Page 41 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Because he can pretty much do what he likes!” Harriet’s voice came from the side where the bar was.
Jennifer and Harley turned to see her sitting in a chair, a tall iced coffee beside her, as she flipped through a magazine.
“Hello, Harriet,” Jennifer and Harley greeted.
“I’m sorry, we didn’t see you sitting there,” Jennifer apologized.
“I’m not surprised,” Harriet said, eyeing Harley. “Harley looks like he’s ready to go into battle.”
“Close,” Harley told her.
“Did it have anything to do with that lady doctor who went into Liam’s office a few minutes ago?” Harriet enquired.
“How did you know she was a doctor?” Harley asked Harriet.
“I think everyone in the sitting area knew she was,” Harriet told them. “I’ve been sitting here waiting for my friend for fifteen minutes. The woman received five phone calls and answered each one as Doctor Ainsley. She even had a heated conversation with someone where she reminded them thatshewas the doctor in their conversation.”
“Sounds like someone we know,” a deep voice had them all turn and see Alex, who sounded like he had a cold.
Jennifer frowned when she felt Harley stiffen beside her, and as the man drew closer, she noticed a scar on his left cheek. Alex didn’t have a scar on his face. Her eyes widened when she realized it was the reclusive Ethan Blackwell—Alex’s brother.
Harriet stood and greeted Ethan with the customary kiss on the cheek before linking her arm through his and turning to introduce them.
“Ethan, I’d like you to meet Harley Donovan and my new business partner, Jennifer Gains,” Harriet made the introductions.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Miss Gains,” Ethan shook Jennifer’s hand. “I’m sorry we’ve missed each other at the various functions we were supposed to meet at.”
“I understand,” Jennifer assured him.He really was incredibly handsome.
Ethan’s mysterious air and piercing blue eyes were more intense than his brother Alex’s. Even Ethan’s voice held a low, husky quality that seemed to caress you. Gooseflesh tickled her skin, and her breath caught when his smile broadened and touched his eyes. Alex and Ethan were classed as identical twins, and if you saw them together, it would be hard to tell them apart until you got closer and spoke to them. The difference became glaringly obvious despite the scar on Ethan’s cheek.
Jennifer noticed that Harley hesitated when Ethan held his hand toward him. A muscle had ticked at the side of Harley’s jaw when he’d taken Ethan’s hand to shake.
What on earth is up with him today?Jennifer glanced at Harley, his fists balled at his sides while his eyes narrowed, targeting Ethan.
“We’re going for cocktails and then to Newbury Port to a quaint French restaurant,” Harriet told them. “Why don’t the two of you join us?” she invited, giving Harley a sly look. “Maybe getting out of this environment will do you good.”
“Yes, please, join us,” Ethan said, smiling at Jennifer. “I’d love to talk to you about a few prospective clients and how you got Brody Croft to start in a TV series.”
Harley was about to speak, but Jennifer jumped in. “Thank you, but Harley and I have to get back to our uncleand aunt, who are not well.”
“Oh, how are Betty and Sam?” Harriet asked, looking disappointed at them turning down their dinner invite.
“Doing well,” Jennifer answered, glancing sideways at Harley, who was still standing like a coiled spring waiting to be set free, and she had a feeling his target would be Ethan. “But they are both still in recovery, leaving Harley and me on nursing duty.”
“I’m sorry to hear your families are unwell,” Ethan said politely. “Maybe another time?”
“Yes, I’d like that,” Jennifer told him with a smile.
Harriet and Ethan said goodbye and left.
Jennifer turned to Harley, looking at him with raised brows. “What is it with you today?” She shook her head. “Are you missing our verbal sparring matches and now looking for another person to take my place?”
“I’m sorry,” Harley breathed and rubbed his hand over his eyes. “Coming face to face with Doctor Ainsley and then Ethan Blackwell got me riled up.”
“I noticed!” Jennifer looked at him enquiringly. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not really.” Harley shook his head.
