Page 8 of Always in Watch Hill
I laughed. “I know exactly what you mean, that’s how I felt when I went to hot yoga last week.”
My friend sucked in a deep breath. “Okay, now we’ve reached the part of the conversation where I remind you that you’re in Ohio for work, and to finish your book, and not to embark on one of yourprojects.”
“You’re a good friend,” I replied.She knew me very well to be honest.“Because yes, that’s exactly what I need you to do.”
“Don’t get involved, Lynne. You rented a place to stay from guys. That’s it. Say it with me.”
“I rented a place from guys. That’s what I did. I will not get involved.”
“You are there to edit your masterpiece. That’s it. That’s all.”
“Yes.” I grinned. “Thank you.”
“Okay.” She sounded like she didn’t believe me. “Now, I have to go. I really don’t want to mess things up with this client.”
“Let’s have drinks when I get back. Love you.”
We said goodbye. I hung up the phone and placed it on the nearby coffee table, then took a moment to relax and close my eyes. They still hurt a little, fatigued from the grueling round of edits I had started as soon as I got up that morning. I was tired, but I needed to focus, and Emily’s reminder was totally right. I was here to finish my book, and to tie a bow on a major achievement, handing in an opus that would turn my dream of being a published author into a reality. More than anything, I needed to keep my attention on that goal. It was so close, so close...
But it didn’t take long for my thoughts to wander back to Justin’s face. He was cute, there was no denying that. But I also saw the sort of depth I hadn’t in a long time. And his attention to detail showed me a lot about the man...Good grief, I must stop thinking about this guy. What kind of person sticks in your head after you talk to them only twice?It was bizarre to feel this about him, bizarre that I wondered if he’d had a good day, or if he’d gotten enough sleep, or what he might be doing...
It was also kind of nice.
I hadn’t acted this way since I was in college and had a monster crush on the president of Kappa Omega, the fraternity paired with my sorority for homecoming my sophomore year. That had gone nowhere—a sea of “what ifs” and “maybes” that made me laugh every time I thought about it. And that was years ago.
Never mind. I need to stop dwelling on it.
I stood from the couch and cracked my back a few times. Hours of sitting in front of my laptop had made my body stiff, and I knew that wasn’t good for me either. I glanced out the nearby window at the fading afternoon sunlight. It was still a gorgeous day, and I’d spent so much of it inside. Maybe a bike ride would do me some good.
Yes, that’s a perfect idea.
Resolved, I changed into a pair of leggings and a matching tank top, slipped on my tennis shoes, pulled my ponytail through my ballcap, and grabbed the backpack from the small bench by the cottage front door. Justin’s guide mentioned well-known brewery between Watch Hill and the Cincinnati city limits. Sounded like the perfect destination. I took the keys from the tray by the door and locked up, ready to see another section of the community. If the brewery was anything like the rest of downtown Watch Hill, I suspected I’d like it a lot.
Just one problem—the bike had a flat tire.
A big one, marked with a pesky gash on the underside. I wasn’t going anywhere.
“Damn,” I said when I confirmed the damage, “this sucks.”
Frustrated, I considered going back inside and ordering pizza for dinner. That would be the easy thing to do, and I was sure I’d find a movie to accompany the meal. But I was already outside and looking forward to the ride. Besides, hadn’t Justin assured me that he’d do whatever was needed to make sure I had a good stay?
With a grin, I wheeled the bike toward his house. The property also had a barn and detached garage, so I suspected he might have the tools to fix it.Plus, I have an excuse to see him again...I propped the bike against the deck railing, trotted up the steps, and rapped twice on his back door.
He pulled the door open a few seconds later. “Hi.”
“Hi.” I took a deep breath. “How’s your day going?”
“Good. I was... I was working on a few things.” He paused. “Do you need something?”
“The bike has a flat tire.”
I hooked my thumb over my right shoulder and a nervous laugh escaped my lips. What was it about this guy? Disheveled hair, a pair of black sweatpants, a faded blue T-shirt... and somehow, sex-on-a-stick. What was happening to me? What it just post-quarantine horniness?Pull it together, Lynne. Pull it together.
“I hope you have the tools to fix it,” I added. “It’s a pretty big tear.”
“Of course. I have the stuff in the garage. Why don’t you meet me there? I’ll get my shoes and be over in a second.”
“Perfect. Thank you so much.”
