Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) by Sammie Grace Read Free Book Online Page B

to warn you; he really isn’t the kind of guy you should be getting involved with. He has a bit of a reputation.”
    Who was he to tell me who not to get involved with? What a nerve. He sounded like one of my brothers. I hope he doesn’t think of me in a sisterly fashion. Or maybe he’s jealous. Wouldn’t that be too good to be true?
    I shot back, “You’re one to talk, Ian. I’ve heard you have a bit of a reputation yourself.”
    He raised his eyebrows in surprise, laughed, and said, “I’m not in his league, honey. Tony will break your heart for sure.”
    “Well, maybe I’ll just have to see.”
    He warned me, “Be careful, Meggie. I really care for your grandmother, so I felt I should say something. I would hate to see you get into any trouble this summer or have your heart broken.”
    Now I was really pissed. I said, “I’m a Quinn, tough as nails. No need to worry.”
    He gave me a smirk and said, “I hope so. Well, I’d better get going. Goodnight.”
    When I first started talking to him I wanted to say, “Please take me home with you and have your way with me.” After the little lecture, I just said, “Goodnight Ian. Goodnight Sam.” Those romance novels were getting to me.
    I watched them stride off into the parking lot, and then I walked home to the cottage, mortifying pictures in hand. I was looking at a long night ahead of me. I knew I’d replay that little scene with Ian twenty times in my head. I’d be lucky if I got a wink of sleep. When I got into the cottage, my first priority was to rip up the pictures and destroy all the evidence. After that I decided to check my e-mail. Finally, I received one from Helen.

    Subject: I need a VACATION!!!
    Hey, Girl:
    Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. I’ve been so busy at work. I’m having total job burnout. This project is killing me, and the assholes who work for me have to be babysat 24/7. I was supposed to go out to The Bulls Eye and have a few beers Friday night with some of the girls but didn’t get home from work until 11:00 and I was beat. All work and no play makes Helen a pissed-off girl. Anyway, this project is finishing up and I put in for a week off. I was thinking of coming up and visiting. You up for company? Let me know. By the way, Laura took the boys down the shore to her mother-in-law’s, so that’s why you haven’t heard from her. Danny’s been going down on weekends.
    Oh, and don’t give up the ship. We’re still young and have plenty of time to find a Prince Charming. Have you seen the hunk again? If he’s a real man, he’ll get past the fish guts. Any real men up there for me?
    Love, Hel
    I replied:

    Subject: Love to see you
    Hey, Hel:
    Let me know when you’re coming. I’m so excited. Yes, I did see the hunk again and I got the impression he isn’t interested. I thought he was going to pat me on the head and tell me to run along and play with my dolls. So, needless to say, I’m bummed and back to my “no men for the summer plan.” I do like running the marina and so far things have been going good on that score. I’ll keep my eye out for someone for you to play with while you’re up here.
    Love, Meggie
    Now, if I would just hear from my grandmother, my world would be a lot better. I’m starting to get really worried. I can’t believe she hasn’t called to see how things are going with the marina. I’m expecting another call from my mom soon. If I don’t have any info for her, she’s going to blow.
    I thought to myself, it’s funny how life works. You can plug along for years and nothing changes. All of a sudden your world turns upside down. I guess you have to be prepared for anything. I wish I were.

    * * * * *
    Tuesday morning the alarm went off at 4:00 and I jumped right in the shower. I’m still trying to get the fish stench off me. It’s probably all gone by now, but being the paranoid person I am, I feel like I still reek.
    Since it was going to be a hot one today and I was going clamming