He turned back toward the bay where the two paramedics on staff, Marissa and O’Neil, were mopping the far side of the bay. As usual Marissa wore her brunette hair in a neat bun for work.
“Hey, guys.”
Marissa glanced his way. “Hey.”
The thirtysomething man barely gave Ty a nod.
Ty turned his attention toward Marissa. “I was wondering if I could have a word with you? In private?”
They both glanced at O’Neil, who kept mopping, seemingly reluctant to leave them alone.
As if Ty posed some kind of threat to Marissa. Ty frowned at him.
Marissa leaned her mop against the bay door and headed toward the break room, obviously expecting Ty to follow, which he did.
Once inside the room she turned, crossing her arms over her chest. She seemed young with her fine features and wide green eyes. But then, shewasyoung at only twenty-two. Probably too young for him.
She hiked her arched brows, waiting.
“Listen, I know I screwed up. I was really in no place emotionally to be dating at all, and mixing business with pleasure was a terrible idea. I didn’t mean to hurt you, but I know I did, so I’m really sorry.”
Her green eyes flashed. “You embarrassed me in front of my friends.”
He winced. A bit harsh, but he could see her point. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“You showed up in public with another woman when I thought our relationship was going somewhere. Do you have any idea how hurtful that was?”
He scratched his neck. He’d told her he wasn’t looking for a relationship. They’d barely even kissed. But he was here to put things right, not upset her even more. “I didn’t realize that. I thought we were on the same—”
The emergency alarm sounded throughout the speaker system. The paramedics were being called to a scene.
“I have to go.” Marissa didn’t so much as glance his way as she tore from the room.
Releasing a heavy sigh, Ty watched her leave. He’d thought they just might be able to put this conflict in the past. Oh well. One for two wasn’t bad.
Chapter 13
The sun beat down relentlessly as Jenna carried the flat of annuals to her mom. She seemed completely out of her element, squatting over the mulch bed, wearing a pair of rubber dish gloves. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you garden, Mom.”
“I’m not gardening. I’m just planting a few flowers. Aren’t they pretty? They’ll be a nice splash of color, and I chose flowers that don’t need a lot of care—I know my limitations.”
They’d already planted three flats, and the bright purple and yellow did look nice against the house.
Mom sat back on her haunches. “How’s your job search going?”
“I’ve put some résumés in at various places, but I haven’t heard back yet. There’s a Parks and Recreation position that might be interesting.”
“That seems right up your alley.”
Jenna set down the flat. “It sounds fun.”
“Or... you could apply for a few jobs on the island, see what turns up.” Mom’s voice lilted up at the end. “It would be great to have you close by again—not that I’m trying to pressure you into anything.”
It wasn’t as if Jenna hadn’t considered the idea. Nothing was holding her in Alexandria anymore. “I’m not averse to the idea. I love Chincoteague, and it would be great if we didn’t live over three hours from each other. But there isn’t much opportunity here.” Most of thejobs were retail work, catering to tourists—not the best use of her degree. And a lot of them didn’t pay a living wage. In recent years real estate on the island had shot up as people from away purchased vacation homes. “I wouldn’t be able to afford a house.”
“You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom, but I’m heading toward thirty—way too old to be sleeping in my childhood bedroom.” She waited for Mom to say something about the apartment above the garage. Something to indicate it would soon be vacant and available.
