“I’ll show you to your room.” Ivy dragged herself off the stool.
Bennett touched her arm as she stood. “How’s your shoulder?”
“Didn’t notice it until I stopped, and now it’s aching like mad.” She answered the question in his eyes. “We turned on the hoses, spraying down the exterior and trees, including Darla’s, to keep flying embers from causing trouble.”
“Smart.” A smile curved his lips. “I’ll bet she appreciated that.”
“How can you ever tell?” Ivy replied. Even though Darla was difficult at best, it was the right thing to do for the woman. Neighbors looked out for each other—even the grumpy ones.
Ivy led Bennett toward the rear staircase that had been intended for staff use. The thought of having him so close under her roof sent a torrent of conflicting emotions tumbling through her. Yesterday she would have wanted to strangle Shelly for extending the invitation, but now her limbs were tingling with a strange type of energy she hadn’t felt in a long time
“Can’t tell you how much I appreciate this,” Bennett said when they reached the door to the guest room. “I won’t be here long. I’ll find a place to stay tomorrow.”
Ivy opened the door and led him into the blue-and-white nautical-themed room. No matter how she’d felt about him before, she was struck by the man who stood before her now. His raw emotions were etched on his face. Filled with compassion for what he’d been through tonight—and in the past—she ran her hand along his shoulder. “Please don’t go. You’re welcome here for as long as you like.”
“I really couldn’t…”
She widened her eyes in protest. “Why not? Do you think I’m trying to bribe a public official?” When he didn’t answer, she added, “I’m really not. You need a place to stay, and we have more than enough room. Besides, I need someone to help me hang paintings.”
“Well…as long as they’re not stolen.”
“They’re all mine. You’re looking at the artist.” As she gazed into his eyes, a flush gathered in her chest.
“And she’s never looked better.” Bennett lifted an ashy strand of hair from her face and trailed his fingers along her smudged cheek in a gentle stroke.
Turning into the palm of his hand, Ivy let out a sigh. A feeling that this was so right washed over her. She’d truly come home to Summer Beach. With a slight movement that felt entirely natural, she lifted her face to his.
Before she could even process what was happening, their lips met with warmth and softness, and in the next moment, they were in each other’s arms, each filling a need in the other as they deepened their kiss. Their bodies melded together, and in their close embrace, time ceased to be.
When they finally eased back from each other to catch their breath, Ivy caught a glimpse of them in the old-fashioned mirrored vanity. “Oh, look at us.” She shook her head. “We’re a filthy mess.”
“Don’t look.” Bennett brought her face back to his. “Right here is the perfect view.”
And so it was. When she looked into his eyes, she saw a possible future for them, though she had no idea how they would work out their lives. While the renovation of her house might be well underway, the restoration of her life was just beginning.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said.
“So am I.” A look of wonder crossed his face. “When I woke up this morning, I never could have imagined that I would end the day like this, here with you.” He teased her lips with his tongue. “My first summer love from all those years ago.”
“You remembered,” she said with awe.
“Not until tonight. I wanted to ask you out back then, but when I finally got my courage up, you disappeared.”
“Yet here we are again.” Amazed that he recalled that last day on the beach, she laughed softly. “You were my summer crush, too. I remember that day. But there was another girl there, too.”
“My cousin from Texas,” he said, nodding. “She’d just arrived with my uncle and his wife.”
“Wait a minute,” Ivy said. “Not your girlfriend?”
Bennett shook his head. “Only my exuberant cousin. I searched all over for you. Your friends told me you’d moved away to college.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’d hoped to see you at the university here. I looked for you.”
“How I wish I’d known.” Ivy stroked his face. How different their lives might have been if she hadn’t acted so impetuously. Although she was still far from perfect now, she had changed; they both had. And now, life was serving them another chance. Maybe someday she’d tell Bennett how heartbroken she had been.
“And do you still play your guitar on the beach?” she asked.
A smile curved his lips. “I’ll play it for you.”
Ivy kissed him again softly. Though challenges still loomed ahead, she couldn’t wait to see how their summer would unfold.
She had a feeling the saga of her new life at the Seabreeze Inn was only just beginning.
Thank you for reading Seabreeze Inn, and I hope you enjoyed it. Continue the Seabreeze Inn saga with Ivy and Shelly in the next book, Seabreeze Summer. As the first guests of summer descend on Summer Beach, Ivy and Shelly continue to find that the life of an innkeeper is fraught with surprises.
To learn about new releases, please join my VIP Readers Club. You might also enjoy reading my Love California series, beginning with Flawless.
Seabreeze Inn RecipesCompliments of Ivy and Shelly Bay
Sea Breeze and Bay Breeze Coolers are refreshing tonics that conjure beachside sunsets. These fruit juice blends are just as yummy without alcohol, too. Adjust the ratios of juices for taste as desired.
Sea Breeze Cooler
4 oz. cranberry juice drink
1 oz. Ruby red grapefruit juice drink
1 oz. vodka (optional)
Lime wedges
Mix together juices and add vodka if desired. Serve in a
