Page 21 of The Romance Adventure

“What do we have here?” Magnus follows up as if it’s all too clear that there is a history between us, albeit recent and brief. A story I don’t want to tell.

Strawberry Shortcake waves tentatively, as if during the last twenty-four hours we were pioneers traveling to a strange land and had a few encounters, but mostly kept to ourselves. However, now that we’ve arrived, our connection makes us acquaintances, if not friends.

My instincts tell me to run, otherwise, there’s sure to be trouble—of the liquid variety. But my brothers watch her approach as if they’re scientists observing a rare species in the wild and eager to find out what’s going to happen.

“Hi, Mr. Muffin,” Strawberry Shortcake says.

“Hello,” I say shortly.

Magnus’s stoic expression hints with the faintest amusement. Ryan smirks—both likely at the stupid name.

Before I can explain or refute, before any connections or observations are made, a lukewarm splash comes from nearby.

Magnus coils, on alert. Ryan wipes his face. I glare at Strawberry Shortcake. Only, she’s wetter than me. There aren’t any cups or jugs or any types of containers in her hands. No muffins either.

Instead, a manatee dunks underwater by the nearby dock.

The woman from the bookstore rushes out, gives us all a once-over, and says, “Looks like Lola the Sassy Sea Cow gotcha.” Then, turning to Strawberry Shortcake, she adds, “I need your help.”

They disappear inside.

Yeah, I need help too. Help keeping my clothing dry. Help avoiding this mysterious woman who repeatedly pops into my life and makes my pulse stop.

Isla

CHAPTER 7

Perspiring and her voice pitched in a desperate tone, my sister drags me back to the mansion, pleading for my help.

“What is going on?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder to where the three men stand, dripping wet and facing the water.

“I’ll explain, but what was that?”

“What was what?”

“The look you and the mean twin exchanged.”

“The mean who?”

“Never mind. I need your help. I’m in a bind. Please say yes.”

First of all, the look exchanged with Mr. Muffin was one of surprise, but it was at that exact moment that I also recognized the strange sensation I’ve now experienced at each of our encounters.

It’s like I have an internal hiccup, like my heart and lungs are playing jump rope. It’s a strange and all-consuming sensation, but unlike a regular hiccup, it’s not entirely unpleasant. But it’s strong and impossible to ignore. So is the tall man with the stylish and short-cropped hair. The deep tan. The powerful stature.

Unlike me, he’s wearing the same outfit as he was early this morning, making us even. I took a nice long shower and used my sister’s coconut conditioner.

Bean leads me to her wing and rifles through her massive closet, tossing clothing in my direction. “Put this on.”

“I just showered and changed,” I say as if that isn’t obvious given my admittedly crusty state upon my arrival in Coco Key.

“Lola got you wet. You have to change anyway.”

“You named the manatee?”

Bean shrugs. “That’s what everyone calls her. But that’s irrelevant. Listen, Mr. Edmonton is still in Miami recovering. He was supposed to be back, but they wanted to keep him an extra day for observation, leaving me to his duties.”

“I can handle the counter at Beans & Books no problem. I don’t see why I need to change.”