Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) (4 page)

I climbed up the ladder and onto the dock. One fire put out, and I can only hope I won’t hear any more complaints. I guess I’ll have to go to the bookstore in town and buy some romance novels to pass on to Sexy Cathy. I’ve gotta ’fess up though. I like a good steamy romance novel myself once in a while, but don’t usually admit it.

I high-tailed it back to the office to do some paperwork, which seems endless. I also needed some time to recover from my encounter with Sexy Cathy. I thought dealing with teenagers was bad. Scolding adults was twice as stressful.

After Journey left and I locked up the store, I decided I needed some fresh air. I noticed the lobster boats were in and I thought I’d say hello and introduce myself to some of the guys. They leave early in the morning when I’m opening up the store, and I hadn’t had a chance in the afternoon to catch them when they come in. Perhaps someone will be around.

There were four large lobster boats on D dock and two smaller ones. Three of the large ones were owned by Mr. Brady, who was always nice to me when I was a kid. They are the
Intrepid
, the
Miss Kay,
and
The Stalwart
. The other large one, the
Allie E,
was owned by Harry Randall. The four large ones were the farthest down on the dock. I walked past the two smaller boats, the
Wake Maker
and the
Shell Seeker
, and didn’t see anyone around. Further down, I spotted a man on
The Stalwart
hosing down the deck. It didn’t look like Mr. Brady, so I figured it was one of the guys who worked for him. I hurried past a couple of bait barrels on the right side of the dock. Nothing smells worse than lobster bait, which is made up of dead fish parts such as heads and guts. After they fillet their catch, the other fishermen toss the remaining carcasses in the barrels for the lobstermen to use as bait.

From what I could see of the guy on
The Stalwart,
he was tall, lean, and muscular, with broad shoulders and light brown hair. I thought he resembled the guy I saw in the parking lot when I arrived. At least I’d be able to get a better look at him. He had on black rubber boots, jeans, and a navy blue T-shirt. He didn’t notice me until I was right in front of his boat. He looked up and gave me a smile that screamed
sexy
. I felt the bottom drop out of my stomach. Now this was my type of guy, ruggedly handsome and scorching hot. He had a tanned, handsome face with a straight nose, strong jaw, and lips that I could make a meal out of.

I finally found my voice and said, “Hi, I’m Meggie Quinn, Betty’s granddaughter. I just wanted to introduce myself.”

His big green bedroom eyes looked me up and down a few times, and then he gave me that killer smile again. I felt naked and had to look down to check if I still had clothes on. A rush of heat coursed through my body and my heart started to thump in my chest.

When he finally finished taking inventory of my body, he said, “So, this is Meggie all grown-up. I guess you don’t remember me. I used to terrorize you with your brothers.”

It suddenly dawned on me who this mysterious hunk was who had the ability to turn me into a puddle with one look. It was Ian Brady, my first crush when I was about twelve and he was sixteen. I hesitantly asked, “Ian?”

Ian grinned, “Yep. I thought that was you the other day, but since I haven’t seen you since you were about twelve, I wasn’t sure.”

“Well, that was quite a while ago. I hope I’ve changed a little since then. Are you working for your father now?”

He said, “I guess no one told you. My dad retired, and he and my mom moved to Florida. I bought the business from him.”

“I remember my brother Jack telling me you went to Massachusetts Maritime with him.”

“Yeah, when I graduated I worked up in Maine at a shipyard for several years, until I bought the business from my dad. How is Jack?”

“He’s working on container ships. He loves it, but we don’t get to see him too much.”

“How about Charlie?”

“Charlie’s a travel writer and at the moment is touring New Zealand with my parents for the summer. I was the only one left at home who could fill in for Gram. I’m a teacher and had the summer off.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself. I hope the old salts around here don’t give you too hard a time.”

“Everyone has been really nice and it’s good to be back.”

He looked around the deck of his boat and said, “Guess I’d better finish up here. I’ll count on seeing you around.”

I probably sounded a little too eager when I said, “I’ll look forward to it.”

I turned around and started back up the dock. All of the sudden my world was a happy place. If I could sing, I would’ve burst out in song. I walked a couple of yards and couldn’t resist another peek at him. I turned my head as I was walking and slammed into one of the bait barrels. The lid popped off and half of the contents fell on the dock, the other half in the water. I wound up sprawled on the dock with the barrel next to me. My whole body was covered in fish guts. The stench was unbelievable.

I quickly sat up and wiped the back of my hand across my mouth and spit. “Oh my God. Oh geez. How disgusting. Yuck,” I cried out in horror. I waved my arms hoping to shake some of the slime off my body.

Ian jumped up on the dock. He had a big smile on his face, and I could tell he was trying not to laugh.

He put his hands on his hips. “You falling for me, Meggie?”

“Ha,” I said.

Since I wasn’t laughing, he took on a more serious tone and asked, “Are you okay?”

“I think so, but I hope this stench doesn’t seep into my skin.”

He held out his hand to help me up. I reached up and took his strong hand in mine. He pulled me up and set the barrel upright.

He looked me over and said, “You’d better get cleaned up, and throw your shoes and clothes away because you’ll never get the smell out of them. I’ll hose down the dock.”

Mortified, I said, “Thanks.”

I hurried up the dock and over to Gram’s cottage as fast I could, hoping nobody would see me looking like Swamp Thing. I’m sure I was a sight to behold with fish guts in my hair, on my face, and all down my body. I hosed myself down, trying to remove as much as I could before I went into the house, since I couldn’t take my clothes off outside. I threw my trainers in the trash can, opened the door, and ran into the kitchen for a trash bag. In the bathroom, I tore off my clothes and dumped them in the bag. Then I got into the shower and scrubbed myself raw until I ran out of hot water.

After the shower, I put on some shorts and a T-shirt, and took the trash bag out. I still smelled like fish, but it wasn’t as bad as it had been. I’ll just have to get up early and take another shower in the morning.

Once I was clean, the humiliation of what happened started sinking in. I knew exactly what I did. I was so attracted to Ian that I wasn’t paying attention, and my make-an-ass-out-of-yourself gene took over. Well, I guess he won’t be in a hurry to see me again anytime soon. He probably had a live-in girlfriend, or with my luck, he’s dating a Victoria’s Secret model. It’s probably just as well, since I’m not dating right now, but if I had to pick only one word to describe him, it would be
yum
.

I decided to e-mail Helen and Laura.

Hey, Friends:

What’s up with you girls? Haven’t heard from you. Made an ass out of myself today in front of the best-looking guy around here. I fell, got covered in fish guts, and even spit in front of him. Great first impression, wouldn’t you say? I’m sure he’s at home lusting after me at this moment. I think he was supposed to be the father of my unborn children, but I blew it. I think I’m doomed to being a spinster with lots of four-legged friends to keep me company. If my brothers ever get around to procreating, I’ll be the eccentric aunt who spoils the kids rotten and serves pie and whipped cream for breakfast. Other than that, things are fine. E-mail me or I’ll get royally pissed.

Love, Meggie

P.S.: I’m actually enjoying myself and I love being in RI, except for the fish guts.

CHAPTER THREE

Could I have been lucky enough to make it to the cottage without anyone seeing me in my fish guts outfit? No. As it turned out, one of the fishermen was on his boat,
Bite Me,
on C dock when I had my run-in with the bait barrel. He snapped pictures of me on his cell-phone camera and then proceeded to show them to anyone and everyone. Someone had the bright idea to print out the pictures and nail them to the pilings around the marina. I noticed them when I was on my way to the Snack Shack for coffee Sunday morning. Nobody has any secrets in Cozy Harbor. Gram always said she thought men were worse gossips than women. I’m starting to think she’s right.

I was relieved to find Mo alone when I entered the shack.

“Meggie, I didn’t see you yesterday,” Mo commented.

“Well, I was kinda hiding,” I said sheepishly.

Mo shook her head and said, “Can’t hide from anyone around here.”

I laughed and said, “You can say that again. I can’t believe they put those pictures of me up on the pilings; I’m so embarrassed.”

“Yeah, the boys can be brutal. Don’t worry, Meggie, you’ll be able to get them back by the end of summer. I’ve gotta tell ya, I laughed like hell when I saw those pictures.”

“If it didn’t happen to me, I would’ve laughed too, Mo. The worst part about the whole thing was that it happened in front of Ian. He must think I’m a clumsy idiot.”

“So, you finally ran into Ian. I wondered how long that would take. He’s a handsome devil, that Ian, and nice to boot.”

“What’s the scoop on him, Mo?”

“Well, he bought the business from his dad.”

“Yeah, he told me all that. I was wondering what you know about his marital status.”

Mo raised her eyebrows at me and smiled. “Well, I know he’s single, lives alone. He inherited his grandparents’ house on Sand Hill Cove and has been renovatin’ it the last couple of years. Rumor has it he dates now and then, but when somebody starts to get serious, he pulls out the old dump truck. A real heartbreaker. What do you care, I thought you were off men?”

“Oh, just curious, that’s all. I do have to ’fess up though. He’s pretty cute. My kinda cute.”

“Well, if you’re gonna date one of them, you should set your cap for Ian. Tony is even more of a heartbreaker.”

“I doubt Ian will give me a second thought after seeing me dancing with his bait barrel.”

“You never know, hon.”

“Mo, do you have any plans for tonight? How is the online dating going?”

“Well, it just so happens that I have a big date tonight. I’ve been chattin’ it up with this guy from Warwick who works at a car dealership. I thought after e-mailin’ for a month, it was time to take him out for a test drive. We’re goin’ to meet tonight at Foxwoods Casino. He’s gonna buy me a steak at that fancy big steakhouse down there. I’ve never been to Foxwoods.”

“I hope you have a great time.”

“He gave me directions and told me to chalet park.”

I laughed and said, “You mean valet park.”

“Yeah, valet park. I got a new outfit and everythin’. I’m a little nervous though.”

“He’ll be crazy about you, Mo. What’s not to like?”

“I’m not worried about him likin’ me. Guys all love the Mo. I just hope I won’t be disappointed. It’s all about me, Meggie.”

I gave her a big smile and decided I’ve got to be more like Mo.

The door to the shack opened and in walked Mac. He tipped his cap and said, “Hello, beautiful ladies.”

Mo said, “You old flatterer. Want a cup of coffee?”

“Make it to go, Mo. I’ve gotta go home and get some things done at the house. I just came in here looking for Meggie. I wanted to ask her when she’s going clamming with me.”

I suggested, “How about Tuesday afternoon, Mac? Journey has off today and Monday, but she’ll be back on Tuesday, and I can take the afternoon off.”

He winked at me and said, “Meet me on my boat at 1:00, and we’ll do some digging.”

“Can’t wait,” I told him.

* * * * *

Later that afternoon, Kathy from the
Dancing Queen
dropped by the office.

“Meggie, I just had to tell you that we all got a good night’s sleep Friday and Saturday. I don’t know what you said to Cathy, but it worked. We didn’t hear a peep out of them all weekend, and every time I saw Kenny, he had a big smile on his face.”

“I’m glad, Kathy. At least something went right this weekend.”

“Yeah, I saw the pictures of you with the lobster bait all over you. Are you okay?”

“Just a little smelly. Nothing that ten showers won’t cure.”

“You’re doing a good job. Betty would be proud of you.”

I reminded her, “Well, there’s a long way to go until the end of August.”

“You hang in there, and yell if you need anything. I owe you one.”

“Thanks, Kathy. Have a good week.”

After closing up, I decided to go into town and hit the grocery store for some much-needed supplies. I thought I’d better swing by the bookstore, too, and pick up some romance novels for Sexy Cathy. Gram left a note saying that she wanted me to drive her Buick at least once a week while she was gone. She said the salt air is tough on cars and it’s good to start them up once in a while. Gram owned a big Buick LeSabre. I got in the car, and because it was such a nice evening, I put down the windows. I don’t really like air conditioning and only turn it on when it’s absolutely unbearable out and I’m ready to have heat stroke.

My first stop was the local bookstore. After looking over the romance section, I picked out five books. If you bought four, you got the fifth free. I picked up
The Master and the Mistress, The Prince and the Parlor Maid, The Sword and the Honey Pot, The Captain
and the Countess,
and, last but not least,
The Maiden and the Monk.

When I got back to the car, I noticed the gas gauge was almost on empty, so I pulled into the gas station across the street. I couldn’t believe it was a full service station. I hadn’t seen one of those in years. I pulled up to the pump. A teenage boy in a uniform came over and looked at the car, then looked at me. He did this a few more times before he said, “I like your furry friend.”

I looked in the backseat, thinking a cat or a squirrel must have climbed into the car while I was in the bookstore.

He said, “Not back there.”

I quickly jumped out of the car and looked it over. There was a mouse running around on the trunk of Gram’s car.

I’m sure he could tell I was a little freaked out. “Can you get it off?” I asked.

“That’ll be an extra five dollars for mouse removal, ma’am.”

I didn’t know which pissed me off more, being called ma’am or the fact that he was going to charge me five dollars to get rid of the mouse.

He laughed and said, “Only kidding. I’ll get it off the car.”

“Well, wait until I get back in the car,” I said in a panic as I threw my body back in the front seat and slammed the door.

I watched him knock the mouse off the car and herd it into the woods behind the station. When he got back, he popped the hood and found a nest near the engine. I guess when cars sit for a while, they’re fair game to mice looking for a home. He finished pumping the gas and I gave him a five-dollar tip. I guess he earned it. Could this day get any worse?

The grocery store, thank God, was uneventful. I drove home and put the groceries away. By this time, the sun had gone down and it was dark. I decided to take a nonchalant stroll around the marina and remove all the pictures of me in my fish guts outfit. I was hoping no one would see me.

I walked down A dock, but all the pictures were down. As I was walking back up, Tony stepped off his boat. As usual, he looked gorgeous as ever. The man was definitely eye candy.

He spotted me and gave me a big smile. “Hey, Meggie. I saw your picture on the piling. Very photogenic, Red Hot.”

“Yeah, Tony, I’m a real cover girl. You’re down here late.”

“I just stopped by to pick up my wallet. I left it on the boat. I’m just going to give my sister a ride home.”

“Gee, that’s funny. Mo told me you were an only child.”

He laughed and said, “See you later, Red Hot. I’m still having those visions.”

I proceeded on my mission. Nothing on B or C docks. I had just started down D dock when a beautiful black dog came running up the dock to say hello. I could tell from the way he was wagging his tail that he had Lab written all over him. Being a dog person, I got down on my knees to greet him. He licked my face, sat, and gave me a paw. We politely shook hands. He was a sweetheart.

I glanced up the dock and saw Ian walking toward me. My heart almost stopped. Tony was nice to look at but Ian has the power to turn me into a complete idiot. I can’t believe the effect he’s had on me. Why does he make me so nervous?

“I see you’ve met my best friend,” he said.

I stood up and said, “So you’re the lucky owner of this beautiful beast.”

Ian nodded. “His name’s Sam.”

I petted the gorgeous creature a few more times and said, “He’s beautiful. We had a black Lab female named Cassie when I was growing up. She was great at tricks. I would put a cookie on her nose and tell her to stay. She’d hold that cookie for five minutes if I wanted her to and then when I snapped my fingers, her nose would jerk up, the cookie would fly up in the air, and she’d snatch it every time. I loved that.”

“Well, Sam knows some tricks, too. He shakes hands, does hi-fives, and gets the newspaper for me, but he doesn’t know the cookie trick. Right now we’re working on a trick where he opens the refrigerator door with a strap and brings me a beer.”

I petted Sam and said, “I’m sure he’ll master it in no time.” I gave Sam a scratch on his ear and said to him, “Won’t you, good boy?” Then I looked up at Ian and asked, “How old is he?”

“He just turned four. I got him when I came down here to take over the business.”

I sighed. “I would love to get another dog, but I’ve been waiting until I get my own house. What are you doing down here so late?”

“I needed to drop some notes off to the other guys for tomorrow. How about you?”

“I was just looking around making sure everything was okay,” I lied.

“I think maybe you were looking for these.”

He gave me the papers in his hand. I took a quick look and saw they were the glamour shots of me.

Surprised, I said, “You took them down? I’ve been going up and down the docks looking for them. That was really nice of you.” I thought, how sweet of him, and started to melt again.

He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I figured it was the least I could do since it was my bait barrel you fell into.”

“Thanks Ian, I was really mortified. Not a good first impression to make with the customers. Now they all know how uncoordinated I am.”

“It probably endeared you to them, Meggie.”

I hoped it worked a little on him, too.

Ian cleared his throat and said, “I know it isn’t any of my business, but I saw you with Tony. I just wanted to warn you; he really isn’t the kind of guy you should be getting involved with. He has a bit of a reputation.”

Who was he to tell me who not to get involved with? What a nerve. He sounded like one of my brothers. I hope he doesn’t think of me in a sisterly fashion. Or maybe he’s jealous. Wouldn’t that be too good to be true?

I shot back, “You’re one to talk, Ian. I’ve heard you have a bit of a reputation yourself.”

He raised his eyebrows in surprise, laughed, and said, “I’m not in his league, honey. Tony will break your heart for sure.”

“Well, maybe I’ll just have to see.”

He warned me, “Be careful, Meggie. I really care for your grandmother, so I felt I should say something. I would hate to see you get into any trouble this summer or have your heart broken.”

Now I was really pissed. I said, “I’m a Quinn, tough as nails. No need to worry.”

He gave me a smirk and said, “I hope so. Well, I’d better get going. Goodnight.”

When I first started talking to him I wanted to say, “Please take me home with you and have your way with me.” After the little lecture, I just said, “Goodnight Ian. Goodnight Sam.” Those romance novels were getting to me.

I watched them stride off into the parking lot, and then I walked home to the cottage, mortifying pictures in hand. I was looking at a long night ahead of me. I knew I’d replay that little scene with Ian twenty times in my head. I’d be lucky if I got a wink of sleep. When I got into the cottage, my first priority was to rip up the pictures and destroy all the evidence. After that I decided to check my e-mail. Finally, I received one from Helen.

Subject: I need a VACATION!!!

Hey, Girl:

Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you. I’ve been so busy at work. I’m having total job burnout. This project is killing me, and the assholes who work for me have to be babysat 24/7. I was supposed to go out to The Bulls Eye and have a few beers Friday night with some of the girls but didn’t get home from work until 11:00 and I was beat. All work and no play makes Helen a pissed-off girl. Anyway, this project is finishing up and I put in for a week off. I was thinking of coming up and visiting. You up for company? Let me know. By the way, Laura took the boys down the shore to her mother-in-law’s, so that’s why you haven’t heard from her. Danny’s been going down on weekends.

Oh, and don’t give up the ship. We’re still young and have plenty of time to find a Prince Charming. Have you seen the hunk again? If he’s a real man, he’ll get past the fish guts. Any real men up there for me?

Love, Hel

I replied:

Subject: Love to see you

Hey, Hel:

Let me know when you’re coming. I’m so excited. Yes, I did see the hunk again and I got the impression he isn’t interested. I thought he was going to pat me on the head and tell me to run along and play with my dolls. So, needless to say, I’m bummed and back to my “no men for the summer plan.” I do like running the marina and so far things have been going good on that score. I’ll keep my eye out for someone for you to play with while you’re up here.

Love, Meggie

Now, if I would just hear from my grandmother, my world would be a lot better. I’m starting to get really worried. I can’t believe she hasn’t called to see how things are going with the marina. I’m expecting another call from my mom soon. If I don’t have any info for her, she’s going to blow.

I thought to myself, it’s funny how life works. You can plug along for years and nothing changes. All of a sudden your world turns upside down. I guess you have to be prepared for anything. I wish I were.

* * * * *