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“How about this?” He sat forward. “It’s obviously bugging you. Whenever we’re not convincing people we’re happily married, we can brainstorm ways to increase businessfor your property and mine. More of that co-working, cross-training experience.”

“That’s a fabulous idea.” Suddenly she was much more excited to see both the Ellington Cove and Rhett’s role within the resort as well as his family’s system. She started peppering him with questions about events and management and growth projections.

After a hearty laugh, he was generous with his answers, something she never would have expected after butting heads for so long. It was almost a disappointment when the flight attendant announced they were preparing for arrival.

“I do need to ask one favor up front,” Rhett said as the plane touched down on the runway.

“Anything,” she replied instantly, meaning it. She owed him so much for his help with her parents’ disastrous attempt to marry her off.

“When we get back to Brookwell, please gush as much as possible over Ilsa. Especially to Harper.”

“Oh.” She bit her lip. “I shouldn’t jump in the middle of your sibling rivalry like that.”

“Not even for your husband?”

He really didn’t play fair. “Rhett.”

“It’s not a sibling rivalry,” he protested. “It’s a business rivalry. I have the best wedding planner on the East Coast and Ineedher to be jealous.”

The emphasis gave him away this time. He was teasing again. Besides, she was confident Ilsa was just as good as he claimed. “Fine. You have my word. I will talk her up until Harper wants to bash me over the head.”

Rhett’s lightning-quick grin was worth it. “I won’t let her hurt you.”

She caught herself smiling as they deplaned and he led her toward a waiting car, courtesy of the Cove.

At some point, she needed to analyze why she took him athis word about everything. She didn’t trust anyone this easily. Maybe it was because they’d met when she was younger. Or maybe it was seeing the way he doted on his sister. Whatever it was, Rhett had a profoundly positive effect on her. She worried that the way he steadied and soothed her would be a problem someday soon.

Though the relief from her typical anxiety was huge, she couldn’t expect it to last. In the meantime, she decided to enjoy whatever magic he was creating in her life right now.

As he drove them toward the Cove, he mentioned some of his favorite places that he wanted her to see. “I know you can’t see much of the views in the dark, but I think you’ll love the quirky charm.”

He would probably be right about that too. “This is my first big tourist moment since I came to the States,” she blurted.

“No kidding?”

“I threw myself into the Inn as soon as I arrived,” she explained.

“With excellent results,” he said.

His sincerity was lovely. “Thank you.”

“Wow,” she said as they turned up the long drive to the Ellington Cove. “How do you manage to make people feel welcome before they even get out of the car?”

“That’s a family secret,” he joked. Parking in the designated space, he cut the engine. “Then again, you’re about to become an Ellington so…”

“Stop teasing. You know I don’t expect any insider information as your pretend wife.”

“As my real wife,” he reminded her. “We’re doing this the right way.”

Her heart skipped and twirled in her chest. “You surprise me every other minute.” She wasn’t sure it was a compliment.

“I could say the same thing.” He’d shifted in his seat and enough light filled the car to show her he wasn’t teasing.

Her breath seemed to slow even as her pulse kicked up. “Well, um.” She was a surprise to him? She only meant to be herself. “That’s probably because I’m desperate.”

He plucked his phone out of the cupholder, turning it absently in his hands. “I don’t want you to feel desperate ever again.”

Stunned, she sat there, basking in the warmth of his words and the sincerity in his blue gaze.