Page 7 of Summer Nights

He leaned an elbow on the bar, facing the room so he could eye the women milling around. His gaze settled on Kinsley, who was out with the rest of the girls tonight. "Because you're not coming out with me as much."

I shrugged, trying not to focus on Ivy. "It's not a big deal."

He glanced over at me. "I'm starting to think you've been avoiding me."

My brow furrowed. "Why would I do that?"

"I don't know. You tell me." He kept his gaze on me.

His scrutiny was uncomfortable. "I've been picking up more inspection jobs than ever. It's time consuming, and I've been too tired to go out."

He shifted his gaze from me to the crowd. "Why does Dad want us doing that anyway?"

"He thinks it’s good to work with local realtors.”

"That makes sense, but it's a lot of work for not getting paid.”

"I don't mind helping Ivy. She's a friend."

"Yeah, I guess. I always thought we'd hook up at some point, but she was never interested. I can't figure her out."

I let out a surprised laugh. "You came onto Ivy, and she didn't want anything to do with you?"

Shep shifted his stance, looking decidedly uncomfortable. "It's rare that I strike out with anyone."

I bumped his shoulder, pleased that he'd struck out with her. "Did she bruise your ego?"

"Of course not. It's not like every woman on the island is interested in me." His gaze settled on Kinsley once again.

I dipped my head toward her. "She's a single mother and doesn't want anything to do with you."

He tipped his beer to his lips. "That's because I let her think I'm a player."

"Aren't you?"

Shep grimaced. "I enjoy their attention. That doesn't mean I sleep with every woman I flirt with."

I lifted my beer to my mouth. "Are you sure about that?"

"I'm not a complete asshole."

Kinsley looked over at us, and I wondered if she sensed our attention.

Shep winked at her, and she shook her head.

I leaned in close. "You shouldn't mess with a single mom. She has enough going on."

His jaw tight, he said, "I'm not messing with Kinsley. I don’t intend for anything to happen with her. I just like riling her up."

"She hates you."

"You think so?" Shep asked, a hint of vulnerability in his tone.

"Hates is a strong word. But she's usually irritated with you."

Shep chuckled. "Yeah, no kidding. There's no getting around my reputation with the women, I guess."

I snorted. "You like it that way."

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