Chapter 7
Savannah
The hallway is stunning, a mix of old craftsmanship and crisp modern updates. The arched staircase immediately draws my attention, its polished wooden banister gleaming in the light spilling through the stained-glass window above the front door. Ornate carvings run along the rail, the kind you don’t see in cookie-cutter houses. There’s detailed molding on the ceiling, too, but the white walls, high ceilings, and sleek lighting give it a fresh, updated feel. I pause and run my fingers over the banister, appreciating the smooth finish and the weight of something built to last.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Diana’s pride is obvious as she glances over her shoulder at me. “My husband’s a talented woodworker. He restored most of it himself.”
I blink, surprised. Really? He doesn’t exactly look the part. Elliot seems more like a college professor to me, and when we shook hands, I didn’t feel any calluses or other indications that he works with his hands.
A mysterious smile flickers across Diana’s face, but she continues up the staircase, trailing her hand along the banister. “We’ve been renovating the house for years. Everyone added their personal touches. Elliot worked on the kitchen, Mason handled the carpentry, Jack did landscaping, and I designed the bedrooms and bathrooms.”
I frown but otherwise don’t show my confusion. Who are Mason and Jack?
We stop at the first door on the left on the second floor. The moment Diana opens it, my questions melt away, replaced by awe.
The room is stunning. It’s spacious, light, and tranquil. The soft carpet underfoot muffles our steps as I take in the details. The bed, a massive wooden frame with a quilt in vibrant blues and cream, doesn’t dominate the space but instead feels like a centerpiece in a well-thought-out design. A small sitting area in the corner features two cozy armchairs and a round table. Across from the bed stands a large dresser, its wood matching the other furniture, and beside the window is a desk with some stationery, a folder, and a single-cup coffeemaker.
Diana notices where my gaze lingers. “Coffee’s also available downstairs, but some people don’t like company before their first caffeine.”
I snort softly. “Oh, I’m definitely one of those people.”
She laughs. “In that case, use it freely.”
I look back to the bed. “This is... much better than I expected.”
Diana’s smile widens. “I’m glad you like it. Fresh towels are in the bathroom, but if you need more, just let us know.” She motions toward a door in the corner, opening it to reveal a pristine bathroom with a gigantic shower, a toilet, a sleek sink, and a neatly folded stack of towels on the rack.
“It’s perfect.” I’m a little overwhelmed by the warmth and care put into every detail. I didn’t have high expectations, given this is the only B&B.
Diana lingers for a moment longer. “I heard about your ordeal. Mel told me a bit. I’m so sorry for the trouble you’ve had.”
“It’s fine,” I say quickly. “I’m just glad to be here. I hope to have my rental car back soon, though.”
“Well, it came in about an hour ago. Elliot will take you to the garage after you’ve settled in. In the meantime, why don’t you get comfortable? When you’re ready, come downstairs for real coffee, a slice of cherry pie, and some company. All are part of the package and free of charge.” She laughs and heads for the hallway.
“Thanks,” I murmur, watching as she closes the door behind her.
I wander the room, unpacking toiletries into the bathroom and hanging up a few garments in the small closet. The space feels too perfect for me, like I don’t quite belong here. I brush my hands over the quilt, lingering on the vibrant stitching, and my thoughts drift to everything I’ve left behind.
I grab my phone from my bag and scroll through missed calls and finally press Mom’s number. She picks up on the first ring.
“Anna! Finally. I’ve been worried sick.”
“Sorry.” I sink into one of the armchairs. “Long story, but I’m in Northwick Cove now.”
“What’s it like?”
I glance out the window at the snow-dusted street below. The town’s charm feels almost suffocating, but I’m not going to allow that to slip through. “Quiet. Quaint. It’s... pretty in its own way. Different from Miami.”
“And you?” Mom’s voice softens. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine,” I lie. “I haven’t had a panic attack since I landed, so that’s something.”
Her sigh of relief carries through the line. “That’s good, Anna. That’s really good.”
“Yeah,” I mutter, leaning back in the chair. “It’s a start.”
By the time I head downstairs, the house feels quieter, more settled. The faint smell of coffee draws me to the kitchen, where Diana, Elliot, and another man sit around the table. The man is older, his hair silver and his face weathered, but there’s a sharpness in his eyes that immediately puts me on alert.
“Savannah,” Diana greets me. “This is Jack. He’s part of the family.”
Jack stands, extending a hand. His grip is firm but not crushing, and his smile holds a hint of mischief. “Good to meet you.”
“You, too,” I reply, taking a seat as Diana sets a slice of cherry pie and a steaming cup of coffee in front of me.
The pie is, quite honestly, to die for. The coffee is rich and dark, perfectly cutting through the sweetness.
“So”—Jack leans back in his chair—“what brings you to our little corner of the world?”
I hesitate, not wanting to go into detail. “Needed a change of scenery,” I say vaguely, then take another bite to keep from saying more.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jack shift forward slightly, his mouth parting like he’s about to ask something else—something deeper. Before the words come out, a sudden wince flickers across his face. He presses his lips together, settling back in his chair without another word. If I didn’t know better, I’d say Diana just saved me from an interrogation with a well-placed kick under the table.
We stick to safe topics after that—Elliot and Diana trading mild gossip about Main Street business hours and the weather, Jack chiming in with dry commentary. I smile when it’s expected, answer what I must, but keep myself tucked behind my pie and coffee, letting them do most of the talking.
“Thank you,” I say sincerely. “I enjoyed the coffee and the pie.” The company? Well, let’s not dive into that.
Jack doesn’t say anything, merely watches me with those sharp eyes that miss nothing. He’s not hostile, more like he’s assessing me. I’m not used to being studied like a problem to be solved. The way he leans back in his chair, arms loose, but with a tension that says he could pounce the second he chooses... yeah, I don’t love that. Feels like I just failed some kind of test I didn’t agree to take.
He’s intense. Way too intense.
Also unfairly attractive—for an older guy. The kind of man who’s dangerous if you’re not careful. I’m very careful.
So, yeah—let’s not dive into the whole company thing.
Diana is nice, though.
“You’re welcome.” Diana’s smile widens.
I glance at Elliot. “I’d like to check on my rental car. Diana said you would take me?”
Elliot pushes back his chair, rising smoothly. “Of course.”
* * *
Todd
The air smells faintly of salt and seaweed as Colton and I walk down the dock to the Sea Spirit . Two days have passed since we’ve been out to sea. First, errands kept us stuck on land, and then Savannah happened. Now, it’s too late in the afternoon to head out, but we can at least check our gear and make sure everything’s ready for tomorrow.
Colton strides ahead, his shoulders tense like they always are when something’s weighing on him. He pulls open the hatch to check the motor, then freezes mid-motion.
“Shit,” he mutters.
I lean over. “What?”
He steps aside, pointing to the puddle of oil pooling at the bottom of the compartment.
I let out a low whistle. “That’s not good.”
Colton shoots me a glare. “No shit, Sherlock.”
“Hey, just stating the obvious.”
He straightens, rubbing a hand over the back of his neck. “We’re gonna need Finn. Grady, too, maybe.”
“I’ll go to the garage,” I offer, already turning back toward the dock.
“All right,” Colton mutters. “I’ll stick around and finish checking the nets until you come back with Finn.”
I nod and head to the van, my mind already racing. The garage isn’t far, just across town. As I pass the bed-and-breakfast, my thoughts wander to Savannah. Is she settling in? What does she think of Diana and her... men?
I smirk to myself, imagining her reaction when she realizes Diana isn’t only with Elliot. Will she even believe it? Or will it just be another reason for her to shake her head at this town?
When I reach the garage, Elliot’s black Range Rover is parked out front. I hop out of the van, and the gravel and snow crunch beneath my feet as I go inside.
Grady is standing by the red rental, its hood propped open. Elliot is sitting against the workbench, his signature smirk firmly in place. His head is cocked, and he’s listening to a muffled voice coming from underneath the car. My heart kicks up a notch when I realize the voice is female.
I lift a hand in greeting to Grady and Elliot as I move around to get a better view.
The first thing I notice is a pair of legs that seem to go on for miles, wrapped in snug black denim, and a rounded ass sticking out as the owner bends over the engine.
“Hi,” I say, somewhat rougher than I intended.
“Hey.” Savannah pops her head out from under the hood, a smudge of grease on her cheek and an annoyed glint in her green eyes.
“How bad is it?” I nod toward the car.
“Bad,” she snaps. “The person responsible for maintenance at that rental place should be fired. This poor baby’s been neglected for years. Years .” She gestures toward the engine like it’s a wounded animal, her outrage radiating off her in waves.
Her anger is... adorable. The way her nose scrunches when she talks, the way her hands fly around as she points out issues—it’s almost enough to make me forget why I’m here.
“You came to check on the car?” she asks, her tone softening slightly.
“Already did that,” I reply. “I’m here for the Sea Spirit .” I turn to Grady. “Is Finn in?”
“Nope,” Grady says, shaking his head. “Still out struggling with Karen Winters-Malloy’s damn boiler.”
“What the hell?” I mutter, running a hand through my hair. “Well, our boat’s having issues. There’s a puddle of oil in the engine compartment. We need it fixed before tomorrow morning. We can’t afford to lose another day of income.”
Grady frowns, glancing at Savannah. Then he grins and nods toward her. “Take her. She can probably help.”
Savannah jerks her head up, narrowing her eyes at Grady. “Excuse me?”
Grady shrugs. “You’re handy with engines, right? Todd’s Sea Spirit needs fixing, I’m stuck here waiting for Finn, and Callum is busy. So why not?”
Savannah looks at me, one eyebrow arching. “You’re okay with this?”
I cross my arms, glancing between her and the rental car. “You’re confident you can handle a boat?”
She snorts. “Please. If it has an engine, I’ll have it purring in no time.”
Her confidence is contagious, and for some reason, I can’t resist a grin. “All right, let’s see what you’ve got.” I might not have an engine, but I might purr for her as well!
Grady claps me on the back as Savannah wipes her hands on a rag, grabbing her jacket. “Good luck.” Grady grabs an old but sturdy toolbox and sets it beside her. “If she can fix your boat, you might wanna think about keeping her around.”
I shake my head, smirking as I lead Savannah out to the van. Something tells me this is going to be interesting.