Page 15 of Fortune’s Control (Fortune’s Creek #1)

“Are you using my old bike?”

I didn’t miss the stranger’s accusing tone.

“I’m borrowing it. Shane put air in the tires for me.

” I cringed at the explanation. Her brows raised at the name, and I took in her sandy brown hair and dark brown eyes.

She was shorter and younger, but the familial relationship was unmistakable. “You must be Sophie.”

She pulled her suitcase from the trunk, then popped it shut and leaned against the rear wheel well. “I didn’t announce my coming, and it still isn’t a surprise.”

“I’m Lilah. Shane’s house guest.” The lie fell from my lips, unplanned. Explaining our sham marriage and eventual annulment to his sister, a stranger, was more than I could handle right now.

“House guest?” She crossed her arms, beaming at my discomfort. “Is that the word couples use these days?”

Someone tipped her off. Gossip travels in a small town in Fortune’s Creek; in our case, it refused to die down. “Who told you?”

Sophie made a zipper motion across her lips. “I can’t reveal my sources, other than to say it’s more than one person.”

“Diane Jones and who else?”

“Okay, one of my sources.” Her features relaxed as she stepped toward me. “Shane thinks I can’t stand him.” Her head bobbed. “I let him believe it. It’s good for his health. ”

I fought back a laugh, amused but also compelled to defend him. “He’ll be glad you’re here. Let’s go inside and chat. I planned to make chicken noodle soup for dinner, as it’s one of the few meals I know how to prepare. Do you want some?”

She waved a hand, dismissing me. “No, he won’t, but that makes it so much better. Let me deposit my bag first. How do you feel about margaritas?”

“I love them, but we’re lacking supplies.”

“Oh, no. I came prepared.”

I worried he had found me only minutes ago, but the prickle on my back showed that my new sister-in-law was on her way. Detective Davis had it right. “We’re going to get along famously, Sophie.”

She carted her rolling suitcase toward the garage rather than the house. “Suitcase away so the drinking can start.”

I almost forgot. “Wait. I live there.”

Sophie stopped short. “In the garage apartment? Oh, no, you don’t. Not anymore. He married you, right? It’s time for you to move in. Shane will like that.”

“That wasn’t our agreement.” Shane allowed the use of the house while he was out of town, but it didn’t feel right to move in without his knowledge. I also wasn’t sure he’d appreciate my sudden appearance in his domain.

“It is now. I own the house too, which makes you my guest as much as his. For once, Shane will do as I say.”

I didn’t ask what that meant.

*****

I chose a ground-floor guest room while Sophie finished taking over the garage apartment.

Its plain white walls and simple furniture didn’t stick out, but the rest of the house was a wonder.

A central hallway, open at both ends, helped the flow between every room.

Dark wood trim matched the wood floors. You found charming details in every room, from a window seat to an old transom window, but the main living room possessed something extraordinary.

“It’s like looking up at the heavens, isn’t it?”

Sophie’s question broke my spell. “That’s the perfect word.

” The tongue and groove pine ceiling transformed into cool, white walls.

Wood beams, dark wood furniture, and tall wood windows.

“Your father designed this room, didn’t he?

” After admitting his interest in woodcraft, Shane told me how he learned.

“My parents did. They would often share a glass of wine or sit and talk in the evenings. It wasn’t off limits, but Shane and I always considered it their place instead of ours.”

“Shane talks about them often.”

“He feels guilty.” Her lips tightened, like she wanted to say something else. “Let’s start on dinner.”

*****

“This is amazing; better than my soup. Will you be my new personal chef?”

Sophie’s divine lemon chicken, with rice and asparagus, paired with a white wine we found in the kitchen pantry, made for a perfect dinner. Much better than my quiet evening with an awful movie.

“My parents entertained all the time when I was growing up. I helped my mother cook and then watched from the hallway. I think it’s what drew me to the hospitality industry.

” Sophie took a sip of her wine, considering.

“ Now, I’m a cog in the corporate hotel world, but not forever. ” She flashed an enigmatic smile.

“Are you moving home?”

“To this house?” Sophie shook her head while speaking. “Oh, no. When I…even if I move back to Fortune’s Creek, I’d take up residence somewhere else. Shane can stay here with you.”

I stared at my lap, uncomfortable. At best, we were temporary partners.

Once the trial ended, my purpose for hiding in Fortune’s Creek disappeared.

Shane married me out of pity, which struck me as the weakest kind of foundation.

“I know Diane told you it was kismet or instant love between us, but it wasn’t.

His friends put Shane on the spot, and he did it to avoid embarrassing me.

” My cheeks heated. Spoken out loud, especially to his sister, sounded pathetic.

“I’ve known Shane my whole life.” Sophie set down her fork and leaned across the table.

She released a heavy breath, preparing herself for a long speech.

“My brother does nothing he doesn’t want to do.

Ever. If he married you, the details don’t matter.

He decided, and you’re in it now.” She smirked and took a sip of her wine.

“He did it to me after our parents died, you know.”

Curiosity and cats. My ears pricked, eager to learn about this part of his life. “He joined the military then, right? The Marines.”

“He and Jack, both. Those two were supposed to be twins, but nature got in the way.” Sophie looked past my shoulder, giving me the impression it was towards Jack’s house.

“They traveled the world, and I spent my senior year of high school with relatives I barely knew. Shane decided it was best. So, I promise you, based on years of evidence, that if Shane married you, it’s because he wanted it. For better or worse.”

I draw back. “That sounds like a threat.” My head tilted, and I refilled my glass. “This wine tastes good.”

“It’s delicious. But also, it’s not a threat. It’s who Shane is.” Sophie went to fill her wine glass, but ran out halfway. She shook the bottle, wrangling out a few drops before giving up and setting the empty green bottle on the table. “Well, that’s an absolute tragedy.”

“Did we drink the entire thing?”

“I think we did.”

“That’s impossible.” I replayed the evening in my head. “We were having serious conversations.”

We fell into a shared fit of laughter.

“I’ll get more. Please let there be more.” Sophie checked the pantry. “Victory.”

We opened the second bottle, refilling our glasses.

I ignored my spinning head and took a big gulp. “Tomorrow will be even better.”

“Oh, that’s right. Lainey is coming over. We’ll have Lainey and margaritas. I picked the perfect time to visit, didn’t I?” She took a sip of wine and pressed a finger to her temple. “I might be a little intoxicated.”

“You picked the absolute perfect time. Plus, you’re my personal chef now, so this is ideal.” The room floated. “I also might be a little intoxicated. But a lot, not a little.”

Someone knocked on the kitchen door and entered. “You forgot to lock your door,” Dean said.

Sophie stared up at him, unmoving. “You didn’t give us time to answer.”

Dean took us in. He picked up the empty bottle and shook it. “You’re not capable of answering the door.”

“You want to join us?” I offered. Friendliness was important.

He took a phone out of his pocket. “I’m only here as a favor to Shane. He asked me to check up on you.”

I snorted because that was funny. “You make it sound like we’re criminals.”

He didn’t laugh with me. “I have no evidence that you are.”

“Wow.” Sophie pointed at him. “He thinks we’re criminals.”

Dean ignored us, instead dialing his phone. “Hey. Your sister is here.” He paused for Shane’s response. “They’re drunk. Absolutely hammered.”

“Is it me, or was that rude?” I ask.

“Incredibly rude,” Sophie said.

Dean ignored us. “Okay, I’ll do that. What else?” He walked to a kitchen cabinet. “Sounds good. See you tomorrow.”

“What is my brother’s order now?” Sophie asked.

“Water and Tylenol.” Dean slammed down matching cups of water and two pills. He twisted a chair back and sat.

“You get to play babysitter?” Sophie picked up her water and swallowed the medicine.

Dean stared, stone-faced.

“His silence means yes,” she explained. “See, that’s what I mean. Shane decides, and everyone lines up to follow. Right, Dean?”

“I am not getting between you two.” Dean scrolled through his phone. “You can keep drinking as long as you stay where I can see you.” I offered him a glass, and he refused.

“Dean doesn’t enjoy fun,” Sophie said.

“I have fun.” Dean’s tone implied the opposite.

“Did Shane tell you about their group dynamic yet?” Sophie asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll do it for you. Dean is a stick in the mood.

Mud. Same thing.” She flourished both arms towards him.

“His brother thinks life is one big joke. And Jack…” Sophie set her glass down and didn’t finish.

“Well, you met him. Do you plan to call Jack as well, Dean, or will you spare me that fate?”

“A stick knows not to get between you two.” Dean looked at me. “Oh, Shane said one more thing.”

It was my turn to sober up. “What?” I swallowed.

“You owe him a long conversation when he gets back.”

Sophie offered me a pitying look. “More wine?”

“Please.”

*****

“When does my brother return home?”

I ceased cutting the pineapple to think better. “Later today? Tonight. It’ll be the three of us all day.”

Sophie stood at the faucet, refilling her glass. “You should know that I’m not a full-time drunk.”

“No judgment here.” Otherwise, I’d be the world’s biggest hypocrite. I followed her lead and drank more water. “Are you sure it won’t be a problem if Emma stays here?”

“It’s your house, Lilah. He married you.” She ate a strawberry off the tray. “There’s no sense in sticking her in a hotel when we have extra bedrooms.”

Shane’s reserved nature would clash with a house full of people. He enjoyed his friendships, but I sensed that he also needed his alone time.

“Are you suggesting that to help me or needle your brother?”

“A little of this and a little of that.” She popped a grape into her mouth. “An afternoon of fruit, cheese, crackers, and alcohol. I picked the perfect time for a vacation.”

“You forgot about the music and swimming.” After waking this morning, I wore my emerald green bikini and cover-up. Why bother with clothes when a swimming pool was close by?

A faint scratching sounded at the back door. “Good morning, Pirate.” I rubbed her ears. “We’re doing this. Today is the day. Your food is inside.”

She stood at the entrance and meowed.

“Leave the door open and pretend you don’t care. Cats like people who don’t like them.” Sophie moved Pirate’s food bowl closer to the door. “Look who has your food. Make me your favorite.”

“I put out the food.”

“And I’m taking the credit.”

“Credit for what?” Shane asked.

I didn’t hear him approach. “You’re early.”

He glanced at his sister. “Intuition told us we needed to get back early.”

Aiden stepped inside and went to scratch Pirate’s ears. She hissed and ran into the hallway. “He insisted we move up our return once he learned you were in town. It ruined last night’s plans.”

Sophie shrugged and ate another grape. “Good. I hope you cried yourself to sleep.”

Shane stood by the sink with his legs spread wide and his expression grim.

“Good morning to you both,” I said, all bright and chipper. It’s like I interrupted an old-fashioned standoff. “Why don’t I make something else to eat? We picked lemons this morning, so how about some homemade lemon bars? ”

I didn’t get it. If one sibling were the only family member that remained to me, I’d do anything to maintain the relationship.

My question broke the tension in the room.

“That sounds amazing,” Shane says.

“Could you make extra for me?” Aiden asks. He fixed a devilish grin on Sophie. “You should know Jack will be here soon.”

I pulled out my baking ingredients.

“How long will you be here?” Shane asks.

Sophie set her phone down. “Two weeks. Vacation and other things.”

“What other things?”

“Things for me that may or may not be business related.”

“You’ll stay in the garage apartment while you’re here,” Shane said. It was a statement and an order, underpinned by hope.

Shane didn’t exaggerate when he said they weren’t close. For all that, his questions told me he loved his sister and would repair the damage if he knew how.

She flicked her hand in his direction. “Is that a request or an order?”

Aiden whistled. “I forgot how much better it is when you’re here in town, Soph.” He walked past me and whispered, “Bake faster. Please.”

Jack stumbled through the still-open door and halted.

He stared at Sophie like she was a ghost who had returned to haunt him- or maybe an angel back in his presence.

I couldn’t decide which. He said her name, but it came out scratchy and rough.

He coughed as Sophie dragged her attention away from her phone. “I didn’t know you were here.”

“We’ve barely seen each other in over ten years. That’s not a reason to announce my presence to the stranger next door.”

He ignored the jab. “You look amazing.”

Shane poured himself a cup of coffee and watched them.

“Lilah, darling, will you tell me when Lainey arrives?” Sophie stood, finished her water, and set the empty glass by the sink. “We have plenty of food. I’ll come back with the rest of our supplies.”

“You can’t ignore me forever, Sophie,” Jack said.

She touched her ear. “Did anyone hear that?”

“What did you do to her?” Shane asked once his sister was gone. “I know why she’s angry with me, but you did nothing.”

Jack scowled at the chair Sophie occupied. “If I knew, don’t you think it’d be fixed by now?” He checked out my baking. “Save some for me. Enjoy your day.” He left.

“We feel the strongest anger towards those we most love.”

Shane approached, standing so close that our bodies touched. “Where did you hear that?”

“I just made it up.”

“We need to talk.” He put an arm around my waist, and my body trembled. “I missed you.”