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“I’ll be back in person every couple of weeks as needed. More often if some sort of crisis pops up. I’m telling you, this crew is a well-oiled machine. My people know what to do.”

“Is it an awful thing if I asked to sit in on your meeting?” She wanted to see his leadership in person. At his scowl, she immediately back pedaled. “Not to intrude. I won’t say a word. I just want to see a different management perspective. Harper and I have talked about how she does things, but I’d hate to miss a chance to see you in action.”

His brows lifted toward his hairline. “I’m not sure if I should be flattered or cautious.”

“Flattered, of course. Why the doubt?”

He set his coffee aside and leaned on the edge of the island. “Because I’m staring at the hospitality queen,” he teased.

When he looked at her, his eyes glinting with amusement, she felt so close to him. So close to something wonderful. She would bring this moment to mind when it was time to kiss him after they exchanged vows and rings.

She ignored his compliment, her mind on work once more. “I would like to brainstorm some ideas. Ways to bring in local foot traffic, not just to benefit the Inn, but also the island in general.”

He bobbed his chin. “We can brainstorm and do touristy things at the same time. And of course you can sit in on my meeting. It’ll give me a chance to introduce you.”

Happy with the plan, she started cleaning up. “Not a chance,” Rhett waved her off. “My strongest kitchen skill is cleanup duty.”

She returned to the bedroom in search of an outfit that would bridge both a professional meeting and the touristy things that would follow. She was halfway dressed in a funky wrap top and pattern skirt when the Inn phone started ringing. She’d checked her email earlier and Maria had assured her everything was under control.

She followed the sound and found the device in Rhett’s office. “Good morning, Maria. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, ma?—”

She heard a scuffle and then, “Trina! Trina, my darling! You didn’t call back.”

Luca. Her vision hazed and she nearly bobbled the phone. “Luca, this is highly inappropriate.” Following her instincts, she went to find Rhett. “I’m working.”

“No, no,” he argued. “You’re toying with me.”

“I’m not.” She hated that her voice felt tight in her throat. She was a professional. Damn it. Rhett had told her she could be scared and smart. She needed backup.

While Luca rambled on in his syrup-coated voice, she found Rhett at the kitchen island. He looked up from his laptop and whatever he saw on her face brought him to his feet. Just having him there, braced for anything, gave her an instant boost of courage. She was a grown woman—stronger now than she’d been as a teenager. She swallowed, pushing down all those old insecurities.

“Luca, I am working,” she began again. At Rhett’s signal she put the phone on speaker.

“Trina, you work too hard. I’m here. Stop playing. I came all this way for you.”

She feared that was exactly what he had done. “I wasn’t even expecting you this early. I cannot change my schedule.”

“Nonsense. What is early among friends? Your parents tell me America is pushing you too hard. You need a break. Relaxing time, yes? Come out with me this evening.”

“I’m not available,” she said. “Not this evening.” Her gaze dropped to the opal engagement ring on her finger. “Not anytime soon,” she added. “My work is demanding, Luca.”

“No, no. We have much catching up to do. We’ll have more than dinner, my darling.”

She didn’t like the sharp edge creeping into his tone. Or the icy fingers dancing down her spine. When Rhett opened his mouth, she pressed her fingertips to his lips and shook her head.

He gave her a warning glare. He wouldn’t let this continue unchecked. She appreciated his protectiveness, but she needed to make Luca understand. Better still if she could do it without any extra drama. “I have meetings all day and being late is bad form.”

“You work too hard, my darling. Once we sort this out, you will love your life. As your mother says, you and I are meant to be.”

Rhett glowered now and she suspected her expressionmatched his. “I love my life as it is right now,” she stated. “I love my career and my role at the Inn. If you can’t accept that, I understand if you go back early. Your time is valuable.”

“So is yours,” Rhett whispered.

“What was that? Who is there?” Luca demanded.

“I have no idea. I’m at a professional event,” she said with as much attitude as she could muster. “Ciao!”