“No fucking way. If you’re twenty-eight, I’m the fucking pope.”
“Pleased to meet you, Your Excellency.” Brook bowed dramatically. “Yes, I look like I’m twelve. No, it’s not a fake ID. And I stick mostly to the local bars because it gets really old having to do this shit every time someone cards me.”
“I can’t fucking believe you’re older than me,” I muttered, combing my fingers through my hair. The wind picked up, causing me to dig in my pocket for a hair tie. Brook watched, mesmerized as I pulled my hair back into a sloppy bun.
My stomach growled. Loudly. Now that I knew Brook was legal, I was eager for him to take me to the steak house James had mentioned this morning. Maybe he could tell me a bit about my uncle so I didn’t feel like such a heel when he finally arrived. What kind of person has to ask a stranger to tell them about their family? Yeah, I’d have to tread lightly or things would get awkward, quick.
“Is that the giant’s dinner bell?” Brook teased, pushing back from the railing. “Come on. Let’s see if we can’t get something to fill the hole.”
It felt natural to place my hand at the small of Brook’s back as we made our way inside. He stiffened, then relaxed into my touch. That was all the reassurance I needed that the interest here was mutual. I silently hoped whatever had delayed James would keep him from joining us because Brook would be much more enjoyable company. I was trying to reserve judgment, but James seemed stiff and unapproachable.
I waited out front while Brook locked the doors and set the alarm. He slid a pair of aviators over his eyes before stepping outside, proving he was far smarter than me. I wasn’t sure if it was the change in latitude or being so close to the water, but the sun seemed brighter in Sunset Beach. Of course, that could also be because there wasn’t a shield of smog hanging in the air.
Bomber’s was just a few blocks away, and Brook pointed out different businesses, a few of which weren’t yet open, still operating on winter hours. He practically bounced on the balls of his feet as he rambled on about an old-fashioned candy shop that specialized in homemade fudge and taffy, immediately followed by his review of a donut shop that’d originally only had one location farther up the coast but opened a second in Sunset Beach last year. The building was nothing to write home about, but Brook swore their donuts were divine.
By the time we arrived at Bomber’s, I had a mental list running of all the ways I’d treat Brook if he was my guy. But that was ludicrous because he wasn’t. And I’d be going home soon, only returning to help Dad get settled down here if I didn’t get any funky vibes from James. He seemed like a bit of a stick-in-the-mud, but otherwise not a horrible person.
“So, tell me about yourself,” Brook prodded once we were seated at a small table in the corner. “James said you’re considering relocating down here?”
“Well, my dad is,” I told him. His smile faded. “I’m not sure I could ever live someplace so quaint. I’m used to the noise of the city, being able to stumble out of one club and immediately into the next, eventually finding my way back home to pass out and do it all over again.”
“Wow, sounds like a great life.” Brook rested his elbow on the table, propping his head in his hand. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever been away from Sunset Beach.
“It’s definitely got its advantages,” I agreed. “But I’ll admit, once we get Dad settled down here, I’ll make a point to visit from time to time. Well, when my schedule allows.”
“What do you do for a living?”
The waiter returned with our drinks, causing a lull in the conversation. I hoped maybe we could get away from talking about me because eventually Brook would start touching on topics I’d rather leave in the dark. Unfortunately, Brook was relentless.
He quirked an eyebrow, waving his hand in the air as he sipped some fruity-looking drink. “You were saying?”
I wasn’t, I nearly pointed out, but that would have been rude, and Brook was kind enough to escort me to dinner so I wouldn’t be sitting here alone like a schlump.
“I work in IT. It’s not interesting in the least, but basically, I travel around the country training hospital staff on new computer systems meant to help them automate their processes and reduce the number of patient errors that are made.”
“May not be exciting work, but I’d bet it’s rewarding.”
I shrugged. It was a job; that was it. Not only was the steady paycheck nice, but they paid me to travel around the country, racking up frequent-flier miles I used during the little downtime I had. And never being home made it easy to justify the lack of more than casual relationships.
The easy conversation continued throughout dinner. There was still no sign of James, but as far as I was concerned, that was a good thing. There’d be plenty of time to get to know more about him, but I might not get the same chance with Brook.
I protested when he swiped the check off the table before I could grab it. He didn’t need to pay for my dinner.
“Don’t worry, I’m charging tonight to the inn’s credit card.”
Well, in that case….
“Are you in a hurry to get home?” It was a bit presumptuous to think he’d want to ferry me around town the rest of the evening, but I wasn’t ready to say good night. I didn’t want to go back to my room, didn’t want to be alone, which was exactly what I’d be at Bird Island Inn since it wasn’t officially open yet. The idea of being the only person in that big building creeped me out a bit, not that I’d ever admit it.
“What did you have in mind?” Brook asked as I guided him out of the restaurant. Once again, my hand gravitated to the small of his back. He didn’t say anything, so I left my hand where it obviously wanted to be.
“Show me something you love about Sunset Beach,” I suggested. The sun was setting, painting the evening sky in hues of blue, pink, and purple. There sure as hell weren’t views like this in the city.
