Kate James - Sanctuary Cove

Josh raised both his brows.

“Yes. I know. That’s right. I’m sure you’ll feel better. A-ha. Okay. Good-bye.” Sherri hung up the phone and exhaled. “Well, that was fun,” she said sarcastically. “You really should tell the cops.”

Josh regretted how things had ended, but his conscience was clear. He hadn’t done anything wrong where his relationship with Crystal was concerned. It hadn’t been all that serious and they just hadn’t clicked. Regardless, he still felt responsible and didn’t want to cause Crystal grief...even though that was exactly what she’d been doing for him. Also, the thought of going to the police about trouble with his ex-girlfriend was just too embarrassing to consider. Even though Sheriff Chad Atkins was a close friend—they’d grown up together, played some ball—and Josh trusted Chad not to say anything, Sanctuary Cove was a small community and word would spread like wildfire. “She’ll get over it,” he stated dismissively. “I’m sorry you had to be on the receiving end of that. Why don’t you head out now? I’ll lock up.”

“I will, as soon as Emma’s back with Theo.”

Josh was about to argue, but decided against it. Just as well, he thought as he retreated to his examination room. He wasn’t in the mood to try to charm Emma after that call from Crystal.

* * *

AS SOON AS Emma got home, she found a pair of pruning shears and took Max outside with her. She let him roam and sporadically chase chipmunks he had no hope of catching while she cut flowers. When she had a generous bouquet, she signaled for Max to follow her in. She placed the flowers in a vase and took the vase into the great room, setting it in the center of the coffee table. Perfect, she thought and grinned as she stepped back and surveyed the room.

She was arranging a variety of cheeses, crackers, fruits and sweets on platters when her phone rang. Glancing at the clock, she decided she’d let it go to voice mail so she could finish the preparations for Sherri’s visit. She was running late not only because she’d wanted fresh flowers, but she’d also spent more time than she’d planned on a quick cleanup. She couldn’t help it. She wanted the house to look its best. Sherri would be her first visitor since she’d moved to Sanctuary Cove nearly four months ago.

She’d just finished the platters when Max’s distinctive malamute “whoo, hoo” alerted her that Sherri had arrived. Emma wiped her hands on a dishtowel and followed Max to the front door to let Sherri in.

“This place is marvelous!” Sherri enthused. “The glimpses of it from the road don’t do it justice.” She bent down to ruffle Max’s fur and scratch him behind his ears. The dog arched his back and leaned in toward her. “And what a gorgeous boy you are!” she said, continuing to delight him with affection.

“He’s going to be plastered to your side now,” Emma declared, as she handed Sherri a glass of wine.

Sherri took a sip and made a sound of approval before placing the glass on the coffee table. She leaned over to smell the flowers before sitting on the sofa. As soon as Sherri dropped her hand on her lap, Max nudged it until she gave him attention again.

“I told you,” Emma said with a smile.

When Max finally stretched out by Sherri’s feet, she reached for her glass. “I might as well be up front,” she stated. “I’m wondering how many glasses of this excellent chardonnay we’ll have to drink before you’ll tell me who the real Emma Meadows is and why she’s decided to leave the excitement of the big city in favor of admittedly quaint but nonetheless sleepy Sanctuary Cove?”

Emma’s chuckle was spontaneous but her eyes darted away. “There’s not much to tell.”

“Let me be the judge of that. I emphasize the word sleepy as it relates to Sanctuary Cove. For those of us born and bred here, watching paint dry can be an event.”

Sherri’s comment surprised Emma. “If you’re unhappy, why have you stayed?”

Sherri laughed. “Oh, I’m not unhappy! I was quite determined to leave when I was younger. I had a taste of city life while I was at college and I liked it—for the short term. But when it comes down to it, I’m not built for the city. Like most of us locals, I appreciate what I have right here. Family and friends. A job I love. And a pace of life I’m comfortable with.” She swept an arm toward the windows. “How can you beat the beauty of nature all around us? I’m quite happy. So—” she smiled and swirled her wine “—back to you. What enticed you away from the bright lights?”

At Emma’s sigh, Sherri reached forward and touched her knee. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry. Well, yes, I suppose I do, but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I sense there’s a story there, but we can leave it.”

Emma glanced at the pale gold liquid in her glass. Took a small sip. She really liked Sherri and maybe it would help to talk about what had happened. At least some of it. She shrugged. “Things weren’t working out for me in New York. Not on a personal level and not with my job. I thought a change of scenery would be good.”

“Hmm...”

“Well, I’ve always loved spending time at my cottage. So, with no obligations, I decided to move here. I know that sounds cryptic...”

“You’ve been here for what, two months, maybe three?”

“Nearly four.”

“For most city transplants, the novelty wears off in time, and they can’t wait to get back to civilization.” Sherri helped herself to a strawberry, then dipped it into the melted chocolate. “Something tells me you’re different. That you might stay.”

Emma smiled. “It’s nice of you to say that. I would like to.”

“If you don’t mind me being honest, I think what drove you here was a lot harder on you than you’re letting on. I remember the first time I met you. You had dark shadows under your eyes and there was an edginess to you.” She returned Emma’s smile. “Now the shadows are gone and I don’t see the nerves, or at least not nearly as much.”

“It’s hard not to unwind in Sanctuary Cove,” Emma said evasively and popped a candied almond into her mouth.

Sherri helped herself to a plateful of snacks and snuggled back in the chair, a distinct gleam in her eyes. “So, are you going to go out with the dreamy Dr. Whitmore?” she asked.

Emma choked on her wine. Grabbing a napkin, she held it to her mouth for a few moments until she could swallow. “Where did that question come from?”

“I’ve seen how the two of you look at each other. Not directly—but when you know the other isn’t paying attention. You can’t tell me you’re not interested in Josh.”

“Didn’t you say he had a bad breakup recently?” Emma asked. She could feel the heat rise to her cheeks. “I’m sure you’re reading us wrong.”

“I know Josh, and he is interested in you.” Sherri savored another strawberry. “Mmm. I might not know you that well, but I’d say you’re attracted to him, too. Am I incorrect?”

When Emma stayed silent, Sherri continued. “So what’s holding you back?”

“I don’t want a relationship,” Emma blurted out. “Besides, it’s hard to imagine a guy like him wouldn’t be with someone already.”

Sherri shook her head, sending her dangly silver earrings dancing. “Nope. He hasn’t seen anyone for months. Bad breakup, remember. And good-bye and good riddance to Crystal, if you ask me. Also, if he was with someone, he wouldn’t be sending off those signals like he does with you. Josh isn’t like that.”

“Why aren’t the two of you together, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Are you kidding? Josh and me? I haven’t thought about him romantically since I was about ten. For his part, he’s always considered me like a kid sister. I’ve known Josh a long time. His sister, Angie, is one of my closest friends. As kids, Angie and I were inseparable whenever their family was in Sanctuary Cove. I spent so much time at their place during the summers, Josh and I virtually grew up together. Over the years, he’s become a good friend. I’d like to see him happy with someone. But that someone is definitely not me.”