She thought of Nick now, imagining him lying in bed on this Sunday morning, sleeping in. He’d go to the late service at his church and then what? They’d always spent Sunday afternoons together, as it was the only day the restaurant was closed. Would he be spending it with Evangeline today? Maddy sighed. Did she even care anymore?
“Morning.”
The male voice startled her, and her coffee sloshed over the rim onto her white robe.
She angled a look at Connor. His clothes were rumpled, his hair disheveled. He looked as though he was just getting home.
“Sorry.” He came up the deck stairs wearing a penitent look. “Didn’t mean to give you a fright.”
She fished a Kleenex from her robe pocket and dabbed at the coffee stain, suddenly conscious of the fact that her face was bare of makeup, her hair snarled.
“No problem.”
“You’re up early.”
“So are you—or are you just getting in?”
He gave her a long, steady look she couldn’t quite decipher. In the golden light, his skin was tanned and flawless, interrupted only by a few days’ stubble. And then there were those fathomless gray eyes.
“I’ve never seen such gray eyes.” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud or in that tone.
His eyes tightened at the corners. “You make it sound like a character flaw.”
“Not at all.” She took a sip of her coffee.
He sighed. “Look, Maddy. I know you don’t like me, and that suits me fine. You don’t have to. But I have a proposition for you, and I’d appreciate it if you’d hear me out.”
Maddy got caught for a long moment in those gray tide pools. She pulled the lapels of her robe together and resisted the urge to run her fingers through her hair.
“Will you do that?” he asked. “Will you just hear me out?”
She hitched a shoulder. “I suppose.”
He looked out at the horizon and scrubbed his hand over his face. “As you know, I own a restaurant and a marina. A week ago my restaurant manager had to take a sudden leave of absence—family emergency. Since then I’ve been trying to run the marina and restaurant both. It’s not working too well.
“The restaurant really isn’t my area of specialty. I won’t get into all that, but suffice it to say, I’m desperate for help. I can’t find anyone qualified to manage it, and to be honest, the place is falling apart.”
Maddy watched as he leaned on the deck rail. His body seemed to sink wearily into it. So that’s why he’d been out till all hours. He hadn’t been running around with women—although there was still Miss Yoga Pants to consider. And the doodly-heart package left on her porch.
And now he was coming to her for help.
“I know you have things to do here and a life to get back to, but I was wondering if you’d consider stepping into the position—temporarily, of course.”
The thought of working for him held no appeal. She pictured the restaurant—it had been aptly named the Crab Shack before—and imagined a loosey-goosey operation with untrained staff, sloppy service, and an uninspired menu.
She opened her mouth to respond, but he stopped her with a raised hand.
“I know the Landing is below your pay grade, but I’m willing to be generous. You could still help your sisters with the house during the day, and I’d take whatever you were willing to give in the evenings, for as long you’re willing to give it.”
He paused, looking at her with hope and a hint of desperation.
She actually felt a little bad about having to say no. “Listen, Connor. I’m sorry you’re struggling to find help, but I really don’t think this is a good idea.”
“What are your concerns?”
She chuckled uncomfortably. “So many...”
“Just throw them at me.”
