Determined Kisses (Love in Sandy Beach Book 4) by Jessica Gray Page B

replied with slumped shoulders. He hadn’t come here to get a lecture on his sex life, which he knew well enough the women in his family had never approved of.
    “Ethan. Of course it matters. Don’t be so naïve. Think about where she works. Every girl in Sandy Beach knows you’re only good for one night. If she’s been listening to gossip, it’s no wonder she doesn’t want to have anything to do with you.”
    Is that it? She’s been listening to Julia and the other women talk?
    “So what do I do?” His answer came in a defeated voice.
    “Why do you care if this one woman won’t go out with you? Aren’t there enough other women willing to take her place?” Allison asked, searching his eyes for the answer.
    Ethan met her gaze and – paused. He cleared his throat and squared his shoulders. Oh my god, why is this so hard to say? “Because – because I love her. That’s why.”
    Allison’s smile disappeared from her cute face and made room for a shocked stare. “That is some news. You are serious about settling down with one woman?”
    He nodded and Allison giggled. “It serves you right to finally find the one woman you want more than she wants you.”
    “She wants me, but she doesn’t want to admit it. Are you going to help me or not?” He scowled at his sister.
    Allison held up her hands. “Don’t scowl at me. Just trying to figure out if you’re serious about Hazel. I wouldn’t want her to get hurt – Vero says she’s such a nice girl.”
    Ethan shot his sister a pleading look. “I’ve never been more serious in my life. From the first moment I saw Hazel, I knew. And after we made – you know –  she spent the night at my place, and waking up besides her was like paradise. I didn’t want to let her go ever again.”
    She looked him over and nodded her head. “You really do love her. Amazing. And yes, I will help you. So, you need to show her you’re more than the rumors she’s heard.”
    “How do I do that?”
    “You need to court her. Flowers. Wining and dining. Show her that she’s not just a one-night stand for you, and that you are capable of having a long-term relationship.”
    Flowers? Check. Wining and dining? Check. Showing her I’m ready for a long-term relationship? That one might take a little more work.

Chapter 15
     
    Hazel rested her head on the steering wheel and wanted to cry. She’d woken up later than usual, and when she’d arrived at the main road leading back into town, construction cones were blocking what used to be the bridge.
    She’d followed the orange and black signs marking the detour, until they’d stopped. And now she was lost in the middle of nowhere. With a glance at her watch she realized she’d be late to work if it weren’t for a miracle.
    Frustrated, late, and with tears in her eyes, she glanced at the dashboard. Shoot. The gas is almost empty. I need to make enough tips to fill up the tank tonight before leaving town.
    Just when she was about to drive on, not exactly sure which direction she’d come from, the miracle appeared in front of her car in the form of a man walking his dog. She sighed and jumped out, startling both the man and his dog, before she asked for directions.
    Apparently she’d missed the sign indicating she should have turned south five miles back. With her sense of orientation she hoped to be able to follow his directions, which seemed easy enough.
    After thanking the man, she hopped into her truck and drove on. Finally the first houses of Sandy Beach came in sight, just as the fuel light started blinking. Thankfully she only needed to drive a few more blocks.
    She arrived at the salon, totally stressed out, and late for her first appointment of the day. She hurried through the doors, apologizing to her client, “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Childers. Give me just a second to get situated and I’ll be back to get you.”
    “No worries, dear. I’ve nothing else to do today. Take your time.”
    Hazel smiled at the kind older