Still Life with Lobster: A Love Story (St. James Sisters Collection Book 3) by Tana Jenkins

Author:Tana Jenkins [Jenkins, Tana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oxford House Publications
Published: 2023-05-18T16:00:00+00:00

Fourteen

Zoey swallowed the last of her homegrown iced lemongrass tea before fitting the travel mug back between the old leather seat and hump in the middle of her car—the cup holder before cup holders were a thing. She’d been downing her calming tea by the gallon since she learned of Powell’s departure. The news set her brain on a steady spin cycle, turning over alternatives to a job at Maravilla if she wasn’t selected. Churning thoughts made her edgy, and the last thing she wanted was to make a mistake that would give the new boss a legitimate reason not to hire her.

Plus, after their quick talk last night, Zoey hadn’t been sure which Chase she would find when she arrived at the museum today. In the little time she’d known him, she’d met a few different versions. The calming tea prepared her for anything.

As she got out of her car and met his gaze, a twinkle in his cornflower-blue eyes tugged at her heartstrings. “Hey,” she said.

“Hey,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You made it.”

“Of course.”

The question of whether he doubted her was on the tip of her tongue, but his inability to trust was a sore spot between them she didn’t feel like pressing. Plus, the teasing nature of his tone let her know Garden Chase had shown up today. She liked Garden Chase. Her new friend. A designation she felt better able to deal with after a weekend spent rejuvenating herself with her sisters.

Once she closed the car door behind her, he leaned down, shading his eyes as he peered through the driver’s side window. The scent of his cologne made the short hairs on the back of her neck give a warm salute. Just friends, she reminded herself.

“Wow, how am I only now seeing your car?”

She shrugged. “Timing is everything.” Yep, she did say that. And no, she didn’t regret it.

He arched a brow, and his lips parted, then twitched, like he was pulling back a sly retort. He returned his attention to the car. “Is this a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle?” A boyish grin spread across his face as he rubbed the front fender with reverence.

“Why, yes. Corny was born in 1974. Good eye.”

“You named your bug ‘Corny’?” His voice was mild, but she detected a bit of humorous censure.

“It was a toss-up between that and Sunflower.” She shrugged. “Sunflower seemed too long. And I was sixteen at the time.”

Chase chuckled. “Wow, you’ve had the same car all this time?”

“You make it sound like I’m ancient.”

“No. You’re definitely young and nubile. The car, on the other hand…”

Nubile? Shoot. She hadn't been prepared for flirty Chase, but if he wanted to play... Game on. “Yeah, she’s got some years on her. What can I say? I find a good thing and stick with it.”

Chase fixed her with an appraising look. “That’s an admirable quality.”

She shrugged. Sometimes. Sometimes it landed her in mentorship relationships with confounding men. “Thanks, I guess.”

He peered back into the car. “Is that an 8-track in there?”

“You bet your bell bottoms it is.

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