Page 56 of Summer Love

"I appreciate you looking out for me."

"And protecting you from my grandmother."

"Yes. That too." I reveled in the easy banter between us.

Elena sobered. "None of my friends or any of the guys I dated were ever interested in visiting the island or meeting my grandmother."

"To know her, is to love her," I said casually, wondering what she'd meant. Did she see me as different from the other guys she'd hung around? And if so, was that good or bad?

"There might be some storms tonight," Elena said, scrolling on her phone.

"You don't mind getting stuck in the rain."

"I don't actually."

Maybe this was finally the night where I could make a move on her. I felt our time together dwindling, and if I was going to do it, it would have to be soon. The only problem was, we weren't going to be alone. "How did your meeting go?"

"She wasn't happy with my outline. But it's okay. I'll figure it out."

"You're a professional." She was good at her job. I saw how conscientious she was about finding her story. I was positive she'd get it right. "I'm sure you'll figure it out."

"I'm glad you're so confident. I'm worried about keeping my job and being able to stay here."

"That's a lot of pressure."

"Yeah," she said as she looked out the window.

I glanced over at her. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"You've done a lot already."

I squeezed the steering wheel. "Tonight, we're just going to have fun and not worry about your job."

"Yeah, okay." She gave me a small smile.

I didn't like that she was stressed. I was determined that she have fun tonight. I parked at my house and grabbed a blanket and cooler from the house. We walked down the narrow path until we reached the beach.

The fire was already burning. Music played from a speaker someone had dropped in the sand, and the tiki torches were lit. There were a few chairs arranged around the bonfire, but otherwise everyone was standing with drinks in their hands. A few people swayed to the music.

I dropped the cooler on the sand and dug inside for a beer. I handed one to Elena and opened one for myself.

Kinsley threw her arms around Elena. "You came."

"I could use a night out."

Kinsley pulled back with a smile. "I've heard Hudson has been keeping you busy doing his work."

"That's not true," I said, knowing Kinsley was just giving me a hard time.

Shep appeared. "Why can't I have her shadow me for a few days?" And then to me, he said, "I'll treat you right. You won't have to do any manual labor."

I waved a hand at him. "I don't mind. I'm learning a lot. Maybe I can do some upgrades at Grams's house."

"Let me know what you need, and I'll take a look."

"You've already done so much. Grams is over the moon about the porch," she said to me.

"I want her to be comfortable. So if there's anything that needs to be fixed, I can do it," I insisted.

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