Page 71 of Summer Refresh

“I think your other guy wore himself out.”

“Why do you say that?”

He nodded toward the couch. Sara released her hold on him to turn around. Oreo was curled up in the middle of the couch sound asleep.

“Aw… Isn’t he the cutest?” Sara crooned.

“Hey, what about me?” Kent feigned a pout.

She turned around and once more looped her arms around his neck. She sent him a teasing grin. “You’re not so bad either.”

And then she pressed a kiss to his lips. His heart filled with love. He’d definitely found a keeper. He had a feeling their future would be full of twists and turns but as long as they had each other, there wasn’t anything they couldn’t face together.

She couldn’t quit smiling.

Later that evening, she was curled up with Kent and Oreo on the couch, watching a rom-com that she’d talked Kent into watching with her. She’d even popped some popcorn for the occasion.

Their shoulders were touching, and their hands were clasped with their fingers laced. She could definitely get used to this. On her lap, Oreo had taken up residence. Every now and then he’d stretch, blow out a breath, and then go back to sleep. When she ran a hand over his baby soft fur, he let out his loud purr.

If she was dreaming, she never wanted to wake up. This was more than she could ever hope for. If only her sister was on the island, it would make everything perfect, but she understood that her sister had to find her own path in life.

Sara glanced over at Kent just as he glanced over at her. She smiled, and then he smiled. Her heart pitter-pattered.

“Are you happy?” she asked.

“Very much so.”

She sank down on the couch cushions and placed her head on his muscled shoulder before tossing another buttery piece of popcorn into her mouth. This was just the first of many evenings of contented bliss.

Buzz-buzz.

She sighed. It was her phone, and it was across the room on the kitchen island. Why hadn’t she brought it over to the couch? She glanced at Oreo, who looked utterly content. She hated to move him. Maybe she’d let it go to voicemail. But she worried it might be something about the inn.

As though reading her mind, Kent said, “I’ll grab it for you.”

“Thank you. And Oreo thanks you too.”

“I think Oreo is going to be one spoiled kitten.”

Sara grinned. “Is there a problem with that?”

“Not if it makes you happy.”

“Good answer.”

He handed her the phone. She glanced at the caller ID and was surprised to see it was the Brass Anchor Inn. “It’s my work. They never call at this hour.”

She pressed the phone to her ear. “Hello.”

“Sara, I’m sorry to bother you.” It was Harvey. His breathing was labored, and his voice sounded off. “I’m not feeling so well. I was hoping you could finish my shift.”

“Certainly.” She knew Harvey well enough to know he wasn’t a complainer. In fact, he was quite the opposite. This must be serious. “I’ll be right there. Harvey?”

The line went dead.

“What’s wrong?” Concern laced Kent’s voice.

“It was Harvey. He said he doesn’t feel well. He wants me to finish his shift, and then the line went dead. This isn’t like him. I’m worried.”