Page 22 of The Unbound Bookshop
“Glad my misery can provide some entertainment,” Sage said with playful sarcasm.
“I mean, all you have to do is throw in a cute dog, and you’re basically starring in one of Jayce’s movies.” CeCe blushed, as she did every time she mentioned their childhood friend turned mega Hollywood star Jayce Hunt. But for once, Sage breezed over CeCe’s lifelong unrequited crush, intent on setting the record straight.
“Except, Jayce only stars in romantic comedies. And there is zero chance Flynn and I will be sailing off into the sunset.Zero,” she added for emphasis.
Thankfully, CeCe had the good sense not to respond. She slid the overflowing tote bag across the countertop. “You’d better hurry. You’re supposed to be at the marina in five minutes, and you don’t want Flynn to get a head start on finding that diary.”
Sage drained the last drop of her lavender honey latte and hopped off the stool. “Wish me luck.”
CeCe rounded the front counter and enveloped her in a hug. “Three days will be over before you know it.”
Sage sincerely hoped so, but as her sandals slapped against the wooden dock mere minutes later, time seemed to slow with each footstep. Apprehension built in her chest, crowding out her lungs.
Breathe. In and out. In and out.
She concentrated on each breath, matching the rhythm to the gentle lapping of waves against the pilings. Internally, every impulse screamed for her to turn and run. Outwardly, she raised her chin an inch higher, feigning confidence.
Don’t let Flynn see how much he hurt you. Be strong. Be impassive.
TheMarvelous Miraloomed ahead, moored in the last slip at the end of the dock. The main mast partially obscured the sun, splitting it down the middle, scattering streaks of bronzed light on either side. Her pulse quickened. Even after months beached ashore a small uninhabited island, sun-bleached and weather-beaten, the svelte schooner was easily the prettiest boat at Blessings Marina. And to think, in a few days, she could be hers.
Sage tightened her grip on her duffel bag, careful not to shift the heavy tote slung over one shoulder. Her heart pounded, vibrating with the force of a hundred honeybees humming in unison… until her gaze fell on Flynn, standing beside Herman Chesterfield near the gangway. Their eyes met, and the frantic beating stopped instantly, as if he’d thrown a switch. As if he still had control over her heart, even after all these years.
Each carefully controlled breath evaporated, leaving her light-headed. She reached for a railing for support, but her fingertips met air. She had nothing to hold her steady. Nothing to ease the dizziness. She could only hope Flynn felt equally disoriented.
No such luck.
He smiled when he saw her—actually smiled!—like her presence didn’t evoke unbearable dread and discomfort. The nerve! He should be sweating. Or squirming. Anything but smiling.
She glared when she should’ve glanced away. She didn’t need to see how good he looked in his light-blue polo and linen shorts. Or the way his chestnut hair ruffled in the salty breeze. Her fingers had once combed through those windswept strands. They’d traced the tender spot behind his ear, down the curve of his neck, making his toes curl. Sage wet her lips. Her mouth felt dry, as if she’d swallowed buckets of sand, and heat blazed across her skin. Mortified by the intimate memory, she tore her gaze away from Flynn, only to glimpse something equally unnerving.
An adorable golden retriever sat by Flynn’s feet, gazing at her with the most beautiful heart-melting brown eyes.
CeCe’s words flooded her mind.Throw in a cute dog, and you’re basically starring in one of Jayce’s movies. Sage groaned. Great. Just what she needed.
“You bought a dog?” she blurted before she could stop herself. Dog lover didn’t jibe with her image of Flynn as a soulless corporate sellout.
“Technically, I didn’t buy him. We sort of found each other five years ago. It’s a long story.” He turned to Herman. “Hope it’s not breaking any rules if Cap tags along. I couldn’t leave him with my parents. Their version of pet-sitting is a bowl of water and a flat-screen set on an endless loop ofAnimal Planet.”
“I don’t anticipate that Mr. Mackensie will mind.”
As Flynn scratched the scruff at the pup’s neck, Sage suppressed an irrational, inexplicable, utterly irritating sliver of envy.
Five years. He can commit to a dog, but not you.
Ugh. She was jealous. Of a dog. She’d sunk to a new low.
“Shall we get started?” Herman interjected. “I’ll need to lay out a few ground rules before I leave you.”
Before I leave you.The words echoed inside her head, loud and ominous. She contemplated begging Herman to stay as some sort of buffer. Maybe she could bribe him with a binge session ofThe Great British Bake Off?
“Let me guess,” Flynn said. “The boat’s rigged with sensors, so Mackensie will know if one of us tries to bolt. Or throws the other person overboard.” He caught her eye and flashed a wry grin.
Her traitorous stomach did a somersault.Cut it out.Sure, she used to find his playful personality charming. And his easy, fun-loving smile used to make her swoon.Used to, past tense. Before she learned the hard way that Flynn Cahill may have charisma, but he didn’t have character. A far more important quality.
She frowned, shooting him a look that said,Can we stay on track, please?
“Mr. Mackensie is abiding by the honor system,” Herman told them. “But he wanted to let you know that he’s made sure the head and galley are in working order. And all provisions are to be shared equally.”
