Read Online Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe by Abbie Williams - Free Book Online

his gaze fully upon me, and my body seemed to be radiating with warmth and light. I took another very long drink and almost drained my glass. He went on, watching me, “Is it good to be back home? Jillian told me that you never really liked living in such a big city.”
    And what else had she mentioned, I took a moment to wonder. Then I replied, pleased that my voice sounded normal and not at all breathless, “Yeah, I miss it here. You never really get over where you grew up, you know?” I braved a look into those eyes and my heart again surged against my breastbone. I hoped my cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. For the love of all things holy, I was just having a conversation. I was trying quite desperately not to think about the proximity of his shoulders and how strong they would feel if I put my hands on them…
    â€œThat’s true,” he said, still a hint of a grin hovering around his mouth. “Your daughter Tish is a big help to Gramps. She told him yesterday she wants to be a chef, and can she practice with us? She’s a hoot.”
    He had just the slightest drawl in his deep voice, a hint of the south, and I recalled that he was from Oklahoma.  It was sexy. Everything about him was, dammit. I felt as though my clothes were too tight; I was surprised that sweat wasn’t trickling over my temples. 
    â€œYeah, she loves Rich, he’s like their grandpa, too,” I went on, hardly aware of what I was saying.
    â€œWell they could all teach Clint a thing or two about work ethic,” Jilly said. “He’s lazy as hell. Even Ruthie helps with rolling silverware.”
    â€œAw, it’s summer,” Bly defended. “He’s got the rest of his life to work, right?”
    â€œWell he can quit asking me for money then,” Jilly said, then nodded at my empty glass. “Jo, you about ready for another one?”
    â€œYeah, thanks,” I told her.
    She hopped nimbly to her feet and called over to Eddie, “I’m grabbing two more, k?”
    â€œThat’s fine, sweetie,” Eddie called back.
    Then Jim said, “Jillian, you got to watch this shot,” and she rolled her eyes, but collected both glasses and ambled over to the pool table amiably.
    I was now sitting alone at the bar with Blythe. He was angled my direction, and I made myself speak, saying the first thing that popped into my mind, “So, how did you get your name, anyway?”
    He laughed a warm, deep sound.  I felt it vibrate in my belly. “No one here has asked me that yet,” he said. “It’s kind of a strange one, I know. It’s my dad’s name. It was his mother’s maiden name. How about yours?”
    â€œOh, Mom put together her and Ellen’s names,” I explained. “She thought it was an original, but I have met other Joelles before.”
    â€œIt’s pretty,” he said, easily, and I swore his eyes were teasing me, daring me to misinterpret him. There was a merriment about him that was almost addictive. “Joelle what?”
    â€œWell thank you,” I added politely. “And it’s Joelle Anne.”
    He tipped his head at me, just watching my face, and my heart was throbbing. I was unable to move my gaze from his and might have made a fool of myself if not for Jilly’s tinkling voice coming back our direction. She asked, “You want the same thing, Jo?” and I looked back at her.
    â€œYes,” I responded.
    â€œHow about you, Bly?”
    â€œI’m good with the soda,” he told Jilly, as she filled two more drafts for us, sliding one across to me.
    â€œHow is it going, living with Rich?” she asked Bly, sipping her own drink behind the bar, leaning back against the far counter as she did at Shore Leave.
    â€œGood, he’s such a good guy,” Blythe said. “He does so much for my mom and me, always has.”
    â€œI don’t remember Christy ever coming