Page 47 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
“When that woman flung Ritz last night, Ritz was injured,” Wade told her. “Don’t worry. I took her to the vet in Newbury Port this morning.”
“Thank you,” Dawn said. “That was so thoughtful.” She dug in her tote, looking for her wallet. “How much do I owe you for the vet?”
“Are you kidding me?” Wade looked at her in disbelief. “Did I ask you for money?”
“N... No!” Dawn said, repositioning the tote on her shoulder. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” She felt horrible. “It’s just that I know you…”
“I don’t need yours or any of the Vanderbilt money,” Wade assured her. His eyes searched hers for a few seconds before he sighed wearily. “I feel we’ve not made a good start here.” He gave a soft laugh. “Do you think we can start over maybe at lunch tomorrow?”
Dawn smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Then leave Hicks with me until tomorrow to ensure you don’t stand me up again,” Wade suggested.
“Okay.” Dawn smiled and patted Hicks. “Looks like you’re having a sleepover.” She stopped and looked at her brother. “Let me give you my card key so you can get his bowls and bed from my room.” She dug in her tote once again and pulled out her card key. “Here you go.”
“I’ll leave it with reception,” Wade told her. “That way, you don’t have to worry about the time you come back to the hotel.” He gave her a knowing smile. “I like Liam. He seems like a good guy and is absolutely bowled over by you.”
“What?” Dawn looked at her brother in shock. “No. It’s nothing like that. Liam and I are just good friends.”
“Uh, huh.” Wade nodded, but she could see he was buying. “If you say so.”
“We are just friends,” Dawn insisted as she walked to the door. “Friends andnothingmore.”
“Right.” Wade nodded, opening the door for her, and glanced at Hicks. “What do you think, boy?” Hicks barked up at him. “Yeah, I agree.”
“Seriously, Wade, Liam and I are good friends,” Dawn told him again.
“I believe you if that’s what you say,” Wade said and smiled at her. “But I don’t think I’m the one you’re trying to convince here.”
Dawn just sighed and rolled her eyes, then changed the subject. “Are you sure you’re okay keeping Hicks?”
“We’re good,” Wade promised her. “Go enjoy yourself and try not to plow down the other skaters. They’re humans, not skittles.”
“I was wondering when you were going to get around to commenting on my ice skating skills.” Dawn laughed.
“I wouldn’t call them skills,” Wade teased, laughing when she punched him. “Ow.”
Hicks barked at her as if saying not hitting my friend.
“Traitor,” Dawn said to Hicks before rubbing his ears. “Be good. I’ll fetch you tomorrow.”
“At lunch with your baby brother,” Wade reminded her.
Dawn stepped over the threshold and turned to look at Wade holding the door with one hand and Hicks with the other. She was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion and threw her arms around his waist.
“I love you, little brother,” Dawn said softly.
“I love you too, big sister,” Wade replied, kissing the top of her head. His voice was suspiciously gruff when he said, “Now go, or you’re going to be late for your roller derby on the ice.”
Dawn shook her head at him as she stepped back, making him laugh. She turned, waved, and rushed to the elevator after checking the time on Wade’s watch. It was five minutes after six.Her steps were light as she descended to the ground floor, her mind clearing of all distractions.
As the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by the sight of Liam waiting in the foyer. His presence, tall at six-foot-three, commanded the space around him. His smile upon seeing her lit up the foyer, sending a jolt through her heart. He looked effortlessly relaxed and ruggedly handsome in a navy blue short-sleeved cotton shirt, the top three buttons left undone to reveal a hint of his tanned chest. The shirt hung casually over a pair of black jeans styled in a cowboy manner. Completing his outfit were sleek black men’s leather loafers, which added a polished yet comfortable touch to his look.
Dawn swallowed as he moved toward her, sure he could see her heart pounding through her chest—or hear it. It seemed so loud; she was surprised it wasn’t echoing around the room.
“Hi.” Liam’s voice was soft and seemed to caress her as he smiled at her. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Dawn managed to squeak before clearing her throat. “You look quite handsome yourself.”
