I looked around the cookie aisle, dismissing most of it. Mia and I both had a huge sweet tooth, but once we’d tasted Holly’s baking, nothing compared. Chips Ahoy now tasted like cardboard. We did still like the maple cookies, so I added a package. I grabbed the handle of the cart, waiting as the woman beside me perused the shelves. There was something familiar about her, and I studied her, my pulse picking up as I recognized Amy McNeil. She was a friend of Holly’s and had been at the last two barbecues they’d invited us to. She taught kindergarten at the school Mia would be attending, and we had chatted about the school and her classes. I found her intelligent and kind, with her gentle, raspy voice and warm personality. She was average height with golden blond hair that hung down her back and light blue eyes. She had a bohemian look with her layered skirt, scarf, and frilly blouse. Feminine and alluring. Pretty. She had a row of gold freckles across the bridge of her nose if I remembered correctly. It gave her a mischievous look.
I cleared my throat, and she turned her head, her lovely eyes widening when she saw me.
“Simon Fletcher,” she said, smiling.
My name coming from her mouth with the low rasp in her voice did something to my chest.
“Amy McNeil,” I replied. “Shopping for cookies? I took you for a home baker.”
She rolled her eyes. “Have you seen kindergartners inhale cookies? I always do cookies on the first day, but I get simple ones.” She tapped her lip. “I was looking at these low-sugar ones.”
I grimaced. “Why bother?”
She chuckled, spying the maple creams in my basket. “Oh, those! Yes!” She clapped her hands. “Nut-free and kids love them. I can get myself some at the same time.” Then she grimaced. “I’m blocking you in, aren’t I?”
“Not a problem. Block in me anytime,” I quipped, trying not to grin when color peaked on her cheeks.
She sidled past me, reaching for the maple cookies. She took four packages, then frowned and added two more. Meeting my amused glance, she shrugged. “They’re on sale. Might as well stock up.”
“Good point.” I reached past her and grabbed two more packages. “They go great with Grape Nut ice cream.”
“Oh my God. I love that. It’s my favorite. So many people turn up their nose at it.”
“It’s Mia’s favorite too.”
She laid her hand on my arm. I glanced down at it, her fingers long and delicate. She had on three silver rings—all Celtic symbols—the thick metal glinting in the light. “How is Mia?”
“Great. Really great. She’s shopping with Holly and the girls for school.”
“Leaving you on your own to grocery shop?”
“It’s best that way. I’m bad enough. Add Mia to the mix, I’m lucky to make it out with one cart. I can’t seem to say no to her.”
She smiled. “I like that.”
“We’re not good planners. It’s whatever we decide we want and I’ve bought.”
“You should do some freeze-ahead meals. I do them.”
“What are those?”
“Oh, ah—”
I held up my hand. “Before you educate me, Amy, can I ask you something?”
“Sure?”
“Have you had lunch?”
“No.”
“Can I interest you? In having lunch with me?”
She blinked. “Like, now?”
“Well, after we pay. Shoplifting is still a crime, I think.”
She laughed, studied me for a moment, then nodded. “I would love to have lunch with you, Simon.”
“Awesome. Let’s finish up, and I’ll follow you to wherever you want to go. I’m still learning the good places.”
“I love The Cove. Lots of fresh seafood if you like that.”
“Perfect.” That was something I loved about this part of the country—the fresh fish and seafood you could get. I enjoyed it tremendously, and Mia was slowly learning her favorites.
Amy leaned closer, her scent swirling around me. Light, floral, with a citrus twist, it was pretty and unexpected. Just like her.
“Avoid JM’s Tavern. It’s, ah, not so nice. At all.”
“Got it. Good thing I ran into you, then. I might have gone there.”
She shuddered. “It would be the only time. Trust me.”
I laughed. “Okay. How much more do you have to do?”
“I’m almost done. In fact, if you don’t mind, I’ll stop by my place and drop off the cold stuff.” She paused. “You can borrow a shelf in the fridge if you want. Pick it up once we eat.”
“Again, perfect.”
“Okay, then. Let’s go.”
I followed her to her apartment complex and grabbed the bag I needed to put in her refrigerator. I stopped at her car, taking a couple of her bags. “Leave your car here and come with me. I’ll bring you back and grab my groceries.”
When she hesitated, I grinned. “Or take your car if you want an escape. I might chew with my mouth open or bore you to tears.”
She laughed, shutting the lid of her trunk. “I highly doubt either. You chewed very nicely at the barbecue. You even managed not to get rib sauce all over your face, unlike me.”
“And the boring part?” I asked, keeping my tone teasing even as echoes of Kelsey’s mocking voice filled my head. “Such a bore, Simon. You are always such a bore.”
Amy shook her head, smiling at me over her shoulder as she stopped by the door. “You could never bore me, Simon. I find you fascinating.”
I smiled as I followed her up the steps.
In her apartment, I looked around, curious. It was her. Light, airy, with a fun, beachy feel. Blues, greens, and creams. Simple furniture. Driftwood. Seashells. Pictures of the ocean and some of our small town and the surrounding areas. I walked around, peering at them. When she came into the room, I tapped the one I was studying. “Great photos.”
“Thanks. I took them.”
“Wow—they’re terrific.”
She blushed prettily, making me want to touch her cheek to see if it was warm, but I refrained.
“I love your place,” I commented.
She smiled, running a hand over her hair. “It’s comfortable. I’m saving for a house, but it will be a while. I want one by the water.”
“You like the beach,” I said, indicating the shells and driftwood.
“I love the beach and the water. I sit and sketch or walk for miles. I love collecting stones or shells and making things with them.”
“Mia would love that. She’s starting to get into doing things with her hands. She draws really well.”
“Maybe we can do it together one day,” she offered, looking nervous.
I grinned. “Maybe.” Without thinking, I held out my hand. “Lunch?”
She slipped her palm against mine with a smile. I wrapped my fingers around hers, liking how they felt in mine.
“Sounds good,” she replied.
The restaurant was fairly deserted. It was large, light, and open, overlooking the water. We got a table by the window, and Amy chatted to the server, obviously a regular. We ordered drinks, and I looked over the menu.