Page 27 of The Perfect Distraction

Chapter Nine

Since it was a half an hour’s drive from Harbor Springs to Bay Harbor (per her research), Beth decided to put the time to good use. She wanted to learn more about Joey, and if she discovered more about Colton, that would be an added benefit.

“I made some lesson plans for Joey today,” she said as they pulled out of the driveway.

“Wow. You really take this stuff seriously, don’t you?”

She shrugged. “It’s my job.”

“You don’t have to do this, you know? You’re supposed to be on vacation.”

“Once I start something, I finish it,” she said somewhat defensively. An image of Christopher flashed through her mind, but she didn’t want to think about him right now.

“It’s an admirable quality to have, but I feel guilty about infringing on your time off.”

“Don’t. Really. I can use the distraction.”

He shot her an inquisitive look. “He really did a number on you, didn’t he?”

This time, there was an edge to his voice as if he were angry on her behalf. She’d take that over pity any day.

She shrugged and looked out the window to avoid his gaze, wishing that Christopher hadn’t wormed his way onto their date. After a minute, she said, “Sorry. Whenever he comes up, I still feel angry.”

“Hey. I get it. Believe me.”

“You seem to be handling things pretty well from where I sit.”

“Ha! Maybe I’m just better at hiding my feelings.”

“What happened between you two, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Colton shifted in his seat, and she noticed his hands tightened on the steering wheel. Maybe she’d crossed the line, but wasn’t this what people did on dates—asked questions so they could learn about each other?

“She left me for another man, a co-worker of hers. She wanted a different life than the one she had here, and I think she used him as her ticket out.”

“Are they still together?”

“No. She’s seeing someone else now, but I doubt she’ll ever get married again. She values her independence more than anything else.”

“Hmm.” In her case, Christopher hadn’t loved her enough to marry her. Both scenarios sucked.

“I’ve got an idea,” he said. “Let’s not talk about our exes for the rest of the night. What do you say?”

He was right. All it would do was put a damper on the evening, and oh, what a glorious evening it had turned out to be. The clouds had disappeared, and the sun was back out in force. Maybe it was a sign that things were looking up. Glancing over at Colton in the driver’s seat, she decided they definitely were. She vowed to put all thoughts of Christopher aside and simply enjoy a night out with her handsome neighbor.

“I agree,” she said and was rewarded with his warm smile.

A short time later, they were seated on the deck of the seafood restaurant overlooking Little Traverse Bay. A waiter took their drink orders right away, and they each ordered a glass of the suggested house wine.

After the waiter walked away, Beth said, “It’s beautiful here.”

Colton nodded. “I don’t come here often because Joey prefers pizza over a fancy meal, but I thought you might appreciate it.”

“I do.”

After the waiter brought their wine and took their food orders, Colton held up his glass and said, “How about a toast?”

“What are we toasting?” she said, holding up her glass.