Page 82 of Release Me

“I was on my way there today, I swear.” He cracks an eyelid but flinches against the morning sun.

I shift to block the blinding rays for him. “But decided to almost drown first?”

“I like to keep things interesting.” A crooked smilestretches across his full lips, reminding me how attractive this man is. Not that I haven’t already gotten an eyeful, him in nothing but a pair of shorts that cling to his groin in an obscene way. My effort to keep my focus above his waist leads me to study the sleeve of intricate ink curling up over his shoulder.

And he’s watching me ogle his body shamelessly.

“Find another way. I don’t need floaters outside my place of business. That’s not veryinterestingfor my sales.”

His stomach clenches as he pulls himself up to a sitting position, showing off a well-honed washboard of muscle and bringing his face to less than a foot from mine. “Probably wouldn’t impress my boss either if I didn’t show up for my second day on the job.”

“Oh?” I can’t help the surprise—and delight—in that single word. “You’re not just a finance bro here on vacation?” Which means he’s going to be here for at least a few months.

He chuckles. “Definitely not. I hate numbers.”

“Where are you working?”

He checks his watch before jerking his chin toward the west. “At the new hotel.”

“You mean the newWolfHotel?” I can’t help the accusation in my tone.

“Yeah …” Ronan’s brow pinches as he regards my face. “Why do you say it like that?”

My disappointment swells. That stupid place is infiltratingeveryaspect of my life. I can’t even flirt with a guy now without being reminded of its existence. “If you’re going to run into the water, educate yourself so you don’t die.” With that stark warning, I leave Ronan sitting on the beach as I march back to the shop, my footfalls heavy with frustration.

The glaringHelp Wantedsign greets me.

“Fuck you, Henry Wolf.” I shove the rentals office door open.

My mood turns downright caustic when I spot Codywith his elbows on the counter, chatting up Skye. I haven’t been in the same room as him since he picked up the last of his things to move back in with his mother, though I’ve seen him around town a few times. He’s been smart enough to stay away from the Sea Witch on account of Frank promising to rip off his arms and beat him with them if he came around again. I’ve never seen Frank hurt so much as a spider—he’s the type to brave a thorn-coated bush to rescue an injured bird—but the threat was effective.

Skye gives me a wide-eyedI didn’t know what you wanted me to dolook, and mouths “I’m sorry” before scooting to the back office. She’s incapable of being rude, even when the person deserves it.

“Rentals aren’t open yet. If you want a coffee, you know where it is.” I toss my book behind the counter and then crane my neck to check the line on the other side, while deftly avoiding his gaze. “It’s quiet. Better move quick before that changes. And you’re paying full price.”

“Already got one.” Cody hoists a paper cup in the air. “Gotta support the Sea Witch, right?” A pause and then, “You look good.”

“Bet you say that to all the staffers. Oh, wait, youdo.” That was the icing on the cake, hearing that he put the moves on Skye one night last summer at the bar, about a month after we broke up.

I busy myself with my computer screen, his gaze like a hot iron on my cheek.

“Wow, it’s like we’re strangers.”

“No, we’re not strangers. I know you too well.” Finally, I meet his eyes. It used to send a thrill through my core to have his attention. Now it swells the ball of anxiety in my stomach. I really did love him then, probably as much as I hate him now. “Seriously, why are you here?”

He shrugs. “I came to see how you’re doing.”

“No.” That’s the thing about Cody—he’s always anglingfor himself. He’s an opportunist. “You want something. What is it?”

He purses his lips. “I need a work reference from you.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I stare at him with incredulity. After everything, he has the nerve to ask forthat? “What’s wrong, can’t get one from Logan?” After he left here, our mutual friend who owns Siren’s Call, a popular beach bar for tourists and locals alike, gave Cody a chance at bartending. That lasted all of two weeks until Logan discovered Cody was giving away as much tequila to pretty girls as he was selling.

“Come on …” Cody’s jaw tenses. He’s annoyed. Good.

“No? What about the Depot, then?” Frank saw him stocking shelves in the tool aisle over winter.

He grins. “Been keeping tabs on me?”

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