Falling for You by Julie Ortolon Read Free Book Online Page A

business?” she asked.
    “Not really.” He stepped past her and scooped up a brass lantern and a polishing cloth. Taking a seat, he set to work; the arms exposed by his rolled-up sleeves bulged and flexed with the task. “What with my old man being a shrimper down in Corpus Christi, I sort of grew up on the water. Never did care much for getting up before dawn, though, to go shrimping—especially after I’d been out partying half the night.” He winked.
    “That sounds like you,” she chided as she leaned against the doorjamb where the sun slanted in to warm her legs.
    He shrugged. “Mostly, I just love boats. I guess I’ve crewed about every kind of rig that floats until I saved up enough to buy one of my own.” Pride shone on his face as he looked at his vessel. “The
Daydreamer
may not be the fanciest boat in the harbor, but she’s all mine.”
    Mine.
Closing her eyes, Rory tipped her face toward the sun and let the dreams tumble through her mind. Overhead seagulls screeched and the breeze carried the scent of seafood from Chez Laffite.
    A mobile phone rang and she heard Bobby rummage through the tools at his side, searching for it. “Captain Bob’s Big Bay Boat Tours,” he answered. A moment later, his voice changed, became strangely formal. “Aurora St. Claire? Yes, I believe she might be available.” Her heart skipped a beat at the sound of her full name. She opened her eyes and found Bobby staring at her with raised eyebrows. “Might I inquire who’s calling?”
    “Bobby!” She jumped down from the doorway. “Give me that.”
    “Oliver Chancellor?” Bobby turned to keep the phone out of her reach. “One moment, please.” He lowered the phone and managed to cover the mouthpiece before he spoke. “New boyfriend?”
    “No, he’s not my boyfriend.” She glared at him.
    “Too bad.” Bobby grinned. “He sounds rich.”
    “Would you give me that phone!” She grabbed it out of his hands, then took a deep breath, composed herself, and brought the phone to her ear. “Chance, hi. I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”
    “I just finished talking to Betsy McMillan, and thought you’d want to hear what she had to say.” His voice sounded smooth and cultured, and deep enough to be sexy.
    “Yes, of course!” She stepped back into the office, hoping for a small amount of privacy.
    “Betsy’s eager to meet you,” Chance said. “Turns out, she and the other bed-and-breakfast owners have an association that meets once a month. She said they’d be happy to help you however they can.”
    “Really?” Hope soared at his words.
    “In fact, the McMillans are hosting the next meeting tomorrow. It’s going to be an afternoon tea, four o’clock in their courtyard garden. Betsy asked if you’d like to come.”
    “An afternoon tea?” Rory placed a hand over her chest, excited at the opportunity to meet an innkeeper, but unnerved at the thought of meeting so many of them at once. And at a tea party. Did she even have anything appropriate to wear?
    “Only one catch.” Chance sounded hesitant. “Betsy invited me to come, as well, and I wasn’t sure what to say. It’s late enough in the day I could easily get away from the bank, and she’s been inviting me to one thing and another at the inn for years. I’m afraid if I turn her down this time, she’ll never forgive me. I don’t want to offend one of my accounts, but I don’t want to barge in on your time with her, either.”
    “Actually, I’d love for you to come. Really.” She all but pounced on the idea. The thought of Chance being with her somehow made it less intimidating.
    “If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’ll call Betsy back and tell her to expect both of us around four.”
    “Four o’clock?” She bit her lip, wondering how she’d talk Bobby into letting her off work early. Although midweek wasn’t that busy since the summer tourist season wouldn’t be in full swing for a couple of weeks.
    “Is that okay?”