As it happened, Helene was already in Lost Harbor for a meeting about the spruce bark beetle infestation. Ian invited her for dinner at the Nightly Catch, which Bethany had recommended.
And Chrissie was right. He was ready. Never before had he felt so relaxed during a date.
wasWas it because Helene was so perfect for him? Or was it thanks to Chrissie’s encouragement? He didn’t know and it didn’t really matter.
He and Helene talked easily over their plates of king crab. She was a ginger-haired, athletic woman with golden freckles scattered across her skin. He found her physically attractive, although he was mostly interested in how they clicked intellectually. He took care to ask her about her work, paying particular attention to the spruce bark beetle situation.
She responded happily t
