Being out on the water sounded enticing, and it would clear her mind. “Since I trusted you on the grilled cheese, I have to say yes to tacos.”
“I’ll shower and pick you up in an hour. Is that enough time?”
“I’ll see you then.” She turned the corner and pulled into her parking area.
She changed into jeans and boat shoes and tied a sweatshirt around her shoulders for later. As she got ready, she wondered if Skeeter would join them. Since she was staying with Sailor, Maileah imagined she would.
That thought calmed her jittery nerves. Not that she was concerned about going out on a boat with Sailor. She trusted him, although she wasn’t sure why. Maybe she should be more cautious with her heart, but it was too late for that.
However, the last thing she wanted to do was ruin their friendship.
17
The rumble of an engine drew Maileah outside her cottage as Sailor pulled up in his weathered Jeep.
He had showered and changed into a T-shirt and hoodie with cargo pants and deck shoes. Even dressed casually, he carried the understated self-assurance of a champion.
Crossing to the other side, he opened her door. “Your rusty chariot awaits.”
Maileah laughed at his exaggerated bow. “Rust adds to the character.”
“I can take it anywhere on the island without worry about damaging it.” Sailor patted the vehicle with affection. “It’s a classic.”
As Maileah climbed in, she detected the scents of sunscreen and wet gear, which whisked her back to summers spent on the island with Nana. The more time she spent here, the more memories were emerging from the recesses of her mind.
Sailor got in and smiled at her, his blue eyes shimmering. “Are you getting settled in the little rose cottage?”
“It feels like home already,” Maileah said, and she meant it. “I needed this change more than I realized.”
Sailor nodded with a thoughtful expression. “Sometimes the universe gives you what you need, even if you don’t know it yet.”
“When did you get so philosophical?” Maileah teased, nudging his shoulder.
“Must be all that salt water on the brain,” he replied.
Sailor drove the short distance to the marina. The windows were down, and the balmy evening air whipped through Maileah’s hair. An electric charge filled the air with possibilities that made her pulse quicken.
They parked at the Crown Island marina, where rows of boats of every size rested. A few people were cleaning their crafts, while others were relaxing with a glass of wine or a beer.
Sailor waved to friends as they walked.
Life could be simple, she thought.
Sailor led her along the wooden dock until they stopped before a pristine cabin cruiser.
“Meet theMermaid Maria.” A note of pride filled his voice. “I bought it to take my dad out. Sometimes, he brings a few of his musician friends with their guitars, and we grill what we catch.”
“She’s a beauty,” Maileah said, admiring the vessel. She’d been aboard tech founders’ enormous yachts in Seattle, but she preferred this size. It looked far nimbler and more exciting. “Who was Maria?”
“My mother,” Sailor replied with a wistful smile.
Her heart went out to him. She remembered his mother had died when he was only a boy. That explained why he looked after his father, and why he and Skeeter were so close.
“I’m sure she would be proud of you now.”
“I like to think that, too.” Sailor took her hand and helped her aboard.
With Sailor at the helm, they eased out of the slip under a blazing sunset that sent brilliant streaks of orange and pink into the waning light.
