“She’s lonely, I think. But she’s also closing in on her deadline and can’t afford time away from writing. That’s why I offered to bring pizza.”
“I could pick it up. Or we could just have it delivered.”
Shelby held back a grin. “Um, yeah, that’ll work.”
Chapter 25
It was almost one o’clock when Gray pulled up to Shelby’s grandma’s house. He wasn’t sure why she’d asked to meet him here. For that matter, he wasn’t sure why she wanted his help with Miss Phoebe. But she was the boss and it wasn’t as if he minded spending time with her.
Now there was a thought he didn’t care to examine too closely.
He’d left Shadow at home in a pet enclosure he’d purchased last night. He was now in for over two hundred dollars on the mutt. He should probably take out an ad in the paper or something. But he’d had a lot on his plate and hadn’t gotten around to it. Just getting his SUV out of hock had taken him hours yesterday (plus a hundred seventy-five dollars).Thank you, Grandville police.
He’d also checked in with his boss back home. The new project manager was doing well. Gray made a phone call to smooth things over with a particular customer and checked on some siding that had gotten lost in transit. Since he’d offered to do the bookkeeping remotely, he’d also been working on that. It only took a couple hours a week.
As he exited the vehicle he spotted Shelby around back, walking toward a wooden pier. He headed her way. The sun was high overhead against a clear blue sky, providing welcome warmth for the November day. They were in the middle of a nice warm spell, though he’d hardly been outside to enjoy it.
“Afternoon,” he called.
She turned from the end of the dock, where she was setting a pizza box inside a fishing boat. “Hey. You’re right on time.”
The pier shuddered under his footsteps. “Did I miss something? I thought we were going to Miss Phoebe’s.”
“We are.” Humor flashed in her eyes. “Did I forget to mention she lives on Eagle Island?”
“You may have left out that little detail. But now I know why pizza delivery wasn’t an option.” His gaze skated to the box. “Luigi’s... Nice.” Best pizza in three counties. His mouth watered just thinking about the savory sauce and mounds of melted cheese. “Hop in. I’ll untie us.”
He undid the knots as she settled in the captain’s seat and started the outboard engine. It was the same aluminum boat they’d taken out on the lake many times back in the day. What would the family do with it now that they were selling Miss Viola’s property?
He wouldn’t mind having the boat for himself. He could keep it at the Airbnb for guests.And then what, idiot?Regular visits to the good people of Grandville? Rides in the boat, living out memories of what used to be while watching Shelby fall in love with and potentially marry her banker boyfriend? He felt that one in his gut.
Despite the painful reality check, the memories of those sunset kisses on the lake lingered. She used to set him on fire. He’d been so far gone over her. She was the first woman to sweep him away like that.
Who was he kidding? She’d been the only one to do so. Losing her had left him damaged goods. He’d never wanted to find himself in that miserable place again. After all, you couldn’t lose what you never had. Never mind that he’d been the one to ruin things.
He settled in the seat beside her and she guided the boat from the slip and out onto the open waters. There were only a few boats on the lake today despite the beautiful weather. “You do much fishing these days?”
“I still go out with Dad sometimes.”
She’d always had great luck with the fish. She called it skill. He wasn’t so sure. “There’s good fishing back home. When I’m not working you can usually find me casting a line on the French Broad River.”
She was quiet for a beat. “What’s your life like in Riverbend Gap? Are you close to anyone back home?”
He arched a brow. “Is that your way of asking if I have a girlfriend?”
“Nooo.” The word accompanied an eye roll. “I was asking about friends. Besides, most girlfriends wouldn’t be too happy about their man helping out an old girlfriend with her business.”
He gave her a speculative look. “How about boyfriends?”
“Logan is very understanding. But we were talking about you.”
He allowed the dodge. “I have friends back home. I’m closest to the guys I work with since that’s where I spend most of my time.” He took in the scenery and could almost feel his muscles relaxing at the familiar beauty. For all the folks around here who’d been a thorn in his side, he’d always loved this lake and the wooded hills around it. “The trees still have their color.”
“I’ve been wanting to get out and enjoy fall, but I’ve been pretty distracted.”
“You’ve had a lot to deal with. But better late than never. The leaves will be gone soon.” Autumn had always been her favorite season. She loved the crisp air after the steamy summer. The cool nights, the scent of campfires, and the beautiful foliage surrounding the lake. He couldn’t blame her.
As they headed out of the bay and into the main basin, the wind ruffled her brown hair and the sunlight lit it with copper sparkles. He used to be mesmerized by all the colors in hair that seemed plain brown at first glance. It was just like her personality—seemingly straightforward when she had so many layers. You only had to look for them.
