Charley blushed and wondered who all had heard about her unfortunate ordeal. She nervously bit her lip. “Yep. That was me.”
Ray chuckled. “Well, that’s a hell of a way to make an impression.”
“What can I say? I aim to be memorable,” Charley said dryly, stealing a glance at Pierce. Her stomach did a funny little flip as she admired the sexy smirk he was sporting.
Jessica clapped her hands once. “Well, this just got more interesting.” As if sensing the connection between Charley and Pierce, she said, “While you two catch up, Ray and I will take some of the food out.”
As the sliding door clicked shut behind Jessica and Ray, Charley suddenly became very aware of the stillness in the kitchen and the fact that she was now alone with Pierce.
He hadn’t moved far from the island, still looking relaxed and casually leaning against the counter, arms crossed over his chest. His shorts and T-shirt did little to hide all his muscles. Seeing him in a more laid-back environment, he looked even more comfortable and approachable. And that, somehow, made her pulse pick up even more.
“It’s good to see you,” Pierce said, breaking the silence between them. His voice was warm.
“Same here,” Charley admitted, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks. “I still can’t thank you enough for helping me with the boat situation.”
“Anytime,” Pierce said, smiling as he relaxed more against the counter. “So, how have you been? Settling back into the area okay?”
Charley smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m doing as well as anyone can when they’re living out of boxes and surviving on protein bars. It’s just been really busy. We’ve got final inspections coming up soon, so I’ve been running nonstop trying to make sure everything is in order.”
Pierce nodded, listening attentively. He had that focused look in his eyes. The kind that made her feel like she was the only thing he was paying attention to.
“I think I’ll feel more settled once I move into my apartment,” she added. “I mean, I love my aunt and uncle, and enjoy their company when I’m not working, but it will be nice to be in my own place.”
“When’s that?” he asked.
“Next weekend.”
“That’s good,” he said, his voice low and easy. “Though it sounds like you’ve got your hands full.”
Charley laughed softly. “That’s one way to put it.”
She felt the tension in her shoulders ease a bit. Being around him was unexpectedly easy. He had this calmness about him, like a quiet confidence wrapped in charm and steadiness. It had been there on the water when he helped her, and now it was here. But it also made her heart beat a little too fast. Being near him again brought back the memory of how safe she had felt even when everything had gone wrong. She wasn’t used to feeling that way around anyone. Let alone someone like him.
She shifted slightly, resting her hip against the counter, and tilted her head. “So, how do you know Jessica and Ray?”
Pierce’s lips tugged into a small smile. “I work with Ray.”
That clicked immediately, and Charley nodded. “Right. Jessica mentioned her husband was a SEAL. I guess I should have figured.”
Pierce gave her a small, knowing smile. “We’re a subtle bunch.”
“I can tell,” she teased lightly.
“And what about you?” he asked. “How do you know Jessica?”
“We met at the smoothie shop the other day. She noticed the foundation name on my shirt, and we started talking. We exchanged numbers, and she invited me today.”
“That sounds like Jess,” Pierce said, his gaze lingering on her, warm and amused. “She’s good at making people feel welcome.”
“Yeah,” Charley said softly. “She really is.”
She was about to say something else when the door slid open, and Jessica stepped back into the kitchen, carrying an empty tray.
“Hope I’m not interrupting,” she said with a slight mischievous smile playing on her lips.
Charley quickly straightened, trying to ease the flutter lingering in her chest. “Not at all. We were just catching up.”
Jessica raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she set the tray in the sink. “Perfect timing then. There are a bunch of people dying to meet you,” Jessica told Charley.
