“Where are you? Why haven’t you returned MY calls!!! Did Kyle leave you any money????”
Savannah’s stomach roiled. She set her phone face down on the table and swigged her beer.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Something about the shoot?”
Her shoulders sagged and she sighed. “A text from my mom.”
To her surprise, Zander smiled. His playful expression calmed her down. “She was…” He stared into Savannah’s eyes for a few beats. “Extreme, but lively.”
That made her laugh. “The ‘Master Manipulator’ is still on the hunt for her next wealthy victim. She’s stuck in some decade where flashy and exorbitant reigned supreme. I made the mistake of telling her Kyle passed away and she’s determined to find out if he left me anything.”
“She’d self-combust if you told her we’re using the land for a dog park and nature center.”
Again, Savannah laughed. “If you tell her how you want to make Starry Cove a high-rollers paradise, she’ll become your biggest advocate.”
“What’s her number?” he asked.
His playfulness was charming…and addictive. “I’m not sure her support is the kind you want.”
“No, it’s not,” he agreed.
Despite the text, she didn’t want to discuss her mother nor did she want to lose their chill vibe. He’d rested his hand on the table and she longed to run her fingers in the dips between his knuckles, then over the light dusting of dark hairs on the back of his hand. She flicked her gaze back into his eyes. “Thank you for today.”
He downed some beer. “I’m the one who should be thanking you.”
“Why is that?”
“First day in years I haven’t worked. It’s terrible timing with Kent in the hospital—”
She leaned forward. “What’s that all about?”
“Do you remember Kent Walker from high school?”
“Sure. He was your best friend.”
“He’s my business partner.”
“Is he okay?”
“He will be. He’d better be.” Zander shifted on the bench. “He had a heart attack.”
Before she could stop herself, she laid her hand on his. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
He shifted his attention to her hand, then cocked an eyebrow. “Savannah.” His word was meant as a warning she had no interest in heeding.
“Now,I’mcomfortingyou.” The air sizzled while they stared into each other’s eyes. After a beat that lasted too long, she dragged her hand off his and clamped it around her glass. She ached to kiss him, run her fingers across his whiskered chin, and get lost in those amazing eyes. Instead, she sipped her ale.
He tossed back a mouthful of brew. “Turns out, being with you…er…I mean, beingoutsidewas the best thing I’ve done for myself in forever. I haven’t taken a personal day since starting King Development. I came out here to change your mind about Starry Cove, and, now, discussing that project is thelastthing I want to do.”
The hair on the back of her neck prickled and she steeled her spine. She’d fully expected he’d want to discuss his project over dinner, especially after he’d spent the day helping her.What’s he up to? He looks sincere, but ishe “pulling a Debby”?Once again, her mother seeped into her thoughts.
When Savannah was a young child, the mayhem had begun at the grocery store when she’d been hungry.
“Here, eat this.” Her mother handed her a banana.
“If I eat it, how will you pay for it?”
“Don’t you worry about that. They expect people are going to snack while they shop.”
