Josh knew all about falling for the wrong woman. He was practically an expert on the subject. Watching Maggie fall for his brother had been a cruel form of torture. It was a wonder he hadn’t gone mad years ago.
In his younger days he’d practically made dating a sport. He could admit now that he’d made a show of it around Maggie, desperate to make her jealous. He’d eventually grown out of his stupidity. He still dated, of course, but it never took more than two or three dates to realize the woman could never compare to Maggie.
Eventually he gave up on ever finding another Maggie and just tried to find someone he could love. Someone who could replace her in his heart. For a time he’d thought that might be Samantha. But it turned out there was no room for anyone else in his stubborn heart.
And somehow he’d managed to hide it from everyone. Everyone but Samantha, that was. He’d devastated her and as a result she lashed out at him. She harangued him in those last months, filled him with shame, tortured him with insults. “You’re pathetic—sniffing after your brother’s wife. Disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
And he was. He never should’ve married Samantha.
Stupid.
He remembered the way Maggie had palmed his face on the porch earlier. His heart raced at her touch. She had such a soft, gentle way about her. She was compassionate and caring. Sometimes she had a look in her eyes that made him think she might feel something for him. Something other than friendship. Something more than a familial bond. After all, she had returned his kiss on that long-ago night. Maybe it hadn’t just been loneliness and grief.
He’d been determined to find out for certain this summer—but now all that had been put on hold.
The game started and Josh mechanically aimed the gun at the target, while his thoughts, already a million miles away, returned to his father.
Maybe his dad had believed some other woman might heal a broken part of himself—a part wrecked because his younger son’s life hung in the balance. Maybe he sought relief from his own heartache. And that relief resulted in a pregnancy, another son. It was even possible Dad knew about this boy.
Josh shook the idea away. He couldn’t bear the thought of it. It was somehow worse even than his potential infidelity. Contrary to everything he knew of his father. He hoped somehow none of this was true. That this guy’s resemblance to Ethan was just some random fluke. But what were the odds?
The bell rang, ending the game.
“And number four is our lucky winner! Come claim your prize. And that’s our last game of the night, folks. Y’all have a good evening and come back soon.”
Josh lingered as the twentysomething winner picked out a prize for his girlfriend. When they wandered off, Josh approached the carny. “Guess my luck ran out early tonight.”
“You had a couple close calls. The guy who won those three in a row—he’s a regular. I’d avoid playing him if you’re hoping to win.”
“Thanks for the tip. Hey, I meant what I said earlier. You really have a way with people. I like your energy.”
“Thank you.” He slid behind the counter with a wide grin and went about the business of closing down. “I’m a people person, always have been.”
“That much is obvious. I know you haven’t been working here long, but I’m looking to hire someone to run concessions on my boat.” He withdrew a business card and extended it to the guy. “Someonepersonable and able to manage the area independently. Is that something you might be interested in?”
“Island Tours. You’re the owner?”
“Owner and captain, Josh Reynolds.” He stuck out his hand.
“Will Jennings.” They shook hands. “Nice to meet you.”
“We could really use someone like you on board theCarolina Dream. It’s a small crew, good people, fun environment. The pay’s good.” Josh paid his crew well, but he’d gladly pay even more for this kid. He’d do a nice job in the position, but more importantly it would give Josh a chance to get to know him. To feel out the situation so he could decide how to proceed. “No pressure, though, if you’re happy here.”
“Well, I’m saving for college and I don’t mean to sound greedy, but when you say the pay’s good...”
Josh named a dollar figure that was two bucks more an hour than he’d paid Conner.
Will’s eyes popped wide. “You’ve got my attention. I’ve never worked around boats before, though.”
“Well, listen, that’s not a problem. The position is just selling food and drinks to our guests, keeping the snack bar stocked, running a register, taking credit cards, pitching in where needed.”
“That sounds manageable. I worked the drive-thru at Wendy’s last year.”
“Perfect. That’s great experience.” The games around them were going dark, the carnies abandoning their posts. “Hey, if you think you might be interested, you’re welcome to come aboard for one of our tours next week and observe, see what you think.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, no problem. Just give me a call and I’ll set it up.”
