Page 24 of The Unbound Bookshop
“The refrigerator is more like a cooler.” Herman gestured to a rectangular box the size of a mini fridge built into the counter. “So, be judicious with how often you open it. But you’ll find that it’s fully stocked.”
Sage pulled back the lid to take a peek inside. Her eyes widened, and she quickly slammed it shut, her cheeks tinged pink.
“What’s on the menu?” Flynn inched closer, curious to see what had caused her strange reaction.
“Nothing.” Sage hovered in front of the fridge like a protective mama bear guarding her cubs.
“Let me have a look.”
“We shouldn’t open it. We need to conserve the cold temperature.” Her voice had gone up an octave.
What had Mackensie put in the cooler? “I’ll just take a quick peek.”
Her shoulders slumped in resignation, and she begrudgingly stepped aside.
Flynn cracked open the lid. What in the world? He did a double take, making sure his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him. “Is this some kind of joke?”
“I don’t know what you mean, sir.” Herman looked about as innocent as a criminal caught in the act.
“Why is our fridge stocked with oysters, caviar, chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped crème brûlée, and three bottles of champagne?”
“Sounds like a lovely meal, sir.”
“Yeah, for newlyweds.”
At his comment, Sage made the unmistakable sound of someone choking on their own horror. Not that he blamed her. They’d planned on marriage once. But now? She’d probably marry a Sasquatch with smelly feet before him. Why did the realization create a gaping hole in his stomach?
“What kind of game is Mackensie playing?” he asked.
“No game, sir. Mr. Mackensie simply has very fine tastes.”
“Sure.” Flynn wasn’t convinced the kooky billionaire didn’t have ulterior motives for his culinary choices. Maybe the guy got a kick out of toying with estranged exes? The entire town knew about his breakup with Sage—the way he’d behaved like a deplorable jerk, ditching her without an explanation. Not that they knew his reasons, as if that would matter. Did Mackensie want to see him squirm?
He glanced around the galley, searching for hidden cameras while Herman highlighted the four-burner, gimbaled stove.
“Now, let’s move to the main living quarters,” Herman announced with a grand sweeping gesture. “Mrs. Mackensie wanted an open feel, so she had the main salon and captain’s quarters combined into one large space.”
They followed Herman to the back of the boat and into a long, surprisingly airy room. The black walnut trim and beams gleamed against white bulkheads, embodying a classic Herreshoff interior. Custom-built bookcases surrounded them on all sides, interspersed with booth-style seating in a rich hunter green leather.
Flynn did a 360 turn, overcome with an unexpected surge of awe and admiration. Although he knew all the exclusive and expensive brands, he didn’t usually care about superficial things like fancy throw pillows or pricey paperweights. His mother had hired a designer to decorate both his penthouse apartment and his office, and he’d honestly been happy to offload the task. Even as a kid, his bedroom decor had been handpicked by a professional.
But something about this space—the combination of elegance and subtle masculinity—stirred an emotional response he hadn’t expected. It felt…homey. Was that the right word? He wasn’t sure. Nothing had felt like home before.
He glanced at Sage, wondering if she had the same impression.
Sage covered her mouth with both hands, tears glistening in her eyes. Her entire being radiated joy, wonder, and disbelief, as if she’d been lost in a desert and stumbled upon a life-saving oasis. She clearly had a connection to this place, something deep and profound. Something he didn’t understand.
But one thing was undeniably apparent in her raw, vulnerable expression. Sage wanted this boat. Perhaps more than anything she’d ever wanted before.
And if he fulfilled his promise to his brother, he’d have to take it from her.
He’d broken her heart once. How could he do it again?
Chapter 14
SAGE
For a moment,Sage couldn’t move. Happiness rippled through her, making her whole body tingle. The idea to open her bookstore on a boat had been plan B. A last-ditch effort to make her dream come true. She’d never imagined something so exquisite, like stepping back in time to a world filled with elegance, grace, and beauty. Each detail—from the intricate molding to the dark, gleaming wood to the sparkling brass fixtures—radiated a regalness she hadn’t expected.
