Page 36 of Secret Sins

"Charlotte is a pleasant woman."

"I'll take your word for it."

Once seated, we had an expansive view of Point Hudson Marina and the entire bay past the inlet. The sun glinted off the water, throwing pearls of light onto the tinted windows. Focusing on Bailey first and then the menu since her head was down, I tried to decide how to bring up who would pay the check. I wanted to treat her, but I got the impression she'd rather pay her own way.

"Bailey."

Bringing her head up, she smiled at me. "Yes?"

My thoughts jumbled, and my words caught in my throat. "You look pretty today."

"Well, thanks." Her cheeks pinkened. "Ready to order?"

"You know what? I am ready."

Ready for anything, as long as she was there with me.

Chapter 14

Bailey

Though Van's shoulders were a bit tense, he appeared more relaxed for a change. I wanted him to feel at home in our town, instead of like a man dying inside with every wave hello. Everyone wanted to welcome him, and some of them were more exuberant in their efforts than others. Soon, he'd acclimate to all of it and feel more settled in. Hopefully.

We'd nearly finished a shared bowl of ice cream when his complexion became redder than usual.

"What's wrong?" I asked softly.

He coughed, picking up his glass of water and chugging it. "It's just that I don't have the nerve to offer to pay."

I smiled gently. "Um, you just did."

"Yeah, well, the bill will be here any minute, and I realized I had to spit it out." Wiping his napkin over his mouth, he said, "I can't believe I used to be a cocky jerk who would whip out a wad of cash to show off."

That version of him was impossible to picture. "You aren't obligated to pay, especially since I invited you."

"Well, sure." He frowned. "Except I want to pay for our first date."

My heart jumped in my chest. "You consider this our first date?"

"Yeah—yes—I mean." He paused to take a deep breath. "Don't you?"

"I think that's perfect." The need to reassure him was strong, and not only because he was fucking adorable in his awkwardness.

"Okay. Good. Okay."

"Van, honey, breathe."

His quirky half smile was all the response I needed.

"I will let you pay for this date, but I'd like to switch off on future dates."

"I can live with that." His smile grew, broadening until it consumed his face. His red cheeks became closer to his natural color, and his shoulders finally relaxed.

"This has been so nice," I said as the server dropped off the check.

"I can't say that I've had lunch out since I moved here. I've only tried breakfast at the bakery and dinner at Napoli's."

"Oh, so you've met Anna and Doug. They're my friends, too."