Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 45996 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45996 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 230(@200wpm)___ 184(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
I consider it. Part of me wants her to myself, wants to see where the tension from last night goes if we’re alone. But she’s right. The cover works better with numbers. And the conversation gives Sadie a chance to uncover more about Victor while keeping everything casual.
"Good call," I say. "Text them. See if they’re free. We can meet at the marina around noon."
She pulls out her phone and starts typing. While she does I watch her, the way her fingers move, the small furrow between her brows when she concentrates. Last night at the club the other couples looked at us with envy. The banter, the touches, the way we fit. It wasn’t all pretend for me. And from the way she kissed my cheek, I’m starting to think it wasn’t all pretend for her either.
We spend the morning going over what we know. I tell her a little more about the Hawthorne search without dumping the whole family history on her. She listens, asks smart questions about my brothers, about why we think Sunbreak Harbor matters. The conversation feels easy. When her phone buzzes with replies from the women, she smiles.
"They’re in. Brooke said Melissa is always up for a reason to go to the marina. Something about the view."
I raise an eyebrow. "The view or the bartenders?"
Sadie laughs, the sound light and real. "Probably both. But it gives us cover."
By the time we pull into the marina parking lot the sun is high and hot on the back of my neck. The Jeep's top is down and the wind’s been whipping through the cabin the whole drive. Sadie sits with her hair tied back, one hand resting on the console between us, quietly closing a gap I didn’t realize was there. I park near the docks and we walk toward the restaurant. It’s all glass and dark wood, modern lines that stand out against the older buildings around it. Yachts bob in their slips beyond the outdoor seating area. People in bright summer clothes move along the boardwalk. The sound of water lapping against hulls mixes with distant laughter and the soft thump of music from somewhere down the row.
Brooke and Melissa are already at a high-top table on the patio when we arrive. Melissa waves us over with a bright smile. She’s dressed in something short and tight, sunglasses pushed up into her hair. Brooke looks more relaxed in a sundress, but her eyes are sharp as she watches us approach.
I keep my arm around Sadie's waist because the cover demands it and because I want the excuse. The feel of her warm through the thin fabric of her top sends the usual spark through me. I keep my hand there as we reach the table.
"Ladies," I say with the easy charm that usually disarms people. "Thanks for making time. This place looks like it’s trying too hard to be cool."
Melissa laughs and leans forward, already scanning the bar inside. "It’s the new hot spot. Victor spent a fortune on it. The bartenders are easy on the eyes too."
We order a round of drinks and some appetizers. The conversation starts light. Regattas coming up, the latest gossip from the club. I keep one eye on Sadie, the way she steers the talk toward Victor without forcing it.
"So this Victor," she says to Brooke after a while. "Everyone keeps mentioning him as if he runs the town from behind the scenes. What’s his deal exactly?"
Brooke opens her mouth but Melissa is already sliding off her stool. "I’m going to get us another round. The bartender today is the cute one."
She saunters inside, hips swaying, and plants herself at the bar. Within seconds she’s leaning over the counter, laughing too loud, touching the young guy's arm every time he says something. The flirting is obvious and loud. I exchange a glance with Sadie. She raises an eyebrow in that easy way that says she sees it too.
Brooke watches her friend for a moment then turns back to us. Her voice drops a little. "Melissa has... an open arrangement with her marriage. Tom knows. Or at least he pretends not to know. She sleeps around. It’s not exactly a secret around here."
Sadie keeps her expression neutral but I can feel the shift in her posture under my hand. She’s processing, filing it away. "And Victor?" she asks carefully. "Is he part of that arrangement?"
Brooke hesitates, then nods once. "There are rumors. She’s been seen with him a few times. Late nights at the club, that kind of thing. But Victor is older. Sixties, maybe. Salt and pepper, still handsome in that distinguished way. He craves the attention. And Melissa likes the power that comes with it."
Sadie leans in, voice casual but I know she’s pressing. "What else do you know about him? Does he have family? Any kids? Business partners who come through town?"