“That’s good to know.” He pushed the door shut. “And it relates to why I’m here.”

Emily wondered if he had the same effect on all women and then noticed Lisa’s pink cheeks and decided that, yes, of course he did. Ryan Cooper was a sexy guy. No woman was likely to miss that.

She wiped her fingers on the napkin. “I’ll leave the two of you to talk.”

“Don’t go.” Ryan strolled across to the freezer and scanned the rows of ice cream. “I have a business proposition for you, Lisa. We’d like to start using your ice creams at the Ocean Club.”

Emily felt a rush of gratitude. Without looking at Lisa’s finances, she had a feeling that it might not make enough of a difference to keep Summer Scoop afloat, but at least it was a positive step. And he’d taken it.

Lisa’s face suggested that any good news was worth celebrating. “Seriously?”

“It’s good ice cream. You’ll need to talk to Anton about flavors and quantities.”

“I’ll do that. And thank you.” Lisa looked as if she was about to hug him. “Could I offer you a celebratory scoop?”

“Thanks, but after six o’clock my preference is for a cold beer. I’m meeting Alec in ten minutes at the Ocean Bar. That’s not the only reason I’m here.” His gaze slid to Emily. “We’re having a lobster bake on South Beach next Saturday.”

“I know.” Lisa brightened. “I’ve booked tickets for the three of us. The twins really enjoyed it last year, and the weather is promising to be lovely. Emily, you should come. Lizzy will love it.”

A beach party? She couldn’t think of anything worse. People. Distractions. Everyone so busy having fun that they failed to notice when a young child was in trouble. “I can’t. Skylar is coming for the weekend.”

“Bring her, too.” Ryan’s tone told her he knew exactly what she was thinking, and his next words confirmed it. “We always employ a couple of lifeguards for our beach parties, and not that many people venture into the water once the sun goes down. Too cold.” He and Lisa discussed a few more details, and then he gave Emily a nod and strolled out of the shop.

Lisa sighed. “With twins, aged six, I don’t think about sex much, and then a guy like him walks in, and suddenly I can’t help my mind from drifting.”

Emily was about to say “who wouldn’t” and stopped herself. There were some things she still wasn’t willing to share. “I’m glad he’s going to stock your ice cream.”