She headed to Mason’s room, and he opened the door immediately when she knocked. He stood there in clean khaki shorts and a t-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. His damp, precisely cut hair framed his temples, and his mouth broke into a welcoming smile. “There you are. Good. I’m famished. I set us up out on the balcony.”
She followed him out onto the balcony, welcoming the breeze blowing in from the sea. She settled into a chair and he sat across from her.
He raised his glass. “For a job well done at the community center.”
She clinked her glass with his, then took a sip. The wine was a delicious, full-bodied red, just like she liked. Had he remembered that from the few times they’d gone out? She set her glass down on the small cafe table.
“I was lucky to get this mini-suite again… though Lillian said most of the guests have checked out due to the storm. I like the room, though. There’s a tiny kitchenette. A fridge that I filled with beer. There’s a coffee pot, and I picked up some Sumatra coffee. You know. Essentials.”
“Ah, essentials. Wine, beer, coffee.”
“I also picked up nachos, pretzels, and apples.” His face crinkled into a wry grin.
“But of course. More necessities.” To be honest, with the great shape he was in, she would have pictured him more of a health food nut, following the newest healthy eating trend.
As they ate their dinner, she relaxed and enjoyed their easy banter. She liked that about being with Mason. It was easy. Comfortable. And yet, she could feel the underlying tension between them. Was he thinking about their kiss this morning as much as she was?
After they finished their meal, Mason took the dishes inside. They moved to a pair of Adirondack chairs and sat sipping their wine as the sun began to sink on the horizon.
“It’s hard to imagine a storm is coming. It looks so peaceful out there.” She stretched out her legs and slipped off her sandals.
“It does. I’ve never been through something like this. We don’t get hurricanes in Seattle. Or tornados. Our big worry with natural disasters are earthquakes, but even those are usually mild.”
“Hopefully this storm will stall at sea and weaken.”
“So you know these are coming and you have days and days and days of just waiting and watching?”
“Pretty much.”
“Ever get used to it?”
“Not really. But it’s a reality we live with.” She shrugged.
They finished their wine, and she stood. “I guess I should head back to my room.”
“So soon?” He jumped up and stood beside her. “We could walk down to the shoreline. Watch the waves in the moonlight? I’m all… wound up.”
Who could resist that impossibly impish grin? She hadn’t wanted to overdo her stay with the invite to his room. But now he was suggesting a walk to the beach. Sounded perfect to her.
“I’m a bit wound up myself. It’s always an uneasy time waiting on a storm. Let’s go to the beach.”
They walked down through the inn, across the deck, and out onto the beach. The stars were beginning to come out as the sky darkened, and the moon rolled its silvery beams down toward the beach.
He took her hand in his as they crossed the sand. She looked down at their interconnected hands then back up to find him staring at her. His eyes twinkled.
“You know what, Zoe Birch? I’m pretty darn happy I decided to stay on the island.”
“You know what, Mason Jones? I am, too.” A warm glow spread through her. Though, she did feel just the tiniest bit guilty at feeling this happy with the storm approaching and the work and chaos it was causing. But for now, for this moment, she was just going to enjoy being with Mason.
Mason stood on his balcony long after he’d walked Zoe back to her room. She’d unlocked her door and stood there, looking… beautiful. He really should have kissed her again.
Why hadn’t he?
What a mistake. He’d certainly wanted to.
This morning’s goodbye kiss had seemed… appropriate… due to the situation. They thought he was leaving and probably wouldn’t see her again. But now he was on uneasy footing. It’s not like they were officially dating or anything. If she lived in Seattle, it would be different. He would for sure be asking her out. Asking her out often. But now?
He stared out at the vast display of stars twinkling above him.
Now what?
He really enjoyed spending time with her. Even if it was just putting up hurricane shutters.
She’d looked beautiful in the moonlight tonight. Her hair had finally air-dried and drifted around her shoulders in the slight breeze. It had taken all his control to not just wrap her in his arms and kiss her. Run his fingers through that hair of hers.
He let out a long breath. This was why it was easier to just casually date women. That was so uncomplicated. This thing with Zoe—whatever it was—that was complicated.
He just wasn’t sure about… anything. Wasn’t sure of the timing. Wasn’t sure how things actually stood between them.
The one thing he was sure about was he wasn’t a man who liked feeling unsure.
Chapter 4
Robin found Jay in the kitchen at the inn early the next morning. Lillian was in the kitchen, too, so Jay just gave her a quick smile and a wink. A smile spread across her face. Her heart sang with delight, blissfully happy with the simple, shared smile.
“We’ve decided to just put out a buffet breakfast this morning for the few guests who are still here.” Lillian lifted a tray of cinnamon rolls. “It’s easier on everyone. We let all the guests know last night that all food would be buffet-style until after the storm.” She headed out the door to the dining room.
Jay
