Second coffee of the late morning in hand, Laurel headed down the block toward Evans Kayaking Adventures and Rentals. That there was no closer parking was a good sign. One that matched the books she’d combed over this morning while she fed Melly a bottle in the twilight hours.
Cody managed the seasonal family side business without much interference from Dad. That was the best thing about their father. He was willing to back their dreams financially and let them spread their wings with very little micromanaging on his part. As long as things stayed in the black, Dad was content enough to manage the family-owned downtown store, Evans Outfitters.
“Didn’t expect to see you out of bed before noon,” Cody teased her when the door to the beach-themed kayaking shop closed behind her. With the large shells and white-painted driftwood signs adorning the light blue walls, Laurel always thought the shop was better suited for somewhere like North Carolina. But it was Mom’s design, and Cody wouldn’t risk hurting her feelings by redecorating in a masculine theme.
“Melly hardly cried last night, thanks to me. You’re welcome.”
“I can sleep through anything, Melly included.” Cody flashed her that charming smile that made half the girls in town swoon on sight. With his hazel-blue eyes and shaggy blond hair just long enough to have a wave to it, that smile only made himmoredangerous.
“I know. It’s not fair that you’re the only Evans blessed with that gift.” She leaned on the counter with folded arms as Cody typed something into the computer. “Business seems to be pretty good today. Didn’t see a lot of kayaks left.”
“It’s tourist season,” Cody said, as if that were the only explanation needed.
“Right.” She fiddled with a cup holder full of Evans Outfitters pens. Cody rented kayaks and even sent groups off on guided tours that required a boat to haul them out to a glacier-fed lake. But any of the gear or clothing they might need, Dad sold at the store two blocks away. It was a clever business arrangement that benefited both places.
“Did you need something? Maybe want to take a kayak out?” Cody asked without taking his eyes off the screen.
Laurelhaddressed in activewear, though it was subconscious when she did so. Except the waterproof jacket tied around her waist now. She grabbed that with intent on the way out the door. “Advice?” she finally said in answer, her voice quiet despite how no one else was around. The guides were out with tourist groups, leaving Cody to man the shop alone.
He held up his finger as he finished entering something into the computer. Once finished, he turned his full attention to her. “Yes, dear sister?” She loved that most about him. How Cody would put down anything he was doing to really listen. That superpower was probably the reason he had a good relationship with Sadie while the rest of them didn’t.
“Two things.”
“Shoot.”
“Sadie still hasn’t come to meet Melly. She’s a month old come Sunday.”
Cody nodded thoughtfully, then said, “I’ll talk to her.”
“Thanks.” She took a swig of coffee, because the next thing wasn’t so easy to put into words. In fact, she wondered if bringing it up was a mistake. She trusted Cody more than anyone, but that wasn’t why she hesitated. It was because he gave advice sheneededto hear, even if she didn’t like it. Good advice. Solid. Insightful. Thought-provoking.
“You won’t be happy with yourself if you leave here and don’t spit it out.”
Laurel sighed dramatically, because her little brother was right. “I’m still legally married to Chase.”
“Huh.”
She stared at him as if he’d grown a second head. “That’s your reaction?”
“It’s not that surprising, that’s all.”
“Sure shocked me. We were divorced for five years, or so we both thought until Jenkins found a missing signature.” Laurel still wasn’t certain how it was possible for that to slip through the cracks for so long. Before Cody could ask about that signature, she added, “Jenkins won’t be back in town until Monday. Apparently, he’s in Hawaii. I have to wait until he gets back to sign it.”
Cody’s gaze flickered to the door. He lowered his voice as someone approached the shop. “You sure youwantthe divorce?”
“What kind of question is that? Of course I do. I wanted it fiveyearsago.”
The bells above the door clamored, drawing Laurel’s attention to the new arrivals. A pair of teenage girls approached the counter. Their Instagram-worthy outfits and styled hair and makeup made them look sorely out of place, but Laurel wasn’t surprised they were here. They’d ask to rent a couple of kayaks, but what they really wanted was Cody’s attention, however briefly they might get it. Never mind that he was twenty-seven and they were still in high school. Her brother attracted all ages from those boy-crazy teens to the oldest member of the local book club.
With his effortless charm, he could talk a woman deathly afraid of water into a kayak with hardly more than a smile.
“I think you’re second-guessing yourself or you wouldn’t have told me,” he said to Laurel before turning his attention to his new customers. “How can I help you ladies?”
“We want to rent a couple of kayaks,” said the one with chocolate brown hair styled in cascading waves. Laurel wondered if the poor girl realized how quickly her eyeshadow would be ruined. The waters were calm near the shop, but not too far from shore, small waves would crash into the boat, rocking and splashing. Would she still be all smiles when the curl was drenched right out of style?
“Ever kayaked before?” Cody asked, professional as ever. The female attention never fazed him. He only lived in Sunset Ridge for the season; as soon as the last kayak was put up for the year, he’d be on a plane to his next exotic adventure. She missed him like crazy when he was half a world away.
So would any girl who was foolish enough to fall for him.
