Page 66 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
“Christmas lights, huh? That could work,” Chris said. “The Public Works guys already owe us a favor. The mayor asked if we could help ’em hang festival banners in between calls. We can get started on the banners while you check on the lights, Turner.”
“Perfect.”
Reid smiled as he looked out the window and turned his attention to the next problem he needed to figure out. He wanted to do something sweet and romantic for Kaiah, something that maybe, just maybe, could convince her to stay. He just needed to figure out what that might be.
“Good deal,” Becca said as they walked out of Crafty Creations. “We’re all set for the kite-making session and the contest. Trishaalso agreed to help with a second arts and crafts session next Monday. Let’s see where we should go next.” She studied her clipboard.
Kaiah stepped onto the sidewalk and stopped when she spotted a crew of firemen hanging banners and decorations for the festival. Colorful shells, starfish, and lighthouses—all made out of strings of lights—decorated the lampposts, while banners advertising the Light the Dark Festival stretched across the street.
When Kaiah’s eyes found Reid standing on a ladder and attaching a lighthouse to a lamppost, her heart leapt. Clad in his blue uniform, with his biceps straining against the sleeves of his shirt and his clean-shaven face showing off his cheekbones carved from marble, she couldn’t stop staring.
Oh, I love a man in a uniform!
His eyes collided with hers, and his handsome face lit up with a smile. “Hey, Ky.” He climbed down from the ladder and jogged over to her and Becca before he gestured around the street. “What do you guys think?”
Of Mr. TDH in uniform? Oh yes, I do indeed approve!
It took her half a second to realize he was talking about the decorations, not how fabulous he looked.
She took in the banners stretched across the street. One said “Light the Dark Festival,” while another said, “Coral Cove Lighthouse, established 1805” and featured a photo of the beloved black-and-white-striped structure.
“They look excellent, Lieutenant Turner,” she told him.
He grinned, and she thought her heart might explode. He nodded at his twin. “Becks?”
Becca divided a look between them and then gave them a coy expression. “Looks good, bro. But I’ve gotta dash. I need to see if the bookstore wants a booth at the festival. Callie was still thinkingabout it when I talked to her a few days ago.” She took off in a light jog toward Beach Reads.
“How has your day been?” Kaiah asked, her cheeks turning pink. Try as she might, she was still mortified about the Mr. TDH incident. Would she ever move past that humiliation?
He leaned against a newspaper stand. “Okay. We had a few calls this morning, but nothing too bad. Then the captain told us we were hanging decorations and banners this afternoon.” He paused for a moment. “Did I tell you I’m off work tomorrow? Then I won’t work again until Friday.”
“Really?”
“Yup.” He pointed to her clipboard. “How are plans going?”
“Great.” As she rattled off action items on her clipboard, she could feel his intense gaze settle on her, sending a tingle of heat up her spine. She’d felt the same way yesterday when she touched his face, and she couldn’t wait for another chance to feel his dark stubble and chiseled jaw against her fingers. A flush of longing washed over her.
“How was Piper when you dropped her off at school?” he asked.
Kaiah tried to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her, doing her best to answer in an even voice. “She was happy and excited as always.”
“Good.” His eyes flitted to the banner swaying in the gentle breeze, and then his gaze slid down the street before returning to her. “I’m going to check with Mr. Johnson about the lighthouse. I’m hoping he found someone who can fix it.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” she offered, hoping to spend more time with him.
“Sure, if you want to,” he said.
A radio crackled before a voice announced, “All available unitsrespond to accident with multiple injuries at Sixth Street and Laurel Avenue.”
Reid gave her a sad smile. “Duty calls.” He touched her hand. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’ll be there, Lieutenant Turner.”
He grinned. “Let’s go,” he called to his team.
Kaiah stood by the curb while Reid and his crew climbed into the fire truck. He waved as the truck rumbled to life. The siren wailed, and the lights flashed as it motored off toward the oceanfront.
Becca appeared at her side. “Callie’s going to have a book booth by the lighthouse.”
