“Just because I don’t like to read doesn’t make me an idiot,” he said matter-of-factly. “I happen to love watching thrillers, mysteries, and dramas.”
“I would have pegged you as an action-adventure superhero fan.”
He let out a low laugh. “Wow, you really don’t think very highly of me, do you?”
Now she really was embarrassed and wished the floor would just open up and swallow her. “That’s not what I meant. And honestly, I thought all guys were more into the action-adventure genre of movies—not just you.”
“What kind of movies do you like?” he asked, his expression turning less amused and more thoughtful.
“I don’t want to say,” she admitted shyly.
And for some reason, that made him laugh. “That means you’re going to either tell me it’s something you think I’ll say is incredibly boring or completely ridiculous.”
“It sounds like you don’t think very highly of me, either.”
“Touché.”
With a dramatic sigh, Mia sat up straighter and looked him right in the eye. “I am a sucker for a good comedy. And before you say anything, it doesn’t have to be a romantic one.”
“Why would I suggest that?”
“Because all guys think the only movies women want to see have to have romantic elements. It’s offensive.”
Austin’s expression closed and he stared hard at her until she started to squirm.
“What?” she finally asked. “Say something!”
“Have dinner with me,” he said.
“Um…what?”
“You heard me. Have dinner with me. Tonight.”
It was the last thing she expected him to say and she had no idea how they went from movies to dinner. She was about to comment on it when he held up a hand to stop her.
“Instead of the two of us alternating between insulting each other and drawing inaccurate conclusions, I think it would be nice if we actually sat and had a conversation where we got to know each other like civilized adults. What do you say?”
“Um…”
But he didn’t wait for her answer. Standing, he stared down at her. “I’m going to pick up some Chinese food and I’ll be here at seven. If you have any requests, speak now. Otherwise, I’ll just order a ton of stuff and hope you like some of it.”
“Hunan shrimp, roast pork fried rice, and crab Rangoon,” she blurted out. “Please.”
“Done.” He gave her one of the sexiest smiles she’d ever seen as he bent and picked the book up off the coffee table. “See you at seven.”
As Austin walked back up the steps to Mia’s deck, he reminded himself that this wasn’t a date. This was just two neighbors getting together because they had gotten off on the wrong foot. They were both here trying to work and it would be helpful if they got along.
But when Mia stepped outside in a black maxi-dress with spaghetti straps and a violet colored wrap around her shoulders, he knew he was lying.
This wasn’t so much about them getting along as it was about him desperately wanting her to know exactly who he was.
For his entire life, people made snap judgements about him based on his family situation and his wild behavior. No one bothered to see if he was lashing out because of his family situation or if a little compassion or concern would have turned things around for him.
Not that he was feeling sorry for himself or anything, but…something about Mia made him want to show her the real him.
Pausing, Austin saw that she set them up to eat out on the deck. The table was set with votive candles and there was a heat lamp beside it to keep them warm. The air was definitely starting to chill now that the sun was almost down and there tended to be a strong breeze coming off the water. But if this was where she wanted to eat, who was he to complain?
As if reading his mind, she said, “I hope you don’t mind that I set the table out here. I’ve been telling myself I could eat outside for dinner every night, but then I feel a little silly sitting out here by myself.”
“This is fine,” he said, placing the bag of food on the table. “The heat lamp is a great idea.”
“I have to admit, I didn’t have any idea what it was when I rented the place, but it really heats up the space nicely.”
Austin held out her chair for her so she could sit before taking the seat beside her. She had wine glasses out and a bottle of Pinot Gris, which he poured for them before taking their food out of the bag. Their conversation was light and mostly about the food while they each prepared their plates, but as soon as they were settled, he wanted to dive right into getting to know her.
“So where’s home for you?”
“Boston,” she replied with a small smile. “I was born and raised there, and even though I travel some, it’s the only place I’ve ever lived. What about you?”
“Born and raised here on the outskirts of Magnolia and I’ve been living up in Baltimore for the last several years.”
“Nice.” She reached for a piece of crab Rangoon. “And now you’re moving back?”
“Uh…no. Why do you ask?”
“Well, I guess I just figured you bought the house next door and you’re fixing it up, so…” She paused. “Oh…is it going to be an investment property?”
For a minute he wasn’t sure what to say.
“Actually, the house belongs to a friend. I’m just doing the work for him.”
Nodding, she asked, “So you’re a contractor?”
“Architect,” he corrected. “But I spent a lot of years working in construction.”
Another nod. “Just felt like getting your hands dirty again, huh?”
There was no judgment in her words; it was as if she truly understood. “Yeah.” He took a sip of his wine. “So what brought you here to this house?”
“My best friend Sydney grew up here,” she explained. “We were college roommates and she moved back here a year ago. It was a crazy time. Her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a car accident and she came back to raise her niece. At the same time, I had just signed the movie deal and my publisher and agent were both pushing me to hire a full-time assistant. I immediately thought of Syd because the work could be done remotely and from home so she could do it without taking too much time away from Haley.”
“Her niece?”
Nodding, she said, “Yes. She’s thirteen now. Anyway, Sydney had been telling me for years how much she loved it here and was always saying I needed to see it for myself, but I didn’t until she got married six months ago. Once I came, I knew I’d be back.”
Now it was his turn to nod. “Yeah, it’s a great little town. Not too crowded or touristy; it’s kept its small-town feel and charm. My great-grandfather was a big believer in that.”
“Your great-grandfather?”
He took another sip of wine and nodded. “The Colemans were one of the founding families of Magnolia Sound, and my great-grandfather Ezekiel built most of what you see here. He was fully invested in the community. He either owned or invested in most of the older businesses you see here.”
“Like the construction company.”