Page 83 of Down Shift (Driven 8)
Back Deck = Death Trap
Fix Lock on Patio Door—Sorry, Mr. Ax Murderer
Fix Bathroom Mirror
Clean Out & Fix Rain Gutter Spouts
Repair Shutters
Add Handrail to Front Steps & Paint
Connect Internet for God’s Sake
Boat Shit I Don’t Understand
Bulldoze House and Rebuild
Electrician—Call one
Plumber—Creaky pipes
Kiss the Repair Guy
As my eyes skim the list, it’s a visual reminder that Zander’s time left here on the island—with me—is limited. And while the new addition at the bottom of the list makes me smile, I’m also preoccupied in adding up all he has left to do and calculating how much time that might mean.
Push it away, Getty. Carpe diem. My new motto.
It’s one I decided I needed to adopt while I lay in bed with Zander the other morning. He was snoring quietly beside me—one of the rare times he wasn’t up first—and I realized that every day that passed was one fewer I’d be able to spend with him.
So my decision? I was going to seize the day, enjoy each moment with him, and then worry about tomorrow when tomorrow happens. Heartbreak is okay. Because at least that means my heart was full enough to feel love—and I don’t think I really ever knew what that felt like before.
Get a grip. It’s called lust, Getty. Hot sex with a hot guy. Let’s not jump the gun here.
“Easier said than done,” I murmur to myself because I know full well the difference and I’m still trying to deny it. Setting the to-do list back down, I lift my head to peer out the window to the sunny beach outside. I can’t help but smile. Things seem to keep getting better and better.
Sure, the disastrous dinner with my father from last week still lingers in my mind, but I’m dealing with it. I’m moving on. I didn’t expect him to change with a miracle about-face, so I’m focusing on reveling in this new life I’m building. In the handsome man who has been ignoring his boundaries by sharing my bed with me most nights. In my creativity that’s resurfaced and has me picking up my paints again. In the beautiful day outside that I plan to take advantage of while Zander is on the boat meeting a mechanic, since my shift doesn’t start until tonight.
My good mood still has me smiling hours later when I’m running my fingers over items in Angelique’s Antiques on Main Street. I’ve been in to see Mable to just chat, had a pedicure, sat on the boardwalk, watching the tourists fret over sunscreen and optimal sun-to-sand towel positioning, and even ventured to the craft store to look at replenishing my supply of paints.
Then just as I was about to head home, an idea came to mind. I wanted to buy something for Zander—a thank-you for fixing my car. It’s the least I can do, since he refuses to let me pay him for his time or the expense of the repairs.
When I open the antique walnut humidor, I’m surprised and pleased to find it doesn’t smell of cigar smoke. The rectangular box strikes me as dark and masculine. It’s in perfect condition, fits into my price range, and is the perfect size for what I want to use it for.
Just as I meet the store clerk’s eyes to tell her I’m going to take it, the bell on the door rings.
“I’ve been looking all over for you.” Zander’s voice fills the small shop.
The smile is automatic as I look over to him, immediately stepping away from the shelf with the humidor, hoping my eyes don’t look as panicky as I feel in almost being caught.
“Hi.” And I can’t help that my heart stumbles in my chest when I see him standing in the doorway, wearing a T-shirt and board shorts, a Donavan Racing Team baseball hat low on his head, and a smile wide enough to light up a room on his lips.
“I ran into Mable. She said you were out and about on Main Street.” He shrugs shamelessly over the fact he was asking about me. And that little flutter in my belly only strengthens with each step I take closer to him, which is silly considering that we share the same house and most nights we’ve been occupying the same bed.
“I’ve been running some errands.”
He gives me an even bigger smile. “It’s good to see you out and about. Can I take you to lunch?”
And now I’m doubly surprised at his presence with that unexpected offer. “Well, my list of possible lunch companions is long and distinguished, but I’ll let you skip to the front.”
