The next morning, Sara was cursing Parker for not relieving the ache he’d caused. They had walked on the beach until it was too dark to see. Parker had used his phone as a flashlight when they made their way back to his truck.

There, he’d kissed her and touched her until the ache had been almost too much. Then he’d pulled back and driven her home.

She knew he was just trying to be a gentleman, but part of her wished she could skip ahead in their relationship.

He had even walked her to her cabin. When she’d asked him inside, he’d groaned and told her he was trying to take things at the right pace.

What did that even mean, the right pace? If there was one thing she’d learned from her many relationships, there was no set pace. Each relationship was different.

The attraction between her and Parker had been instant and explosive. She knew he’d felt it as well, in the store. He couldn’t blame their working partnership, since it hadn’t technically started yet.

So, she had crawled into bed alone and dreamed about how wonderful it had felt to have a man’s hands on her again. Not just any man’s, Parker’s.

When her alarm had woken her at a quarter past six, she’d rolled over and slapped it off. Less than a minute later, her cell phone alarm had gone off. She’d cursed herself for setting them so early but then remembered the reason for setting them that way.

Groaning, she rolled out of bed and dressed quickly.

Walking into the Golden Oar less than half an hour later, she was greeted by Iian, who looked worried.

Sara imagined this was how her uncle had looked on his wedding day.

Chuckling, she patted his arm. “Relax,” she signed. “It’s not like you’re getting married,” she joked.

“Actually,” he signed back, “that was in my plans as well.”

“What?” She stopped walking and touched his arm to make him turn towards her. “But you’re already married.”

“Right.” He smiled. “I was talking about getting remarried. In Ireland. I have it all set up. We’re going to renew our vows on the beach.”

Sara sighed and couldn’t stop the smile. “You’re a big softy. And a romantic.” She followed him all the way back through the kitchen. “What time is Allison going to be here?”

“She’s supposed to be here any minute.” He glanced down at his watch, looking nervous.

“Hey.” She walked over and hugged her uncle. “She’s going to love it.”

“Who’s going to love what?” Allison said from the doorway to Iian’s office. Sara’s office, for the next month.

“Um.” Sara almost choked on air. “Valerie. Iian was working on some new and exciting food for the lunch menu.”

“Oh?” Allison walked into the office and gave her husband a kiss. “What kind of food?”

Allison Jordan was tall, slender, and extremely stylish. She was a beauty inside and out and easily one of Sara’s favorite aunts. She was also a famous artist, but that didn’t faze most of the people in Pride.

Her aunt and uncle’s relationship was like all the relationships in her family, strong and powerful.

Iian looked stumped and his eyes moved to her for help.

“Sushi,” Sara blurted out.

“How wonderful.” Allison clapped and hugged her husband again. “You’ll be the only ones within miles serving it. People will flock here for it.”

“Are you ready?” Iian asked Allison.

“Where are you two off to so early this Saturday?” Sara asked, trying not to seem too eager and knowledgeable.

“Iian’s going to take me into Portland. He heard about an art showing this evening.”

“How nice.” Sara smiled. “You kids enjoy yourselves and don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”

“Thanks for filling in for him today.” Allison hugged her. “Prove to him you can handle this and maybe then he’ll take me on a vacation,” Allison said to her, making sure that Iian couldn’t see her mouth.

“That’s what I’m hoping for.” She nudged Allison towards the door, since she knew they had to get to Portland quickly to make their flight.

“Thanks,” Iian added. “If you need anything…”

“I can handle it. After all, it’s just one day.” She winked at him as he nudged his wife out the door. “Thank you,” Iian mouthed as he left. Sara nodded.

After watching Iian help Allison into their car, Sara turned and smiled at the empty restaurant. It was all hers for the next month.

She took a moment to enjoy it, then moved back into the kitchen where the hustle and noise took over.

By dinnertime, Sara’s feet and back hurt so much, she was wondering how Iian had done this for over three decades. She’d thrown back a few aspirin after lunch, since her head had felt like it was going to explode. The aspirin along with a quick glass of wine and a rushed dinner in Iian’s office had helped.

She’d managed the restaurant before, but after word had gotten out that the renovations would start on Monday and that they would be on restricted hours, it seemed like everyone in Pride wanted a last meal in the old place.

Managing was one thing but being short staffed and having to wait on customers at the same time was another.

Somehow, her uncle had not only managed for years but had been head chef for most of the time as well.

When the last customer had left, she helped the crew clean up and set up for the morning shift, knowing she would be there again, bright and early, before the doors opened.

Crawling into bed that night, she seriously wondered if she was crazy to want to take over as manager.

When her cell phone chimed, she cracked an eye open and read Parker’s message.

-Hope your first day as manager went well. I wanted to call or message you earlier, but figured you’d be crazy busy. I stopped by for lunch but didn’t see you.

She smiled as she typed her response.

-I was stuck in the kitchen. Feel free to poke your head in next time and say hi. The day went well. I’m exhausted.

-Will do. I missed seeing you. It’s a good thing I didn’t see you. I might have tried to pull you into a corner and kiss you again.

Her entire body responded to his words.

-Now I hope you stop by tomorrow.

-I just might.

-I can’t stop thinking about you.

Her phone rang.

“I needed to hear your voice,” Parker said. His voice was low, and she could tell he was probably lying down. Which conjured up images of him lying in bed, naked.

“What are you wearing?” Her voice was husky and a little breathless.

“Nothing, you?” She heard him shuffle around.

Pulling off her own night clothes, she kicked off her covers. “Me too.”

She thought she heard him groan.

“Are we doing this?” she asked, running her hands over her body, imagining it was him.

“I don’t think we can stop it,” he said. “I know at this point, I can’t.”

“I don’t want to.” She arched under her own touch.

“Tell me,” he whispered.

Closing her eyes tight, she told him everything she wished he’d do to her. Everything she’d imagined since first running into him in the grocery store.

His responses were raw and her body reacted quickly. He described to her how he wanted to spread her legs and bury his face between them, taking her until she clung to him, gasping, panting, wanting more.

When the orgasm came, she cried out his name and heard his own release follow.

For a moment, they lay there, silent.

“I’m a snuggler,” Parker said softly. “I wish I could wrap my arms around you and hold you until the morning.”

She thought back to all her ex-boyfriends. None had ever stuck around long after sex. Not once had she spent the night with a man holding her. She’d always dreamed of it, hoped someday she’d get it. Now, she couldn’t wait to spend an entire night in Parker’s arms.

“When?” she asked, climbing under the blankets.

“Next weekend?” She heard him shuffle. “Toby wants out.” He groaned. “How about we talk about it tomorrow?”

“Okay.” She held in a yawn. “See you.”

“Sara?”

“Hmm?” she said, her eyes already closed.

When Parker remained silent, her eyes opened.

“See you tomorrow,” he finally said before hanging up.

Setting her phone down, she snuggled into bed and dreamed about Parker holding her.

* * *

The following day, Parker filled his morning by dropping Toby off at the vet for his surgery. The dog was finally old enough to get snipped. He hated that Toby would be stuck there for the next two days, but he didn’t want any more of Toby’s running around, especially since there were half a dozen of his brothers and sisters somewhere out there already.

He stopped off at the store to get some basics and made sure to buy a carton of condoms. He wanted to make sure he was prepared.

He glanced at his watch and groaned when it was only ten. Waiting a few hours to see Sara was going to be murder. So, he stopped off at the local bakery and sipped a cup of coffee and nibbled on a scone.

He had met and liked the owner, another Sara in the small town. She worked alongside her sister Becca most days. The ladies were some of the first people he’d met in town.

He’d run into Sara’s husband, Allen, who ran the coastguard training facility just outside of Pride. He had yet to meet Becca’s husband, Sean, but had seen both couples’ kids running in and out of the place several times.

Sitting in the front booth along the large window, he looked out on the town. Families were enjoying the sunshine in the small park area in the town square. Which started him thinking about his own future in Pride.

Someday, he could just imagine his family there, enjoying a walk with Toby around town. His own kids, maybe a son and a daughter, would be running circles around him and his wife.

The fact that Sara’s face instantly filled his mind didn’t even cause him problems. He’d only known her for a short time but knew that he wanted to explore their relationship to the fullest. Did that mean marriage and kids someday? He wasn’t sure. One thing was sure, she was nothing like Robin or any of the other women he’d fallen for.

His gran had always told him that he fell in love too quickly. With his past history, he should be cautious in relationships. But somehow, instead, he always jumped in quickly, never minding the burn that came afterwards. It was, in his opinion, part of life.

“Someone’s deep in thought.”

Riley sat down across from him. She had a massive cinnamon roll that almost fell over the plates edges.

“Where’d you get that?” He glanced over at the rows and rows of treats on display.

“They just came out of the oven.” Riley motioned to Becca behind the counter. “Another heart attack on a plate for my friend here.”

Becca chuckled and carried one over and set it in front of him.

He’d nibbled on the scone, but it just wasn’t a steaming, gooey cinnamon roll.

“Wow,” he said after his first bite. “Why isn’t everyone who works here fat?” He nodded towards Becca. He guessed her sister was in the back, baking.

“The sisters are scary like that,” Riley said between bites. “Is it true that…” She paused. “Never mind,” she said after a moment.

“Is what true?”

“It’s nothing. Just something I heard. It’s not really my place to ask.” She bit her bottom lip. He took a drink of coffee to counter the sweetness of the roll. “C’mon Riley. Spit it out.”

Riley leaned forward. “Is it true… I heard you were somehow involved in your grandmother’s death?”

Parker’s swallow of coffee ended up going down the wrong pipe and a long and hard coughing fit ensued. Riley jumped up and patted him on the back, but as his eyes watered, he felt his stomach roll.

Gone was his desire to finish the cinnamon roll. A bitter taste rolled up from deep in his gut. When the coughing finally settled, he took a sip of the water Becca had set in front of him.

“Where did you hear that?” he asked when he finally could.

Riley frowned. “I’m sorry,” she said, “I didn’t mean…”

He shook his head, stopping her. “Where?” he asked.

“A…From a woman who came in to the Oar yesterday.”

“Who?” He grabbed Riley’s hand, holding her.

Her eyes moved to the contact and her eyebrows drew together. “Just a woman.”

“Can you describe her?”

“Long dark hair.” She shook her head. “Just… an average looking woman.”

“Young or old?” he asked.

“Not old.” She shrugged. “Older than me.” She frowned and looked down at his hand. He quickly removed it.

“Dammit. Don’t believe everything you hear. My grandmother isn’t even…”

“Isn’t even what?”

“Nothing. Never mind. Just don’t listen to gossip.”

“Well, if you won’t tell me, why shouldn’t I believe what someone else says?” She leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest.

Parker sighed and leaned forward slightly. “Can you keep a secret?” he asked as he searched her eyes.

She leaned forward again, placing her hands on the table. “Of course.”

He could see the truth and knew he could trust her.

“My grandmother isn’t dead,” he said softly. “But not a lot of people know that, and I don’t want whoever is snooping around to know it either.”

“That’s good to hear,” Riley said, pushing her half-empty plate aside and looking relieved. “So, who was the woman and why is she going around telling everyone you killed your grandmother?” She leaned forward suddenly, and Parker could see the mischief back in her eyes. “A disgruntled ex, maybe? A scorned lover?”

He shook his head and would have laughed if he didn’t feel sick to his stomach. “I’m not sure, but if you see the woman again, give me a call.” He pulled out one of his business cards.

“Sure thing.” Riley tucked the card into her purse. “Should Sara be concerned?”

“Sara?” He frowned. “Why?”

“Well, if it’s a stalking ex…” She let her meaning hang in the air.

“No, all my ex-girlfriends have long moved on.” He pushed his plate aside.

“Then who?” she asked.

“I’m not sure.”

“What about your mother? If your grandmother is still alive…”

“The description doesn’t fit my mother. My mother is a good deal older and has fizzy blondish red hair,” he answered.

“Oh.” Riley sunk back in the booth. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t.” He smiled across at her and decided to change the subject. “Did your mom and dad get off on their trip okay?”

Riley’s smile grew. “Yes, they called when they landed. Mom was so surprised.” She laughed. “She can’t believe dad finally took her on her dream vacation.”

“That’s wonderful.” He nodded.

“He had been keeping it as a surprise, but he told her about the remodel. She can’t believe he agreed to it while he’s away, he loves to oversee every detail all the time.”

“Oh?” It was his turn to lean forward. “Why’s that?”

“My dad, as far as his restaurant is concerned, is somewhat of a control freak.”

“He’s made a name from himself. I read an article in Bon Appétit once. I was impressed that someone so famous still ran his own place in a town the size of Pride. Of course, that was long before I visited.” He glanced out the window again. “Now, I can see what keeps him here. The charm, the people.”

“Family,” Riley added with a smile. “It’s the only place I can ever see myself settling down.”

“What about your brothers? You have a twin?”

“Yes, Conner is starting Coast Guard training after graduation and Jacob has no clue what he wants to do with his life.” She laughed.

“What about you?” he asked.

She leaned forward and dropped her voice. “Me? I want to find a good man like you and settle down.” She almost purred it.

If he’d just taken another drink of coffee, he would have coughed all over again.

“Riley, I’m flattered…” he started, but then he was interrupted by his phone ringing.

Seeing the number for his recycled brick supplier, who was supposed to deliver a few pallets of brick first thing in the morning, he glanced over at her. “I have to take this.”

“Sure.” Riley smiled at him and once again, he felt his gut ache.

While he was still on the phone with the man, Riley had waved at him, pointed to her watch, and mouthed, “Talk later.”

Glancing at his watch, he figured he could swing by the house before heading over to the restaurant to see Sara.

He had a few calls to make to ensure everything would be ready for tomorrow morning. He’d hired a few contractors to help, as this was by far his biggest project to date. Still, he’d managed workers and job sites before. He knew the job inside and out, but it was more exciting this time just knowing he was the boss.

He thought about driving around town and looking for the dark-haired woman who’d been spreading the lies, but there was too much to do before tomorrow morning. He’d just have to deal with the woman later if she showed herself again. He was pretty sure he’d hear about it if she spread rumors again.

He kept his eye on the time and finally shut down his laptop and headed towards the Golden Oar. Towards his future.