Page 99 of Unexpected Entanglement

“Rowan picked out all the bedding sets for each room. I’m just working with the materials she gave me,” Chris replied. “She has a vision. I think she nailed it.”

“I agree,” Rae said. “I think you’re enjoying this smaller inn business. You know, getting your hands on every detail.”

“You’re not wrong.” Chris fluffed up the pillows and gently placed them on the bed’s head. “I haven’t done this for the longest time, but I spent years working every job at The Sullens, including housekeeping.”

“Really?” Rae questioned, doubt lacing her voice.

“That’s how my dad learned to run the hotels from his parents. And that was how my dad taught me.”

Rae looked surprised. “I had the impression you don’t get along with your dad.”

“We don’t see eye-to-eye as adults, but there was a time when I worshipped my dad like most sons do. Until he pushed me away.”

“Why did he push you away?”

“Our relationship has never been the same since my mother died.”

Rae came to him and touched his arm. “I’m sorry, Chris. Do you think you can mend that relationship? Didn’t you say you were going to the Cape to see him?”

“Yeah, but why should I bother? He's more concerned with me taking over The Sullens than us having a relationship.”

“You never know unless you talk,” Rae said. “Take my father. Now, I wish he’d reached out to me before he died. But I think he never did because after his last rejection—or what I perceived as rejection—I wrote him off from my life. Now, I’d never get a chance to tell him that I forgive him.”

Chris put his hand over Rae’s on his arm. “I’m sorry, Rae.”

She smiled. “Maybe putting Kieran, Rowan and me together now is his way of making amends.”

“They surprised you, didn’t they?” Chris asked. “The Kellys.”

“I didn’t quite know what to expect, really.” Rae laughed and moved to the sofa. “Actually, I expected Rowan to be this femme fatale digging her claws into you.”

Chris eyed Rae thoughtfully. “This whole faux engagement is messed up, but you know that is not what is going on between Rowan and me.”

“What is it then?” Rae’s eyes searched his face.

“I told you, Gibbes was ready to use my name to start a rumor about The Sullens buying out Bright Head. The entire island would’ve ganged up on the Kellys. You should’ve seen how he riled the townsfolk at the Chamber’s meeting last week.”

“I understand that’s how you got fake-engaged. But I gotta say that kiss you shared yesterday looked like more than a performance,” Rae said. “When did you start sleeping together?”

Chris’ gaze sharpened at Rae.

“I’m not blind, Chris. And neither is Kieran,” Rae pointed out.

“That isn’t any of your or Kieran’s business.”

Rae leaned back against the sofa and studied him with a bemused face. “Is that why you’re still here?”

“I stayed because I wanted to help,” Chris stated.

“What will happen when you leave?”

“Rowan will be fine. She’s more than capable of making her vision for Bright Head happen, especially with you on board now.”

Rae shook her head patiently, as if she was talking to a child. “I meant, what will happen between you two when you leave?”

Chris took a beat before answering, “Again. None of your concern.”

His friend tilted her head while her eyes continued drilling into him, probing for more.

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