Page 3 of An Unexpected Chance

“Sure?”

“Have you had lunch?”

“No.”

“Can I interest you? In having lunch with me?”

She blinked. “Like, now?”

“Well, after we pay. Shoplifting is still a crime, I think.”

She laughed, studied me for a moment, then nodded. “I would love to have lunch with you, Simon.”

“Awesome. Let’s finish up, and I’ll follow you to wherever you want to go. I’m still learning the good places.”

“I love The Cove. Lots of fresh seafood if you like that.”

“Perfect.” That was something I loved about this part of the country—the fresh fish and seafood you could get. I enjoyed it tremendously, and Mia was slowly learning her favorites.

Amy leaned closer, her scent swirling around me. Light, floral, with a citrus twist, it was pretty and unexpected. Just like her.

“Avoid JM’s Tavern. It’s, ah, not so nice. At all.”

“Got it. Good thing I ran into you, then. I might have gone there.”

She shuddered. “It would be the only time. Trust me.”

I laughed. “Okay. How much more do you have to do?”

“I’m almost done. In fact, if you don’t mind, I’ll stop by my place and drop off the cold stuff.” She paused. “You can borrow a shelf in the fridge if you want. Pick it up once we eat.”

“Again, perfect.”

“Okay, then. Let’s go.”

* * *

I followed her to her apartment complex and grabbed the bag I needed to put in her refrigerator. I stopped at her car, taking a couple of her bags. “Leave your car here and come with me. I’ll bring you back and grab my groceries.”

When she hesitated, I grinned. “Or take your car if you want an escape. I might chew with my mouth open or bore you to tears.”

She laughed, shutting the lid of her trunk. “I highly doubt either. You chewed very nicely at the barbecue. You even managed not to get rib sauce all over your face, unlike me.”

“And the boring part?” I asked, keeping my tone teasing even as echoes of Kelsey’s mocking voice filled my head. “Such a bore, Simon. You are always such a bore.”

Amy shook her head, smiling at me over her shoulder as she stopped by the door. “You could never bore me, Simon. I find you fascinating.”

I smiled as I followed her up the steps.

In her apartment, I looked around, curious. It was her. Light, airy, with a fun, beachy feel. Blues, greens, and creams. Simple furniture. Driftwood. Seashells. Pictures of the ocean and some of our small town and the surrounding areas. I walked around, peering at them. When she came into the room, I tapped the one I was studying. “Great photos.”

“Thanks. I took them.”

“Wow—they’re terrific.”

She blushed prettily, making me want to touch her cheek to see if it was warm, but I refrained.

“I love your place,” I commented.