A Shore Thing Read Online Free PDF Page B

flame?”
    “Not exactly.” I pulled my stare away from Gage and his curious behavior. “He’s an architect on a mission to turn this acreage into condos and office buildings.”
    “Impossible. The Kitteridges—”
    “—are apparently selling this property.”
    She planted both hands on her hips. “Nu-uh.”
    “Uh-huh.”
    “Says who? What makes you think that could ever happen? Especially here?”
    As I told her what I knew, she twisted in the breeze first looking to the dramatic sea and then back at the intense architect pacing the hill.
    “But the property’s not actually sold yet? Is that right?”
    “I believe that’s true.”
    “So we stop it. Plain and simple.”
    Relief gushed through me, a warmth cascading over my shoulders. Having an ally would be a great help, especially one with time and a can-do attitude. Hopefully she’d remember me the next time we met. “It’s a daunting task, but I’ve got some ideas.”
    “I’ll make some calls, you make some calls, and see who we can find to make some noise about this. Can you imagine Otter Bay without this open land?”
    My listlessness returned. “No, I can’t. I don’t know what has happened to change the Kitteridges’ mind, but it must be serious.” I found Ruth’s eyes. “I’ve been hoping to speak with them directly, to see if they might work with us to come up with a solution.”
    “Go ahead and do it, but I’m not holding my breath. Now, let’s figure this out.” She peered into the sky as if it had a mighty day planner stretched across it. “Let’s meet at the RAG, say, Thursday morning at nine, after the breakfast crowd goes. You in?”
    I hesitated, a tightness squeezing the muscles of my chest. I loved the beachside diner located near a spattering of quaint inns north of here. But had I gathered enough information yet for a meeting? “Okay.” I paused. Still unable to fully fill my lungs with air. Agreeing to meet with others on this matter some how hadn’t given me the lift I expected. “I’ll come.”
    Ruth grabbed the bag of trash and slung it over one shoulder. She took another look at Gage in the distance and curled her lip, her cheek scrunching into that familiar grimace as she tossed me a wave and continued on with her volunteer work.

    GAGE

    FROM HIS POST ON the hill, Gage stopped mid-pace. He straightened and shaded his eyes with a notebook, the other hand poised in a greeting. Even from this distance, he could see the scowl forming on her face. Callie’s dog tugged at the leash wound around her hand, and she spun toward the beach, giving Gage her back.
    The congenial smile he hoped to convey, faded. He followed a path down the hill toward the sea, watching her use a boulder to steady herself for the climb down the cliff. He could’ve gone back to his work then. Maybe he should have. Instead, he found himself stopping an awkward distance away, watching her.
    She spun back around then with a force that caused him to reel slightly before righting himself. He watched the sunlight glint of the waves of her hair as she stomped toward him, and wearing a look that told him she had something to say.
    She cocked her chin. “Didn’t take enough notes yesterday?”
    He felt a smile glide back onto his face. “Hello, again, Callie. Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
    She paused. “You know, unless you’re being paid by the hour, your wallet might be better off if you didn’t spend so much time around here. Could be a big waste.”
    He shrugged, still smiling, and glanced around. He let his arms rest by his sides, one hand still grasping a yellow legal pad and a fat pencil. “I don’t mind at all. I still have much to work through and besides.” His eyes found hers again, and he concentrated so she wouldn’t see laughter behind them. “Can’t beat the view.”
    She gripped doggy’s leash and he strained against it. “But that’s exactly what you and your cronies are trying to do—beat the view.”
    “Actually,