“Not all the time. The company could be based there, but so much these days can be done virtually. It’s just something I’m thinking about.”

“Well, it sounds exciting. I hope it works out for you. Though I have to admit, I’m going to miss you when your time here is up.”

“I’m going to miss you, too, and this place. You’re so lucky to be able to live and work here. I wish I could figure out a way to do that, but it seems impossible right now.”

“Yeah, I guess that wouldn’t work. You’ll just have to take more vacations and come back in between movies.”

She laughed. “Oh, I’m already thinking about that. I hear the fall is great here and there’s a Christmas Stroll in early December.”

“The Stroll is a busy weekend and a good time. If you can make it for that, I think you’d really enjoy it. It’s like the last hurrah before the slow winter season.”

They reached the hotel entrance, and both paused outside the front door. Bella wasn’t in a hurry to go inside just yet. She impulsively leaned over and kissed Nick on the cheek. “I really had a great time, yesterday and tonight. Thank you.”

Nick smiled and took hold of her hands. He pulled her close to him and every so lightly brushed his lips against hers. It was a quick kiss, whisper-soft, and it gave Bella the shivers.

When it ended, he looked her in the eyes and said, “I thought about doing that all night. Goodnight, Bella.”

“Night, Nick.”

Chapter 23

Tuesday morning at eleven thirty, Grandfather popped his head into Paula’s office, David right behind him.

“Do you have a minute?”

“Of course.” Paula wondered what the two of them were up to.

“So, David and I were just talking, and he mentioned seeing that a new restaurant just opened near the Wharf. The Portside or maybe Starboard?” He glanced at David.

“It’s Portside. I noticed it when I was downtown the other day and asked your grandfather if he’d been there yet. He suggested we go for lunch and if we like the food, invite them to join the Taste of the Town event.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea. Grandfather, you’ll come with us?”

But he shook his head. “No, you kids go ahead and go. I have an important meeting at noon.” He grinned. “The boys are coming for lunch and a quick card game.”

“That’s right. It’s already that time of the month.” Once a month, Grandfather had some of his oldest friends in for lunch, cards and gossip. “We could go a different day, so you could join us?”

“No, we need to get this nailed down. I trust your opinion. Go and have fun.”

“Want to leave in about fifteen minutes?” David asked.