“That would be amazing,” Evie said, grateful. “Although I’m not sure when we’ll be open to the public. With the amount of time it’s taking me to choose light fixtures, it’ll be next year, at least!”
Poppy laughed. “Don’t be so sure. I have a good feeling about that house. It’s managed to weather every storm before now. It’s perfect for making new memories.”
Evie smiled back. “I’ll toast to that.”
They clinked their teacups together as Poppy looked longingly at the pastry counter again. “Now, how about we try the cake?”
After consuming her body weight in baked goods—and then some—Evie headed out in search of bathroom faucets. The building supply warehouse Cooper had told her about was an hour outside of town, and it was a perfect day for a drive. Evie turned the radio up and rolled the windows down, soaking in the rich green of the forests lining the highway, and the view of the ocean glittering blue, just beyond the trees.
She’d only visited the Cape once before, tagging along with her father on a work trip when she was barely ten years old, but she still remembered the details vividly: lobster rolls at a roadside stand, lemony mayonnaise dripping down her fingers; the salty tang of the sea breeze; clouds of pale hydrangeas billowing by every door. It was one of her favorite memories, and she loved the idea that she could give her guests moments like that at the inn, so they could take a little piece of summer with them wherever they would go.
Her phone rang just as she pulled into the warehouse parking lot. “Mom,” she said, bracing herself. “I can’t talk right now—”
“But I’ve been trying to reach you all week.”
“And I’ve been busy, with the inn,” Evie reminded her gently.
Her mom gave an audible sigh. “Are you sure you want to be taking on that kind of stress? It’s not too late to come home. I ran into Martin, from your work,” she added. “He was going on and on about how much they miss you, how your replacement can’t hold a candle to you. I’m sure he’d love to have you back—maybe even give you a promotion.”
“And did you tell him I’ve moved to Cape Cod and I’m not coming back any time soon?” Evie countered.
“Well, I know you said that, but you can always change your mind.”
Evie winced. To say her mom wasn’t a fan of the Beachcomber Inn project was an understatement. She’d freaked out when Evie first told her about buying it, and she’d been sending “helpful” articles ever since about how many small inns and hotels failed miserably, leaving their poor owners penniless and full of regret. Evie knew her mom was just worried about her taking on too much after Glen’s death, but she was starting to become a broken record. “Look, Mom, I’m kind of in the middle of something,” she interrupted before her mom could really get the guilt-trip going. “Let’s talk later. OK? Great!”
Evie hung up before her mom could protest, then shoved the phone deep into her bag. She had enough of her own doubts about this adventure still whispering in her mind, she definitely didn’t need an extra helping of anyone else’s..
Besides, she had more important things to do—like pick out seven brass bathroom sets that wouldn’t break the bank.
Evie headed inside and found a massive warehouse the size of a football field, the aisles stacked with boxes and baubles as high as the ceiling. Thank God Cooper had already called ahead for her.
“Faucets are aisle five,” the guy behind the counter said. “Just pick out the styles you like and I’ll see if we can order it in your finish.”
“Thanks!”
Evie followed his directions down the cavernous aisles, but she found herself getting distracted at every turn. Swooping pendant lights … elegant, mirrored medicine cabinets … even those dreaded sconces: they had it all. She had to go retrieve a cart to carry everything—she just couldn’t stop. And sure, maybe she didn’t need a five-foot garden fountain in the shape of a Greek god, but it could be a conversation piece. Right?
Evie was saved from another reckless garden splurg when she spotted the bathroom fixtures she wanted. She hurried over to the display. The matte brass finish was perfect for a classic, chic look, and as for the price?
She pumped her fist into the air. “Score!”
The boxes were stacked on a high shelf, out of reach, and there was nobody around to help, but she found a ladder halfway down the aisle and managed to drag it over. She climbed up and reached for the carton, trying not to bring the whole row tumbling down.
Just a little farther… almost there …
“What is it about you and ladders?”
The familiar voice made Evie yelp. She twisted her head around to find Noah standing beneath her with an amused expression on his face.
“You!” she managed to blurt, flustered. The ladder swayed, and he grabbed her legs to steady her—which had exactly the opposite effect.
What was it about this man who threw her so off-balance? Literally!
“What are you doing here?” Evie demanded.
“Coming to your rescue. Again.” Noah grinned. “You know, you should get yourself one of those panic buttons, like the ones they give seniors. That way, you’d have 911 on speed dial.”
“Ha ha, very funny,” Evie said, deadpan. At least today she was wearing pants without any rips in them, but that was a small mercy considering his eyeline was directly level with her ass—again. “But for your information, I don’t need your help,” she lied, still hanging on for dear life.
“Could have fooled me,” Noah said, still smirking. “How about you come down before you do yourself some serious damage?”
Evie paused, torn between pride and a fear of bringing the entire shelf toppling down on both their heads.
Fear won.
She scrambled down and tried to pull herself together as Noah climbed up and easily retrieved the carton. This time, at least, he was out of his firefighter’s uniform—although the soft cotton of his sky-blue T-shirt wasn’t a whole lot better when it came to making her pulse kick. And as for the fit of those jeans …
Noah glanced down and caught her staring. “Are you ogling my ass?” he asked, lips quirked in amusement.
She tore her eyes away. “Fair’s fair,” she replied, somehow managing to sound cool.
He chuckled. “How many more do you need?” he asked.
Evie checked her list. “Six—no, seven!”
He grabbed the rest of the boxes and set them in the cart. “Bathroom faucets, huh?” he said, reading the label. “Glamorous.”
“Yup,” Evie agreed. “After this, I might head over to the cabinet aisle and really go wild with some knobs.”
Noah snorted with laughter, and Evie suddenly realized what she’d said. “You know what I mean!” she exclaimed, blushing. “Anyway, what are you doing here?” she added, narrowing her eyes. Surely Sweetbriar Cove wasn’t small enough to explain all their unexpected run-ins. “Are you stalking me?
“If you’ll recall, last time you called me,” Noah pointed out. “And I’m here for the same reason as you.” He grabbed another faucet from the shelf and waved it in the air.