Beauty and the Beach (18 page)

Brandon threw a card in the pile and motioned for another. “Maybe she didn’t see him. I’m going with poor eyesight.”

Sean laughed, then groaned when Jeff laid down his cards. “That’s two in a row, Jeff. Give the rest of us a chance, why don’t you?”

They all threw their cards in the middle. “What do the other nurses look like?” asked Charlie.

“Not like Izzy.” Adam glanced toward the stairs leading to the beach and found himself anxious for his buddies to leave.

“Don’t tease him,” said Jeff. “As you can see, he’s got it bad.”

Adam shook his head. Like that was news to him? They weren’t even officially dating yet and he couldn’t stand it when his own buddies, the ones he’d trusted with his very life, looked at her. “I’m not denying it.”

He did worry, however, that if his feelings were this obvious to his friends, who only saw them together for a few minutes at a time, they might be obvious to her, too.

“Like it would do you any good,” said Brandon. “Are we talking wedding bells here, First Sergeant?”

“It hasn’t gone that far yet.”

“If it’s not serious,” said Charlie. “Can I take her off your hands?”

Adam raised a brow. “Can I throw you off the cliff?”

Charlie laughed. “Just checking.”

Adam wondered what Isabelle thought about the two of them as a couple. Wondered at the look she’d given him earlier. Did she have any feelings for him? Once again, he wished this whole thing with her dad was cleared up. He wished they were actually together for the normal reasons.

~~~

A few nights later, Adam paced the living room as he waited for Izzy. When she finally came down the stairs wearing a white summer dress and sandals, she stopped on the last step and held out the frilly skirt of the dress. “What do you think?”

Adam headed toward her. “I think you look great.” The driftwood necklace adorned her throat and he couldn’t seem to help the deep sense of satisfaction that settled within him as he stopped in front of her.

“What?” she asked, as her high cheekbones flushed.

His lips curved. “Just enjoying the view.” Standing on the last stair she was a little taller than usual, but she still only came to his chin. “You look fantastic.”

Her gaze dropped to his chest. “Thanks. You look good, too.” She lifted a hand and ran it lightly across the front of his Polo shirt. “We match.”

His breathing stopped as his skin burned. His brain scrambled and he tried to decipher her meaning. Did she mean they belonged together? Was she trying to tell him she felt something for him? Was she ready to acknowledge this thing between them and take it to the next level? To admit they were a couple?

“We’re both wearing white.”

He exhaled and looked down at his shirt. “Right. Matching white.” He sucked in a breath, glad he hadn’t said anything, hadn’t wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close and kissed her the way he wanted. He took another steadying breath and held out his arm. “Shall we?”

She twined her arm through his. “Let’s.” They grinned at each other and it was crazy, but with her touching him, that small physical contact between them, it did seem like something had changed, and as he searched her relaxed features he realized her nervousness around him seemed to have evaporated.

No doubt telling her he wasn’t going to prosecute her father had lifted a weight off her shoulders. He wished he’d done something about it sooner.

Stopping by the kitchen, not wanting to break their connection, one-handed he picked up the shrimp salad he’d made earlier and balanced it. Arm in arm, she opened the front door with her free hand, locked it, and they headed out to walk toward the next property.

He set a slow pace, enjoying her touch, and the short stroll. “Did you have a good day today?”

“Sure,” she said. “Work was great, and I met some interesting people on the bus.”

He stopped, and she did, as well. “What were you doing on the bus?”

“Courtney borrowed my car for a few days.”

He thought about offering one of his cars, but instantly came up with a better plan. “I can drive you to work and pick you up.”

“Thanks, but the bus stops about a block away, so it’s not a big deal.”

He didn’t argue, but was positive he’d have an errand to run at the same time she was leaving in the morning. They started forward again.

“I’m excited about the picnic,” she said.

“Really? Earlier I was thinking it was a shame we’d agreed to go. I’d rather stay home with you and have dinner. I’d even go for a chick flick movie if you’d agree to ditch.”

“A chick flick, huh?” She nudged her shoulder into his arm. “Tempting, but I don’t want to encourage your antisocial behavior. It’s fun to meet the people you live by. Everyone is always so busy that most people don’t know their neighbors these days.”

“But these things never end well, do they?”

“What you mean? We usually have a barbecue or two every year at our apartment complex. It’s always fun.”

Adam sighed. “If you say so.”

“What are you expecting? Ants? An unexpected thunderstorm?”

“I was thinking about annoying people, not nature, but you have a point. There could be bees.”

“Are you allergic to bees?”

“No.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“It hurts to get stung by bees.”

She laughed.

“And, of course, being so close to the ocean, we could get overrun with crabs. But mostly it’s the getting to know your neighbors part that scares me.”

She laughed at him again, and he ate it up, suppressing his own smile.

“Mrs. Gilroy is nice,” she said with a straight face.

Adam wasn’t sure if she was serious or not. “You are so naïve, it’s painful to watch.”

She bumped her shoulder into his arm again. “Be nice.”

“Just stick close, okay? Because I wouldn’t be going to this thing if you didn’t want to. And don’t forget you’re my girlfriend.” Saying the words out loud made his stomach clench. “If anything awkward happens, it’s your job to rescue me.”

She tightened her grip on him. “Poor guy. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”

He liked the sound of that. In the Gilroys’ driveway they met up with more guests and they all walked around to the backyard together. The moment they made it to the patio, Mrs. Gilroy hurried forward and greeted everyone before smiling at him. “Adam, it’s so good to see you here. And I see you brought your friend. Elizabeth, isn’t it?”

“She’s Isabelle,” said Adam.

“Of course she is.” Mrs. Gilroy’s mouth stretched into a smile. “And you brought a salad, how nice,” she said, her tone slightly condescending.

“Adam made it,” said Isabelle.

“Oh.” She seemed to brighten. “I’m sure it’s delicious and I can’t wait to try it.” She looked around. “My husband’s around here somewhere and, of course, you know my niece Caitlyn. She’s been looking forward to seeing you today.”

Adam smiled, and made no comment.

Mrs. Gilroy clasped her hands together. “There’s food over at the buffet table, and please, feel free to mingle. There are also stickers to write your name on, so everyone can get to know each other.”

“What a great idea,” said Isabelle.

She wrote their names on a couple of tags, and pressed Adam’s to his chest. “I feel like I’m in kindergarten,” he complained.

“Shh.” Isabelle glanced around. “Don’t be a baby. I’m terrible with names and this will be a big help.”

Next they headed over to the buffet to stand in line. She placed Adam’s salad among the others, picked up some plates, and they helped themselves.

Isabelle smiled. “It looks great.”

“It does.” Salads, cold meats, fruits, and desserts adorned the table protected from the sun by an awning. But that didn’t mean Adam wasn’t wishing he was next door with Isabelle alone. He leaned down to whisper, “I think I just saw a bee.”

Isabelle chuckled, the warm sound making him smile, and after they’d loaded up their plates they found a place to sit next to another couple at one of the round tables set around the patio. Adam didn’t know them, so he introduced himself. “I’m Adam Wilder, and this is Isabelle Kenna. We live next door.”

“In The Castle?”

Adam nodded and the young man smiled and held out a hand. “I’m Jared Miller, and this is my wife Stacy, and we have a little three-year-old boy, otherwise known as Hurricane Zack, but we left him home with a sitter. Our place is the blue one about five houses down.”

Isabelle smiled. “That’s a beautiful home. It’s so nice to meet you both.”

After the pleasantries were exchanged, another couple joined them at their table. When they were almost done with their meal, Mrs. Gilroy approached. She smiled at the group as a whole. “I hope everyone’s having fun. Would you all mind if I stole Adam away for just a moment?”

Adam stood reluctantly.

Izzy nodded toward the buffet. “I’m going to get some dessert. Do you want anything?”

“Sure, maybe a few cookies.” Adam followed Mrs. Gilroy, said hello to some familiar faces, and was almost to the other side of the yard, when he realized they were headed toward Caitlyn, who stood alone. Great. An intimate conversation with Caitlyn was the last thing he needed.

Mrs. Gilroy gestured toward her niece, “Caitlyn, didn’t you want to show Mr. Wilder your new necklace?”

As Mrs. Gilroy left them alone, Adam immediately recognized the piece as one of his. He pasted on a smile and wondered how long it would take to get back to Izzy. He glanced at the buffet, saw her talking to another guy, and he didn’t see a wife in sight. Jealousy punched him in the gut. Apparently, he needed to hide Isabelle away in his castle. Maybe even build a tower to lock her in.

“Adam?”

He finally realized Caitlyn was waiting for his full attention. “I believe that’s one of mine, isn’t it?”

She giggled, wiggled, and pressed her hand to her chest in a somewhat suggestive way. “I can’t tell you how much I admire your work. Your creativity is amazing. There’s no one quite like you.”

“Thank you. That necklace looks like it was made for you,” he pulled out the usual compliment. “It’s especially nice to see my jewelry on such a beautiful woman.”

Caitlyn preened and then started to talk about jewelry. Pieces she’d bought, what attracted her attention, what brands she’d purchased before finding his style was her favorite and suited her the very best. Fortunately she didn’t seem to need any responses.

Adam glanced back at Isabelle, still talking to that guy. Now she was laughing, and slowly driving him crazy. He didn’t want her laughing with anyone but him. He saw her playing with the necklace he’d made her, and again, Adam felt a very real sense of satisfaction to see her wearing the piece. Touching it. Proclaiming she was his. He was laughing at his thoughts when Caitlyn put her hand on his arm and turned him away so he couldn’t see Isabelle anymore.

“Adam, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.”

“Oh?” His phone vibrated and he checked it to see what Isabelle had written: it looks like you’re having fun with the neighbors, after all.

He smiled and texted back: you said you had my back! Help!

“What’s so funny?” asked Caitlyn.

He sent the message and pocketed the phone. “Business.”

“Oh, good. I have some business I’d like to discuss with you myself.”

“Oh?”

“I was on your website the other day and I saw a necklace. The Starfire. I simply must have it and I’m planning to go to your store tomorrow to purchase it. Is there any chance you can take me for a private viewing?”

“That particular necklace is being cleaned. It’s not available at the moment.”

“Come on. How can a new necklace need cleaning? I’m sure it’s fine. Pretty please.” She batted her lashes. “It would mean so much if you would do this for me.”

“Sorry. I only show top-notch jewelry. Maybe another time.”

Caitlyn lips curved in a slightly predatory smile. “You know, Adam,” she seemed to stress his name, “We have so much in common. I’d love to go out with you sometime so we can get to know each other better. Dinner, or a movie, or both? Any chance you’ll take me?”

Adam looked at her blankly.

“It’s just that I’m really feeling a connection here between us.” She put her hand on his chest, right over his nametag. “Just like I did the last time we met.”

“The last time?”

“You know, when my aunt first introduced us?”

“Caitlyn,” he looked around, wondering if there was a graceful way to get out of this situation. “Thank you, I’m flattered, but my girlfriend would kill me if I dated other women.”

Caitlyn shot Isabelle a glare. “She doesn’t own you.”

“I know. But she’s pretty possessive.”

The annoyed look now landed on him. “I’ll tell you what. Just in case you decide you’re allowed to date other girls, why don’t I give you my phone number?”

Adam shook his head sadly. “Izzy goes through my phone and deletes numbers from other girls.”