Kiss Me in the Summer - Barbara Dunlop Page 0,11

every toiletry imaginable was set out in a display like a high-end hotel room.

Feeling thoroughly spoiled and in awe of the hospitality in Rutter’s Point, I pulled open the curtains to find a set of glass doors with a deck beyond and a beautiful lawn stretching to a cliff overlooking the ocean. I had the urge to fling open the door, inhale the fresh air, and wander outside to the carpet of grass where I could peer over the cliff to the crashing waves.

But I heard voices coming from the kitchen—both Madeline’s and Josh’s. My chest gave a little pull at the deep timbre of Josh’s voice. I was reacting like a teenager with a crush. That was unusual for me. I met men all the time—both at work and socially. Plenty of them were attractive and in my age range, but I’d never reacted this way before.

I couldn’t help a quick stop to look in the mirror before I left the room, hoping Josh would find me attractive too, I supposed. Again, just like a teenager. I rolled my eyes at my reflection.

My auburn hair fell loose over my shoulders. In keeping with what I hoped would be seaside town casual, I’d put on a pair of skinny white slacks and a blue and white striped shirt with red piping at the neck. The only flats I’d brought along were a pale green that clashed with everything else, so I went with a pair of navy wedge heels. I’d topped it all with a blocky blue blazer.

Sitting around the kitchen island, both Josh and Madeline did a double take when I entered the kitchen. Maybe I’d guessed wrong on the wardrobe. They were both dressed more casually.

“Good morning, Laila,” Madeline said brightly, blowing past the moment.

“Morning,” Josh rumbled as well.

When I met his gaze, my chest took another lift. It had been a while since I’d dated, and my hormones had obviously decided it was time for some male companionship. Maybe Josh had simply been in the right place at the right time.

To combat the inopportune feelings, I shifted my attention from him to the big window at the back of the kitchen. “Good morning,” I said brightly. “It’s so beautiful out there this morning.”

“Tea or coffee?” Madeline asked.

I was happy for the distraction. “I’d love a coffee.”

Madeline had a cup of tea in front of her, while Josh seemed to have gone with a mug of coffee. His mug was steel gray with a big handle and a red rim. It suited him a lot better than the teacup from yesterday.

He gave me another smile, and I felt it all the way to my toes.

“Gerry called,” he told me.

“Oh?” I waited for more information, hoping for good news. I felt I should get on my way as soon as possible.

Not that I had anywhere special to be, and not that I was anxious to leave Madeline’s beautiful home or Rutter’s Point for that matter. If there’d been a hotel in town, I might have stayed a few days to look around.

Josh shifted his position, drawing my gaze again. I’d admit he was part of my desire to stay. I was curious about him. I wanted to know what made him tick. Why was I attracted to him? Was he my type? Did I have a type that I hadn’t yet discovered?

I’d dated enough, probably about average for someone my age and in my circumstances. But I’d mostly dated fellow lawyers or New York business types. They were less laid-back and earthy, more urbane, even snooty. They had classic good looks instead of the rugged, rough-around-the-edges impression I got from Josh.

“Gerry says your fuel pump failed,” he said.

I was relieved to hear that. It didn’t sound too catastrophic. “Can he fix it?”

“He can install a new one, but he needs to order it in.”

“Okay.” I hoped it wouldn’t be too expensive, not that I had a choice. And all things considered, my breakdown could have been a whole lot worse if not for Madeline and Josh’s generosity.

Madeline set a cup of coffee and a spoon in front an empty seat at the table. I slipped into the comfortable chair and added a spoonful of sugar.

“He said it would take a few days,” Josh said.

“Oh.” Maybe more catastrophic than I’d thought.

“That’s to bring in the part. You have an older model, so the area dealers don’t have it in stock.”

“You can stay here with me as long as you like,”