But we end up in either my bed, or hers, every single night.
No, I’m not complaining, but I’d rather she just moved in with me. I don’t even need the income from the guesthouse, so if she wants to use it as a studio, I’m fine with that. I’ve almost suggested it a dozen times this week.
But it still feels too soon, and the last thing I want to do is scare her off.
I wave at Montana, who’s just setting out her menu board on the sidewalk for the day before I walk into The Grind.
The smell of coffee immediately consumes my senses, and I sigh in delight. Daisy, the owner herself, is manning the order station with a smile.
“Good morning, Tanner,” she says. “What can I get you? Your usual?”
“Yes, please. And let’s add a scone today. I’m surprised you still have some left.”
“You got it. How’s business?”
“Slow today. You?”
“Same, hence the scones. Mostly locals, but it’s just the calm before the storm. Summer’s coming fast.”
“You’re not wrong. When that happens, and the tourists flood in, I won’t have time to come down for a mid-morning coffee. So, I guess I’ll enjoy it while I can.”
“Exactly.” Daisy winks at me, then turns to greet the person behind me.
I love living in a small town, where I know everyone and they know me. It wasn’t always fun when I was a kid, and I thought I could get away with something without my parents being called, which was absolutelynottrue. But now, it’s great.
The businesses look out for each other. There’s no competition here, as there are usually plenty of tourists to go around for everyone.
I grab my coffee and scone and turn to leave, when I see my friend, Indigo, wave me over to his table.
“What are you up to?” I ask as I sit with him and take a bite of my scone.
“Waiting for a client.”
“Anyone I know?”
He shakes his head and sips his latte. “No. A woman from out of town is looking for a vacation home here on the beach.”
“Ah, a part-timer.” I nod knowingly. Huckleberry Bay has its fair share of people who own second homes here, and only come for a short time each year.
“I believe that’s the plan, yes. Anyway, how are you? Still liking your house, or do you need me to find you something else?”
I grin at him. Indigo helped me buy my house several years ago. He’s a great real estate agent.
But he’s also always the salesman.
“I’m good where I am. It couldn’t be a better fit for me.”
“Did I hear that Sarah’s been renting the guesthouse?” He sips his latte innocently.
“You looking for gossip?”
He just raises an eyebrow.
“Yeah, she’s renting from me.”
“Is that all that’s going on there?”
I narrow my eyes on him. “Why do you ask?”