Page 68 of Unexpected Entanglement

Chris Sullens was an internationally renowned hotelier. As soon as he was off this island, he’d barely remember her as his friend’s half-sibling. He’d return to building his next gorgeous resort somewhere in another remote corner of the world.

With a sigh, Rowan kicked off the covers and rolled out of bed. When she stepped out of the shower, she heard Alex’s voice in the kitchen and was grateful for her friend’s presence. She was ready in ten minutes, complete with the damn boot the doctor had ordered her to wear for a couple of more days.

“Good morning,” Alex greeted cheerfully when Rowan walked into the kitchen.

Oliver was already at the stove. “Want a breakfast burrito?”

“Sounds good. A small one, though,” Rowan distractedly answered as she looked around.

“He’s outside,” Alex said, gesturing a phone with her pinky at her mouth and thumb by her ear.

“I wasn’t…” Rowan made a face and shook her head.

“Uh-huh.” Alex sounded like she really believed her—not. “What’s going on between you and Chris?”

“Nothing.” Rowan poured herself some coffee.

“Really?” Alex scrutinized. “I sensed a vibe around you two from the first night—”

“What does that mean? Vibe?” Rowan interrupted.

“Like y’know… energy, synergy.” Alex spread out her fingers and interlocked her hands to illustrate her point. “Connection. And that vibe got intense last night.”

Rowan almost choked on the coffee she’d just gulped.

“Something happened last night,” Alex pushed. “Tell me!”

“You might get more answers if you wait until I’m not in the room,” Oliver suggested as he rolled a mini burrito for Rowan.

The guy was too perceptive. But Rowan doubled down. “There’s nothing to tell. We just had to prove to the crowd we were a couple.”

“That’s weird,” Alex mumbled. “How?”

“Never mind how. No one will doubt it now,” Rowan dismissed.

Alex scrutinized her through narrow eyes. “I know you’re not telling me something.”

“What’s on your agenda today?” Rowan deliberately changed the subject and smiled at Oliver when he handed her a plate. “Thanks, O.”

“We’re heading to town,” Oliver said, sparing Rowan from Alex’s interrogation. “We want to get some things set up for the weekend meals. Get the orders for that weekend checked and confirmed.”

“Gotta scout a spot for the clambake on Friday night. Plan it out with the kitchen staff. Continue training. It’ll be a full day,” Alex added.

“Good. How can I help?” Rowan asked between bites of her food.

“You’re supposed to take it easy for a couple more days,” Oliver said.

“I can do stuff.”

“Do some paperwork then,” Alex said. “We got things under control. You shouldn’t be walking around, anyway.”

“There’s still a lot to be done,” Rowan balked. “There’s a little painting left. I gotta do that now, so there’s time to air out the rooms.”

“Ask Chris,” Alex suggested.

“I will not ask Chris to paint walls.”

“Why not? He’s proven he’s handy. I’m sure he can handle a bucket of paint and a roller.”

---