Chapter 4
4
T he abrupt shift in Haywood’s demeanor unsettled Ginger. She was prepared for the all-business, no-Christmas version, not this candid, curious oh-so-appealing version. He’d even loosened his tie as they walked side by side, the gusty breeze disheveling his hair and adding color to his smooth cheeks.
She pointed out some of the most popular businesses as they strolled through town. Book I did not. But I’m starting to see it’s more than a business.”
“Wow. The plan worked.” Ginger laughed softly. “My friends won’t believe it.”
“You had a plan?”
“No, it was The Plan.” She shook her head, denying his unspoken request to explain.
“If you are this creative and resourceful and dedicated when it comes to preserving the festival, I want you on my team to save Calhoun Designs.”
“We should get back to the office.” She tugged Max, gently this time.
“I have a better idea.” He pulled the leash out of her hand, bending next to the dog to release the clasp holding the Santa cap in place. Ruffling the mutt’s fur, he stood. “Let’s grab carryout somewhere and visit the animal shelter. You said the manager is a friend of yours?”
“Yes. Her name is Odette.”
“Maybe you can put in a good word for me and expedite a holiday adoption. Our team needs a mascot, don’t you think?”
“You…you want to adopt Max?” She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. His shift in perspective and personality left her spinning. One minute he was an entitled snob; the next he was buying in to Love Beach’s holiday spirit. Which was the real Haywood?
“Is that a problem? Has someone already asked for him?” He tightened his fist around the leash.
“Max was the Grinch’s dog. Our furry friend bears a striking resemblance to the canine actor featured in the Grinch movie.”
“I can be the Grinch if that gets me the gir-dog.”
Was that slip what she thought? Did he want the dog…and the girl?
“Max’s owner had to give him up because he was deployed. I think he’d be happy to know his dog was going to a man who was open-minded and willing to become, at least temporarily, invested in his community. Odette might be more difficult to convince, but a choc-cuterie board from Choco-Love usually works.”
“I need more than chocolate for lunch. Does that Driftwood place you mentioned have decent food? Maybe a burger for me and my new friend.”
“Sure. Let’s head there now.”
As they walked quickly back to her SUV, Ginger again wondered about Haywood’s dramatic turnaround. Was he playing her? Was he a rich guy with the time and money to indulge any whim? If he wasn’t sincere, she didn’t want Max getting left high and dry when Haywood became bored with small town life.
“I appreciate your willingness to learn more about Love Beach and the things that matter to us,” she said, “but I have to ask. Are you serious or is this just a novelty for you? I’ve heard about rich guys who go slumming…”
“I’m not a rich guy. Not anymore.” He looked through the windshield, watching a couple with two toddlers weave their way toward O'Leahey's Creamery. “When I walked away from my family a year ago, I took nothing. I have investments and a small trust fund from a distant aunt, but I’m just another working stiff. From the way I stirred things up at the showroom, not a very good working stiff either. I seriously need to get my life together, and Love Beach is starting to feel like a good place to do that.”
Every assumption she’d made about him flew out the window. In the few days she’d known him, she would swear Haywood’s heart had already grown three sizes.