Page 39 of The Charming Checklist
“Oh my gosh, how can youtell?”
He scowled. “Take my word for it, will you?”
“Great, because I’ve worked reallyhardfor you. I want to find the woman of your dreams!” With that, she viciously stuck a can of soda pop in the bucket and made a sound between a growl and a groan.
“Here, let me take these outside for you before you hurt them.”
Right now, he needed a break from the woman currently playing hockey with his brain.
No sooner had Max carried the buckets of ice filled with drinks outside than Darcie Abbott was at the front door, looking like a runway model. She wore a classic black pantsuit, cinched in at the waist to showcase her amazing slender figure. Her dark hair had been styled in a pixie cut and looked incredibly soft and feminine as only she could pull off.
“Honey,” Darcie said, opening her arms up for Ava. She had to bend down a little to reach her. “It’s been way too long.”
Ava ushered her inside. “Did you enjoy the drive?”
“When you emailed that you’d moved to Charming, I had no idea what to expect. No wonder you want to stay here. It’s bucolic. Wonderful. I want to ask my dad to open up a satellite office down here. Hey, I could work at the beach. Right?”
“Sure. You’d love it here.” Ava swallowed past the lump in her throat. It had tightened like a vise.
“Where is this magical woodland creature you’ve talked to me so much about?”
Ava walked Darcie to the porthole window that faced the beach. There was Max, involved in a conversation with Cole. He looked so handsome tonight that her ovaries had quivered at the sight of him. She wished he’d have given her some clue as to what he was thinking, but no, simply those deep hooded brown eyes that showed little to no emotion. He’d demonstrated more excitement the night he’d won Tarzan. She couldn’t figure him out at all. One minute he showed her who he was, the next he was shut up tight again. Well, after tonight he’d be a mystery for Darcie to unravel.
Oh dear. There went that tug at her heart again. But Darcie was a good person and she deserved someone wonderful.
“Holy guacamole, that’s one good-looking hunk of a man.”
“The one with the dark hair, not the sandy blond who’s just now leaning down to pet the cute dog.”
“Yes, you said—tall, dark and handsome. Sister, you nailed it.”
“Here, let’s go introduce you. He can’t wait to meet you.”
But honestly, Ava wasn’t so sure about that. He’d given her no more emotion about tonight than when he’d picked up his membership packet at the Chamber the first time they’d met. As if performing a duty expected of him. Sign up and be a part of the business community. It’s the right thing to do.
Ava led Darcie outside through the living room sliders and down the steps to the area decorated tonight with folding chairs, chaise lounges and small folding tables. The caterers had set up the buffet of Tex-Mex food indoors, but some guests would be seated outdoors under the moonlight and strategically placed lamplights.
The mild waves rolled in and out with their almost hypnotic rhythm. There was a light and lovely breeze in the air that ruffled Ava’s hair and the skirt of her dress. Self-consciously, she snagged it down. No need to give everyone a show. She should have worn a classy pantsuit like Darcie, but Ava wasn’t a big fan of understated black.
Max and Cole noticed them coming and angled their bodies toward them as they approached. Both wore welcoming smiles. Cole’s, of course, far more open and genuine than Max’s, which was simply a slight curve of his lips.
“Gentlemen, this is my good friend, Darcie Abbott. Darcie, meet Cole Kinsella, and this...is Max Del Toro.”
Ava didn’t know if it was her imagination, or if Max’s gaze really did linger on Ava before taking Darcie’s hand. “Nice to finally meet you.”
Five whole words! “I better get back to the party. The mayor will be here any minute now.”
She rushed back up to the house without looking back once. A few minutes later the mayor arrived, her husband in tow, and the evening began. Lots of hand shaking and gratitude from the mayor for her supporters. Cocktails and dinner were served. As the evening progressed, Ava made a point to lose track of Max and Darcie. She’d seen them briefly in the room when everyone had gathered at the buffet, standing side by side in line. After that, she saw them outside laughing as they walked along the shore.
They were getting along, as she’d suspected. So, goodbye to anything more than friendship with Max.
You’re a darn coward.
Whenever she’d cross eyes with Valerie, Ava noticed a look of sympathy that she didn’t appreciate. She was going to be just fine, thanks! A small area in the living room had been cleared after the buffet, the regular furniture moved for the day.
“Let’s have a little dancing, folks!” Ava called out and hit Play on her selected playlist.
When “Celebrate” piped through the speakers, Tippi and her husband took to the floor with others. Valerie and Cole joined in, Sub having been relegated to their bedroom upstairs once the food had been put out.
