Page 20 of Grounds for Love

“We are. We’re doing very good. Better than my business plan predicted. I suppose I have a worrisome nature. When our parents passed, I petitioned the state for legal custody of Joy and became responsible for my father’s restaurant business. Bryan took over a big part of the business, but when he passed, it all became too much for both of us.”

Rod glances over and asks, “Is that why you moved here?”

“It is. We both decided we didn’t want to live in the house and town with so many memories keeping us connected to the past. Joy found the ad for Faire Island on the internet. The incentives to open a business here were too good to pass up. We applied and obviously they accepted our application to open the shop. We sold the family business and the house, put some stuff in storage, and the rest we shipped here ready for a new start for both of us.”

Rod pulls up to the marina and cuts the engine. He reaches over and takes my hand. A shiver instantly shoots up my arm from his touch.

“I’m very glad you did, Jen.”

Our eyes connect and he slowly raises my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles. I give a tiny gasp and can’t help but shudder. What is it about this man?

His brows pull together as he stares at me. “You’re nervous? I can see it on your face. Does it help to know that I’m nervous too?”

I search his eyes and find the truth of that statement. It does ease the swarm of butterflies in my stomach. “We’re a fine pair, aren’t we? I changed outfits about ten times like it was a do-or-die decision to make.”

He pulls on a pocket of his cargo shorts. “I had to borrow a pair of shorts from my nephew Bode because mine are so old they’re threadbare. I wear uniforms or cutoff jeans all the time. My nephew calls them jorts.”

Something inside me releases as we laugh together. “You know what, Rod? We’re going to have a great day.”

“It’s going to be a wonderful day because we’re together and no sad thoughts allowed. Now, come on. Let’s get started with our amazing day together.”

Near noon, I’m lounging on the deck of an incredible yacht in my bathing suit—the serviceable black one-piece, not Joy’s ridiculous bikini that’s no more than three postage stamps. That girl will have cellulite someday and will understand the magic of a spandex one-piece.

“Here we go. I hope you like lobster,” Rod says as he comes up from the galley kitchen carrying a large tray filled with tempting aromas. I slip on my cover-up and take a seat as he places the tray on a table and unloads the plates and bowls.

“Oh, my gosh, Rod, this smells delicious. I’m impressed you can cook.” My mouth waters as I check out each dish—lobsters, melted butter, fluffy yeast rolls, and a beautiful salad.

“Don’t get too excited. The lobster is easy and the rolls are frozen. I only had to heat them up and then the salad, well, I just cut and dumped everything in a bowl.”

The praise seems to embarrass him. “It’s much better than I could have done. I hate to admit it, but seeing as this is our first date, I should make you aware that I can’t cook. Joy handles all our meals.”

He looks up from pouring my glass of wine. “I thought you said your family business was a restaurant.”

I shrug. “Right. But I never said I worked in the kitchen. Coffee, I excel at. Delivering a four-plate setting on my arms, I’m phenomenal. But don’t give me a pot and tell me to bake an egg because you will be disappointed.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I see what you mean. I have been forewarned. I like what you said, though. I’m glad you’re already thinking about future dates. That must mean I passed the first date criteria.”

“Oh, yes. You passed with flying colors the moment we stepped on board this incredible yacht. I really enjoyed seeing the island from an ocean view. Totally different perspective and I never knew there was a castle here. Please tell your friend how much I enjoyed our outing.”

Rod’s fork stops halfway to his mouth. “About that. Since you were so forthcoming about your lack of cooking skills, I should probably admit that this is my yacht.”

The buttered piece of lobster that had been heading to my mouth suddenly returns to the plate. “Yours?” I ask and instantly think about the obvious wealth it would take to own a yacht like this. Rod doesn’t give off that type of vibe. He had to borrow shorts.

Suddenly I’m feeling insecure, which I realize is crazy. “Working for the ferry must be a terrific job.”

Rod lowers his gaze and reaches up to rub the back of his neck, a habit I’m coming to learn he does when he’s uncomfortable. “Yeah, about that. The ferry business is mine also.”

He owns it? Now I’m questioning why he’s out with me. “Oh.”

“I left the island for college and then joined the Marines. After the Marines, I had a successful business in New York in land development and real estate. When Grace was first diagnosed, we moved back here. I hadn’t planned on working another day, but I guess after living such a fast-paced life, I couldn’t turn it off. The town was going under and the ferry was draining the town’s finances. Grace came up with the idea to buy them out and I’ve been running it ever since. It gave me something to do and I love being on the ocean.” He pauses and looks out over the water. A smile forms and then he gives a soft, low chuckle.

“Grace said I was always underfoot. I really think her suggestion came from the need for alone time. She said I hovered.”

“But you were there for her and that’s what is most important.”

He nods and, with a scheming glint in his eyes, asks, “Have you ever fished before?”

My brows arch. “I can’t say that I have.”

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