Page 82 of Sea Breezes at The Beach House Hotel

After I parked the car at the hotel, I walked onto the beach and sprinted over to the hard-packed sand near the water’s edge. Still in sneakers, I began to jog along the shore, grateful for the movement. As busy as we sometimes were, my physical activity was sometimes lacking.

I jogged a distance from the guesthouses and then turned around to go back. As I came closer, I realized the couple I had seen talking together in the distance was Tina and Brock Goodwin.

My steps slowed. I wanted nothing to do with Brock after he’d inserted himself in the investigation concerning Claudine.

Brock noticed me and waved me forward.

Trying to control my temper, I walked over to them.

“’Morning, Tina. I didn’t expect to see you up this early,” I said.

“I couldn’t sleep. Brock saw me,” Tina said tersely. She, too, was not a fan of Brock’s.

“I thought she might introduce me to her husband. I could offer him a real bargain on supplies and props needed for his movies,” Brock said smugly.

“The studio has people who are responsible for that,” Tina said.

“Don’t you ever stop trying to swindle people with your products?” I asked, burning with anger. Rhonda and I had asked him many times not to try to sell his wares to our guests. Actually, we didn’t want him to speak to them at all, but that was impossible to control.

“I don’t know what you mean, Ann. My imports are of high quality,” huffed Brock.

“So, you say. You know, Brock, that Rhonda and I are aware of how you became involved in a recent investigation with one of our guests. You should have nothing to do with it, as they were staying at our hotel.”

“Do you mean Claudine Everett? She was all over me, asking me questions. She’d even agreed to go out with me,” Brock said haughtily.

“Figures,” I said.

Tina came to my side and put an arm around me. “Look, Brock, I’m well aware of what kind of man you are and will not mention your proposal to my husband. Like Ann says, I know what kind of man you are. I’ll never forget the slimy way you treated me when I was a lonely, unhappy teenager.”

Brock glared at us. “You women want to keep bringing up old stuff. Move on.”

“Time for you to move on,” I said.

Tina and I headed toward her guesthouse together.

“Insufferable man,” groused Tina. “Let’s have a cup of coffee on the lanai before you have to get to the hotel.”

We went inside. Tina poured us each a cup of coffee, and we went out to the lanai. I’d often wished for mornings like this with her and sat back in one of the chairs, relishing this quiet moment with her.

At the sound of little footsteps, we turned and saw Victor and Ty in their pajamas.

I held out my arms, and Tyler went into them while Victor climbed up on the lounge chair next to his mother.

Cuddling Tyler, I thought it wouldn’t be too much longer before he’d feel too old for this. He was a sweet little boy, much quieter than his brother.

When I knew I couldn’t stay any longer, I reluctantly got to my feet.

Nicholas entered the lanai and waved at us before kissing Tina. “It’s going to be a great day for sailing. I can’t wait.”

I explained that Clint would be joining them.

Nicholas lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “Brave man.”

“He’s determined to get back on the boat to chase away any bad memories,” I said. ‘I’m glad you men will be together to enjoy the sea breezes.”

Tina and I hugged goodbye, and I left, pleased that Tina had such a lovely family.