Chapter 13 #2
A crash comes from the lobby, pulling all our attention away.
Seconds later, Wendy comes into view, her cheeks red. “Sorry! Clumsy me knocked the stool over while reaching for the stapler,” she says.
It’s a lie, one I see through so easily. I lick my lips, trying not to smile.
The Bees hold a silent conversation in a language I can’t speak. I finish the mimosa and set the glass down.
“Refill?” Dorothy asks.
“No thanks. I appreciate it.”
Rose joins them at the table, and I use the distraction to excuse myself.
“Enjoy your morning, ladies. Thanks for the invite.”
“You too, sweetheart. Join us anytime you’d like. We’re here all the time,” Gale says with a wink.
I move through the lobby as Wendy taps numbers into a calculator. She doesn’t look up when I pass. “I’ll be up after lunch to change your sheets,” she says, but not too loud.
“I’m about to head out and go for a walk before it gets too hot. End of day will be better for room service,” I say, walking to the front door.
“When it’s convenient for you, Mr. Banks.”
To anyone just watching, we barely acknowledged each other. But the underlying convo streaming between us when our eyes meet is loud and fucking clear. I want her, and she wants me. And I plan to use the rest of my summer in Coconut Beach to explore that further.
I head out, closing the door behind me, then take the stairs to the beach level.
The beach is already packed with tourists even though it’s barely after nine.
As I stroll the packed sand, I pass a group of kids who have built a sandcastle the size of a car.
Actually, one might even call it a kingdom.
I move toward the boardwalk, and two women in matching striped hats stop arguing over brunch when I pass.
They stare at me, and I keep my gaze focused in front of me.
Part of me wonders if they recognize me, but being looked at like that is nothing new.
My sister—may she rest in peace—used to call me a thirst trap. Whatever the fuck that meant.
The difference between Coconut Beach and New York is that no one looks twice at me there.
I pass Sips & Sunsets and see Preston unstacking chairs on the patio.
He gives me a nod and a cheesy grin. “Hey, New York! I haven’t seen you around lately.”
“You might soon,” I tell him with a wave, continuing down the path toward the farmers market, which is booming with people. I’ll be avoiding that area, considering big crowds aren’t my first choice. I tolerate them, but really do prefer being alone or in small groups.
Two weeks ago, I was in my penthouse, living the same day on repeat. Now I’m dodging sunburned families and flip-flop traffic on the boardwalk.
Gideon told me to find myself, but I don’t think he expected me to, and I sure as hell didn’t.
When I pass Sunrise Beach Park, I can smell the food trucks cooking at Street Eats. Across the way is Salty Sirens, a locally owned coffee shop, with a turquoise awning and a chalkboard menu on the sidewalk. As I enter, a teenager in a neon-pink shirt greets me. Her name tag says Jewel.
“How may I help you?” she asks, staring at me.
I read the menu that’s written with chalk on the giant board behind her. They all have summer names. “Coconut Lifeguard?”
“Yeah, it’s great, but only if you have a sweet tooth. Otherwise, I’d go for something like an Iced Beachball or a Shaken Bikini.”
I smile at her. “Uh, what about a double shot of espresso, iced and …”
The day I walked into the B&B and met Wendy, I memorized everything in the room while avoiding eye contact with her. That included the sticker printed on the side of her drink cup.
“Oh yeah. A gigantic iced coffee with a splash of cream, two pumps of vanilla. Light ice and a swirl of caramel.”
Her brows furrow. “For Wendy?”
“Excuse me?” I ask.
“Wendy Winslow. That’s her order. Her family owns Seaside B&B.”
All I can do is smile because I stupidly forgot I was in a small town. “Actually, yes. I’m staying there, and I thought I’d pick up a coffee for her.”
“Wow. Are you two dating?”
“No,” I state. “Do you assume every man who walks in here and orders a woman a coffee is dating?”
“Hmm.” She pretends to think about it. “Yes.”
“Teenagers,” I mutter, handing her a twenty and stuffing another one in the tip jar. “Keep this situation to yourself.”
“It’s going to take more than twenty bucks,” Jewel says.
I scoff and open my wallet, putting another one inside.
“One more,” she says, blinking innocently.
“This is extortion,” I whisper.
“Call it what you want,” she tells me. “You’ll pick them up down there.”
While I wait at the end of the counter, my phone vibrates. It’s a text from someone I didn’t expect to hear from today—my assistant.
Reese
It’s been almost two weeks. How are things?
Banks
Great. I’m settling in.
Reese
That’s wonderful news. Know everyone is ready for you to return.
Banks
Seven more weeks.
It’s the first time I’ve thought about my job in days. That’s shocking to me.
Banks
I have a question. Why did you choose Coconut Beach and Seaside B&B?
Reese
After my first divorce, my sister and I vacationed there. I had the best time of my life, and I thought you could use some of that joy away from this.
Banks
Thank you. It’s what I needed.
Reese
You’re welcome. I deserve a raise.
Banks
Consider it done.
“Two coffees for Carter,” the barista says at the end of the counter.
I grab them, seeing they drew hearts all over Wendy’s cup.
“Seriously?” I ask.
“Bye, Carter.” Jewel waves from the counter. “Tell her we said hey!”
I leave, shaking my head. The sidewalks are already packed, and it’s not even July yet.
When I enter the lobby, Wendy looks up from behind the counter. She has a fan blowing directly in her face as she types, and a small smile plays on her lips when she sees the cups.
“Thought you could use this,” I say, setting the iced coffee beside her keyboard. I glance around and am thankful we’re alone.
She sees the hearts drawn on her cup. “How did you know my order?”
I tilt my head. “I paid attention.”
Kinda like all the baristas at the coffee shop.
She stares at the cup, then at me. Nothing comes out.
“You’re welcome. Enjoy,” I say, knocking my knuckles on the wood, then taking the stairs.
As I climb the stairs, my phone vibrates. All I can do is laugh.
Wendy
You have to tell me how you knew. Did you ask Josie? The girls at the coffee shop?
Banks
The day I checked in, you were drinking it. I noticed.
Wendy
That’s actually kinda cute.
Banks
Thanks. The bare minimum is easy, Wendy. If someone wants to, they will.
Wendy
Who are you?
Banks
Your summer crush.
I enter my room and step onto the balcony. The air smells fresher, and the sun seems brighter, which is a ridiculous thought, but I can’t help it.
Wendy
Thanks. I needed this. All of it. You make me feel special.
Banks
That’s because you are.
I hit send before I can think about what I just said.
The three dots appear and then disappear again.
Maybe I should’ve kept that shit to myself.