Page 45 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“What do you do for a living, Trevor?” Cade asked.

“I’m a handyman right now,” Trevor said. “Just moved up here from Florida, so I’m getting settled in.”

Cade seemed to study him. “What brought you here?”

“I’ve visited the area in the past on vacation, and I liked it. So, you know, I decided it was time for a change and all that.”

Cade’s expression remained blank. “What kind of work are you looking for?”

“I’m not really picky. I have some money saved up, so I’m kind of going with the flow right now.”

“Going with the flow, huh?” Cade lifted an eyebrow.

“You know how it is,” Trevor said. “I’m doing work here and there. I’d like to get back into construction, but I’m just doing my own thing first. Enjoying life and all that.”

Cade’s lips formed a thin line. He clearly was not impressed with Trevor.

“Do you need any work done at the inn?” Trevor asked. “I can paint, replace flooring, repair heating and air systems, rebuild decks... If there’s work to be done, I’m your guy.”

“Thanks, but I’ve got it handled.” Cade’s tone was borderline sarcastic now.

“How about painting sunrooms?” Everleigh asked.

Trevor’s expression brightened. “Sure, I can do that.”

Cade groaned. “Everleigh, we’ve been through this.”

“You said, and I quote, ‘Whatever knocks your socks off, partner.’” She made air quotes with her fingers. He shook his head, but she spotted a playful glint in his eyes.

“I can paint it, or I can help you,” Trevor offered.

“I just might take you up on that.”

“Cade!” Roger called as he and Quinn joined them. “Let’s get back in the water.” He took Quinn’s hand, and they jogged together toward the waves.

Trevor rubbed his hands together. “Great idea.” He set his bottle of water down, pulled off his shirt, and grinned at Everleigh. “Race ya!” Then he took off running and splashing into the waves.

But Everleigh didn’t move. The memory of being dragged under, blacking out, and waking up on the shoreline with lifeguards standing over her took her mind hostage. She pulled on the hem of her dress and tried to keep smiling.

Cade watched her. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” She feigned offhandedness that she didn’t feel. “I just don’t do waves.”

His expression rippled with surprise. “Then I’ll stay here.”

“No. I insisted you come to the beach, so go have fun.” She pointed toward the water. “I can watch.”

This time, Cade was the one who stayed put. “Are you sure?”

The care in his voice touched her deep inside. “Go enjoy the waves. I promise I’ll have fun watching everyone from right here.”

“Whatever you say, darlin’.” He headed toward the water—and she really did enjoy the view.

She also hoped he’d call herdarlin’again soon.

***

“I love the ocean this time of year,” Roger told Cade later after they’d spent some time swimming.

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