Maileah tried to sound upbeat, but she was worried, too. Especially being new in town. “This is what I do, Mom. I’ve been under a lot more pressure than this.” That was true, though she didn’t miss it.
“If you need anything, your grandmother and I are here to help.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And how is your new place?” her mother asked, abruptly changing the subject.
“I love it. I’m doing everything I can to make sure I can stay.”
“And the neighbors?”
“It’s a great neighborhood. I’ll see you later, Mom. Love you.” Swiftly, Maileah hung up before her mother could ask about Sailor. She had probably heard the gossip. She wasn’t sure how to explain this new development in their friendship.
After going out with him last night, she’d had a hard time winding down to sleep. She didn’t want to make a mistake with him.
As soon as the sun was up, she continued working on her marketing proposal. She couldn’t miss this opportunity with the fundraiser.
Now, she stared at her computer screen, wondering what else she could add. Something with sizzle that would make people take notice and talk.
She drummed her fingers on the table and blew out a breath.
She had nothing.
Glancing at the time, she thought about calling Sailor and telling him she couldn’t make it for brunch, but she had to eat, and the ideas weren’t flowing. Taking a break couldn’t hurt.
And she really wanted to see Sailor again. She rubbed her bare arms, her heart fluttering as she recalled how she’d felt in his warm embrace. Everything felt so natural between them, but by herself, questions churned in her mind.
A hot surfer a few years younger didn’t look great on paper. She knew what she should want at this stage in her life. She’d filled out the dating app questionnaire.
Picking up her pencil, she scratched a few figures on her notepad as she thought.
A commitment within six months. Marriage at twelve months. A year to get pregnant. Two children. She calculated this as a four-year process; she could bring it in a few months shy of forty.
She stared at the paper, then tore off the page and crumpled it.
What was she doing with Sailor?
And yet, when his arms were around her, her world felt right.
After putting her laptop in the cottage, Maileah walked across the street, still wondering if she was doing the right thing.
Sailor was in the driveway cleaning his surfboard. He wore a faded T-shirt stretched across his shoulders, and his hair was still damp. When he saw her, he looked up and grinned. “You’re just in time.”
He held his arms wide before wrapping them around her. “I sure missed you last night.”
“Hey, you,” she said, laughing. “We’re not at that point yet.” She smiled against his neck, though she had missed his embrace, too.
He’d showered, but the fresh scent of the sun and seas still clung to his skin as if embedded in his DNA. And she couldn’t get enough of it.
Clearing her throat, she pulled back and gestured to the surfboard. “You take good care of your boards. Isn’t that one different from the one I saw before?”
“You’re observant.” He finished wiping down the board. “It all depends on conditions. Want to see the rest of them?”
“You have different types?”
“Sure. According to the waves and what I want to do.” He tucked the board under his arm and opened a door. “This way.”
Maileah stepped into a room behind the garage. When he turned on the light, she gasped. Padded racks held a surfboardcollection of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Sturdy cases leaned against the wall.
