Dogwood Hill. Sherryl Woods

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СКАЧАТЬ be unhappy to have a winning record a lot sooner than that.”

      “I’d like some time to think about it,” Aidan said, clearly startling Rob Larkin and stunning Mick.

      “What’s to think about?” Mick asked, a hint of indignation in his voice. “Opportunities like this don’t come along every day. Most schools wouldn’t give you half that long to make a difference.”

      “I know that, and I appreciate it,” Aidan told him. “But Chesapeake Shores is a big change for me. I want to be sure it can be mutually beneficial. That long-term deal is a sweet one for me, but I’m not so sure it’s in your best interests. After all, this is my first coaching job. I could be terrible. And Chesapeake Shores is a big change from New York. It might not be the best fit for me. Let’s all give it some more thought.”

      “Of course,” Rob said, before Mick could step in. “It is an adjustment. I came here from DC, so I know. For me, it’s been a welcome change, but it’s not right for everyone.” He glanced at Mick. “It’s no reflection on the town.”

      “Of course not,” Aidan said.

      Mick seemed to take his cue from the principal. “We’ll talk some more on Sunday,” he said eventually. “I’ll drive you back over to the inn now.”

      “That’s okay. It’s not that far. I’d like to walk, if you don’t mind.” He stood up and shook Rob’s hand. “It was very nice meeting you.”

      “You, too. I hope we’ll have the opportunity to work together.”

      “Thanks for the ride over, Mr. O’Brien.”

      “That’s Mick, son. I’ll see you on Sunday. Just ask Jess for directions.”

      “I’ll do that.”

      Outside, on another glorious spring day that showed off the town’s best attributes of blue skies and sparkling water, Aidan drew in a deep breath. Saying no was going to be a whole lot harder than he’d ever anticipated. The size of the town and the length of that contract were still issues, but the real hang-up was the prospect of getting closer to a man he’d dreamed about for years, but wasn’t really sure he wanted to know. That was especially ironic now that the possibility seemed within reach.

      * * *

      Liz wasn’t surprised when she spotted Aidan walking up the driveway to Mick’s for Sunday dinner. Nor was she especially startled when Bree pulled her aside and asked if she’d mind sitting next to the newcomer at the table.

      “He’s bound to feel more comfortable if there’s a familiar face nearby,” Bree said. “Someone other than my father needs to take him under their wing. Since you two have met and you’re a recent newcomer to town, you’re the obvious choice.”

      “And of course that’s the only reason you’ve chosen me for the job,” Liz remarked, her skepticism plain.

      Bree gave her a look that was all innocence. “Of course. What other reason could there be?”

      Bree glanced across the room and watched as Mick led Aidan around making introductions to his family. Liz couldn’t seem to keep her gaze off him, either. With Bree’s siblings and their spouses in the room, grandchildren underfoot everywhere, plus a couple of nephews and their families, it was bound to be a little overwhelming for anyone.

      “He’s looking a little shell-shocked already,” Bree commented.

      “I remember what that was like,” Liz acknowledged. Even now, after being included for several Sunday and holiday meals, she needed the occasional time-out to get her bearings. “Okay, I’ll do what I can to keep Aidan from running for the hills. Mick really does want this job to work out, doesn’t he?”

      “He’s gotten a little obsessed about it,” Bree conceded. “Especially since Aidan didn’t sign on the dotted line right off the bat. Dad’s not used to anyone holding out, especially when money’s not the issue. It’s frustrating him.” Bree grinned. “Mom thinks it’s good for him. The rest of us are just wondering where Aidan got the backbone to stand up to him. We might ask for lessons.”

      Liz gave Bree a pointed look. “I might want a couple of those lessons myself.”

      Though it was evident Bree got her message, she merely waved it off. “Stop. You know I’m just giving you a push in the direction you want to go, anyway.” Then she literally gave Liz a gentle shove. “Go. Save him.”

      Liz crossed the room and caught Aidan’s eye. “Could I speak to you a moment?”

      Mick gave her a startled look that quickly turned speculative. “We can talk more later,” he told Aidan at once. “Never turn down a pretty woman’s invitation.”

      Aidan regarded her with an expression of relief. “Thank you,” he said as Mick moved away.

      “I wasn’t sure you needed rescuing, but I recall how I felt after my first half hour with a houseful of O’Briens. Would you like a little fresh air?”

      “I’d love some,” Aidan admitted, following her outside to a porch lined with rockers and Adirondack chairs facing the bay.

      Liz gestured toward the chairs. “We could sit here or we could walk. Dinner’s not for another half hour and since most of the kids are outside playing, Nell always rings a very loud bell to get everyone’s attention.”

      “Then let’s walk,” Aidan said. As they reached the edge of the wide expanse of lawn and stood looking out at the bay, he turned to her. “Who’s Nell? I don’t think I’ve met her. Mick’s wife is Megan, right?”

      “Exactly. Nell is Mick’s mother. This may be his house, but, trust me, when it comes to meals, she’s in charge. And her food is worth whatever chaos guests might have to deal with.”

      “You must be a regular,” he said. “How’d that happen?”

      “I take in stray animals. The O’Briens take in stray residents. Bree brought me home one Sunday right after I opened my shop and I’ve been coming ever since. Not every week, but enough to feel more or less comfortable with the intrusive questions and well-meant advice.”

      She studied him as he stood beside her, hands shoved in his pockets, his well-toned shoulders looking oddly tense. “You’re not nervous about all this, are you? It’s clear you have the upper hand. Mick really wants you to accept this job. Or is that the problem? Are you feeling pressured?”

      “Of course not,” he scoffed. “It might be my first coaching job, but I have the credentials. I’m up to it. I’m just not convinced it’s the right fit.”

      “Why is that?” she asked, startled. “You don’t like Chesapeake Shores?”

      “I’m sure it’s a great little town,” he responded.

      “Little being the operative word, I imagine,” she said, taking offense on behalf of the town. “This is not some backwoods community in the middle of nowhere. We have great people and great restaurants. We have a playwright whose work had been produced on Broadway, Mick’s daughter Bree, in fact. We have a top country music songwriter, too, and her husband is a Grammy-winning singer. They keep a home here and СКАЧАТЬ