“And how’s your work going?” She posed the query as if she knew he’d been out here dwelling on his lack of progress.
Maybe she did. He’d learned about her workspace behind the gallery on Central. That was likely a prime location to hear about whatever was happening on the island. And through Jess, he’d learned about an unexpected recent visit from her ex-husband. Hard to believe Natalie had been married and divorced. Clearly, she onlylookedyoung and naive, oblivious to any of life’s sharp edges.
“Not as smooth as usual,” he admitted.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
He appreciated her obvious sincerity. They walked on, approaching the glow of light at the next boardwalk that protected the dunes. He fought the persistent urge to link his hand with hers. “Do you still spend time down around the marina?” he asked.
“As often as possible,” she replied with a smile. “I’ve seen you out and about with various adventures the last few days.”
And why hadn’t he noticed her? Of course, he was focused on finding Royer and any local accomplices. He rolled his shoulders, hoping she hadn’t watched his first paddle board lesson. He’d spent more time in the water than on the board.
“Everyone told me deep sea fishing was the way to go.”
“And was it? Did you catch anything?”
“Yes.” He tucked his hands into his pockets. “And yes. The crew was awesome. They showed us a great time.” The most fun he’d had doing reconnaissance, in fact. But he kept that detail to himself. “The crew cleaned the fish for me and packaged it. It’s in the freezer at the Hideaway until I know what to do with it.”
“Hm.” Natalie’s steps slowed. “My advice?” At his nod, she suggested, “Call Parker’s and have them handle the cooking for you.”
“Table for one?”
“Only if you’re opposed to me inviting myself along.” She grinned, swaying side to side enough that her skirt fluttered.
“Not at all. I’d enjoy the company,” he replied. Only when the words were out did he realize how true they were. Not like he was getting anywhere on his own. Maybe, through her frequent trips to the marina, she had insight he could use. “Does tomorrow at six work for you?”
She cocked her head, her lush mouth curving into a smile. “That’s perfect.”
“Should I pick you up?”
“No need.” She pulled out her phone. “I’ll bike over. I’m setting a couple of alarms, just in case the muse has me by the throat.” She spared him a quick glance. “Don’t tell my sisters I know how to do this,” she said. “It’s more fun to have them chase me down. All that wrangling the baby sister stuff makes them feel important.”
He laughed. “You sound sure about that.”
She nodded decisively and tucked her phone back into her pocket. “Decades of evidence on my side.” She glanced around. “I should, um, get going. I left my shoes at the other walkover.”
He should’ve asked about the shoes. “I’ll walk you back.”
“You really don’t have to do that,” she said.
“Would you have wandered this far from your shoes if you hadn’t spotted me?”
She nibbled on her lip, but her sassy grin broke free. “Probably.”
He laughed at the self-deprecating admission. He couldn’t possibly have ever met anyone as candid as Natalie Hargrave. She was a breath of fresh air, blowing through a personal life he’d let grow stale. “Together, then,” he said, turning. “Unless you’d rather have the time to yourself.”
The ocean breeze tugged at her hair as she considered. “Actually, I’d appreciate the company,” she said. “I’ll get plenty of quiet between the beach and home.”
So he walked her back to her shoes and her bicycle, chatting about little things along the way. And when she was on her way, he found the quiet wasn’t as comfortable anymore. He missed the sparkle in her eyes, the rhythm of her voice, and her astute observations on any given topic.
The entire encounter made him wish once more that this was a vacation rather than an assignment.
CHAPTER 6
Floating on anticipation for dinner with Trent, Natalie left the house early the next morning. Miles had texted her about some discarded sail fabric she could pick up. Biking over to the sailing school, her mind was on her date. She’d had another sexy-Trent dream last night and zero regrets. Clearly, she’d picked up on some mutual-attraction vibes. So, in her mind at least, tonightwasa date, even if she’d basically invited herself to share his catch.
And if he had a different, less romantic view of their upcoming dinner? That question, unanswered, plagued her as she leaned her bike against the front post of Miles’s workshop. Though it was easier to ignore the issue, she stopped and made herself think it through.
