Page 14 of Here & Now

“That doesn’t mean I want to spend the next thirty years doing what I’ve been doing.”

“What would you rather do?”

“I don’t know, maybe come home to the same face every day?”

“So get a dog.”

“I’ve actually considered it.”

Marco chuckled. “I’ll help you pick one out.”

“We’ll see.”

The door opened for their first customer of the day, and in walked Bree.

She and Zane looked at each other with surprise. Marco was the first to speak. “Well, good morning, and welcome to Sanibel Outfitters.”

“Good morning,” she said, shifting her attention to him.

“Wait a minute. You were at The Mucky Duck last night. Don’t you two know each other?”

“We don’t really know each other,” she said.

“We’re neighbors,” Zane reminded him.

“Oh, that’s right.”

Bree looked at Zane with a question in her eyes.

“I mentioned it last night. So, what brings you in?” he said, desperate to change the subject.

“I want to rent a bike.”

“Isn’t there one at your cottage?”

“Yes, but it has a flat tire, and I couldn’t find anything in the garage to fix it.”

“You came to the right place,” Marco said, falling back on the same line he always used.

Zane stepped out from behind the counter, unwilling to let Marco take over this time. “What kind of bike would you like?”

“Preferably one with two wheels and a handlebar.”

Marco burst out laughing, and Zane scowled at him. Then the front door opened again, and in walked a family of four. Perfect. “Can you take care of them?” he said to Marco.

Marco gave him a knowing look and then turned away to assist the family.

“Let’s step outside so I can show you the choices,” Zane said. He opened the door and motioned for Bree to go first. His gaze swept over her, though he tried not to be obvious about it.

She was wearing black bike shorts, a bright pink tank top, and sneakers. Her hair was in a ponytail, and once again, he noticed the freckles on her neck and shoulders.

“I hope you’re wearing sunscreen,” he said.

“Why, because I’m as white as snow?”

“You don’t like me much, do you?”

“I don’t even know you.”