Page 84 of Unexpected Entanglement

“What is it exactly you’re doing?” Dean questioned. “You were supposed to go to Vinalhaven, assess the situation, and get out. You’ve been there a week now.”

“I’m helping the Kellys with a wedding. They were in over their heads, and I offered my expertise,” Chris explained. “It allows me to dig deeper. There’s a lot going on here, more than the inheritance issue. That part actually isn’t much of an issue.”

“It sounds like you should’ve left when you figured that out,” Dean said.

“She needs me.”

“Who?” Dean asked.

“Rowan.”

“The fiancée?” his friend teased. “If they were after my wife’s money, I’m not worried now since they’ve bagged you.”

Chris scoffed. “That’s not who they are. These Kellys are proud, hard-working people. I admire their love and commitment to this place.”

“I’m hearing a touch of regret in your tone,” Dean observed.

Chris sighed. His friend knew him well.

“Being here reminds me of all those times I followed my dad, learning at his feet. Becoming like him, being at the helm of The Sullens, was all I wanted when I was a kid. I wanted to continue my grandfather’s legacy and what my father built on.”

“Yeah?” Dean prompted when Chris paused.

“That’s all Rowan wants with Bright Head, continuing her family’s legacy. Even after knowing her father’s mistakes, she’s determined to keep her promise to him, which includes finding Rae.”

“She has no problem accepting Rae?”

“I’m sure it will take time, but I think they’ll get along. They’re not all that different. With all the challenges she’s facing right now, Rowan just won’t give up. That woman is half gumption and half stubborn. Sounds like someone we know?” Chris said with a chuckle.

Dean laughed. “Sounds like you like this woman.”

“I do. She’s…” Chris trailed off.

Shit. I like her. I mean, really like her.

“Uh, I…” Chris stumbled. “I have to go.”

“Hey, before you go, I need to warn—”

But Chris’ mind was already somewhere else, and he hung up. He went down the main stairs, still pondering what he’d just realized. How naive he’d been, believing it was just lust between them.

Maybe it was at first, but was it lust that drove him to give her a full-body massage because she could use a bit of pampering? Was it lust that made him pour his heart out to her about his childhood? And was it lust that fanned this need to protect her?

Man, talk about getting entangled. But Chris realized he didn’t mind it.

He was about to push through the swinging door to the kitchen when the sound of conversation on the other side stopped him in his tracks.

“Just sex?” He heard Alex’s voice.

Chris stepped away, knowing he shouldn’t eavesdrop on someone else’s conversation. But curiosity prevailed. He leaned back in.

“We’re just two people filling each other’s needs.” He heard Rowan’s voice this time. “It’s temporary,” she stated.

Chris pulled back abruptly, spun around, and walked outside.

On the porch, Chris laughed at himself for thinking there might be more between him and Rowan.

My mistake.

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