Page 26 of Clear Blue Sky

“Hey,” Maverick’s voice echoed from behind.

He turned and nodded. Both his brothers strolled down the steps. They’d all purchased homes within a one-mile radius on Assembly Point, though it had taken a year for that to happen, along with overpaying. But they didn’t care. They were lucky to have been born into privilege and even luckier to have never taken advantage of it until now, making it easier for their parents to part with a few dollars to ensure their sons put down roots.

Even if it wasn’t with a woman.

“There’s a whole pot of coffee inside if you want some.” Nelson held up his mug.

“I’ll go grab two,” Maverick said.

“Thanks.” Phoenix leaned against the post and folded his arms. “That’s one of The Heritage Inn boats.”

“Reese texted me last night, informing me that Marcus had one booked from six to noon and that the private eye—with the help of his cleaning staff—would be doing a little digging in at least Marcus’ room.”

“Has she started?”

“Yup.” Nelson had been having a conversation with Reese ever since he noticed Marcus outside his house. “Reese gave those assholes five popular fishing spots.”

“Off your dock isn’t one of them,” Phoenix said. “When is Brandi coming back?”

“Sometime this evening.” If Nelson included today, he had three days before the Saturday movie premiere forA Girl Named Lilly.Agreeing to be the host to the private event should have been a no-brainer. The free publicity alone was worth the price of admission had it not been for Marcus.

And his goddamned fucking book.

Nelson had to find out what was in it and why Marcus was really in town. Something told him the two of them were tied together.

“I told her she could stay with me. She hasn’t decided if she’s going to take me up on that offer. She’s worried about the media.”

Maverick appeared with a carafe of coffee. He refilled Nelson’s and then poured himself and Phoenix each a mug before making himself comfortable by sitting on the railing. “The media should be our friend in this.”

“Except for them.” Nelson glanced at his cell. “If the PI doesn’t find this manuscript, I might have to break down and come clean with Brandi.”

“You’re going to have to do that with her eventually, anyway.” Phoenix lowered his chin and sipped.

Maverick smirked.

“It’s still a fling.” Nelson gulped. “We’re just not seeing other people.”

“You can tell yourself that if it helps you sleep at night, but you’re falling for her, hard,” Maverick said. “And there’s no fault in that.”

Phoenix laughed. “This coming from the guy who says he’s never wanted a woman.”

“No.” Maverick raised his finger. “I said that I’ve got all that I’ve ever wanted and I don’t want to rock the boat by adding unnecessary conflict. Women bring on the crazy.”

Nelson stared at the foursome as they sat quietly in their boat, holding their fishing poles, wearing baseball caps, not gazing in his direction.

Or so it seemed.

“I’m tempted to confront Marcus and ask him point-blank what the fuck his game is, but I’m not sure what the point would be. He’s just going to lie.” Nelson dumped out the rest of his coffee. “I don’t want to put Brandi in an impossible situation. Having a vendetta against me has nothing to do with her.”

“Marcus would comprise her company.” Phoenix cocked his head. “And yes, we’d go after him if he lied about you at all.”

“What would be really nice was if Marcus would go back to the rock he crawled out from under.” Nelson set his mug aside and gripped the railing. “You both agree I’m not being paranoid, even though we’ve found nothing.”

“We agree,” Phoenix said.

“I’m sure they have seen the three of us standing here.” Nelson turned. “If I say anything, it’s going to create a problem for Brandi. I can’t have that. However, either of you can do it on my behalf, as if I don’t know.”

“I can make that work,” Maverick said. “Marcus and I’ve had words before.”

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