Page 7 of Small Town Schemes & Summer Kisses
“It would be good for you,” Gigi said, a gleam in her eyes as she slid a fresh round of sugar packets toward Caroline, forming a little mountain of pink and blue. “My granddaughters think he’s cute.”
“Ew, Gigi,” Caroline protested, feigning exasperation as she spread the sugar neatly across the table, avoiding her own blush. “He’s practically a child.”
“He’s thirty-three,” Mabel supplied. “And a half.”
“I rest my case. I’m twelve years older than he is. He’s just barely reached maturity. Perfect.”
Gigi grinned. “I knew you were interested. A little fun won’t kill you.”
“I am not interested,” Caroline insisted, though even as she spoke, an image of Beck flashed in her mind. The rebellious hair, his amiable smile. Annoyingly handsome. She shook her head. It didn’t matter; she had a job to do. “Besides, I’m busy trying to save Bluebell Bay, remember?”
“What better way than with Beck’s help?” Gigi pressed. “Multi-task, dear.”
“I’ll think about it,” Caroline conceded, flipping open her notebook with a sigh. Grabbing the pen from the coil, she slowly jotted down the name in her best block letters.Carter Beckett.“After everything else.”
“It’s not ano.” Mabel grabbed Gigi’s arm and gave it a few quick shakes.
“Not anofor marketing. Definitely, it’s anoabout romance.” Stabbing the air with her pen, she frowned at the two women across the table. “Don’t you dare think of making this a game.”
Gigi nodded, all too pleased with the direction of the conversation. “Did you know he retired early? Or got burned. Men always get vague when you ask why they leave their jobsandtheir wives.”
Caroline blinked. “You two know way too much about everyone in this town.”
“It’s a skill set,” Gigi said modestly, dabbing her lips with a napkin. “Anyway, the rumor is he helped a coastal resort triple their bookings. You get him on your team, and your summer gala might happen.”
“Don’t let the flip-flops fool you,” Mabel added. “He’s got a brain under all his sun-bleached hair.”
Caroline stood, sliding her notebook into her tote. The keys toThe Hollis Expressjingled softly in her hand.
“He sounds just like what I need.”
“Sandy!” Mabel called across the room. “Get a coffee to go for the mayor.”
“Hazelnut creamer and two sugars,” Gigi chimed in.
“I don’t drink …”
“It’s not for you.” Gigi winked. “Let us know how you make out.”
Mabel snorted. “Or when you make out.”
She turned to go, coffee in one hand, resolve in the other. As she reached the door, something caught her eye. Gigi, without breaking stride, pulled a laminated bingo card from her bag and slid it across the table to Mabel.
Not a word.
Not a look.
Caroline knew exactly what it meant.
She had the distinct feeling she’d just been added to someone’s “Summer Shenanigans” square.
Chapter Four
Beck was exactly where he planned to be. He was barefoot, semi-horizontal, and holding a lukewarm cup of coffee on his weathered front porch.
It was his favorite part of the day. It was just him, the waves, and gulls squawking like they had opinions to share. He stretched, bare toes curling against the porch railing, and took another sip of coffee. It wasn’t great, but it was caffeinated. He had no complaints.
Until he heard sputtering, rattling, and a high-pitched electric whine.
