Page 18 of Island Guardian (Brookwell Island #7)

“Back in school, I kept it all bottled up because I was embarrassed about the losses.” His self-deprecating smile was tangled in the shadows, but she recognized the tone.

“Harper wondered why I was so peeved when you took over the Inn. Now she’s looking at the world through rose colored glasses and she’ll interpret any previous friction as interest. She’ll help convince my parents without any prompting on my part. ”

“Is there interest?” She clapped her free hand over her mouth, appalled by her audacity. He was doing so much for her already. She didn’t need to force compliments out of him.

He stopped short on the sidewalk. “Yes.” Another man might’ve brought her close for an embrace, but Rhett gave her plenty of space. “Yes, Trina. Then and now, I’ve always struggled to keep my head around you.”

The words spun through her mind, not making any kind of sense.

She’d made self-preserving decisions that shut her off from a great deal of intimacy, but she was in the hospitality industry.

Though she hadn’t been in relationships herself, she’d witnessed more than her fair share—in nearly every facet of development or destruction.

“You mean that.”

“I do.”

Those two words brought her thoughts to a screeching halt.

Tomorrow they’d exchange that vow and it would be binding.

For a long time. And now, he was interested and she couldn’t promise that she could give him all the usual benefits of marriage.

Maybe this was the worst idea ever—for him. Could she really put him through it?

“Rhett…” She licked her lips, forced her gaze to his eyes.

“No pressure,” he said. “You don’t have to feel the same.”

But didn’t she? She’d always found him attractive. Lately when she was close, the scent of his skin was distracting. Was that the kind of physical interest they might actually build on?

She didn’t know. Frustrated, she almost stamped her foot.

After so long shutting down that side of herself, she wasn’t sure she’d know how to handle a sexual feeling if it did occur.

He was handsome. Hot . All hard-packed muscle from his time at the gym.

For the first time, she regretted closing off this piece of herself.

“I feel safe with you.” Best not to mention all the warm and glowy details that went along with that declaration.

“That’s new for me. And it means so much more than I can say. ”

He sighed, the soft exhale caressing her cheek. “You know what I want more than any forced compliments?”

“But…” Any compliments she offered him wouldn’t be forced. Wouldn’t be hospitality 101. Wouldn’t even be rooted in gratitude—only feminine appreciation.

Her gaze fixed on his mouth, she watched his lips part and snap shut. The moment was broken by the sound of windchimes. “My phone,” he explained.

The caller had the worst timing. She was desperate to know what Rhett wanted from her.

He pulled the device from his pocket and frowned. “It’s Harper.”

She could hardly tell him to ignore his sister. As he answered, he slid his arm around her waist as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Strangely enough it felt natural to her too. She didn’t recoil from his touch the way she had in similar situations for years.

Trina could hear Harper’s voice, but no specific words. And she was doing her best not to eavesdrop, no matter that Rhett kept her close.

“Why is that important?” Rhett’s body went tight as a wire. “Say that again?”

He quickened his pace and she had to rush a little to keep up. What a pleasant surprise to be excited by the way his body brushed against hers with every stride.

“Hold on. I’m not having this conversation in the street.” A pause. “We’re walking back from Mallory Square.” He sent Trina a smile. “Yes. I’ve been showing her around.” He sighed. “Harper, stop. I will call you back in fifteen minutes.”

“What’s wrong?” Trina asked when he ended the call.

He didn’t spare her a glance, fingers flying over his phone as they hurried along. He finally met her curious gaze as they passed under a street light. “We’re going to keep walking and the car will meet us. We can talk once we have privacy.”

She touched his upper arm. “Please, just tell me she’s okay.”

He stopped everything and looked directly into her eyes. “Yes.” He took a deep breath. “Yes, she is.”

“Good.” Harper had been through quite an ordeal recently and Trina was still on edge over it.

“You’ll have dozens of questions once we talk with Harper.”

“We?” She wanted to be clear on that. “Why?”

“Because her situation requires both of us,” he said. “It’s not a serious crisis,” he added.

“I don’t think I believe you,” she dared to admit to his face.

“Here’s the car.” The vehicle pulled to the curb and he opened the rear door for her.

She slid in and scooted across the seat, making room for him. The driver took off almost before he’d closed the door. Though she was tempted to ask more questions, the hard set of his jaw deterred her.

Their hands met on the seat between them and she marveled at how quickly she’d grown comfortable with his touch.

Unexpected and wonderful, she hoped it carried on way past tomorrow’s wedding and reception.

She figured the greater effort would be on her shoulders.

Surprisingly she felt up to the challenge.

The driver had them back at the Cove in record time, dropping them at the employee entrance. Within minutes they were upstairs in his suite. He had Harper on the phone before he’d thrown the deadbolt.

One lock. She admired people with that much faith in the world.

It just underscored how broken she was under the surface.

How suspicious she was of people in general.

Not exactly the right outlook for someone in hospitality, but she’d become an expert at compartmentalizing her professional and personal life.

“Here we are. Not a minute late.” Rhett said when Harper answered his call. He tapped a button. “And you’re on speaker.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Trina murmured.

“No, he really did.” Harper’s voice was clear.

Trina relaxed, hearing her friend sound calm and content.

“What’s going on?” Trina asked.

Rhett held up a finger. “First, why does it make any difference that Trina is here with me? And how did you hear about it?”

Harper sighed. “I’m assuming you both know Luca Gallo?”

Trina crossed her arms, feeling terribly guilty. She was taking advantage of her best friend’s brother. This harebrained scheme would wreck everything. “He’s the latest would-be-groom my parents sent over. He arrived earlier than expected.”

“Well then I’m glad you had somewhere else to be.

” Harper sounded pissed, but not at Trina.

“Somehow, he learned our parents are friends.

When you stopped taking his calls, he spent the day at Ellington properties asking for Rhett and then looking for Dad and Mom.

I guess he wants some kind of insider intel on how to win you over.

“You’re not marrying this guy,” Harper stated. “He’s got a doctorate in arrogance.”

“No, she’s not,” Rhett confirmed, though it hadn’t been a question.

“Of all the nerve!” Trina had started to curl up on one end of the couch, embarrassed and miserable, until shock and outrage rolled through her. She was on her feet, pacing back and forth. “He’s been to the hotel and resort? Looking for you?” She locked eyes with Rhett. “And your parents?”

“He claimed your staff was giving him poor service and a big song and dance about where you were.”

“Bastard!” She followed the outburst with a litany of Italian curses before she caught herself. “Pardon me.”

“None needed. I like you mad,” Rhett observed.

“Okay, enough already. What is going on with you two?” Harper demanded. “I deserve more than a vague text about you leaving early only to learn from Dr. Arrogance that you’ve left town indefinitely.”

“Three days. I told him I’d be away for three days.” Trina was pacing again. “I reminded him of that again today. That this cross-training?—”

“What?” Rhett cut her off. “You’ve spoken to Gallo today?”

“More like I’ve been ignoring his calls and texts today,” she clarified. “He was making Maria’s life hell this morning and…” Her voice trailed off. Rhett was glowering, looking as if he was ready to slay dragons barehanded.

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, never accepted 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 .

The following silence seemed to fill the room, taking on a life of its own.

Rhett looked as if he might spit nails at any second. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“I’m not accepting apologies right now.” Rhett paced away from her. Turning abruptly on his heel, he asked. “Why didn’t you say something?”

It took her a beat to realize he was asking about Luca’s persistent, nagging messages today.

Not the past.

“Maria called me just before Ilsa and I left for the dress shop. Luca was being belligerent and haranguing my team. I thought it was handled.” She pointed to the phone Rhett had placed on the kitchen island.

“You read the explanation I gave. Of course he kept calling, that’s how he is.

He doesn’t accept an answer he doesn’t like.

” Rhett’s eyes narrowed at her. She rushed to add, “You saw I ignored him.”

Her explanation only seemed to frustrate Rhett more. His jaw set so hard she thought it might snap and his chest puffed up as he dragged in deep slow breaths. His hands flexed loosely at his sides.

Remarkably, she wasn’t afraid for herself. Something about Rhett reached inside her and underscored that ultimately she was safe with him, even in a temper. He would never hurt her.

She found his fuming way too enticing, his appeal amplified. What was wrong with her?

“I suppose we should call this off.” She managed to say the words. Before he felt obligated to withdraw his support.

“That sounds like another attempt at an apology.” He stepped closer. “I don’t want it.”

Knowing she was safe, believing in his integrity, a shiver rattled through her. Some previously untapped strength of will held her in place, despite her watery knees. “Then what do you want?”