Page 13 of Kiss Me, Darling

It’s why I was here on Calusa Key. It’s why I was invested in making this house a home we could all enjoy. Spend the money.

“You’re right.”

His eyes didn’t leave my face. “It’s one of the things I love about you. You care. You’ve shown me how to be more caring. You make me a better human.” Then he clapped his hands together and rubbed them, completely changing the subject. “Paint store! You coming or staying here?”

Scott was giving me emotional whiplash. It took me a moment to even realize what he asked, and then another moment to think about it. “I’d love to get out of the house.”

“Awesome! I’ll give Esther and Joe a head’s up!”

Scott whistled as he walked away.Whistled.Scott. It was as if he were...happy. Like, down to his bones happy. Without a care in the world. This man? I did not know this man. But I really wanted to spend more time with him.

We loaded up the SUV Esther and Joe arranged for driving us around and headed out. I was more than used to being driven around. Between Ubers, taxis, and limousines, I spent a good amount of time sitting in the backseat. But this was different. The two people sitting in front were armed. A camera was mounted to the dash. Someone, for some reason, wanted to scare us.

At least I hoped it was as simple as that. I really couldn’t let myself consider anything more insidious. If I was being honest, I hoped this frantic call to bring me to the island was mostly Scott wanting to make amends, not a real danger to our lives.

But looking at the back of Esther and Joe’s heads reminded me that there was at least apossibilityof danger. When we got to the store Joe surveyed the parking lot before letting us out. I couldn’t help but notice every customer in the store, wondering if one of them was secretly watching our every move.

“That’s Hooker,” Scott whispered. “He owns the bait and tackle shop.” Then he made a crook with his finger, like a fishing hook.

Hook. Hooker. Got it. Fishing name.

The man I was staring at didn’t notice me, but I noticed his long grey mustache and the way it fluttered with every breath he took. “Who else do you know?”

Scott had been here for months. Of course he knew people. I wasn’t surprised so much as...pleasantly shocked. For far too long now, Scott had avoided meeting new people or even socializing outside of required events.

“Over there is one of our neighbors. His name is Trent Maddox. He was Chris’s baseball coach when we were kids.” The older man appeared to have a little trouble walking as he moved down the lumber aisle.

“And behind the paint counter is Annie Prescott. We were in school together.”

Annie smiled at Scott. “And I don’t blame him for putting sand in my lunchbox. Anymore.”

“Aw, Annie. You know you started it.” Scott leaned on the paint counter with his elbows, looking more relaxed than...ever. I didn’t think I’deverseen him so at ease. There was a smile on his face and a softness to his eyes.

No, not like helikedthis Annie person. Not like he liked me. He was just happy. Just completely happy and relaxed andhome.

“It’s true.” She turned to me with an equally pleasant smile. “I put sand in his desk.”

Scott shook his head. “I got in so much trouble. I had to sweep the classroomandhelp mop it.”

“I’m Annie, by the way. You must be Lucy.” She held out her hand.

I shook it. “You’ve heard of me?” I couldn’t keep the surprise out of my voice.

She shrugged. “Scott’s spent a lot of time here. We chat. He mentioned you were coming to visit.”

“I volunteer to do all Ben’s supply runs.” Then he rapped his knuckles against the counter and stood up. “But that’s not why I’m here today. Lucy and I are going to decorate Chris’s house once and for all.” He slid the paint swatches to Annie and ordered the amount we needed.

While they chattered about island gossip I knew nothing about, I wandered to the wall of paint swatches. The room I was staying in wasn’t decorated at all. It had a king-sized bed, two folding TV trays, and nothing else. The bed was just a mattress on a basic metal bed frame. The room was almost sad looking and even though we agreed not to touch the upstairs, I found myself holding a light pink swatch.

A group project with Scott was one thing, but I had a feeling I would enjoy some solo project work as well.

“Can I get some of this as well?”

Annie glanced down at the strip of paper. “How big’s the room?”

“It’s a pretty standard bedroom.”

She nodded and moved over to the paint, humming as she selected the right amount and brought it over to the pile we had going. Actually, the pile was becoming a bit of a mountain.

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