A High-End Finish(4)

“I feel good about it.”

“Let’s go.”

Laughing, we stepped onto the sand and headed down to the shoreline. When we reached the edge of the wet sand, we stopped to gaze out at the water.

“I love this time of evening,” I said, staring west toward the Sandpiper Islands, seven miles off the coast. “The islands are still silhouetted by the last rays of the sunset. It’s nice, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Jerry shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’ve been told that a clipper ship sank out there somewhere a few hundred years ago.”

“That’s right,” I said. “Plenty of divers have gone down to investigate.”

He nodded. “I’ve sold houses to some of those would-be treasure hunters so I’m all for keeping the legend alive.”

“It’s more than a legend,” I said. “It’s all true. Every few years, a gold doubloon will wash up on shore and everyone goes crazy. There’s a shop on Main Street with one of them in the window. They’ll happily sell it to you for a few hundred thousand dollars.”

“I’ll pass,” he said, chuckling.

We watched the last streams of coral-and-pink clouds fade in the evening sky before heading back toward the boardwalk and the pier.

“I still can’t believe you’ve spent your entire life here,” Jerry said. “Didn’t you ever get the urge to move?”

“I went away to college,” I said, “and a few years later, I moved to San Francisco. I was only there for about a year, and then my dad had a heart attack so I returned to take over the family business. I’m glad I had the chance to live in the city, but I’m happier back here.”

“I can’t believe you’re happier here. I love San Francisco.”

“This is home,” I said. “I missed the beach and the trees and my friends. My work. The town square has everything. I love it all.”

Halfway back to the boardwalk, Jerry stopped and turned to check the darkening horizon. “I confess I’m still not used to living in such a small town.”

“I’ve frankly never thought of Lighthouse Cove as small,” I said, following his gaze. “Pentland’s a little bigger, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but believe me, it’s small.”

“I guess if I’d lived in a big city most of my life and then moved here, it would take some getting used to. But I know this place and I enjoy it. Even when the gossip is all about me.”

He leaned closer and I could feel his breath on my cheek. “Why, Shannon, have you been stirring up gossip?”

“Nothing too outrageous.” I laughed lightly and took a small step backward.

“Outrageous, huh? Tell me all about it.” He moved in again and I inched back. “I want to hear all about Shannon’s outrageousness.”

“It’s time to head back to the boardwalk,” I said, ignoring his request. “It’s getting pretty dark out here.”

“I like the dark.” He raised his eyebrows. “You’re not scared, are you?”

“No,” I said, trying for a laugh, though I had to admit that Jerry was getting a little too close too fast. “I just think it’s time to call it a night.”

“But we’re just getting started.” He drew me close and kissed me. It should’ve been a romantic move, but it didn’t do anything for me. I wasn’t getting any kind of an affectionate Hey, I like you feeling from him, so the whole move felt kind of cheesy. Besides, the walk in the sand had reminded every one of my muscles that I’d worked a long day.

“Sorry, but it’s getting late,” I said lightly, pulling away. “I’ve had a great time, but this walk made me realize how tired I am, so I’m going to say good night. Thanks again for a nice evening.” I started toward the boardwalk, but the sand made it slow going.

“Wait. No way.” He grabbed my arm and turned me around to face him. My purse went flying. “What are you trying to pull?”

I leaned away from him. “I’m not pulling anything.” I got a look at his face and saw the furrowed brow, the bared teeth. Someone had flipped a switch and Jerry had gone from good guy to big jerk. “We had a fun evening. It was nice to meet you, and now I’m going home.”

“That’s not how it works.” His expression darkened and he grabbed my arms.

I felt the first inkling of fear and tugged my arms away. “Good night, Jerry.”

“I don’t think so,” he said.

I tried to run, but the sand was like a trap and I was no match for his longer, stronger legs. He caught me and hauled me against him, my back to his front.

Disgusted, I pointed up at the pier where people were still dining and strolling and staring out at the ocean. “Look, there are a bunch of people who can see what you’re doing, so just leave me alone. I’ll walk away and we can forget this ever happened.”

“I say we give ’em something to talk about.” He whirled me around and jerked me into his arms. There was nothing tender about the move and it was alarming to see how quickly he pinned me against him. I was strong from years of construction work, but I was no match for his innate male strength.

“This is ridiculous,” I said. “Let me go.” I pushed on his chest, struggling for some space. But his arms wouldn’t give an inch and I couldn’t maneuver myself away from him.