Page 145 of Small Town, Big Storm

I ran back earlier and stuck a sign on the door announcing that we’d be opening late.

But that time is rapidly approaching, and even though Cassie is chatting happily on the beach, I’ve seen her check her watch more than once over the last half hour.

She needs the money from her shift—and her tips.

Still, I don’t move just yet.

Instead, I roll to the side and watch Clem face off with a whole new gaggle of hockey players.

They’re multiplying.

Like the Cedar Hollow Mafia.

Rome, the captain of the Eagles, grins good-naturedly as he trails after his newly walking baby.His wife, Chrissy, who recently opened a rescue center just outside of town, quickly volunteers him to play, along with the others who showed up and joined in on the beachfront festivities—King, Cam, Hudson, West, and Rhodes.

Chloe and Holly are splashing at the water’s edge under the watchful eye of Finn.

They’ll be driving back to Oakland tonight…with my daughter for a sleepover.

Something the troublesome duo instigated.

And something I jumped at, even though I’ll need to work the closing shift at Sully’s.

Because Storm and I…well, we need some uninterrupted adult time with each other.

And my red bikini.

Grinning, I sit up, brush the sand off my body and move over to the girls and Finn.“I have to head over to Sully’s, so I’ll pack a bag for her.”

“Sounds great.”

“You sure about this?”I ask softly as the girls shriek and run around like lunatics.

She laughs.“I’m sure.”A wink.“About you and Storm needing some time alone.”

I pretend to swat at her.

“I’m kidding.”She bumps her shoulder against mine.“All Chloe’s wanted for ages is a big girl sleepover.This is the perfect excuse.”She slips her arm around my waist.“Plus, you know what this means, right?”

“A potentially sleepless night for you and Rhodes?”

A grin.“That and the knowledge that one day soon you’ll reciprocate.”

I still.Then groan good-naturedly.“You have me there.”

We stand side by side for a few more minutes then I glance at my watch.

“Go,” Finn encourages.“I’ll let them play and hopefully tire themselves out.”A wink.“We’ll be over to Sully’s soon to say goodbye.”

I nod, manage to avoid getting splashed when I kiss Holly on the top of her head and fill her in.

Then I’m nodding at Cassie and starting up the beach?—

“Where do you think you’re going?”Storm says, looping an arm around my middle and drawing me back against him, nipping at the top of my ear.

“To open Sully’s,” I say, turning in the circle of his arms.“Don’t worry”—I press a kiss to his lips—“I was going to tell you before I slipped away.”

“I’ll come with you,” he begins.