Page 13 of Hearts on the Line (The Maverick Key #1)

Hannah and I weave through the crowded aisles of the Maverick Key General Store, gathering provisions for the bonfire.

The store is packed with tourists, their sunburned shoulders peeking out from their flowered tanks.

The smell of coconut and banana sunscreen mingles with the recycled, air-conditioned air.

Outside, the golden light of the late afternoon sun spills across the island.

I steer the cart down the baking aisle, scanning the shelves for marshmallows and graham crackers. The cart’s rubber wheels squeak, blending into the surrounding chatter.

“Were you able to get in touch with Mark?” Hannah asks as we stroll down the candy aisle.

“Not yet. I tried to reach him at the Coast Guard office. But it seems he’s going to be hard to pin down. One of his officers said he’d get back to me soon when he has time.” I frown. “If they were as close as we thought, I would’ve expected to hear something back by now.”

“They were college buddies. I promise you they were close,” she says with a huff, shrugging.

“Well, maybe you can meet his wife. She’s a sweet woman.

She’ll get you the meeting.” She grabs some matches.

“Anyway… This bonfire is going to be fun,” Hannah says, grabbing a large box of chocolate bars and tossing them into the cart.

“This will be a perfect opportunity for you to hook up with Scott.”

I choke. “Umm, I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Hannah adjusts the goods in the cart. “Oh, come on. You know I’m not blind.

I felt the sexual healing on the boat today.

” She pinches my chin playfully. “Look, Maddie, you’re choosing well with Scott.

He’s a gentleman, and he’s hot. I’m sure he’ll be great in the sack, too.

” Her eyes get large. “But don’t dare tell him I said that. It’d get weird.”

I roll my eyes. “Scott’s attractive. But I’m not in the headspace for a relationship, and I’m not looking for a one-night stand.

” I pause before adding. “Though I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t imagined it.

” I don’t tell her about all the dreams I’ve had over the last week.

It’s been so long since I’ve had sex, or even thought of it.

I may have forgotten how it’s done. But I doubt I’d forget Scott, though.

She cackles. “Suit yourself, but it’s inevitable. I can read tea leaves, you know.” She pauses for effect. “And they say that you and Scott are definitely going to do it. Sooner or later. Let’s hope for sooner.”

I’m as red as a tomato as we pass a group of tourists gathered around a display of metal detectors. Their excited voices carry across the store, and their eagerness tells me they’ve just arrived on the island.

“Tonight’s the night,” a man in a tropical shirt announces to his friends. He gestures grandly toward the stack of detectors. “The treasure of Maverick Key. It’s out there somewhere, and this is a small island.”

His friend scoffs, and they move to the snack aisle.

“Don’t zone out,” Hannah says, waving a pack of buns in front of my face. “Let’s get back to Scott.”

I bite my lip, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up my neck. The memory of Scott’s deep voice and large presence lingers. I can’t shake the memory of the tingles that ran up my body when he held me after the dive. It’s unnerving how quickly he’s gotten under my skin.

“Fine.” I lower my voice. “The dive was fun. He… surprised me.”

“How so?”

I run my fingers along the cart’s handle. “He’s not the stern, no-nonsense leader I thought he was. There’s more to him. He’s careful, reliable, but…” I can’t find the right words.

“But hot,” Hannah supplies with a grin.

I laugh despite myself. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Sure, sure. If you say so, Maddie,” she teases, nudging me. “But hey, no judgment here. You two will be terrific together. He’ll keep you from doing anything without a plan, and you’ll make him smile more. It’s win-win.”

I chuckle as she basks me with more of her matchmaking wisdom.

“Oh—nature calls. Can you handle the rest without me?” She’s already rushing off.

I push the cart forward, scanning the shelves for skewers.

A soft voice interrupts.

“Excuse me.”

I glance up. A young woman stands at the end of the aisle. Her blond hair is pulled into a sleek ponytail. She’s dressed nicely but looks out of place in the store. Her expression is polite yet tinged with discomfort. She seems afraid to be here.

“Are you Maddie Carter?” she asks.

I freeze. “Yes, that’s me. Can I help you?”

She stares at me in an intimate, unnerving way.

“I thought it might be you. I’ve… heard of you. Your brother was Nathan Carter.”

The mention of Nathan jolts me. “He was. Did you know him?”

She studies me, then jumps when she hears something nearby and her eyes flick toward the store’s front doors before returning her gaze to me.

“I’m sorry to bother you. I just wanted to meet you and say… I’m sorry. Nathan was… important to me.”

She looks back at the doors.

“I should go.” She turns and starts to walk away. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself on the island.”

“Wait.” I step forward, but she’s already retreating outside, her steps quick and purposeful.

I hesitate, deciding whether to go after her or stay and wait for Hannah. I rush outside, but she’s already gone.

Hannah is waiting for me when I get back inside. “What happened?”

“It was strange,” I mumble, my thoughts racing.

“This woman came up to me. She knew who I was and told me Nathan was important to her. Before I could ask her anything, she left in a panic.”

“What did she look like?”

“She was thin and had pale blond hair.”

“Well,” Hannah says, dropping skewers into the cart. “There are a lot of blondes on this island, but it’s small. You’re bound to run into her again.”

We finish gathering supplies and head to the register. Outside, the sun sets as the first stars emerge. Hannah loops her arm through mine as we walk toward her car, chatting about the bonfire plans and setting me up with Scott.

I should be listening, but my minds on the strange woman’s words.

Nathan was important to me.

Who is she? Why did she run?