“Hello, this is Jake again.”
She barely remembered their earlier conversation, but he filled her in. “I’m visiting the island next week. Still want to meet up?”
She’d just sworn off dating, but maybe this was what she needed to get rid of this awkward feeling.
“Sounds good.” They agreed on a time, and she added, “Tomorrow at the Majestic. See you at five.”
After she hung up, Maileah realized there might be a lot about Sailor she didn’t know. Not that it should matter—they were only friends, after all.
So why did the thought of him with Skeeter make her feel this way? She wondered if her unreliable heart had just complicated everything beyond repair.
When Maileah opened the door, laughter spilled from the kitchen. Delicious aromas rose in the air.
She pressed a hand to her forehead, willing her mind to veto whatever was making her heart race. She would not allow it. Not with Sailor. She had to make intelligent choices now.
Maileah strolled into the kitchen, striving to look calm and collected. “Smells great.”
“Tastes even better,” Sailor said, sautéing onions on the stovetop.
She noticed the counter strewn with ingredients he had sliced and diced. “What is all that for?” It looked like a lot more that American cheese on Wonder Bread.
“My secret ingredients,” Sailor replied. “Today, I’m using sourdough bread, a smear of pesto on the outside, and two types of cheese. Havarti and muenster.”
He gestured toward a cutting board where small piles of herbs sat. “On the inside, I’ll add caramelized onions, chives, and fresh basil. Then, I’ll grill the sandwiches in olive oil and a little butter for flavor. Sometimes I throw in other ingredients—figs, truffles, sweet yellow peppers—whatever sounds good. And deliciously decadent.”
“Put pickles on mine,” Skeeter said, raising a finger. “You should know that by now.”
Sailor shook his head. “Whatever Skeeter wants, Skeeter gets.” He took a swig of juice.
Maileah laughed at the two of them. She had to admit, they made a cute couple. “How did you two meet?”
“What?” Skeeter’s eyes went wide, and then she burst into laughter.
Sailor choked on his juice. “You think we’re dating?”
“Oh, my gosh, no,” Skeeter said. “I don’t expect Sailor to talk about me, but didn’t Babe tell you I’m his sister?”
Maileah nearly dropped her glass. “No one told me. I just assumed because you live here.”
“With that mess of a guy?” Skeeter wrinkled her nose. “I have an apartment in San Diego. I was covering the bike concession and watering his plants.”
Relief washed over Maileah, followed quickly by embarrassment. She’d assumed Skeeter was the prolific gardener. Surprisingly, it was Sailor.
Skeeter threw a look at her brother. “Now I know how much he talks about me.”
“You never came up in conversation, Skeets.” At least Sailor had the grace to look sheepish. “Sorry about that. I forgot to mention my fabulous sister.”
“You think?” Maileah and Skeeter said in unison, then burst into laughter.
Sailor turned the grilled cheese sandwiches. “Seriously, I’m sorry you thought that.”
“So am I,” Maileah said, finally seeing the humor in the situation. “That sure changes things.”
Sailor glanced at her, and a slow grin lifted one side of his mouth. “Does it now?”
Suddenly, Maileah realized she’d said that last bit out loud. She could feel the blush all the way to the tips of her ears.
Fortunately, Skeeter changed the subject. “Sailor mentioned you’re into sports. Do you like to surf?”
