Free Summer at the Shore (Seashell Bay Book 2) by V. K. Sykes Page B

things worked in Seashell Bay. He sometimes tended to forget that.
    “Besides,” he added, going for a lighter note, “if you say no, all your nosy neighbors like Miss Annie and Lily will get on your case until you do say yes. They’d drive you nuts.”
    Miss Annie shot him the obligatory scowl before grasping Morgan’s hands. “I would never do that, dear, but these boys won’t give you a moment’s peace. I guarantee it.” She flicked a warning glance around their little circle. “Really, have you ever met three more stubborn men in your life?”
    Aiden’s eyes were glinting with laughter. “It’s true, Morgan. We’ll just keep bugging you until you give in.”
    Morgan managed a small laugh as she threw up her hands. “Well, stubborn, maybe, but I don’t think I’ve ever met three nicer men either. All right, gentlemen, I humbly accept your gracious offer.”
    Ryan slipped an arm around her waist and gave her a quick squeeze. Helping her out was definitely the right thing to do.
    It surprised the hell out of him how good that made him feel—almost as good as her sweet body tucked under his arm.
    Morgan almost passed out when Ryan slipped his arm around her waist, especially since he did it in front of other people. It almost felt as if he was staking a claim, and that made her face heat with a no doubt bright red, totally embarrassing blush that could probably light up half of Seashell Bay in a blackout.
    When he let her go, she forced herself to shrug off her crazy emotional reaction and focus on the plan to fix Golden Sunset’s roof. When it came down to it, how could she afford to say no? Still, accepting the generous offer went against the grain. Ryan had nailed it when he said that neighbors helped neighbors in Seashell Bay, but she loathed the idea that people might think of her as a charity case.
    Morgan had always fought for financial independence. She’d been self-sufficient since she was old enough to hold down a summer job, so flirting with financial calamity scared the hell out of her. So did being in debt to people who wanted to help her, even people who were friends.
    But given the situation and her responsibilities to Sabrina, she simply couldn’t say no, at least not right now. All she could do was make a solemn, silent vow to pay back every cent, even if Golden Sunset didn’t survive. It would take a while, especially if she had to drag her sister back to Pickle River and support her there, but she’d do it.
    When Ryan waved a hand in front of her face, she realized she’d missed the last several moments of the conversation.
    “Well, how about it, Morgan?” he asked. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”
    She mentally regrouped. “I’m sorry, guys. I kind of zoned out for a moment while I was trying to figure out how I could repay you.” She smiled as brightly as she could manage. “Now, what were you saying?”
    Roy gave an amused little snort that drew an elbow in the ribs from Miss Annie.
    “Aiden and Lily want us to go to the Sea Dogs gamewith them tomorrow night,” Ryan said with a hint of a smile. “Aiden’s got free tickets, and Lily will take us all into town in her boat.”
    “That’s what I came over to ask,” Aiden added. “We’d love it if you and Ryan could make it.”
    Was this idea supposed to be a double date? “Um, well . . .” Morgan scrambled to come up with an answer. She wasn’t a sports fan, and minor-league baseball didn’t exactly turn her crank. And then there were all the potential complications of spending social time with Soldier Boy.
    “Come on, don’t make me be the third wheel,” Ryan said.
    “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” Roy butted in. “If she’s going to pass up a free ticket, I’ll go.”
    “You’re not the fourth Aiden had in mind, Roy,” Miss Annie said. “Anyway, buy your own damn ticket if you want to go.”
    They all laughed, including Morgan. And, heck, she actually did want to have a fun night out with her friends.