What he didn’t need was some woman coming by and constantly interrupting him. He didn’t like anyone bothering him or infringing on his carefully cultivated solitude. That’s why he made it a point to get his groceries promptly when the market first opened before many customers came in. Why he preferred to do any major shopping on the mainland where he was just one of many anonymous customers. He liked that. To just blend in so no one pestered him.
So the last thing he needed was this woman—what was her name again? Amy? Addy? A something. He’d already forgotten. He didn’t need her constantly interrupting him.
Anyway, he’d seen her out on the beach last night at sunset. A time when he liked to stand in the doorway of his workshop and watch the sky as it changed. She’d better not wreck that time for him.
She’d been out there on the beach last night, spinning around like a crazy woman. Her brown hair tumbling in the breeze. A grown woman acting as a child.
How long had she said she was here for? Two months? He let out a groan. That was a long time to hide out in his workshop trying to avoid her. If she came by again, he’d have to set her straight. No interruptions. No distractions. Hopefully, she’d get the message.
CHAPTER 4
While the luxury of having nothing to do, no calls, and no meetings was a welcome escape from her normal life, after a few more days, Amanda was wondering what she was going to do to fill her hours. She’d finished two books, devouring them eagerly. Trying out recipes she’d found online also became a new distraction. One which required daily trips to the market, but she didn’t mind at all. The cashier now greeted her by name, making her feel welcome.
She took her daily walks on the beach—and noticed the neighbor only had one of the doors to his workshop open. Which was okay, because she’d already written him off as a possible friendly face here on Magnolia.
She decided to head to Coastal Coffee for breakfast this morning. Beverly had been welcoming, and to be honest, she could use some friendly conversation. She was used to her days filled with people, and now she rarely spoke to anyone except for an occasional person when she shopped.
After strolling the short distance to the cafe, she walked inside, taking in the familiar ambiance and the scent of freshly roasted coffee that wafted through the cozy cafe. Her mouth watered in anticipation of her first cup of coffee of the day.
Beverly walked up and greeted her. “Good morning. Glad to see you again.”
“Amanda,” she offered her name. “Amanda Kingston.”
“Glad you came back in.” Beverly’s words were filled with sincerity like she was truly glad she’d come back. “Just grab a table anywhere. I’ll be right with you. Coffee?”
She nodded gratefully, took a table about halfway into the cafe, and settled into her chair. Beverly brought her a steaming cup of coffee. “Here you go. You getting all settled in? Didn’t you say you were here for a few months?”
“I am staying a few months. And I’m mostly all settled. Exploring around the island a bit. And I met one of my neighbors, but that didn’t go well. He’s rather standoffish. Apparently, he’s a wood carver.”
“Ah, Connor Dempsey. Good guy, but he likes to keep to himself.”
“I got the message loud and clear that he doesn’t want to be bothered.”
“Don’t take it personally. He’s like that with everyone. Kind of a loner.”
“I guess I’ll give him a wide berth and let him have his space.”
“He just likes his solitude, I guess. But, anyway, enough about the locals. You came in to eat. Today’s special is oatmeal muffins. Very good. Or you could try our pecan waffles.”
“Oh, the waffles sound good. I’ll have that.”
“Won’t be long.” Beverly’s voice carried a warm, friendly tone as she headed toward the kitchen. Soon she was back and paused by the table as she waved to a woman coming into the cafe. “Tori. Over here.”
The woman made her way across the room with graceful steps.
“Tori, this is Amanda. She’s staying here on the island for a few months. Amanda, this is Tori.”
“Nice to meet you.” Amanda smiled at Tori.
“Nice to meet you, too. What brings you here to Magnolia?”
“Just taking a little break.”
Tori laughed, the sound carrying a hint of wistfulness. “That’s what I thought, and now I live here. Escaped the chaos back in New York City for a nice, peaceful life here.”
“I’m from New York City, too.”
Tori frowned and carefully studied her face. “Are you AmandaKingston?”
