Page 19 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
CHAPTER 6
“Okay, Brad,” Harriet hissed. “I’ve been here for three hours, and that’s three hours too long.”
“I’m glad you came,” Brad told her.
“It’s not like you gave me much choice,” Harriet reminded him. “I did what you asked, and we have the Blackwell brothers committed to the Cobble Cove Mystery series.” She repositioned her clutch beneath her arm. “Now, I’m going home.” She turned and grabbed an unopened Krug Clos d’Ambonnay champagne bottle from the ice bucket. “Nice,” she said, eyeing the label. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
Harriet kissed his cheek and walked off, skillfully dodging Alex Blackwell as she made her way to the exit. Brad sighed and ran his hand through his hair, glancing at his wristwatch and frowning as he wondered where Caroline was.
Brad pulled his phone from his pocket. His heart dropped when there were no calls or messages from her. He was about to send her a message when he stopped himself. He didn’t wantto seem too eager or come off as stalkerish. Brad decided to give Caroline another twenty minutes before trying to call or message her.
After thirty minutes with no Caroline, Brad tried to call her, but the phone went straight to voicemail. He stood on the deck of Alex’s yacht, the Dark Ocean, and stared at his phone, a frown marring his brow.
“You look like you’ve been stood up!” A familiar female voice from behind him made his jaw clench.
His grip on his phone tightened before he turned to see the tall strawberry-blonde woman staring at him with a raised eyebrow that arched over jewel-green eyes. She was breathtakingly beautiful and dressed in a stylish sun dress that dropped to her knees. The dress topped long, tanned legs accentuated by heels that added at least two inches to her height.
“Hello, Dawn,” Brad greeted her. He hadn’t seen her since their breakup two years ago. “You’re looking as gorgeous as ever.”
“You don’t have to flatter me, Brad.” Dawn’s expression didn’t change. “I’ve already signed the contract to write your father’s new project.”
She stood with her purse clutched beneath one arm, and a glass of what he knew would be sparkling apple juice in the other. Having grown up with an alcoholic mother, Dawn didn’t touch alcohol.
“It’s not flattery when it’s the truth, Dawn,” Brad assured her. He gave her a tight smile and sighed. “I know this is long overdue and probably won’t mean a thing.” He pocketed his phone. “I’m sorry about what happened.”
“Is the apology for publicly humiliating me at the launch of a novel?” Dawn tilted her head slightly. “Or for you having cheated on me twice?”
“Both!” Brad said and sipped his drink. “I never meant to hurt you, and for the record, I never cheated on you. I was having a business dinner with Daphne Rose, and shekissedme as we exited the restaurant.” His jaw clenched. His life always had a spotlight on it. “I think she’d set the whole thing up as the press were waiting for us as we walked out.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “And you know that thing with Vanessa Turner was completely staged by her.” He blew out a breath. “But the worst was using the Vanessa thing to call off our engagement in front of the press. I should never have said the things I did to you so publicly.”
“I never needed the explanations,” Dawn told him. “I understand how things work in our business. But I’ll take the apology.” She raised her glass to him. “I didn’t walk over to you to dredge up our past.” She sipped her apple juice. “I came to call a truce. I know I’ll mainly be working with Harriet. Still, we’ll cross paths during the project, and it wouldn’t be professional to let our personal life interfere with our working relationship.”
“Thank you.” Brad’s smile broadened, and he leaned against the railing. “At least something good has come of today.”
“So, someone really stood you up?” Dawn’s brows rose, and she pulled a face. “That must be a first for you.”
“I’ve been stood up more than once,” Brad assured her with a soft laugh.
“Don’t worry,” Dawn said, a smile spreading across her beautiful mouth. “We’ve all been there.” She stood next to him, leaning against the railing with him. “Would you mind some company?” She looked around the room. “I only came here because Harriet dragged me here, and then she took off.”
“That’s Harriet for you.” Brad shook his head. “When you’re going out with her—”
“Always come in your own car or have your own transport,” Dawn finished for him, and they laughed.
It felt good to be on speaking terms with Dawn again. They may not have worked as a couple, but they had been friends, having grown up in the same circles before that. Brad had four best friends, and Dawn used to be one until they started dating, and he’d missed her. Brad knew this truce didn’t mean their friendship would pick up from where they’d left it and become romantically involved, but it was a start.
“Her ex did a number on her,” Brad said before thinking, and he gave himself a mental shake.
“Yes, Joel was a bigger jerk than you were,” Dawn said, giving him a lopsided smile. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.”
“No need to apologize,” Brad told her. “I was a jerk.” He glanced down. “I hurt my best friend.”
Brad turned, and their eyes met.
“As much as I want to blame you foreverythingthat happened,” Dawn admitted, “I played my part in the demise of our relationship.”
“Is that an apology for breaking my nose?” Brad asked with a grin.
“Yes.” Dawn grimaced. “If it’s any consolation, I broke two fingers punching you.” She looked at the hand she was holding her glass in. “It was not my finest moment.”
