Page 51 of Island Rescuer

The sailing tour had been Knox’s idea. Harper was equally impressed and grateful with his creative insight. She’d been delighted when Miles agreed. They didn’t have a contentious history, but he hadn’t been too receptive when she’d approached him about a business partnership several months ago.

Miles was one of the nice guys. She hadn’t dated him, but he was the kind of man who reminded her that decent men were out there.

She might even have noticed them if she hadn’t been so hung up on Knox for all this time.

For now, with Walker still roaming about freely, they stayed close to the B&B. Knox did his best to pretend life was normal, but that was impossible when they were basically sharing a house and a bed, with a frustrating shadow of doom looming over all of it.

What did Walker want from her?

When Bruce called to say he’d identified the employee who had let the arsonist into the resort, she tried to feel relieved. The police had made an arrest. The legal wheel was turning. And Walker was still in the wind.

She reminded herself it wasn’t her job to be the investigator. Walker wasn’t her problem to solve. Still, no matter how she threw herself into her work and told herself this interlude was temporary, she was falling in love with Knox.

This couldn’t go on indefinitely. Somehow, she had to protect herself. During a break, she mentioned returning to a more normal routine. Knox immediately shut her down, even dismissing the idea of her moving back with her parents.

But at some point, they’d either need to change locations or call an end to this level of protection. She wasn’t sure which outcome she’d prefer.

As much as she enjoyed this time with Knox, she could feel the heartbreak waiting to happen.

She jumped when the doorbell sounded, grateful when Knox came out of the kitchen to check. “Are you expecting someone?” she asked, frustrated when her voice squeaked, revealing her anxiety.

“Stay where you are,” he said. Suddenly a grin brightened his face. “On second thought, come on over.” He swung the door open and her brother stepped inside.

Stunned, at a loss for words, she simply rushed forward to give Rhett a hug. “What are you doing here?”

“My sister’s in trouble. Where else would I be? Besides, I haven’t made Sunday brunch in over a month. Mom was getting peeved.”

Maybe the boys didn’t get off as easy as she and Trina believed after all. “But what about the Cove?”

Knox closed the door and locked it as Harper steered Rhett toward the kitchen.

“If the Cove can’t operate on its own for a weekend, I’m doing something wrong.”

Harper couldn’t argue with that. Inspiring a team and training them up to be autonomous was the business model their parents believed in. It would have been impractical to take on more properties and consistently expand the business if they required a family member to be there day in and day out.

“Mom and Dad will be happy to see you,” she said. “Do you want something to drink?”

“Water is great.”

She stared at him. “Since when? You’ve always been a coffee or Coke guy.”

“You got a problem with me making an effort to be a little healthier?” He ran a hand down his flat midriff. “I think they call that codependence. Maybe enabling?”

She rolled her eyes. “Water it is. You do look great.”

“I’ve been working out with Max,” he said.

“Seriously?” Knox’s eyebrows lifted. “He’s tough.”

“Should I know who Max is? Oh wait,” she said as the name clicked. “He married our wedding planner down at the Cove, right?”

“Mywedding planner,” Rhett corrected her. “You’ve got to get your own.”

She stuck out her tongue. “Right now, we have a short list of excellent wedding planners, thank you very much.”

“No one beats Ilsa,” Rhett pushed.

“You won’t rattle me.” She’d been tested too often these past days.

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