Page 6

Her brows furrowed as if she didn’t understand, so Reece explained that he was a general contractor and still living here in Harbortown. “This time of year is slow for me, and it seemed like a good time to work on the shop. There’s not many people looking for ice cream in the dead of winter.”

“I’m always looking for ice cream,” she said with a laugh.

Picking up two of the boxes, he carried them out to the loft. “So, are you going to be staying at your dad’s place?”

She nodded. “That’s the plan. Although his house is a little…um…cozy. But we’ll make it work. I was also thinking about maybe booking a couple of nights up at the Lakeview Harbor Resort. Dad’s been talking about it nonstop, and I’m curious to see it in person.”

“It’s amazing,” he told her. “My company did a lot of the renovation work—and we built the new amphitheater. I’d love to take you up there sometime and give you a tour. I’m practically an honorary staff member now.”

Instead of responding right away, Alesha simply looked at him and smiled—not the shy smile she’d been giving him earlier, but a genuine one. Reece found himself smiling right back.

Finally, he asked, “What? Why are you smiling?”

If anything, her smile widened. “I just can’t believe it’s you. I’m really sitting here with you.” She blushed. “I mean…I remember you from when I used to live here. And then I saw you in the park this morning, but I didn’t realize…”

He nodded. “I saw you too. But I had no idea it was you either. No one mentioned you were back in town.”

“I’m not exactly headline news,” she said with a small laugh. “And I just got in last night. I doubt anyone even knows I’m here yet.”

They sat in comfortable silence until the bell above the door downstairs chimed.

“Dad’s back,” she said softly.

Reece held out his hand and helped her to her feet. Her fingers were warm against his, and for a second he was oddly reluctant to let go. “I’ll bring the boxes down.”

“You don’t…”

“I’ve got them.”

She blushed again. “Thanks.”

Reece started to move, then stopped himself.

“Actually…” He cleared his throat. “Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night? We could go up to the resort. I could show you around.”

Those warm amber eyes widened slightly. “Oh, um…”

Then it hit him how she had just gotten into town and was here to spend time with her father. “I don’t want to intrude on your time with your dad, so…

“No. It’s fine, really. I…I’d really like to go to dinner with you,” she said, her smile returning. “A lot.”

He nodded, relieved. “Great. I’ll grab these boxes and meet you downstairs.”

This time she didn’t argue, but she did smile before heading for the stairs.

And suddenly, working right next door didn’t seem like such a bad idea after all.

three

She heard the truck pull up and saw the reflection of the headlights from her hiding spot behind her father’s curtains.

Alesha watched as Reece climbed out of the truck and paused for a moment, running a hand through his hair before he paused and simply stood there in the middle of the driveway.

She wondered what he was thinking. Was he regretting asking her out? And was this an actual date or just two friends going out to dinner?

“Only one way to find out,” she murmured, grabbing her purse. “See you later, Dad!”

“Have fun! And don’t worry, I won’t wait up,” he teased.