The Maverick Who Ruled Her Heart. Susan Carlisle

these people were important to Kelsey. Who were they?

      “Hey Jordon, how about helping us with the cooking? We need some muscle,” Roger, who Jordon had learned worked in the lab, asked.

      “Sure.” Jordon knew nothing about cooking a low country boil but it was nice to be asked and included. Plus it kept his wandering mind off Kelsey.

      At around twelve-thirty he, along with half a dozen people, helped pour buckets of corn, new potatoes, onions and shrimp over newspaper-covered tables. There were plenty of paper towel rolls available and everyone took their places at the picnic tables and dug in. With his job done, he looked for Kelsey. She was sandwiched between Josh and some other guy Jordon hadn’t seen before.

      One of the nurses from the E.R. called to him and moved down enough that he could join her table. The food was excellent and the conversation lively. He was glad he’d attended.

      Before the first table could finish their meal and leave, the CEO stood and said through a bullhorn, “I’m glad you all could make it today. I’d like to say thanks to the picnic committee headed by Kelsey Davis for this fine event.”

      Kelsey had said nothing about being in charge. She’d implied she was only helping.

      The CEO continued, “The games are about to begin. Please don’t forget to go by and check out the silent cake auction. As an added bonus you get to share the cake with the cook. And the money goes to a good cause.”

      Jordon spent the next half hour making a circle around the area to see what was happening. There was apple bobbing, bingo and three-legged racing through the sand that brought smiles and laughter from everyone. A beach volleyball game was beginning when he walked up.

      One of the nurses from the geriatric unit called his name and waved him over. “Come on, Jordon, we need another player.”

      “Sure.” He took his place on her side of the net. He’d played some volleyball in the early years of high school and had been pretty good at it but his skills were rusty. What he might lack in ability he more than made up with height. Two volleys later he was able to return the ball over the net for a point, which built his confidence.