Page 11 of Their Reluctant Catch

“Don’t tell Mel,” I whisper, winking as I back away.

For the first time since we found her, she smiles. It’s small, almost hesitant, but it lights up her face in a way that catches me off guard. I clear my throat and head downstairs before I make a fool of myself.

Colton sits at the kitchen table when I get there. He crosses his arms and scowls the instant he spots me.

The coffee pot gurgles on the counter, filling the kitchen with the rich, bitter smell that makes mornings bearable.

“You look like you’ve been chewing on nails.” I place a frying pan on the stove and grab the oil.

When I glance at him, he glares at me. “We don’t know her.”

“She’s stranded, Colton. What were we supposed to do, leave her out there to freeze?” After getting a carton of eggs and the bacon from the freezer, I grab two bowls and start cracking six eggs.

“It’s not about that, and you know it! This is about you, and you following her around like a lovestruck teenager.” Despite his protests, he gets up and starts helping me with breakfast by popping slices of bread in the toaster. “She’s going to leave. Why are you getting your hopes up?”

“My hopes aren’t up,” I lie, pouring myself a mug of coffee.

Colton snorts. “Sure, they’re not. I’ve seen that look on your face before.”

I let the rich, dark aroma fill the silence between us. “And what look would that be, exactly?” I ask lightly. No sense letting him get under my skin.

Colton merely glares at the toaster like it’s personally offended him. I roll my eyes, grab his cup, and dump the tepid fluid into the sink before refilling it with fresh brew. I set it in front of him with a, “You’re welcome,” then start beating the eggs with vigor.

Without a word of thanks, he picks up the mug and takes a long sip. Typical.

“You’re picking a fight, but I’m not biting.” I toss the bacon in the hot pan and enjoys the sizzle. “Let’s talk about something that doesn’t make you sound like a grumpy old man.”

He shoots me a glare that could strip paint, but I barrel on. “Like the town, for instance. Or theSea Spirit. Or the fact that she’s staying at Northwick Peace.”

That gets his attention. His brows pull together. “She’s staying there?”

I nod. “She’s got a reservation. Guess she doesn’t know who runs the place.”

Colton’s lips twitch, but it’s not a smile. “Well, that’ll be an interesting introduction.”

“Yeah.” I grin, despite myself. “I wonder how she’ll react when she finds out Diana, Mason, Jack, and Elliot all share the same bed.”

Colton grunts and takes another sip of coffee. “Probably the same way most people do.”

“Which is?”

“Shock. Confusion. She’ll be halfway out the door before Diana can offer her a biscuit.”

I laugh. “You’re underestimating Diana’s charm. That woman could talk a snowstorm into clearing up.”

Colton shakes his head and sets down his mug. “Doesn’t mean she’ll stick around. People like her don’t stay. You know that.”

“People like her?” My tone sharpens despite my best effort not to let Colton rile me. “Like people of the female gender?”

“She’s from the city.” He shrugs like it’s obvious. “She’s not cut out for this place. And she’s definitely not going to take one look at Diana and her husbands and think, ‘Oh, this is where I belong.’”

I bristle, leaning forward. “What’s your problem with them, anyway? They’re happy. They make it work.”

“I don’t have a problem with them,” he snaps, “but let’s not pretend it’s easy. People here tolerate it because it’s them, and people respect Jack, fear Mason, and no one can get mad at Elliot. But you’ve heard the whispers, same as I have.”

“And who cares about whispers?” I shoot back. “They’re living their lives, and happily, might I add. It’s not hurting anyone.”

He looks away, his jaw tight. “It’s not that simple.”

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