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Seconds ago, I was all heart eyes, flying high with those pink flamingos and dreaming of kissing Magnus again. Something shifted, and it wasn’t the wind. I think I know what it is and I’m under no illusion that he owes me anything, but what happened to us being on a team? In this together?
Hand on hip, I say, “Weren’t you part of a flight team?”
“Yeah.” Magnus lengthens his spine at attention.
“Do you know how to spell?”
His lips quirk. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. There’s no letterIin the wordteam. But there is anMand anE.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Oh, stop. I’m helping. You can get things started, but I’ll draft up a logo for Boo’s Battle Bros, outline a website, and get the forms you’ll need to start a business.”
“You’d do that for me?”
My heart answers that question with an emphatic,I’ll do anything. Instead, I simply say, “It’s for a good cause and as your resident veterinarian, I do have a say, right?”
Magnus gazes at his wet attire as if reminded of something. Humility? Comradery? His hand finds mine, and he squeezes it in affirmation.
I can’t be sure, but the flamingos must release a low sonar sound, signaling to the Coconut Wireless that the newest couple in town is holding hands on Main Street because I cannot help but feel like everyone is watching us, wondering what’s going to happen.
Me too, guys. Me too.
* * *
The next several weeks pass in a momentous amount of demolition, nailing, sanding, painting, and roofing. When Magnus said he was getting supplies, I figured it would amount to a few trash bags and spackle to patch up the holes in the plaster.
Nope, he’s gutted each of the cottages down to the studs and is repairing each one, mostly himself. Who knew he had carpentry skills on top of kissing skills? Not this girl, but I’m taking advantage of his many talents every chance I get.
While I sit on the beach bungalow’s back deck working on my laptop, keeping an eye on the dogs, and noting that my neighbor’s shirt came off—presumably to keep him cool while he works in the midday sun and revealing a delightfully strong physique—Rosalie pops in.
“Well, what do we have here?” She follows my gaze.
I tear mine away from Magnus. “Oh, you know, just a regular run-of-the-mill afternoon. Work, work, work.”
“I’ll say. Make sure you take a break so you don’t sprain your eyes.”
I can’t help but laugh.
“The Coconut Wireless has been buzzing,” she hints.
“My lips are sealed,” I reply.
“You sure about that? It’s our duty to keep our town safe and informed. If I notice any suspicious activity, it must be reported,” she says mock matter of fact.
“Well, of course. But as you can see, I’m over here, and he’s...” A little sigh escapes as Magnus hoists a two-by-eight over his head.
Rosalie fans herself. “Progress looking good.”
I’m not sure if she means progress on the cottages or my relationship with Magnus.
“Well, I shouldn’t linger. I also have things to do.”
“You mean, nosy news to report?”
She clears her throat. “We’re preparing for the Manatee Jubilee.” Rosalie refocuses and tells me all about the upcoming festival, featuring sea cows, food, games, a parade, and more.
After she convinces me to help, she slips through the gate which doesn’t stay closed—something I need to fix. I learned a lot from watching Designed to Last, my favorite HLTV home improvement show. Or I can ask my new neighbor for a favor. I’ll pay him in kisses, promise. That’s as good an excuse as any to go next door.
When I moved here, the beach bungalow was a fixer-upper. Emphasis on thefix, but I’ve invested my time and resources into making it home. I haven’t questioned my decision. Somehow, Ethan knew this was paradise on earth and that I’d love it.
