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She didn’t feel as if that barely leashed fury was aimed at her, but she proceeded with caution. “I gave Luca just enough information to back him off,” she continued. “I comped him all kinds of stuff so he’d give my people a break.” She stepped closer to the phone Rhett held. “I’m sorry he bothered you.”

“We’re fine,” Harper dismissed her concerns. “If he’s as close to your family as he claims, he should know that discretion and privacy are paramount. We wouldn’t have told him anything even if we’d known.” Harper cleared her throat. “And exactly what kind of cross-training opportunity is going on, big brother?”

“Ha. Discretion is paramount,” he chirped back at her.

“Fine,” Harper said. “Trina will tell me.”

She looked to Rhett for guidance. “I’m sure she will tell you all about it when she gets home,” Rhett replied, saving her from an outright lie.

“You’re letting her meet with Ilsa,” Harper accused. “What alternate universe is this? You two are oil and water and?—”

“Lighten up, Harp. It’s not what you think,” Rhett said.

“What should I do?” Trina resumed her pacing. “I can’t kick him out of the Inn.”

“Show me the phone.” Rhett jerked his chin toward her purse.

She scrambled to get it for him. “I was so sure the silent treatment would’ve worked. But Luca is never satisfied.” What an understatement. The man never,neveraccepted a no when he wanted yes to be the answer. The only choice or opinions he believed in were his own.

“We were friends through school,” she explained to Harper. “Growing up in the same neighborhood. Then I went to France and didn’t go back home after. My parents think the world of him.”

“Which is why they sent him,” Rhett grumbled.

“He’s a charmer if you’re into that sort of thing,” Harper said. “Until he doesn’t get his way. I’m surprised your parents can’t see through him.”

“To them, he’s the ideal solution to their biggest concern. Me.” She nibbled on her thumbnail. “I’m sorry he made a scene and caused you problems.”

“No, he didn’t cause us any problems at all. Besides, we didn’t have any intel to offer.” Harper’s tone dipped toward stern. “I didn’t know exactly where you were until a few minutes ago.”

Trina felt as if she was being scolded, and rightfully so.This plan was ridiculous and they’d gotten caught. Harper would be hurt and angry with her if she returned from Key West as Mrs. Rhett Ellington. Was outmaneuvering her parents worth losing her friendships? No. With her emotions in a tempest she couldn’t quite catch her breath.

“I-I’m sorry?—”

“Don’t you apologize,” Rhett snapped. “Not to anyone.”

She gaped at him. “Definitely not to me,” Harper agreed. “You’re a grown woman. Go where you please and do what you like. I called Rhett to get some guidance in case he comes back around.”

“We’ll be home the day after tomorrow,” Rhett said. “Tell him that.”

“So this dash to the Keys is just a mini vacation between old friends?” Harper’s doubts on that theory came through loud and clear. She’d had a front row seat to more than a few challenging interactions between her brother and Trina.

“You’re welcome to feed that to Gallo,” Rhett said. “That’s basically what I told him.”

“For all the good it did,” Harper muttered. “One thing. Does that story even brush up against the truth?”

“A little,” Rhett replied. “Did you know Trina hasn’t left South Carolina since taking over the Inn?”

“I did,” Harper said. “Because I’m her friend.”

“I had a few trips planned,” Trina muttered.

“Well, I’m glad you started with this one. Take all the time you need,” Harper said. “I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home.”

“Please, don’t let Luca bully your staff,” Trina pleaded. “And I’ll find a way to make it up to them.”

“Come on. You don’t owe anyone anything,” Harper countered. “I’ll handle him if he comes back around. You two have a great time. Love you,” she said to her brother.

“Love you,” he replied.