Chapter 16

sixteen

S helby waited until her grandmother's car left the driveway before beelining it to the cottage, packing her belongings, and moving them to her new room in the pool house. She loved her new home. She felt safe and secure, a bit like Eloise tucked away in the small back corner room of the hotel.

After the last guests left on Tuesday morning, the house grew quiet, and Shelby's days fell into a routine. After running for miles on the beach in the early mornings, she took hundreds of photographs with her grandfather's camera and set up the new reservation system the web designer had approved.

Thoughts of Matt were never far from Shelby's mind. They sent flirty texts back and forth. On Wednesday afternoon, he gave her the choice of two restaurants for their date on Thursday night—The Nest, the town's iconic tavern, or the more upscale Clam and Claw. Shelby didn't hesitate in picking The Nest. She'd been there many times with her family, and she thought the tavern's relaxed vibe would help break the ice on their first date. When the reservations were sold out online, she texted Savannah, who managed The Nest, asking for help in securing a table.

After eating a salad for dinner, Shelby retreated to her room, where she tried on every outfit she'd brought from Texas. She finally decided on a dressy black shorts set with a cropped top that showed off a sliver of her tanned tummy.

She was beyond herself with excitement as she showered and dressed on Thursday evening. She was eager to see Matt and could hardly wait to venture into town after being confined to her grandmother's property for a week. Had it only been a week? It felt like a year.

Matt picked her up at seven o'clock sharp, and they said little on the way to town. She sensed he was as nervous as she. His fresh scent filled the inside of his truck—an exhilarating combination of sunshine, wind, and rain.

"They've renovated since I was here last summer," Shelby remarked to Matt while waiting for the hostess to seat them. The wooden floors had been refinished in a lighter stain, and the booths recovered in cheerful orange leather.

"They had no choice," Matt said. "They rented the tavern to a private party. The guests got out of hand and demolished the place."

Striking photographs of sea turtles in various nesting stages hung from exposed brick walls. "I miss the other turtles though. I used to love them as a kid," Shelby said, thinking about the mounted turtles that had hung on the walls since she was a child.

"Didn't we all? They didn't survive the party." He shook his head in dismay. "I don't understand the senseless vandalism."

When the hostess showed them to a booth, Shelby asked about the stage set with musical instruments. "We're having live entertainment tonight," the hostess explained, handing them menus.

"Cool!" Matt said. "The Nest has really upped its game since Savannah took over as manager."

Shelby spotted Savannah conversing with a couple at a nearby table. "Savannah is my aunt."

"I knew that! I've done some work for Pritchard and Savannah in the past."

Shelby wondered what kind of work. Legal? Was Matt an attorney? But since the past was off-limits, she didn't ask.

Savannah made her way to the table. "Welcome. I'm glad to see you out on the town, Shelby."

"Me too. I needed a break from Magnolia Shores." Shelby's hand shot out. "Don't get me wrong. I'm enjoying the job. And Pritchard's been great."

Savannah smiled. "He's extremely impressed with what you've accomplished so far."

Matt gestured at the stage. "Who is the live entertainment tonight?"

"Retro Rewind, a cover band that has been popular with our customers. I think you'll like them. They'll be starting their first set around eight." Savannah flagged down a waitress. "Sheila will be serving you tonight. Sheila, this is my niece, Shelby, and her friend, Matt. Take good care of them."

Sheila nodded, her auburn ponytail bouncing. "You know I will. Good evening, folks."

Savannah squeezed Shelby's shoulder. "Let me know if you need anything."

Sheila flipped to a clean page on her order pad. "Can I start you out with some drinks?"

"I'll have a glass of rosé," Shelby said. After a week of living in her grandmother's prison, she was in the mood to party, and she was disappointed when Matt ordered sweet tea.

"I don't drink," Matt said. "But don't let that stop you."

Where was the fun in drinking alone? Shelby thought and changed her order to a Diet Coke.

Shelby was curious why he didn't drink. Did he not like the taste? Was he a recovering alcoholic? Was drinking against his religion? If they didn't discuss the past soon, they would run out of things to talk about. But neither was at a loss for topics to discuss. Matt spoke about the offshore fishing trip he had planned for Saturday, and Shelby speculated about the large party booked at the bed and breakfast for the weekend.

"When Izzy took the reservation, she didn't think to ask them what occasion they were celebrating," Shelby said.

Matt considered this. "Hmm. It could be a family reunion. Or a bachelor party. Prepare yourself to have a bunch of drunk guys hitting on you all weekend."

With a mischievous glint, Shelby said, "I'll need something to occupy my time since you'll be fishing."

Matt's face darkened. "Maybe I'll cancel my trip."

Shelby placed her hand on his. "I'm just joking, Matt. Why would a group of guys book a quiet bed and breakfast for a bachelor party? They usually go to hot spots like Las Vegas and Miami Beach."

Relief washed over his face. "You're probably right."

Sheila appeared with their beverages. Instead of ordering entrees, they decided to share several appetizers. They had just finished eating when the band began tuning their instruments. After the lead singer welcomed the crowd, the band launched into Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl."

"Let's dance." Matt slid out of the booth and pulled Shelby to her feet.

Shelby couldn't remember the last time she'd danced sober—if ever. But Matt was an excellent dancer, expertly twirling her around and making her giddy with laughter. They danced to two more classic rock songs before the band slowed its tempo.

Matt hooked an arm around Shelby's waist and pulled her close. "I've been waiting for this moment all week."

"What moment is that?" Shelby teased as she gazed up at him.

He tightened his grip on her. "Holding you in my arms."

"And? What do you think?"

He leaned in, his voice near her ear. "We're a perfect fit."

They danced until they were both covered in sweat. Shelby couldn't take her eyes off him. His damp shirt clinging to his tight body made her eager to do more than dance. When they finally returned to their table, Matt summoned the waitress for their check and two glasses of water, which they gulped down.

Shelby tied her hair back with an elastic band. "I'm dying, I'm so hot," she said, fanning herself.

"I agree. This place is an inferno." He signed the check and tossed the pen on the table. "Are you ready to go?"

"Sure!" While Shelby didn't want the night to end, she longed to be alone with Matt, to feel his arms around her, for him to kiss her.

But during the ride back to Sandy Island, she panicked about what to do with him when she got him home. Taking him to her room would be an invitation to have sex, which she wasn't ready for. Despite what her grandmother thought, she wasn't that kind of girl. She could feign a headache or make an excuse about needing to check on something for work. However, Shelby was saved from doing either when Matt saw the pool lit up.

"It's like a blue spaceship. Let's go check it out," he said, taking her by the hand and leading her across the courtyard.

They strolled around the pool, slipping off their shoes and dipping their toes in the water. When they reached the hammock, Matt fell into it, pulling her along with him. She burst into a fit of giggles, and he silenced her by pressing his lips to hers. He tasted sweet, like honey, and the way his mouth explored hers ignited sparks of electricity throughout her body. Luke had never kissed her with such passion. Why was she even thinking about Luke at a moment like this?

When the kiss ended, Matt fell back in the hammock, his eyes squeezed shut. "Wow! I see stars!" he said, opening his eyes. "Oh, wait. I actually do see stars."

She smacked his chest. "Stop! Although I admit the kiss was pretty amazing." She snuggled her body against his. "There's something I should tell you."

"Uh-oh. I don't like the sound of that. Please don't tell me you're really a man."

Shelby sat bolt upright. "What? No! Are you crazy?"

"Just checking." He pulled her back down beside him. "You never know these days. I have nightmares about misunderstandings in romantic situations where things aren't what they seem."

She jabbed her elbow into his ribs. "I'm being serious, Matt."

He turned on his side so he could see her. "Okay. I'm being serious now. What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong." Her face warmed. "This is embarrassing . . . Luke is the only guy I've ever been with. I've never even kissed anyone else before tonight."

He traced his finger around her lips. "Thank you for telling me, Shelby. I promise to be a perfect gentleman. We won't do anything until you're ready."

She cupped his cheek. "You're a good guy, Matt."

"I'm glad you think so," he said, kissing her again.

Her body yearned for more. She could so easily get carried away, but she would hate herself in the morning if she let things go too far. "We'd better stop. I'm sorry, but I'm just not ready."

"No worries. You're calling the shots."

They tumbled out of the hammock in a tangle of arms and legs, and he walked her to the front door of the pool house. "Sweet dreams," he said, pecking her cheek. "Don't be surprised if I stop by tomorrow afternoon to stake my claim. I want the bachelors to know you belong to me and to keep their hands off."

Shelby laughed. "You're ridiculous. You don't need excuses to stop by. I look forward to seeing you."

Locking the door behind her, Shelby floated up the stairs to her room, watching from her window as Matt's silver pickup disappeared down the driveway in a cloud of dust. Her feelings for him were more than physical. She could easily fall in love with him. After Luke, she vowed never to be hurt by another man again. She would proceed with caution, protecting her heart. She needed to find out more about him and his mysterious past before things went any further.