Page 33 of Chasing Sunsets

Audrey shrugs, trying to appear casual. “I’ve just noticed that you’ve been spending a lot of time with her, and you did introduce her to the pack last night.”

“I was kind of forced to do that, if you recall,” I reply.

She grins as she takes a sip of her coffee. “Maybe, but it seemed like you enjoyed it. Don’t think we didn’t pick up on that.”

I raise a brow. “Enjoyed it?”

“Yep. You liked having her there. You were so attentive—fixing her a plate, making sure her wineglass stayed filled, and cuddling up with her while we all watched the sunset. The way you looked at her made it clear that you think she’s something special.”

“We’re friends,” I say.

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

I shake my head.

Audrey smirks but lets it go as Parker finally emerges from the hallway, his hair damp from the shower.

“Something smells amazing,” he says, dropping a kiss onto Audrey’s lips before stealing a piece of bacon off her plate.

“Don’t get used to it,” she warns playfully. “This was a onetime deal.”

We eat together, the three of us slipping into easy conversation. Then, after I’ve cleaned my plate and drained my coffee, I grab my keys and head out to meet Margie.

The house is nice. A one-story place right on the beach with a wraparound deck and big windows that let in plenty of light. It’s got potential. But something about it doesn’t feel quite right. I can’t put my finger on it, but when Margie asks if I’m ready to make an offer yet, I shake my head.

“Not quite,” I tell her. “I wanna see what else is out there.”

She nods, as if she expected that answer. “We’ll find the right one—if we haven’t already. You know that cottage you liked? It’s still on the market.”

“It is?”

“Yep. They had an offer come in, but it fell through. You need to make up your mind soon though because it’s going to get snatched up,” she says.

I know she’s right.

After we say our goodbyes, I swing by my parents’ place to pick up Dad’s boat. I back my truck up to the trailer, hitching it up, as Dad steps out onto the porch, coffee cup in hand.

He leans against the railing, watching me work. “Taking her out today?”

“Yep.”

He sips his coffee. “By yourself?”

I hesitate just a second too long.

Dad smirks. “Who’s the lucky girl?”

I roll my eyes, securing the hitch before straightening. “It’s just Tabby.”

His brows lift. “Just Tabby?”

I exhale, scrubbing a hand over my face. “Not you too.”

“What?” He grins. “I’m just asking. You don’t take just anyone out on that boat.”

“She’s not just anyone; she’s a friend who is new to the island, so I offered to show her around.” I shrug like it’s nothing, but Dad isn’t buying it.

“She must be something special,” he says, taking another sip as he comes down the steps to stand beside me.

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