"Tell me more about the Ocean Shores women who are getting married," he said, changing the subject. He was probably going to regret that question, because learning more about her friends, who were also his neighbors, felt like it would bring him closer into a circle he didn't want to join. But it was too late to take it back.
"Emmalyn is marrying Hunter Kane. They met at the building. He lived in your apartment before you, and like you, he avoided our community for several months. No one knew much about him, except that he was a Navy pilot who had been injured on duty, and he had lost a close friend in the same incident."
"That's terrible."
"That's why we gave him his space. But then one day, a woman showed up, Bree. You might have seen her around. She was the widow of his friend who had been killed, and she dropped off her six-year-old daughter, Olivia, with Hunter, saying she needed a break. She didn't give him a chance to say no, and he was suddenly taking care of a little girl, and he had no idea what to do."
"I can't even imagine."
"Enter Emmalyn, who is a kindergarten teacher, and one of the sweetest, kindest people you'll ever meet."
"She does give off that vibe," he agreed. "She's said hello to me a few times."
"Despite Hunter's not-so-charming nature at the time, she offered to help him, and he had no choice but to say yes. They grew close as they got to know each other, and Hunter didn't just fall in love with her; he realized there were people here who wanted to be his friend and support him. Eventually, Bree came back, and we all realized she needed some help, too. Hunter got her an apartment in the building, and now they're part of the community. It's been great for Olivia, who found a good friend in Henry and an extended family." She paused. "Josie likes to say that Ocean Shores has healing powers, and it's hard to say she's wrong."
"She mentioned that to me, too. But Hunter's story isn't mine. In fact, his is far more tragic and very sad. I'm happy he found his way out of that darkness."
"My real point is that our community is very supportive and also just really fun."
"Well, you all do like to laugh and talk a lot. I can't help hearing that when I've had to open my windows every night."
"Next time, don't just listen; come join us. In fact, I just got a text from Ava that we're having a going-away barbecue for Brad and her sister Serena on Friday. They found a house to rent, so they're moving out this weekend.”
"I'm sure they just want their friends there."
"They want to celebrate with everyone in the building, and that includes you. Just come for a few minutes. You can leave whenever you want."
"I'm not sure I'll still be here on Friday."
She frowned at his words. "Well, I hope you are and that you'll consider it. Madison and Gabe are providing the food. They are both chefs and own a local restaurant, so the grill will be sizzling with better-than-average meat and fish. And you told me you have absolute confidence in my ability to recommend food, so…"
"I'm going to regret saying that, aren't I?"
"You're going to regret not getting to know the people at Ocean Shores, no matter how long you stay."
He stared back at her, a question churning inside him that he probably shouldn't ask, but he couldn't seem to help himself. "The people, or you?"
Her gaze darkened, turning serious. "Both. This might be a moment where I'm once again being brave instead of smart, but here goes… I feel like there's something between us, and I rarely feel that, and I never say it. But I feel like I need to say it now, because if I wait, you might be gone." She blew out a breath. "Okay, your turn."
Her words had been shockingly honest, and she'd made herself vulnerable, which he admired even more. Maybe it was time for him to be honest, too.
"I feel like there is something between us," he said carefully. "But?—"
"I really hate when there's a but," she said with a groan.
"My life is messy and complicated, Kaia. You do not want to be a part of that."
"I already am a part of it. I haven't looked online, but you said those photos probably went up within an hour of him taking them. Did you see them?"
"I haven't looked."
"Why not?"
"Because it just makes everything messier."
"Because of Wren?" she ventured.
"So many things. You should run away from me, Kaia. You should tell me to stay the hell away from you and your friends. You should not want me to stay; you should want me to go as soon as possible. According to the press, I'm a liar, a thief, a fraud, and that's just the start of every story. I am definitely not someone you want to spend time with. Anyone standing next to me will get swept up in a world of cruel gossip and public scrutiny. That's the last thing I want to do to you."
