Chapter Two
“So a guy asks if you want to have a little fun while you’re on the island, and you immediately think he’s talking about sex?” My sister, Stacy, laughed herself into a coughing fit over the phone, and I just sat on the couch, glaring at Lucky, who looked extremely debonair.
“I’m glad you see the humor in it.” I thought back to Billy and let out a deep sigh. “I’m telling you he has to be the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.”
“That’s probably why you thought he was talking about sex because you couldn’t get the thought out of your dirty, little mind.”
There was no arguing that my mind immediately went into the gutter with him, but I swear every woman on the planet would have the same reaction.
“Whatever.” I chuckled and scooted back on the couch, pulling a blue chenille throw over my lap.
The islands off of Washington’s coast often experienced tumultuous weather compared to the mainland, and today was no different. Even though yesterday was full of sunshine-and-shorts weather, today was drizzly, and the chill in the air sank deep into my bones. I’d even turned on the gas fireplace this morning.
Lucky’s parents had a nice home with a view of Puget Sound. It was perched on one of the many cliffs overlooking the inky spread of waves and rocks and provided the perfect escape.
“So how do you think you’ll do on such a small island for three months?” my sister asked.
“It depends on whether I continue to stick my foot in my mouth with the locals.”
“I bet he thought it was cute.”
“Doubt it.”
Lucky stretched and jumped onto the leather sectional, snuggling next to me.
I had to admit this was the most adorable dog I’d ever come across, and regardless of his quirks, his personality absolutely pulled at my heart. I wanted nothing more than to snuggle in with him for the duration of my time here.
“Anyway, I can’t wait for you to come visit this island. It’s so tiny, but it’s really charming, and I’ve barely scratched the surface.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” she sighed. “I’m absolutely exhausted from working two jobs and only being paid for one.”
“They still haven’t filled the other position?” I asked.
My sister worked for a rather large company in Utah that focused on web design. I knew my sister loved the creative side of working with clients, but the company she was working for was beating the life out of her.
“I don’t think they will fill the position now that they think I can handle them both.” She huffed again. “Never mind that I’m working until eleven every night and haven’t had a weekend off in months.”
“I still think you should start your own business.” I glanced out the window and saw the green leaves shivering and clutching onto the limbs as the wind picked up.
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin. We’re not all fearless like you.”
“I wouldn’t call it fearless.” I chuckled. “Desperate, more like it.”
“Say what you will, but you know you love your job.”
“I do love getting to feel like I’m going on vacation week after week.” That was one of the perks of pet sitting.
No matter where I drifted, I always loved getting to experience a fresh town, a new home, and a frisky batch of pets to keep me on my toes. I’d even hired on two other pet sitters because my schedule became so booked.
“Maybe when you come out here from Utah I can convince you that you need to work for yourself,” I tried again.
“We’ll see.”
I could tell my sister didn’t want to talk about it any longer so I took the hint.
“Where are you staying again?” There were only a few places on Hound Island beyond vacation rentals that offered nightly lodging.
“Some lavender farm, I think. I can’t remember the name. It has a lodge and then a few cabins or cottages or something.”
“Oh, my word,” I groaned. “That was one of the fun activities Billy had mentioned.”
“Besides sleeping with him?” She giggled and so did I.
“Yup. He offered to walk me through the gardens, take me sea kayaking, the list is endless of things to do beyond sleeping together. The nerve.”
“I hope I run into this guy. Listen, I better get back to work. Love ya and don’t kick yourself about this Billy character. I bet he doesn’t even remember.”
“Thanks a lot. Makes me feel even better.”
“That’s what sisters are for.” She laughed as she hung up, and I wrapped my arm around Lucky, giving him a good belly scratch. His leg started thumping against the leather and I knew I’d found a happy spot.
It would be so nice if all men were this easy to please.
Lucky looked up at me and batted his thick lashes and I scratched a little harder. Even with all of Lucky’s fancy footwork, I’d become really fond of this pup in the last seventy-two hours. His big, brown eyes just had a way with me and I loved his shimmering chestnut hair. It didn’t hurt that his whiskers were growing in several different directions making him look a little like a mad scientist. Besides, unless he was preoccupied with squirrels or hot dogs, he minded well, and he wanted nothing more than to love everyone and be loved.
What more could a girl ask for?
“So, Lucky. Do you want to go on another walk? I can take you to town or—”
Lucky drew a deep breath and let out a large huff, stretching out his front legs before closing his eyes. He had no intention of going anywhere.
“Well then, do you mind if I go into town?”
His eyes barely blinked open, but briefly connected with mine, as if he understood every word I’d said. I knew I’d gotten his permission, and I tucked the blanket around him.
It was early Saturday afternoon, and I had some errands to run. I never left the house without the dog in the first couple days of sitting while the pups got used to me. Nothing worse than running out for milk on night one only to have the dogs not let you back in the house because they didn’t really know you and would rather show you all their teeth than let you inside.
I’d experienced more than one night where I had to sleep in my car because I left too soon, and the pooches had no intention of letting me back in their castle.
I glanced in the mirror and noticed most of my auburn hair had fallen out of my braid, but I didn’t really feel like redoing it, so I slid a pink knit cap over my head instead and grabbed my matching scarf. After all, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I’d be gone from here before anyone would remember my name.
That was another wonderful perk of my career. I never stayed in one place long enough to worry about what I looked like when heading out for groceries.
Actually, maybe that wasn’t a good thing. I glanced down at my grey yoga pants and oversized white sweatshirt and scanned for stains.
Not a one.
“See ya soon, Lucky.” I grabbed my purse and car keys and headed out the door. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”
The moment I stepped outside, the cool mist coated my cheeks. The heavy clouds were low enough it almost felt as if I could touch them. Fall had definitely arrived on Hound Island.
I glanced behind me to see Lucky suddenly awake and staring out the window. He didn’t look sad, just suspicious…or maybe like he was waiting for me to head down the road before he got into trouble.
Nah. He wouldn’t do anything two days in a row.
Within minutes, I was on the main road winding into town. Summer daisies had been traded for orange and yellow chrysanthemums, and pumpkins sprang from the vegetable gardens welcoming in the new season.
I loved this time of year. The nights were still long from summer, but the mornings were cooler, and sunshine still had a chance at appearing now and again.
Spotting the tiny brick post office, I pulled into the lot and found a parking spot by the front door. Green and white awnings over the entrance and windows cheerfully greeted visitors unlike any other post office I’d ever seen, and the overflowing flowerpots with deep crimson mums and variegated ivy draping down to the sidewalk only added to the welcoming feel.
I turned off the ignition and smiled to myself. There was something really special about this island, almost magical, and while it wasn’t the easiest place to get to, I understood why so many people called Hound Island home.
After grabbing a couple packages out of my trunk, and pushing through the post office door, bubbly laughter warbled through the air, and my attention turned to the counter where two older women were in tears from giggling so hard.
“Well, Hildie,” the postwoman wiped away a few tears, “I’m looking forward to hearing more stories like that one tonight.”
“With my sons around, I’m sure you’ll get your fill.” The woman I could now identify as Hildie tapped the counter and spun around to leave. Her smile was genuine, and her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Hello, dear. Come right up and Tracy will help you. I’m just being a nuisance.”
I highly doubted that, and I actually felt bad for breaking up their visit. Whatever they were chatting about certainly sounded like a lot of fun.
“Did you just move here?” Hildie asked, stepping aside as I shoved my packages onto the counter.
“Only temporarily.” I smiled and took my wallet out of my purse.
“Oh?” Hildie asked. “We don’t have many temporary residents. Once most set foot on the island, they never want to leave.”
“Or they can’t figure out how to leave,” Tracy chuckled, referring to the ominous ferry schedule that had more than its fair share of hiccups.
“I’m pet sitting up the road.”
Her eyes widened, and she exchanged a knowing look with her friend. “Is that so?” she nearly cooed without giving me a chance to answer. “Well, that must be a fun job with lots of adventures to keep you on your toes.”
I nodded as the postwoman weighed my packages, asking what type of delivery I wanted.
“Do you have any plans for tonight?” Hildie asked me out of the blue.
“Just watching Lucky.” I smiled, handing over my debit card.
“Well, we’re having a little gathering at the farm and I’d love to have you come.”
“Oh, I couldn’t intrude.” The thought of showing up at a party full of people I didn’t know was terrifying.
“Parties are meant to grow. I insist. In fact, you can meet a couple gals your age and maybe make your time pass a little quicker while you’re on the island.” She reached out and squeezed my arm gently. “You’ll be here for three months if I’m not mistaken, and I’d hate to think of you holed up by yourself for that long.”
My brows squeezed together in confusion as I recognized another traded glance between the women. And then it dawned on me. Wow, word traveled fast around here. She already knew who I was and how long I’d be here without me uttering a word. Lucky had made me far more famous than I wanted to think about.
“Well, it would be nice to meet some people, but I really—”
“Nope. It’s set. You’re coming to the lavender farm and celebrating with the island.” Without waiting for another excuse she spun on her heels and made her way out of the lobby.
“Hildie’s got a good heart and an even kinder spirit,” Tracy assured me as she handed my debit card back. “She never wants people to feel left out or lonely. That’s why her farm is so popular. Well, that and her two extremely good-looking sons.” She giggled but noticed my apprehension. “Honestly, you should at least go for the food and you can always duck out early.”
I chuckled. “It’s written that clearly on my face?”
“Oh, yes.”
“What’s the party for? I just feel so weird showing up to something I have no idea about.”
“It’s to celebrate her son’s best friend. To be honest, I don’t know all the details, but it has to do with his latest business venture or something. All I know is that I can’t wait to drink free beer and enjoy some of the finest cuisine on this side of the water.” She handed me my receipt. “I hope to see you there.”
“Thanks. I’ll have to see what Lucky says about it.” I took the receipt and wandered out the door, feeling tension crawl up my spine.
I usually preferred to spend my Saturdays cooking overindulgent meals and bingeing on shows, but maybe since I’d be here so long, it wouldn’t hurt to get to know a few more people in case Lucky got tired of me.
As I debated all the pros and cons, I found myself driving into town, taking in the bubble of cuteness this latest adventure offered.
The main street through town had a few clothing and gift boutiques, a candy and ice cream shop, a drugstore, and a jewelry store. A park at the end of the road looked out over the water and a pier with a few benches floated in the distance.
As I turned off the main road and headed to the grocery store, I saw several bunches of yellow and red balloons floating next to someone who was dressed in a hot dog costume. My chest tightened and my fingers gripped the steering wheel.
Was that Billy dancing on the street corner in a hot dog costume? I found myself slowing as I drove by to get a better peek.
My eyes connected with the hot dog man’s gaze, and my stomach dropped when I saw it was just some high school kid. It wasn’t Billy.
Did I really want it to be Billy?
I think I did. No, maybe I didn’t.
The thought of my overnight crush dancing in a hot dog outfit was better left out of my head.
A certain amount of relief flooded through me as I continued on to the grocery store. After all, I had no intention of running into Billy again on purpose, but at least I now knew where his restaurant was in case Lucky felt like he needed a refill.
A smile tugged at my lips as I thought about yesterday, and I wasn’t sure if it was Lucky or Billy who made me smile more.
As I found a place to park close to the door, I let my mind drift back to Billy. There was no doubt about it. The man was sexy as sin and even though I’d never really dated anyone with tattoos, I loved how his wrapped around his large forearms and his dark…
A honk scared my fantasies right out of me, and my eyes flashed to the source where I saw Chance waving at me. There was a woman next to him in the car and she waved too, even though I had no idea who she was.
This took small town living to an entirely different level. I gave a quick wave and climbed out of my car, but so did they.
“Hey, Tiffany isn’t it?” Chance asked, walking over to me.
“Good memory.” I smiled and glanced at the woman who was opening the back door of their SUV and leaning inside before remerging with a little girl, who couldn’t have been a year old.
“Chance, right?” I returned my gaze to his and he grinned and nodded.
“This is my wife Maddie and our daughter Scarlett May.”
Maddie kept the baby in one arm and somehow managed to shake my hand with the other. Maddie was gorgeous. Her blonde hair cascaded below her shoulders, and she was dressed in a pair of jeans and a grey cashmere poncho.
Scarlett had little curls of platinum hair sticking out from under her pink knit cap, and her tiny legs, dressed in pink corduroy pants, dangled around her mom’s very pregnant belly.
“So good to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from Chance and Billy. That was quite the event at the park yesterday.” She grinned.
My cheeks reddened, and I shook my head. “Wonderful to meet you, but I’m especially happy about not being coated in condiments this time around.”
She chuckled and shook her head. “There are days I’d much rather be coated in ketchup than what this little one decides to toss in my direction.”
I laughed. “Well, she’s adorable.”
“And hopefully the next one will be just as cute or I might lose my mind.” She handed Scarlett May to Chance. “So how long will you be pet sitting in the area?”
“About three months.” I was sure she already knew.
I glanced at Chance who was completely mesmerized by his daughter.
“Wow. What happened to his owners?”
“A three month cruise. Lucky’s parents retired and decided to sail the seas.”
“That is a heck of a long time to be trapped on a boat.” She shivered and I chuckled.
“I’m more of a land person myself,” I agreed.
“Do you have any plans tonight?” Maddie asked.
“Actually, I was just invited to the lavender farm for a party or—”
“How in the world did your mother already find her?” Maddie laughed and Chance rolled his eyes.
Hildie was Chance’s mother? This place really was small.
“Lord only knows with her.” He grinned and held Scarlett May up in the air, ogling at her.
“We bumped into each other at the post office. She’s so sweet.” I glanced toward the grocery store. “Actually, everyone is pretty incredible around here.”
“The islands are a special place.” Maddie nodded. “So can we expect you there?” Her eyes held a mixture of hope and excitement. I suddenly didn’t want to let these two strangers down.
“Sure. I mean, yeah. That would be wonderful. It’s really sweet of your family to invite me. But I feel kind of like the odd…”
“Hildie loves her events to be packed so don’t even think twice about it. She’d probably be offended if you didn’t come.”
I believed Maddie, and maybe it was about time I actually spoke with humans.
“Well, it will be fun to get out with people who don’t just bark in their spare time.” I drew a breath, hoping not to look like I had at the post office. I didn’t want them to think I wasn’t appreciative.
“Don’t get your hopes up too much.” Maddie winked. “We’re an eccentric bunch out here on the islands.”
“Speak for yourself.” Chance gave his wife a kiss on the cheek. “Well, we’ve got to get diapers before the big night tonight, or we’ll have bigger problems to deal with than what Lucky can produce for a disaster area.”
I chuckled, admiring how involved Chance was with his daughter and how utterly in love Maddie and Chance seemed. Love and romance wasn’t something I really thought much about. Love seemed nice in principle, but I wasn’t sure that many people in life actually found true love.
We all started toward the market, and Maddie pointed toward the store. “This place has a great espresso stand inside. You might need your energy for tonight. I’d get your caffeine reserves up.”
Chance and Maddie seemed so down to earth and to say they were inclusive was an understatement. It had been a long time since I’d felt included or like I belonged anywhere, by design of course, but it was still an interesting feeling after all these years.
“Is there something I should know about tonight?” I laughed, only half-kidding.
“Not if I want you to show up.” Chance wiggled his brows and off trundled his cute little family into the town grocer while I wondered what I’d gotten myself into.