Early morning sun reflected off the calm ocean waters shining shades of pink over the vast blue. A line of purple cut the horizon, sparkling brighter the higher the sun rose. Quin sipped her coffee in the upstairs window seat and glanced every few minutes at Paxton’s house. He’d be awake shortly, headed to work. She had to catch him before he headed off for the day.
Finally, the corner of her eye caught the light coming on in Paxton’s kitchen. She caught a glimpse of a muscled arm filling a coffee carafe. If everything went as she hoped, life with him would be interesting.
She set her coffee on the kitchen counter and stopped to check her hair in the bathroom mirror. While her hair had never mattered much to her, she wanted him to notice her as a whole, not messy hair or food in her teeth. She swished some mouthwash just to make sure all was good then headed for Paxton’s front door.
After two knocks, he opened it. Most people probably looked sleepy that early in the morning, but he managed to look fresh. He wore scrubs and an unbuttoned flannel shirt that he must have thrown on when she knocked.
“Morning.” She held up her hand in greeting.
“Morning. You all packed?” He held the door open, then stepped aside so she could come in.
She hadn’t been in his house except for the one evening when she’d needed a break from her parents. “I was…but then I unpacked.”
He glanced at his watch. “I guess you’ve got five hours. I was able to get off with enough time to get you to the airport. Barely.” He crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter. The scent of fresh coffee filled the room.
“What if I told you I don’t need a ride?” She bit her lip and prayed he would understand. She’d been fairly adamant about having to go back.
“You found another ride? I wish you’d told me. I had to rearrange a few schedules to get the time. Our clients really appreciate consistency…”
As she shook her head, he slowed, then stopped speaking completely. “I don’t need a ride. At all. I’m not leaving.”
He finally raised his head and met her gaze head-on. “Not leaving? As in, staying here?”
She nodded. “Not leaving except to get my clothes and sublet my apartment.”
“So, you do still need a ride?”
She hadn’t considered doing all that right away. As soon as she’d decided to stay, all thought of leaving had just melted away. “I canceled my flight. I thought, maybe, you and I could drive up there some weekend and take care of everything. Together.”
He chuckled and his smile lit his whole fact. “I’d like that. I’d like that a lot. Does this mean I don’t have to see you long-distance?”
She crept closer. “I guess that depends. Do you feel like next door is long distance?”
He slipped his hand through her hair and let it comb through the length. “For now, no. Next door is perfect. A few months from now, maybe.”
She stepped closer into his strong arms. “With Karla and her kids living in Rosewood, in a few months, I just might agree with you.”
“I hope you’ll agree with me for other reasons than just wanting to get away from a couple teens.” He laughed.
“Well, sure.” She snorted. “I’ve got Duggy to think about too. He likes to be the fastest thing in the house.”
Paxton caught her lips and surprised her with a kiss that left her light-headed. “Well, we have to consider Duggy’s well-being.”
“Always.”
“I want you to know I’m falling for you, Quin. If that scares you, you should stop me now.”
She shook her head, so thankful Ryla pushed her to come to Driftwood Bay and back home to Rosewood. And most of all that she pushed her to get to know her neighbors. “I’m not scared. I’m excited. I can’t wait to see what the future will hold.”