Page 50 of Here & Now
“We could go shopping tomorrow.”
She jerked her head up. “We?”
“Sure, why not?”
She blinked a few times to make sure she was awake and not dreaming this.
“We could eat breakfast at the Over Easy Café and then hit the shops in the plaza.”
“I love the Over Easy Café.”
“It’s settled, then.”
She shook her head, and he stopped sweeping.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m just trying to wrap my head around this.”
“Is it so hard to believe that a man likes to shop? I own a shop, remember?”
“It’s not just that.”
“Is it the kiss?”
“It’s everything!”
He chuckled and resumed sweeping.
“I wish I could take everything in stride like you do.”
“I worry about things.”
“What things?”
He stopped sweeping again. “Lots of things. Making enough money to pay the bills, my parents’ health, hurricanes…”
Her eyes went wide. “That’s right. It’s almost hurricane season.”
“I’ve seen some bad ones.”
“I’ve never been here during that time. We mainly came here at Christmas or spring break.”
“Most people do.” He resumed sweeping.
She studied him for a few beats, realizing there was more to him than she’d initially thought. He appeared calm, cool, and collected, but he was right: everyone had their worries.
“I think I got it all, but you should still be careful walking around in bare feet.”
“I will.”
They stood a few feet apart and gazed at each other as though unsure what was supposed to happen next.
“I should probably get going,” he said.
She’d cooled off since the kiss, but she wasn’t ready for him to leave, though it was probably for the best.
He leaned the broom against the coffee table and picked up his water bottle. She followed him to the door.
