Page 24 of Refuge for Ailsa

“Good. I didn’t expect to see you, but I’m really happy to. Anything interesting going on?”

“Yeah, heard there’s somebody setting nets over at that marina, and I’ve got to go check it out. Got the boat behind my truck. Going over there and poke around. You about done for the day?”

“A little more than an hour before I lock up. Hey, I’ve got some shaved roast beef, some provolone, some homemade bread… Want to stop over here on your way back and eat?”

“Ehhh, I can’t. When I leave there, I’ve gotta keep going west, take the boat to the regional office and leave it. Cap told me that one was in rotation for service this month, so I’ll be without it for a few days. But I’ll tell ya what. How ’bout tomorrow I come over for lunch, bring Starlight with me, and we’ll hang out and nap or watch TV on your boat while you’re working.”

“That works. I’d love to know you’re right down the walkway.”

“Sounds like a plan. Oh, and I’ll bring clothes to change into for dinner. How’s that?”

“Aaaand maybe stay the night?”

Tavish winked. “I’ll be very disappointed if you don’t invite me to.”

“Then consider yourself invited. Don’t forget to bring dog food. I don’t have anything like that.”

He gave her a funny little salute. “Yes, ma’am. Will do.” He turned to leave, then spun back around. “Have I told you today how beautiful you are?”

She leaned down and rested her chin on her fist, her elbow on the countertop. “No. You have not.”

“Well, you are. Totally beautiful.”

“Thank you. That means a lot, coming from a man as hunky as yourself.”

“Oooo, I’m hunky. I’m writing that one down when I get back to the truck. Hunky. I like it.” He opened the door and threw a wave over his shoulder. “Bye, babe.”

“Bye! Be careful.”

She could hear him laughing as he called back, “Yeah, yeah. Blah-blah-blah.”

He had stopped by on his way just to see her. Ailsa hugged herself. Tavish really did like her. And, god, she was crazy about him. She couldn’t wait for the next evening. It would be magical.

She just knew it.

* * *

“Come on, girl. Let’s go.”Tavish held the door while the dog leaped from the floorboard to the ground. He strolled toward the marina office with Starlight right beside him, then opened the door and stepped inside. “Is this a dog-friendly establishment?”

A pair of brilliant blue eyes met his. “Depends on the dog and its human, I suppose,” she answered with a grin.

“Ailsa, meet Starlight. Starlight, this is Ailsa.” He leaned over and gave the redhead a peck on the lips, and he heard Starlight let out something that sounded likeboof. “Oh, you’re my only girl. I forgot,” he said and reached down to scratch the top of the dog’s head.

In seconds, she was standing in front of the spaniel. “Hi, Starlight. My name’s Ailsa. I’m glad to meet you.” She held out her hand and, to Tavish’s surprise, the dog picked up a front paw and deposited it into Ailsa’s palm.

“Well, would you look at that. You’re charming my dog,” he said and scratched his head.

Ailsa scratched behind Starlight’s left ear and the dog tipped her head into the woman’s touch. “I’m a charming person.”

“Indeed you are. Can you take a lunch break?”

“Can’t. Got a call from somebody who’s coming to rent a slip. I thought they’d already be here by now. But tell you what.” She disappeared into the office and came back with a key. “Slip eighteen. End of this walkway. White and gold checkerboard pattern right underneath the roof overhang. Can’t miss it. Oddest graphics job I’ve ever seen on a boat.”

“Got it.”

“The stuff’s in the refrigerator. Make us a couple of sandwiches and bring them back down here. I can’t leave, but I can definitely sit down and eat with you.”

“Sounds good. Be right back.” As he held the door for Starlight, he looked back to see Ailsa giving him a little wiggly-fingered wave, and he grinned.

---