Summer at the Shore (Seashell Bay Book 2) (21 page)

She couldn’t disagree with any of that, so she nodded.

“I figure you could offer all sorts of services out of the B&B,” he continued, obviously getting into it. “Like
lessons, rentals, tandem rides, tours. It could become a destination both for kayakers who want a base and for folks looking for a relaxing introduction to the sport.”

He stopped, waiting for some kind of response from her.

“Yeah, I hear you,” she said. “It feels a little out there right now, with everything that’s going on. I think you’ll have to give me a minute to catch my breath.”

Ryan picked up his glass. “Sure. Just let it roll around in your mind for a while.”

Unlike her father, Morgan didn’t know that much about the hospitality industry. Still, she was pretty sure that any kind of hotel, resort, or B&B that offered a specialized set of services had an advantage over one that didn’t. That was the whole idea behind Aiden’s resort. While that kind of specialization could obviously be risky, it could bring big rewards too.

But a kayaking destination? Not only would that take some investment in facilities and equipment at the outset, it would require expertise to operate it on an ongoing basis.

Morgan took a couple of sips of champagne to give her more time to think. Since Ryan was the kayak expert, was it possible that he was trying to tell her something about his own plans and how she fit into them?

Get a grip, Merrifield
.

“In theory, it makes a lot of sense,” she finally said. “I see some problems though. One big one, in particular.”

His gaze narrowed. “Which is?”

“I’d obviously need to hire someone to run that part of the operation since I barely have a clue about kayaking. You know I still can hardly keep from capsizing.” She
managed a little chuckle. “And even if I could find someone with expertise who was willing to take it on, how could I afford his salary? Or hers?”

Ryan shook his head. “There are lots of college students around the area who have enough experience to do it. I think a student would gladly take it on as a summer job, and probably work part-time during the school year too. Especially if you were able to offer free accommodations.”

She nodded, even though it felt like he’d just given her a jab to the throat. Ryan’s grand plan clearly didn’t include him sticking around.

Which only made sense, as she should have known. Why would he be interested in working as a part-time kayaking instructor at her little B&B? Really, wasn’t that a laughable notion for a man like him? Ryan wasn’t even interested in staying in Seashell Bay, much less carving out that sort of small-time career. Apparently, her sex-addled brain had decided to leap over that little fact.

“I could ask around in Portland,” Ryan said when she didn’t respond to his reassurance. “Check out some people who might be available for the last few weeks of the season after we reopen.”

Morgan reached for her glass again. “That would be good,” she said.

Ryan gave her a questioning look. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but I really think we could make this work, Morgan.”

There’s the problem. There is no “we.”

Which, she reminded herself for the umpteenth time, she’d known going into this. She refused to start acting like a baby about that now.

Ryan was right—his idea was well worth exploring.
And how lucky was she to have him around to do some of the groundwork? She should be darn grateful that he cared enough to come up with yet another idea to help her and Sabrina save the B&B.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I am excited about the idea, really I am. I guess I’ve just been so mugged by life lately that my optimism has taken a bit of a dive.”

Ryan’s lips curved into a smile. “Nah, you’re just keeping your powder dry until you can get better organized. You’re killer smart and determined, Morgan. I know that.” He paused to exhale a long breath. “Not to mention so damn beautiful and sexy that I’m thinking I should get a hotel room here instead of killing myself to keep my hands off you until we get back to the island. I’m already so hard I probably won’t be able to walk.”

She choked back a laugh. From the heated look in his eyes, he was definitely ready for action. And the more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. A lot.

“You’re serious?” she asked. Her girl parts were starting to feel enthusiastic about his suggestion, so she hoped he said yes.

“Hell, yeah, I am.”

“I’ll have to call Sabrina or she’ll worry.”

“She’ll be able to guess what happened,” Ryan said. “You told her we were going to dinner in the city tonight. I doubt she’d think you’ve been accosted or something.”

Not with a former Special Ops guy at my side, that’s for sure
.

Ryan was right—Morgan didn’t need to have that conversation tonight. There would be time enough for Sabrina to weigh in on the dangers of sleeping with Ryan Butler. Still, she’d text her later. Her sister worried about
everything, and Morgan wouldn’t put her through any more than she had to.

“How about we order some appetizers to go and then get out of here?” she said.

Ryan’s gaze devoured her. “You got it, babe. Because what I’m hungry for right now, they sure don’t have on this menu.”

M
organ poked her head inside her sister’s bedroom. “I’m home,” she said, not quite sure what to expect. She’d spent the night in Portland with Ryan, which would certainly make it clear to Sabrina what was going on.

Her sister, who was stuffing her backpack with clothes, glanced up. “Hi. I was just getting a few more things to take to Lily’s.”

Morgan gave her a quick hug and then sat on her bed. “I’ve got some really good news. The power guys just told me that we should have electricity in the annex later this morning, so we can move back here right away.”

Ryan was still outside talking to the crew from Central Maine Power, getting all the details. But when Morgan found out they could move back in, she felt like jumping into his arms and celebrating all over again. In bed, preferably, and she was hoping there would be plenty of time for that later.

Sabrina blew out a relieved sigh. “Oh, thank heavens. I really love Lily, but I felt kind of edgy without all my own stuff.” She glanced around her room, smiling at her neatly
arranged desk with its computer, widescreen monitor, and Xbox game console. Luckily, none of it had been ruined in the fire. “This is the only place I ever feel comfortable.”

And safe
, Morgan said to herself.

“I know. It will be good to be back home.” She paused, but decided to face it head-on. “Honey, are you okay about last night, my staying in Portland? You really don’t have to worry about anything, I promise.”

Sabrina shook her head. “Morgan, I’ve got bigger things to worry about than your sex life.” Her face scrunched up, and she looked like she was about to cry. “Golden Sunset was on its last legs before the fire, and by the time it’s fixed up and ready to reopen, the season will be over and we won’t be able to make the mortgage payments. I might not know that much about our finances, but I know what’ll happen then.”

Morgan opened her mouth to answer, but Sabrina cut her off. “You’ll tell me that our only choice is to sell, and I suppose you’ll be right.”

When Morgan got up and went over to hug her again, Sabrina stiffened and took a step back. That hurt, but she tried not to take it personally since her sister was clearly upset.

“Let’s not get discouraged, okay? After yesterday, I feel a lot more hopeful than I did before.”

Sabrina stared at her and then shook her head. “Wow, if that’s what getting laid does for you, then I really should work harder at getting some of that for myself.”

Under other circumstances, Morgan might have laughed at her sister’s comment. “Actually, I need to talk to you about some ideas Ryan’s been working on. He told me about them yesterday, and I think they’ve got real possibilities.”

Sabrina nodded cautiously. “Good, because we could use something positive right now.”

Morgan briefly explained about the fund-raising initiative and about Ryan’s idea for turning Golden Sunset into a destination center for kayaking in the islands. Sabrina was clearly excited about the fund-raising drive and the volunteer labor for repairing the building, but looked less thrilled about the proposed kayaking project. Fortunately, she perked up at Ryan’s offer to set the wheels in motion.

“Do you think that means he might stay?” Sabrina said hopefully. “I mean, after what happened with you guys last night, and now with him coming up with this idea, it makes me hope . . .” She trailed off.

How times had changed. A few weeks ago, Sabrina had tearfully blurted out her fear that Morgan would end up abandoning her for Ryan. Now, though, she was clearly hoping Ryan would stick around and be part of their lives.

But even in the hazy glow of yesterday’s amazing encounters, Morgan wouldn’t let herself hope that Ryan would stick around past Labor Day. Still, it was better not to completely shatter Sabrina’s hopes. Better to have her feeling optimistic about things.

“Honey, I just don’t know,” Morgan said. “We really can’t count on him being here for much longer, so we have to make sure you and I are able to do everything that has to be done. But let’s just take things one day at a time, okay? I know we can’t control a lot right now, but I’m definitely feeling better about the future.”

Sabrina dropped her gaze, obviously disappointed. “Yeah, well, at least you’ve got a future, Morgan. You’ll always have teaching. I’ve got nothing without this place.”

“Not true. If you didn’t have one single other thing in
this world, my beautiful little sister, you’d always have me. That’s going to be true no matter what else happens.”

Sabrina grimaced, obviously edging closer to tears. “You’ve said that to me my whole life, and I’ve always believed you. But I’m not a kid anymore, Morgan, so please don’t say it again unless you mean it.”

Morgan reeled her sister in for a hug. “I mean it more than ever. Remember when we were little and you used to come running into my room in the middle of the night during big thunderstorms? You always came to me, not Mom and Dad.”

“You’d make a tent by draping a sheet over the bedposts, and I’d bring that little electric lantern. We’d stay up talking and making up stories until the storm passed,” Sabrina said, hugging Morgan back.

“Yes, and I’ll always be there to make us a little tent whenever we need one. Always, I promise.”

“Okay, then.” Sabrina sniffled, loosening her grip.

“Okay, then,” Morgan echoed. “How about we get our rooms squared away and then get to work on the kitchen? We’ve got a huge job ahead if we’re going to get this old pile back in shape anytime soon. Ryan and the rest of the guys are going to do amazing things for us, but in the end it’s up to you and me, right? It’s our inn and our home, and we’re going to make it work, come hell or high water.”

Ryan made one last note on his clipboard. “That should do it for now. We’ve got all the measurements we need so I’ll order the lumber, the truss clips, and all the other stuff later this afternoon. I really appreciate your help, Micah.”

The deputy leaned his big frame against the twelve-foot stepladder he’d been using for taking measurements in the
attic. Both his T-shirt and his hands were grimy from handling blackened lumber and drywall, and his tanned face gleamed with sweat. “No problem. But I’ve got to head out. I promised Holly a long walk this afternoon.” He looked down at his soiled shirt and rumpled cargo shorts. “Gotta shower and change before I show up at her aunts’ store or they’ll think I’ve turned into a derelict.”

Ryan could barely suppress a smile. Micah had been doing his level best to make everyone think his attention to Holly was just that of a helpful cop assisting a local pal. Ryan wasn’t buying it, nor was anyone else close to him. In truth, the badass deputy was a total marshmallow when it came to Holly—although Micah would beat the crap out of Ryan if he dared to say anything close to that.

Unfortunately, the real problem with that gooey-sweet scenario was that Holly had a New York boyfriend, some rich Wall Street type. Ryan feared that Micah was in for a world of emotional pain.

“I’m going to do the same thing myself,” Ryan said. “Shower and change, I mean. Not show up at Holly’s.”

“Maybe you should. She’s bored, and she loves having people hang out with her. I’m doing my best, but I can’t take her for a walk every single day.”

You’re not fooling anybody, pal
.

Micah always tried to act nonchalant about her when he was with the guys. They let him, mostly because it was the smart thing to do.

“I’d like to,” Ryan said, “but this is going to keep me busy.”

Micah nodded. “You’re doing Morgan and Sabrina a hell of a solid. This sure isn’t the way you figured you’d be spending your summer at home.”

At home. There it is again
.

Ryan couldn’t count the number of times one or another islander had casually assumed that Seashell Bay was still home for him. “It’s no big deal. If we don’t do it, this place is going to close or be sold. I think that would destroy the girls, to tell you the truth. Can’t let that happen, right?”

Micah held out his fist for Ryan to bump. “Damn straight. But are you going to be able to stick around long enough to see it all through? Aiden told me yesterday that Double Shield is pushing you to sign a new contract.”

Ryan hadn’t even mentioned that problem to Morgan and didn’t plan to. It would just upset her. He’d only told Aiden because his friend had overheard part of his phone conversation with his Double Shield controller. He should have told Aiden to keep that news under his hat.

“I’m planning on seeing Golden Sunset reopen,” he said. “Double Shield can wait awhile.”

In truth though, Ryan wasn’t sure how long the corporation would continue to let him stall. His controller in North Carolina was cutting him some slack, but the higher-ups at HQ wanted answers sooner rather than later. Ryan wasn’t sure exactly how he was going to handle that problem. But given what was happening with him and Morgan, he was more committed than ever to staying until he’d done all he could to get the B&B back up and running.

In fact, he was beginning to hate the idea of walking away from her, although he knew damn well he’d have to do it eventually.

“Well, if you ever get tired of being a hired gun, I figure you could make a good living doing repairs and renovations around the islands.” Micah wiped his grimy hands
on some paper towels. “There aren’t many handymen around. Brendan’s so busy that people often have to bring in guys from the city. That really ratchets up the cost.”

“Kind of surprises me,” Ryan said. “I guess because Dad does almost all his own work, I always figured that must be true for most lobster fishermen. They’re a self-sufficient lot.”

“Not every guy is handy like your dad, and most are so wiped at the end of a long day fishing that they just want to rest up. Besides, look at how many summer residents we’ve got these days. They’re only here for a few weeks or months, but they need work done too. Most of them can afford to keep their homes in top condition or even build additions.”

“Maybe, but it’s not really how I see things working out for me.”

His friend gave a little shrug. “I guess it’s crazy to think you’d want to come back here when you get to travel all over the world like that. Seashell Bay must seem pretty boring after Paris and Berlin and Singapore and . . . what were some of the other places you said you spent time in last year?”

“Johannesburg? Lagos? Port-au-Prince?” Some of the most dangerous places in the world, in fact. People rarely needed bodyguards in Paris or Singapore.

“Right,” Micah said. “Those don’t sound all that great, come to think about it.”

Every city had presented its particular dangers to the people Ryan had been tasked with protecting. Those three, though, had been the worst of his globetrotting odyssey. Nobody in his party was allowed to go anywhere without at least two heavily armed operators from the Double
Shield team at their side. Kidnapping was an ever-present danger, and there was often a good chance of being struck down by intentional or stray bullets.

“That’s an understatement, my friend,” Ryan said.

“No wonder you needed a break,” he said, giving Ryan a little grin. “So maybe you should think about making it a permanent one and just stay here.”

Ryan shook his head, wondering if there was some kind of coordinated campaign going on to bring him back to the island. Morgan, Sabrina, Aiden, Lily, and now Micah had been banging away on that subject since he got here. It gave him a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach every time somebody brought it up.

“Oh, come on, I see how Morgan looks at you,” Micah protested. “I’ve known that girl for a long time, and I’ve never seen her look like that at anybody else, dude. Yeah, she won’t want to admit it, but the woman’s obviously got it bad for you. Of course, I’m not sure why somebody so fine as Morgan would want to hook up with you, but there it is.”

“Since when did you turn into a fucking matchmaker?” Ryan asked.

“Hey, I get to give you some free advice, asshole. After all, I am the law of the land around here.” Micah gave Ryan a friendly punch to the shoulder. “Now I’ve really gotta run.”

Ryan watched him climb down from the attic, annoyed that his friend was so spot-on when it came to him and Morgan. With every day he stuck around Seashell Bay, he could feel himself getting pulled in, both head and heart. Yeah, he’d been pretty surprised by how much he was enjoying his time on the island, but it was Morgan
who was the real draw. She had burrowed her way into his heart like no one had in a long time. Or ever.

Which pretty much sucked. While he couldn’t leave yet and didn’t want to anytime soon, he knew the day would come soon enough that he would go. That day might just bring some pain that would be a long time healing.

For both of them.

When Ryan slid his callused hand across the pickup’s console and rested it on Morgan’s bare thigh, the sudden rough warmth almost took her breath away.

“Happy to be moving back into your room?” he asked.

He’d offered to drive her when she went to Lily’s to pick up her things. With Sabrina and Micah and a raft of utility crew guys working around the inn, they hadn’t had a chance to talk about, well, things. Things like what was going to happen between them after last night, for however long Ryan remained in Seashell Bay. Morgan had spent the day cleaning and organizing the kitchen and generally tidying up, her mind coming back every minute or so to Ryan and what had happened between them. It felt like the Earth’s axis had shifted, throwing her completely off-kilter. Mostly it was wonderful and exciting, but an undertow of anxiety had her mentally going sideways.

“Yes and no,” she said. “The way Lily fussed over us, it was like a minivacation. But don’t get me wrong—I’m glad to be going home. Anything that moves us closer to getting Golden Sunset back to normal is a step forward.”

Normal? Morgan had probably chosen the wrong word. The B&B hadn’t been in any state of normality for months and certainly not since her father died.

Ryan’s long fingers went down her leg in a sexy glide that produced a sweet little ache between her thighs. “I don’t suppose we’re going to be doing it in your bed again anytime soon,” he said. “Not with your sister on the other side of a thin wall.”