“It’s amazing. There’s nothing like eating fish you caught yourself, and what you did to it, so good.” He looked pleased by the compliment.

When they finished, she helped him clean up and they went back outside to finish their drinks, but this time, they went to the front porch and sat in the two rockers that faced the ocean. They sipped their drinks and rocked as they watched the sunset, and Bella couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so relaxed and happy.

“You’re so lucky to live here. This house, it’s perfect. Do you sit out here all the time? I would, if I lived here.”

“Not all the time, but often enough. If I’m up early, sometimes I’ll go for a run and then have my coffee here on the porch.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Nick looked at her thoughtfully. “Nantucket suits you. Maybe you should think about moving here. Get a cottage and porch of your own?”

“I wish I could. That sounds heavenly. Maybe someday.”

“Well, until then you’re welcome to visit whenever you want. I’d love the company. It’s more fun to sit out here with someone else,” Nick said.

Bella glanced at him. “I bet there’s no shortage of people that would love to sit out here with you.”

Nick looked suddenly serious. “I don’t invite just anyone over. This is a special place to me. I’m tired of dating, to be honest.”

Bella found that hard to believe. “Nick, you’re handsome and charming. You must have plenty of women dying to go out with you.”

“Oh, I’ve done my share of dating. I just want to find someone that I have more of a connection with.”

“You mean you’re ready to settle down?” she teased him.

But he didn’t laugh. “Maybe. If I meet the right person. I wouldn’t mind that at all.”

It felt so natural sitting on Nick’s front porch, rocking back and forth and just being with him. She wished she could be that special person, but she knew it was impossible. Their lives were too different. Her stay on the island was temporary. She wished, not for the first time, that she could put roots down somewhere other than L.A. But she didn’t see how she could. Unless she gave up her career and as stressful as it was at times, she wasn’t ready to do that yet.

They stayed out there until the sun set and the air grew cooler. Finally, Bella yawned and said the words she’d been putting off. “I should probably head back to the hotel.”

Nick nodded and stood. “I’ll walk you back.”

“Oh, you don’t have to. I know where I’m going now.”

“It’s getting dark. I’m walking you. I don’t mind at all.”

“All right.”