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“It is. I told you, he’s one of the good guys. He wants the whole family and white picket fence thing. He’s a catch.” Joss smiles with a dreamy expression. “But Dex is even better.”
Slade is golden, just waiting to be snatched up by some lucky girl.
We chat about this and that, staying right where we are until the sun sets on the horizon, long after the bubble show is over.
Slade calls Joss in for dinner. When he notices me sitting with Joss, surprise crosses his features.
“Hey, Marin. I didn’t realize you were still out here. Would you like to join us for dinner? I can’t promise it will be edible, but it won’t kill you either. Probably. Maybe.”
“Eating is good for you.” Ugh.Never, ever try to be flirty, Marin.It won’t end well.
Slade doesn’t miss a beat. “Great. C’mon in.”
I’m hesitant, yet there’s no way I’m going to decline. Going back to my room to be alone again doesn’t appeal. I need human contact.
chapter ten
I’M SURPRISED BYthe roominess of the so-called (by me) apartment they live in “behind the check-in counter.” It’s more like a small house. The living area is an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living room.
Joss explains there are three bedrooms just off the living area, each with its own bathroom. Plus, there’s an office, and a half-bath for guests so they don’t have to walk through a bedroom to use the bathroom.
It’s been updated, the décor sleek and modern. A rectangular gas fireplace is inset into one wall, warming the room and creating a cozy atmosphere. Nighttime at the beach is often chilly.
There’s not an anchor, lighthouse, or starfish in sight. No containers filled with shells, no signs announcingThis Way tothe BeachorI Need Some Vitamin Sea. The beachy vibe is non-existent. It’s not needed. The real thing is just outside their sliding glass door.
“Wow. This place is amazing.” A warm glow filters through my body.
“Thanks,” Slade says as he stirs something that smells delicious on the stovetop. “This home dates back to the 1920s. It stood alone on the shore for a number of years. A wealthy family built it when their son had severe asthma. They were told the ocean air would help. They spared no expense. To this day, this place has amazing bones.”
“In spite of thin walls.”
“Touché.” His mouth twists wryly.
There’s more proof about the whole doctors and ocean air theory again. It should still be a prescription to this day. “Did the ocean air help their son?”
He shoots me a devastating grin as he puts the final touches on dinner. “Sure did. My parents bought this place from him when he was an old man. They had to do a lot of renovating, of course.” Slade serves a thinly sliced steak and veggie stir-fry, French bread, and a salad. “Let’s eat.”
It’s far from inedible. It’s delicious, seasoned to perfection. There’s something sexy about a man who can cook. Or maybe it’s just Slade.
“What have you two been whispering about all day?” Slade takes a large bite of bread.
“You,” Joss says bluntly.
I cough, nearly choking on a carrot.
“Me? What about me?” Slade asks.
“We’ve decided your bubble show is crazy and you need a new hobby.”
We talked about no such thing. I’m stunned by Joss’s teasing words. I don’t know this side of her.
“I’m a bubble artist. My bubble show is amazing and I know you love it.”
My eyes ping-pong between them, listening to their banter. They do behave like brother and sister—ones who like to tease each other, that is.
Joss’s phone makes a loud ringing sound. “That’s the front desk. I’m on it,” she says as she rolls herself away. Her arms are quite muscular from working her wheelchair.
Slade and I are left alone. “What’s the verdict, Marin? Do you like my bubble show?”
