Did Todd have that need-for-adventure gene in him?
When dessert arrived, Maileah said, “This is my kind of cooking. Eating ice cream someone else made.”
Todd wagged his spoon at her. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a pasta-boiling pro now.”
“As long as I’m not left alone.”
As the event wound down, Maileah was surprised at how much fun she’d had.
She turned to Todd. “I have to confess I was pretty nervous about this cooking class. You’re the one who made the dish.”
Draping his arm across the back of her chair, Todd smiled warmly. “You did great, and that’s what partners are for.”
Partners, she thought, her chest fluttering at his attention. This could be the beginning of a serious relationship.
Still, she held back, not wanting to ruin it. “Maybe we’ll try this on our own sometime.”
“I’d love that.” Todd’s face lit up. “How about at my place?”
She could only nod. Was she ready for that step with him?
After leaving the Majestic, they strolled along the beach, watching beachgoers and wildlife. Overhead, gulls sailed and swooped for fish right from the breaking waves.
Maileah spotted a group down the beach. Her heart skipped. Sailor was among them, and she could hear his laughter. They had anchored the catamarans with shallow drafts in the water just off the beach.
She felt a pang of longing for the exhilaration, the open water, and the physical challenge. Whizzing across the waves on a catamaran with Sailor would be fun. She shook her head to clear the image.
But then she remembered Ella’s words about broadening her horizons. The cooking school had certainly done that.
Todd seemed to notice her distraction. “Everything okay?”
Maileah rubbed her arms. “Just thinking about what a nice day this has been.”
He drew her close and kissed her cheek. “It sure has been. I’ll have to thank your sister for introducing us.”
They walked a little farther, but Maileah didn’t want to run into Sailor. “Let’s turn around and go back.” She paused. “So, what did you do for fun as a kid?”
“My family loved board games.” Todd took that question and ran with it. Listening to him, she relaxed as they walked back.
While waiting for the valet to bring Todd’s car around, Maileah overheard a couple talking about the upcoming surfing competition to benefit charities on Crown Island.
When his car arrived, she said, “Why don’t you go ahead? I just remembered that I need to see Junie. She can give me a ride home.”
“Are you sure?” Todd asked.
“Yes, but I want you to know I had a wonderful time, chef Todd.” She kissed him on the cheek.
“Same here.” He hugged her. “I’ll call you later, and I do mean that.”
When he pulled from the curb, she waved. Still eavesdropping on the conversation, Maileah’s mind was humming with ideas.
Her grandmother had advised her to focus on finding work she was passionate about. And here was an opportunity right in front of her.
Her thoughts raced with possibilities. She had experience in marketing and event planning. Aside from helping individual business owners, why not put that skillset to use for Crown Island, too?
Another idea took shape. The surfing competition could be just the beginning. Crown Island had so much to offer. Shecould help create and manage other events, perhaps for her mother’s historical society.
Maileah felt a surge of excitement, and her heart raced. Could this be a chance to combine her skills, her love for the island, and her need for a challenge?
