Page 4 of Designing Love (Bluewater Cove #2)

PLAN IN MOTION

Ethan

I watch Sophia’s graceful retreat through the coffee shop door, the soft bell echoing as she exits to the sunlit street.

For a moment, my thoughts linger on how her laughter filled the small space, brightening every corner effortlessly.

My heart continues an uneven rhythm, a mix of embarrassment from my earlier near-faceplant and the unfamiliar warmth spreading through my chest.

“Earth to Ethan.”

I startle slightly, blinking rapidly as Claire slides into the seat across from me, smirking knowingly.

“What?” I ask defensively, trying to hide my flush behind my coffee mug.

“Oh, nothing,” she drawls sarcastically. Her eyes dance mischievously as she rests her elbows on the table, chin in hand. “Just watching you stare at the door like a puppy whose owner left them alone for the first time.”

I groan softly, dropping my head onto my folded arms. “Is it that obvious?”

“Painfully.” Claire chuckles, nudging my elbow. “So, spill. Who was that?”

“Sophia,” I mumble into my sleeve, lifting my head just enough to meet Claire’s amused gaze. “She’s Sage’s niece. Just got into town.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Sage’s niece? Oh, this just got interesting. Do you think she’s as quirky as Sage?”

“I don’t know!” I protest weakly, wishing I could have had more time with her. “We just... talked. And I nearly knocked myself unconscious trying to impress her, so I doubt she’ll want to see me again.”

“Oh, I saw that show!” Claire laughs openly. “But you underestimate how charming your klutziness can be. It’s practically your trademark.”

I roll my eyes, sighing heavily. “Thanks for the pep talk, Claire.”

“Anytime,” she says sweetly, patting my hand sympathetically.

I grimace slightly, sipping my coffee to hide my expression.

“So,” Claire continues smoothly, mercifully shifting gears. “Beers tonight? It’s been forever since we caught up properly. And I need the lowdown on why this passerby has seduced my friend.”

“Definitely. Let’s grab a beer,” I agree eagerly, already formulating an idea.

Claire laughs, knowing I’ll try deflecting her upcoming inquisition. But instead, I head in a completely different direction.

“Actually, remember my plan to buy the Miller house and flip it?”

She narrows her eyes suspiciously. “Kind of. Where are you going with this?”

I chuckle, standing up and tossing some bills on the counter. “I’ll tell you tonight. Meet at The Old Oak?”

“Deal. Can’t wait to see what disaster you’re planning next.”

I roll my eyes, pretending annoyance even as laughter escapes me. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

She waves me off casually. “It’s what friends are for.”

Stepping out into the fresh air of Main Street, I inhale deeply, my pulse quickening at the thought of my impulsive plan. Maybe Claire’s right — and maybe a little disaster is exactly what I need.

* * *

T he bell over the realtor’s office door jingles harshly as I step inside, instantly assaulted by the overpowering smell of cheap cologne and stale coffee.

Simon Baxter — town realtor, notorious gossip, and my personal headache — leans back in his chair, grinning like a Cheshire cat who just caught a mouse.

“Ethan! To what do I owe this unexpected yet delightful interruption of my afternoon nap — I mean, workday?” Simon’s voice drips with slick charm, matched only by his over-the-top glamourous three-piece suit. Who wears a three-piece suit to work in a quaint, charming small town?

“Simon,” I greet cautiously, reluctantly shaking his overly enthusiastic hand. “I’m here to inquire about a house.”

“A house, you say?” Simon beams, leaning forward so eagerly his chair creaks dangerously. “Don’t tell me you’re considering putting your gem of a beach house up for sale? I’d be happy to take that on, you know… “

I sigh, already regretting my decision. “Just looking at an investment opportunity. The old Miller House — what can you tell me about it?”

Simon’s eyes widen, almost cartoonishly. “The Miller House? That quirky disaster waiting to happen?”

“It’s not that bad,” I protest, trying not to sound defensive. “It’s got potential. Charm, character —”

“Raccoons,” Simon interjects, holding up a finger solemnly. “Charm, character, and raccoons. Possibly ghosts.”

I roll my eyes, refusing to be deterred. “I still want to see it.”

“You realize you’ll be singlehandedly funding my retirement, right?” Simon smirks, digging through his desk drawers noisily, papers flying everywhere.

“That bad, huh?”

“Let’s just say my commission could fund a nice little trip to Bora Bora,” Simon grins wickedly, finally producing a dusty file folder labeled in faded marker: MILLER HOUSE. “This place has been sitting untouched for years, Ethan. What’s the sudden interest?”

I hesitate, knowing full well Simon’s penchant for spreading rumors faster than wildfire. “Investment, mostly. Freelance life’s been good lately.”

“Oh right, your mysterious tech money,” Simon muses, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Something like that,” I reply vaguely, feeling a blush creep up my neck.

Simon smirks, seemingly unsatisfied with my answer.

“So, when shall we tour this haunted treasure of yours?”

“Today,” I decide impulsively. “Let’s get it done.”

“Excellent,” Simon practically chirps, standing abruptly and nearly knocking over his chair. “But first, coffee — strong coffee. You’re going to need it.”

I sigh dramatically but follow him out anyway, strangely excited despite Simon’s gloomy warnings. If it gives me a reason to spend time with Sophia and get to know her — even just a little — it’ll be worth battling raccoons, ghosts, and Simon’s relentless teasing.

* * *

T he Old Oak glows softly in the amber hue of vintage sconces, filled with the low hum of laughter and glasses clinking in celebration. The cozy warmth seeps into my bones as I slide into a booth across from Claire, who eyes me suspiciously over her beer.

“Okay, Ethan, what’s going on? I heard you visited Simon Baxter’s earlier. Did I accidentally wander into an alternate universe?”

I chuckle, signaling the bartender for my usual IPA. “Relax. I’m still sane — mostly.”

Claire arches an eyebrow skeptically. “Debatable. But seriously, Simon? The town’s most notorious hustler of real estate disasters? Why are you even talking to him?”

I hesitate, swirling the coaster on the polished table, suddenly unsure how to phrase this without sounding completely ridiculous. “Correction, the town’s only real estate agent. But that’s kind of beside the point. I... bought the old Miller House.”

Claire nearly spits out her drink, covering her mouth. “Excuse me? You, Ethan Reed, buying that falling-down wreck? Have you finally snapped?”

“It’s not a wreck,” I protest defensively, though her skeptical look tells me she disagrees vehemently.

“Okay, maybe it needs a bit of... work. But you know I’ve been intrigued with that house all my life.

As a kid, I’d invent stories about it. And I’ve been thinking about buying it to flip it, I’ve just been too busy. ”

“A bit of work?” Claire laughs, incredulous. “The last time I checked, it needed an exorcism.”

“It’s quirky,” I insist stubbornly, tapping my fingers nervously against the tabletop. “And it’s a great opportunity.”

Claire narrows her eyes suspiciously. “Hold on. You love your place, Ethan. You’ve spent years making it perfect. Making it you. Why would you even consider selling it?”

I hesitate, a flush creeping up my neck. “You know me, I’ve been wanting another project like that. Money burning my pockets and all that.”

Claire’s eyes widen slowly with realization, and then she breaks into an enormous grin, leaning forward eagerly. “Oh my gosh. It’s about the new girl, Sophia, isn’t it? I heard she’s a designer. Ethan Reed, you’re buying a house just to impress a girl?”

“NO! Well, not just to impress her. It’s a good investment. Simon even agreed, despite his usual dramatics.”

“Ah, sure,” Claire teases, delighting far too much in my discomfort. “So, you’re buying the creepiest property in town to spend time with the cute new designer. That’s one way to catch someone’s attention.”

I roll my eyes. “When you say it like that, it makes me sound crazy.”

She snorts.

“It could become something neat. Plus, Sophia said she used to flip old houses, and she misses doing it…”

Claire studies me carefully, her playful expression slowly turning more thoughtful. “So, the knight in shining armor comes swooping in? Ethan, are you sure about this? You’re jumping quickly into something for someone you don’t know.”

I nod slowly, dropping all pretense of humor. “Claire, I can flip the Miller House as a rental or something else. It’s a sound investment and you know it. Besides, thanks to the Bitcoin craze, you know I can afford it. I’m careful, but sometimes it’s worth taking a risk.”

She smiles. Not her usual smile, but her I’m worried about my friend look .

“Well, if anyone deserves a bit of romance and adventure, it’s you, Ethan. Just promise me you won’t let Simon scam you into buying any swampland while you’re at it.”

Laughing softly, I clink my glass against hers. “Deal.”

Just then, the door swings open with a dramatic flourish, and Simon himself strides in, immediately starting a loud conversation about another questionable property deal. Claire rolls her eyes.

“Speaking of swampland...”

We exchange an amused glance.

I bought the house. Now for the next step of my plan… Sophia.