“If they get the ferry going tomorrow. I bet they will. We’ll need supplies delivered here for repairs.”
He looked at her, searching her face. “But I’ll tell you one thing, Zoe. I’m going to miss you when I head back home.”
Her heart flipped and she steadied her wine glass, concentrating on the rim of the glass like it was the most interesting thing in the world. She was going to miss him, too. They’d been wrapped up in this strange world the last few days. Weeks, actually. Ever since he’d come to town for Lillian and Gary’s wedding. Then all the hurricane prep and waiting out the storm.
Soon they’d both be going back to real life. Soon.
But for now? For now, she wasn’t going to think about that. She’d just enjoy the time she had left with him.
Sometimes a person who seemed so right came into your life at the wrong time. Or in the wrong place.
He tilted her face up and kissed her gently, then pulled back. “Will you miss me?”
She reached out and touched the light shadow of whiskers on his face. “I will miss you. I’ve had a really good time getting to know you.”
“And I’ve had a good time getting to know you, too. Bet I’d get to know you better if I kissed you again.”
“I bet you would.” She grinned as he leaned over and settled his lips on hers.
Chapter 20
The next morning Zoe awoke and stretched out her arms. She hauled herself up in bed, confused for a moment until she remembered she was in the suite at the inn. She could hear Mason rummaging around in the main room.
She jumped out of bed and hurried to get dressed, deciding her hair was hopeless and pulling it back as best she could. She went out into the main room and a sudden shyness slipped over her. It felt so strangely intimate to be here with Mason, alone in the suite.
He turned to her and gave her a wide smile. “Morning, sleepyhead.”
“I guess I was tired.” She rarely slept this late. It was almost nine.
“Guess what. I’ve got good news.”
“What’s that?”
He walked over to the door and flipped a light switch. “Electricity came on.”
“That was quick.”
“Well, at least it’s on here at the inn. And… I’ve got a little surprise for you.”
“You do?”
He laughed and headed to the kitchenette. “Coffee.”
She crossed over and gratefully took the mug from him. “That’s fabulous. Couldn’t ask for a better surprise.”
“And what would you say if I said I had cinnamon rolls, too?”
“I’d say you were my hero.” She grinned at him.
“Ha, then I’m your hero.” He pulled two rolls out of the small microwave. “Jay had made these and gave me some when I went downstairs looking for coffee. I have to say, he looked quite pleased with himself puttering around that kitchen.”
“So, maybe Jay’s my hero.” She smothered a smile.
“Ouch, you crush me.” His eyes twinkled and he clutched at his heart.
“Okay, you can both be my hero.”
“I guess I can share the title.” He winked. “Oh, and why don’t you charge your phone, then it will be ready if the cell service comes back?”
He was so practical. How could he have practical thoughts like that? All she wanted to think about was… his lips. How his shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. How… Nope, she was going to be practical, too. She hurried to her room, grabbed her charger, and plugged in her phone.
They went outside and sat at a small table he’d moved back out to the balcony. She relished the fresh air and sunshine.
They bantered back and forth like old friends. Or like… a real couple. Or something. But all the while, the nagging reality that he’d be leaving soon hovered over her. Tapping her on the shoulder. Taunting her with don’t-get-to-used-to-this thoughts.
“I’m going to help Dad take down the hurricane shutters and tackle cleaning up the property.”
He interrupted her thoughts. Her crazy thoughts.
“I’ll see what Lillian wants me to do.” She heard her phone ding. “Oh, service must be back.” She jumped up and went to look at her phone. A text from Noah, checking on her. She quickly texted him back that she was fine and she’d see him later today.
She went back out to the balcony and sat back down. A young woman walked on the beach with two young kids running in circles around her. The skies were clear and bright blue, but a wind blew the palm trees in a slow, swaying dance.
“It really is nice here on the island.” Mason leaned back, his cinnamon roll finished, and sipped his coffee as he, too, watched the woman and children on the beach below them.
“It is. I love it here.” She hadn’t realized how much she missed the island. Missed living here. The island felt like… home.
Mason set down his mug and sighed. “I really should go find Dad and get to work.”
“I’ll go find Lillian.”
And their quiet morning together ended with the unasked and unanswered question hanging between them. Was this the last morning they’d have like this?
“I want to run over and check on Etta this morning.” Lillian put her coffee cup in the sink at The Nest.
“How about I get things going on taking down the hurricane shutters and setting things back in order?” Gary gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“I won’t be long. I just worry about her after her fall. I think I’ll take some food over to her, too. That way she can stay off her feet a bit more.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
Lillian headed to the kitchen and found Jay already there, cooking. That didn’t surprise her. Once she’d found out the electricity was back on, she knew he’d be here cooking and baking.
“Morning, Jay. Good to see you back here where you belong.”
He turned and
