Buck's Landing (A New England Seacoast Romance) Read Online Free Page A

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    “Tell me you can take another hour,” Judy said, wrapping up her stories. “I’ve got my sitter until three and I desperately need a pedicure.”
    Amy could handle the Landing for another hour. Sofia collected her purse. “Where to?”
    “Oh, yay!” Judy clapped. “There’s a cheap little place in the Walmart strip mall that does paraffin for thirty-five bucks.”
    Sofia hummed in anticipation. “You had me at paraffin.”
     
    ~~~
     
    Silas hated strip malls, but they were a necessary evil. Houdini had a serious catnip addiction, and in their short time together, he found that he was expected to provide a steady stream of burlap mice for the small assassin to eviscerate. The upside to his kitten’s vicious appetite was that the little pain in the ass stayed at home if he was busy stalking herb-stuffed prey.
    He hopped out of the Jeep and headed for the pet store. Two women were walking ahead of him, and he indulged in the sidewalk-devouring stride of the shorter, dark-haired woman. Her swishy skirt flirted with lean, strong calves, and shampoo-commercial curls bounced against her back.
    The taller woman fluffed a perky blond ponytail, and turned to open the door to Nailz Plus, which boasted a “spa pedicure,” whatever that was, for ONLY $35. She was softer through the hips, Silas noted, but stacked. Some days, he thought, being alive in the world was a beautiful thing. The brunette turned as well, and his lecherous thoughts kicked into overdrive.
    Sofia Buck. He should have known that rearview. He jogged ahead and took the door from Sofia’s companion. “Ladies.”
    “Thank you.” The ponytailed friend had a million-watt smile.
    “Silas.” Sofia nodded.
    Her friend stuck out a hand. “Judy Dunaway. I went to high school with Sofia. You know,” she grinned, “last year.”
    “You’re not both seniors?” He laughed. “Sofia had me convinced.”
    Judy’s answering laugh was bell-like and musical. He liked her immediately. “Silas Wilde, proud owner of the Atlantis Market.”
    “Oh, perfect,” Judy said. “You’re neighbors!”
    “That we are,” he replied. “I’ll let you two get to your pampering. Judy, it was a pleasure. Sofia, I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
    “I’m sure,” Sofia said, and followed her friend inside. Regally, he thought.
    He tipped an imaginary hat as they entered the salon. The chemical-and-air freshener scent that whooshed out behind them stung his eyes.
    As he headed for the pet store, he wondered idly if Sofia’s friend was related to the Chris Dunaway who fixed his Jeep. His thoughts wandered to Sofia. She was so aloof, but there was something vital and warm about her. He filled a shopping basket with a wide variety of catnip toys. He understood his cat’s obsession. He found he wanted to get past Sofia’s tough outside, was convinced the good stuff was there under the surface.
    Shaking his head at his own train of thought, he paid for Houdini’s treats and headed to the Jeep.
     
    ~~~
     
    “Silas Wilde, hmm?” Judy dropped her feet into the soaking tub and fiddled with the remote for her massage chair.
    “Arrogant,” Sofia said, fishing in her bag for a ponytail holder. She wrapped her hair up into a messy bun. “I met him last week. He came by the Landing looking for his lost cat.”
    “He’s got a cat?” Judy arched a brow. “He doesn’t strike me as a cat guy.”
    “And yet,” Sofia said lightly, “he has one. A gray kitten. Whom I rescued twice that day.”
    “Oh,” Judy smiled softly. “A kitten. That’s cute.”
    “Yes, well,” Sofia said dryly. “He got a good look at my ass while I was attempting to get the thing down from the Easter Island head on the seventeenth hole, and the little monster just climbed down to go to Silas.”
    To the amusement of the nail tech, Judy broke into snorting laughter.
    Sofia attempted a half-hearted glare. “I’m glad you’re amused.”
    “Oh, yes.” Judy regained her breath.