Page 25 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)

O n Saturday morning, Deb arrived at the address Kitty had given her and stepped from her vintage Corvette convertible. She’d brought that instead of her SUV today. After last night with Grant at Cuppa Jo’s, she needed to feel a brisk ocean breeze on her face.

Despite her resolution to part as friends, she and Grant spent the evening rolling back the years. She found herself yearning to feel his lips on hers. The heat building between them was almost too much for her. All night, she’d ached to stroke his face and chest as she once had.

She fanned herself. What was it in Grant’s touch that Matteo lacked?

Last night, she’d hardly slept at all, trying to make sense of it. Finally, she realized it wasn’t the memories of their young love that attracted her; it was the man he was now.

She opened her car door, shaking off thoughts of Grant. Would Kitty be able to tell?

Pausing in the driveway, Deb shifted into her professional mode to organize her thoughts. She would think about Grant later.

Deb took in the exterior view of the beach house Kitty had under contract. Soft turquoise splashed the exterior. Balconies jutted toward the sea, offering front-row seats to spectacular sunsets.

She could certainly work with this.

Kitty stood at the entry wearing a vivid Pucci-style summer dress. Her real estate agent was also with her, though she looked a little harried.

Deb greeted Kitty, adding, “And Mariella, how are you? I haven’t seen you much this summer.”

“I’ve been busy with clients,” the real estate agent replied. “In fact, I have another showing. Would you mind locking up when you’ve finished?”

“Happy to,” Deb said.

“I’m glad you could come on such short notice,” Kitty said. “You’re probably busy since that magazine article came out.”

“I’ve had several inquiries.”

Deb stepped through the entrance of the beach house, following the clicks of Kitty’s low-heeled sandals.

Kitty paused in the central entertaining room with her arms spread wide and her eyes bright with delight. “Don’t you love it? In a few days, it’s all mine.”

Deb walked around with a critical eye. Sunlight streamed through salt-stained windows, casting whimsical patterns across her path. The furnishings were rattan, serviceable, but dated and worn. “You sure acted fast.”

Kitty turned in a slow circle. “Sometimes you just know, don’t you?”

Deb nodded, though her chest tightened. She knew that feeling, the certainty that seized you before common sense ruined it.

Like her evening with Grant. Was her emotion still etched on her face?

“Let’s see the rest of it,” Deb said.

“This way.” Kitty gestured for her to follow.

They walked through the kitchen, which had been renovated only a few years ago with weathered, white-washed wooden planks. A large, white enameled stove anchored the work area, and a rustic table and fireplace added warmth to the space.

Gazing around, Kitty clasped her hands. “I love the kitchen’s brightness and simplicity. I can’t imagine changing much, although I’d like to make it my own.”

“We can do that. What sort of style do you have in mind?”

“Relaxed ease. I want a beach house my grandchildren can play in.”

They moved through the rest of the house on that level, where a large bedroom opened to a private patio and spa area with a pool.

Kitty swept her hand across the area. “This will need patio furniture and lots of plants.”

“I can transform this into a lush, restful oasis for you,” Deb said, making mental notes.

Next, they climbed the stairs to the second level, where more bedrooms opened off a central hallway. They chatted about the furnishings needed for each guest room.

“I’d like one room decorated for Jen and her husband when they come to stay. And these two for Grant and the boys. Unless I can talk them into staying,” she added airily. “Wouldn’t that be fun?”

Deb could only nod, wondering what Kitty had in mind.

The other woman started up another flight. “The crow’s nest is my favorite part.”

The top level was full of windows and light, offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Deb stood by the railing, watching waves roll toward the shoreline in endless repetition.

Not unlike her dating life.

“What would you suggest up here?” Kitty asked.

Deb turned from the windows. “I can imagine small gatherings with groups of comfortable lounging chairs for sunsets and whale-watching. Or we go with sisal rugs and Adirondack chairs.”

Kitty inclined her head and smiled. “I like that last idea.”

“Structurally, it’s sound,” Deb said. “The layout works well for entertaining.” She paused, studying Kitty’s face. “Aside from style and appearance, how do you want your home to feel? How will you live in it?”

Kitty turned her gaze toward the ocean. “My other home is more formal. Heavy furniture, antiques, photos from Jock’s family.

It’s beautiful, but it no longer suits my taste.

I want a home that’s comfortable and easy to care for.

One that feels welcoming, even when I’m alone.

It should be bright and happy for my new phase of life.

I can hardly wait to invite friends to stay. ”

Deb knew what she meant. “And you probably want it ready fairly soon.”

“New beds and fresh linens, of course. Grant and the boys and I can make do with what’s here for the rest of the summer. But I’d love to have the new look ready by the winter holidays for my family and snowbird friends to visit.”

Deb walked to another window, this one facing in the opposite direction toward the Majestic Hotel. The red roof was a beacon in the distance.

She turned back to the ocean. “If you want to keep the soft turquoise exterior, then with this ocean view, I’d bring those colors inside. Use turquoise and white as your base shades, with pops of pink and daffodil yellow.”

Kitty’s eyes lit. “That will be so cheerful and uplifting. Like the bright prints I’ve always worn here.”

“That’s what I had in mind,” Deb said.

“You’re very observant. I feel like I’m in excellent hands with you.”

“I can show you some ideas in a few days.”

As they descended the main staircase, Kitty said, “Crown Island has always been a wonderful place for kids. I wanted Teddy and Mason to experience it. Thank you for helping me do that.”

“It’s my pleasure. I love to see families making memories here.”

Kitty looked at her with a curious expression. “It’s a sweet place to raise children, I imagine. Insulated enough to feel safe, but close enough to the mainland for shopping and cultural activities.”

“That’s what we all enjoy here.”

“The last few years have been difficult for Grant and the boys,” Kitty said, confiding in her. “What with Nicole’s death and then the school bullies, it’s been hard for them.”

Deb was surprised and saddened by this. “That’s terrible. I hope this coming school year is better for Teddy and Mason.”

They walked through the remaining rooms, with Kitty pointing out features she loved and changes she envisioned. “I can just imagine filling this home with friends old and new.”

Kitty and Jock had been known for their summer parties. “I remember how much you enjoyed entertaining.”

“We loved having interesting people around.” After clearing the last step, Kitty turned to her. “And what about you? Are you seeing anyone special?”

The question caught Deb off guard. She’d been admiring the curve of the banister, imagining it draped with garland for the holidays. Just when she’d finally gotten her mind off Grant, last night came rushing back to her. But she couldn’t tell Kitty that.

Deb blinked, forcing a smile. “I have many good friends here on Crown Island.”

“I’m sure you do, but are you dating someone?” Kitty’s tone was warm but probing. “I know it’s personal, but Grant mentioned you were unattached, and I thought perhaps I might know of someone for you.”

Deb didn’t want to sound lonely or needy, not that it was any of Kitty’s business, though she was persistent. “Actually, I am seeing someone new.”

“How exciting for you.” Kitty continued her friendly line of questioning. “Is he a local? Who is he, and what does he do?”

“Matteo. He owns vineyards in Napa and Argentina.”

“How intriguing. And will Matteo attend the grand reopening with you?”

Deb told Kitty he would. That wasn’t entirely a lie. She’d planned on going solo to be free to circulate for business connections, but Matteo would be seated next to her at dinner.

A thought struck her. If Kitty mentioned this conversation to Grant, and he thought she was unavailable, maybe he’d stop looking at her with a longing she found increasingly hard to resist. He was leaving soon, after all. His life was elsewhere.

“I’ve heard it’s going to be the party of the summer,” Kitty said.

“That’s the plan. Ryan Kingston has poured millions into the renovation, and he’s sparing nothing for the grand reopening.”

They finished the tour on one of the lower patios, where doors opened to a deck that needed new railings but offered splendid ocean views.

Shading her eyes, Kitty asked, “What do you really think of the house?”

“I knew the former owners, and I’ve always loved it. Almost every room has an ocean view. The house should lend itself beautifully to your vision.”

Kitty smiled broadly. “Does that mean you’ll take the job?”

Deb bit her lip in hesitation. Working for Grant’s mother might also involve him and the boys. But then she thought of the Hunts, the couple that was so far apart on their aesthetic preference that one of them was bound to hate the outcome.

No matter what she did, it was a sure plan for disaster.

Deb didn’t have any other jobs lined up yet, and Kitty could use her help. She thought how much Teddy and Mason would enjoy spending the rest of their summer in this house. The idea filled her with happiness.

“I’d love to work with you, Kitty.”

“Wonderful.” The other woman clapped her hands. “After Grant and the boys leave, we’ll have plenty of time to focus without distractions.”

Why did hearing that feel like losing a piece of her life she’d just rediscovered?

“I’ll draw up a proposal with preliminary ideas for you,” Deb replied, careful to keep her voice steady despite the cold wave of reality.

“Perfect. And please work with Grant on the placement of his photography. I want his nature works prominently featured.”

Deb wasn’t expecting that. “I have someone I usually work with to hang artwork.”

“I’d still like to have Grant’s input. That’s not a problem, is it?”

“Not at all,” Deb replied, concealing her surprise.

“Then that’s settled.” Kitty walked ahead toward the entrance.

Deb followed, trying to sort out her thoughts.

She had designed plenty of rooms around children’s artwork, prized antiques, or travel souvenirs.

Personal mementos brought character to homes.

Her designs weren’t meant to be picture-perfect settings devoid of personality, especially in a beach house built for relaxation.

Many galleries showcased Grant’s nature photography, so incorporating it into a beach house shouldn’t pose a challenge.

That’s not what disturbed her.

At the door, Kitty extended her hand. “I know this new house will be exactly what we all need.”

Deb shook her hand, acknowledging their intent. It occurred to her that Grant might not know what Kitty had proposed. He hadn’t mentioned it last night.

Still, Deb would make it work.

She was a professional, and she was already mentally calculating a timeline and determining the necessary furnishings. Work was her refuge when relationships became complicated.

Only work made sense when emotions failed. She would not let Grant derail her design job for Kitty.

As she walked toward her car, Deb told herself that designing Kitty’s bright, happy new beginning was exactly what she needed.