Out Of The Blue (The Wrong Bed #12)(20)

"It's a good thing, too." Tara paused to moan sinfully as she took her first bite. "Otherwise, how would Alexi and I ever know what's up with you?"

"I tell you what's going on with me."

"The surface stuff maybe, but not the good stuff."

"Such as?"

"Such as why you're watching Zach surf while pretending not to."

"Oh. That."

"Would it have anything to do with the curious call I just took from Michael?"

Dammit. "That depends."

"On what? On how badly you freaked him out?"

"That bad, huh?"

"I just barely convinced him not to drop everything so he could come out here and kick 'some stupid jerk's ass'."

"Oh boy." Hannah let out a disparaging laugh, sank to a chair and looked at Tara helplessly. "You did talk him out of it, right?"

"Yep. Told him I had things under control. Told him Alexi and I would kick any butt that needed kicking. Which means you owe me now. So sing. What's up?"

"Look, I know I've been acting a little strange—"

"A little?"

"But I'm not ready to talk about it."

"You talked to Michael about it."

"Yeah, well. I have a new tactic." She'd figured out it was an individual thing. She had to do this by herself. "And if I'm looking out the window a lot, it's because I'm thinking of what I'm going to change in the garden."

"Right. That explains the dreamy look you had in your eyes. Flowers. Silly me, thinking it was that tall, gorgeous cop out there in the water."

"Tara—"

"Honey, look." She set down her ice cream and went serious. "I know you have this misguided thing that because you don't have any money, you think you have to work harder than Alexi or me, but quite honestly, that's a bunch of bologna. Okay? We're all equals, and we help each other. We love each other. So when I see you today, smiling like an idiot, offering a beautiful man a condom instead of coffee, then gazing out the window lost in a daydream, it thrills me. Don't ruin it for me."

Hannah didn't know what to say to that.

"So … what happened last night between you and Zach that's got you acting like a jumping bean? Or should I just guess?"

"No!" Stalling now, Hannah opened the industrial refrigerator and gazed at her stock, eyeing the two huge strawberry pies she'd planned to give to Alexi for the restaurant. Scooping them up, one in each hand, she turned back to Tara. "I'm sorry. I love you, too. With all my heart. But this is something I have to figure out for myself."

"So no more midnight calls to New York?"

"I think I have it handled."

"I'm sure your brother will be happy to know that the birds-and-bees talks are over."

Hannah worked at keeping her expression even.

Tara sighed. "Fine. I'm leaving it alone."

"Good."

"Really. I'm washing my hands of it."

"Great."

"But—"

Hannah gave her a long look, which Tara ignored. "Just remember, it's more than just music and candles. It's all in the body language." She stood and grinned. "Just in case you're wondering." She laughed when Hannah rolled her eyes. "Hey, don't blame me for prying. Blame Alexi and Michael. I'm not allowed to go back to the lodge until I know what's going on between you and Zach. Michael wants to know if he needs to kill him, and Alexi wants to know if she's cleaning toilets for the summer."

Hannah groaned, and still carrying the pies, she moved through the shop. "We've been out of high school for years, you know."

"I know." Tara smiled. "We really do love you, Hannah."

Well, darned if that didn't effectively defuse any resentment at the unwelcome probing. "Then wait here like a good girl. Answer the phones and feed the guests until I get back."

"Well then, hurry. I'm not done questioning you. I have a feeling whatever it is, it's good. Oh, and don't forget the condom. Michael said to remind you."

"Gee, thanks." Hannah squinted as she entered the bright sunshine, relieved to be out of the spotlight, if only for a moment. She smiled at the Hornsbys, who were kissing madly beneath an oak tree. They were a honeymooning couple who'd been at the inn all week, though they'd rarely surfaced from their room.

They waved at her, and kept on kissing.

She didn't blame them. It was a glorious day. A kissing sort of day. The fog had burned off early, leaving the sun high above, providing a much welcome warmth after their unusually chilly spring.

The lodge looked welcoming. In front of her was the colorful garden she considered a labor of love. Off to her right, the waves hit the shore. Helpless to stop herself from searching out Zach, she was disappointed to find both the beach and the water devoid of any surfers.

Shifting the pies carefully in her hands, she craned her neck, but it was no use. He was gone.

Just as well. Her nerves couldn't take another encounter with him so soon, especially when she had no idea what to say to him.

Sorry I tried to jump your bones last night. It's just that I'm tired of being a virgin, you see, tired of wondering, hoping, dreaming.