sank into the warm sand with each step. She went down to the edge of the water and couldn’t help picking up the perfect seashell here and there and slipping them into her pockets. She walked to the end of the island and turned back toward the cottage. As she got near, she cut up the beach, heading to her porch and relishing the promise of a cold beverage.
A large wooden structure beside the cottage next door stood with its doors wide open. It was a bit too nice to be called a mere shed. As she walked past, she glanced inside, her curiosity piqued at the sight of a man hunched over a workbench, busy at work.
As if sensing her presence, he glanced up and met her gaze. She squirmed uncomfortably at being caught staring but didn’t look away. Instead, she pasted on a broad smile.
He rose from the bench and walked to the open doorway, pulling the doors closed behind him as he stepped outside. She caught her composure again and smiled warmly. “Hello there. I was just heading back to my cottage.” She nodded toward the cottage next to his. “I’m Amanda Kingston. I’m renting the cottage for a few months.”
She held out her hand, and he stared at it. His blue eyes remained cold and his expression guarded. After a moment, he wiped his hand on his shorts and took hers, shaking it quickly before snatching his hand back. “Connor. Connor Dempsey.” His voice was curt and clearly annoyed at the interruption.
“Nice to meet you, Connor.” She ignored his lack of warmth or friendliness. “So, this is your workshop?”
“Yes.”
“What are you working on?”
He gave her a long look before answering. “Carvings. Wood carvings.”
“Oh, that’s so interesting.” What a fascinating hobby. She was truly intrigued. She’d never met a wood carver.
The silence stretched between them as he seemed to contemplate his next words. “I prefer to work alone though. In quiet.”
The rebuff was unmistakable. “Okay, I should let you get back to it.” A twinge of disappointment crept through her. She guessed she wasn’t going to make a friend of her neighbor. “I’m just next door if you ever want… company,” she offered, keeping her voice light and friendly.
His expression remained impassive, and he simply nodded and reached for the door. “Need to get back to work.” He disappeared inside and firmly tugged the door closed behind him.
She stood there for a moment, not sure if he’d hurt her feelings with his standoffishness, or if he was just some kind of elusive artist type that preferred his solitude.
Regardless, any hopes of becoming friends with this neighbor were dashed into pieces. With a small sigh, she turned and walked the few paces to her cottage.
Well, he was going to have to get used to her presence. She loved being out on her porch or on the beach. Determined not to let his gruff attitude dampen her mood, she made up her mind to be friendly to him if she saw him. She’d smile and wave but stay out of his way. Not even the grouchy neighbor would ruin her feel-good mood and the luxury of this vacation.
Connor peeked out of the side window of his workshop as his new neighbor headed back to her cottage. Thankfully, she went inside, leaving him in peace. He let out a quiet sigh of relief andwalked back to the doors, swinging them wide open, letting in the sea breeze and fresh air. He hoped he wouldn’t have to keep the doors closed up all the time to avoid the woman. He needed the natural light to work on his carvings.
