Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon

Author:Irene Hannon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Contemporary Romance;Love stories;FIC042040;FIC027020
ISBN: 9781493421176
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2020-01-27T00:00:00+00:00

15

Her house had never been roomy, but with Steven’s dominant presence and broad shoulders filling the space with energy, electricity—and a heaping dose of testosterone—it suddenly felt downright cramped.

“Um . . . why don’t we sit in the kitchen?” Holly restrained the urge to fan herself as she motioned toward the back of the house and took a discreet step away from her guest. “You can catch a glimpse of the sea from the table.” And the big window would help the room feel less claustrophobic.

“Works for me.”

He followed her back, pausing on the threshold to survey both the living room behind him and the sunny kitchen.

“The decorating is a work in progress.” She gave the rooms a critical sweep. To her eye, the neutral palette was restful, and the patterned rugs she’d selected for the polished hardwood floors warmed the space. The colorful accent pieces throughout, from a batik wall hanging in the living room purchased at a fair trade shop to the crockery in an assortment of bright colors displayed in glass-fronted cabinets in the kitchen, added spark and personality to the space.

It all worked together to create a pleasing, welcoming ambiance.

At least she thought it did.

“Looks finished to me. I like it. It feels homey—and inviting.”

A warm rush of pleasure filled her at his compliment. “I suppose it’s not bad for a first foray into large-scale decorating—if you can call this tiny bungalow large scale.” She indicated the table for two tucked beside the window, a small vase of wildflowers in the center. “Make yourself comfortable while I put on the coffee. I don’t know if you’re one of those people who can get by without caffeine in the morning, but I’m hooked on the stuff.”

The planes of his face shifted, and his demeanor darkened for a split second—but it happened so fast she couldn’t be certain if his momentary mood change had been real or imagined.

“Why don’t you let me do it? Your wrist has to be hurting.”

Yeah, it was. But Steven had done enough for her already today. She could brew their coffee.

“I can manage. It won’t take long.”

“Where do you keep the mugs and spoons and everything else?”

A man who didn’t like to sit while others worked.

Admirable.

“It’s all over there, including paper napkins.” She waved a hand toward a wall of cabinets and drawers. “There’s cream in the fridge. I have a feeling you drink yours black, but I have to cut the strength a hair.”

He went about his task with quiet efficiency but remained standing after he finished as she prepared the coffee and put a plate of cookies on the table.

Not until she poured their java and took her seat did he claim his chair.

Also admirable.

No one could fault this man’s manners.

“Help yourself.” She touched the edge of the plate. “These are my specialty. Ginger.” She took one herself.

The cookies were the perfect lead-in to the subject she’d claimed she wanted to talk to Steven about—but while his take on Pete’s situation

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.