Page 69 of To Catch a Thief
He pulled his keys out of his pocket. “No need. I’ll drive.”
“You were cleared to drive?” Her mouth dropped open before she hugged him. “That’s fantastic. What about working?”
He grimaced. “Not yet.”
“I’m sorry.”
And here was one more reason he’d fallen in love with her. While her world was in shambles, she was happy for him.
He kissed her, not just a quick brush like moments ago. This was a soul-merging kiss that, when it ended, left them both gasping.
He leaned his forehead on hers. “We’d better not do that again or I’ll march you right back to the bedroom. And I won’t care if Ella is listening.”
Some of the darkness melted from Carolina’s face. “Then we’d better leave.”
* * *
THEY HELD HANDS as he maneuvered his truck through the historic district’s one-way streets. “Tomorrow, I’ll start scraping your mother’s stairs and porch and pick up the paint.”
“Are you sure you want to?”
“I’m hoping I only have two weeks left of this sick leave. I want to get as much done as I can.”
“You are getting better.” He glanced over and saw a storm pass across her face.
“Hopefully, I can have everything done before your mother is released.” He eased through the pedestrian traffic. “She was exhausted when I dropped her at the hospital last night.”
“I talked to her this morning. She didn’t want me coming by because she wanted to nap.” Carolina chewed her lip. “I don’t want her to know what happened with the Fitzgeralds. It might set off more seizures and they’re just back under control.”
“I won’t say anything.” He accelerated as the causeway opened up. “What did Abby say?”
“She doesn’t want to upset her mother. She doesn’t see the resemblance. Last night was the best night ever in the restaurant.” It was like she was reciting a FBI report. Her normal melodic voice was a mere drone. “She’ll honor our contract through the month. I can stay in the apartment until my mother is released.”
“How do you feel?” His brothers would bust a gut if they’d heard him ask that question. But this was Carolina.
“Horrible.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “When she talked to me it was like I was—” she swallowed “—a stranger. Like she’d never hugged me or sent food to my mother. She hates me.”
“I’m sorry you lost her friendship.”
“Everyone blames me.” Her curls bounced as she shook her head. “Do you blame me?”
“I…” He had to get this right. “I love you, but…you weren’t honest with me.”
“I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “I promised Mamá. I couldn’t tell anyone.”
Did that make it better? He thought they’d had something special. They were in love.
“I need the work. I need the money.” She turned to him. “I just have to keep my head down.”
He exhaled. “Let’s put it aside and enjoy the day while we have it. I hear storms are coming our way.”
She squeezed his thigh. “Is it a hurricane?”
“Tropical storm at this point.”
“Thank goodness. I remember Mamá talking about Matthew and Hugo. And I have vague memories of Floyd.”
Silence and tension settled around them like a blanket. He had to take his own advice and set it aside. Enjoy the day. He drummed his fingers on the wheel.
After parking near the lighthouse, they made their way along the path. Sand and shells crunched underfoot until they reached the restaurant deck.
She’d kept her mother’s secret from everyone, including him. That wasn’t love in his world. He tried to shut down his resentment, but it rubbed and pushed at him just like a saddle sore.
CHAPTER TWELVE
CAROLINA ADDED ONE more swipe of lipstick, then powdered her forehead and tucked her makeup bag into her locker.
She could do this. She could sing where they didn’t want her. It’s not like every employer loved her.
She headed out the door, hating that she had to pass by the kitchen.
“Good,” Abby called as she walked by. “I’ll be out to introduce you.”
How would Abby introduce her tonight? Hated member of the Fitzgerald House family?
Carolina couldn’t worry about that. She headed to the bar and ducked under the pass-through. “I’m grabbing water and lemons, Naomi.”
There was a new bartender helping out.
“Have fun up there tonight,” Naomi said. “Last night I raked in the tips. I’m hoping a Saturday night will be even better.”
