Page 9 of Last Date

“Does he?”

“Yes. You know those slimy little fish that crawl out of the sea to lay eggs? Good ol’ Bob and his pals are trying to stop the city council from approving Ascot Development’s project, simply to protect those fish.”

I bristled slightly at his dismissive tone. “From what I understand, the grunion run brings tourists during the colder months. The businesses in Pearl Cove need that in the winter.”

Sniffing, Allister said, “It’s inevitable that Pearl Cove change and grow.”

“Sure, but there are plenty of other areas that could be developed besides Plunder Cove.”

“Oh, don’t worry. Those will be developed as well.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Shouldn’t the citizens of Pearl Cove have something to say about that?”

“There will be public hearings, naturally.”

“Good. Frankly, I’d prefer Pearl Cove stay small and quaint.”

He wrinkled his brow but then laughed. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”

Excuse me?

“But… I do worry. I’ve lived here all my life, and I love Pearl Cove.”

“Yes. Of course.” He studied me. “But you’re a business owner. Surely you realize growth means more money for you. I highly doubt your business benefits from the grunion run. But the bigger Pearl Cove gets, the more customers you’ll have. That means more money in your pocket.”

I shrugged. “I guess quality of life means more to me than money.”

He blinked at me as if I was speaking another language. “But the more money you have, the more quality of life increases.”

“Does it though?”

“Yes.” He laughed.

“I don’t think I agree.”

He hesitated and then leaned closer. “I like this feisty side of you.”

“Do you?” I asked, surprised.

“Very much. I like a challenge.” He bit his bottom lip. “We can discuss this more on Friday. I’ll pamper you until you see things my way. You might just change your mind with your belly full of obscenely overpriced champagne.”

“I wouldn’t bet on that.”

He laughed again and squeezed my shoulder. “I literally can’t wait for Friday. Plan on staying up late, Kip. We should watch the sunrise together.” Before I could respond, he turned and walked away.

I watched him go, feeling intrigued but also annoyed. Allister was pampered. Entitled. But he was also attractive and apparently not afraid of dating me, even though we obviously saw the world differently. Perhaps Allister wasn’t as shallow as I’d thought. Perhaps Valentine’s Day would be fun this year.

With a sigh, I turned and headed into the restaurant, dreading the evening ahead.

Chapter Three

“Oh, come on,” Thomas laughed as I sat next to him. “Don’t look so downhearted.”

I scowled, watching Merrick and Peter getting drinks at the bar. “You purposely neglected to mention they would be here too.”

“Well, of course. Would you have come if I’d been honest?”

Giving him a dirty look, I hissed, “You can’t manipulate people like this. I don’t want to hang out with those two.”