Chapter 13

Nick took extra care Sunday morning when he showered, changed and splashed on a hint of cologne. He normally didn’t wear cologne when he went fishing, but today was different. He’d texted Bella the night before to confirm that she was still up for fishing on Sunday. He hadn’t seen her since the night he met her at the outside bar, so he wasn’t sure if in the light of day, she’d still be interested. But she was and agreed to meet him just outside the main entrance at noon.

He loaded up his truck with everything they’d need—fishing poles, lures, a bucket for the fish, if they caught any, and a cooler full of snacks he’d made that morning. He also packed a portable radio, a bottle of wine and a few beers. He wasn’t sure what she liked to drink, if anything. He usually had a beer or two when he fished as he was out there for most of the afternoon.

He was glad to see that the weather was cooperating. The skies were clear, and it was warm enough that he didn’t need a jacket. He had a sweatshirt with him anyway just in case. The temperatures often dropped at the beach unexpectedly.

Nick smiled when he saw Bella waiting outside the front door and he was glad to see she was dressed appropriately in knee-length shorts, sneakers and a long sleeve tee-shirt. She also had a tote bag with her, and he guessed that she had a sweatshirt or jacket as well. He waved as he pulled up and she came over to the truck and hopped in.

“Good morning!” Bella said cheerfully as she buckled herself in and put her bag on the floor.

“Did you bring a sweatshirt, just in case?” he asked.

She grinned. “I did. I brought my lucky lure, too.”

“Did I hear you right?” He knew she’d said she liked to fish, but she had a favorite lure? He might be in love.

She laughed. “I told you I liked to fish. I was hoping to fish at some point while I was here. I haven’t used it in ages, since I lived in Vermont actually, but I brought it with me just in case.”

“Did you bring your own fishing rod, too?”

“No, that’s too clunky. I figured I could just rent or borrow one. The lure is small.”

“Well, let’s hope it brings us both luck!”

“So, where are we off to?”

“I like Eel Point. It’s usually less crowded and I’ve found the fishing there to be the best. It’s also a gorgeous beach and if you like to collect sea shells, that’s the best beach on the island for it.”

“It sounds lovely.”

“Are you hungry? I packed us some stuff to snack on.”

“I’m starving, actually. I was hoping you’d say that. I brought some cheese and crackers, too, and some of that beer you said you like.”