Chapter 1

Natalie

 

“Let’s face it, bridesmaids’ dresses aren’t made for forty-somethings.” I turned away from the mirrors and plopped down next to Amy, my best friend and the bride-to-be. “Or maybe not this forty-something.”

“We’ll find the one.” She wrinkled her nose at the pale green gown. “But that definitely is not it.”

Amy’s bedroom looked like a bridal boutique had exploded in it. We’d been trying on the dresses her stylist had sent over for hours and hadn’t found anything passable, let alone a gown that had the wow factor.

“At least we’re not trying these on in public,” Merilee, our third musketeer, called from the bathroom. “Thank God for stylists.”

“Don’t thank anyone until we find the magical unicorn of a dress.” I picked at the silky fabric. “It looked so nice on the hanger.”

Amy’s expression softened. “What’s wrong? And don’t tell me it’s the imaginary ten pounds you want to lose.”

“There’s nothing imaginary about my disappearing waistline.” I stood and motioned to the offensive area.

“I disagree, but you didn’t answer my question.” She set her tea aside and turned her full attention on me. “Seriously, Nat, what’s going on? You haven’t been yourself for weeks.”

Nothing, and that’s the problem.

Forcing a smile, I shook my head. “I’m good—”

“I agree with Natalie, these aren’t made for anyone who needs extra lift.” Merilee walked to the mirrors and pulled the neckline of her dress up to demonstrate her point.

My gown had fit tight through the torso and bagged out at the top, but Merilee’s squished her breasts together and flattened them at the same time.

“Would body-shapers help?” Amy glanced between us.

If anyone else had suggested I needed spandex, I would have told them where they could shove their Spanx, but this was Amy. I doubted the vegan yoga instructor had any experience with the hell also known as body-shapers.

“I don’t want to feel like an overstuffed sausage in heels at your wedding.” I laughed despite my crappy mood.

Merilee’s eyebrows climbed into her hairline, but her grin ruined the effect. “Spandex won’t cure uni-boob. Nat and I don’t need over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders or girdles. We need the right dresses.”

“The wedding is months away.” Amy held up her hands. “We’ll keep looking. I’ll be happy with whatever you choose.”

“Right now, I choose another glass of merlot.” Merilee walked to the serving cart in the corner of the bedroom.

I shoved to my feet and grabbed the next dress from the rack. “The tenth time’s the charm.”

Amy tilted her head. “Seriously, Nat. Are you okay?”

“I think I’m having a midlife crisis.” My shoulders sagged. “I barely recognize my body anymore. My emotions are all over the place, and I have no idea what I’m doing with my life.”

Merilee raised her hand. “I’m right there with you, but I refused to call it a midlife anything.”

“How about puberty 2.0?” Amy grinned.

Between the three of us, we were raising five teenagers and had the battle scars to prove it. We knew a little something about hormonal changes.

“I like that.” Merilee handed me a glass of wine. “But instead of pimples, we have wrinkles.”

“Speak for yourself. I have both. At the same damned time.” I turned my back to Amy. “Unzip me.”

“Well, I think you’re both beautiful.” She helped me out of the weird fitting dress and into the next one. “As for having no idea what you’re doing with your life, you’re exactly where—”

“Where I’m supposed to be. I know.” I loved her, but I wasn’t in the mood for a pep talk. I wanted a good old fashioned pity party. “Besides, it’s easy for you to be optimistic when all of your dreams have come true.”

I wasn’t jealous. I was thrilled that she’d landed the perfect job and the perfect man and was shopping for the perfect house for her perfectly blended family.

Who am I kidding? I’m completely jealous.

She took a step back and motioned for me to turn around, so she could zip the new dress. “Six months ago, I was on the verge of moving in with my parents and taking a job I hated.”

While I’d never call her story a fairytale, it’d come damned close. “I remember.”

“Things always look their worst right before they change for the better.” Amy raised her chin as if daring me to argue.

“I don’t know about in life, but it’s certainly true for dresses.” Merilee caressed the flowy fabric and smiled. “Take a look.”

I glanced at myself in the mirror and my mouth fell open. “Wow.”

The periwinkle blue gown had a drapey Grecian feel. The fabric was cinched together with silver clips on each shoulder and more metallic embellishments along the empire waistline.

“This isn’t a dress, it’s a freaking miracle.” I turned to see the back. “My God, it even makes my mom-butt look good.”

Merilee made grabby hands. “Let me try it on.”

Laughing, I slipped it off and handed it to her.

“Are you nervous about the party tomorrow?” Amy handed me a robe.

“Very.” The mere mention of the catering job sent my blood pressure into orbit.

Amy’s engagement barbecue was a huge score for my catering company. Her fiancé, Hudson, was a former actor turned studio owner. Not only was it a three-hundred-person affair, but most of the attendees were celebrities, fellow movie executives, and/or had pockets deep enough to need scuba gear. If everything went well, the event could lead to more bookings.

More bookings. More savings. More likelihood I could open my own restaurant sometime this century.

“Don’t be.” Amy gave me a knowing smile. “This is the beginning of great things for you. I can feel it. Your life is about to change in big ways.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.” I hugged her.

Amy might have been my best friend, but this was her party we were talking about. She didn’t need to know I’d been freaking out about it for weeks.

“I’m in love.” Wearing the gown I’d just tried on, Merilee twirled in front of the mirror.

“It’s stunning on you, too.” Amy clasped her hands together. “Okay, ladies. Is this the one?”

“We say yes to the dress!” Merilee and I laughed.

The bride-to-be chewed her lower lip. “And the color works?”

“It’s perfect.” I sipped my wine, feeling better than I had in months.

“It never ceases to amaze me what a pretty dress and a terrific pair of shoes can do for a woman.” Merilee studied her reflection.

Ever the optimist, Amy said, “It’s the woman in the dress, not the other way around.”

“Tell that to Cinderella.” I glanced at the clock and sighed. “Where did the afternoon go? The kids will invade any minute.”

“Invade is right.” Merilee hung the gown on the rack and tugged on a pair of jeans. “Whoever thought it was a good idea to make women go through perimenopause while raising teenagers had a sick sense of humor.”

I pulled on my yoga pants and an over-sized T-shirt. “I don’t know what I would do without Kayla. She insisted on working the party tomorrow when one of my servers called out sick for the week.”

“She’s helping out?” Amy’s face brightened. She loved my daughter almost as much as I did. “I figured she’d want to be a guest.”

I tied my sneakers and stood. “I know, but I think she wants a little extra cash.”

“Saving for college?” Merilee asked.

“I wish. No, she wants to buy herself a car when she turns sixteen.” I shivered at the thought of Kayla behind the wheel.

Grinning, Amy bumped my shoulder. “I remember when Jason first got his license. I worried myself sick every time he drove away.”

“You? Worry? I thought that was against the yogi-code?” I deadpanned.

She shrugged. “I’m a mom. It’s what we do.”

“Ain’t that the truth.” Merilee laughed. “Let’s grab some of those paninis before the twin human garbage disposals get here.”

Downstairs, we continued to joke and talk about our kids as we scarfed down the sandwiches I’d made for the occasion. My life might not have been what I’d imagined it’d be, but I had great friends. I doubted I would have survived my divorce and subsequent single parenthood without Merilee and Amy.

“I think Kayla has a new crush, but she hasn’t told me much about him yet.” I sipped my iced tea and did my best to appear casual. Their kids were a year or two older than mine. They’d been through this before.

“That’s normal. What teenage girl wants to share the details of her love life with her mother?” Merilee tossed her napkin on her empty plate.

“I did.” My voice came out wobbly.

“That’s different. Your mom was Della and Della was…” Amy waved her hand.

“Amazing.” My chest tightened. Sometimes missing my mom felt like a constant ache, other times it was like being stabbed through the heart. No warning. No build up. Just immediate pain.

Amy’s smile wilted. “She really was.”

“It was so easy to talk to her,” I said. “I wish Kayla felt that way about me, but I don’t know. Ever since the split, she’s been…”

“Distant?” Merilee offered.

“Distant I would understand. I’d almost be okay with it. It’s like she’s trying to protect me. To keep me safe. She’s trying to make sure I don’t have any added stress in my life. Which is what I’m supposed to be doing for her. She’s doing my job.” Guilt threatened to overwhelm me.

“Jason did the same thing. It’s because they love and worry about us, too,” Amy said.

“I know, but I’m the mom.”

“She knows that.” Merilee gathered our dirty dishes and took them to the sink.

“Does she?” I asked, unsure.

“Natalie, listen to me.” Amy turned to face me head on. Her green eyes locked onto mine with such intensity I couldn’t look away. “I’ve watched you take care of her for years. You’re an amazing mom. The fact that she wants to protect you is a testament to how close the two of you are. She wants to make your life easier, better. That’s not a bad thing.”

“You’re right.” I counted myself lucky. I’d heard horror stories about raising teen girls. So far, Kayla had been easy. “She’s been pushing me to start dating.”

“What a coincidence…” Amy pursed her lips. “Dane asked about you again.”

My stomach fluttered the same way it did every time she said his name.

“Hudson’s sexy surfer friend?” Merilee hurried back to the table. “You should have him take you for a ride on his long board.”

“Dane McCormick is so far out of my league, we’re not even in the same universe. There are surfboards with his name on them.” I’d met the former pro-surfer at one of Hudson and Amy’s parties. He was gorgeous, rich, and surprisingly sweet. What would a guy like that want with someone like me?

Amy’s spine stiffened. “That’s complete crap. He asked about you, remember?”

Merilee nodded.

“Right, and then we met at the Oscar’s afterparty, and I realized we weren’t a good fit.” I glanced away to hide the half-truth.

Once Dane and I had gotten past the awkwardness, we’d hit it off. It wasn’t until I’d gotten home and thought it through that I’d decided it’d never work between us. I was too busy with Kayla and work. I didn’t have time for a man.

Amy rested her hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay if you’re not into him, but don’t sell yourself short.”

“He’s a great guy, but it isn’t the right time for me to start dating.”

Merilee tilted her head. “Is it about Chris?”

“Absolutely not.” I laughed at the mere thought.

“You two spent twelve years together…” Amy paused as if waiting for me to fill in the blanks.

“As roommates.” I struggled to find the right words to explain my feelings about my ex-husband. “We were never in love. We were friends who had drunken sex one night and made a baby.”

“Wow. How have we never talked about this?” Merilee rested her chin in her hand, a sure sign she expected a juicy story.

“Probably because there isn’t much to tell.” Uncomfortable with the topic, I picked imaginary crumbs from my T-shirt. “After we found out we were having Kayla, we did the right thing and got married.”

Merilee nodded, but Amy sighed.

“What can I say? I have a long history of doing what’s expected of me.” I nudged Amy’s side to make her smile. “Live and learn, right?”

She didn’t smile. She stared. “Nat, are you still running your mom’s company because people expect you to?”

Amy had inadvertently picked the scab off my deepest wound, but I wasn’t ready to admit it. Especially not on what was supposed to be a fun day of trying on dresses and having lunch with my besties.

“It’s really hard to work chef’s hours while raising a kid.” I shifted the conversation back to the lesser of two difficult topics. “I’ll always love Chris. In some ways, he’s my best friend.”

“Hey!” Amy teased.

Merilee threw her napkin at me.

“Stop pestering me about Dane, and you two might get the title back.” My stomach fluttered again. Why did he have to be so freaking perfect?

“Deal.” Merilee laughed. “But you should consider putting yourself back out there.”

“This isn’t the time. I have my hands full.”

She shrugged. “There’s never a good time. Dating is like the Polar Plunge. You just have to hold your nose and jump in.”

I bit back a few snarky comments. “I wouldn’t even know how to go about meeting a man.”

“Skip the bar scene and go straight to the dating apps.” Kayla breezed through the back door.

Amy, Merilee, and I glanced at each other wide eyed. I didn’t need psychic abilities to know they were thinking the same thing I was—how long had she been there, and what had she overheard?

Smiling, I hurried over to hug her. “How was soccer practice?

“Same as always,” Kayla said, tossing her bag to the floor.

Merilee stood. “Where are the twins?”

“And Zarah?” Amy added.

“They’re out by the pool.” Kayla plopped into an empty chair. “Can we go soon? I’m starved.”

Amy nodded to the stove. “Help yourself to a panini.”

“Thanks.” Kayla groaned as she stood.

“Stay put. I’ll grill it for you,” I offered.

“You’re the best. Seriously, Mom. Have I told you lately that I love you?”

I had a sneaking suspicion she’d played me, but that wouldn’t stop me from warming up her snack. “Nope, but feel free to tell me anytime you want.”

Merilee glanced at her phone. “I should get going. I’m sure Tyler and Brody have homework.”

“Bye, Ms. Cole.” Kayla stood and gave her a sweaty hug.

Merilee didn’t seem to mind the BO. Then again, she had two hulking football players for sons. She had to be used to the smell. “See you tomorrow.”

The mere mention of the party made me cringe, but I hid it by embracing Meri.

After Amy had walked Merilee to the door, she returned to the kitchen. “What’s new, Kayla? How’s school?”

“Not much, same old same old.” She hitched a shoulder.

Noting the dark circles under Kayla’s eyes, I said, “You look tired.”

“I’m fine. Practice was brutal.” She waved me off. “Besides, weren’t we talking about you?”

“Were we?” I turned back to the stove.

“We were,” Amy said. “You and dating.”

“Dating. Yes! That thing I’ve been telling you to do for months.” Kayla spoke in a dramatic tone only used by teenagers and Shakespearian actors.

Rather than replying, I fussed over the sandwich.

Kayla whined. “Aunt Amy, don’t you think my mom should put herself back on the market?”

“Well…” She glanced at me.

“Nope. Uh-uh. No way.” I motioned between them with the spatula. “We’re not playing team up on Natalie tonight. Not happening.”

“Moooom.” She stretched the word into four syllables.

“Kaylaaaa.” I mimicked her tone and facial expression.

“How long has it been since the divorce?” Her voice rose over mine.

“Three years.” Amy folded her arms.

I shot her a mock glare.

Amy avoided my gaze, but the corners of her mouth curled up.

“Yes!” Kayla pointed at me. “Exactly. Three years. And how many dates have you been on in those long, lonely, three years?”

“None,” Amy answered again.

“Seriously?” I hissed at her.

Smiling, she shrugged.

I plated the panini, added a helping of fresh strawberries and a bag of chips, and slid it across the counter to Kayla.

“Thanks, Mom.” She devoured the food.

With her mouth full, I hoped the conversation was over. I should have known the peace wouldn’t last long.

“I think it’s sad.” Kayla shoved the last bite of panini into her mouth. “I mean. You’re not old.”

“Why thank you.” I laughed.

“Yet. You don’t have to be a hermit and hide away from the world.”

Nodding, I said, “I’ll think about it. Now please, drop it.”

She shook her head. “Even though you and Dad aren’t together, that doesn’t mean you have to be done with dating forever.”

Likely sensing my frustration, Amy took Kayla’s dirty plate to the sink.

“I never said I was done forever.” I drew a breath to ease my temper.

“Okay, so then you want to start dating?” Kayla pressed.

“Not yet. I’m happy focusing my attention on work and raising you.” It wasn’t a total lie. I didn’t have the time or the energy to start over with someone new. Maybe I’d feel different once I opened my own restaurant or when she went to college.

“What a load of crap.”

“Kayla!” I’d had about all I could take.

“Shouldn’t you at least be open to the possibilities?” Amy offered me a soft smile. “Look at me and Hudson. Miracles happen.”

Maybe it was her gentle expression, or that she’d found her happily-ever-after, I don’t know which, but some of the fight drained out of me. “Fine. If Mr. Wonderful comes along, I’ll be open.”

Kayla caught my eye. “I want you to be happy.”

“Like you said, I’m not old. I have plenty of time to meet someone.”

“Why not start looking?” She stared as if daring me to argue.

“Because I…”

Both Kayla and Amy waited for me to finish, but when I didn’t, their mischievous grins spread.

“See? You have no good reason,” Kayla said. “Besides, you don’t have to feel weird about it. Dad’s dating.”

My stomach churned. Not with jealousy or remorse, with irritation. “What your father does, or doesn’t do, has nothing to do with this.”

“I thought you two were still friends.” Kayla narrowed her eyes.

“We are.” I spun to face her. “But that doesn’t mean we’re in some competition to see who moves on the fastest.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Kayla shook her head. “I want you to know that it would be okay. He would be okay if you found someone. I actually think he’d be really happy for you.”

I didn’t doubt that.

“Do you still miss him?” Kayla’s voice came out so unsteady, it cracked my heart in two.

“Not in the way you’re thinking.” I sat beside her. “I love your dad, and I always will, but we were just two young kids who thought we were ready for forever. It turns out we weren’t. But I do miss the idea that my marriage could make it to the fifty-year mark.”

“Maybe your next one will.” Kayla flashed me a smile.

“Only if I live to be a hundred.”

“All the more reason to start dat—”

“Kayla.” I used the mom voice.

“Okay.” She held up her hands. “I’ll stop. For now.”

“Thank you.” I kissed her forehead. “Let’s leave Amy in peace.”

“Okay…but…” She gave me the same sly smile she used to give me before asking for a second helping of dessert. “Can I drive?”

“Sure.” I tossed her the keys. “I’ll be right there.”

She squealed and ran out the back door, with Amy and I trailing behind her.

“Think about putting yourself back out there.” Amy hugged me.

“I will.” For some strange reason, Dane’s face popped into my head. “See you tomorrow.”

“Don’t be nervous. The party’s going to be great.”

“What could possibly go wrong?” I turned and stumbled over a rock. “Besides tripping over my own feet.”

Laughing, Amy shook her head. “Don’t tempt fate.”

“I’ll try to avoid it.” Embarrassed, I hurried to my car.

Kayla sat in the driver’s seat, fiddling with her phone. The second she saw me, she darkened the screen.

“Uh huh, I saw that.” Ignoring the blasting radio, I fastened my seatbelt.

“Saw what?” she asked, a little too innocently.

“Something you don’t want me to see.”

Kayla rolled her eyes. “I was texting a friend.”

“Oh yeah? Anyone I know?”

“Nope.”

It bothered me she refused to talk about her crush. Then again, how could I expect her to share her life with me if I refused to share mine with her? Maybe if I opened up a little, she’d do the same?

“Honey,” I said, turning off the godawful rap music.

“Yeah?” She put the car in drive and pulled out of the lot.

I drew a deep breath and let my guard down. “The reason I’m not ready to date is I don’t know how anymore. It’s been so long, I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

“That’s easy! I can—”

“No, Kayla. I’m not asking for your help. I wanted you to know the reason, so you’d understand why I’m hesitant.”

“I get it. Really, I do.” She squeezed my hand before turning the radio up and belting the raunchy lyrics at the top of her lungs.

I hoped Kayla would understand where I was coming from and let the topic drop for good. My life didn’t have room for dating. Not yet.

 

***

 

Kayla: I want my mom to find someone. Is that so crazy?

Ezra: No. I want the same thing for my dad.

Kayla: Are your parents divorced too?

Ezra: Nah. Mom died a few years ago.

Kayla: Oh my god. EZ I’m so sorry. I had no idea.

Ezra: It’s okay. I don’t talk about it much.

Kayla: How did she die?

Ezra: Cancer

Kayla: Shit. Wow. That sucks.

Ezra: It does. Especially for my dad. I wish he’d start dating.

Kayla: Maybe there’s something we could do about it.

Ezra: Like what? You got any ideas?

Kayla: Actually… Ya know what… I do. See you at the party tomorrow.

 

Chapter 2

Dane

 

“You can’t quit. I have an engagement party tonight. I’m the best man.” I glared at my manager—make that ex-manager.

“Bro! You should understand. Nothing is more important than love.” Billy held his arms out wide. “It’s even bigger and deeper than the ocean.”

I’d retired from pro-surfing. I knew the freaking ocean. The only thing bigger or deeper was the pile of shit he was leaving me to deal with.

“At least stay long enough for me to hire your replacement. I can’t do all of this on my own.” I motioned around the surf shop.

We’d been busy, and he’d been slacking. Someone needed to restock the swimsuits, straighten the shelves of sunscreen, and vacuum the piles of sand from the floor. Not to mention, take inventory, make the nightly deposit, and put in another order for boards.

“No can do.” He shook his shaggy head. “Maria wants to hit the road tonight for Ohio.”

“Ohio? Oh-freaking-hio? You realize they don’t have beaches, right?” I couldn’t believe this guy. He’d worked for me for years, and this is how he wanted to leave it?

“Who needs waves when you have love?” Billy tossed his keys on the counter and strolled out the door.

“What are we going to do now, boss?” Alison’s nervous voice snapped me out of my shock-induced stupor.

“Right.” I glanced from the piles of boards that needed storing to the pile of receipts that needed sorting. “Lock everything up. I’ll come in after the party and finish closing duties.”

“I can do it first thing in the morning.” She dipped her chin and gave me a shy smile. “On one condition…”

Alison had only worked for me for a couple of months. She was young, just out of school, but smart—and more importantly, she didn’t have a boyfriend from Ohio.

“Name your price.” I folded my arms.

“Take me to the party as your plus one.”

“EZ’s my plus one.” I don’t know what she saw in my expression, but she blushed.

“It’d be a work thing. Off-the-clock. There’ll be a lot of people there that I should meet. To help you market the surf school…and the hotel. You know, to get more people interested in taking surfing lessons and renting rooms.” She spoke so fast I had a hard time keeping up.

I held up my hands. “As long as you can be ready to go in a half-hour, you’re welcome to tag along.”

Her face fell, but she nodded. “I’ll be ready.”

What’s going on with her?

“Great. And don’t worry. I’ll get applicants for Billy’s position in here as soon as possible.”

“Or…” Alison’s eyes darted to the floor, then back to my face.

“Or? What?” I cocked my head.

“I could do it.”

Her qualifications weren’t the issue. She had a business degree and knew the shop. The problem was, she could surf like a pro, and she was a great teacher.

“You’re the best instructor I have.” I lowered my voice in hopes of softening the blow. “You’re great with the students. I can’t afford to lose you out there.”

“You won’t.” Ali’s smile widened. “I’ll do both.”

“Manage the storefront and give lessons? How?”

She squared her shoulders. “If you hire a part-time salesperson to take care of the store. I can handle my lessons and the manager duties.”

My instinct was to say no, but her confidence convinced me to give her a try. Plus, I was in a serious jamb. “How do you feel about a sixty-day trial period?”

She blinded me with a wide smile. “You won’t regret this, Dane, I promise!”

“I know I won’t.” I regretted it already. If it didn’t work out, I’d be looking for a new instructor and a new manager. “Go get changed for the party. I’ll pack up the boards.”

“I’ll meet you in the parking lot.” Still beaming, Alison bolted for the exit.

Despite Ali’s offer to come in early and take care of things, I couldn’t leave the place a wreck. There was too much for one person to do, no matter how early they came in.

I got to work putting the gritty boards into the storage lockers. They’d need to be de-waxed and cleaned before tomorrow’s lessons, but I didn’t have time to worry about them. Nor did I have time to enter receipts, reconcile the cash register, or confirm tomorrow’s lessons.

Running the Casa Rosa Hotel and Surf School wasn’t how I’d envisioned spending the second half of my life. Becoming a widower and single father had never been the plan.

Five years later, I was a successful business owner and my son, Ezra, had grown into a happy, healthy seventeen-year-old. Life was good.

But it was lonely.

I was lonely.

The problem was, I had no clue how to change it. Since my wife died, I’d only flirted with one woman—and she’d ghosted me.

Face it, bro. You have zero game.

After locking up the boards, I headed for the parking lot only to find Ezra and Ali standing beside my truck. She threw her head back and laughed, which would have been a good thing, had my son not been staring at her like a love-sick puppy.

I cleared my throat and jingled my keys. “Everyone ready to go?”

Holy shit. When did I become my dad?

“EZ. Want to drive?”

“Do fish crap in the ocean?” He grinned, his teeth standing out against his tanned skin.

“EZ was telling me about Single Dads Gone Wild.” Ali climbed into the backseat. “It sounds like a lot of fun.”

“It is.” I slid in the passenger’s side and watched as Ezra checked the mirrors before cranking the engine and easing onto the road.

“What gave you the idea to start it?” She leaned forward.

EZ’s gaze moved to the rearview, or more specifically, the girl in the backseat.

“Eyes on the road.” I motioned to Ali. “Seatbelt.”

She sucked in a breath and buckled up.

Yep. I’m full-on channeling the old man. No wonder Natalie ghosted me.

Frowning, I said, “The goal was to help each other through the ins and outs of fatherhood and to have some fun.”

Ezra rolled his eyes. “He and Hudson started SDGW after their wives died. It’s kinda like if a support group and the X-Games got together and had a baby.”

“Hudson Stewart is amazing.” Her voice came out breathy. No surprise, Hud had that effect on most women.

“So is Amy, his fiancé.” I had no idea why I’d snapped. I didn’t care if Ali had a crush on my best friend. It wouldn’t go anywhere. Like me, the guy was twice her age. Unlike me, he was getting married in a couple of months.

“Geez. Take a chill.” Ezra shook his head. “Are you guys changing the name now that Uncle Hud isn’t single?”

“And update the webpage and social media?” I scoffed. “Not happening.”

They continued to talk about Single Dads Gone Wild, our camping trips, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and on and on, but I tuned them out. My mind drifted to a certain blonde caterer, with a wicked sense of humor, legs to die for, and blue eyes I could drown in.

Too bad Natalie didn’t want anything to do with me.

The engagement party was in full swing when we arrived at Hudson and Amy’s sprawling estate. When Hud had told me they were having a low-key barbeque, I’d expected a couple dozen guests and burgers on the grill. It wasn’t until he mentioned Natalie’s company was catering the shindig that I’d realized his idea of low-key and mine were very different.

“I see Brody and Tyler. I’ll catch you guys later.” Ezra strode toward his friends.

Ali stood star-struck, gawking at the celebrities in attendance. “I’m going to mingle.”

“Have fun.” I figured my crew were in the mancave hiding from the crowd, but I had a quick stop to make before joining them.

The kitchen.

I rounded the corner and took in the chaos. A dozen people, dressed in black pants and crisp white shirts, carried large serving trays in and out of the space. That they didn’t collide with each other or drop anything surprised me. Each person moved like a wheel in a well-oiled machine.

And then I saw the reason.

Natalie.

She stood in the center of the swirling activity, pointing, giving orders, directing her staff like Mickey Mouse conducting the flood water in Fantasia.

Her cheeks were rosy, and she’d tucked her blonde hair beneath her chef’s hat, but she was still beautiful.

What can I say? I’d always been a sucker for a woman who knew how to take charge.

As if she felt my stare, she glanced up and met my gaze. Her eyes widened and a smile softened her face.

I waved.

“Hi.” She held up a finger and mouthed, “One second.”

“Sure.” I couldn’t help but grin. After she’d avoided me for months, I hadn’t expected her to want to speak to me.

“There you are.” Ali stepped between me and the kitchen and stood closer than was necessary—or appropriate, given I was her boss. “You will not believe who’s here.”

“Yeah?” I glanced from her to Natalie and caught her staring.

“It’s like a Hollywood who’s-who list.” Ali leaned close and whispered, “We’ve been here five minutes, and I’ve already handed out ten cards.”

“That’s great.” I took a step back to put some distance between us.

“Ugh. Stand still.” She made a pained face, rested her hand on my shoulder, and bent forward to mess with her shoe. “This darned strap keeps coming loose.”

Natalie narrowed her eyes, frowned, and turned her back to us. She’d clearly gotten the wrong idea.

“Excuse me.” I side-stepped my new manager with every intention of pulling Natalie aside and explaining.

“Dane!” Hudson crossed the room and clamped his hand on my shoulder. “The guys are in the mancave playing poker. You game?”

I cast one last glance back into the kitchen, but Nat was nowhere to be found. “Sure. Why not?”

Hudson’s mancave was the stuff of legends. Besides the gigantic flatscreen television and leather sectional, he had a pool table, air hockey, and foosball. Old school pinball machines lined one wall, a kitchenette and fully stocked bar lined the other.

Sully, Eric, and Adam sat around Hudson’s poker table sharing wings, placing bets, and shooting the shit.

Sully, a former NFL star turned high school football coach, shuffled the cards. “You want in?”

“Sure.” I sank into a barrel shaped chair. “Just a couple hands. I have best man duties, and it’s been a shit day.”

Sully raised a brow at Hud. “In or out?”

“I have time for one more before Amy sends out a search party.” Hudson sat across from me. “I saw EZ by the pool chatting up one of the servers.”

First Ali, now one of Nat’s employees? What was going on with him? “Please tell me he wasn’t flirting with an adult woman.”

“I didn’t get a look at her face.” Hudson peeked at his cards. “What’s going on with you? I haven’t seen you this stressed out since they closed the beaches last year.”

I drew a deep breath and unloaded my dumpster fire of a day—sans the Natalie thing. They didn’t need to know I was still sniffing around the caterer.

“Billy walked out?” Adam asked, tossing his cards down. “I fold.”

“Yup. When I asked him to stay on until I found someone new, he gave me some bullshit about love being bigger than the ocean and left.” I threw a couple more chips in the center of the table. “I’ll raise you.”

“All right, losers. Let’s seem ‘em,” Hudson said.

We flipped over our cards. Hudson and I groaned in unison as a cackling Sully claimed the pot. From the looks of it, he’d been cleaning them out all night, but that was nothing new. It was a rare occurrence when anyone beat Sully.

“That’s bullshit,” Adam said. “About Billy.”

“Yup, but I hired Ali as interim manager.”

Three pairs of eyes snapped up to meet mine.

I blinked, taking in their looks of disbelief. “What?”

“Alison?” Sully raised his eyebrows. “The little surf instructor?”

“Yeah?”

“Wow, and you brought her here tonight?” Hudson whistled. “I didn’t see that one coming.”

I frowned. “See what coming?”

“You and her.” Adam shook his head. “What are you doing down here with us? Shouldn’t you be with your date? Or is she hanging out with the other teenagers?”

“She’s twenty-two.” I snorted. “And for the record, she’s not my date.”

Adam, Hudson, and Sully exchanged doubtful glances. When they turned back, they all laughed at the confused look on my face.

“Does she know that?” Hudson asked. “You two looked awfully cozy.”

“Her strap came lose.”

They cracked up again.

My stomach roiled. “What the hell am I missing?”

“You promoted her to manager. Without any experience.” Adam counted off on his fingers. “You bring her to a party. And may or may not have cozied up with her? I mean, she’s worked for you for all of five minutes.”

“Because I’m desperate.” I explained. “It’s not like I have any other options right now. And she does have a business degree. The least I can do is give her a chance.”

“A chance.” Hudson chuckled. “At which part? Managing the surf shop or being your plus one?”

“I’m not sleeping with her.” I tossed my cards on the table.

Adam held his hands up in surrender. “Okay man, we believe you. It’s suspicious, that’s all.”

Sully scratched his jaw. “We know she’s into you, so we thought—”

“Into me?” I whipped my head in his direction. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Oh, come on!” Adam said. “You can’t pretend you haven’t noticed.”

“I really haven’t.” I glanced between them.

Alison was a sweet girl and a talented surfer, but I had never thought of her as anything else.

Hudson rolled his eyes. “You’re the reason she applied for the job in the first place.”

It was my turn to roll my eyes. They always did this. Insisted I was some sort of sex symbol because I used to surf. Sure, there had been a time years ago when women had lined up to meet me, get my autograph, and ask for my number. I’d never, not once, taken any of them up on their offers.

Melissa and I had started dating when we were nineteen. I had never been interested in anyone else.

I pointed at Hudson. “Even if she took the job because of me, Ali has worked her ass off since she started. She deserves a chance to manage the shop.”

“And maybe, after a long day, you two might need to blow off some steam…” Sully wiggled his brows.

“Never going to happen.” I nodded to the deck in his hands. “You gonna deal those or play with them all night?”

He shuffled the cards one last time before dealing them around the table. “Look at the wall behind me.”

I glanced up and scowled at the twenty-year-old poster of me from the Men’s Health Magazine spread.

I turned and glared at Hudson. “I still can’t believe you bought that fucking thing.”

“It matches the décor.” He shrugged.

Two years ago, the guys had happened across the old poster on eBay. They’d gotten a good laugh at my expense, then Hudson had bought it for me as a gag gift. I’d been about to chuck it, but Hudson had nabbed it before I could.

“Seriously man,” Adam continued. “You really don’t think Alison wants to sleep with the guy on that poster?”

I glanced up again. My sun-bleached hair used to hang to the center of my back. The magazine had enhanced my brown eyes to make them almost translucent green. Worst still, my abs glistened with a mixture of sweat and salt water. Looking at it made me feel old.

“I’m not that guy anymore,” I said.

“A few more wrinkles and a little less hair, but you’re still you,” Hudson said. “There are plenty of women who’d love to be your surf bunny.”

“Hardly.”

“Dude.” Adam eyed me over his cards.

“What the hell? Are we going to paint each other’s toenails and have a pillow fight? Less talk. More poker.” I grumbled.

Setting his cards down, Sully said, “It’s time.”

“Beyond time.” Hudson added.

“Time for what?” I had a very good idea where the conversation was headed but played dumb.

Adam said, “Melissa’s been gone for five years.”

It was the tone of his voice that caught my attention. Gone were the teasing jibes and good-natured ribbing. In their place was something entirely too close to pity. “I—”

“Before you argue, I’m not saying you should run out and sleep with Alison.” Sully said. “We actually have something else in mind.”

“What is this? Some kind of ambush?” I demanded.

“It’s not an ambush. We’re going to do it, too.” Sully motioned to the groom-to-be. “Except him, of course.”

I had a sinking feeling I wouldn’t like whatever idea these boneheads had dreamed up. “Do what?”

“We’re joining a dating app.” Sully sat back and folded his arms. “Think of it as the next SDGW adventure.”

I was right. I hated the idea.

“Great. You guys have fun with that,” I said without making eye contact.

Adam kicked my chair. “Cut the shit. We know you’re lonely, because we’re all in the same damned boat.”

“How many times have we sat around this table moaning about wanting to meet someone?” Sully asked. “Let’s stop bitching and go for it.”

My instinct was to argue, but I didn’t really want to. The guys were right. It was time. Besides, if I had my way, I wouldn’t need the app. Not if I could convince Natalie to give me a shot.

Letting out a half-groan, half-sigh, I let my head fall back. “Okay. Count me in. Which app?”

Hudson laughed. “It’s called Second Time Soulmates and specializes in matching divorcees, widows, and widowers.”

“Second Time Soulmates? You’re kidding, right?”

He frowned. “Don’t let the corny name throw you off. It’s incredibly popular.”

Adam glanced between the single dads. “We’re doing this?”

Sully slapped the table. “We’re fucking doing this!”

 

***

 

Ezra: It was cool seeing you tonight.

Kayla: Same! Sorry I had to work.

Ezra: It’s weird, you know all my friends.

Kayla: My mom is besties with Amy.

Ezra: My dad and Hudson go way back.

Kayla: Small world.

Ezra: Yeah. We’re supposed to meet the gang at 7:30. Pick you up at 7 tomorrow?

Kayla: Make it 6? My mom won’t be home to insist on meeting you.

Ezra: See you at 6. We’ll grab burgers or something.