Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“What? Why? What’s going on?”
“I’m late,” he said, exhaling. “And I couldn’t call or text you because I don’t have your number.”
Galvin typed her number in and gave him his phone back.
“Please tell me you’re not mad.”
“I’m not mad.”
“Phew.” He sagged against the doorway. “I really thought—”
“That what? I’d be pissed because you’re a few minutes late?”
He nodded.
“I’m not like that, Sail. Things happen—”
“Traffic happens.”
“Right. If I was worried you weren’t going to show up, I would’ve texted you.”
“I wish you would’ve the second I was late.”
Galvin smiled softly. “Next time, I will.”
Sail beamed. He most definitely like that she said next time because he planned for many next times. They linked hands and then walked down the stairs, with Sail one step ahead of Galvin. He opened the gate with his freehand, and then led them down the street.
“We’re not driving?”
“It’s an easy walk. Plus, it’s beautiful out,” he said as he looked at her when he spoke the last part. She was the only thing that mattered to him.
Galvin blushed, which only made him grin wider. He loved the natural rosy hue her cheeks took on when he complimented her.
They held hands as they walked, and each time someone came toward them, Sail would step in front, shielding her. No one would ever say he wasn’t protective or a gentleman. While Seaport was safe and you could walk around at night without many worries, he was still on alert. It was something he picked up from living in Miami. Always know your surroundings.
At Diego’s, Sail recognized the woman at the hostess stand and it hit him square in the chest how people never leave their hometown. This wasn’t a dig at his brother, Dune. Way back in high school Dune said he would never leave. Running the family business was something he’d always wanted to do.
With Sail, it was expected.
Even though Sail couldn’t remember the hostesses name, he smiled and asked her she was doing. Galvin squeezed his hand when the former classmate smiled a bit too much and batted her eyelashes at him.
“You have nothing to worry about,” Sail whispered.
Galvin eyed him and Sail smirked. She could pretend all she wanted. Sail understood the subtlety when she squeezed his hand.
Sail spotted Dune and told the hostess as such. He directed Galvin toward his brother and soon to be sister-in-law. With his hand on her back, they reached the table, much to the delight of Dune and Caroline. Sail held the chair out for Galvin while he made introductions.
“Galvin, you already know Dune. This is his soon-to-be-wife, Caroline.”
“And my baby mama,” Dune barked out.
“You’re pregnant!” Galvin covered her mouth at her outburst. “Sorry, that totally came out wrong.” She extended her hand and shook Caroline’s. “It’s nice to meet you and congratulations.”
“Thank you. Dune’s told me a lot about you.”
Galvin’s eyes went right to Dune and then to Sail. They laughed and shook their heads.
“Just that you’re working at the diner and enjoying it. Honestly, Sail keeps everything to himself.”
“I’m sure there isn’t anything to tell,” Galvin said as she looked at Sail. He smiled brightly and motioned for her to look at the menu. She eyed him suspiciously and then relaxed when his hand touched her leg.
“I’d never spill our secrets,” he said under his breath. The last thing Sail was, was a kiss and tell.
“How do you like Seaport?” Caroline asked.
“I love, actually. A lot. I wasn’t sure I would, but it has such a feel to it. I don’t know it’s hard to describe.”
“You felt like it was home right away?” Dune asked.
Galvin nodded. “Yes. Of course, it doesn’t help that your dad is so great and welcoming.”
“Jack is pretty nice,” Caroline added. “Are you coming to family dinner on Sunday?”
Galvin opened her mouth to reply when Sail interjected. “I haven’t asked her yet,” he said. “I planned to do that later when she wasn’t on the spot for answering.” He winked at her hoping it would ease the anxiety he suspected she felt.
“Oh. Um . . .”
“We can talk about it later,” he said to her.
“Okay.” She nodded. She set the menu down and looked around. “This place is pretty cool.”
Sail smiled. “This is a local hangout.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning most of the people in here, live here,” Dune added.
“And the tourists go to the Sea Shanty,” Caroline said. She reached across the table and put her hand on Galvin’s. “If you love pina coladas, go to the Sea Shanty.”
“Bite your tongue, woman,” Dune said.
“Okay, Captain Blue Balls.”
Everyone, except for Dune, bust out laughing.
“Anyway,” Sail said, getting Galvin’s attention. “As legend had it, some pirates built Diego’s and the Sea Shanty in the early 1700s as places to meet and conduct business. Seaport had its fair share of pirates back in the day.” Sail pointed to the thatched roof. “This thing is a bitch when it rains and can take days to dry out.”