Page 69 of The Romance Adventure

“Coco Key is a cozy town,” Isla says warmly.

“Do you mean nosy? If I didn’t know better, I’d say this cat reports all my comings and goings.” She won’t stop staring at me.

“Sure, there are quirky people, but we look out for each other,” CJ says.

I shake my head. “Bro, leaving and seeing the world could do you some good.”

“Trust me, I’ve seen a lot of the world.”

“Well, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon, I hope,” Isla murmurs.

I remind myself of last night’s conversation and tell myself to believe her and that she doesn’t want anything to do with her ex, also known as Daxel Norris. I want to believe that our repeated meetings were all just a big coincidence and there’s nothing fishy going on. Yet, I’m suspicious. Maybe it’s because they both look at me as if awaiting confirmation that I’m here to stay.

“I have work to do, so I’ll probably be between here and New York.” The court case comes to mind. “But I’ll mostly be here overseeing the renovation at the resort.”

They both cheer like they were in cahoots to keep me in Coco Key. “Am I missing something?” I ask.

“I was just up there in the poop deck, keeping watch,” Isla says.

“For what?”

“Pirates.”

I brush my hand across my forehead. “Not this again.”

“What do you mean? I was just joking, Royal. I went up there to take a photo because I wanted to try to get a bird’s-eye view on the way into town for the rest of the mural at Beans & Books.”

“Don’t mind Royal. He doesn’t like it when I talk about our parents,” CJ says.

“Where’d that come from?”

“Just a hunch.”

“Will you stop?” The brotherly teasing in my tone vanishes.

Isla steps closer to me. “Royal, I lost mine too. Sometimes it helps to talk about it.”

“It doesn’t help to hope, though.”

Isla glances from CJ to me. “That’s not true.”

I meet her striking blue eyes and in them, I realize what it is about her that makes me breathe easier. Some people gaze toward the future. Others look into the past. But wherever Isla Pratt looks, she sees hope. Hope for me. Hope for us.

Isla

CHAPTER 17

Royal gives me a ride back to town because I promised Bean I’d look after the shop while she takes Mr. Edmonton to an appointment.

I have to admit, I don’t mind this little oasis from real life. Charleston is a fun town and I regret having to postpone the murals I’d promised to a couple of businesses and the bus stops, but that wasn’t until this summer, anyway.

I could get used to life in Coco Key...and life with Royal. There’s a long road ahead of us at the resort too. But it’s hard to ignore the niggling in the back of my head about Dax tracking me down and threatening me if I don’t keep my mouth shut.

“My lips are sealed.”

“Huh?” Royal asks.

“Oh, um, I’m good at keeping secrets if you ever want to talk—things with you and CJ seemed kind of tense.” Nice recovery, Isla. I give myself a little mental pat on the back.