Zack listened to Nell’s laughter, watched her scrub her hands enthusiastically over Lucy’s wet fur. Maybe a man who had a pretty dog didn’t have quite everything, he decided.

“Hey. How’s it going?”

“It’s going good.” Shoulders, she thought. The man had amazing shoulders. “How’s the water?”

“Close to perfect. Come on in, see for yourself.”

“Thanks, but I don’t have a suit with me.”

“Me either.” He flashed a grin. “Which is why I didn’t follow Lucy’s example.”

“Oh.” Her gaze shot down, then immediately back up to hover six inches over his head. “Well. Ha.”

Visualize, Mia had told her. But this didn’t seem quite the appropriate time.

“I promise not to look. You’re already wet.”

“All the same, I think I’ll stay out here.”

Lucy dived back in, retrieved a mangled rubber ball. After scrabbling back to shore again, she deposited it neatly at Nell’s feet.

“Wants to play,” Zack told her. And so did he.

Obliging, Nell picked up the ball and tossed it. Before it hit the surface, Lucy was leaping in pursuit.

“Pretty good arm. We’ve got a softball game coming up in a couple of weeks if you’re interested.” He drifted closer to the bank as he spoke.

Nell scooped up the ball Lucy retrieved, heaved it again. “Maybe. I was thinking about trying out another recipe.”

“Is that so?”

“The catering’s turning into an actual enterprise. If I want to expand on it, I need to be able to offer a variety of dishes.”

“I’m a strong believer in capitalism, so anything I can do to help.”

She looked down. He had such a nice face, she thought. She would just concentrate on that and wouldn’t think about the rest of him. Right now. “I appreciate that, Sheriff. I’ve been playing it by ear so far, but I think it’s time to put together an actual list, with pricing and services. If I do all that, formalize it, I have to apply for a business license.”

That wouldn’t be a problem, she assured herself. She was clear.

“It’s going to keep you busy.”

“I like being busy. There’s nothing worse than not being able to do anything with your time or your interests.” She shook her head. “And don’t I sound dull and boring?”

No, but she had sounded grim. “How do you feel about recreation?”

“I approve of recreation.” Her eyebrows lifted as he hooked a hand lightly around her ankle. “And just what is that?”

“I call it the long arm of the law.”

“You’re too nice to pull me in after I’ve come over here to offer to feed you.”

“No, I’m not.” He gave her foot a playful little tug. “But I’m willing to give you a chance to strip first.”

“That’s considerate of you.”