Page 90 of The Romance Adventure

I nod at the same time someone knocks on the door. Pulse quickening, I duck under the counter.

“Bean, it’s CJ. Is my brother here?” he calls from the other side of the door.

Straightening, I peek out the window to make sure it’s him.

CJ’s face brightens. “You’re okay.”

“Thanks for your help back there. If, unlike your brother, you’ve taken an interest in your grandfather’s will⁠—”

“It’s my life’s work,” CJ says with complete sincerity.

I’m sure Royal would say this is because CJ is a freeloading deadbeat looking for a handout and free money, er, treasure, but I see something else in the youngest McGregor brother. He’s seeking the truth.

“I think I found something,” I say.

CJ comes in and I turn the laptop around.

Before he can get a good look at the miniature golf course, someone bellows from the doorway. “This door should be locked.”

“Oh, there you are,” CJ says.

I give a little wave of relief. Royal came back. “And here I am. I appreciate you and your brother working together to help me out back there.” My voice sounds small, uncertain about where Royal and I stand aside from across the room from each other.

Royal nods. “By the way, what was the good news?” His tone starts gruff but softens.

A smile blooms on my lips. “I’m so glad you asked.”

CJ and my sister exchange a look, and then head outside to the bistro tables in the front with the ship’s logbook, leaving Nutmeg, Royal, and me in the bookstore. Perched on the windowsill, the cat sits between us as if prepared to mediate this conversation.

“The good news had to do with a mural I want to paint and something I discovered at the Driftwood.”

“The mural at Platinum Shores? The painting for the enemy who wants to level my family’s resort?”

“No, yes. I’m not painting anything for Glandman unless my proximity will help us better understand why he’s after the property. Keep your enemies close and all that. I want to paint a mural at the Driftwood, but the other thing might have to do with your grandfather’s wishes. I found something while scouting a spot to paint a mural.”

“Why are you trying to help?”

I look up at him. “Because I know a good cause when I see it.”

Royal glances down at his hands as if debating whether to lay down his arms once and for all or keep fighting with himself and by default, me. A moment stretches between us. Nutmeg flicks her tail as if her patience runs thin.

He twines his fingers into mine and lets out a long breath as if he’s finally made a decision. “You told me to pay attention. That I might just learn something. I learned that I’d put up barriers to love. To keep you at a distance. I hedged against loss by not taking risks in my life. I channeled that energy into sure investment bets. But I’ve been fooling myself into thinking I was winning.”

“Does that mean you were losing?”

“Without you in my life? Yes. But I’d also lost hope. You restored it, Isla.” His expression turns tender, appreciative.

“That’s giving me a lot of credit.” I study our linked hands.

“Not a lot of credit. All the credit.”

I tip my gaze up and our eyes meet. His blaze with meaning. It melts my heart.

“Chip taught me to earn the extras in life. I want to earn your love, Isla. I’m sorry for being moody and for fighting this. The battle is over. I want you in my life and the only fighting I’ll do is for you. For us.”

“Thank you for apologizing.” I sling my arms around Royal’s neck. “The good news is the war is over. You’ve got my love now and always.”

The man who rarely smiles beams. He glows. He’s brighter than the sunshine streaming through the window. His lips land on mine in an intense kiss. Only seconds pass before he relaxes with relief as if time slows down. I welcome it, him, and whatever adventures come our way. Mysteries too.