Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78085 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Smiling, Kris entered behind Harlee. “The only other couple staying here at the moment decided to skip dinner this evening, and I’d already made this huge lasagna. I was going to save it for lunch, but I’m more than happy to feed two of my favorite people.”
I cleared my throat and both women finally noticed me. Kris’s warm brown eyes took me in as she shook her head and grinned.
“Braxton Bradley. Still as handsome as ever, I see.”
I felt my face heat as I stepped up to her and took the pan of lasagna out of her hands, careful to make sure I kept hold of the dark green potholders. “You always were a big flirt, Kris.”
She laughed. “Pot calling kettle black.”
My eyes darted over to Harlee, who was smiling. I glanced back at our host. “Touché.”
Kris was a few years older than me and had once been married to a guy who was in the Navy. Rick Jensen had come home on leave with Brody one time, gone out to Lighthouse Island after learning about its history, and had claimed he’d met the most beautiful woman on Earth. They’d written each other often after that, and he’d visit Seaside whenever he was on leave. They’d gotten married in the massive backyard of the bed and breakfast that overlooked the bay.
I’d never seen Kris as happy as she was with Rick in her life. But he’d died in Iraq two years ago, leaving her heartbroken. She’d pretty much secluded herself on the island ever since, dedicating her life to the bed and breakfast, and to making sure people knew the heritage of her family and the island. Kris was also a huge part of helping Harlee with all the community activities for Black Heritage Month, both here on the island and back in town.
“Take a seat and I’ll pour you both some of my lavender lemonade.” She turned and looked back at us. “Unless you want something stronger?”
“Wine?” Harlee asked. It was then I noticed she was wearing different clothes. Kris must have given her some sweats and a sweatshirt to wear. I had a habit of keeping a bag in my truck, so I always had a change of clothes ready, if and when I needed it.
“Wine also, Braxton?” Kris asked.
I shook my head. “I’m more of a beer drinker.”
She winked. “Good thing I have some. I’ll be right back. Help yourselves to food; I already ate.”
Harlee and I both put the food down on the table and looked at each other awkwardly.
“Do you want some salad?” she asked, pointing to the large bowl she’d set down. “Kris made her famous homemade ranch dressing.”
“I’d love some. Do you want me to cut you a piece of lasagna?”
She nodded as she reached for a bowl. “Sure, not a big piece, though.”
I cut a piece for myself and held it up. “Smaller than this?”
She looked at my plate. “Maybe a bit less.”
After handing her a plate, I took the bowl of salad she offered, and we both sat down opposite one another. Neither of us saying anything.
“Here you go,” Kris said as she walked back into the dining room. “Beer for you.”
I reached for the beer and nodded my thanks.
“Wine for you. I know you like red.”
Harlee took the wine glass. “Thanks so much, Kris. I’m sorry we barged in like this.”
Kris sat down at the head of the table. “There’s no such thing as barging in. I’m always at the ready for guests. And this time of year, I’m more than happy to have someone to talk to. It’s our slowest month.”
Harlee smiled, then took a bite of her lasagna.
“Did you see the special edition column today?” Kris asked.
I looked at Harlee with surprise. She paused with her fork in the air for the briefest of moments before she replied, “Nope. We’ve been sitting in Braxton’s truck nearly all day, freezing our asses off.”
“I had the heater on most of the time, and only shut off the engine twice. Besides, you had a blanket and was warm enough to fall asleep a few times,” I reminded her. I glanced at Kris and made a face like Harlee was exaggerating.
Kris looked at both of us, clearly confused. “Why were you sitting in the truck all day?”
Harlee sighed and leaned back in her chair. “Brax is on the hunt to find out Ms. Seaside’s real identity. He has a theory she drops her articles off at the lighthouse on Tuesdays.”
Kris’s brows shot up. “Does my brother know?”
I nodded. “Yes, I told him about my theory. He said I was insane, but he gave me permission to check out the lighthouse anyway.”
“And did you find anything?” Kris asked.
Harlee and I glanced at one another. She then looked down at her food as she replied, “No, we got sidetracked.”