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Mrs. Fran reached out and cupped Dean’s chin, sending a blush to his cheeks. “I miss seeing you two together. If you’re okay with it, today’s food is on the house.” After she waited for their agreement, she continued. “Catch of the day, onion rings, and a cherry limeade for you, Emilie, and Dean—you don’t have a regular. What will it be today?”
Dean smiled broadly. “I’ll try that halibut I caught yesterday morning, if you still have any, and give me a lime rickey to drink.”
She nodded. “I think I have a few left. Let me get that order ready.”
Mrs. Fran gave them one last smile before disappearing to the back. Emilie sighed in happiness. The conversation with Mrs. Fran was the breath of fresh air she needed. Life would be uncomfortable for a while, but eventually, people would stop asking questions and get used to seeing her in town. She turned to head toward a picnic table... and caught her breath.
Standing directly behind her in line was her ex-boyfriend, Finn Walter. Heart pounding, stomach knotting, all she could do was stare.
What was he doing there? In the months they’d dated during their senior year, he’d refused to take her to Busy Bees, saying the food was too cheap and greasy.
“Emilie, it’s really you, isn’t it?” Finn stepped forward with a familiar confidence.
Instinctively, Emilie moved back, slamming against Dean’s chest. She barely registered his steady hands on the back of her arms as she stared at the man who broke her heart and her trust.
Finn was handsome as ever, his thick brown hair perfectly in place, his black shirt and gray suit pants pressed. Even his eyebrows were pruned and neat. He smiled as he moved closer, sending an army of butterflies to her stomach.
“You’re here.” His voice stirred the innocent flutters inside her into an angry uproar.
“I’m here.” Her words came out as a whisper.
This couldn’t be happening, but there he was, in all his handsome glory.
4
Dean
Dean’s mind reeled as he watched Emilie’s eyes connect with Finn’s. His heart sank, no longer making the happy pitter-patter it had made since her arrival. Finn found her in record time. So much for him leaving her alone after becoming engaged.
An idea grew. If Finn did what Dean thought he’d do, he and Emilie needed a backup plan.
“Hey man.” Dean stretched out his hand to Finn.
Ever the perfect guy, Finn widened his smile, only tearing his gaze from Emilie for a second. “Good to see you. How’s the boat business going?”
Dean rocked on his feet, waiting for Finn’s whole attention. He had plenty of time. After a few seconds, Finn turned to him expectantly. “What did you say?”
Dean smirked. Guess his listening skills hadn’t improved. “I didn’t say anything. But to answer your question, it’s our busy season, so things are good. Hectic, you know.”
Finn nodded, his eyes drinking in Emilie again. The hair on Dean’s arms stood on end, bristling along with the rest of him. An engaged man was flirting with his ex! He usually remained cool in most situations, but talking to this bonehead was an exception.
“It’s good to see you again, Em. Danvers hasn’t been the same without you.”
Her body froze against Dean’s. In any other circumstance, he would’ve loved the feeling.
Dean cleared his throat, used to being ignored, but not liking it all the same. “What are you doing here? I thought you only ate at classier places?”
Finn snickered. “Yeah, I usually do. I don’t know.”
Angry heat rushed through Dean’s veins. “Let me guess. You heard Emilie was back in town, and you’ve been stalking this place for hours, knowing exactly where she wanted to go first.”
Finn wiped at his neatly shaven face and turned his attention back to Emilie. “I did hear you’d be back today. I wanted you to be the first to know.”
Emilie’s foot slipped on the gravel, and Dean held her arms to steady her. Her recovery was quick. “You wanted me to know what?”
Shaking his head once, Dean hoped Finn would take the last chance to shut up and high-tail back to town.
Finn didn’t take the hint. “I’m getting married in a few weeks.”
