Page 150 of Banter & Blushes

Sandy appeared at her side like some kind of caffeinated seagull whisperer. “You’re pouting.”

“I’m pondering.”

“You’re pouting. I haven’t seen Beck all morning, so unless you kissed him and he spontaneously combusted, I’d say something’s up.”

Caroline sighed. “Maybe it was too fast.”

“Or maybe he’s just building something.”

“What do you mean?”

Before Sandy could answer properly, the ancient speakers on the boardwalkcrackled to life.

Boomer’s voice rang out, triumphant and unnecessarily loud.

“GOOD MORNING, BLUEBELL BAY. The mayor has been located safe andsound after weathering last night’s storm in the company of one Carter Beckett. Eyewitnesses confirm a cozy dinner over candlelight, a goodnight kiss and sweatshirts which haven’t seen the light of day since 1984. What’s next? Stay tuned! Over.”

Caroline groaned and dropped her coffee cup into a metal trashcan and headed towards the township building.

By the time she reached her office, she was officially annoyed.

At herself.

With Beck.

At her growing inability to think clearly when he was around.

She pushed open her office door and stopped cold.

Beck was there.

Sitting at her desk.

Withher binder.

“Hi,” he said, looking up. “Before you yell?—.”

She blinked. “You were supposed to meet me at The Holler & Fork.”

“I forgot. Forgive me? I started working and …”

“You could have called.” She took a seat in one of the guest chairs.

“I was building the site.”

Caroline blinked again. “The what?”

Beck turned his laptop toward her. “The new website. I did this for the town. Really, for you.”

“I thought your niece had already done something.”

“She did, but I had an idea come to me in the middle of the night.”

On the screen was a stunning homepage: rolling shots of the boardwalk, the beach, the diner’s neon sign. The tagline read:

Bluebell Bay: Come for the charm, stay for the chaos.

There were tabs for events, for local businesses, and for booking rooms in the newly restored bungalows at The Lazy Pelican. Below was a picture of Caroline and a countdown to the Summer Gala with an invitation for visitors.

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