Page 30 of The Beachside Rental

The door opened, and Jenna stood there, wearing jean capris and a yellow knit top.She left her hair down.His gaze moved to her face.She had on a little bit of makeup—enough to highlight her natural beauty.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“Thanks.You look good too.”

“Are you ready to go?”When she nodded and moved to close the door, he said, “That’s good because I worked through lunch, and I’m starving.”

As they made their way down the steps, he said, “Tonight I’ll drive.”

She arched a brow as she looked over at him.“I guess if you insist.”

“I do.I even looked up the directions to High Tide Pub.”

“I’m impressed.”After they set off for the pub, she said, “So, what sort of work do you do?”

The words stuck in the back of his throat.There was a part of him that wanted to tell her the truth, and there was another part that recalled how his ex-girlfriend had blown up his world when she’d revealed his true identity to the tabloids.Just the memory made his stomach knot up.

And then he realized that it wasn’t fair to judge Jenna based on his experience with Stephie.He wanted to trust Jenna.He didn’t think she’d do anything to hurt him.She was nothing but kindness.

He swallowed hard and said, “I’m a writer.”

“Oh, that’s cool.So, what kind of things do you write?”

What should he say?Be as vague as possible?He didn’t like that thought.He was proud of his writing.He shouldn’t have to hide it.

“I write books.”The words came out softer than he’d meant.

“Sorry.I didn’t hear you.”

He swallowed again.“I write books.”

“Wow!That’s impressive.I’ve never known an author before.What sort of books do you write?”

He inwardly groaned.He wished she wasn’t quite so interested in his books.Maybe it was a mistake mentioning it.

Before he could say more, Jenna said, “Looks like the parking lot is filling up, but I see a spot.It’s over there.”

As she pointed to the available parking spot, he turned into the parking lot.He snagged the spot before another cart coming from the other direction could get to it.

She looked over at him.“I’m sorry.What were we talking about?”

He shook his head.“I can’t remember.”

“It’ll come to me.”She got out of the cart and then turned back to him.“Are you ready for this?”

“As long as you aren’t planning on winning.”

The smile slipped from her face.“What’s that supposed to mean?I thought you were good at trivia.”

“I never said that, and you didn’t ask.”

“I didn’t?”She frowned.“But we have to beat my brother.”

“I take it your brother is good at trivia.”When she nodded, he asked, “Why is it so important that you beat him?”

“Because I need him to take me seriously.”

He arched a brow.“And you think beating him at trivia will do that?”