Page 100 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Brax,” Mum says, putting her arms around me and Ollie. “Why didn’t you tell us you were coming back?”

“Good thing we haven’t made your cabin available for bookings,” Dad quips, patting my shoulder.

“I thought I’d surprise you.”

“I’m surprised,” says Ollie, tightening his arms around my neck.

“I heard from Grandma that you already sold all of your paintings at the exhibition.” I wasn’t sure if I wanted to sell them, but Ollie insisted he wanted his artwork to be up for sale like those of the other artists.

“Yes! I’m the only one with the red sticker on all my paintings. Red means sold.”

“That’s great! You’re the only one, huh?” Could I be any prouder? No.

“Yes. Joey also has many red stickers. But she still has one that doesn’t have it.”

My breath hitches at the mention of Joey’s name. Apart from sending me a text to thank me for saving her paintings, I haven’t heard from her.

I also haven’t reached out. Knowing that she hates me—that I hurt her so deeply—kills me every single fucking second. But I decided it wasn’t a good idea to speak to her and upset her again until I accomplished what I set out to do.

I wonder which painting of hers hasn’t sold yet. Regardless, I’m buying it. Anonymously, if I have to.

“Everyone’s heard of your heroics at the barn,” Mum says. “They’re all very grateful that you kept Joey’s paintings safe from the storm.”

“Joey’s been telling everyone?” That makes me feel good.

“Um, no. Cutie has.”

Oh.

I grin to hide my disappointment.

“Most Mooners are now fifty/fifty with their opinion of you,” Dad offers. “That’s a vast improvement in only a few days.”

I kiss Ollie’s cheek before putting him down. “Could you guys do me a favour?” I ask.

Mum raises her brows. “What favour?”

“Could you set up a meeting with all the Barkers with all of us Quinns? I need to talk to all of you. As soon as possible would be great.”

“Ooo, I’m intrigued.” Mum pulls out her phone as she walks away from us.

“How was work?” Dad asks.

“It went well.”

“You’re back early. We weren’t expecting you for another couple of weeks.”

“I wasn’t sure how long it would take to get things done. Thankfully, it was much shorter than I anticipated. How were things here in the last five days?”

“Good.”

I study my Dad’s features and, thankfully, he seems reasonably relaxed. “Anyone giving you a hard time because of me?”

Dad chuckles. “No. In fact, they’re making sure we’re all okay.”

“Good. It’s not your fault.”

Dad’s lips curve up to one side. “And how much of the fault is truly yours, son? We knew you were trying to prove your innocence to Joey and the Barkers so we tried to give you the space to do that. But we haven’t really heard the whole story. All we know is that you couldn’t possibly have done what you’ve been accused of.”

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