Chapter 25
Ethan
After another long morning of managing my clean up team on the beaches around the lighthouse, the sun is high in the sky. Some of the heat is starting to fade, though, the days getting shorter and less humid. Summer’s just about gone.
The other volunteers have already left, and the rescued animals have been picked up. Blake and I stand by my truck in the parking lot beneath the lighthouse, while waves crash on the sand and a southerly breeze whips the loose strands of Blake’s ponytail around her beautiful face.
The place feels rugged and a little desolate with no tourists posing for photos, and the bar beneath the lighthouse is still closed after it was damaged by Hurricane Karen and the owners couldn’t afford to get it fixed.
It’s been a few days since Blake opened up to me about her worries about the bar, and things between us feel like they’ve entered a new and precious phase. Like we’re nurturing something fragile, something worth more than any possession I’ve ever owned.
She’s standing in front of me wearing her standard clean-up clothes: cut-off jeans and a T-shirt, and she’s never looked more perfect. She links her arms around my neck and leans in, kissing me deeply, the kind of kiss that makes everything else fade away.
My hands skim her curves, my need for her ramping up in an instant as she presses her body against mine. She pulls back, green eyes ticking over my face, that look letting me know she wants me just as much.
“I’ll see you tonight, Mr. Boss Man.”
“Looking forward to it, princess. Just don’t forget who’s in charge. I’ve got big plans for you, and I expect you to do everything I ask. And then some.”
She steps back and laughs, head tilted back a little, exposing the soft skin on her neck. “In your dreams. We both know I’ll be the one calling the shots.”
“Sure you will, princess,” I reply, crossing my arms and leaning against the truck. “But just remember who saved you from that beer tap disaster. You owe me big time.”
She flashes me a grin that could light up the darkest night. “I think you’re rewriting history. I had it under control. You were the one who got us both drenched in beer.”
“Details, details,” I say with a wave of my hand, my gaze locking on Bandit about a hundred yards away, where he’s sniffing a piece of driftwood, before flicking back to her. “There’s no doubt in my mind. You still owe me for that excellent, top-notch help, and tonight I intend to cash in.”
She raises an eyebrow, her rosebud lips pursed. “Oh really? And what do you suggest I do to repay you?”
“Dinner. Your treat. And no boxed mac n cheese. Once we eat, I’ll be responsible for dessert. There’ll be plenty of whipped cream and your naked body, and to be honest, not a lot else.”
Her cheeks go pink but she pretends like she’s not getting all hot and bothered. “I don’t want you taking over like you usually do. You let me cook. You’re to do absolutely nothing.”
“So I have to just sit there and watch you? Will you be wearing no clothes, at least?”
“Seems overly risky.”
I pretend to think long and hard. “You make a fair point. Okay, it’s a deal. You can wear clothes while you cook, but they come off for desert.”
“Sounds like a reasonable compromise. But don’t expect gourmet. I’m a simple girl with simple tastes.”
“Somehow, I doubt that,” I say, watching her intently. “You’re anything but simple.”
She rolls her eyes. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” I reply, my voice dropping a notch. “I think it’s working just fine.”
She stands there for a moment, just looking at me. The playfulness fades, replaced by something deeper. Then she steps forward, leans in again, kissing me more softly, but the sensation somehow more intense.
Then, with a final smile, she turns and continues to her car, her hips swaying slightly, me staring at her like a love-sick idiot. This woman has gotten under my skin and crawled right into my heart.
As I watch her get into her car, waving at me before starting the engine, I make a decision. I know she hasn’t spoken to her moms yet, and the thought of her with all this worry about the Tavern doesn’t sit right with me.
So I’m going to step in and help.
Whistling to Bandit, then driving the short distance to the marina, we’re soon in the office. I settle behind my desk, Bandit curling up in his bed in the corner, and start planning.
Jotting down ideas, my mind racing with possibilities, I contact a few friends who are local musicians. Once they agree to come and play, I make a few calls and let some of my contacts know about a special live music night at the Tidal Tavern this Friday. The event will feature discounted drinks and a portion of the proceeds will go toward the oil spill cleanup efforts.
It’s a win-win: it’ll attract locals and tourists alike, bringing in much-needed business for Blake, and raise funds for the cause we’ve all been working so hard on. I make a few more calls, arranging for posters to be printed and distributed around town, before I print some small flyers on the laser printer in the office. Blake’s going to be so happy when I tell her what I’ve done.
My excitement builds as the plan starts to come together. I can picture Blake’s face when she sees the packed Tavern, filled with people enjoying live music and supporting her business. By the time I’m done, there are only a couple of hours before I need to meet Blake, and I hurry to finish the admin tasks for mine and Liam’s business, replying to emails and paying invoices, before whistling to Bandit.
“We’ve still got half an hour before we meet her, buddy. Let’s go chat with some people.”
Bandit wags his tail in agreement, and I gather my keys and the planner I made for Blake. This is going to be one hell of a night.
A short time later, Bandit and I are strolling down Main Street, lined with all the local businesses that give Harbor’s Edge its unique character, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sidewalk. The air is filled with the mingling scents of fresh bread from the bakery, the salty sea breeze, and blooming flowers from the florist shop.
We make our first stop at May Chen’s secondhand bookshop, a cozy nook with a small coffee shop. She used to be a literature professor before moving to Harbor’s Edge looking for a quieter pace of life, and she flicks her jet black hair over her shoulder as I enter, looking up from where she’s arranging books on a shelf.
“Afternoon, May.”
“Ethan and Bandit! What brings such a handsome duo in today?” She gets to her feet, setting down a stack of books.
“I’ve got a plan to help get some tourists in,” I say, leaning against the counter and passing her one of the flyers I printed in the office. “I’m organizing a special live music night at the Tidal Tavern to help bring in some business and support the oil spill cleanup. Think you could help spread the word? I think the influx of people will help everyone.”
“That’s a fantastic idea! I’ll definitely promote it here. Anything to help out. How are things going with Blake? I hear you two are dating.” She gives me a knowing look.
A laugh escapes and I scratch the back of my head. “Good news sure travels fast, huh?”
She winks. “In a small town like this, it always does. Here, let me make you a coffee to go.”
While she prepares the coffee, I pet Bandit, who’s sitting patiently by my feet, tail wagging. May hands me a steaming cup a few moments later, refusing to accept any payment, and I thank her.
Next, we head to the bakery and I tie Bandit’s leash up just outside. Tom is behind the counter. “Hey, man! What can I do for you?”
I explain my plan, and Tom smiles enthusiastically. “Count me in. I’ll make some special treats for the event.”
“Thank you. Appreciate it, fella.”
He comes around from behind the counter and gives me a hearty pat on the back before passing me a paper bag holding pastries. “Here, take a couple of croissants for the road. One for Blake in there, too.”
With the pastries in hand, Bandit and I continue down Main Street. We stop at Joy’s boutique, where the storefront is adorned with colorful, sustainable fashion pieces, and Ruby’s gallery, filled with her distinctive landscape oil paintings and handmade jewelry. They’re both equally enthusiastic about my plan.
With Bandit trotting beside me, we finally head to the Tavern. The place is quiet, Blake cleaning up by herself. When she sees me, her face lights up.
“Hey there,” she says, leaning over the bar to give me a kiss.
“Hey yourself,” I reply, passing her one of the croissants. “That’s from Tom. And I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“Oh, really?” She raises an eyebrow.
I sit down at the bar, my mind buzzing with a bit of nervousness, which is stupid. I’ve put a lot into this, and I just hope Blake sees it for what it is—a genuine effort to help her and the Tavern—I know how much she likes to handle her own business.
“Yeah. I’ve been busy all afternoon. Let’s just say the Tavern’s going to be packed soon.”
She looks confused. “Oh?”
I pull out the detailed plan I’ve been working on. “I’ve organized a special event for the bar on Friday night. It’s a live music night to attract locals and tourists. I’ve got everything covered—your schedule, promotions, and all the resources you’ll need to make the night a success.”
Blake’s eyes widen in surprise as she scans the papers. “You did all this… without telling me?”
I scratch the back of my head, feeling an unfamiliar flash of anxiety. “Yeah, I just wanted to help. I know how much pressure you’ve been under, and I thought this could lighten the load. I hope you’re not upset.”
For a moment, she looks taken aback, and I worry that I’ve overstepped. She’s so used to handling things on her own, and I wonder if she feels like I’ve undermined her. Her brows furrow, and she bites her lip, clearly processing everything.
“This is... a lot.” Her voice is carefully measured. “You organized an entire event without even telling me first. And this is my place.”
Swallowing hard, trying to gauge her reaction. “I’m sorry for not including you in the planning. I know how much stress you’ve been under, and I thought this might take some of the weight off your shoulders.”
She sighs, looking off into the distance. “I know you mean well. And I don’t want to sound ungrateful. It’s just a little hard for me. I’ve always had to stand on my own two feet. It’s how I’ve survived.”
“I get that,” I reply, stepping closer and taking her hand. “But you don’t have to do everything alone anymore. I’m not here to take your independence away from you. I’m here to be your partner, to support you in any way I can. We’re in this together.”
“But we didn’t do this together. You did this alone.”
She’s staring at me, her green eyes so wide. Maybe she’s right. I probably should have spoken to her first. But I really wanted to surprise her, maybe even impress her. “I’m sorry, babe. I really thought I was doing a good thing.”
Her eyes soften, and she squeezes my hand. “I really care about you. And I’m trying to open up, to let you in. But you can’t just take over.”
“Got it. No taking over. No organizing awesome fundraisers without you.”
She leans into me and we hug, before she pulls back slightly, tentative. “And thank you for doing this. I know you meant well. But next time, speak to me first, okay?”
“I will. I promise.”
A genuine smile spreads across her face as she rereads the flier I printed. “And you really went all out. Thank you.”
I relax a bit, the tension easing from my shoulders. “I just wanted to make things a bit easier for you.”
She reaches across the bar and squeezes my hand. “Thank you. This means a lot.”
She still looks a little taken aback, but she’s smiling and seems to be getting used to the idea. And maybe even really liking it.
I reach out and stroke the smooth freckled skin of her cheek. “Alright. Let’s make this event the best the Tidal Tavern has ever seen.”