Pushing that thought aside, she stepped into Petals Boutique and let her gaze drift over the racks. Something dressy. Something fun. Nothing too expensive. Her duffel bag held more cash than she was comfortable carrying, but she couldn’t afford to burn through it on frivolous things.
Still… this felt like something she did need.
Even if they weren’t technically going out on a date, she wanted something that would make KClook twice. Something that might hold his attention.
Neither of them had mentioned the kiss on the beach, but it lingered between them all the same. She’d been hyperaware of him throughout the remainder of the day—every glance, and brush of contact, whether accidental or not. Each one sent a quiet spark through her, catching her off guard.
Then there were the little looks they kept exchanging. It was as if she were back in high school, trying to work up the nerve to talk to a cute boy.
She always considered herself a poor flirt, but her body had a mind of its own when it came to KC, automatically moving in a mating dance she had never known the steps to. She wanted to stoke the fire they’d ignited on the beach and prayed he wanted that too.
She was lost in her thoughts when a striking older woman emerged from the back of the store. Late fifties, maybe, with bright eyes and flawless skin that made Moriah do a double-take.
“Hi there. I’m Bonnie Whitman. Can I help you with anything?”
Moriah smiled and gave a small wave. “Hello.I’m looking for something to wear on a date tonight, but it’s not really a date.”
Bonnie laughed. “How is a date not really a date?”
“Well, his uncle is coming with us.”
“Ah, and three is definitely a crowd.” Her eyes sparkled, and Moriah found herself liking the woman immediately. “Well, then, let’s see what we can find for you. You’re what? A size eight?”
She blinked, caught off guard. “Yes… How did you know?”
“Honey, I’ve owned this shop for twenty-two years. I can guess most women’s sizes just like that.” She snapped her fingers, then guided her toward the center of the store.
“This area over here is more for your age. I don’t cater to the teenagers, but I carry various styles for the twenty- and thirty-something crowd, although most of my clientele is a little older.” She quickly pulled three dresses from the rack and handed them over. “Why don’t you start trying these on? If you don’t like any of them, we have plenty more. The dressing rooms are in the back and to the right.”
Moriah nodded and headed that way, slipping into the first stall. She reached for the zipper when Bonnie’s voice carried through the curtain.
“I take it you are Ms. Maura Jennings.”
She froze, stunned. Her pulse jumped as she pushed the curtain aside enough to look out, working to keep her tone polite. “How did you know that?”
“Dan Malone and I go way back.” Bonnie waved a hand as if to brush off any concern. “He married my best friend a long time ago. After Annie passed away, we remained close. I know pretty much everyone in Whisper, and Dan mentioned he had an attractive young woman renting the beach house, so I assumed it was you when you walked in. I won’t see the tourist crowd midweek for another few weeks.”
Relief loosened something in Moriah’s chest. She stepped back into the small booth and pulled the curtain closed. As she undressed, she raised her voice just enough for Bonnie to hear.
“I guess that’s Annie in all those pictures at the beach house. I wondered who she was and why there were only photos of her as a young woman.”
Pulling the dress over her head, Moriah paused, the fabric settling around her. A quiet ache settled in her chest as she thought of her own family—lost long before they should have been. “She was so young. That’s heartbreaking.”
“That it was. Dan never remarried, even after all this time.”
Moriah smoothed the dress down and stepped out of the dressing room. The navy sundress fit perfectly, with a short bolero jacket resting open over the sweetheart neckline.
“Oh, honey,” Bonnie exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “That dress was made for you. It fits you to a T and brings out your gorgeous baby blues. KC will be knocked off his feet when he sees you.”
Heat rushed into Moriah’s cheeks. She didn’t bother asking how Bonnie knew she was attracted to the oldest Malone brother. The woman clearly missed very little.
After adding a pair of sandals and a small purse to complete the outfit, Moriah paid and thanked Bonnie, then carried her bags out to the car, where KC was waiting.
He stepped forward and opened the passenger door. “All set?”
“I think so,” she said, smiling as she slid onto the leather seat and reached back to set the bags behind her.
“Great. My uncle said he’ll meet us at Sassy’s at seven, which gives us plenty of time to shower and change.”
