Three Southern Beaches: A Summer Beach Read Box Set by Kathleen Brooks, Robyn Peterman, Christie Craig Page B

already used to each other’s movements. Mallory had Taylor's bag in hand and handed it to her along with her phone.
    “Trey called you and then me. I gave him an update about thirty minutes ago.”
    “Thanks. Wow, are you sure I can’t hire you full time? You actually make me like security.” Taylor said goodbye to the crew and dialed Trey as she followed Mallory out of Seawave Resort.
    “Hey, sweetheart. How is Mallory doing?” Trey asked once he picked up.
    “Great. It’s been smooth sailing all day. Do we need to pick up dinner on the way home?” Taylor asked as Mallory opened the door to her SUV for Taylor.
    “Well, that’s why I was calling. The guys and I got to talking and they invited me out to dinner. I didn’t want to commit before talking to you.”
    “That’s fine. Are you doing your night run as well? You know it’s treasure night, so it may be crowded.”
    “I know, but it helps me think so I’ll probably go for my run after dinner and then head home before you go to bed.”
    “Just don’t fall in a pit the treasure hunters will all be digging. And if you find the treasure, I get half,” Taylor laughed before saying goodbye.
    “Treasure?” Mallory asked. “Trey is on the hunt for the Hung Island treasure? I can’t believe it.”
    Taylor shook her head. “Oh no. He’s not a treasure hunter. Every third night, he goes for a long run on the beach. He missed it the other night and he was just telling me he’s going now. He’s out to dinner with the guys right now, which gives me an idea. Girls’ night at the diner.”
    “Sounds good.”
     
    Mallory drove to Casey’s and was surprised to get a table after only a couple minutes. They both ordered burgers, fries, and milkshakes as talk of the treasure hunt filled the diner.
    “This place is great,” Mallory said as she finished the last bite of her burger.
    “I know. This was so much fun.” Taylor paused and looked guiltily at Mallory. “Can I ask you a personal question?”
    “Sure.”
    “Do you have a boyfriend at home? If so, how do you make it work?”
    “Actually I don’t. I was dating someone in the Secret Service, but it just didn’t work out. I can’t believe you and Trey would be having problems.”
    “No, we’re not. Well, not really. We’ve been together for seven years and it never bothered me before. But after going through all this, I find myself wondering why suddenly being boyfriend and girlfriend isn’t enough. I mean, we know we’re meant for each other.”
    “But he’s dragging his feet?” When Taylor nodded, Mallory just grinned. “When has a man ever done the right thing? I think it’s pretty clear he loves you. My best friend, Elle, just got engaged. So I understand that nagging feeling of needing to do the same, but with you it’s different from me. See, while I was asked a million times about a special someone, the truth is there hasn’t been anyone in a long time. But you have someone. Someone who I bet is anxiously waiting for you to give him a clear signal that you’re ready for the next step. ‘Cause we both know it takes a flashing neon sign for guys to get the hint.”
    Taylor took a sip of her milkshake and thought about it. “You know, I think you’re right. I just need to tell Trey I’m ready for more. I bet he’s just waiting for me to figure out that I was ready.” Taylor paused and looked Mallory over. She was so put-together, but there was something sad about the way she looked. “Did you have it once?”
    “I thought I did,” Mallory shrugged. Her phone beeped, interrupting any follow-up questions Taylor was going to ask. “This is my friend’s sister. She’s having trouble with some architect or something. If you’re ready to go home, then I’ll get you all locked up and safe for Trey. Then I need to do some research at the rental.”
    “Yeah, I’m ready. Lock me up, jailer,” Taylor teased as they headed home.

CHAPTER TWELVE
     
    Trey pulled over at the