Girls of Summer(73)

But what she’d experienced with him that night after dinner at the Chanticleer had been powerful. She had been sure it was authentic. A bond existed between them.

She reached the Ocean Matters office. The lights were on but she couldn’t see who was inside because of the posters, so when she pulled the door open, she was momentarily shocked to see Ryder and Beth side by side at the computer.

   “Juliet!” Beth was flushed—with excitement or with hormones? “Did you hear about the shark?”

“Several times,” Juliet said dryly. She stayed near the door, unsure what to do and hating herself for this. Her primitive alarm system was buzzing inside her at the sight of Beth and Ryder so close together. It took all her willpower not to turn and walk away. Run away.

Beth said, “Ryder just got back from Madaket. He’s taken a great video. We’re cleaning it up so we can put it on our social media.”

Juliet looked at Ryder. “I didn’t know you were back on-island.”

“I just got in, and had to rush out to see the shark,” Ryder told her. He pushed his chair back and stood up. “Beth was showing me the work you two have done. It’s great. We’re getting lots of attention.”

“It’s all because of Juliet,” Beth said. “She’s the expert. I’m learning a lot from her.”

Surprised and grateful for Beth’s praise, Juliet said, “Beth, you’re a natural at this.”

“You’re both amazing,” Ryder said, walking toward the door. “Juliet, could we take a break? I’d like to talk to you.”

Juliet shrugged, as if this was of no importance to her. “Sure.”

They left the office. Ryder took her arm and guided her to a small path between the office building and a shingled real estate office.

“Where—”

“Here,” Ryder said brusquely. He pulled her against him and kissed her so long and hard her legs went weak.

When he finally released her enough for them both to catch their breaths, he said, “I missed you.”

She couldn’t help smiling. “I missed you, too.”

“Want to get coffee?”

“No, thanks, Ryder.”

   “Want to see my etchings?”

Juliet laughed. “Okay, you could buy me coffee.”

They walked up the street to a small café, ordered their drinks, and sat at a table in the corner.

“How was Miami?” Juliet asked.

“Lonely,” Ryder said. “You weren’t there.”

“But seriously.”

“Seriously?” He took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Miami has over eighty thousand people living below sea level. Now their ‘King Tides,’ unusually high tides because of the alignment of the sun and the moon, are rising even higher. Billions of dollars of real estate are going to be lost to rising seas.” He paused. “Am I boring you?”

“Not at all. This is fascinating.”

“I have to go to China next. You should go with me.”

Juliet was stunned. Was he kidding? “Well, that would be cool, I guess.”

“I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m suggesting that you work for me. I want to be with you, Juliet.”

“You know I have a great job at Kazaam.”

“Doing posts about cute dogs.” His tone was completely neutral.

“Ryder, do you always make important decisions this fast? I mean, I consider myself an efficient decision maker, but you, well, you’re way faster than I am. I really have to give some thought to this. I mean, I’m building up a pension at Kazaam and I’ve got health benefits, and a significant salary. I like my apartment, and I like coming back to the island whenever I want. To be honest, I need to be certain that I can trust you before I change my life so drastically. I want you,” she whispered, looking him in the eye, “but I’m not sure I want to do anything long-term with you.”

“Okay, then, let’s just make love,” Ryder said, smiling.

“What? Ryder, you’re making my head spin.”

   “Sorry. I was only teasing. Kind of. Look, I’ve made you uncomfortable. Let’s go back to the office and work on the fundraiser.”

“Good idea,” Juliet said.

They bought a mocha latte to take to Beth and went back to the office. For a while the three went over the figures, catalogued the members, brainstormed about the fundraiser. Ryder left for a meeting. Juliet and Beth sat back in their chairs, relaxing.

“He charges like a freight train coming through,” Juliet said.

“I think he likes you,” Beth told her, smiling shyly.

“Oh, really?” Juliet was amused—and pleased.

“Really. He keeps looking at you, and his eyes get all soft when you speak.”

“Well, I have to admit, I kind of like him.” Juliet started to say more, but Beth interrupted.

“I haven’t had a chance to tell you or Theo, but I’ve moved into Ryder’s garage.”

“What?” Juliet’s hands flew to her stomach. She was afraid she was going to throw up.

“He has an apartment over his garage. Next to his house. On Hulbert Avenue. Amazing views.”

“Forget the views, Beth. Why did you move in with him?”