Page 5 of Last Date

“I’m trying to be your friend, Kip, but you don’t make it easy,” he said softly.

I groaned. “I just misspoke. Peter is great, and you have every right to have a social life. But the reality is, people do prioritize things. Why is that a terrible thing to say?”

He hesitated. “What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re alone.”

I blinked at him. “I’m not alone. I have my family and friends.”

“And that’s enough for you?”

“Well…” I frowned. “For now it is.” It wasn’t really, but I’d have chopped my arm off before I admitted that to Merrick in that moment.

He squinted at me. “How is that enough? You’re twenty-nine. What are you waiting for?”

“I… I’m waiting for the right person,” I rasped. “I’m not willing to settle.”

His mouth thinned. “Like me?”

“I didn’tsaythat. You keep thinking I’m saying things I’m not saying.”

A female voice called out, “Kip, your order is ready!”

I wasn’t sure if I was relieved or frustrated that my conversation with Merrick was interrupted. I hated the idea of our newfound truce being destroyed simply because of a silly misunderstanding.

Feeling breathless, I said, “You and Peter make a great couple. It’s good that you have Peter instead of… you know… a dog.”

Merrick shook his head. “You should go get your food before it gets cold.”

I stood to go to the counter but hesitated. “Merrick, come on. Don’t be mad at me.”

A muscle worked in his jaw. “I’m not mad.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yep.” He stood. “I need to make a call.” He walked out of the restaurant, shoulders stiff.

I watched him go, feeling muddled. Since when did I care if Merrick was upset with me? We’d butted heads for ages. The fact he wasn’t happy with me at the moment should have meant nothing to me.

But it did.

Chapter Two

“So what do you think, Kip? Care to join me for a Valentine’s Day sunset cruise?” Allister’s husky voice was coaxing.

“Well… I… er…” I stammered like a tongue-tied teenager, trying to wrap my head about the fact that Allister Green, the man voted Pearl Cove’s most eligible bachelor nine years in a row, was asking me out on a date.

We were standing just outside the entrance of the Rusty Pier restaurant. Allister had caught me on his way out of the establishment, just as I was going in. I was meeting Thomas for drinks, and odds were he wasn’t going to believe me when I told him about Allister’s invite.

“Please say yes.” Allister sighed. “I need some fun in my life. The media has been hounding my family relentlessly ever since Elon returned home. I need fresh air and champagne to cheer me up.”

I’d have thought having a brother he’d thought was kidnapped back would cheer him up, but he seemed more irritable than grateful. “How is Elon doing?”

“Fine.” He frowned. “He’s making himself right at home. You’d never know he’d been through a traumatic experience.”

“That’s good, right?” I was surprised by how offhand he sounded. If Thomas had gone missing and then suddenly returned, I don’t think I’d have left his side for a year. I’d be overjoyed, but Allister just seemed put upon. “You want him to feel at home, I’m sure.”