that her parents had dragged her to some sleepy seaside town, forcing small-town life on her when she wanted to live somewhere more glamorous.
At first he’d found her big dreams and lofty aspirations to be attractive—since he’d never had those himself. But eventually it became clear those lofty aspirations didn’t involve settling down with a man who wanted nothing more than to make a simple life by the ocean.
As a kid, he’d always assumed that a family would be part of his life—husband and wife and a few chubby-cheeked kids. But as he’d grown up, life had proved time and time again that you couldn’t trust anyone. Not even those closest to you.
“Cora is nothing like Rochelle,” he said, probably a little harsher than he’d anticipated. “She’s not going around looking down her nose at the folks here. She’s not thinking that she’s better than the rest of us just because she has her initials printed on her suitcase.”
Sure, she was fancy in that she came from money and lived in New York City and she did have her initials stamped on her luggage. But Cora was proof money didn’t make someone a snob. Because Rochelle’s money wasn’t the thing that made her a bad person… That was something much deeper.
And he could say, without a doubt, Cora didn’t have a bad bone in her body.
“Tread carefully. That’s all I’m saying.” Sean watched him for a minute longer and then bowed his head to start chiseling again. “Hale and I will pick you up off the floor again, but I’d rather you didn’t get to that point in the first place.”
“There’s nothing to worry about,” Trent said tightly.
He liked Cora. Of course he did—he might be the town charmer, but he didn’t want to get physical with someone unless he liked them as a person. Sexual attraction was one thing, but he needed more than that. The right personality. A few laughs. Call it a lesson learned or whatever, but he counted those things as critical these days.
Still, he wasn’t under any illusions about Cora. She had baggage, and apparently, she was rebounding… He’d chosen not to delve into that at the time, because he wasn’t sure he wanted to reciprocate in the information-sharing department. But all in all, it was a pile of red flags so big and so vibrant, you could see it from space.
So why are you planning her a party and thinking about her 24-7?
Good question.
“I’ll let Aimee know you need her help,” Hale said, moving the conversation on like the good peacemaker he was. “She’ll be happy to hook you up.”
Should he be worried that the thought of throwing Cora a birthday party, seeing that glorious smile break across her face like a foamy wave kissing the sandy shoreline, had him feeling all warm and fuzzy?
Maybe you need a little less warm and fuzzy, and a little more hot and steamy. Keep that balance in check.
For a fleeting moment, Trent wondered what it might be like to have both.
Chapter Twelve
“I can’t believe you’re back again so soon.” Maddy had a pile of books at her feet and was carefully sliding them into place on the shelf in front of her.
Cora had decided to get out of the house while the guys were working—all the banging and rock music blaring wasn’t helping her frayed edges. Besides, she’d already devoured her romance novel and, since she’d made things royally awkward between her and Trent, she’d had to settle for having a robust fictional love life instead of an actual love life.
She really wanted to clear the air—but every time she even thought about bringing up their kiss, she totally chickened out. Not because she regretted kissing him. No way! But because she wasn’t sure if she could handle knowing whether or not she’d blown her chance with him.
If he rejected her now…ugh. She wasn’t sure she could stand seeing him every day knowing that. Maybe it was easier to pretend it never happened.
“Actually, maybe I can.” Maddy added with a grin, “Those books are pretty addictive.”
“I’m hoping you have the rest of the series,” Cora said. “The author did this mean thing where she set up a bunch of characters and now I have to know what happens to them.”
“Oh, sequel bait. I both love and hate it.” Maddy slipped the last book into place and then motioned for Cora to follow her. “We have a few more by this author. If I don’t have them in