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“Hungry?” Micah asked, rolling over on to his stomach.
“A bit,” she admitted. “It’s funny how swimming and sunshine always make me hungry.”
“Me too. I’ve got just the place we can head to for lunch.”
Faith touched her swimsuit. It was completely dry. “I brought a sundress but it’s fairly casual.”
“No worries,” Micah said, his tone all-knowing. “This place isn’t fancy, but it’s just right for a day like today.”
Faith helped Micah pack up the chairs and shake out the towels. Once they were all packed up they headed back to the car. Micah drove the scenic route along the beach that lead toward the harbor. These roads were some of Faith’s favorites in Pelican Bay since they offered breathtaking views of the water and some of the most beautiful homes in town. Being in Micah’s convertible allowed them to breathe in the salty sea air and let the wind whip through their hair.
When Micah drove down a small dirt road adjacent to the harbor, Faith felt a complete sense of unfamiliarity. Wherever Micah was taking her to eat, she knew she’d never been to this particular restaurant before. As they reached the end of the road, a small harborside restaurant came into view. The restaurant looked fairly unassuming with a clapboard façade and grey shingles. A big sign above the window read “Tugboats.”
Micah put the car in Park and hopped out, opening her door for her with a flourish. Faith stepped out of the car, sniffing the air around her as delectable odors wafted under her nose. Micah smiled at her and said, “Have you ever smelled anything so wonderful in your life?”
“Honestly, no,” Faith said. “My mouth is watering. Is that garlic shrimp I smell?”
“You have no idea what kind of treat you’re in for. Tugboats has been around since the 1920’s. It’s one of the hidden culinary gems of Pelican Bay.”
“That’s an understatement. I’ve never heard of this place!”
He put a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell Charlie that. Charlie prides herself on being the owner of a world famous seafood joint.”
“Who’s Charlie?” she asked as Micah opened the door for her and ushered her inside.
“That would be me!” A booming voice served as a welcome to Tugboats. Charlie—tall and broad with bright red lipstick, platinum blonde hair and a warm smile—moved forward and enveloped Micah in a warm hug.
“Welcome back, handsome. I missed seeing your gorgeous face around here,” Charlie said, smiling devilishly. She turned toward Faith. “And who do we have here? She must be someone special if you’re bringing her to your old stomping grounds.”
“This is Faith O’Connell,” he said. “Faith, this is Charlie Lincoln, the esteemed owner of Tugboats.”
Charlie sized her up in once glance and Faith couldn’t help but wonder if she’d passed muster. “Any friend of Micah’s is a friend of mine,” Charlie said in a boisterous voice before she pulled Faith against her in a crushing embrace.
Micah’s lips twitched with mirth as he watched their interaction.
“Okay, let her go Charlie before she needs oxygen.”
Charlie let go of her and threw her head back with laughter. “Go on and sit down. There’s a great little spot by the window. You’ll get a great view of the harbor as you eat.”
“Thanks, Charlie. That sounds good. Is it all right with you, Faith?” he asked.
“It sounds perfect,” she said with a nod.
Micah reached for Faith’s hand and he led her to a table with a breathtaking view of the harbor. Micah pulled her chair out for her and she sat down, letting out an admiring breath as she cast her gaze out toward the water. There were pleasure boats sailing across the water, fishing boats heading out to sea as well as people enjoying the lovely spring weather.
“See anything you like?” Micah asked as she perused the menu.
“Too many things,” she said with a chuckle. “This menu is amazing. I love seafood. It’s my weakness.”
“Well this place is one of a kind,” Micah said. “I recommend the shrimp and grits or the fried scallops. But you can’t go wrong.”
Faith leaned across the table, a gesture that felt intimate. “Are you a foodie or something? I feel that our entire relationship has involved food.” She let out a giggle, then stopped. Had she said relationship? Oh goodness. She’d made it sound as if they were dating, when in actuality this was their first official date. She bit her lip. “Not that we’re in a relationship or anything.”
Micah frowned. “We’re not?” He placed his hand over his heart and made a pained face. “You’ve really wounded me.”
Faith found herself laughing again. There was something about Micah that lightened her mood and her outlook. She didn’t feel quite as foolish now for her random comment about their relationship. He had a way of making everything feel as if it was going to be all right. She hadn’t even realized she needed that type of comfort until this very moment.
“Seriously, I do enjoy food. I have to watch it so I don’t overeat. My profession depends on my looking a certain way.” He made a face. “I think having restauranteurs as parents had me hooked on food at an early age. The taste of it, the way certain flavors hit your tongue…it never gets old.”
