Always, With You by Fiona Grace

Author:Fiona Grace [Grace, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fiona Grace
Published: 2023-03-24T00:00:00+00:00

***

Two hours later, Miles had his boat slip, and Ariel had her handyman. The old property maps of the land surrounding Leeside had been rolled out over the living room coffee table, and she and Miles had pored over them, confirming on several years’ worth of surveys that, indeed, there was ocean access that Ariel now owned down at the small beach that bordered Leeside’s six acres.

“This is amazing,” Miles said. “I mean, more than I could have hoped for. If you’ll set up the lease for me, I’ll sign it. I don’t care what you ask in rent.”

Ariel looked over at him. “You mean in addition to your helping around here? I couldn’t ask for rent. Just knowing that I’m sticking it to that meddling mayor is plenty extra for me.”

Miles’s face scrunched. “I insist. It’s not in my nature to take advantage of a situation.”

Ariel felt her face flame a bit at the way her brain interpreted that. Miles did have some pretty nice lips. And she’d bet that he was a good kisser.

“Ariel?”

She snapped back to reality and waved away his protest. “Handyman services for the first year. We’ll negotiate after that, sound good?”

Since he could likely tell that she wouldn’t budge, he nodded reluctantly. Then he looked up, and she watched his eyes trace the crown molding. “This place is really great,” he said. “I’m glad you’re fixing it up. Your dad’s old place?”

“Yes. You have family here?”

Miles shook his head. "No, I only came to town a few years ago. I had to get away from my old life," he said, his voice trailing off.

Well, that sounds like he's running from something mysterious, Ariel thought.

Miles rubbed his hands on the kegs of his jeans and stood. “Well, thank you again. I think this will be the start of a beautiful friendship.”

Ariel grinned. “Casablanca? Really? Overused.”

He shrugged. “It seems fitting. We’re by the sea.”

Just as Ariel scrambled for a witty comeback, she heard the front door open and then slam shut. Katie appeared, flung her backpack to the ground in the foyer, and stomped up the stairs to her bedroom. Ariel's heart sank as she realized that her daughter had walked all the way home from school instead of waiting to be picked up.

Miles looked at her, eyes wide.

“I need to go …” Ariel said, giving him an apologetic look. “My daughter.”

“I understand. Listen, here’s my card.” He pulled a small, white business card out of his wallet and handed it to her. On it was his name, number, and a small icon of a majestic sailboat. “I’m only working part-time at the marina, so when you need help here, give me a call.”

Ariel walked Miles to the front door, where he gave her a warm, lingering smile before slipping out the door.

Ariel turned and looked back through the foyer and up the stairs, apprehension and worry filling her.

What could have happened at school?

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