ABOUT HIDEAWAY REUNION

He’s been her best friend. Her first safe harbor. Now he’s the protector tasked with keeping her alive.

Veronica Hargrave has dedicated herself to her family, her community, and the beloved Hideaway--the B&B she runs with her sisters. But when a powerful developer sets his sights on their oceanfront land, the typical construction annoyances quickly rise to blatant intimidation.

And just when Roni needs him most, her best friend is there.

Brayden Leggett has always been her protector, long before he made it his profession. He’s come back to Brookwell Island to keep Roni safe and, stepping into her world, he discovers his feelings for her won’t stay buried any longer. 

Living and working under the same roof, their foundation of friendship begins to shift into something undeniably deeper. When the developer’s efforts to take over the Hideaway escalate to sabotage, Roni is caught in the crosshairs and Brayden will push every limit to keep her safe.

Because protecting her is his duty, but loving her is everything. 

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In Regan’s books you’ll meet strong, tough heroes and the courageous women they’ll do anything to protect! 

* * *

Read In the Spotlight, a Brookwell Island prequel, for free when you subscribe to my emails.

CHAPTER 1

The salt air of Brookwell Island usually possessed a clean, therapeutic quality. Today, and far too frequently lately, it carried the grime of diesel exhaust and impending disaster.

Veronica Hargrave ignored the construction next door, keeping her touch light yet firm as she guided her newest short-term physical therapy client, Abigail Devaney, through a series of shoulder extensions. Due to clear skies and a gorgeous view, they were outside on the expansive deck of the Hargrave Hideaway. What had once been the family vacation home was now under the care of Veronica and her sisters, operating as an exclusive full-house rental property.

The Hideaway boasted the only private beach on the island. That singular feature had been the primary reason their parents had bought the place when Roni and her sisters were kids. Grade school. The years had flown by, and they’d filled the house with so many fond memories. Although it hadn’t been an easy decision to turn the place they loved so much into a rental, they’d made the right choice.

Of course, at the rates they could charge now, their guests expected—and deserved—unblemished coastal serenity. The construction noise next door did not fit that definition.

Abigail’s family had chosen the Hideaway specifically because of Veronica’s reputation as a physical therapist. They’d searched extensively to find the location that could deliver both post-op rehab for her along with a relaxing vacation for the rest of them.

Roni considered it a high honor, despite the added pressure. After reviewing Abigail’s progress prior to the trip, she’d eagerly accepted the extra business.

“Keep your spine long, Abigail, and breathe in that ocean air,” Veronica instructed in the calm voice she’d perfected through the years. “Deep and even inhale and exhale. Let the shoulder blade slide down your back. There you go.”

Abigail, visiting from Atlanta, struck her as the quintessential Southern matriarch. Elegant and accomplished with a spine of steel behind her gracious smile. Recovering from a rotator cuff repair, Abigail smiled as her gaze tracked across the ocean view. “I swear, Veronica, your hands have magic in them. Between your therapy and this view, I feel ten years younger. I’m so glad we found the Hideaway and you. It’s the best balance we could’ve hoped for.”

Before Veronica could offer a warm reply, a deafening screech of grinding metal shattered the morning peace.

The vibration rattled through the pine planks of the deck. A second heavy diesel engine roared to life just beyond the property line, coughing up a thick cloud of dark, oily smoke that drifted lazily over the maritime forest between the properties.

Abigail winced, her good hand flying to her ear. “Good heavens! Is there an earthquake?”

Veronica’s jaw locked, a hot flash of anger sparking in her chest. What she wouldn’t give for a pinpoint quake that would swallow up the pushy developers next door.

Keeping her expression carefully neutral, she managed to keep a litany of curses inside. That was her lane—neutral—her role as the middle sister. It had been true long before Celeste, the oldest, began drumming cool, polite professionalism into them at the start of their venture.

Roni forced her mouth into a reassuring smile. “Just the new neighbors. Doing more clearing, I guess.”

Clearing was a polite word for the systematic, high-decibel harassment the Indigo Reef development group had been leveling at the Hargrave sisters in recent weeks.

“Clearing?” Abigail’s perfectly arched eyebrows shot up. “It sounds like they’re demolishing a battleship.” Her shoulders tightened—exactly the opposite of the goal. “I know it’s not your fault, but my youngest granddaughter was awake before six. The backup beepers were too much for her. My son-in-law is grumping about, threatening to pack up and leave early.”

The words landed like a physical blow. Roni nudged the woman into a chair and started a gentle massage. The construction, along with news about a body washing ashore a few weeks ago, had already cut into their booking schedule, leaving gaps they’d never had before. She couldn’t allow bad reviews—valid reasons aside—to compound the problem.

The developers weren’t even being subtle. After the sisters declined the first lowball offer, the construction disruptions had escalated. Indigo Reef was determined to gain the Hideaway property and their private beach access.

“I’m so sorry, Abigail,” Veronica said, massaging away the unwelcome tension. “This isn’t the experience we’re after. Let’s head inside where it’s quieter.”

Ushering Abigail into the cool, air-conditioned sanctuary of the kitchen and through to the front room, Veronica made a painful executive decision. She couldn’t let Indigo Reef ruin Abigail’s progress or the family vacation. “Why don’t you take a breather?” She nodded to the woman’s water bottle. “Sip some water while I make a call. We’ll make sure this nonsense doesn’t wreck the rest of your vacation.”

“How?”

Roni held up a finger as the person on the other end of the line picked up. Her hope spiked when she recognized Josh’s voice, one of the assistant managers at the Inn. “Hey, this is Veronica Hargrave. Do you have any availability today through the end of next week?”

“Construction again?” Josh asked.

“Yes.” At his request, she gave the group details.

“Sorry, Veronica. I can’t accommodate the whole group that long.”

“Okay, thanks.” She mentally moved on to the next best option.

“Wait one second,” Josh said. “Monroe’s had a cancellation. Check with them.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes. A wedding party called off at the last minute,” he murmured. “You have the number?”

“Sure do. Thanks, Josh.”

“Anytime. I mean⁠—”

Roni managed a soft laugh. “I get it, no worries.” With one call ended, she glanced at Abigail. “Does your son-in-law enjoy boating or deep-sea fishing?”

“Yes,” she replied with a quizzical frown. “What are you up to?”

Roni only smiled as she dialed the number for the Monroe B&B. It was a classic Southern home down on Bay Street that had been renovated and updated to give visitors all the charm without sacrificing any of the luxe amenities. Transferring the Devaney family there would take away the private beach perk, but she had other contacts she could tap to make up for it. She hoped.

To her immense relief, Betty Jo Monroe answered with her usual delightful greeting. “It’s a gorgeous day on Bay Street today, how can I help you?”

After a quick greeting, Roni made her pitch to move the family from the Hideaway, with the Hargrave’s picking up the tab.

“You can’t do that!” Abigail protested, but Roni waved her off, praying for a positive response.

“Ha!” Betty Jo chuckled. “She doesn’t know us very well.” Then she gave that soft wistful sigh that occurred any time she spoke with the Hargrave sisters. Betty Jo had been good friends with their mother, visiting frequently during her long battle with cancer. “We do have the room, though I’m sorry about what that developer is doing to you.”

“It won’t last forever,” Roni said. “And you know Celeste always has a plan.” A plan that was likely to be far more mature than Roni’s ideas about vandalizing some Indigo Reef machinery.

“Good attitude,” Betty Jo agreed. “We have everything ready to welcome your group.”

“Thanks for the save,” Roni said. “We’ll see you soon.”

Turning back to face Abigail, she saw the woman flanked by her daughter, son-in-law, and their youngest daughter. About two years old, Roni guessed, and currently looking flushed and cranky.

Right on cue, the construction noise swelled once more. Best to dive right into it. “Again, my apologies to you. The racket and disruption are far more than we expected and I realize it’s terribly unpleasant for all of you. If you’re willing, another B&B is happy to host your family at no additional charge to you. Same number of rooms, plus they can prepare snacks and meals for you, if you like.” She noticed Abigail’s daughter perk up. “The house is on Bay Street, a block from Central Avenue, so noise isn’t an issue. From there, it’s a short walk to the beach or marina.”

“But not a private beach?” The son-in-law scowled.

“The beach is public, yes, but there’s no construction.” Roni paused, trying to get a sense of what they were thinking. “We’ll refund what you paid for the Hideaway, since we couldn’t deliver as promised.” Mentally, she was calculating how many additional clients she’d need to book in the next month to make up the difference. And how many more reservations they would need to juggle before the construction was done.

When no one spoke, she added, “I’ll give you some time to discuss.”

“No need,” Abigail stated. “We’ll move.” She stroked her granddaughter’s baby-fine hair. “But I don’t want a refund. That’s far too generous.”

“Mrs. Devaney, we promised you a sanctuary and—” Roni began.

“That dreadful construction isn’t your fault.” Abigail left no room for arguments. “It’s enough that you’ll cover our stay at the new place. Will you still be able to see me as scheduled?”

“Absolutely,” Roni promised.

“Then we’re set.” She glanced at her daughter and son-in-law and received hopeful nods in return. “Go tell the others, please.” She automatically reached to take her granddaughter, but Roni stepped in.

“Let me do the lifting,” Roni suggested. The little girl shied away, tucking closer to her mother. “Hey, no pressure.” She lowered her voice. “The grownups have some stuff to do, but you could help me show your grandma where to find the best cookies.”

That did it. Suddenly her arms were full of a toddler, that soft sleepy-baby scent winding around her.

As the family packed up, Veronica tried to ignore the noise outside. There would be a time and place to vent her frustration. Maybe she could even aim it at the true problem—once her guests were well out of earshot.

When the family was ready to go, Roni led the way over to the B&B on Bay Street. Betty Jo had pitchers of fresh lemonade, sweet tea, and a tray of savory snacks set out for them in the breakfast room. The family was immediately impressed and visibly relaxed.

“Enjoy your stay in Brookwell,” Roni said with a smile. “Y’all are in good hands here.”

Abigail walked out with her, pausing on the wide covered porch. “Thank you, Veronica.” Her mouth tilted in a sheepish smile. “I hate to admit it, but this is a thousand times better already.”

“I understand,” Roni assured her. “And I’ll see you the day after tomorrow for your next PT session. Call me earlier if anything comes up.”

“Veronica, when that construction mess is over, please let me know. We’d love to come back.”

That eased her worries more than she cared to admit. “You’ll be my first call,” Roni promised.

Driving back to the Hideaway, she waffled between the silver lining of knowing the Devaney family wanted to return and the current bleak reality of telling her sisters she’d redirected thousands of dollars.

Celeste handled the finances for the Hideaway and she did an excellent job managing a million details that would frustrate Veronica. It wasn’t just the reservations and payments, it was the staffing, expenses, maintenance, and more. And somehow, month after month, Celeste paid each of them their share of the profits.

How long would that last? The Devaneys couldn’t be the only guests who would find the noise intolerable.

Pulling into the driveway, she sent a text to Jess Billings. As both a friend and the regional personnel coordinator for the Guardian Agency, Jess had helped Roni and her sisters with security issues in the past. At times, the agency rented Hargrave Hideaway as a safehouse too. Maybe there was a way to protect the business after all.

More than a little frustrated, she pocketed her cell phone and climbed out of the car. Heading for the beach, she glared at the screeching noises beyond the trees as she passed the fire pit and crossed the dunes.

This would pass. The construction wouldn’t go on forever. But, man, she wished the situation would hurry itself up.

She scanned the property line as she walked toward the water, grateful for the dense thicket of resilient live oaks, palms, and holly that created the hard boundary between the Hideaway and the Indigo Reef site. The maritime forest was protected by both zoning codes and environmental law, though she didn’t trust the developer not to push the boundary and beg forgiveness later.

Crossing the dunes, she spotted a man in a bright yellow safety vest and hardhat standing on the Hargrave side of the trees. He was holding a surveying prism pole, planting it firmly into the pristine sand of the Hideaway’s private beach, while a second man nearby operated a transit level.

Trespassing. Again.

Before they noticed her, she took a couple of pictures to back up the complaint she was about to lodge with their supervisor. Or the police. Maybe the town council. She didn’t care who, as long as someone took action.

Thank goodness the Devaneys had moved. She could just imagine the justified outrage if this had happened while any of the young kids were down here playing. She and her sisters had discussed installing a fence. That project jumped straight to the top of Roni’s to-do list.

Her pulse spiked. This was no accident. It was a calculated encroachment. They were silently declaring they could do and take whatever they wanted. A chill danced down her spine, disbelief and temper merging into a new and dangerous mix.

“Not today,” she muttered, storming down to confront the pair. The soft sand slowed her steps, but not much. “Excuse me!” She shouted to be heard over the roar of equipment. “Excuse me, you’re on private property!”

The surveyor on the beach didn’t even look up, ignoring her completely as he continued with his task.

“Hey!” Veronica stalked closer, temper rising to the fore. “I’m speaking to you. You’re trespassing. Remove yourselves immediately.” She would not let them get away with this. “I’m calling the police right now.”

The man standing on her beach turned, offering a slow, patronizing smirk. He was burly, with a week’s worth of stubble on his jaw and a cold, dismissive gaze. “Just doing my job, lady. We’re verifying the boundary lines. The plat maps say this dune belongs to the development.”

“Bull.” Even if he was right—and she knew he was not—she refused to let them continue without proving their claim. “Our family has held the deed to this property since before your development group was a gleam in some corporate lawyer’s eye,” Roni snapped. “You are thirty feet over the line. Minimum. Leave and wait for the cops on your property.”

“Call whoever you want,” the man sneered, coming closer. He loomed over her, using his size to intimidate, while she calculated her self-defense options. “By the time they get out here, we’ll be done.”

“You’re done now.” She gripped her phone to hide her trembling hands. He was so close she could see the sweat dotting his forehead, running down his neck.

“That so?” He tipped his hat back from his forehead, his gaze raking over her with ugly intent. “Frankly, sweetheart, a pretty little thing like you shouldn’t be wandering around so close to a construction zone. Accidents happen.”

“You’re threatening me?” She wished she’d thought to record this conversation. So much for self-defense, she was about to go on the attack. Fury that someone so awful would be on her beach, might have ruined Abigail’s vacation with their unwelcome disruption, flooded her system. She couldn’t recall ever being so angry.

“Listen here⁠—”

“I don’t think you want to finish that sentence,” a familiar baritone voice interrupted from behind her.

Veronica spun around and the sudden wave of relief washed over her so intensely she nearly lost her footing.

Brayden Leggett’s long stride was sure as he joined the scene, his tall, broad-shouldered frame gilded by the sun. Dressed comfortably in khaki shorts, a faded navy t-shirt that stretched tight across his chest, and a battered ball cap, there was nothing casual about his posture. His jaw was set in a hard, dangerous line, and his dark eyes were locked on the surveyor closest to her.

Brayden had been her lifelong friend, the boy who trained with her through various sports seasons and summer camps when they were kids, the guy her friends drooled over in college. He’d been a steady, quiet presence in her life for as long as she could remember. Usually as close as a text message, lately he’d been around in real life too.

The easy way he moved through any situation with a kind smile or silly joke was a welcome comfort. It was wonderful to have her best friend show up more often.

And yet.

Every time she saw him, the changes in his physique were more obvious. Pronounced. Tempting. Like her, sports and physical activity were Brayden’s happy place. They’d spent countless hours side by side in a gym or out on a track. Running drills up and down the bleachers, doing burpees until one of them dropped, cheering for their favorite teams.

Now, when he was close, there was an edge. A zip of electricity that stole her breath, compelling her to stare and soak in the incomparable view.

Pretty much the way she was doing right now.

He was her friend, sure, but he stood there, feet braced, hands loose, that shredded body locked in and ready to spring into action. A warrior willing to be her shield.

Her heart fluttered and she wasn’t mad about it.

“You. Um. Hi?” How on earth had he managed to be here exactly when she needed the backup?

The surveyor shifted, drawing her attention. His smirk faltered as he registered Brayden’s size and the quiet promise of violence. “We’re just doing our jobs, man.”

“Your job is on the other side of the trees,” Brayden said, his voice like the rumble of thunder before the storm breaks. He stood directly beside Veronica, his shoulder brushing hers, radiating a protective heat that steadied her. “Ms. Hargrave told you to get off her property. You have five seconds to pick up your gear and go, or I’ll assist you. Trust me, I won’t be gentle.”

The bold surveyor swallowed hard. With a nod to his partner, they took their gear and aimed for the trees. “This isn’t over,” he said when he was several paces out of Brayden’s reach. “Indigo Reef has the right of way here.”

“Keep walking.” Brayden started forward and the men picked up the pace.

They watched in silence as the men disappeared into the shadowy tree line. Within a minute, there was some shouting, then a sudden ringing silence as heavy machinery was turned off.

Veronica let out a long breath, bracing her hands on her knees. “Maybe we won’t even have the diesel engines to contend with tonight. Not that anyone will be here to complain.” She leaned slightly into Brayden, just for a second, absorbing his strength before pulling herself back together. “Thank you. He was... he was deliberately trying to intimidate me. It was working.”

“Nah. You could’ve taken him.” With a smile, Brayden turned, his hands coming up to grip her shoulders. His touch was warm, firm, and instantly grounding. The raw, fierce temper in his eyes made her heart skip a beat. “Seriously. Are you okay?”

Her chin bobbed. “I’m fine.” She took the advice she often gave to clients, breathing slow and easy. “Just angry. And tired. They’re escalating, Brayden.” She explained the situation with the current—former—guests. “They’re pulling these stunts to drive us out of business.”

His thumbs brushed lightly against her collarbone, a subconscious gesture of comfort that sent a sizzling jolt straight down her spine. “We won’t let them succeed, Roni. This house, this beach is your place. That’s not changing.”

Veronica looked down, suddenly aware of how close they were standing, the scent of his skin—salt, cedar, and sunshine—wrapped around her. “We’re lucky Betty Jo had room for the Devaneys. Celeste knows the numbers, but if this keeps up…” She didn’t have the heart to finish the sentence.

Brayden’s expression softened. He was the one person she allowed to see her when she slipped out of her typical neutral, peacekeeping mode. “We’ll figure this out, Roni. I promise.”

She believed him. Believed in his desire to help. His friendship had never let her down. But this was different. She turned away, walking toward the ripple of waves coming ashore, grateful to have him by her side.

“How do we fix this?” she asked, hearing the despair creeping into her voice. “I’m having nightmares that one morning those trees and scrub will just be gone.”

“They can’t. The state would shut down the development and assess enough fines to drive them into bankruptcy.”

“If you say so.” She’d tried—and failed—to convince herself of the same outcome. No penalties would restore what the developers happened to destroy in the process. “I called Jess. We need more cameras. Maybe a team on standby. And I’m not leaving the Hideaway unattended.”

“Hey! Want to catch me up?” a new voice called out. Female this time.

Veronica and Brayden both turned to see Jess Billings walking across the beach. Jess had been raised on Brookwell Island, though she’d left for college and then became a cop in Key West. Now that she called this island home again, she was dedicated to protecting the community.

“Jess?” Roni had expected a text, not a personal visit. “Hi.” Between Brayden and Jess, she felt a glimmer of confidence.

“Got here as soon as I could,” Jess said. The breeze caught in her long blonde hair and she quickly twisted it up with a clip. “Your guests are settled elsewhere?”

“Yes. And Brayden showed up in the nick of time.”

Jess scowled. “Meaning?”

“Trespassing.” Roni had to pause, deliberately reeling in the string of fiery curses she wanted to hurl at the developers. “This time they were using survey equipment, claiming the maritime forest is their legal property, right of ways to the beach, and other crap.”

“Other crap means he threatened her,” Brayden said. “Construction accidents happen, that kind of thing.”

Everything about Jess went still, reminding Roni of Brayden’s earlier reaction. For a woman who left the force and was supposedly working a desk job, she still knew how to switch gears into battle mode.

Veronica was more than a little envious. She was fit and capable, but seeing the two of them, she realized the differences between general physical fitness and true capability to deal with high-consequence risks.

“All right. That makes what I’m about to propose even more appropriate.”

Roni’s gaze slid from Jess to Brayden. This proposal was not a surprise to him. He knew what was coming. Somehow, that didn’t put her at ease. She blamed all this unsettledness on the adrenaline rush after the conflict.

“The Guardian Agency has agreed to book the Hideaway until this issue with construction and trespassing is over.”

Roni felt her jaw drop. Shock didn’t begin to cover it. This changed everything.

“Celeste and I will work out the best solutions for any upcoming reservations,” Jess continued. “Then we’ll close the calendar until this is over.” She held up a hand as Roni began to protest. “And before you complain about handouts or charity or whatever, the agency is treating this as a regional training opportunity. We can test surveillance methods and equipment without disturbing anyone. We will station our protectors right here in the house as needed. Trust me, our team won’t complain about the noise. This means someone will be present at all times to deter any further encroachment from the construction site.

“We can start this new initiative with Brayden, since he’s familiar with the island and recent events.”

Recent events. That was one way to label the situation with her younger sister, Natalie, who’d been targeted by a killer who had hidden at the construction site to evade capture. To cover their bases, the Guardian Agency had assigned teams to watch over Roni and Celeste too. Teams led by Brayden.

Hope bloomed, tender and fragile. She hadn’t known to hope for such a great outcome. Jess’s offer meant Roni wouldn’t need to double up on clients for the next few weeks.

“You’ve already spoken with Celeste?”

Jess nodded. “It’s a perfect solution,” she insisted. “The protectors assigned here will document any instances of trespassing, including illegal survey measurements, and deliberate noise violations. Armed with photos, videos, and reports, Gamble and Swann will coordinate with local attorneys with the goal of an injunction to halt construction. Indigo Reef will not encroach on Hargrave land again.”

Veronica looked at Brayden, wanting his take. He was quiet, his jaw set, as he studied her intently.

“This is where you say yes,” Brayden prompted. “Or thank you.” He winked at her.

Brayden, right here at her family’s home? He was her best friend. It should be perfect. Except he was also the one man she was lusting after. Could she keep it together, keep her longing and hands to herself, to safeguard their friendship? “What about your other assignments?” she asked.

“You are the assignment. I mean the Hideaway is,” he corrected quickly. “It’s really the best solution.”

“But...” Veronica lost her train of thought, her heart hammering against her ribs. Something wild and unfamiliar flared in his dark eyes. Something raw and hot that lit a fire deep in her belly. Was he just that furious on her behalf? Or was this something else?

She wasn’t sure she was ready for the answer.

“You can be at home, go about your business, knowing the Hideaway is in good hands,” Jess said.

Which naturally drew Roni’s gaze to Brayden’s hands. Hands that had only ever touched her in the course of training or a casual game of beach volleyball or football. Through the years, there had been hugs too, but nothing like the way she was imagining being in his hands now. “Right. Y’all are self-sufficient,” she managed. “That’s good, I guess we’re set.”

“It is,” Jess agreed. “We’ll make sure no one threatens you or your sisters again.”

“Okay.” Roni looked at him, her pulse racing with a mix of fear and sudden, undeniable excitement. He was going to live at the Hideaway. He was going to protect the property that meant so much to her family.

Would he choose the room she’d once called her own? Ugh. What a high-school thought. She didn’t typically spend much time here anymore outside of her weeks to be the hostess and contact person for guests.

Like now, when Brayden was the official guest.

Dang it, now there were butterflies racing a circuit through her stomach. Ridiculous really. Brayden wouldn’t be calling for restaurant recs or anything else. She didn’t need to obsess over him. It was too weird.

“Okay,” she repeated. “Great.”

“Wonderful.” Jess beamed. “While Brayden gears up, let’s get your statement about this incident on the record.”

CHAPTER 2

Brayden watched the women go. He didn’t like leaving Veronica and Jess alone, but it was go now or leave the house empty later. Not an option after the aggressive stunt with the survey gear. Jess hadn’t been on the force for a couple of years now, but she was still as sharp and fit as ever. And he’d bet there was a gun concealed somewhere on her person.

Momentarily mollified, he decided this was an ideal time for a security sweep. Making the most of the daylight, and what was surely a temporary reprieve, he walked a circuit of the property before he headed out to get his gear.

There were no additional tracks along the beach, so he headed closer to the trees. The workers weren’t doing nature any favors, trampling palms, snapping small limbs, and crushing ferns in their quest to drive the sisters away. At least it seemed as if they’d chosen a path and stuck with it. As he picked his way along, ducking under limbs and nudging Spanish moss out of his way, he found a spot that stopped him cold.

Behind an old live oak tree was a flattened patch of ground. The ferns nearby were broken and browning and as he dropped to a knee, he spotted what amounted to a cup holder hollowed out of the ground. Someone had spent hours here, enjoying a clear view of the Hideaway.

He swore, pulling out his camera and snapping a series of photos. Easing around the area, he found a small bundle of zip ties tucked between the roots of the tree and fresh boot prints with a distinct tactical tread pattern. He set his foot beside the print for comparison. More pictures for the growing file and more curses, locked in his head this time.

This observation point was too close to the house. Too close to Roni. Even without the zip ties, this wasn’t a likely place for a construction worker to take a break. This was a purposeful surveillance location where someone had been monitoring the Hideaway activity and routines.

He waited a beat for the rage to fade back to a manageable level. Carefully, he skimmed away any evidence of his visit and continued on his way, more vigilant than ever. He sent a text to Jess with the photos, trusting her not to say or do anything that would spook Roni.

After a brief internal debate, he sent another text, asking her to bring someone in to keep watch over the property while he geared up. Why give someone room to make a move?

His photos didn’t qualify outright as hard proof of misconduct from the developers, but it was incriminating in the extreme. He considered it more reason to believe Indigo Reef was using every possible trick to force the Hargrave sisters out. They’d made a legitimate offer on the property a few weeks back—though it was way under market value—and the sisters turned it down flat.

Since that rejection, the noise pollution had increased, along with workers blocking the driveway and trespassing through the tree line to the beach, just to be jerks. Indigo Reef clearly wanted access to that beach and they weren’t afraid to play dirty.

Game on. Now he could go all-in and make a real difference for Roni and her sisters.

Temper slid like lightning under his skin as he jogged for his truck. Someone had been watching Roni, the Hideaway guests, maybe her sisters too. That crap stopped now. Whoever was giving the workers these harassment orders was about to become gravely disappointed.

He’d met Roni in the high school weight room and, being equally devoted to sports, they’d become fast friends. From the start, it had been obvious how much she loved the family beach house. Her face would practically glow whenever she mentioned it, her blue eyes sparkling as she shared stories of their adventures.

He refused to allow this development group to wreck something she treasured. He’d always felt that way. Watching out for her was as natural as breathing.

Their first encounter floated through his mind as he drove to his rental. Her track coach had her up in the bleachers, running sprints while the football team was on the field for morning practice. Then something went wrong and the coach sent the defense up into the bleachers too.

Veronica had ignored the lot of them, unmoved by their over-inflated confidence as they brushed by her or cut her off. One oaf deliberately shoved her and she’d had to shuffle along the row to keep from going down. Doing so put her well ahead of the idiot as they continued running up and down the aisles.

The football coach had missed the unsportsmanlike incident, but Brayden hadn’t. He adjusted his pace until he was close enough to intervene if needed. Sure enough, on the verge of being lapped by Roni again, the oaf tripped her. Though she’d evaded the worst of it, Brayden caught her before she could tumble over the aluminum benches.

She’d murmured a thanks and they’d both continued on, chatting surreptitiously and starting what became a lifetime of friendship. Within a week, she’d become his favorite person and it had been that way ever since.

His best friend had become one of the best women he knew. He’d fallen in love with her somewhere along the line and kept it to himself. Because telling her might make her uncomfortable and he absolutely could not risk losing her. She was too important.

At the rental, he pulled into the drive to park as close to his door as he could get. He didn’t want anyone taking undue interest in how much he was packing out while remaining on the island.

Fire Chief Evan Miller had an apartment over his garage that had come available when Brayden had been assigned to help with things in this area. After a couple of weeks, Brayden asked for a long-term contract and they’d come to terms. It was a good spot and he wasn’t bothered by any weird hours the chief might have. Thankfully, the reverse was also true.

Inside, he went straight for the bedroom closet where he’d stored his high-tech surveillance gear, a rugged laptop, and communication tools. If he had to sit in the dark and wait for someone to return to that observation site, he wanted to be able to call for backup if necessary.

Brayden ran a microfiber cloth over the lens of a thermal imaging monocular, his movements methodical. As a senior investigator and protector for the Guardian Agency, he had spent the last several years operating in high-threat environments across the country. He had tracked corporate saboteurs, protected high-profile clients, and dismantled extortion rings.

But none of those assignments had ever made his chest tighten the way this one did.

His cell phone buzzed in his pocket and a text appeared from Jess.

Text: Travis Upton is finishing the perimeter assessment. His wife Lila and I will stay with Veronica. She refuses to leave until she speaks with you face to face.

He gave the message a thumbs up and started sorting the essentials. He packed the thermal optics, a set of encrypted outdoor trail cameras, and his personal tactical defense kit into a heavy black canvas duffel bag. In another suitcase, he packed a week’s worth of clothing and personal gear. He could always come back if necessary.

His phone chimed again, but this message was from Patrick Gamble, one of the partners that headed up the Guardian Agency.

Text: More intel received. Veronica Hargrave will remain under your protection at the Hideaway until further notice. Her sisters will have a bag ready for you to pick up.

More intel? As much as he wanted those details right now, he trusted his bosses implicitly. They wouldn’t leave him hanging. And how awkward would it be picking up the bag for her?

What was he supposed to tell her sisters? And how was he supposed to guard the Hideaway and protect Veronica during her appointments?

As much as he valued teamwork and trusted his fellow protectors, he was personally invested in Roni’s safety. Better to get over there and sort it out together.

Because he was used to managing clients with a certain professional detachment. If a protection detail meant telling a client when and how to adjust a schedule, he did it. No qualms or hesitation when he was guarding a CEO in Seattle or a celebrity in Miami.

It was an entirely different story now that the client was Veronica Hargrave.

She wasn’t a stranger. He’d known her for more than half his life. When they’d met, she was a lanky athlete and she’d become a brilliant, breathtakingly beautiful woman managing two successful careers. After college, his military service and following career with the Guardian Agency had kept him on the move, relegating their relationship to texts and emails. Although he’d missed her, he’d convinced himself it was better to keep her away from his world.

But the moment he’d heard Jess was looking for more staff on Brookwell to address various issues at the Hideaway, his self-imposed exile had ended. Seeing that burly surveyor loom over her on the beach earlier today had shattered whatever remaining restraint he possessed.

He was no longer just the training partner who happened to be working in town again. No matter the exact parameter of the assignment, as of tonight, he was Veronica’s shield. Anyone from Indigo Reef who dared to cross his line would be met with a swift and rude awakening.

Tossing the gear into the truck bed, he heard the fire chief’s vehicle pull up. He smiled. “Hey, Evan.”

“Hey.” His gaze landed on the bag and suitcase. “New assignment?”

Brayden nodded. “It’s local, though, so I’ll be around. Just not here too much.”

“No worries.” The chief frowned. “You can’t tell me anything more?”

Technically, the answer was no. However, folks were close around here and the chief had coordinated with agency protectors on a few incidents. “I’ll be helping at the Hargrave Hideaway.”

That thoughtful frown turned downright menacing. “Those developers messing with the girls again?”

Brayden nodded. “You can ask Jess for more details. Right now, I need to get back over there.”

“Sure thing. Be safe, man.”

“Always.” Brayden dropped into the driver’s seat, only to get a text as he started the engine. According to the message from Jess, Celeste had brought Roni’s suitcase to the Hideaway. One awkward moment averted.

He took a second to warn Jess about his exchange with Evan, so she wouldn’t be blindsided if he started asking questions. Because if Brayden had learned anything lately, it was that the fire chief was serious about the safety of Brookwell Island in general and Celeste Hargrave in particular.

At the Hideaway, the sunlight was melting to twilight, the sky washed in sweeping strokes of pink, indigo, and orange. He pulled as far into the drive as possible, wishing there was a way to hide his truck entirely. Then again, maybe it added pressure if the developers thought the Hideaway was rented. Might push them to make a mistake.

Though encouraging more stunts wouldn’t be his first choice with Veronica close by.

Gathering his gear from the trunk, he walked toward the sliding doors at the kitchen. The weight of the tactical bag slung across his shoulder was familiar, a comfort of sorts as his mind settled into work-mode, his senses on high alert. The construction site was quiet now, the machinery shut down for the night. He scanned the tree line, his eyes automatically charting the shadows, identifying the potential cover and blind spots closest to the house.

The house looked miserable. Dark and quiet when it was typically full of activity and people and warm light in the windows. Roni and her sisters had created an incredible guest experience and this developer needed to stand down. Make the most of the property they had rather than drive the sisters out simply to control a small stretch of beach. Indigo Reef wanted to ruin the Hideaway. They wanted the sisters isolated, exhausted, and broke enough to grasp at pitiful offers.

Assuming the door was locked, he typed a code into the security pad, waiting for the beep and hum as the lock released. He walked in, noting the low light over the stove and the cozy aroma of freshly-baked cookies. Chocolate chip. His stomach rumbled.

He figured Jess and Roni were waiting elsewhere, though he didn’t hear any voices. Locking the door behind him, he eased his gear to the floor. “Roni?” he called. “It’s me.”

“Hey.”

He turned toward her voice and found Roni standing in the doorway, silhouetted by the light from the suite off the kitchen. He’d memorized the floorplan ages ago. That was the suite where Celeste had lived early on when they operated the Hideaway as a B&B instead of a whole-house rental.

She’d changed out of her physical therapy attire into a pair of soft, faded denim cutoffs and an oversized, off-the-shoulder cream sweater that looked soft enough to melt. Her long blonde hair was tucked loosely behind her ears, revealing the weariness in her face.

Stomping on the blast of attraction, he walked over and pulled her into a hug, the way he’d always done as her friend. She hooked her arms around his shoulders and tucked herself into his chest. Just like always… If he ignored the desire fighting to break free.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice muffled.

“Anything for you, you know that.” The scents of fresh ocean air and warm chocolate tangled in her hair, enveloping him and testing his resolve.

Roni eased back, giving him a ghost of her usual smile. “I made cookies. Before you protest, you can afford the calories.” She patted his stomach the way she’d done a thousand times during training. “And it’s standard new-guest welcome protocol.”

“I’m a standard guest?”

She snorted. “You’re an exceptional guest. My hero in fact. That’s why I baked your favorite. Chocolate chunk.”

He pulled himself together. “So why are we just standing here?” he teased. She was his best friend; all the new feelings were his problem. He was here for a clear purpose. Best not to muddy it up now.

“I feel like I’m stuck in a nightmare,” Veronica admitted, moving past him and turning on the overhead lights in the kitchen. “How did this escalate so quickly?”

She stutter-stepped and he followed her gaze to the black bags he’d left at the door. Glancing back at him, her eyes were wide. “Is this what you do all the time now? Show up and save the day with all the tactical, black-ops vibes?”

He kicked himself for not being more discreet. “A lot of guys prefer black luggage.” The quip fell flat. “I wasn’t on any black ops,” he assured her. “Each assignment has specific requirements. I wanted to be prepared for anything here. It won’t stay there,” he promised.

She was the most important person in his life. He was closer to her than his parents. They talked more frequently and she was infinitely better company. Always had been. Without her, he might’ve given up sports just to spite his pushy father and helicopter mom. Ever since the military, he’d taken a perverse pride in not being able to tell them any details about his career.

He wouldn’t allow this nonsense from Indigo Reef to drag her down.

Her smile flitted and faded. He gave her credit for trying so hard. “Cookies.” She said it with a firm determination to change the subject.

“Got milk?” he asked.

“Of course.” At the wall oven, she opened the warming drawer and the sweet aroma intensified, filling the kitchen.

“Holy cow,” he breathed. A half dozen oversized cookies filled the round plate she set on the countertop. “Shouldn’t we have dinner first?”

“After today?” Roni shook her head. “No way. Consider it an appetizer if you want. We can order in or I can fix something fresh.”

He poured milk and split a cookie in half to dunk it. Warm and gooey, he indulged in the moment, lingering over the delicious goodness. “Oh, my word.”

This time her smile was genuine and lasted a little longer. “Glad you approve.” At his urging, she took half a cookie for herself. Her small bites only drew his attention to her mouth. Then she licked her lips, her thumb, and just when he was sure he was doomed to the torture, she turned serious. “Jess tells me it’s not just the house under your protection, but me too.”

“That’s right.”

She planted her hands on her hips. “Why.” She held up a finger. “The real reason, Brayden. Be specific.”

He could do that. She deserved the full picture. “I found evidence in the forest between the properties that someone’s been watching the house. Until we know why, we’re keeping an eye on all of you.” He downed a bite of the cookie before continuing. “We’re keeping it low key until we have more intel. Trent’s with Natalie, Jess assigned someone to Celeste, and I’m here for you.”

Did that sound as possessive as it felt?

“How does that work? Natalie complained about feeling like she was under house arrest.” Roni rolled her eyes. “Granted, she’s the queen of drama, but is that what I should expect?”

“You should expect us to stick together,” he said. “No getting around that. You’ll be tucked in safely here, or if you have clients, I’ll be with you.”

Her eyebrows, several shades darker than her hair, dipped low over her blue eyes. “And if you’re with me who’s protecting the house?”

“Jess will put someone else on the house when we’re gone, if the devices I install aren’t enough. I’d rather do that than transfer your protection to someone else.”

She seemed to exhale and the evident tension across her shoulders eased. “I appreciate that.” Her lips twisted to the side. “Are you hungry?”

“I could eat.”

“Celeste brought over chicken salad, fresh bread, and a citrus salad when she dropped off my stuff. Or we can order something.”

“Homemade gets my vote.” And not just for security reasons. His stomach rumbled in anticipation. “I can help or I can stow the gear first.”

Roni pulled a casserole dish out of the fridge, then plates from the cabinet. “I’ve got this. Housekeeping did a fast reset for us, so choose whichever bedroom you prefer.”

If it were up to him, he’d share a room with her. After finding that creepy observation spot with the zip ties in the trees, he felt the pressure to stay close, to keep her in sight at every opportunity. He picked up his bags. “Which one are you in?”

She tipped her head toward the suite, her hands busy with the salad. “The manager’s suite. It was easiest.”

Of course, she had chosen the first-floor suite with a queen bed, sitting area, bathroom and exterior door to the deck. Odds were good that whoever returned to that spot under the oak tree would figure out her location within a couple of hours.

As much as he wanted to respect her space, he couldn’t allow her to stay in that suite alone. This entire situation was one big powder keg of desire on the brink of erupting. Wondering how to explain himself without scaring her, he headed that way.

“Hang on.” She stopped him. “Where are you going? Guest rooms are upstairs.”

He braced for the inevitable argument. “The manager’s suite. If someone tries to force a lock or break a window in the middle of the night, I need to be close enough to hear it. Don’t worry. I’ll take the floor. Or I can stay out here.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

Every reaction he’d been suppressing suddenly felt volatile. Inevitable. Standing this close to her in the quiet, empty house, their friendship felt like the perfect foundation for something more. He had spent recent months doing everything in his power to preserve the status quo, terrified that if he crossed the line from friend to lover, he might lose her forever.

But now, his job required him to be under her roof, and the sheer proximity was already pushing his self-control to its absolute limits.

“I’ve slept in dirt trenches and on the metal decks of patrol boats.” Brayden shrugged. “This kitchen floor is no problem.”

She stared. “You’d actually do it.”

In a heartbeat.

“I’m not taking any chances with you.” He studied her. “Would you be comfortable in the double suite upstairs?” The room he was thinking of had two queen beds and plenty of space. It left him a bit further from the likely access points, but it kept Veronica away from those same potential threats.

She blinked. “You’ve done your homework.” Shaking her head, she made a noise he couldn’t decipher. Something caught between amusement and dismay. Holding his gaze, she squared her shoulders. “We’ll share the suite down here,” she stated. “We added an oversized chair that unfolds to a full bed.” She held up a hand before he could speak. “I’ll take the chair. You do not get to argue with me on that. Trust me, it’s no hardship. That fold-out is fabulous. And look at yourself, your frame needs the bigger bed.”

He chuckled. She glared. He laughed outright. “I’m allowed to be impressed by your commitment to hospitality.”

Her mouth twisted. “You know Celeste and her standards. It’s a whole process.”

“And you never do anything halfway.” He’d seen her apply that focus and intensity time and again. Feeling more at ease on familiar ground, he took his bags into the suite and got comfortable. He changed into cargo pants and a clean t-shirt, then armed himself with a few essential items. He familiarized himself with the layout and checked the lock on the exterior door.

When he spotted the sheets and pillow for the chair-bed on the shelf in the closet, he made up the bed for her.

Back in the kitchen, Roni had sandwiches plated and bowls ready for them at the island.

The Hideaway kitchen was grand and a top selling-point of their rental. Well-designed, the space was a beautiful blend of commercial-grade appliances and relaxed Southern charm. As they sat down, he noticed the slight tremor in her hands. She was putting on a brave face, but the stress was still there.

“We’ll get through this,” he murmured.

Her brave smile wobbled. “Thanks. My mind keeps replaying that moment with the survey team. I was so mad. I… I put myself in a bad situation. What was I thinking? It could’ve gone so wrong.”

Because she’d proudly taken on the role of the neutral sister, never getting too high or too low. Letting Celeste lead the business, giving Natalie room to thrive as the dreamy, emotional artist.

Once more her shoulders rolled back and her chin lifted. “It’s easier knowing you’ve got my back.”

“Today and always, no matter what.” He shifted and his knee brushed hers. Did she feel the small jolt of electricity that flared at the contact? He wanted to ask and yet didn’t want to wreck the moment. She trusted him, needed his help, without any concerns about extra factors.

He dug into his sandwich, happy when she started to eat as well. After a few minutes, he said, “Indigo Reef might be determined to run off the Hargrave sisters, but they made a critical error.”

“What’s that?”

“They didn’t account for me.” He gave her all the confidence he could. Polishing off his sandwich, he chased it with sweet tea. He was so tempted to just open a vein and tell her everything he was feeling, give her the whole truth behind his commitment.

Not the time. He moved to clear the dishes, but she stopped him, her smaller hand resting lightly on his.

“Brayden.” Her breath hitched. “There’s more, right? You can tell me.”

Her blue gaze held him captive and his heart pounded in his chest. The air in the kitchen felt suddenly thick, charged with an undeniable, intoxicating heat. He gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. When she leaned into the touch, his heart rabbit-kicked. “Roni⁠—”

A sharp, metallic clink sounded outside, near the house, far too close to Roni.

He shifted instantly into protector mode. His cold, tactical instincts taking over. “Stay here,” he ordered. He did a mental pat down, confirming he had his cell, a flashlight, and the revolver at his ankle.

“Brayden—”

He paused at the slider. “Lock the door behind me, Veronica. Do it now.”

Without waiting for her reply, Brayden went out, pulling his flashlight from his pocket. With silent, fluid movements, he melted into the deep shadows behind the house.

The coastal night was dark, the moon obscured by a thick bank of low-creeping fog. Thunderstorms were an ever-present threat this time of year. He listened for the source of that metallic sound, but only the rhythmic, distant roll of the surf and the rustle of the breeze moving through the dune grasses came back to him.

Keeping his flashlight off, he crept along, relying on his natural night vision, honed by training and years of tactical experience. Rounding the corner, he spotted the movement at the front of the house. Shadows from the front porch showed someone struggling near the ground. Hearing another scrape and screech of metal, followed by a curse, the pieces clicked.

The water main. When would these guys stop? This was more than trespassing, it was sabotage, designed to impede Hideaway business. The audacity was appalling.

Brayden moved soundlessly toward the person and he was almost within reach when the man swung out with the long, heavy shut-off key, before bolting across the front yard.

On an oath, Brayden ducked. Mad about his mistake, he rolled to his feet and gave chase.

A twig snapped and Brayden followed the sound. He’d expected the guy to run for the street, but instead he went straight for the trees. He flicked his tactical light to full strobe, the blinding, disorienting beam cutting through the fog to illuminate a dark, hooded figure standing about twenty feet away.

“Hey!” Brayden roared, springing forward with explosive speed. “Guardian Agency! Freeze!”

The figure scrambled for the Indigo Reef site.

Brayden didn’t hesitate, launching himself into the dark woods after the trespasser.

CHAPTER 3

The click of the deadbolt sliding into place sounded so final in the quiet kitchen. Veronica pulled the curtain across the glass and retreated to the other side of the island, her hands trembling. Her heart hammered against her ribs, wild and frantic, a rhythm that echoed in her ears.

Lock the door behind me, Veronica. Do it now.

Brayden’s command had been absolute, delivered with a cold, sharp authority bearing little resemblance to the easygoing childhood friend she knew. In that split second, the man who had gently cupped her cheek, sending her pulse into a tailspin, had vanished, replaced by a lethal stranger. An intense, focused protector.

Why didn’t that scare her?

Because in any form, Brayden was her friend. She’d seen him sharp and edgy, ready for competition. When she thought about it, his protector face wasn’t all that different. The stakes though? Those were way more significant than any sports title.

She stared at their unfinished meal and began to clean up. Goose bumps rippled across her skin as she thought about the heat in his gaze and in his touch when he’d cradled her face. Of course he was familiar with her. Over the years, he’d touched her frequently during workouts, while watching a game, or just hanging out.

But not like that.

That touch had been familiar, laced with something entirely new. Something her body recognized, despite her effort to tamp it down: desire.

The last time she’d allowed herself to feel anything other than friendship for Brayden had been early in their senior year of high school. It had been weeks since they’d seen each other at a track and field training camp. Somehow, he’d returned to school a few weeks later with more confidence and swagger she’d found magnetic.

During that brief window, she’d struggled to think of anything other than kissing him. Her focus was trash, her workouts uneven. It was crazy and consuming and nearly undermined the most stable friendship of her life. Should she tell him? Why didn’t he notice? Was it only because she felt left out of the teenage dating scene?

All those weeks, she’d yearned and waffled over what to do, how to say anything. Until she’d seen him kissing another girl. A girl he’d never mentioned to her.

That had been an effective cure for what she’d labeled as infatuation and tucked away as a silly phase. At the time she’d blamed it on Natalie rubbing off on her with her non-stop chatter about homecoming, teen romance movies, and first kisses.

She couldn’t blame her current daze on her little sister. Wishing Brayden had been her first kiss all those years ago was only making today worse. Why was part of her still longing to kiss him?

Well, some reasons were obvious. He was the sexiest man in her immediate circle. Strong and fit with a hefty dose of bravery thrown in for good measure. She adored the spark of humor in his dark eyes and though he kept his thick hair cut short, he’d let it grow out of military regulation into a more casual style.

She liked his hair both ways, but the longer version made him look younger, a bit more accessible. Which was not what she needed.

That quiet, intensely intimate moment had come and gone. The near miss was probably for the best. Definitely. She didn’t need or want another chance to let her lust off the leash. Best to not fan the flames of all her pent-up longing. Especially not while Brayden was out in the dark, chasing a potential threat.

Veronica forced herself to breathe, deep and slow. She was a physical therapist and personal trainer. She spent her days helping people find their balance, helping them heal, rebuild, or reshape their bodies. She’d never been a damsel in distress. This foreign helplessness clawed at her insides, prodding her to do something.

The dishes were done, food stored, and she searched for another way to be proactive.

Taking her phone with her, she went to the suite. With the lights out, she stared out into the night, hoping for a glimpse of Brayden. The lights on the deck illuminated a thin, misty fog drifting near the edge of the trees, wrapping the live oaks in ghostly, shifting shrouds.

“Please be okay,” she murmured.

Yes, she wanted the Indigo Reef mess behind them, but not at the expense of Brayden. She’d felt similarly during his years with the military, though not as personally responsible.

Suddenly, a brilliant, staccato burst of light shattered the darkness in a blinding, rhythmic strobe that sliced through the mist like a blade. Brayden bellowed out a command to stop, aimed at someone she couldn’t see.

The flashlight went out and Veronica covered her mouth, smothering a gasp as she strained to hear more.

The silence grew heavy, the darkness pressing in on her. “Please, Brayden,” she whispered. “Be careful out there.”

She checked the time on her cell phone. The minutes stretched like salt-water taffy. Ten. Fifteen.

The wind was kicking up, typical in the summer season. Heat lightning streaked across the sky. Every creak of the house bracing against the gusts made her jump as she imagined someone sneaking around to the front door or testing the slider.

She forced down the rising panic. The security system was armed with updated codes for her and Brayden. She wouldn’t be any help if she let fear paralyze her. Indigo Reef wanted her scared and intimidated. The best defense was to trust the team assigned to help. The team led by Brayden. She trusted him always. With this. With everything.

She heard the alarm system buzz with an incorrect code. The app on her phone lit up with an alert as well, showing the attempt was made at the sliding door. Another incorrect attempt.

No one tested the handle and she let out the breath she was holding. The dull steady thud of footsteps on the deck outside the suite made her freeze.

Soft, rhythmic thudding on the deck right outside the manager’s suite made her freeze. Footsteps. A shadow blotted the light for a moment. Muscles locked, she had no idea what to do. Hide? Run? No. She’d hold her ground against whatever was coming.

It was dark in the suite and she wouldn’t be easily visible to whoever was outside. She retreated to the kitchen, tucking her phone into her pocket. Picking up a cast iron skillet, she gripped it with both hands and pressed her back to the wall, out of view from anyone who might come in through the suite.

Four distinct taps rattled the glass pane of the door. One-two. Three-four.

Brayden. It was the knock he’d always used, at her door, her car window, or to get her attention during a workout. On shaking legs, she dashed to the door and opened it for him.

Brayden stepped inside, locked the door again, and hit the lights.

“Are you okay?” She guided him toward the bathroom. His face was smudged and scratched, forearms too. He was breathing heavily, his broad chest rising and falling beneath his damp t-shirt and his cargo pants were damp and smeared with mud from the woods. “Tell me the other guy looks worse.”

“I wish. The jerk got away,” Brayden groused. “This is just from the chase.”

She set aside the heavy skillet and pulled a first aid kit from the cabinet under the sink. “Then you look amazing for a guy who’s been running through the trees in the dark.”

“It could’ve been worse,” he agreed, voice low and rough from the exertion. “Sorry about the wrong code. I was all thumbs in my rush. Didn’t mean to scare you.” He let out a long breath, his gaze softening as he watched her washing the scratches on his arms. “I can do this.”

“Of course you can.” She shook her head. “You can also let me.” He’d been out there to protect her, cleaning his wounds was the least she could do. “What happened out there?”

“Some light sabotage,” he said. “I didn’t get much for a description and he disappeared into the construction site. I didn’t follow, in case he had support over there. Not sure catching him would’ve changed much. The important thing is this.” He shifted out of her reach and pulled his phone from one of the pockets on his thigh. Swiping the screen, he turned it to show her a photo. “Caught red-handed.”

“What is that?”

“A water utility main valve shut-off key,” Brayden explained. “I wanted proof of where I found it and when, so I texted this incident to Jess.” He set the phone aside so Roni could continue. “The water main is out front. I figured he’d head for the street.”

“Uh-huh.” She reached up to wash the scratches on his face, then nudged him to sit down on the edge of the bathtub. Tilting up his jaw, she swallowed a sympathetic sound. The cut wasn’t too deep, but the bleeding hadn’t stopped yet. She moistened a cloth with wound cleaner. “Hold this here.”

“It stings.”

“It’s supposed to.” She moved as quickly as possible, applying ointment and covering the deeper wounds on his jaw and cheek with bandages. “Why shut off the water at the main?”

“More inconvenience. More reasons for guest complaints,” Brayden said, his eyes dark with cold anger. “The other option is uglier.”

She leaned back against the counter. “Meaning what?”

“He might’ve been trying to cause a break. Would’ve created a big mess as well as a big expense on your side of the line.”

She swore, he laughed, and she flicked his shoulder lightly. “Stop. I’m mad.”

“Me too.” He stood up. “I stopped the plan tonight, but it makes me wonder how low they’ll go to grab the Hideaway from your family.”

Veronica felt the room tilt. She reached out, her hand finding the edge of the counter to steady herself. The sheer, persistent malice of the plan was staggering. This wasn’t just neighborly friction or aggressive development; it was a targeted, corporate assassination of her family history.

“Losing the Hideaway isn’t an option.” She couldn’t imagine life without this. Without her sisters cooperating to build a prosperous business. “They’re doing everything wrong and we’re suffering. Canceled bookings and bad reviews all add up against us and hurt our reputation.” What if the comeback didn’t happen in time?

“It’s annoying and illegal,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Tampering with a water main? Why can’t they be happy with the land they have? We would’ve been good neighbors. They didn’t even ask about a potential beach access.”

“Would you have granted that?”

“Heck no. That private cove is our biggest perk,” she said.

“We’ll sort it out,” Brayden reminded her. “That’s why I’m here, remember?”

She nodded, blinking away the sheen of tears. “You can’t protect me and the house at the same time.”

“Jess will handle coverage here when you need to work.”

“No.” She shook her head, doing the math. “I’m not leaving anything to chance. Tomorrow, I’ll start rescheduling my clients.”

“Are you sure?” He reached out, his large calloused hand gently peeling her fingers away from the counter. “They’re making mistakes, Roni. Taking wild swings. There must be a time crunch on their side that we don’t know about. Yet. I want to tell you it’ll be over soon, but I can’t make any promises.”

Veronica looked up at him, amazed to call him her friend. The relief of having him here, of knowing she and her sisters had capable help in this fight, was overwhelming.

“I was scared, Brayden,” she admitted softly. “When I heard you shout... when you didn’t come back right away. I realized... if anything happened to you because of this place... because of me...”

“Hey,” he murmured.

Before she could finish the thought, Brayden moved closer, his hands framing her face. His thumb stroked a tear from her cheek. His touch, tender and patient, was a stark contrast to the physical strength she’d seen in action time and again.

“Nothing will happen to me,” he said, his dark eyes locked onto hers with a burning intensity that made her breath hitch. “I know how to handle myself. My focus is staying between you and any threat. I won’t let them hurt you. That means I won’t let them take this place.”

It was back, all the longing for him. The air in her lungs was charged with the lingering adrenaline of the chase and the heavy, undeniable pull of years of denying herself. Standing in the quiet suite, away from the rest of the world, the boundaries she’d carefully constructed and nurtured began to crumble.

“Brayden...” she whispered, her hands rising to rest against his chest. She could feel the rapid, powerful beat of his heart beneath the damp cotton of his shirt.

“I meant what I was saying before the interruption, Veronica.” His voice dropped, the rough timbre vibrated through her core. “I’m done pretending. I’m done keeping my distance. I’m here as your protector, yes. But I’m also here because I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

He tilted his head, his gaze dropping to her lips.

Veronica’s heart leaped. She leaned into him, her fingers curling into his shirt, silently pleading for him to close the remaining distance. The fear of the developers, the stress of the B&B, the uncertainty of the future—all of it faded into the background, eclipsed by the sheer, overwhelming reality of the man holding her.

Brayden’s lips brushed hers, the soft, warm whisper of contact sending a shiver of pure electricity straight to her toes. Instantly, she found herself caught in a slow dizzying spin of desire.

His cell phone buzzed against the countertop behind her.

Brayden froze. Drawing back on a low, frustrated groan, he rested his forehead against hers. Reaching around her, he checked the phone, holding it so she could also see the incoming message from the Guardian Agency.

“Back to work.” She slipped away from him and smoothed her hair, scrambling to get her head on straight.

Brayden swiped the screen open, his brow furrowing as he read the text. “It’s the research team. They picked up a compact car zipping out of the construction site. Followed it to the bridge and lost it in Charleston. They’re done for tonight.”

“So we can relax?” Or maybe talk about what that kiss signified.

He gave her a wry smile. “In a few minutes. First, I want to lock down this property. I’m going to run a full sweep of the perimeter with the thermal optics, and then I’ll set up the encrypted trail cameras within the trees.”

“In the dark?” At his nod, she made a decision. “I’ll help.”

“You don’t⁠—”

“I’m helping, Bray. I need to take action.” So much easier to feel proactive with Brayden standing with her. And so much better to do something more than stand around wondering what that kiss meant.

“Yeah.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I know you do.” His lips twisted. “Let’s get it done, then. If anyone else dips a toe on Hargrave property, we’ll have evidence of who and when.” The smile faded and a muscle at his jaw jumped, his expression a mix of fierce determination. “We’re going to get through this, Veronica. Together.”

“Thank you.”

Together sounded like a wonderful concept. For the first time in weeks, she didn’t feel like a victim waiting for the next ugly encounter. With Brayden here, it felt as if the tide was turning. As if they might put a stop to the Indigo Reef harassment once and for all.

CHAPTER 4

Brayden stood on the Hideaway deck, watching the sun rise over Brookwell Island like a slow-burning ember, chasing away a thin early fog but doing nothing to clear the heavy, oppressive tension hanging over the Hideaway.

Last night played through his head again, particularly his mistake in letting the jerk with the water shut-off key escape. Overnight, the research team had scoured Charleston for the car, but the trail was cold.

Brayden wasn’t sure it mattered. Gut instinct told him the guy tampering with the water main was a worker bee, nothing more. Probably part of the construction crew willing to pull the stunt for some extra cash. Most likely, after the close call, he wouldn’t be back.

No, whoever had been lurking in the trees with those zip ties was the more immediate threat. With luck, one of the new trail cameras would catch him creeping back into place and Brayden could drag that jerk to the police.

Pieces of this puzzle made zero sense. He’d gone through all the intel. Indigo Reef had snapped up the property next door and should’ve been happy when the town approved their plan to build three luxury condos on the lot. Instead, they’d been dogging the Hideaway. Obviously, the beach access was part of it, except no one would ever get clearance to tear out that maritime forest.

So, what else made the Hideaway so damned critical that the developer was pulling stunts and trying to run the Hargrave sisters out of business?

He studied the light moving across the property inch by inch, painting everything with a hopeful golden glow. He had spent the remaining hours of the night keeping watch from the queen bed in the suite, listening for any untoward sounds while monitoring the camera feeds on his tablet. Through it all, Veronica slept on the fold-out chair, a gorgeous distraction. As if he needed more fuel for his long-denied fantasies. During the night, she’d muttered, frowned and hunched her shoulders, as if the family legacy was an actual weight pressing her down.

His chest tightened. It had taken every ounce of willpower to stay on task rather than scoop her up and comfort her. Being this close to her—sharing the intimate space of the suite—was a bittersweet, agonizing torture.

That unfinished kiss only added to it. They really should talk about it. Except he wasn’t all that eager to find out she wasn’t that into him.

Over the years, several of his clients had commented on his bravery and dedication. When it came to Veronica, he was always fully dedicated and equally terrified of breaking the friendship that meant everything to him.

He tugged at the front of his dark polo shirt as he paced to the far corner of the deck, assessing the property. The sisters really needed to add a full fence, though it would have to sit well inside the property line, due to the protected swath of trees. Of course, if they did that, who knew how far the developers would push against the trees and the rules on their side.

He sensed more than heard the door opening behind him. Roni. He could do this. He could treat her like a friend while doing his job. The lack of sleep would pose more of a challenge, but his body was conditioned to thrive on adrenaline and black coffee.

Turning, he gave her his best professional smile.

She raised an eyebrow. “Good morning. Sorry I slept so late.” She held two mugs of steaming coffee, her blonde hair pulled back into a messy, endearing knot. Despite the dark circles under her eyes, she was breathtakingly beautiful. “Brayden. You didn’t sleep.”

Not a question. Because she knew him too well. “Part of the job. I wanted to be sure they didn’t regroup to attempt anything stupid.”

“Hm.” Her lips pursed as she carefully sipped her coffee. “No action on the cameras overnight?” He shook his head. Sighing, she leaned against the wooden railing. “I wish you looked more relieved about it.”

He wished he felt more relieved. Taking a bold gulp of coffee, he savored the hit of heat and caffeine.

“Police Lieutenant Frasier was already here to pick up the little evidence we have from the attempt to sabotage the water main. He warned me that the odds are low that anything comes of it. My research assistant said the same thing, unfortunately.”

Roni’s lip curled and she glared toward the construction site. “So they get away with yet another stunt.”

“For now,” Brayden murmured. “It’s quiet this morning, though. A slow start today might indicate a small win for the Hideaway.”

“You’re right. Let’s hope it leads to real momentum for us in… Whatever this is.” She smiled at him and his heart tripped. “Is there a name for what’s happening here?”

He took the safe bet, addressing the Hideaway issues rather than their interrupted kiss. “Corporate harassment is the closest thing,” he offered. “If you need a label.” No way he’d dwell on what he suspected was a full-blown case of stalking. He refused to stress her out any further without more evidence or an apparent motive. In the meantime, he wouldn’t let her out of his sight.

“Are you hungry? I can make breakfast,” she said.

Her phone chimed, cutting off his reply. A second later, he heard tires on the gravel drive. He jogged away from Roni, watching a sleek, compact SUV pull to a stop in front of the courtyard at the kitchen sliding door.

He recognized the passengers immediately. Veronica’s sisters, Celeste and Natalie, had arrived.

“They’re up and about early,” Veronica observed.

He watched her transform, both her posture and expression, as she slipped into the middle-sister peacekeeper role.

Natalie was out of the car and rushing toward them. “Are you okay? Jess caught us up, but you didn’t answer your phone last night and⁠—”

“I’m fine.” Roni used her calm voice. “Come on inside,” she urged, entering the code at the kitchen door. “Why are you stressing out? You knew Brayden was here with me.”

Natalie’s gaze slid to him a second before she slammed into him with a big hug. “Thank you. Did you arrest that bogus survey crew?”

“I don’t⁠—”

“Hey, it’s quiet.” Natalie stopped talking, a slow smile brightening her face. “Did you run them off for good?” she whispered.

“Hardly,” Celeste answered, following them into the cool kitchen. She set down the pastry box along with what appeared to be a newspaper. “I’m glad to see you,” she said to Roni. “Yesterday was a lot.” Her serious smile flashed at Brayden. “Thank you for being here for Roni. For all of us.”

“We brought strudel.” Natalie opened the box from the Bread Basket, then went for plates. “We thought it would soften the real reason we’re here.”

Roni poured coffee for her sisters. “Then you’re not just here to ream me out over moving the Devaney family?”

“That was a brilliant idea,” Celeste said. “And before you stress about the money, we’re okay. And no, I’m not sugarcoating it,” she added, cutting off what must surely be a frequent question. “I’m more concerned with this.” She flipped over the paper, revealing the latest edition of the Brookwell Bugle, the island’s weekly newspaper.

“Can you believe it?” Natalie demanded. “Since when does this town cater to corporate greed?”

“It’s basically an ad for Indigo Reef,” Celeste summarized. “A feel-good piece about their intentions to become part of the community.”

Brayden smothered an oath, stepping closer to skim the article over Veronica’s shoulder: The headline was bad enough: LUXE DEVELOPMENT TO BRING MORE TOURISM TO BROOKWELL

The article, with a byline from Bugle editor, Holly Brooks, was undoubtedly a marketing ploy, with canned quotes from the developer about the benefits and impact for the island. Hardly a hard-hitting investigative piece.

“What a load of crap,” he muttered. “It’s a deliberate attempt to scare off or poach future bookings. Clearly, they greased some palms.”

“Not so fast,” Roni said. “Holly’s not like that. She has integrity and has proven more than willing to dig into the issues when necessary.”

“True,” Celeste agreed. “As much as I dislike the article, I’m not blaming Holly. She can only run with the info she has. Remember the whole lighthouse deal? Her persistence is why it’s been refurbished, the history preserved, and we have public access now.”

“All right.” Brayden held up his palms in surrender about the reporter. “So what’s your theory on this?”

Celeste sank into a chair at the breakfast table. “Holly may have run this in part so we can tell our side. Reveal the annoyances and overstepping and impact. This town values the people who are here already. We may not have gone to school here, but since Mom,” Celeste paused. Took a breath. “Since Mom’s illness and passing, the three of us have stayed here. Settled in. We’re already part of the community. I believe that’s important to Holly and the town in general.”

“Why don’t we all go over after breakfast,” Natalie suggested.

Brayden was about to agree when Roni shook her head. “Brayden and I are joined at the hip right now. If I go, he goes with me.” She aimed a sharp glare at Natalie. “Not the way you’re thinking. Not romantically,” she stated with such finality his heart sank.

So much for discussing that kiss.

“Just because of the ornery developers next door,” she continued. “Showing up at the Bugle office with a Guardian Agency protector looming behind us doesn’t send the right message, in my opinion.”

“But you have another idea.” Celeste nodded. “Share with the class.”

“It’s just a rough brainstorm,” Roni began. “Having agency folks in and out for training is great. But if we’re not hosting regular guests, what if we set up a cooking class, in person or remotely? We could also rent out the firepit for small groups.”

“Oh!” Natalie beamed. “What about some sunset shag classes? With the music festival coming up, everyone’s looking for a chance to practice their dance moves. We could do an evening sunset paint and sip class. Sharon Trumble would jump on that in a heartbeat and bring loads of interest.”

“Local artist,” Roni murmured to Brayden. “Celebrity, really.”

He filed it away for further research at a better time. “What’s the goal?” he queried. “Is it about raising money or something else?”

Celeste tapped her coffee mug. “Money’s great, but as I said, financially we’re not in dire straits no matter what Indigo Reef gets up to.”

“Well good.” Roni seemed surprised by that news. “Then why not add a fundraiser aspect? Doubles the impact, we stay involved, and it keeps people at the Hideaway. Positive activity, scheduled during low construction hours could really work in our favor, right?”

“Safety in numbers.” Brayden smiled. “I like it.”

“It wouldn’t interfere with your efforts here?” Celeste asked him.

“No. Though it would be helpful to have reservations that included names and photos so we don’t accidentally chase off the wrong people.” The sisters chuckled, but he was dead serious.

Celeste pulled out her laptop and opened the calendar. Brayden sat back and downed two slices of strudel, admiring the way the sisters worked together. They set dates, brainstormed more ideas, and then divided up the calls each sister would make and who would spearhead each event. The three of them were an excellent team.

“This will give us something positive to share with Holly,” Celeste said as they wrapped it up. “And that should lead to some good press for the Hideaway.”

“Great.” Roni smiled, the expression much closer to normal.

“One more thing before we go.” Celeste tapped a few keys and turned the computer around. “Can you please explain this email thread?”

Veronica froze. The color drained from her face. “I… um…”

Brayden eased closer to her. He was serious about protecting her. He was her best friend first and he had no problem standing with her against anyone, including her sisters. “What’s the problem?” he asked Celeste.

“This is a family issue,” Natalie said gently. “If you’ll excuse us, Brayden.”

“No.” He folded his arms. “I’m right where I need to be.”

“I’ll be fine,” Roni whispered.

“You will,” he agreed. He bent his head to her ear. “I’m staying.” Her tiny nod felt like a major win.

“Joined at the hip,” Celeste muttered. “Fine. Tell me why on earth you’ve been emailing our Hideaway business to Dad.”

Brayden struggled to lock down his reaction. This was a biggie and a major shock. The sisters had been estranged from their father since their mom died. Veronica explained it as everyone grieving differently, but the fact was he’d walked away. His wife died, he’d attended the service, and then the man jetted off to Europe without another word.

Roni acted as if his absence wasn’t a big deal, but how could it be otherwise? There were times when the man’s behavior pissed off Brayden. The Hargrave family had been so close through the years. Close enough that he’d confided in her dad more than once when his own parents were too self-absorbed to listen.

And now he was just a father in absentia, leaving them to cope on their own, effectively piling on even more sorrow. Yeah, if Brayden dwelled on it, he got pretty riled up too. Natalie and Celeste had sworn him off completely. But Veronica... Well, Roni had always been the peacemaker. He should’ve expected her to be carrying the hope and burden of a potential reconciliation.

“It’s not what you think,” Veronica said, her voice trembling. “He... he rarely ever responds. Maybe once every few months I get a short text message or a few sentences in an email.” Her chin came up. “He is our father. And he loves us.”

“From afar,” Natalie grumbled. “He’s never once returned a call or text from me.”

“Why is it okay for you to talk to him, but not me?”

“First off, he doesn’t talk to me. And second, I was trying to get him to come for Christmas,” Nat snarled.

“Whatever.” Roni rolled her eyes. “All of that,” she pointed to the computer, “is about the property. He bought this place. He knows where the plat maps are, the original surveys. I thought he could help us⁠—”

“We don’t need his help!” Natalie snapped, tears bright in her eyes. “He didn’t care about us after Mom died. He won’t care about what we’re dealing with now. I don’t want him knowing anything about the Hideaway or our business. I don’t want you sharing our struggles, our victories, or anything else with him. He made his choice.”

“Natalie, please⁠—”

“She’s right, Roni,” Celeste said softly, though her gaze was kinder than their little sister’s. “I have all of that property information as well. It was part of assuming ownership of the house through Mom’s will.”

“Oh.” Roni’s shoulders sagged in defeat. “Got it. You could’ve said something.”

“You could’ve asked,” her older sister replied. “Trust me, we’ll get all of this sorted out. We’re a team, right? We make our business decisions together, all three of us.” With a faint smile, she gestured toward Brayden. “And we have the best help around, right here with us. Something Dad isn’t capable of right now. Maybe not ever again.”

Brayden ached for Veronica. He’d seen glimpses of how much she carried, silently bearing the baggage of her sisters’ anger while trying to keep her own hope alive. He wanted to pull her into arms, to shield her from the pain of her own family, but he forced himself to maintain a professional distance.

“You do have other allies,” Brayden said. “Plenty of support from me, Jess, and the rest of the Guardian Agency behind us. Not to mention all your friends here on Brookwell, Veronica’s clients, and Natalie’s growing fan club.”

Celeste nodded.

Natalie sighed, exchanging a speaking glance with Celeste. “You’re right, Brayden. So, what’s the first next step?”

“Why don’t the three of you keep working on your event plans,” he suggested. “Celeste, if you could send the plat map to my research team, we’ll start looking into the bogus survey issues and see if there’s any legal option available.”

Celeste sat forward. “Taking care of that right now.”

He served up more strudel and topped off the coffee just as the construction noise set in with a mechanical screech and the growl of engines.

“Definitely need to focus on evenings,” Roni grumbled, walking over to join her sisters.

Although the tension lingered, it had faded enough that Brayden relaxed too. With a shared goal, the emotions seemed to ebb closer to a truce as the sisters focused on being proactive with events and potential charity tie-ins for the weeks ahead.

It didn’t hurt that Brookwell Island was a vibrant hub of activity in the summer. Knowing the powerhouse Roni could be, he decided to walk the property while he waited for the research team to respond.

He filled a stainless-steel travel mug with coffee. “I’m going out for a circuit,” he told them. “You’ll stay here, with the security system armed?” he asked.

“Cross my heart,” Roni replied. “We’ll be at this for a while anyway.”

With a nod, he stepped out into the racket, even more determined to prevent more nonsense from the developers.

He walked down the drive and across the front along the street just in case the guy with the water main assignment had dropped a clue. Away from the breeze off the ocean, the humidity pressed against Brayden as he turned, certain to stay on Hideaway property on his way toward the water. It was impossible to ignore how the relentless mechanical roar of the Indigo Reef machinery next door provided the perfect cover and perfect distraction for any trespassing or observation.

So far, no one had shown up on the new cameras and he ran a check to be sure they were all working. Passing the weathered garden shed, situated between the house and the trees, his gaze tripped over what appeared to be drag marks and crushed ferns. Last night, he’d tucked a camera under the shed’s roofline, not bothering to hide it. He wanted to make anyone think twice before coming close to the house.

He walked around the building, tripping the camera along the way. He figured he could’ve been responsible for the ferns, but not those drag marks. Using the code for the shed, he slipped into the dim interior. The scents of damp earth and old potting soil reminded him of the stories Roni shared about playing hide and seek out here and getting caught when she sneezed.

His flashlight beam swept across the floor, following those fresh marks in the dusty floor to the corner. Heart kicking into high gear, Brayden knelt behind a stack of wicker chairs and pulled back the corner of a canvas tarp to find a large plastic industrial crate.

Way too new to be back here. He couldn’t think of a single reason Roni or her sisters would have such a box.

Flipping the latches, he lifted the lid. His flashlight illuminated several rugged aluminum technician cases. He popped the latches of the top case, and his blood ran cold.

Inside was an electronic control module—the ECM computer brains used to operate big equipment like the bulldozers and excavators currently in operation next door—along with their proprietary diagnostic programming tablets.

Talk about upping the game. If found by the police, this could be devastating for the Hargrave sisters. More than grand theft, the felony charges could include active industrial sabotage. He thought about that spot in the woods where someone with zip ties at the ready had been watching the house. They were ready to pin this on Roni.

A cold, lethal focus washed over him. “Not on my watch,” he whispered, shutting the lid. He used his phone to check the cameras. They must’ve planted this before he got the camera set up. A shudder slid down his back as worst-case scenarios flooded his mind.

They needed to act fast.

He called the research team and had them loop in the bosses. Together, they would document this situation and make sure it didn’t go the way the Indigo Reef planned.

CHAPTER 5

Veronica knew something was wrong as soon as Brayden returned to the Hideaway. Sure, he put on a cool, brave face, but the brackets around his mouth were deeper than normal. She would know, having indulged in many long studies of that mouth. A few hot dreams too after that interrupted kiss last night.

His hands were the real giveaway. He kept flexing and stretching his fingers as if he was warming up for a few rounds with the speed bag or heavy bag. She knew his routines intimately after so many years and he didn’t usually choose a boxing workout unless he was working through something.

Was that something about her specifically or the Hideaway situation in general?

Her sisters, still clearly annoyed with her, had refused to leave before Brayden returned. Having finally ushered them out the door, she planned to get the whole story out of him now that they were alone.

“What happened?” she asked.

He shook his head, avoiding eye contact. “I need a shower.”

Hurt, she froze. It was bad enough her sisters were pissed off at her. She couldn’t think of a single reason why Brayden would be giving her the cold shoulder.

Unless it was her crack about zero romantic interest when Natalie was suddenly shipping them. Again. They hadn’t even talked about that strange, wonderful, abbreviated kiss last night. He was her best friend. Knew her as well as she knew herself. He had to understand she wouldn’t want to share anything happening between them with her sisters before they sorted out the facts for themselves.

“One second!” she called out, giving chase. “What about…”

She lost the power of speech, her mouth going dry as he turned. He’d stripped off his shirt and unbuttoned the top of his cargo pants. His entire stunning torso mocked her claims of being only friends.

The man was just too gorgeous to be ignored.

“What about what?” he prompted.

“Dinner,” she finished, a little too breathless. “You’ve been gone for hours.”

“Yeah. That’s the job. I was here on the property. You weren’t alone.”

Not at all her point. Something had happened and she wanted the update. “I’m not irritated with you,” she began. “I’ll order Parker’s for dinner while you get your shower.”

“You don’t feel like cooking?”

Fair question. She usually preferred cooking over take out. “Some days call for being nice to myself. And you too by association. This is one of them.”

Spending the day with her sisters had drained her. That alone was deflating. She’d rescheduled all of her clients outside of Brookwell and then thrown herself into the plans they were making to prevent a disastrous hit to their reputation. The response was great, but the underlying reasons were taxing. Add in their disapproval and anger—momentarily on hold—and she was wiped out.

Brayden only grunted, walking into the bathroom and closing the door. As much as she wanted to press, there was no possible way she’d breach that boundary. Whatever he was processing, he’d share it when he was ready.

She could only hope he wasn’t mad at her too. She wasn’t sure she could handle that right now.

After placing the order for delivery, she started to head outside and hesitated. Now she was angry. Having doubts about her safety in this house, in this community, was infuriating. She’d always felt safe and secure here, even when they’d decided to use the family vacation home for business.

Waffling between facing her fear and defying her promise to Brayden, she popped open a sparkling water and went upstairs to her old room, curling up in a chair near the window to think.

The view of the ocean beyond the fire pit soothed her. That steady roll of the tide made her troubles seem inconsequential. In the grand scheme, she and her sisters would get over the hurt. Someday the construction next door would be over. She closed her eyes, imagining the view unchanged and the natural sounds of the island prevailing.

“Veronica!” Brayden’s strident shout cut into her reverie. “Roni!”

“Up here,” she called out, scrambling out of the chair. At the doorway, she waved at him where he stood at the bottom of the stairs, his expression as dark as a summer storm cloud. “Is dinner here?”

She knew the answer as he stalked closer, his long legs taking the steps two at a time. Why was that sexy? Why was she finding everything about him so appealing? She thought back to that surprise encounter on the beach months ago. For a couple of years, they hadn’t shared more than text messages and the occasional video call and then—wham—one day he was running down the public beach totally unannounced.

It had been the worst kind of awkward reunion. From a distance, she’d been ogling him before her mind registered she was gawking at her friend.

“No.”

“You look mad,” she blurted when he stopped in front of her. “Or hungry?”

“You could’ve left a note,” he snapped.

“Just to come upstairs?” His glowering, the looming had to stop. “Joined at the hip. Right.” She folded her arms, instantly defensive after the day she’d had. “If we’re so close and sharing everything, what happened to put you in such a foul mood?”

The temper drained out of him and he pushed a hand through his damp hair. Her fingers tingled. She ordered her body to behave.

“A potential problem,” he replied. “The team and I handled it. Truthfully, the less you know, the better.”

His mind was set, there would be no changing it. “Okay.” She turned, returning to the chair by the window. “You’ll fill me in when you can?”

“Yes.” He followed her into the room, stopping in the middle. His gaze slid over the bed, then to the window. “Your old room?”

She nodded. “I keep telling myself that the forest will continue to grow and blot out whatever Indigo Reef decides to build.”

“We’ll make sure of it.” He stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Did your sisters lighten up?” he asked, his gaze on the view.

“Only for the sake of the mission.” She sniffled. “I really screwed up.” The emotion she’d stuffed down deep suddenly erupted. “It’s not like I tell him everything about us. I mean, I’m mad about the way he’s blown us off, too. He was good with Mom while she was sick, but he left her care to Celeste and the home health nurses. I’m not blaming him. It was hard to watch cancer steal her away day by day. We all knew he loved her.”

“We all loved your mom.”

His soft words startled her almost as much as the bellowing earlier. Of course, Brayden had loved her mom. He’d come for the funeral to say his own farewell, not just to comfort her. “Yeah. You’re mad that I stay in touch too. I get it. Five years ago, I would’ve told you he was the best man on earth. Now…” Her voice trailed off as the hard edge of emotions subsided. “Whatever Dad is, I’m sorry for keeping my connection to him a secret from you too.”

He rocked back on his heels and the movement made her aware that he wasn’t watching the ocean any longer. His gaze was on her. “Apology accepted. Though you really don’t owe me or anyone else an explanation for trying to maintain a relationship with your dad. He is a good guy, no matter how he’s grieving.”

“You’re awfully generous with the forgiveness.”

“That a problem?”

“Only that it makes me nervous about what you haven’t told me yet.”

His wide, genuine smile flashed, alleviating the heaviness around her heart. Her dad might be a good guy, but Brayden had moved to the top of her list.

“One thing has nothing to do with the other,” he assured her. His phone buzzed with an alert a second before the doorbell rang. He checked the security notice anyway. “Food’s here. Let’s eat.”

* * *

Brayden admired Veronica’s ability to bounce back. Over a delicious dinner of shrimp po’ boy sandwiches, hand-cut potato chips, coleslaw, and hushpuppies, they reminisced over their favorite summer adventures. She’d even surprised him with slices of key lime pie.

Clearly, his girl was carb-loading after the emotional day. Understandable. And he was happy to stick to pleasant topics. The happier conversation helped him remember who she was to him, and his role in her life too.

Granted, he wanted to change his role beyond being a good friend and the skilled protector she needed. But he could be patient. He’d waited this long to open a vein and lay his heart out for her.

After dinner, they ran through her truncated client schedule and he made arrangements with Jess to have someone at the Hideaway when they were gone. He refused to give the developers any easy access.

They played a game of cribbage and watched a mystery movie before she was finally ready to call it a night. He gave her privacy to get settled, doing his best to keep his mind away from the visions of her changing into pajamas and sliding under the covers.

She was reading a book when he came in after a check of the cameras. “Can’t sleep?”

“Working on it.” The book closed with a snap. “And failing.”

“What can I do?”

“Thanks, but don’t worry. It’s not your job to entertain me or fix insomnia.”

He sat on the edge of the bed. “It kinda is.” Her eyes heated and he scrambled to keep his own reaction in check. “Besides, I didn’t sleep much last night and I’d rather you didn’t keep me awake tossing and turning.

“How about a walk?” he suggested. “Fresh air is your first go-to, isn’t it?”

“We could just sit on the deck.”

“We’ll see more stars closer to the water.” And it would be quiet at this hour. He thought she’d benefit from a normal sounding night on the secluded beach that had been hers for most of her life.

“Deal.” She threw the covers aside and yanked off her fuzzy socks. “The AC chills my feet and then I can’t sleep.”

He nearly offered to fix that too. One step at a time. Then his mouth went dry at the sight of her in a thin camisole that clung to her curves and sleep shorts. “Are those unicorns?”

“Are you judging?” she challenged, pulling that cream sweater over her head. “Come on, come on, come on.” Barefoot, she dashed to the door, her hand outstretched. “Stars are waiting.”

He dropped his phone into a pocket on his thigh and joined her. Bracing himself for the contact, he wrapped his fingers around her hand. Good thing too, because she nearly dashed off before he’d reset the security system.

As they left the glow of the overnight lights on the deck, he turned on his flashlight, the beam guiding their path out to the fire pit, over the dunes, and down to the beach. Each step toward the ocean was like dialing up the volume on the surf. The maritime forest cast a long shadow and cut down the breeze.

The moon was high and the stars sparkled across the deep velvet sky. Beside him, Roni threw her head back, a smile on her lush lips. She hugged his arm and sighed. “You’re good at fixing, Bray. Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” he murmured, breathing her in. He picked out the individual scents that added up to Veronica. The citrus shampoo, vanilla lotion, lingering sunshine, and ocean air all blended into the fragrance that was simply her.

She moved closer to the water, giggling when the foamy tips of the waves rolled over her feet. “Oh, it’s perfect out here.” She squeezed his hand. “I can almost forget the chaos.”

He should probably let go, but he was enjoying even this innocent touch too much. “I’m sorry about today,” he said. “About your sisters. They’re scared, Veronica. When people are scared, they lash out at the easiest target.”

“I know,” she whispered, staring out over the water. “But it sucks. They think I’m being naive. Maybe I am. But we can’t pretend our father doesn’t exist. He’s a part of this place. He’s a part of us.” She stepped close enough to lean back against his chest. “I’m scared too. If we stop trying to reach him, maybe he’ll just drift away forever.”

His heart broke for her. “You’re not naive, Roni.” He ran his hands up and down her arms. “You’re strong and stubborn when it really matters. You’ve been the peacekeeper for as long as I’ve known you. That translates to not giving up on your dad.”

Veronica twisted to face him, her hands looped around his waist. He imagined anyone watching would assume they were a couple. Was she inviting another kiss? His body said yes, hers was definitely giving yes vibes, but he needed to find a way to ask outright.

As he struggled for the right words, she licked her lips. “Why are you really here? I know what Jess said about familiarity and all that. But I get the feeling you wanted this assignment? Why?”

“It’s you. And me. How could I let anyone else handle this?”

The breeze seemed to swirl the question around them, pulling them closer until the years of unspoken longing were just too much.

They were, first and foremost, friends. Best friends. They’d spent time together and apart and never lost the bond that made the relationship so special. When the Guardian Agency had offered him a post in the area, he’d jumped on it, eager to reconnect with Veronica.

And maybe they’d been apart too long. Because as soon as he’d seen her, he’d wanted more than friendship. He’d wanted the right to hold her, the privilege to become her partner. Her lover. The person she confided in, depended on. The person who shared her bed every night.

He was tired of hiding it, of masking it all. He’d kissed her—granted, not the kiss she deserved—but she’d chosen to ignore it. It was time to just tell her. If she didn’t feel the same way, he’d still protect her from a distance. He’d still find a way to be her friend.

“There’s more?”

He let out a long, slow breath. He traced her jawline, then cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing the soft curve of her lower lip. “Yes.” So much more. “I’ve spent years running toward danger all over the world and every time I walked into the unknown my one true anchor was the thought of coming back to you.”

Her breath hitched, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“I took this assignment because I needed to be close to you as much as you need help with this developer’s crap.” He bent his head, his cheek nuzzling hers. “When I caught that surveyor trying to intimidate you, I saw red. You need me. And I will protect you. But more? Yes. I’m done keeping this all bottled up. I love you, Veronica.”

She gasped.

He eased back to look into her eyes. “Since we were kids, I’ve loved you as a friend.” His hands coasted to her shoulders. “This is different. I am in love with you. These feelings aren’t something I can put away or deny any longer. You don’t have to reciprocate. I’m not pushing for anything here. I will always be your friend.”

“The friend who loves me?”

He laughed, a painful sputter in his chest. “Yes. You don’t have to make excuses or try to tell me what I want to hear. Please don’t do that.”

“I wouldn’t.”

No, she wouldn’t hurt him by feeding him lines to soothe his ego. A warmth washed through him. Hope, or just holding her? Maybe it was the first sign that he was about to combust from waiting for her reaction.

Veronica’s hands stroked his chest, her fingers curling into his t-shirt, pulling him closer. “You’ve kept your distance long enough,” she whispered. “Kiss me. Please.”

Maybe he wasn’t alone in this after all. Brayden closed the scant space between them, claiming her mouth.

Sweet. Hot. His. A marvel of perfection. His whole body reacted, riding a surge of rightness in the moment. She was everything. This was where he was meant to be. The excitement kicked him square in the chest. Nothing like the interrupted brush of lips last night. Probably why she hadn’t counted that moment.

Because he could completely discount it now. He wrapped his arms around her waist, anchoring her to him. Her lips parted on another short gasp and he got his first full taste of her. Everything else faded away in the raw joy pulsing through his system.

What in the world had kept him in check? Whatever willpower he’d used up until now was gone. He’d promised to always be her friend—and he’d keep that vow—but he’d never forget this kiss. She was intoxicating. Exhilarating. He never wanted to stop.

But they were outside, sand underfoot and cool ocean a few paces away. Just because he’d wanted this for years didn’t mean she was up to speed. He couldn’t ask her to go from zero to forever with one kiss. He eased back, his breath sawing in and out of his lungs, as he let out a low, ragged laugh. “I should have done that years ago.”

“Yes,” she whispered, her face glowing. “We definitely should have.”

It wasn’t a declaration of her feelings, but he counted it a wonderful start. She wanted him and was clearly willing to blur the old lines of their friendship in favor of something new.

She shivered and he hugged her close, lending as much warmth as possible. “We should get back to the house.”

“Hm. I suppose.” She gave him a squeeze.

He walked her back to the house and opened the door for her. “I need to finish one last perimeter check,” Brayden said reluctantly, kissing her temple. “Go inside, lock the door, and get some sleep. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Sleep?” She gawked at him.

“Yes. We both need the rest.” He tipped up her chin. “There’s no way I’m rushing you or anything about us.”

“This is a side of you I’m not familiar with,” she confessed.

“Patient?”

She chuckled. “Well, yeah. For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve gone straight after what you want.”

He could’ve studied the bewildered half-smile on her face for hours. “That hasn’t changed, Roni. I want you.” But not for a night or a short-term fling. He hadn’t taken this risk for such small stakes. He wanted them to become more. She needed time to adjust to that. And he wanted to romance her too. To discover a new facet of her as well.

“Let me handle the job first.” He touched his lips to hers, keeping it light.

“I could tag along again.”

He tortured himself, running his fingertips along the edge of her sleep shorts. She shivered. “Not tonight.”

“Okay.” She raked her fingers through his hair. “Don’t be long.”

He waited until he heard the security system engage and then he backed away, his heart lighter than it had been in years. He flicked on his flashlight and headed out for one last in-person check before he relied on the tech overnight.

CHAPTER 6

Veronica woke up slowly. Her dreams had been filled with Brayden’s heated kisses and her body craved more.

Was she in love with him?

Probably. She really should be sure about this entirely new situation before she allowed things to go any further. Practicality was low on her emotional priority list, although it was central to her core values.

Stretching, her first instinct was to call Natalie. That was an immediate red flag that her hormones had commandeered her brain, seeking validation for the giddy feelings over making the smart decisions.

Well, if Natalie could be responsible on occasion, why couldn’t she be carefree?

Because this was Brayden. Aside from her sisters, there wasn’t a more important person in her life. She owed it to him to stay smart, even with toe-curling, bone-melting kisses on offer.

For a few golden seconds, she wallowed in the best possible outcome. One where they stayed friends, became lovers, and somehow managed to live happily ever after. The potential warmed her from the inside out.

Rolling to her feet, she noticed she was alone in the suite. Either Brayden hadn’t slept or he was already up and working. Both possibilities troubled her—it was way too early. Smelling coffee brewing in the kitchen, she hurried to get around and catch up with him.

She was halfway through a fast shower when she realized it was not only way too early, it was way too quiet. Had the Guardian Agency worked some miracle and managed to run off the developers?

Probably not, but a girl could hope. She dressed for a day with clients—Abigail was expecting her in a few hours—and pulled her damp hair into a twist. As she applied sunscreen and lip balm, her mind drifted right back to Brayden’s mouth. She could kiss him whenever she liked now. That felt so wonderfully, deliciously right.

For years, she had tried to keep her longing for Brayden in check. Guarding her heart, terrified that crossing the line from best friends to lovers would shatter the most stable relationship in her life. Instead, now that he’d made the first move, it felt as if the final piece of her soul had clicked into place.

She walked into the kitchen and discovered a new substitute for her normal wake-up hit of caffeine: Brayden. He stood at the island, tall, broad, and commanding in an island print button-up shirt and khaki shorts. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was dressed for a day of sightseeing.

He was on the phone, dealing with something unpleasant based on his flat, hard tone. When he saw her, his dark eyes instantly softened, a flash of deep, protective tenderness passing over his features before his professional mask slid back into place.

A sudden chill of apprehension chased away the lingering warmth of her dreams and trumped her thoughts of anything beyond the immediate situation. Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she tried not to listen to his end of the conversation.

“Understood,” Brayden said, his back to her. “We’ll be ready. Thanks for keeping me in the loop. I’ll check in once the dust settles.” He swiped the screen to end the call and set the phone on the counter.

“Good morning?” Veronica asked. “Did you get any sleep at all?”

“I did.” Walking over, he brushed a kiss to her cheek. “A few hot dreams,” he teased.

She gave in, winding her arms around his neck and indulging her desires. Nothing had changed. Kissing Brayden remained a decidedly incomparable experience. Addictive really, but leaning into his strength, she could feel the hum of tension under his skin. Something was going down.

Whatever it was, she trusted him to be with her, guiding or helping her through this bizarre situation.

“I wanted to let you sleep a little longer,” he murmured against her skin. “I wanted a lot of things this morning. Unfortunately, our timeline just got cut to zero.”

He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers, grave and intensely focused. “Roni, I need you to listen to me very carefully. When you and your sisters were planning, I checked the property, remember?”

She nodded.

“I found signs that someone has been poking around the garden shed. Before we got the extra cameras up,” he explained. “I’ve been watching the area closely since I noticed the issue.”

Veronica frowned. “The shed?” They had a water valve there too. “Did they start a leak?” Her mind was racing through an inventory of the items stored there and the potential damage.

“Worse.” That muscle in his jaw jumped. “Someone planted something on the property. I found a heavy-duty crate, covered with a tarp, hidden behind the stack of wicker chairs in the back corner. Inside the crate were cases of ECMs, the electronic control modules for the big machinery used next door. Along with their diagnostic programming tablets.”

Veronica stared at him, her mind struggling to process the information. “Control modules? From the construction site? Is that why it’s so quiet today?”

“Yes,” Brayden replied, tersely. “But things were still operational when I stumbled across the drag marks that led me to the crate.”

“You think they plan to blame me?” She was floored. “I wouldn’t know how to begin to do something like that.”

“It’s a textbook frame-job, Roni. Someone will claim you learned how to do it online.” Ignoring her scoffing, he continued. “Their first offer was declined. The nuisances and surveyor stuff isn’t moving y’all fast enough. Whoever is calling the shots is getting impatient.

“That was Patrick Gamble on the phone,” he continued. “You know the research team has been digging into this mess with Indigo Reef. They learned that a search warrant was issued following a statement that a witness saw you sneaking off the property with the case last night.” Her hands were blocks of ice and she pulled them from his warm grasp. “This would be a felony. The ECMs are expensive. They’re likely to pile on charges and try to tie up the Hideaway in a lengthy legal battle.”

Veronica’s breath hitched. The ice in her hands spread and a cold, suffocating panic clawed at her throat. This couldn’t be happening. Why create such a fabrication? Who had dreamed up this deliberate, malicious attempt to destroy her life?

“They’ve already called the police?” She didn’t recognize her trembling voice.

“Yes,” Brayden confirmed. “Gamble and Swann will go on record as your attorneys⁠—”

“Oh my god,” Veronica gasped, her eyes darting to the slider. “We have to move that crate. We have to hide it. Return it⁠—”

“Take a breath,” he murmured. “Look at me, Roni. Breathe with me.”

She tried. Failed. Tried again. “We can’t just sit here, Brayden.”

He held her, caressing her shoulders. “We aren’t. You’re covered. Protected, I promise. Things are in process behind the scenes to safeguard you, your sisters, and the Hideaway. We have to deal with the warrant as politely as possible, that’s all. Remember where we were last night?”

“On the beach,” she murmured. “Together. Watching the stars.”

“That’s right. We were together. Only I was out there alone⁠—”

“No. You can’t take the fall for this,” she protested.

His smile was a cold, sharp slash in his handsome face. “I won’t. We will provide security logs, thanks to the system showing when we went out and when each of us returned. Plus, the camera feeds show both of us and match the security logs. They won’t succeed in pinning this on you today. It’s just going to be unpleasant until the tide turns on them.”

“Okay.” She met his gaze and realized this was likely connected to what he couldn’t talk about before. “I trust you.” He’d never let her down. Not once since the day they’d met. “I’d be lost trying to figure out this mess without you.”

This mess, life, or most anything else. Brayden made everything easier.

“You’ll never be without me.”

It sounded suspiciously like a vow. “Thanks,” she whispered, overcome. “I’d still like to move the stuff.”

He gave a raspy laugh, his fingers gently massaging her shoulders. “If we’re caught moving stolen property, we play right into their hands. If we’re stopped by law enforcement with fifty thousand dollars of stolen construction components, we’re both done. And if we just hide them elsewhere on the property, they’ll be found eventually. Your job when they arrive is to be polite. That’s it. You had nothing to do with it and that will be clear soon enough. Stay tough.”

She nodded as his phone chimed with a security system alert. “You’ll give me the whole story when you can?”

“Absolutely.” Another slow, dangerous smile spread across Brayden’s face. A predator watching his prey step directly into the trap.

The normal quiet serenity of the Hideaway seemed ominous, now that she realized it was about to be used against her. She had one job, to be polite. She could manage that, especially with Brayden at her side.

She watched with him as two police cars arrived. One blocked in Brayden’s truck, the other stayed out front on the street. Both cars had their emergency lights swirling, but the sirens were off. Thankfully.

A third car, black and glossy, parked across the street. She had the sinking feeling the folks in that car were watching and waiting for her imminent demise. She probably should’ve called to warn her sisters about the rumors about to burn up the local gossip grapevine.

Brayden’s razor-sharp smile vanished. He might be in civilian clothing, but his posture radiated defensive mode. He pulled her up off the counter stool. “Here we go. They think they’ve caught us completely off guard.”

“Be polite,” Veronica murmured to herself, her heart hammering against her ribs. Brayden kept her panic at bay, made it easier to tap into her cool resolve. She was Veronica Hargrave. She was a professional, a business owner, the perpetual peacekeeper, and she wouldn’t let these developers tear her down.

“You’re innocent,” Brayden said. “Remember that. Nothing behind the search warrant is true. It’s just the way they spun the story for a judge.” He leaned down, pressing a quick, fierce kiss to her lips. “You are shocked, you are cooperative, and you are deeply offended. Let them search. Encourage it. I’ll stand by as your security consultant to ensure they stick strictly to the parameters of the warrant. Trust me, Roni.”

“I trust you,” she repeated, feeling stronger by the moment. “Just one thing. If this goes south⁠—”

“It won’t.”

“If we hit a snag or delay, make sure my local clients get notified and cared for.”

His gaze went soft. “You… Roni.” His voice went low and tender. “Yes, I’ll make sure.”

Outside, an eruption of slamming vehicle doors gave way to a chorus of official voices approaching the front door.

Veronica waited for the firm knock and opened the door, Brayden tall and towering behind her. Brookwell Island Police Chief Caldwell met her gaze without his usual smile. Over his shoulder, Roni saw that another vehicle had joined the party, this one with the county sheriff’s logo.

“Veronica Hargrave,” the chief began, “Due to a credible report, we have a warrant to search a building on your property for high-value, stolen goods.” He cleared his throat. “Apologies for the early hour,” he added under his breath.

The others behind him were Brookwell police officers Lieutenant Frasier and Sergeant Maggie Kinney, along with a sheriff’s deputy and a man in an expensive suit with shoes that wouldn’t stand much of a chance near her garden shed.

“Which building?” she queried, though there was only one to consider.

He produced the warrant and tapped the paper. “Garden shed.”

“I don’t know anything about stolen goods of any value,” she said. “But go ahead and do what you must.”

“Thank you for cooperating,” Caldwell murmured for her ears alone as they all processed through the front yard toward the back of the house. He jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “You know Frasier and Kinney. Deputy Morton is joining us as well.”

Yes, she knew Frasier and Kinney. They were casual friends. First responders the community relied on. Deputy Morton didn’t look thrilled to be part of whatever this was. She was tempted to comment on the silent construction site and decided to just keep her mouth shut. Brayden had advised her to be polite. Better to heed the instruction than court disaster.

It wasn’t until they were gathered in front of the shed that Roni recognized the man in the expertly tailored gray suit. Silas Vanbeck, the lead corporate counsel for the Indigo Reef Development Group.

“Stand back, please,” Deputy Morton said. He and Lieutenant Frasier walked the perimeter of the shed, their voices low as they searched. “Is this your camera, Ver—Ms. Hargrave?”

Brayden walked with her to look. “Yes,” she confirmed. “We increased our security measures recently.”

“That’s aimed at private property,” Vanbeck snapped.

Veronica nearly rounded on the man, but Brayden stilled her with a subtle touch at her back. She subsided, pulling herself into perfect posture. “It’s actually aimed into the trees which are part of our property. A shame we felt the need to install it to prevent any issues with trespassers.” She’d never been more grateful that she and her sisters had been documenting every instance of annoyance and encroachment from the developers.

She caught Kinney’s eyebrows lifting over her sunglasses.

“We’ll need any footage from this camera,” Caldwell said.

“Of course,” Brayden replied. “As head of security for the Hargrave Hideaway, I can get that over to you right away.”

Vanbeck muttered into his phone. Leaving himself a note to examine the provided video for any alterations, missing time, or other anomalies. It was all Roni could do to keep quiet.

Deputy Morton examined the door and then asked both Roni and Brayden if there was anything inside that might hurt them.

“No, sir,” Roni said. “It’s outdoor storage as you can see, so I can’t vouch for any wildlife, but we do our best to keep things clean and organized in there.”

“Can I ask what prompted this search?” she asked the chief.

Vanbeck intervened with a smug, patronizing smile. “We have a sworn statement from a witness who saw you steal a major cache of ECMs from the construction site last night. As lead counsel for the developers, who are now clearly unable to stay on schedule, I felt a responsibility to be present.”

“Quiet, Mr. Vanbeck,” the chief scolded. “You’re representing a private corporation and you’re here as a courtesy. I can revoke the privilege at any time.”

Brayden shifted, putting himself between the attorney and Veronica. He moved with such an intense, lethal confidence that Vanbeck instinctively took a step back. “I’m aware of our rights,” he said. “You have no legal standing to participate in a search. You’re standing on private property at the owner’s discretion, but I assure you, if you set one foot past that threshold, I will have you arrested for criminal trespass.”

“Careful, Mr. Leggett,” Sergeant Kinney warned. “Mind your manners, Mr. Vanbeck.”

Brayden jerked his chin in the affirmative while Vanbeck’s face turned red.

“I hope whoever gave you this sworn statement is prepared for a massive civil lawsuit for defamation,” she grumbled.

Morton led the way into the shed and Veronica gripped Brayden’s hand, not caring much about public opinion right now. She needed the comfort, and the reminder not to blow her top.

“What’s that statement say?” Morton called out.

Caldwell flipped a page on the paperwork. “Says she dragged an industrial crate here to the shed. Came out without it.” He gave the size and description of the crate.

They listened as the deputy shifted things around. “Got it.”

Veronica turned her gaze to the ocean, her heart in her throat despite Brayden’s reassurances. Beside her, Brayden might as well have been turned to stone, his focus on the attorney.

“Crate is documented. Location matches statement. Ready to open,” Morton said.

She heard more movement and some clicks that were probably latches flipping open. Then nothing more than a long silence.

“What is this, Vanbeck?” Deputy Morton bellowed as he walked back into the morning light. He held up an evidence bag full of small hardware. Nuts, bolts, washers, and more, from shiny and new to used and rusty.

Veronica didn’t dare look at Brayden. Items like that were exactly what her sister Natalie collected for her various mixed media sculptures and design.

“No sign of the high value goods you claim have been stolen.”

“We have a witness.”

Morton stepped forward. “And you will present your witness for another interview. Immediately.”

“Of course,” Vanbeck agreed absently. “Where are the ECMs? Those modules are essential for our business here.”

The deputy shook the bag. “No idea. There’s no tech here. Just a crate full of junk.”

“No. That’s impossible!” The attorney broke Brayden’s rule and stormed into the shed to look for himself. “It was... it was supposed to be⁠—”

“Supposed to be what, Mr. Vanbeck?” Veronica asked, her temper barely restrained. She didn’t know how Brayden had pulled this off, but she was forever grateful.

He touched her back now, reminding her to stand down. Losing it now could trash his plan.

“You seem remarkably well-informed about what was supposed to be in a private garden shed,” Caldwell observed. “We should discuss that.”

“No,” Vanbeck exited the shed, face pale and brow furrowed in confusion. “My information came solely from the statement.” His bravado and composure completely disintegrated. “I... I only meant the tipster was very specific⁠—”

“The tipster was a liar,” Deputy Morton grumbled. He went back into the shed and dragged out the crate, a cloud of dust trailing him. He glared at Vanbeck. “This is a waste of time, and county resources. There are no high-value stolen goods here.”

“But they must have moved it!” Vanbeck accused. His gaze landed on Brayden. “The security consultant did this. He must’ve found the goods and moved them. Search his car! Search the house!”

“The warrant is specific to the garden shed based on your witness statement, Mr. Vanbeck,” Caldwell said.

“I suggest you leave now before you make things worse for yourself and your client.” Brayden’s small shift underscored the quiet promise of violence in his voice. “Probably best to throw your weight around and pull any string you can find for some new ECMs. I hear those can take over a week to be replaced. That’ll really impede your construction milestones,” Brayden said.

Caldwell seemed to choke and cough before he turned to Veronica. “I guess you’ll get a break from the racket.”

“You won’t hear me complain about that.”

Furious, Vanbeck stormed off. Brayden pulled out his phone, using the app to be sure the man stayed well away from the house.

Deputy Morton tapped his hat to Veronica. “Our apologies for the disruption, Ms. Hargrave. Thank you for your cooperation. Have a good day.”

“Thank you.” Roni was relieved and grateful he’d handled things with such a calm professionalism.

“We’ll send over a copy of our official report,” Caldwell said. “If you choose to file a formal complaint regarding harassment, my office will accept the paperwork.”

“Thank you, Chief.” Veronica slid a glance toward Brayden. “I think we’ll do that.”

Within minutes, they were alone, the extra cars gone and the street still once more. With the construction site shut down, she could hear the nearby drumming of the ocean again. She turned to Brayden, the adrenaline still pumping through her veins. “You did it. Thank you.”

“We did it,” he murmured to the top of her head. “And they can’t even start up their equipment,” he chuckled. “Talk about a stunt backfiring.” He pulled her into his arms, lifting her off the ground as he kissed her—the triumph pulsing through her.

“We’ve won this round, Roni,” he continued, setting her on her feet once more. “And we need to enjoy it even as we prepare for their next move. Vanbeck’s reaction tells me they’re desperate. I’d like to know why. We’ll track down where those planted ECMs actually came from.” He slipped his arm around her as they walked around the back of the house. “Desperation can lead to dangerous decisions. We need to be ready.”

She had no idea what ready looked like, but she’d follow his lead. “In the meantime, let’s have breakfast before my first client. We can even make extra for whoever will be covering the house.”

Brayden agreed with a chuckle. “Jess told me it’ll be Trent.”

“That makes it easy,” she smiled, feeling so much happier than an hour ago. “Thanks to Natalie, he’s family now. I’ll put some oatmeal raisin cookies in the oven while we eat.”

CHAPTER 7

Brayden leaned back against an old, moss-draped live oak tree in the side yard of Monroe’s B&B on Bay Street. His cell phone in hand, he occasionally shifted to send a text message. To anyone passing by, he looked like one more relaxed tourist enjoying the shade.

In reality, his attention was divided between the physical therapy session taking place on the back porch and the general hum of activity around the house. Unlike the Hideaway, Monroe’s ran a true B&B experience, renting individual rooms, offering a fully prepared breakfast, and serving light refreshments in the evening. Someone was always on standby, much like a concierge, making sure guests had what they needed for an ideal stay.

Also, unlike the Hideaway, this B&B was in the heart of Brookwell, in the height of tourist season. The steady traffic blended with voices as people moved between the local shops and the beach. The expected noise was comforting and a big improvement over the construction annoyances he’d been coping with since his arrival.

Twenty feet away, Veronica worked with Abigail, fulfilling her commitment to keep the older woman on schedule with her post-op rehab. Roni’s voice was calm and light, her directions precise, as she guided Abigail through a slow, controlled external arm rotation. She had her hair pulled up into a clip, revealing the long line of her neck. The navy-blue cropped pants hugged her toned legs as she moved, and the loose striped top flowed easily as she demonstrated, supported, and corrected her client.

She looked professional, cool, and utterly in control. As if the wild incident earlier hadn’t happened at all.

Brayden suspected he was the only one who could see the telltale signs of stress under her smile and the rigid set of her shoulders—as if her typically perfect posture was trying too hard.

He noticed the clench of her jaw every time a passing car slowed down for the stop sign at Bay and Central. The events of the morning—the inundation of law enforcement, the search warrant, and the smug arrogance of Silas Vanbeck—had left their mark. Veronica wouldn’t crack in front of a client, but he could see her usually unflappable poise fraying at the edges.

“Keep your breathing steady,” Veronica reminded her client. “Relax and let the motion be natural. No forcing it.”

“I’m trying.” Abigail lowered her arm and sighed through a wry smile. “Patience is hard, even at my age.” She paused for a drink of water. “Are you all right? We heard there was some nonsense and commotion at the Hideaway this morning.”

Brayden didn’t move, but he was listening. The news about the search warrant had traveled fast, though he hadn’t expected B&B guests to have heard. On the drive over, they’d stopped for gas and the cashier had quizzed Roni about the multiple cars from the police department and sheriff’s office. Worse, somehow he’d heard about the reportedly stolen goods.

He assumed Vanbeck had leaked the story to erode the Hargrave credibility. It had been satisfying to disabuse the cashier of any wrongdoing, though clearly, it would be an uphill battle against the island rumor mill.

“Can’t beat a small town for a good line on juicy news,” Roni replied. “Nothing to worry about.” She sipped from her own water bottle. “A misunderstanding at best. I really can’t say more than that.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it.”

“Thank you. Let’s just focus on getting that shoulder healed up. One more set.”

How she summoned that friendly, sincere smile was a marvel. Brayden shifted his focus as his phone vibrated in his plan. The caller ID showed a Guardian Agency headquarters line.

“Leggett,” he murmured, keeping his voice low so he wouldn’t disturb Roni or her client.

“Morning, man. You ready for the rundown on those ECM serial numbers?” Connor, his research assistant on this case, had been tracking the details on those units since Brayden found them. The man was a tech savant who could dig up a paper trail through a brick wall and, having been trained by Claudia, the original best in class researcher, he was virtually unstoppable.

After Brayden had documented and removed the ECMs with Gamble recording the process via video call, Jess had taken the items to a safe deposit box for security. Gamble was handling the legalities, treating the situation as a recovery rather than a movement of stolen goods. The finer legal points weren’t Brayden’s priority. He trusted his bosses to keep him on the right side of the law during his assignments.

“Give me some good intel,” Brayden said. Preferably something he could use to make Vanbeck squirm even more.

“Those ECM computer units you recovered were never installed in the machinery next door,” Connor revealed, a note of triumphant satisfaction in his tone. “I tracked the manufacturer shipment records. Those specific serial numbers belong to a batch of backup replacement parts purchased three weeks ago. Legally bought and paid for by Deepsouth Excavation, LLC.”

Brayden smothered an oath. His gaze tracked the lovely landscaping and blooming flowers in the yard, but he was seeing that construction site. How long would they pretend they’d been shut down? “Let me guess. Deepsouth Excavation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indigo Reef.”

“Nailed it,” Connor said. “Financials show no records of actual work completed, just a trail of expensive equipment bought and sold. Indigo Reef bought those units, kept them in storage, and then reported them stolen last night. It’s a total fabrication. They bricked their own machinery, pulling the working ECMs to make the theft report look credible, while planting the backup inventory in the Hideaway shed.”

“A lot of effort and expense just to frame Veronica,” Brayden whispered as a cold, dangerous fury settled into his chest. “Granted, I’m sure they don’t care which sister takes the fall. Any idea why they’re desperate enough to burn tens of thousands of dollars forcing them out?”

“Not to mention the formal complaints of industrial sabotage,” Connor continued. “Until the authorities can pull back the veil on the bogus witness statement, the police department is under massive pressure from Indigo Reef’s legal team to provide protection at the site. Vanbeck is claiming the Hargrave sisters are an ongoing threat to their business interests.”

Brayden managed to keep his thoughts on Vanbeck’s fate to himself. The last thing they needed was an overheard death threat floating around. “So the site is locked down,” Brayden noted. “How long?”

“Unknown.” Connor was quiet for a moment, probably searching his online sources. “Lead time on ECM replacements vary. They can’t legally run a single engine next door without admitting the stolen units were a scam. Best guess is it’ll be a couple of days before anyone would believe they received new units. And that’s pushing it. “

A slow, razor-sharp smile spread across Brayden’s face. “A double-edged sword. They wanted to frame Roni, but now they’ve legally cornered themselves into a complete work stoppage.”

“Exactly.” Connor chuckled. “Watch your back, Brayden. Vanbeck is furious. He’s got to know it wasn’t Veronica who swapped out the contents of that crate. He’ll be looking for a way to make you pay for the embarrassment today.”

“Let him look,” Brayden said. “I’ve got plenty of friends in high and low places. Y’know, it might be worth it to send a drone over the site, just for kicks.”

“Be careful,” Connor said, ending the call.

Brayden slid the phone back into his pocket as Veronica wrapped up her session with Abigail. She gently massaged a cold pack around the woman’s shoulder, her movements methodical and caring. According to the protocol she’d shared on the way over, this marked the last ten minutes of the appointment.

“Thank you, Veronica.” Abigail patted her hand. “I’m sure my physical therapist at home will be thrilled by the progress. And you’ve taken such care to keep our vacation on track. I meant it when I said I wanted to come back to the Hideaway once the development is done.”

“I’ll look forward to hosting you,” Roni said. “Do you have anything fun planned for tomorrow night?”

“Not that I’m aware of.” Abigail grinned. “You have a suggestion?”

“Well, the Hideaway is hosting the local dance club. After work hours, so the construction site will be quiet. They’re teaching a shag class on the beach. Free admission. The classic, relaxed moves won’t strain your shoulder at all. The event starts at seven with light refreshments available. It’s not the same as having the place to yourselves, but you would be able to enjoy the beach.”

“That sounds like fun. Can the grandkids come along?”

“Of course,” Roni replied. “I hope to see you there.” With a wave, she walked over to join Brayden and they headed out to his truck. The moment they were out of sight, her professional composure completely crumbled. Her shoulders slumped, and she pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes, taking a ragged, trembling breath.

Brayden curled his arm around her. “You’re doing great,” he crooned at her ear. “Hang in there.”

Straightening, she gave him a grateful smile. “She’d heard about the warrant this morning. It makes me want to choke Vanbeck for spreading his lies. You know he did it.”

“Not arguing.”

“Even though we’re in the right, there will be some damage. I’m not sure how much the community events will save our business reputation. Maybe not at all.”

Heedless of who might be watching, he gathered her close to his chest. She let out a soft, shuddering sigh, burying her face in his neck, her hands gripping his shoulders as if he were the only lifeline in her world.

“We’ll get through it,” he soothed.

“I want to believe you,” she whispered, her voice thick with unshed tears. “But we look like the bad guys, especially after that feel-good article on Indigo Reef.”

“The truth will come out,” he reminded her. “Sooner rather than later. I’m sure of that.”

“I hope so. I overheard Betty Jo’s staff talking in the hallway. They think Natalie and Celeste and I are sabotaging the developers because we can’t compete. Rumors like that could destroy everything we’ve built.”

“Shh,” Brayden murmured, his hand gliding up and down her back. “Those rumors aren’t anything of substance.” He scrambled for the right words. “It’s nothing more than a thin fog, easily burned away with the smallest ray of sunshine. People here know you and your sisters have integrity. They know y’all care about this town as much as your personal business interests. Never once have any of you been selfish.” His fingers gently tangled in her blonde hair. He held her tight, willing his confidence into her. “Come on, now. Take a breath.”

She pulled back slightly, her blue eyes wide, vulnerable. “You’re right. It’s just a moment.”

“One you’re entitled to,” Brayden said. “But remember, whatever the rumors, the developers didn’t win. They’re stuck in a mess of their own design.”

Veronica blinked, a tear spilling over her lashes. “You’re right.”

Brayden gently wiped the tear from her cheek before giving her a sweet kiss. “Let’s focus on enjoying the quiet at the Hideaway while the research team digs up the evidence you need to shut them down for good.”

“You think that’s possible?”

He nodded. “I absolutely do. It will probably take some time, but this gaffe will cost them. Time, construction costs, plus money and more time in court when their fake witness and the fraud come to light.”

“Good. The sooner the better.”

He couldn’t agree more.

A watery laugh suddenly escaped Veronica’s lips, her grip on his arms tightening. “They’re shut down and we’re not enjoying the silence nearly enough. We need to make the most of it.”

Smiling, he opened the door and she hopped in. She caught his shoulders, indulging in a lingering kiss. “One more client. I hope you don’t have other plans for this afternoon.”

“I’m all yours,” he replied. And his brain was a storm of ideas for ways to enjoy several hours alone with Roni on that private beach.

“You’re incredible,” she said when he slid into the driver’s seat. “I’m so glad you’re helping me through this mess.”

“I told you,” he whispered, reaching out to hold her hand. “You’ll never be without me. Now, let’s get you some lunch so you can go into your next appointment feeling strong.”

CHAPTER 8

It turned out Roni’s second client wasn’t her last appointment of the day. After half a day of fielding questions from neighbors and friends, Celeste and Natalie had scheduled an interview with Holly Brooks, editor of the Brookwell Bugle, to set the record straight. They’d left text messages with both Roni and Brayden to meet them as soon as possible.

Instead of spending the afternoon on her quiet private beach with Brayden, Roni found herself in the Bugle office, hoping this would be quick and painless. Located in an historic brick storefront a couple blocks off Central Avenue, the front office was modern on the inside. There was a cozy seating area in the window, two large desks set further back, and a conference table in the back corner. The walls were decorated with articles and photos, past to present.

An oddly comforting blend of stale coffee, old paper, and freshly printed newsprint drifted through the air. Roni had come inside on a few occasions, mainly with a short blurb for a summer class or ad copy for events at the Hideaway. Quick, no-stress visits.

Unlike today. Despite being flanked by her sisters and Brayden, she was a ball of nerves as they waited. What did Holly know? What did she think? And how would those factors translate into any article she might decide to write?

As a journalist, Holly was a stickler for facts and transparency. She was passionate about the community and residents, persistent in her efforts to highlight everything that made Brookwell Island special.

Holly came out of the back room, a bright smile on her face, her laptop tucked under one arm. “Hey, y’all. Come on back.” She waved them over to the conference table. “Anyone need refreshment? We keep the fridge stocked with water and soft drinks. Or help yourself to coffee or tea.” She tipped her head toward a beverage bar stocked with a single-cup coffee maker, drink cooler, and hot water spigot.

“This is new,” Celeste observed. “Nice.”

“Right? Vince and I were so excited about the upgrade,” Holly gushed. “Friends of mine helped build it, offsetting the labor cost. The rest came out of our operating budget.”

Of course, Holly would volunteer those details, Roni thought, hiding her smile.

When they were all seated, Brayden stepped back, taking up a watchful position near the door.

Roni popped up. “One second.” She darted after him. “You can stay.” She wanted him close.

“My job is protection.” His smile was so kind and tender and she knew Natalie clocked it.

“But—”

“You’ve got this,” he said, his voice low. “You know the facts, though you can’t spill everything on the record yet.”

“That’s just it. I need you over there where you can stop me,” she pleaded. Her frustration was still too close to the surface. If challenged, she was likely to say too much. She watched him reconsider. “Please.”

“All right.” He looked up. “Mind if I lock this front door, Holly?”

The reporter frowned, considering. “No. I guess not.”

“Great.” He walked back to the conference table, taking a chair at the end of the table, giving him the best view of the entire space.

Roni grabbed a bottle of sparkling water and chose the seat between Natalie and Brayden, quickly tucking her shaking hands under the table.

Nat elbowed her immediately. “No romance my butt,” she whispered. “About time.”

Roni glared at her little sister, for all the good it did.

“Thanks for seeing us on such short notice, Holly,” Celeste began. With her perfect posture and calm voice, she was embracing every ounce of her first-daughter energy. “The rumors were taking on a life of their own today.”

“Of course,” Holly said. “Y’all have been an integral part of the community for a long time. As hospitality goes, you’ve been a fabulous example of what it means to do business here. I appreciate that more than you know.”

“And yet you ran that splash piece on Indigo Reef.” Roni immediately held up her hands, as her sisters glared at her. “Sorry. I know that’s your job.”

“It is. They’re suggesting the development will attract more high-value tourists,” Holly explained. “Long before this morning’s events, I planned to get your comments. I’ve heard the construction work has been rough on your business.”

Roni managed to keep her mouth shut this time as Celeste replied, “We’ve had to adjust a few bookings to create a better experience for our guests. And yes, we’ve put new bookings on hold. I’m excited to share our alternative plans.”

Holly pulled out a voice recorder and set it in the middle of the table. “Do you mind?”

Her sisters immediately agreed, but Roni silently checked with Brayden first. At his nearly imperceptible nod, she gave her consent as well. This time, everyone noticed her checking with him.

Couldn’t be helped. She didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize the little bit of momentum they’d gained this morning.

“Great.” Holly pressed the red button to start the recording. After giving the date, time, location, and names of everyone present, she continued. “I’ll start by saying I was out at the Hideaway this morning. We keep a police scanner in the back,” Holly explained. “No one from law enforcement gave me much, other than the warrant to search a shed for stolen property. Public record.”

Celeste’s smile was the one Roni knew masked sharp daggers. “I’m sure the public record shows that no stolen goods were found.”

“Only a bunch of my supplies,” Nat volunteered.

“We’re just waiting for any comment or confirmation from Chief Caldwell,” Holly confirmed.

“Do you have any idea how today’s issue got so blown out of proportion?” Celeste queried.

Roni muttered, “Vanbeck.”

Celeste stared at her. “I didn’t realize he was in town.”

“You know him?”

“Only because his name is listed as lead counsel on the website and all the paperwork they’ve thrown at us.”

“That’s right,” Holly interjected, taking control of the interview again. “And, off the record, I’m sure Veronica is right. He strikes me as capable of a stunt like that.”

Roni hoped that meant Holly was somewhat sympathetic to the situation.

“What kind of paperwork has he thrown at you?” the reporter asked Celeste.

“A mess of nonsense,” Natalie answered, her voice tight. “They’re trying to force us out.”

“Let’s start with the positives,” Celeste intervened smoothly. She shot Natalie a warning look before reaching into her bag for a manilla folder. “We want to make sure the town knows the Hideaway is thriving.” She nudged the folder toward Holly. “We might not be the most pleasant place to host tourists right now, but we are launching a series of community-centered events during the evenings, after construction wraps up. Tomorrow night at seven, we’re hosting a free sunset shag dance class on our beach for the local dance club. We’re also coordinating a sunset ‘paint-and-sip’ with Sharon Trumble next week.”

“Wow. That’s a coup.” Holly smiled, her pen flying across a yellow legal pad. “Sharon’s name alone will draw a crowd. The town loves her. And a beach event is a great way to remind everyone why the Hideaway’s private shoreline is so special.” She paused, her expression turning serious as she looked at Veronica. “But y’all want to clear up this report of stolen equipment, right?”

“Yes, please.” Roni took a slow, steady breath. She needed to follow Celeste’s example and stay calm. “As you saw, the police department and a sheriff’s deputy visited the Hideaway this morning. Brayden and I were there and we cooperated fully.” She exchanged another look with Brayden. “It’s my understanding the warrant was issued because an eye witness saw someone moving valuable electronics from the construction site to our shed. Law enforcement executed the search and found nothing other than our belongings. Based on the conversation at the time, I was of the impression Deputy Morton plans to interview Silas Vanbeck and the witness.”

Holly’s eyebrows shot up. “The tip-off was false?”

“I can’t speak to the witness statement or what prompted that. But any claims that I was on Indigo Reef property or that any of us interfered with their operation are incorrect.” Roni stopped herself before she got carried away with opinions and speculation.

“But there’s been no activity at the construction site today,” Holly pushed. “Do you know why they’ve stopped working?”

Roni turned to Brayden and he leaned forward. “Off the record?”

“Okay.” Holly put her pen down and turned off the recorder. “You have my word.”

“Indigo Reef claimed the Electronic Control Modules—the computer brains—had been stolen directly out of their heavy machinery to interfere with their progress and stop the noise,” he said. “We had nothing to do with any kind of theft. Chief Caldwell and Deputy Morton thanked us for our time and cooperation. We’re all here, basically victims of a misunderstanding,” he finished with a relaxed smile.

Roni wanted to stand up and cheer.

“You’re implying that they bricked their own multi-million-dollar site to stage a grand theft frame-job against the Hargraves?”

“Yes,” Brayden replied, his voice low. “That is my theory and not an official statement. And having sworn to a judge that their site is disabled without those computer modules, they can’t run a single machine next door without exposing their lie.”

“Desperation,” Holly murmured, shaking her head. “That is a high-stakes gamble for a real estate group. Not solid proof, but it would seem they’re actively trying to destroy your credibility so you’ll accept a buyout.”

Roni nodded along with her sisters. “But we aren’t selling,” Celeste stated. “You can put that on the record.”

Holly gave her a tight smile. “One more question for Brayden. Can you tell me why the Guardian Agency is involved?”

“In order of importance, because I’m Roni’s best friend, there have been instances of harassment prior to today, and we’re happy to have an excellent location for ongoing education and training purposes. That contract helps the Hargraves and helps our team. Our regional coordinator set that up. Jess Billings.”

“I have her information.” With a glance around the table, Holly turned the recorder back on. “I’ll definitely highlight the events you have coming up. If possible, it would be wonderful to have the inside track on any further issues out there.”

“I’ll do my best,” Brayden said.

“Celeste,” Holly turned, smiled. “When the construction is done, do you think the new condos will affect your business?”

“Not at all.” Celeste crossed her legs, the picture of ease. “We offer different hospitality experiences. We all agree there’s plenty of tourism to go around.”

Roni was impressed by her sister’s composure.

“By different, are you referring to the Hideaway’s private beach?”

Nat snorted, Roni elbowed her, and Celeste kept her focus on Holly. “That’s one aspect, of course. We’re confident that when construction is finished, the noise will be inconsequential again, thanks to the protected maritime forest.”

Roni approved of Celeste’s careful choice of words. That forest was federally protected and more than anything else, gave her confidence that Indigo Reef would be forced to back down. Eventually.

Once again, Holly turned off the recorder. Resuming her seat, she gave a long sigh and lifted a troubled gaze to each of them in turn. “There’s another reason I’m glad we’re talking today.” She walked over to her desk and picked up a long document tube leaning against the wall. She returned to the table and opened it, unrolling the contents. “Have a look.”

Veronica stood up for a better look, scanning the blue and white lines and notations on the document. “Is that a plat map?”

“It’s the official county plat map for the Hideaway and adjacent properties.” Holly tapped her finger against the boundary line between the Hideaway and the Indigo Reef site. “I pulled this from the county registry office this morning after the commotion with the warrant.” She glanced up. “I’m not oblivious to the tactics Indigo Reef has been using to drive off your guests.” She straightened, grinning. “In fact, the Devaney family has been especially effusive about praising the three of you for being so professional. The Monroes as well.”

Roni appreciated that Holly was being fair in her research of the story, but the map concerned her. “This can’t be right. Celeste, look at this. This puts the entire maritime forest and about half of our private beach and dunes inside Indigo Reef’s property line.”

“No way,” Natalie gasped, pushing out of her chair for a closer look. “That’s bogus! If anything, that forest is an easement. Protected land.”

“Protected land, yes, but inside Indigo Reef’s control. I asked all the questions I could,” Holly continued. “This map was filed and recorded with the county land registry three weeks ago. It was pushed through and they’ve filed an application for an easement allowing beach access. Effectively Indigo Reef has a thirty-foot right-of-way directly to your high-water mark.”

Veronica felt the blood drain from her face, a cold, sickening dread wrapping around her ribs. She sank back in the chair. “How is that possible? Our parents bought this property with clear, deeded beach access. It was the sole reason they chose this lot on Brookwell over other options. That’s been falsified.”

“You may be right,” Holly said. “This plat map and the easement application were signed off and approved by an assistant registrar who moved away last week. At first glance, it smells like corporate bribery, but on paper, this is the active, legal map of record. If challenged, Indigo Reef’s lawyers can use this document to argue that you are trespassing on their deeded beach access.”

“They forged a paper trail,” Celeste snarled. “There must be a way to prove it.”

Roni looked to Brayden for any kind of support, but he was on his phone, texting furiously. He leaned over and took a few photos of the map, and sent those as well. “Getting research to dig into it,” he said. “They’re a step ahead again. Using a corrupt county official to steal your land before we can prove their fraud.”

Hearing the banked temper in his voice made her feel better. He wasn’t unmoved. Neither was he defeated.

“How do we counter this?” Celeste’s cool composure finally cracked. Roni saw tears in her sister’s eyes. “Our copy of the original deed is locked in the family deposit box, but it’s a standard property description. It doesn’t have the historic ‘in perpetuity’ beach access rules and easements our parents always raved about.”

Veronica stared at the map, her mind racing. A memory—vague but persistent—flashed in her mind. Her father, sitting at the old roll-top desk in the library at home, carefully rolling up a thick, yellowed piece of parchment bound with a faded red ribbon.

He knows where the original, historic plat map is. The potential conflict was a band squeezing her chest. Talking to their dad would piss off her sisters. But they needed information he surely had.

Of course, that assumed he’d answer her in a timely manner.

The others talked while she debated. She could push. She would push. He had to remember what the house meant to him and the entire family from those first days. Grief was a funny thing, but he couldn’t possibly have forgotten those early years where they’d relaxed and played and fished and tried to surf. Everything about the original house was light and love and hope and joy.

If anyone had the documentation to clear up this fraud, it was their dad. And down deep, despite his persistent evasion, he loved them all. He wouldn’t want them to lose this connection to their mother.

She watched Celeste and Natalie. Their faces were set in hard, stubborn lines as they brainstormed with Holly to find the best way forward. She couldn’t mention her plan here without triggering another emotional battle. But she also knew their father was the best, immediate resource to save their home and their business.

Roni stood again. “We have to find the original land grant documents,” she said, keeping her voice even. “The ones from before the county registry was even digitized.”

“If those historical documents exist, they would trump a modern zoning amendment,” Holly agreed, rolling the map back up. “I’ll check the archives here, just in case. Finding them in the county archives could take months.”

After this morning’s stunt, she wasn’t sure they had weeks.

“We’ll find them,” Brayden promised, his hand coming to rest gently at Roni’s lower back, a silent, reassuring anchor of support.

As they filed out of the office into the bright afternoon sun, the salt air held the sting of an impending storm. The dark clouds on the horizon, hemming in the island, were a perfect reflection of the vise tightening around her heart and home.

Once they reached the truck, Roni clutched her phone in her pocket, her pulse thundering in her ears as she debated the best words to cut through her father’s apathy. She needed a response, a solution, and there was no time to waste.

CHAPTER 9

Brayden had received text updates from Trent confirming there hadn’t been any issues while they’d been gone. Still, when they arrived, he checked the Hideaway security system through his cell phone app before he let Roni out of the truck. She’d been silent for the entire drive. The only exception was when he’d suggested she invite her sisters over to talk. That had been met with a resounding no.

One word as a response wasn’t the norm for her. One word over the course of fifteen minutes had him worried.

Now, the quiet construction site wasn’t nearly as much of a relief as it had been hours ago. Their plans for an easy and fun afternoon, summarily revoked. Despite the fresh air gusting periodically, he felt uptight and uneasy. And a little too helpless. It was as if Roni was simply waiting for the sword to fall, severing this dream and her ties to the home she loved.

He’d expected her to grill him about changing out the planted ECMs for materials that Natalie might use. Now that he’d pulled it off—with support from the Guardian Agency—and he could talk about it, he wanted to tell her everything. If only so she could laugh over the whole story with him. It hadn’t been the easiest thing to make the swap, but it would go down as one of the more entertaining days of his career.

Another big wind gust carrying the scent of rain shoved at him as he paced the deck. He heard voices too. Someone was at the construction site, probably replacing the original ECM’s they’d pulled. He wouldn’t be surprised if they claimed some overnight shipping miracle and started up first thing tomorrow.

He cringed, anticipating Roni’s reaction. There had to be a way to help her. She was retreating. Gathering her defenses. And he suspected she was preparing to reach out to her dad—going hard against her sisters’ wishes.

He couldn’t blame her, but neither would he sit back while she stressed out. He called Connor, hoping for some news. “You get anything?” he asked as soon as he heard the click of the research assistant picking up.

“I’m looking at the photo of the plat map you just sent over,” Connor replied. He sounded wired and completely dialed in, based on the rapid-fire tapping of a keyboard clicking in the background.

“You’re not mainlining caffeine, are you?”

“Not today.” Connor’s bark of laughter came and went in a blink. “This slick stunt is impressive. Would be taken at face value, I’m sure,” he said. “And it’s a dirty piece of work. According to the country records system, the digital metadata shows the file was uploaded to the county database from a remote terminal outside the municipal building at two in the morning three weeks ago.”

“What about the assistant registrar who signed off on it?” Brayden asked, keeping his voice low. He continued to scan the tree line of the maritime forest, making sure it was only the wind causing the shadows and movement. “The one Holly said moved away?”

“Lyle Gleason,” Connor grumbled. “Sonya ran his financials for me.”

It took a beat for Brayden to remember Sonya was Connor’s wife and specialized in forensic accounting for the agency.

“Gleason resigned his county post and packed up his house,” Connor was saying. “He bought a fifty-thousand-dollar center-console sportsman boat three days later. Paid with a personal check. His account was a fraction of that on his last day of work. The boat is currently registered at a slip in Key Largo. Following the prior ownership on the boat is a tangled web of shell corporations, but the head of the snake is Deepsouth Excavation.”

Again, with the bogus company. “Which means Indigo Reef bought themselves a county registrar to attempt to annex thirty feet of Hargrave land,” Brayden rumbled, his jaw clenching. “This is criminal, right? Bribery, land fraud, and whatever else goes with falsifying the plat map.”

“You’re exactly right. Gamble is working on the best legal strategy.” Connor sighed. “Proving any of this will take serious time. Weeks, maybe months. If Indigo Reef requests a town council meeting to get approval for the easement, Vanbeck’s legal team will walk in there with their certified document. Under local municipal codes, without a conflicting, legally binding historical survey to challenge it on the spot, the council is obligated to recognize the active record. They’ll have to grant the easement.”

“Even through the protected forest?”

“Odds are good, they’ll ask for access from the Hargrave side, making it look like they care about the environment,” Connor said.

Brayden had never been happier that Roni wasn’t close by. If she heard this conversation, she’d be fuming and stressing out even more.

The line clicked, and a second voice joined the call. “Hello,” Patrick Gamble said. “I wanted to jump in here and give you an idea of what we’re thinking. Officially, Gamble and Swann now represent the Hargraves. Celeste’s signature is on file. Based on the false witness that triggered the warrant and what we know of the wayward ECMs you found, we can file a civil suit for fraud tomorrow morning, but it won’t trigger an automatic stay on the easement if Indigo Reef chooses to push.”

Brayden swore under his breath. “If the council grants that easement, the developers will have trucks rolling before the meeting adjourns.”

“You’re probably right,” Gamble allowed. “The best defense is the original plat map.”

“The Hargraves are looking,” Brayden said, his chest tight. “But they don’t have it. Celeste says the plat map in the safe deposit box only holds the nineties deed description, which lacks the original easement language. The best source is David Hargrave, but he’s notoriously poor about communicating. Maybe you could use your legal influence to encourage a swift reply? I can have Veronica send you his contact information.”

“I’ll do my best,” Gamble promised. “Right now, that piece of history is the best shield the Hargrave sisters have. Keep your eyes open, Leggett.”

“Will do,” Brayden said, swiping the screen to end the call.

He slipped the phone into his back pocket, leaning his broad forearms against the deck railing as he stared out toward the ocean. The normal waves were higher, the whitecaps plentiful as they charged the shore. The wind shifted again, sending a limb rattling blast through the live oaks. Tattered streamers of Spanish moss whipped across the yard with dried leaves and palm fronds. Over the ocean, the horizon was heavy with storm clouds gathering, tumbling layers of gray.

That sky was promising a challenging night ahead.

Which would prove worse, the storm rolling in or the reaction from her sisters if Roni succeeded in contacting their father?

Maybe when it was over, she’d be able to use Gamble’s contact as an excuse they might accept more easily.

All three of the sisters struggled with their father’s abandonment. The man’s occasional interactions with Roni didn’t magically cure everything that was wrong with the relationship.

Brayden scrubbed at his jaw, wishing he could fix it all with a hug and some reassuring words. Given the chance, he’d shelter her from every struggle. He’d carry the whole damn world on his shoulders just to ease her way.

She deserved that. And so much more.

As the first fat drop of rain splattered against the hot wood of the deck, Brayden knew that some battles could only be fought from the inside out. All he could do was stand watch, keep the developers at bay, and be ready to catch her when the real storms in her life finally broke.

CHAPTER 10

The glowing screen of Veronica’s laptop felt like a portal for trouble. Doing the right thing when Celeste and Natalie would be furious was harder than she’d thought. But they needed their dad’s guidance.

As soon as they reached the house, she’d thrown herself into more research. Environmental protections for that forest would hold up if Indigo Reef tried anything. But the threat of steep fines wouldn’t be enough to stop them from doing something stupid and damaging first.

And how long would it take the government agencies to respond anyway?

No, they needed to stop this now. Before the construction crew simply cut a swath through the trees closer to the dunes or came over and paved a section of the Hideaway property to ensure their beach access.

The state and local laws gave her even less reason to hope. The town council could only make decisions based on the evidence presented. They’d approved the development for the Indigo Reef condos. With tourism rising, they’d seen it as a benefit to overall revenue. Without the original, the new plat map would be honored and the beach access easement likely granted.

How could this happen when everyone knew it was wrong?

They’d been residents for nearly two decades. Upstanding members who cared about this community. Good grief, they’d had food for weeks after their mom died with folks constantly coming by, offering sympathy and casseroles.

Popularity and community respect wasn’t going to keep Indigo Reef on their side of that forest.

She closed her eyes, willing her sisters to understand her decision. Someday. To her sisters, their father was little more than an unexpected villain these days. She didn’t blame them. His abandonment stung her too. Losing Mom had been horrible. None of them expected their dad to hand them what felt like another death before they’d had a chance to mourn their mom.

But he was still the man who’d built her first beach fort. He’d gone out early with her to train for her races. He’d baked cookies with Celeste, built sand castles on this very beach with Natalie. His laughter had once been the soundtrack of their lives and his affection for all of them had been a treasure, a foundation to rely on.

Until.

Death changed everyone and everything eventually.

Roni hoped her sisters would forgive her more quickly if their dad replied with the information they needed. Taking her time, she drafted an email and then read it one last time, her pulse thundering in her ears.

Hey Dad,

I know you don’t always check your email, so I’m sending you texts and leaving voice mails too. I respect your request for space. But we’re up against it here on Brookwell. The Hideaway is under attack. A developer named Indigo Reef has bought lots next door and they are trying to push us out. Somehow, they’ve produced a new county plat map that shifts our boundary line thirty feet west, claiming the maritime forest as theirs along with half of our beach.

I remember you talking about “in perpetuity” as part of the deal when you bought this land and the original house. You said it was on the deed and you told us it meant the beach was ours forever, to use and enjoy, but also to take care of.

Dad, I’m trying to do exactly that. We’re all trying to take care of not just our business, but the land we care about.

When I was a kid, I watched you at the roll-top desk in the library, sliding a faded red ribbon around a big yellowed piece of rolled up paper. You said it was the original historic survey. Do you still have it? I’ve looked all through the house here and I can’t find it. And do you have the original architectural stamps from the rebuild? If those historical “in perpetuity” beach access documents exist, they would trump the fake report the developer intends to use against us.

Please, Dad. For Mom’s memory. For all of the memories we shared here, help us out.

Love you, Roni.

Yeah. That was solid.

She clicked Send and hoped like crazy he’d come through for them.

The tension in her shoulders didn’t let up, but as she closed her laptop, she felt a quiet spark of determination. She’d made her best play. She had to believe he would respond, that he’d come through for them before Indigo Reef did something stupid-aggressive and potentially irreversible.

“Roni!” Brayden called to her from the kitchen. “Did you see the weather alert?”

“One second.” She pulled up the report on her phone, trying to read it while she changed out of her work clothes in favor of her cutoff shorts and a tank top. Apparently, what she’d expected to be a typical summer thunderstorm had gained steam.

“We need to get the outdoor cushions in,” she said as she dashed into the kitchen.

“Already done.” Brayden turned from the glass slider where he’d been watching the storm roiling on the horizon. His broad shoulders were silhouetted against a sky growing darker by the second.

“All the lightweight stuff is stashed under the deck.”

“Well, aren’t you the best ever?”

She meant it. He’d always come through for her, rain or shine. Even when he couldn’t be close in person, he’d never let them lose contact. His return to the island had felt like a reunion with a brand-new uncomfortable attraction mixed in. But the fact was, he’d been her rock, her anchor, for over half her life.

The awareness stole her breath. She simultaneously wanted to throw herself at him and run away. A not-so-small part of her heart was ready to tell him she loved him too. She just hadn’t known it. Or been brave enough to face it.

“I am,” he agreed with a sharp, sexy grin. “You saw the upgraded storm warning?”

She nodded, not quite capable of speech yet. Part of her was too consumed with him and the way her feelings were shifting. Fast. Not unlike the storm coming ashore.

Brayden pointed toward the tablet, where the radar was showing the storm’s progress. “They’re calling for gusts over sixty miles per hour and a potential for flash floods. What about the chairs by the fire pit?”

His question yanked her out of her reverie and back into the urgency of the moment. “We stash them in the shed.” Lightning streaked through the clouds, thunder booming almost immediately. She grabbed the keys and shoved her feet into her sneakers. “Let’s go.”

They hurried outside. The leading edge of the rain wasn’t gentle, not in this wind. She would’ve sworn she felt the sting of each drop against her skin. She was soaked in seconds, but they wouldn’t be out here for long. And a hot shower and dry clothes were waiting inside.

“The ocean is in a mood,” she observed. While Brayden locked the shed, she watched the churning, white-capped sea. With everything stirred up, the water looked like boiling metal. The wind was already howling through the oaks while the pine trees swayed and wisps of Spanish moss drifted through the air.

“An understatement.” Brayden looped an arm over her shoulders as they made a dash for the house, going in through the kitchen slider.

Toeing off her soaked shoes, Roni went to the closet and pulled out beach towels for them to dry off. “I really hope this doesn’t wreck our plans for the dance club. Natalie sent me a text that a bunch of folks were excited to come, not to mention Abigail and her family. It would be good for her.”

Brayden frowned at her. “You think the storm will hang around that long?” He blotted his hair with the towel, then peeled off his shirt.

“No, of course not.” She really hoped she wasn’t drooling. But seriously, the man’s chest was a work of art. And he loved her. Had kissed her. He didn’t pressure her for more, leaving it up to her how much she reciprocated and how fast things moved. If they moved at all.

How much time did she need?

It felt as if she’d already lost so much time to her assumption that being more than friends was too much of a leap. Too much risk. Yet here he was, seemingly okay with all of it, exercising incredible patience while she decided how she felt.

“Roni?”

She’d just stopped, sort of frozen in place as her world shifted on its axis. Again. Seriously, how many upheavals did one woman need? She clutched the towel in her hands without using it while her hair and clothing dripped on the floor.

“Hey.” He stepped closer, bringing all that masculine temptation with him. “You okay?”

“Oh, sure.” She thought her face might crack with her sudden smile. “Of course. I… I was thinking about cleanup and contingency plans.” Liar. “Fast, strong storms can leave debris everywhere.” She didn’t mention her concerns about microbursts. Those intense weather pockets could create excessive damage.

With trembling hands, now that the air conditioning had chilled her skin, she dried her hair. No point in focusing on yet another potentially negative outcome. They weren’t planning on hosting inside the house tomorrow. Everything had been slated for an outdoor event. She could shift things around if necessary, but the whole point was to have fun out on the private beach, to remind people that it was there and protected for a reason.

“You’re shaking.” Brayden took the towel and bundled it around her. His fingers brushed her skin and she shivered more. “You’re freezing.”

“Rain and AC will do that.” He was already nudging her along toward the suite. “Why aren’t you affected?”

“Who says I’m not?” His voice had dropped to a low grumble and chased the chill away with a zing of anticipation. He stopped at the bathroom door and gave her a nudge. “Go on and get warmed up.”

“And you?” Should she just invite him to share the hot water? That would be one way to leap over the friendship hurdle and straight into lovers’ territory. Maybe that was exactly what she needed to do. “Bray⁠—”

Suddenly the lights flashed, dimmed, and went out completely. She wasn’t sure what to make of that as a sign for or against her idea to charge headlong into a new phase of being with Brayden.

Silence descended over the entire house. All the usual ambient noises were quiet. The only sounds were the howling wind and rain pelting against the house.

“I’ll go turn on the generator,” Brayden said. “Stay here.” Using the flashlight on his phone, he went for a clean, dry shirt.

“I won’t.” If he could strip, so could she. “You start the generator, I’ll pull the shutter over the slider.” She wiggled out of her tank top and tossed it toward the bathroom. His phone gave off enough light for her to find a warmer t-shirt. And her jacket this time. Not much point in changing her shorts until they were back inside.

When she looked up from zipping her jacket, he was staring at her. Hard. As if seeing her for the first time. Surely, she’d changed shirts in front of him before. Never without a sports bra, though. Was that the issue?

Lightning flashed, followed by a bellow of thunder that shook the windows. They both flinched. “Come on.” She held out her hand. When he took it, she knew the next time they touched, she’d be ready for more. “Let’s do this.”

A slow smile lifted Brayden’s mouth and she followed her intuition. Kissing him, fast and quick, before they stepped into the storm again.

She was wrestling with the latch for the protective door when a deafening, explosive crack rent the air. Lightning strike in the trees. Way too close. Ozone stung the air and she sneezed.

“Brayden!” She spun around, searching through the darkness for a broken tree limb or flames, grateful she didn’t see anything near the house.

A heartbeat later came the crash and shudder of a limb hitting the ground. But it wasn’t as simple as that. There were more sounds in the mix. And a flash of orange sparks arcing up from the construction site.

But it wasn’t the falling limb that made her heart stop.

It was the scream.

CHAPTER 11

Brayden heard Roni’s shout and the scream that followed. He came racing around the house, arms pumping and feet pounding. His heart was lodged in his throat. Was she hit? Injured?

“Roni!” he roared, spotting her bright yellow jacket. “Wait!”

She was running away from the house, into the tree line. In nothing but those cutoff shorts and a flimsy jacket. The scrub brush in those trees would scratch and scrape her legs. What was she thinking?

As if she’d read his mind, she turned and called back over her shoulder, “Someone’s hurt.”

He followed her into the tree line, and through it, to the construction site. The scream had turned to an angry wail amid a flurry of raised voices.

Bursting out of the trees a few steps behind Veronica, he skidded to a stop.

The aluminum office trailer used by the Indigo Reef construction crew was sitting directly under the broken oak branch. The massive limb had crushed the roof of the trailer like a soda can, shattering the windows and pinning the structure under hundreds of pounds of wood and metal.

He caught her arm before she charged in. “Slow down. We stay together.” He waited until he got her nod and then pulled out his flashlight as they moved forward.

Through the driving rain, he could see three figures in yellow safety vests scrambling out of the wreckage, shielding their heads as the torrential wind threatened to blow them off their feet. They were shivering, drenched to the bone, and completely stranded in the middle of a powerless construction zone.

One of them was the burly surveyor who had threatened Roni on the beach. Brayden was tempted to turn around and let them fend for themselves.

He must’ve twitched or muttered or something. Because Roni found his hand and held firm. “We need to get them to the Hideaway.” Pointing, she said, “The driveway out is nothing but mud. A truck will only get stuck. Their shelter is destroyed. And unless they’ve left someone inside, they don’t seem to have injuries severe enough to warrant an urgent emergency response.”

“But it’s severe enough that we have to help them?” That heart of hers was too big for her own good. “You can do that?”

She cocked her head as if he’d asked a foolish question. “We need to help. We both know basic first aid,” she continued. “We’ll recognize the signs if we’re out of our depth.” She looked up at him, silently pleading. Her eyelashes, dark and spiked from the rain, made her eyes even bigger, the expression even more impossible to resist.

Not like he wanted to resist. But she was wrong—he was definitely out of his depth with her and he hadn’t recognized a thing until it had been too late. He’d fallen irrevocably in love with her and convinced himself he could handle it whether or not she felt the same way for him.

When she looked at him with those big blue eyes, he wanted her to love him back so badly his chest ached with the pressure. Pressure he couldn’t put on her. Not ever. And especially not at this particular moment.

She tugged on his arm. “Brayden, we need to hurry.”

Between the lightning, heavy rainfall, and whatever injuries those men had, she was right.

He gave a nod and hustled to keep up with her as she picked her way closer to the men. “Just the three of you?” she shouted when they were close enough to be heard. “Who was injured?”

The men stared as if they were seeing ghosts. “Come with us,” Brayden said. He tried not to think about whether one of these men had been watching the Hargrave sisters, zip ties at the ready. “You can’t stay out here.”

“We’ll take the truck,” the burly surveyor said.

“You won’t make it to the street,” Roni shouted. “Not with this mud and possible flooding. Come on.”

More thunder and lightning rattled around them. There were too many dangerous possibilities out here. “Go back to the trees,” he said to Roni. “I’ll bring these guys along.”

But she held her ground, her hand finding his again. “Together.”

“Is someone stuck inside?” A gust of wind nearly pushed Roni down.

“No.” The three men started moving, but one man took a step and went down with a groan. His friends helped him up and supported him as they moved as quickly as possible through the trees to the Hideaway.

At the house, Veronica unlatched the storm shutter and opened the sliding door, leading into the kitchen. Brayden brought up the rear of their soggy parade.

He had to give the sisters credit. When they decided to rent out the beachside home, they’d added a whole-house generator that made storms like this less disruptive. At least inside. They had lights, working appliances, and air conditioning too.

For a moment, Brayden was stunned into merely staring while Roni pulled out chairs and passed out towels. “All right, guys. Where does it hurt?”

“You an EMT or something?” the burly guy asked.

Brayden started to intervene, but Roni posted up.

Planting her hands on her hips, she gave the man a hard look. “I’m what you’ve got for the moment. That includes first aid, a hot shower, and dry clothes if you’re willing to spend a few hours in a Hargrave Hideaway robe.”

“Shut up, Bobby,” the injured man scolded. “I’m fine. Whatever she is, we’re better here than out there.”

“You didn’t look fine when you were pinned down.”

“Didn’t sound fine either,” the third man added. He stuck out his hand. “Frank Cavanaugh. Call me Cav.”

Roni shook Cav’s outstretched hand. “Veronica. This is Brayden. Welcome to the Hideaway.”

Cav tipped his head to the injured man. “That’s Brian. Heard you met Bobby already.”

“They told us a couple of sisters ran this place, not a husband-wife deal.” Bobby’s gaze tangled with Brayden’s as Roni started assessing Brian.

Husband-wife deal? Yeah, he’d get on board with that. He didn’t dare look Roni’s way. “Three sisters own and operate the Hideaway. I’m part of their new security team thanks to a persistent nuisance next door.” He studied all three men. “Which one of you likes to hang out in the trees and watch this place?”

“What? That ain’t us.” Brian sucked in a breath and cursed as Roni tried to roll up his pants leg. Her hands came away bloody.

“On it,” Brayden said without being asked.

Roni had the man’s boot unlaced as she palpated his ankle. “Sorry,” she muttered when he cursed again. “We need to know what’s going on.”

“That’s easy. Brian’s a weenie about blood and pain,” Bobby joked. A clear attempt to cheer up his pal. But his shoulders shuddered. “That lightning strike brought the limb down and knocked us around some. Brian got the worst of it.” Bobby glanced at Cav. “Took some effort to get him out.”

“It did,” Cav agreed. “Those trailers are as helpful as a soda can in this kind of weather.”

Brayden cut away the pants leg, revealing the wound and swelling. With a nod, Roni popped to her feet and went to the sink. “Get that boot and sock off, please.”

He did as she asked. Brian looked away while his pal distracted him.

“So, if it’s not one of you, who would’ve been hanging out in the scrub, eyes trained on the house?”

“One of the lawyer’s guys probably,” Cav volunteered.

Bobby agreed. “Yeah, it was one of his guys that told me to help him with the survey equipment.”

“How many times do you need to measure to fake a plat map?” Roni snapped as she returned with wound wash and a bowl of clean water.

Bobby grunted. “We’re here to build condos. It’s a job. We aren’t calling the shots.”

“So, you didn’t disable your ECMs?” Brayden asked while he and Roni cleaned Brian’s wound.

“Does it need stitches?” Brian asked, voice thin.

Roni elbowed Brayden. “Get a blanket and some water for all three of them?”

“Sure.” He’d noticed Brian’s reactions too. The questions could wait. It wasn’t as if these guys would be running off anytime soon.

When he returned, Cav and Bobby were helping Brian out of his soaked layers. They tossed the vest to one side, the shirts to another. Brayden draped the blanket over the man’s shoulders, pulling it snug. “You hold this, we’ll be done in a minute. Y’all should drink up,” he said, passing out the water bottles.

“You think I’m going into shock?” Brian asked.

“Your body’s in flight mode, that’s all,” Roni soothed. “Plus, the AC can give you a chill when you’re soaked through.” She paused to smile up at him. “Once this is cleaned up, I can cover it and you can get a hot shower.”

Brayden was sure that meant a shower in the suite, since the other bathrooms were upstairs and this guy was in no condition to make that journey right now.

“He’s not big on needles,” Bobby murmured.

Roni nodded and kept cleaning the man’s leg. “I can relate.”

Brayden knew it was a lie. Roni could face anything with a calm, stoic reserve. She bandaged up Brian, then cleaned his foot and wrapped his ankle. “Bad sprain here. You’ll want to get that checked out in the morning.” She wagged a finger between Cav and Bobby. “Y’all get him to the couch so he can elevate and ice that ankle before his shower. Robes are upstairs. Be right back.”

She dashed off while the men maneuvered Brian into the front room. Tall and wiry, he was heavier than he looked and woozy. But they got him out of his soaked clothing, into a robe, and settled on the couch.

Roni delivered ice packs and ibuprofen, handing Brian the television remote. “Just rest.”

“Thanks, Ms. Hargrave.”

“Call me Roni.”

Her kindness in action astounded Brayden. He hadn’t expected her to let them have the run of the place. His own bias coloring the situation, obviously. He still harbored more than a little anger over the way the crew was behaving. Especially Bobby, after that attempt at intimidation.

While Roni invited Cav to help himself to a shower upstairs and a clean robe while his clothes were washed and dried, Brayden sent texts to both Evan Miller and Jess. He wanted them to know what was going on at the Hideaway.

Wouldn’t hurt to notify Celeste and Natalie too. There was nothing they could do about it, but he assumed they would be coming by tomorrow ahead of the dance class event. He wanted them to be prepared first of all, and ahead of any rumors that might surface.

With that done, he brewed a pot of coffee. No way was he leaving Roni alone with Bobby.

“All right,” she was saying. “Take a seat. You’ve waited long enough.”

Brayden moved closer, curious now.

“His arm is bleeding,” she answered Brayden’s unspoken question. To Bobby, she added, “Your shirt is trashed.”

“Whatever. There’s more where it came from.”

With a shrug, Roni cut away the shirt and dropped it into the trash can. “Were y’all storing knives in the office?” she asked.

“Funny.” He cleared his throat. “It was a piece of the roof.”

“Ah.” Roni was focused on cleaning the long wound that ran from the man’s upper arm down to his forearm. “Better your arm than your face.”

“And better the shirt than the arm itself,” he added. “Look at us agreeing.” Bobby’s smile was rusty, but Brayden saw the sincerity in the man’s gaze. “Does it need stitches?”

“I don’t think so, but y’all owe me a new first aid kit.” She patched up his arm, covering that bandage with plastic wrap so he could take a shower, then dealt with the smaller abrasions on his shoulder, neck, and eyebrow. “All set.”

“I’ll make sure you get it,” Bobby said.

Roni straightened. “Pardon?”

“The new first aid kit.” He planted his hands on his knees. “Laundry soap too, for that matter. Look, I’m sorry. For the harassment and… And all of it. At the end of the day, I’m an employee. I’m here to do a job. When I follow orders and the job gets done on time, I get a bonus.

“We’ve been told y’all were digging in, fighting a purchase that’s been a done deal.” He cleared his throat, pushed to his feet. “Squatters, basically.”

Brayden joined Roni, shoulder to shoulder, though he didn’t take her hand yet. “You had to know that’s not true.”

“Did I?” He shook his head. “It’s pretty common. Land leases, ownership and such are above my paygrade. I come to work on time and do as I’m told.”

“Starting obnoxiously early, for example.” Roni folded her arms. Bobby dipped his chin in the affirmative. “And pulling the ECMs too?”

“They told us you did that.” Bobby grimaced. “I wondered how you pulled it off, what with the nighttime security guard on site.” He didn’t seem to know what to do with his hands. He shoved them into his pockets. “But a crate was delivered a few hours ago with new ECMs for us to install and get back to work first thing tomorrow. They were in the office.”

“Is that normal?” Brayden asked. “The ECMs showing up so quickly, I mean.”

“No.” Bobby shook his head. “That kinda thing should’ve shut us down for a couple of weeks. We were all expecting to be reassigned or something. Look, I’m really sorry.”

“Apology accepted.” Roni gave him a smile, though it wasn’t her best and brightest. Brayden wanted those all to himself anyway. “Go get warm,” she said. “Have your pick of rooms up there. I’ll let you know when your clothes are out of the dryer.”

With just the two of them in the kitchen, the storm bullied its way to the front of his mind. Rain pounded, lightning flashed and crackled in an ongoing tantrum. Thanks to the generator, the exterior lights gave off enough glow to show the trees swaying in the heavy gusts.

“Cleanup will be a bear,” Roni muttered as she gathered up the discarded clothing and remnants of her first aid efforts.

When she’d washed her hands, he pulled her into a big hug. “You’re amazing.” He tucked her head under his chin, wanting to shelter her from the big bad world. Wanting to keep her close, all his, safe and content forever.

Her arms came around him, her palms warm on his back. “We need to let Brian take a shower. Then maybe we can all get some rest.” But she made no effort to move. “Do you think any of them will make a formal statement about the ECM attempted frame job?”

She’d barely whispered the words, but he heard them easily enough. “Maybe. I’ll write it all up for Gamble and Swann once we’re in the suite. Alone.”

Her cheek rubbed against his chest. “Okay.” She sighed, still not moving. “You smell amazing.”

“Lightning and sweat does it for you?” he teased. “I’ll make a note.”

She giggled, gave him a squeeze, and then tipped her head up. When her gaze locked with his, he saw her heart in her eyes. Love and desire mingled with the familiar comfort of acceptance and friendship he’d treasured from day one. The powerful combination was as effective as a kick in the back and threatened to take him out at the knees.

“Brian first,” she whispered. “Then maybe…”

He waited, his entire body primed for whatever she was about to suggest.

“We could, um, shower together?”

His body was all-in for that. “To conserve the hot water?”

“Obviously.” She nibbled on her lip. “And because you smell amazing all on your own.”

“Whatever you want, I’m yours.” He nuzzled her cheek, worked his way to her mouth and kissed her with all the enthusiasm he had for her suggestion. Lifting his head, he asked, “You’re not worried about our guests acting out while we’re otherwise distracted?”

“No. Should I be?”

He would always be wary and skeptical enough for both of them. Seeing too much of the world had taught him not to trust easily. And Roni wasn’t someone he would ever put at risk. Still, the three men had been respectful and grateful tonight. He didn’t really expect trouble.

His lips brushed her cheek. “Probably not.” He’d keep the door locked and the phone within reach anyway. He grabbed her hand and tugged her out of the kitchen, in a hurry to be alone with her as more than her best friend.

If this was their night, he’d seize it. And if it wasn’t, he’d deal with it. She’d shown him she wasn’t afraid of his feelings and now she was willing to change the dynamic.

To be more than friends. To cross that line into intimacy.

Lovers.

He’d only been waiting forever, what was another hour? Another day? That look she’d given him offered undeniable hope for a future he’d only dared to imagine. A future that was finally within his reach.

CHAPTER 12

Veronica woke slowly, cocooned in the bed under warm blankets. She wasn’t sure what brought her awake, but she was pleasantly surprised by the strong, heavy arm draped across her waist and an equally strong chest pressed close against her back.

Brayden. AKA the best person in her world and the best night of her life.

She’d kissed him. Showered with him. She’d slept with him—figuratively and literally.

A surge of pure delight shot through her, a fizz of joy that made her want to celebrate. Somehow, she managed to stay put rather than jump up and dance on the bed. It would be criminal to break this priceless moment too soon. She needed to wallow in it all by herself for as long as possible. And do a quick gut check. Had she just made the biggest mistake of her life?

The resounding consensus between body, mind, and heart was no. Wonderful confirmation that she’d done exactly the right thing.

Finally.

Last night had effectively obliterated the original lines she’d drawn around her longest-standing relationship outside of her family. She could hardly wait for Brayden to wake up so they could talk about the present. And the future. Aside from the obvious physical intimacy, how would their relationship change?

He traveled and she was dialed in here with the Hideaway and her physical therapy clients. Of course her business could travel, but was she ready to leave? Did Brayden want her tagging along? Was it even possible? The work he did took him all over.

And then another thought hit her square in the chest. Would leaving the Hideaway operations to Nat and Celeste make her like her dad?

Overhead, a floorboard creaked, interrupting her spiraling thoughts before she completely lost that wonderful feeling. Their unexpected guests were also waking up. She and Brayden had work to do. They’d just have to muddle through until they could deal with their relationship changes head on.

In essence, she’d stated her intentions last night. Stated with her body, at any rate. She still hadn’t given him the actual words. Words she knew he deserved to hear.

For now, she rolled over and gave him a quick kiss and slipped out of the bed. How cool was it that she could do that now? That she could be with the man who’d been her closest friend and have so much more joy, affection, and love between them.

Slipping out of the bed, she grabbed clothes and darted into the bathroom. After that storm, cleanup would be top priority this morning. When she opened the door again, dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, Brayden was up, the bed was made, and he was staring at the debris scattered across the deck. In his boxers.

Only his boxers.

“Oh. Hi. Good morning.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. “Um, your turn.” She jerked a thumb toward the bathroom.

“Great, thanks.” He smiled and her heart soared. Her eyes devoured him as he crossed the room. If this was any other morning, she’d drag him right back to that bed.

He paused, his hands skimming her waist to settle just above her hips and his slow, thorough kiss melted away that burst of anxiety. Her mind blanked, her heart danced, and her body warmed with anticipation.

This was the piece of her that had never felt quite right. The smallest misalignment. One she couldn’t correct when they’d been just friends.

Now, touching him, she understood what had been off for so long. Her heart was his. All this time. Holding herself apart from him in the most essential way had been the issue. This morning, everything felt exactly right. She was his, in every way now. He was hers too and they would discover the way forward together.

The newness of the moment thrilled her. She simultaneously wanted to tell her sisters everything and keep it all to herself.

“Your sisters are on the way.” He held up his cell phone so she could read the text message. “I suspect we’ll need the help.”

Her stomach dropped. She didn’t want to tell them right this second. “Okay,” she managed. She stroked his chest, because she could, and wondered if they’d have the energy for an encore performance tonight.

“Definitely,” he murmured, nuzzling her ear.

“You’re reading my mind now?”

A low chuckle floated over her skin. “You’re an open book, Roni.”

She jerked back when she heard voices in the kitchen. “I’d better close it for now.”

“That’s a shame.” He pulled her closer. “But all your secrets are safe with me.”

Her cheeks caught fire and images of her body tangled with his filled her mind. She savored the sensations of past and present blending seamlessly together. Just for another minute.

Hearing the squeak of the hinge on the dryer door along with muffled voices, she forced herself to move. “Seriously. I need to get out there before they attempt to cook.”

“Don’t worry. If they break anything, we’ll bill Indigo Reef,” he joked as they parted ways. “I’ll be out in five.”

“Thanks.”

She paused at the door and took a deep breath. She’d never understood how Celeste had enjoyed living in the manager’s suite surrounded by strangers when they’d been running the Hideaway as a standard B&B.

Well, her stint here wasn’t forever. If Bobby and Cav were willing to talk about the ECM situation, they might put this whole mess behind them sooner rather than later. And then she and Brayden could start thinking about themselves and making plans.

In the meantime, she had guests. Scheduled reservations or not, Celeste would have her hide if she skimped on the hospitality.

Walking into the kitchen, she smiled. “Good morning.” Then her jaw dropped.

All three men were in the kitchen. Cav was at the coffee maker. Brian was at the breakfast table, his leg elevated on the bench seat. And Bobby glanced her way from behind the refrigerator door. “You want eggs?”

Her gaze flew to the clock. It wasn’t yet seven. After a wild, chaotic, and stressful night. “Your clothes.” All three wore clean shirts branded with the Indigo Reef logo. Cav and Bobby wore their freshly laundered pants, and Brian had his pants too, minus the cut off leg.

“Your man up too?” Brian asked, voice low. At her nod, he added in a normal voice, “We were trying to be quiet.”

She mentally struggled to get over the idea that these strangers recognized Brayden as “her man”. It was true and yet too new and too weird. Especially under these circumstances.

“I appreciate that.” She propelled herself toward the stove. “I’m happy to handle the cooking.”

“Afraid he’ll mess it up?” Cav winked. “I get it. But he won’t.” He filled a mug with coffee for her. “We’re fueling up to get out there.”

“Out there?” she echoed.

“Storm did a number on the place,” Bobby announced as he cracked eggs into a mixing bowl. “I took a few pictures on my way across and back again.”

“How?” She looked at the security system panel near the door. “When?”

“An hour ago,” he shrugged. “I unlocked the door, the camera came on, and the panel beeped a couple times before it went quiet.”

Brayden must’ve handled it while she slept.

“The office is flooded, naturally,” Bobby continued. “I had the extra shirts in my truck, so…” His voice trailed off while he opened and closed drawers, in search of utensils.

Roni found the whisk and handed it over.

“Thanks.” He beat the eggs, then set a skillet on the burner to heat, dropped in butter to melt. Returning to the eggs, he added milk, salt, and pepper.

She gulped down some coffee and went to the freezer for sausage patties. Impromptu or not, this was a work party and she’d do it the Hargrave way. Before Celeste arrived and took over the entire show.

Cav nodded his approval as she lined a sheet pan and set it to cook in the convection oven. “That’ll be a welcome addition,” he said. Once the oven started, he came closer, showing her the pictures Bobby had taken.

As expected, the photos showed the beach was littered with palms and small branches. Even without a picture, she knew the tide would be higher too. They certainly had their work cut out for them if they hoped to host the dance club in approximately twelve hours. She sucked in a breath as Cav scrolled to the images from the trailer.

“Yeah.” He patted her arm in a friendly way. “Thanks for saving our butts.”

“Seconding that.” Brian gave her a mock salute. “Morning to you, Leggett,” he added, looking past her.

“Morning.” Brayden paused at the coffee maker and for a moment Roni got lost in the admiration of his biceps highlighted by the closefitting t-shirt he wore over faded cargo pants. “She’s letting you cook?” he asked Bobby.

“I insisted,” Bobby admitted. “Least I could do after, well, everything.”

“Brace yourself for an argument,” he warned. “Her sisters are here and they aren’t entirely caught up.”

Roni rolled her eyes. “Celeste is the oldest and hospitality might as well be her new religion.”

Cav and Brian laughed, but Bobby shook his head. “She can do whatever she wants as long as I finish the eggs.”

“Isn’t the customer always right?” Brayden queried.

“I guess we’ll find out.” Roni was smiling as her sisters rushed in on a wave of concern. Concern that quickly shifted to curiosity as they took in the full kitchen.

Roni made introductions, and to her complete shock, Celeste scowled at Bobby. “You.” She stepped forward. “You have been a jerk for weeks.”

Bobby moved the skillet so the eggs wouldn’t burn. “My apologies. For every inconvenience.”

Celeste opened her mouth. Snapped it closed. “You’re cooking in my kitchen.” Her gaze locked on Roni. “Why?”

“It’s really early, Celeste.” Roni found herself on the receiving end of what she and Nat called the oldest-sister stare of judgement. She sighed and shrugged. “He got to the eggs first. Cav made coffee. I put the sausage in.”

Natalie’s cheery laughter drew everyone’s attention. She’d sat down with Brian and the two of them were chatting. Their conversation went quiet as they realized they’d become the center of attention.

That was her baby sister through and through. Always quick to make a friend in any situation. She and Celeste had relied on those strengths through the years. Probably too much, if she were honest about it.

“What?” Nat queried, taking in the room. “Ignore them.” She patted Brian’s shoulder. “I’ll be right back with your plate.”

Roni stifled a giggle. The situation was too ridiculous. Too many things to get wound up about. Her night with Brayden. Storm damage here. Storm damage at the construction site. Along with an unexpected-guest list that included the man who’d been deliberately mean and working against them, cooking eggs for everyone in the house.

This was the perfect morning to follow Nat’s example.

So that’s exactly what she did.

She went with the flow of the awkwardness. She ate a hearty breakfast with her sisters, the man she loved, and three strangers who weren’t exactly villains after all.

CHAPTER 13

Brayden finished sweeping the deck and set the broom aside, reaching for his travel mug of coffee. The loose leaves and twigs were gone, but a layer of grit needed to be rinsed away. The hose would help, but he figured they had a pressure washer around here somewhere.

And a ladder. They’d done a walk-through inside to check for any leaks, but he wanted to get up on the roof himself and look around. Between sips of strong, hot coffee, he stretched his shoulders.

That big limb that crashed down last night had dragged smaller limbs and brush along with it, altering the way the light moved through the strip of forest. He imagined the manager’s suite would be brighter at an earlier hour now. Brayden’s bigger concern was that the developer would use the gap as a literal opening to reach their goals faster.

He wondered if Bobby and the others would drag their heels or go back to following orders to the letter as soon as their bosses showed up.

Scattered between the house and the beach, the cleanup crew was making good progress. The three Hargrave sisters along with Cav and Bobby had been joined by a few folks from the dance club. They would definitely be ready to host the special class this evening.

From the few messages he’d received through Jess, the office trailer was the most significant structure damage reported so far. Great news for everyone, as long as Indigo Reef didn’t push.

Brayden was halfway to the shed for a ladder and hopefully a pressure washer, when he heard someone shouting his name. Instantly, he spun around, concerned for Roni. But it was Trent Blakely, a new permanent addition to the Guardian Agency satellite office.

“Didn’t hear you pull up,” Brayden said as Trent jogged over to join him. “Everything good?”

“Seems to be.” Trent wore a ball cap backwards and was ready for work with jeans, boots, and a long-sleeved t-shirt. He held work gloves in one hand. “Can’t believe you and Veronica hosted the enemy last night,” he said, voice low.

“Me either,” Brayden admitted. “We got some interesting intel, though, so it was worth it. And the men aren’t the jerks we thought, so there’s that.”

“But they can’t stop their bosses?”

“It’s doubtful.” Brayden opened the garden shed, grateful yet again for teammates like Trent who helped him make the swap possible before Vanbeck could drag Roni down into a morass of criminal charges. “We’re closer than ever to putting this mess to rest,” he said, glaring into the forest.

He spotted the ladder, a folding, multi-use thing, and hoped it would be enough. “Do you know if they have a pressure washer?”

Trent glanced around. “Maybe?” He said it more like a question. “What’s the ladder for?”

“I need to walk the roof and check for damage,” Brayden replied, taking the ladder outside.

Trent clapped a hand on his shoulder. “You won’t need the ladder. Just use the drone.”

“You have a drone?”

“We have a drone,” Trent corrected. “It’s Guardian Agency gear in the office storage room. I’ll go get it.” He was in motion before Brayden could thank him.

As he tucked the ladder back into place, Roni appeared in the doorway, the bright sunlight casting a halo around her blond hair. An angel of the most practical and perfect design, in his eyes anyway.

He’d been doing his best to keep his mind off of last night’s major milestone, with pretty much zero success. He’d slept with the woman he’d been dreaming of holding for most of his adult life.

Any effort he’d made to distract his body from what Roni meant to him had been pointless. Fleeting satisfaction. He’d never even let himself fall asleep with another woman. But last night… Everything with Roni had been different. More intense than his most heated fantasies. Discovering what made her sigh and gasp and arch into his touch had been indescribably amazing.

It only underscored what he’d hoped for, what he’d believed with every fiber of his being: they were fantastic together in every capacity. She might not be in love with him, yet, but her body loved being with him and that was a solid start, in his opinion.

Friendship would always be the foundation. He’d promised her that. Sharing his true feelings was a fresh miracle in itself. And though he’d never admit it to anyone but her, sleeping with his arms around Roni had been a life-altering experience.

And here she was, in easy reach once more, while they were alone. She couldn’t expect him to keep his hands to himself.

He drew her close, into a deeper shadow, and claimed her mouth. Gently at first, then letting it run away with him. Just for a moment. Or two. More. He pulled back, reluctantly, his hands skimming the curve of waist to hip and back again.

“The deck looks great,” she said, her breath ragged.

“Glad you approve.”

“Mm.” She arched into him. “I approve of many things.” He squeezed her hips and it sounded as if she purred. “What were you looking for?”

“You, mainly.” He cleared his throat, told his body to dial it down. They could have more fun tonight, when the Hideaway was empty. “I wanted to walk the roof.” She jerked and started to protest. “Easy. First of all, I know what I’m doing.”

“You know enough to be dangerous,” she argued. “We only did one summer with Habitat for Humanity.”

He shook his head. “I did more projects with groups during my military days,” he reminded her. He was sure he’d mentioned it at some point.

“Oh.” She looked a little put out about forgetting. “But Trent has a drone. Won’t that be safer?”

Brayden chuckled. “He already told me to wait.” He nibbled on her earlobe. “He’ll be back any minute with it.” He created some distance, hoping to get his body to behave before he walked back out into the sunny morning. “What about a pressure washer?”

“Yes! Sort of.” She turned toward a peg board mounted on the opposite wall. “Celeste bought some sort of hose attachment that’s easier to handle and still effective.” She grabbed a device that looked like a chrome wand and a handgun had a home-maintenance baby. “Here it is.”

Taking the item in one hand, he stepped outside with her. “Seriously?”

She grinned and kissed his cheek. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” A heavy machine rumbled to life on the other side of the trees. “Oh! That’s what I really came to warn you about. Bobby is bringing the backhoe over here to haul away some of the larger debris.”

“Through the forest?”

“No, no.” She shook her head. “He’ll drive it around.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Brayden was willing to be the bad guy and put a stop to this if that’s what she needed from him.

She nodded. “His plan got the full three-sister seal of approval.”

“Wow. That’s impressive.” The man had done a complete one-eighty on the Hargrave sisters and their Hideaway. Brayden appreciated a person who could admit they’d been wrong. “Here’s hoping he’s willing to speak up if necessary.”

She slipped her arm around his waist as the backhoe approached from the street. “Here’s hoping it doesn’t come to that.”

He pressed a kiss to her hair. “Agreed.”

Holding hands, they waved at Bobby as the backhoe lumbered past. After a quick detour to the deck, Brayden and Roni started down to the beach to help out.

“Cav is taking the debris to the construction site so they can haul it away once the limb is cut out of the office trailer.”

A generous offer. Brayden glanced at the backhoe’s tracks. “I hope y’all don’t need more than one or two trips or we’ll need to re-sod the lawn and level the sand again.”

She grimaced. “Yeah, but this way we’re not taking load after load to the dump.” Suddenly, she smiled, nudging him with her elbow. “Hey, Holly!” She waved as the Brookwell Bugle editor hurried forward.

“Good morning!” Holly greeted them both, walking in one of the grass-flattened tracks. “Glad the house is okay. This is an unexpected cooperative effort.” Holly raised her camera and took some quick snapshots. “I’m just coming from the construction site. That’s a dreadful mess. Was anyone hurt?”

“Not seriously,” Roni replied. “We’re all working to clean up this morning.”

“The neighbors said it’s quite the cleanup party.” Holly beamed. “Can I help while you fill me in?”

Roni glanced at Brayden, but this was her decision. She had to know he’d support her choice.

“We’ll take all the help we can get,” Roni said. “Obviously.”

She seemed reluctant to reveal that the Hideaway had hosted three members of the construction crew overnight. Brayden knew it wouldn’t stay a secret for long. All three men were too eager to sing her praises. That kind of thing always made Roni uncomfortable. She struggled to take a compliment on the best of days. She didn’t view her actions last night as anything praise-worthy. Taking in those men, in her view, was merely the baseline of being human.

Helping others came naturally, through the attentive way she and her sisters had been raised. Caring by doing was a core value. Before their dad had left his family and his practice to do whatever he was doing in Europe, he’d spent countless hours volunteering for various organizations. And their mother was the same with her dedication to a variety of charities, from local foodbanks to mission trips abroad.

“You think you’ll make it in time for the dance class?” Holly queried. Then she laughed as they reached the dunes and she recognized members of the dance club. Immediately she used her camera, then covered the lens to protect it from sand and debris. “Of course you will.”

“How is the rest of the island?” Brayden asked, hoping to put off the inevitable reveal of how they had all come to be working together out here today.

“Surprisingly healthy,” Holly replied. “A few shingles were blown off here and there. The palms have all been pruned by Mother Nature. Plenty of typical smaller high-wind debris on the roads. I stopped by Billings Nursery to find Jess and Nina on the phones, coordinating requests for chain saws and debris removal,” she continued. “They told me the only big issue was at Indigo Reef. Their husbands, Nash and Boone, are making their way over, but it’s not at the top of their list.”

“It shouldn’t be,” Roni said, sounding grumpy. “Don’t misunderstand. I mean, you know I’m not delighted with the developer, but I only meant it’s not a priority because no one’s displaced. The construction office is probably easier to replace than anything else out here.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Holly agreed. “Probably part of the normal contingencies they build into their budget. But it’s a true wreck.” She lifted her camera and showed them the pictures she’d taken.

It looked even worse in today’s bright sunlight. “Total loss,” Brayden muttered. He pointed toward the trees. “You can see where the live oak took a lightning strike and changed the shape of the canopy. Last night that big limb looked like a can opener cutting through the trailer.”

Holly whistled and settled her camera down by her hip again. “Close call for sure. I let the telephoto do the heavy lifting today. It was a dicey prospect getting through the mud and muck.”

“Smart decision. I’m glad the storm brought enough rain to prevent any further fire damage to the forest,” Roni said.

No one had to say the words, all three of them knew a fire would’ve been a catastrophe on many levels. Brayden could just imagine the pressure Indigo Reef might apply to the Hideaway if that kind of natural disaster had removed the environmental hurdle.

As the three of them joined the others cleaning up down at the shore, Brayden chided himself for underestimating a Hargrave sister-approved plan. Bobby was remarkably precise with the backhoe and careful not to disturb the dunes. The bucket held far more material than seemed possible and Cav coordinated the loading to protect both people and nature.

As Bobby drove away with the first load, the rest of them started filling tall paper bags that would be hauled out by the utility company. Soon it was clear they’d only need one additional trip with the backhoe.

Natalie invited everyone up to the firepit where she and Brian were serving coffee, bottled water, and fresh cookies while they waited for Bobby’s return.

“Y’all make this hospitality gig look too easy,” Brayden whispered in Roni’s ear. He caught Nat’s knowing smirk from the other side of the fire pit. Yeah, he was playing with fire, standing so close to Roni and not bothering to hide behind his typical stoic professionalism. He’d been part of Roni’s life way too long to make that believable anyway. Her sisters already trusted him, as her friend. He wondered if that acceptance would change once he and Roni told them there was more than friendship between them.

“This is what I call front-page news,” Holly declared. “The Indigo Reef crew helping the Hargraves clean up storm damage.”

Roni tensed up beside him. “It’s really just neighbors helping neighbors.”

Brayden figured if she ran with that, Vanbeck would have a stroke over the next edition of the Bugle. He didn’t really want the man to suffer. Much. But he sure would like to make this problem go away for Roni and her sisters.

“That’s how we roll around here,” Holly agreed. She turned to Brian and Cav. “Tell me about last night. How did you get out of the office trailer?”

Brian shifted on his feet and Nat, closest to him, immediately helped him to sit down and elevate his sprained ankle.

“I’ll get an ice pack.” Roni dashed off, clearly eager to get out of the spotlight.

Brayden listened to the two construction workers tell the story, careful not to paint the developer in a bad light, but definitely labeling Veronica and Brayden as heroes. Holly was using her recorder, nodding along, and asking more probing questions. With so many folks listening in, the whole story would burn up the island rumor mill and be all over town by lunchtime.

At this rate, the town council would likely bestow a medal of honor on Veronica. If such a thing existed.

She managed to be absent for most of the high praise, bringing Brayden another cookie after she’d given Brian the ice pack. “What did I miss?” she murmured, leaning close.

“Only the campaign to declare you a citizen hero,” he whispered.

She wrinkled her nose, her cheeks going pink. “Stop teasing.”

“Not a chance.” He couldn’t get enough of this side of her now that she’d revealed it. To him. She’d dated along the way, though she stopped confiding those details to him at some point in college. He’d done better without knowing who she was enamored with and who had treated her poorly. In both instances, he’d wanted to strangle the men privileged enough to be with her romantically.

Now he was the man in her life—and he intended to be her friend, the person who supported her, the one she could rely on, the man who loved her and romanced her for the rest of her days.

Based on the looks Natalie aimed his way, his intentions were clear to the youngest Hargrave. He had to hope the little sister wouldn’t blow it by broadcasting her correct theory to Roni too soon.

At the sound of another vehicle in the drive, Brayden excused himself from the refreshments, assuming it was Trent with the drone. He waved at Bobby as the backhoe rumbled into view, aiming for the beach and the load waiting.

But instead of Trent, it was Vanbeck stomping onto the property as if he owned it. Brayden changed directions to cut him off. “Can I help you?”

Vanbeck ignored him, shoving on by, though Brayden could’ve stopped him.

Grabbing his phone and starting a video, Brayden calmly said, “You’re trespassing, Mr. Vanbeck.”

Still no response. Brayden nearly laughed at the snub. He didn’t care about the overpriced attorney’s dismissiveness. “Sir, I’m asking you to stop and explain yourself.”

Vanbeck spun on his heel, his eyes wild, looking entirely unhinged. His expensive charcoal suit was rumpled, his silk tie loosened, and his face a dark, dangerous shade of crimson. “Get that camera out of my face,” he shouted. Marching across the wet grass toward the backhoe, he walked into the machine’s path, pointing a manicured finger at Bobby perched in the cab.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Vanbeck’s voice screeched over the idling engine. “You cannot use Indigo Reef equipment on residential property.”

“You mean equipment that shouldn’t even be operational?” Brayden asked. The attorney was drawing a crowd as the others came to watch the commotion. Including Holly. “Seems too early to have new ECMs on site.”

“This is not your concern,” Vanbeck snarled. His gaze never left Bobby. “Stop this engine at once,” he demanded. “Why are you performing manual labor for the competition?”

“Mr. Vanbeck?” Cav walked up, relaxed as ever. Whether or not it was intentional, he managed not to block Brayden’s camera angle. “How about we discuss this elsewhere?”

“I’d love to. In fact, I was at the construction site. The abandoned site, since you are all here,” he screeched. “Explain yourselves right now.”

Bobby cut the engine and climbed down from the cab. “Why don’t you start?” He folded his arms across his burly chest. “We were told to stay on site through a serious storm.”

“A little rain⁠—”

Cav and Bobby both advanced on him. “We didn’t have a little rain,” Cav stated. “If you’ve been over there, you know that. You saw the damage.”

Bobby wiped a streak of sweat from his forehead with his wrist and stared Vanbeck down. “Y’know, I’m all ears. Tell us why is it, when it all went sideways, no one even checked in?”

“We tried,” Vanbeck shot back. “No one has answered the phone.”

“Would that be the phone in the torn-up office?” Cav pulled out his cell phone. “Because we all have our personal cells with us and I don’t see any missed calls from Indigo Reef. How about you Bobby?”

Bobby made a show of checking his cell phone. “Nope. No missed calls. Brian, did you get a call from our employer?”

“One second!” Brian called out. Vanbeck was forced to face the small crowd as Brian limped forward, supported by Veronica. Natalie was behind her, carrying a folding chair for him. “No attempts to reach me either.”

“Well?” Bobby took another step forward. Cav kept the attorney hemmed in on the other side. “We’re waiting.”

“You—all three of you—are supposed to be prepping our construction equipment!” Vanbeck declared, loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Instead, you’re using corporate assets to assist people who have actively sabotaged our construction efforts and machinery!”

“But that’s not true,” Bobby said. “It’s patently false and I think you know it. I’d go so far to say the opposite is true. Can’t think of any other job I’ve worked where I was asked to start up before seven. Or park my equipment as close to the boundary as possible to create noise pollution.”

“Have to agree with you,” Cav chimed in. “Our orders have been uncommonly inconsiderate.”

Vanbeck stammered. “I’ll have all three of you fired and blacklisted from every job site in the state! The entire southeast region.”

Cav laughed. “Go ahead and try. You left the three of us in an unanchored aluminum trailer during a season known for unpredictable weather when you knew a serious storm was brewing. A tree came through the roof, the whole thing collapsed on us, and not a single person checked to see if we survived.”

“Know who did?” Bobby seemed to grow bigger as he went toe to toe with Vanbeck. “Ms. Hargrave there.” He pointed to Roni. “She and her friend walked into sixty-mile-an-hour winds and driving rain to help us. She led us to safety and gave us shelter.” Bobby’s voice rang with fierce conviction. “She bandaged my arm, treated Brian’s wound and sprained ankle, gave us dry clothes, water, clean beds, and made sure we had our fill of good food and water. All while you’re lounging about in your posh hotel suite downtown. We’re clearing the Hargrave property first because they have an event tonight and it’s the right thing to do. Something I’m sure is a foreign concept to you.”

“You insolent⁠—”

Click-flash. Holly Brooks stepped directly between Vanbeck and the construction workers, her camera flashing—unnecessarily—right in the attorney’s startled face.

“It’s really something,” Holly gushed, all innocence. “And exactly what our Brookwell community is all about. The fact that the Hideaway provided shelter, medical attention, and meals to the very crew Indigo Reef abandoned in a crushed trailer... Well, that completely flips the previous narrative upside down.”

“You will print nothing about any of this,” Vanbeck said. Though he kept his voice low, everyone was close enough to hear him. “That... that was an unprecedented weather event⁠—”

“It wasn’t.” The quiet contradiction came from Celeste as she moved toward the center of the fray. “The news and weather alerts were quite clear about the risks of that storm coming ashore. The Hideaway was prepared with a full-house generator. And your workers were quite lucky that it was Veronica on duty this week. She and Brayden both have extensive training in managing first aid and health crises.”

She stopped short of demanding an apology or any statement of gratitude, but Brayden was sure she was winning more friends and stronger loyalty with every second of strained silence.

He glanced at Roni, shocked to see tears welling in her eyes. She blinked them away before they could fall, but it was clear what her sister’s confidence meant. The three of them might disagree over their dad, but they were a team through it all.

“I’m sure the whole town will be equally fascinated and appalled to hear how Indigo Reef left their workers stranded, only to be saved by the famous Hideaway hospitality,” Holly said. She held out her digital recorder. “Would you like to add any clarifying remarks?”

Vanbeck aimed his furious gaze at Brayden, who was still recording the entire scene. “Turn that off.”

“I won’t,” Brayden said, voice cool and even. “I warned you about trespassing. Probably for the best if you turn around and go before someone calls Chief Caldwell to issue a formal citation for criminal trespass and harassment.”

“This isn’t over,” Vanbeck spat. “Not for any of you.” Turning on his heel, he stormed back to his glossy black sedan, slammed the door, and sprayed gravel as he reversed out of the driveway.

“Well,” Bobby grunted, hauling himself back into the cab of the backhoe. “Guess the pleasantries are over. Let’s finish this.”

Veronica laughed and everyone seemed to relax. Celeste pulled her into a hug, quickly joined by Natalie. The sisters were beautiful individually, and outright stunning as a group.

“Thank you,” Roni said to Bobby, Cav, and Brian. “It means a lot to have your help.”

“Happy to tell the truth.” Bobby started the engine and everyone headed down to complete the beach cleanup.

“You okay?” Brayden asked, hanging back with Roni.

She nodded, turning to him for a hug. “Thank you for recording all of that too.”

“Naturally. I won’t let anyone hurt you or this place.” His phone rang from his pocket and with one arm still around her, he grinned. “This might be more good news.”

“Hey, Connor. You’re on speaker with Veronica.”

CHAPTER 14

Roni was close enough to feel the anticipation ripple through Brayden. Hope soared. Could this be the answer they needed? If the agency research team had found something definitive to put an end to this mess, maybe she’d never have to confess to her sisters about talking to their dad.

Or admit that he hadn’t replied. At all.

Every hour that went by without a word broke her heart and had her second-guessing all her efforts to stay in contact with him. Could he really be that broken? She understood how much he loved and adored his late wife, their mother. The pain must be excruciating. Like losing a limb.

And the cancer that dragged her down by inches hadn’t been kind to any of them.

Yet, here they were, alive and vibrant. Looking ahead. Natalie had fallen in love with Trent and they were planning a wedding. Celeste had turned into some quiet business badass. Yes, they were grieving, but they were also doing their best to keep moving forward. That’s what their mom had wanted for each of them. Not just in theory. Those had been among her last words to Veronica. “Go thrive. Live your life and chase your dreams. Catch those dreams.”

She was certain similar messages had been given to her sisters. They’d even discussed turning the beach house into a B&B with her. She’d not just given her blessing, but her full support. When their father had left almost immediately after the memorial, Roni assumed it had been part of his wife’s last words to him.

Until he stayed away. Extending his travels for another week. An extra month. Heading to a new destination without a word. Basically severing all ties with the three of them.

Her mother would never have wanted that for the family that had once been nearly inseparable. That’s why Roni persisted in keeping him in the loop. Why she’d worked her butt off to find an inch of common ground that prompted a response from him.

He was their dad. A good man. They needed him to be that active, involved, awesome dad again. Preferably, right now.

Brayden tugged on her hand, leading her into the house, through the kitchen and into the suite. There, he grabbed his tablet as she realized Connor was sending him some new information.

“Did you open the file?” Connor’s voice practically sizzled with excitement.

“Almost.” Brayden dropped her hand to deal with the tablet, swiping to his email service. “Okay. I see the email. The attachment is downloading now.”

Roni watched with him, recognizing the first photo as an overhead of the island. She caught his eye, silently asking what was going on, but he just shrugged. “What am I looking at?”

“That first page is a broad overview of the current coastline,” Connor explained. “Our geological research team just finished running the historical satellite overlays and you will not believe what the data showed.”

Brayden was swiping through the images, back and forth so quickly that Roni got queasy and had to look away. She sat down on the edge of the bed, much happier to listen at this point.

But even that overwhelmed her and she found herself flopping back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling fan. The self-assessment was easy and obvious: too much stress and stimulation. With tears leaking from her eyes, she slowed her breathing. Tried to take an emotional inventory without judging herself.

Helping the construction workers through the storm last night would’ve been a lot on its own. Sleeping with her best friend was a huge adjustment, all by itself. The increasing pressure on their business. Waiting for her dad’s reply, knowing her sisters would be mad all over again. A lot.

Any single one of those things carried enough weight to create a spiral, raise questions, and demand energy and attention. Adding them all up? Well, it was no wonder she was weepy. She’d give herself ten deep breaths and then get up and get on with it.

The mattress sagged as Brayden stretched out beside her. “Hey.” He scooted closer, leaning over until his face blocked the ceiling fan view. He dried her tears. “Talk to me.”

“What about your call?”

“It can wait.” His fingers were a whisper along the shell of her ear. “Talk to me.”

“You know it all.” She choked back a sob, curled away from him, and promptly lost the battle with her tears. “It’s… It’s everything.”

“I’ve got you.” He pulled her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin and stroking her back as all of the pent-up emotion poured out of her. “I’m here.”

Of course he was. He’d always been her safe place, be it a hostile gym or her life falling apart. She never did this. Never broke down in a heap of self-pity. Maybe that’s what made it possible to let go with him now. Because he knew her so well. Knew this was an anomaly.

“You’re exhausted.” His voice caressed her as effectively as his hands. Soothing, calming, accepting. “No one would notice if you took a nap.”

“You’re too good to me.” She tugged on her shirt to dry her face.

“There’s no such thing,” he countered. Shifting away for a moment, he returned with the tissue box in hand.

“More evidence,” she said on a watery chuckle. “Everyone else is out there doing their part or more and I’m indulging in an ugly cry all over you.”

She loved him so much. Owed him even more. He was her best and oldest friend. Her best and newest love. She wished she understood how to reconcile that development within all the other stuff going on. “Thank you for being here. For me. For all of us.”

“Nowhere I’d rather be.”

She recognized the tone. One more perk of their long-running friendship. He meant it. Which was weird and wonderful. “You hate it when I cry.”

“I’m with you, Roni. Being with you, in any state, will always be my favorite place.”

Her heart stuttered and another wave of tears came and went. He was so good to her. He had been way too kind long before he’d admitted he had deeper feelings for her. She wanted to tell him how her own feelings were changing, but this seemed like a lousy time.

She wanted advice, but didn’t want to share any of this with anyone other than him. Shouldn’t he be the first to learn she loved him? What a predicament.

“I hate crying,” she declared when she caught her breath again. “Nat’s the emotional one. She’s better at it.”

A low laugh rumbled through his chest. “Guess we’ll add it to all the things you need to practice.”

“All?” Her head snapped up to meet his gaze, nearly catching his chin. “What do you mean all?”

“Vulnerability for a start.” He sat up, leaning against the headboard, and bringing her with him. Snuggled under his arm, she fiddled with the crumpled tissue in her hand, not quite meeting his gaze. “It’s okay to not have the answers. It’s even okay to have the answer no one wants to hear.”

“Dad.”

“For starters, yes.” He sighed, deeply. “And me. Us. Last night was⁠—”

“Stop.” She flew off the bed, stared at him from a safe distance. “You can’t, um, we can’t talk about that now.”

“Why not?” He frowned, a rare expression, at least with her. “We should discuss it at some point.”

“Not now,” she repeated. Rushing away, intent on cooling her hot face, she was in the bathroom before she realized that’s where she’d initiated everything intimate with him. She had invited him to the shower that had led to everything else.

A few hours ago, that was completely awesome. Now she was a wreck about her choices. About the changes.

“Roni. Talk to me.”

Of course he followed her. He filled the doorway with all his fit and shredded perfection. His arms bunched as he braced his hands on the door frame and leaned in.

“I can’t.” She flapped her hands at him, but he didn’t budge. “Not with you doing all of that.”

His mouth quirked.

“Do not make fun of me,” she warned.

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Still, he didn’t move. Not closer. Not away. He just lingered. Was that more of a temptation or problem right now? She turned back to the sink and ran her hands under the cold water, pressing the water to her face to buy time. Surely her brain would come back online within a few more seconds.

“Has your dad responded?”

“Not yet.” Leave it to Brayden to find the topic she could discuss. She dried her hands and face, then pulled out her hair tie and brushed her hair before pulling it up into a ponytail again. “Either way, Celeste and Nat will be furious. With him or me or both of us.”

“And they’ll forgive you,” he said. “However it goes.”

“Maybe. But if it backfires, they won’t trust me anytime soon.”

“Agree to disagree.” Brayden moved, his hands tucked behind him as he leaned against the door frame.

If she wanted to leave, she’d have to climb over his legs. And if she did that, she’d want to stay right here. “We should get back out there.”

“We will. One thing first.”

She swallowed. Did she even want to know? “What’s that?”

He swept her into a kiss so fast her head swam. His hand at the nape of her neck, he angled her mouth and dragged them both deeper. Her heart raced, and a sizzle shot straight to her toes, stopping at all the fascinating places in between.

She clung, delightfully overwhelmed and shamelessly focused on the immediate pleasure of the kiss. Of him. Everything about Brayden, about them together, seemed bigger and better than any other experience. It was wonderful and terrifying and incredible.

She didn’t want it to stop, ever.

“Hey—Oh. Whoops!”

She peeked over his shoulder just in time to see Nat scurrying away. “Wait!” But Brayden’s hands at her waist held her in place.

“Let her go,” he said with a shiver.

No. A suppressed laugh.

“You are laughing at me.”

He let loose then, his hilarity bouncing around the bathroom. “Not if you join in.” He tickled her, just above her hipbones. A weakness he’d discovered last night.

The absurdity of it finally hit and she laughed along with him, until she was breathless. “She’ll never let me live this down,” Roni lamented. “This will forever be the day I let everyone else work while I made out with you.”

“I can live with that.” He tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear, holding her gaze.

“Yeah. Me too,” she said. “You have the kindest eyes,” she murmured. “I’ve always loved that about you.” She pressed up on her toes and kissed him lightly. “I love you, Brayden.”

Apparently, she was doing this now. And why hold back? If she was going to be an emotional basket case, she might as well include the good emotions too.

His entire body seemed to freeze. “Like a friend.”

“That’s how it started.” She kissed him again. “But this is how it’s going.” She trailed her hands down his chest, slipping under his shirt to stroke his back. “I’m in love with you too.”

He started to speak, but she barreled on. “Not just because of last night.” She took a deep breath. “The attraction has been there for a while. Remember when I first saw you on the beach that day?”

“Yes.” Humor lit his eyes. “Were you ogling me, Veronica?”

“I was,” she confessed, hands skimming the solid muscles of his back. “And then I was all ashamed of myself when you turned around and I recognized it was you. Is that vulnerable enough for you?”

He nipped her earlobe. “You like me,” he teased in a silly voice he might’ve used back in high school.

“Yes.” She let her hands roam lower and squeezed his butt. “And I love you.”

He claimed her mouth with such a tender intensity, she wanted to cry again, but happy tears this time.

“Told you so.” Nat’s voice. Followed by Celeste’s gasping, “Ohmigosh!”

Roni yanked Brayden into the bathroom and he kicked the door closed behind them. She’d deal with her sisters in a minute. This moment, enjoying the newness of what it meant to be in love with her best friend, deserved her undivided attention.

CHAPTER 15

She loved him. And she kissed him as if she never planned to stop. Fine by him.

She was actually in love with him. Him.

It was nothing short of a miracle. A dream he’d had for so long. Last night had been incredible and he’d known it would be okay. That there was a real chance to have everything he wanted.

But the reality of hearing her say it… That was intense. It fired him up and leveled him at the same time. He was hungry. Thrilled. Desperate to sweep her away for some kind of newly-in-love honeymoon kind of deal. Did people do that? He didn’t care. The two of them could start a new trend.

Except she’d never leave the Hideaway right now. She’d never let her sisters deal with all this turmoil alone. She’d see that as being too much like her dad. So Brayden needed to get himself under control before⁠—

The sound of chainsaws revving up nearby pulled him back from the brink. Followed by the sound of his phone ringing in the other room. He’d left Connor hanging when he’d noticed Roni’s distress.

Connor. His research assistant had been talking rapid-fire about accretion and naturally-occurring boundary shifts. “I should get that,” he said.

“Get what?”

Her lashes fluttered open, her blue eyes wide and dazzled. He could definitely spend the rest of his life with her looking at him like that. “My phone.” He stroked her cheek. “They’ve started next door too.”

“How can you know that?” Before he could answer, the chainsaws started chewing through that tough old oak limb. “Oh.” She bobbed her chin. “You’re right. We need to go help out after they spent the morning helping us.”

Suddenly, he felt a little uneasy. “And your sisters?” Would they give her grief about finding the two of them in a liplock? He’d assumed they’d be okay if he and Roni became involved as a couple, but he could’ve misread the whole situation.

Her eyes flashed with amusement. “They should help too.” She scooted around him and opened the bathroom door. “Coast is clear.”

He laughed. “Fine.” They would all find a way to be okay with it until they could talk it out. “Connor had some interesting details to share.”

“I heard a little.” She smoothed lip balm over lips that were full and rosy from their kissing. “He was showing you a bunch of pictures.”

“That’s right.” Brayden picked up his phone and his tablet, following her out to the kitchen. But just as he was about to dial, he heard her groan.

“Coast isn’t clear?” he guessed.

“No.” She shook her head. “They look mad.” She turned to look at him as he walked up behind her. “I really thought they’d be happy for me. Us,” she amended with a warm smile that made him want to kiss her and not stop. He managed to control himself.

“We are happy for you,” Celeste snapped. “And Brayden, of course.”

He was pretty sure hearts were dancing in Natalie’s eyes, but Celeste seemed truly upset. “You owe us an explanation,” she said. “And an apology.”

“And a legal dictionary,” Natalie added under her breath. “For that last message.”

He closed the door to the suite as Roni bravely moved into the tension swirling through the kitchen. “What are you talking about?”

“Have you been crying?” Natalie asked, all sympathy.

“Nat, I swear.” Celeste rolled her eyes. “I’m furious, Roni. With you.” She glared at her youngest sister. “I thought we both were.”

“Well, I was,” Natalie said. “Am. But look at them. They’re so happy.”

“You’re laying it on a little thick, Nat,” Roni observed. “What did I do now?” She distanced herself, a reaction he’d seen her pull countless times in various situations. But he wouldn’t let her face anything alone. He shadowed her now and would continue to do so.

Celeste held out her phone. “We got Dad’s email. How could you go to him again when we expressly asked you not to?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Roni said. “Because he might have the answers we need?” She pinched the bridge of her nose. Tried and failed to gather her composure. “He bought the place. Originally,” she shouted. “For all his failings, he does love us.”

“Not enough to stay,” Nat mused.

“Whatever.” Roni struggled through another calming breath. “If he sent an email to all of us, it must mean something.” She fished her phone from her back pocket and opened her app.

Brayden read the message over her shoulder. David Hargrave had replied to Roni, copying both Celeste and Natalie on the email at their Hideaway business addresses. A little cold, but a reply nonetheless.

My dear Roni,

I received your message. Again, my apologies for staying away. I should’ve reached out again a long time ago. I thought leaving would make the grief easier on all of us. You girls didn’t deserve to watch me limping along without your mom. I was an awkward shell of myself and you all had your own sorrow to manage.

Traveling and taking myself to new places helped somewhat, but the isolation has only made me a coward with the three of you.

We’ll deal with that later. All four of us.

Roni, you asked about the original survey and right of ways. I do have those documents. Your mother and I kept them in my private safe deposit box in Columbia, alongside other historical records and artifacts we collected through the years. I’ve called the bank to make sure you have access if needed. I also had the original documents scanned and certified several years ago. Those digital files are attached to this email, due to the urgency of the situation. Notice the red ribbon and the stamps that also establish our cove as a private beach “in perpetuity”.

No modern survey or county amendment can override this document, unless both owners agree in writing and records are adjusted accordingly. It is ironclad under state preservation laws. It will trump any kind of fraud that developer tries to manufacture.

I am so proud of you and your sisters. I don’t expect forgiveness from any of you, but I will always help you protect our home and honor the memories we made as a family.

Love, Dad

Brayden inched closer to Roni. He could only guess at the emotions rioting through her. One more thing piled on top of everything else going on. She didn’t react right away, just stared at her phone. He glanced over and saw her sisters waiting for her to get caught up.

“He did it,” Roni whispered. She spun toward him. “We need to get to Columbia. To the bank.” Her eyes darted to the clock on the wall and back again. “It’s only a couple of hours away and not yet noon. We have time to get this done today and be back in time for the class.”

He should’ve known she’d shove the emotion aside in favor of action. She’d always been that way and he’d chalked it up to practical tendencies. Now, having witnessed her emotional collapse, he had to wonder if letting go all by herself was normal too.

“We can handle the event tonight,” Natalie volunteered. Brayden caught the hard look she aimed at Celeste. “Right?”

“Of course we can. That’s not the point.”

Roni shook her head. “Thanks, but all three of us need to be here tonight. A unified presence. You know Holly will be back to document the whole thing.”

“True.” Celeste looked miserable. Almost weary.

“I’m good with being here,” Brayden said. “My shag skills are definitely out of practice.” As he’d hoped, Roni’s cheeks went pink. “You’ll be my partner, right?”

“Mm-hm.”

Natalie beamed at the two of them as if she’d single-handedly orchestrated their entire relationship. “I’m so happy for you.” She bounced on her toes. “Trent will be here. We’ll all participate and host. It’s what we do best.”

Did Celeste have a significant other right now? Brayden didn’t think so. “The Guardian Agency is the official Hideaway guest right now.” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll tell Jess the plan and maybe we can get some other regional folks involved. An impromptu training exercise.”

“For dancing?” Natalie laughed.

“For observation, crowd control, there’s all kinds of ways to write it up,” Brayden replied. “Ask Trent, he’ll fill you in.”

“Guess we have a plan.” Celeste muttered. “And yay for Dad coming through.”

Roni twitched, but she didn’t leave his side. “I am sorry for breaking my word. But this house is ours. It’s our family, past and present, as well as an amazing business enterprise we share. Asking, trying, felt like a logical step.” She rubbed a fist against her chest. “Because leaving it undone felt wrong. If I hadn’t asked him, and Indigo Reef somehow got beach access, I’d always be wondering what-if.”

“Stop.” Celeste held up a hand. “Stop, please. You’re forgiven,” Celeste said.

He expected the sisters to hug it out, but no one moved.

“Okay.” Roni swallowed. “Thanks.” Her gaze dropped back to her phone. “I’ll forward this to Gamble and Swann so they can circulate it as needed.”

“I’ve already done that.” Celeste’s quiet admission was met with stunned silence. “You’re not the only one who’s been thinking outside the box,” she added somewhat defensively.

Brayden had slipped his arm around her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. “We should change clothes and hit the road.”

It was as chilly a parting as he’d ever seen among the sisters. And that worried him. For Roni’s sake. She was too willing to accept the rejection. Although Natalie came in for a hug, Roni was unusually reserved. Celeste mumbled something about going over to the site to help, taking only her phone.

Brayden didn’t bring it up until they were crossing the bridge into Charleston. “They’ll come around,” he assured her.

“Eventually.” Roni sighed. “All three of us are thinking it, one way or another. If we drag this out and make it a whole thing, we’re no better than Dad these last couple of years.” She turned toward him. “The real issue, especially for Celeste, is knowing that I never would’ve mentioned it or gotten caught going against their wishes if he hadn’t replied to us.”

“Ouch.”

“I don’t blame them,” she mused. “They’re right to be mad at me for breaking my word. And trust is the hardest thing to earn back.”

“But they love you. Shouldn’t that be unconditional?”

“Spoken like an only child,” she teased.

“Of self-absorbed parents.” He grinned. That exchange had been a core tenet of their early friendship when he struggled to understand her family dynamics.

The fact was, Roni was his singular unconditional relationship. His military pals probably counted, but they weren’t around day-to-day. His parents had little time for Brayden unless he was furthering their specific interests. If they could brag about him in the right circles, all was good. They enjoyed having a son with a stellar sports record and honorable military career. They were far less interested in the man he’d become with the many current endeavors he couldn’t and wouldn’t discuss.

“I do love you.” She reached over, lacing her fingers through his on the console.

The earnestness in her voice made his chest ache. “I know you don’t say things you don’t mean.” He lifted her hand to his lips.

“Where does this go?” she asked. “I know in your head you have a ten-point plan with contingencies.”

“Well, now that we have the original documents, I think Gamble and Swann will be able to⁠—”

She laughed. “I meant you and me.”

“Oh.” He tried to laugh with her and managed only a small sputter. “I, um…” He hesitated to tell her his plans for them looked more like a dream floating just out of reach. Weird, because for over half his life, he shared everything with her. But nothing about loving her had been within his control. He hadn’t been sure she’d ever feel the same way he did.

“Brayden?”

“No plan.” He squeezed her fingers lightly. “What could I plan without knowing how you felt?”

Her smile was soft, full of understanding. “But you’ve thought about it.”

He nodded, his throat dry. Where was a bottle of water when he needed one?

His phone rang, the sound filling the heavy space between them. On the screen, the caller ID showed Connor’s name. “Leggett,” he croaked.

“You okay?” Connor asked. “I’ve been worried.”

Brayden cleared his throat. “I’m good. Sorry about earlier. We’re all okay here. Go ahead and finish filling us in.”

“Swann just sent me the digital copies of the documents from David Hargrave. You probably don’t need what I found to defend the property lines now, but both of you will want to hear this.”

Roni sat straighter in the seat. Connor had her full attention.

“I wish you weren’t driving.” The disappointment came through loud and clear. “This is so much cooler with visual aids.”

“I’ve got the tablet,” Roni said. “Brayden just unlocked it for me.”

“Awesome.” Connor clapped his hands once. “You’re gonna love this.”

Brayden listened as Connor did a quick recap about South Carolina easement laws for coastal properties. “That plat map your dad found protects the beach around the Hargrave cove as private, limiting the easement rules to conservation and utility needs only.”

“Indigo Reef has no recourse?”

“Not a bit,” Connor confirmed. “But it gets better. What do you know about accretion laws?”

This was where Brayden had ended the call earlier. “Not enough,” he said. Roni’s hopeful excitement was contagious. “Walk us through it.”

Connor began with the basics, including a few technical terms about erosion, gradual build up, and avulsion events like storms. “Now, when it comes to accretion,” he continued. “When the shoreline shifts gradually over time due to natural elements, the legal boundary shifts with it. We’ve been working overtime to find overhead images of the maritime forest between Hargrave land and the Indigo Reef development. Go ahead and scroll through that image file.”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to get carsick.”

“Fair enough. Try skipping from the first to the last.”

With a wary groan, she did as he asked, gasping immediately.

“Are you sick?”

“No.” She clutched his forearm with one hand. “The forest has moved over time. Grown or spread or whatever.”

“Yes, exactly!” Connor shouted. “Now, your maritime forest is small, but still protected. I’m guessing Indigo Reef meant to argue that the forest is too small and inconsequential.”

“They’re wrong,” Roni grumbled.

“On many levels,” Connor agreed. “Environmentally, legally, and more. Even if Indigo Reef were to honor the forest line and sink the foundation pilings per their original building plans on file, it would be on Hargrave land.”

“How do we use that?” Brayden asked. “How would it be enforced? I looked at those images and I don’t get it.” Granted, he’d been distracted by Roni’s distress at the time.

“I’ve got you covered, man,” Connor said. “Ten years ago, severe tidal erosion washed out a chunk of the cove, but seasonal squalls have slowly deposited that sand back onto the Hargrave side. The forest shifted with it, though that’s hard to tell when you’re on the ground.”

“The trees are just the trees,” Roni said, thoughtfully. “And it’s not like we can do any thinning if we wanted to.”

“One of these days, I want to see that beach for myself,” Connor said. “My wife and I visited the Inn a while back and we love Brookwell, but you’ve got something special.”

“We’d be happy to host you and your wife,” Roni said.

Brayden chuckled. “That’s why you’ve been so intent on this case. You want to treat Sonya to a private vacation.”

“Maybe,” Connor allowed. “You know I’m always invested in my work.”

“I do know that. It’s one of the many reasons I’m happy when you’ve got my back,” Brayden said.

“To summarize,” Connor got back to the main issue, “Over the past thirty years, the forest had grown and spread into the accepted boundaries of both properties, but the physical average high-water line has shifted exactly thirty-two feet in your favor.”

Roni didn’t shout or swear or celebrate. In fact, she went way too still. Brayden reached across to rub her shoulder. “Do I need to pull over?”

“No,” she rasped, waving him on. “We need to get to the bank.”

“You can take your time,” Connor said. “This should feel like a huge weight off your shoulders.”

“If Indigo Reef honors it,” she murmured.

“They’ll have to,” Brayden said.

“They will,” Connor agreed. “And not just because you can present the original documents, Veronica. Under state law, due to the federal protections, you and your sisters actually own over thirty feet of the property on the other side of the forest,” Connor revealed triumphantly. “Indigo Reef’s planned condominium footprint isn’t just close to your property line, it is encroaching on six feet of deeded Hargrave land. They’ve been trespassing with their entire building plan this entire time.”

“They built their development strategy on a forged plat map, unaware that the physical earth literally shifted under their feet.”

“Exactly,” Connor cheered.

Roni swiped at her cheeks. “Thank you, Connor. This is incredible news.”

“Gamble will be explaining all of this to your sisters shortly. And a local judge after that to halt any further construction.”

“Fantastic work, Connor,” Brayden said, his shoulders relaxing in relief. He ended the call and turned back to Roni, with a big smile. “After all the bullying tactics and nonsense, they’re done. Really done. You and your sisters will be back in business at the Hideaway in no time.”

She flipped the cover over the tablet and carefully tucked it aside. Then she gave a shout of joy loud enough that it should’ve blown the roof off the truck.

He hollered along with her and when she cranked up the radio for the rest of the drive, he wallowed in the immediate celebration.

CHAPTER 16

The sunset glowed brightly in the sideview mirror as Brayden drove them back to Brookwell Island. Ahead of them, the sky was awash with soft pastels as the evening light inched toward dusk.

“We’ll be squeaking into the dance class right on time,” she said. “The bank took longer than I expected.”

“But we’re all set now.”

His confident smile, the way he held her hand, made her feel melty and wonderful inside. She was like ice cream on a hot summer afternoon. It was the strangest sensation and she hoped it lasted forever. Hoped they lasted forever.

“We are, that’s true.” Just as her father had promised, everything had gone smoothly at the bank. She had physical, notarized copies in the protective tube at her feet, in order to preserve the integrity of the originals. When she had a chance, she and her sisters would decide the best place to store this set of documentation.

“I really hope Abigail comes to the class. With her family.”

“She will.”

Brayden’s certainty surprised her. She studied his profile, equally happy and awestruck that she could do this anytime she liked, openly, without worrying about it getting weird. “How can you be so sure?”

“Because it’s you. You build connections and inspire loyalty.”

“You’re just saying that,” she deferred, uncomfortable with the compliment.

“I’m not,” he countered. “You’re awesome and you need to practice accepting praise.”

“Sure,” she chuckled. “I’ll get right on that.” If taking compliments was what he wanted her to practice, she would try. Better than thinking he’d been critiquing her performance in bed.

“Good.” He smiled again. “Sure you don’t want to stop for food?”

Her stomach growled, but she declined. “Celeste will probably have a full buffet set up for the event tonight. Hey,” she shifted in her seat to face him. “Did you really ask Jess to send over more agency protectors for dance lessons?”

“I did.” That sly smile on his face made her heart flutter. “You’re not satisfied with your current protector?”

She bumped his shoulder. “As if. But why?” He rolled his shoulders, looking extremely uncomfortable. She pointed at his face. “Is that what I look like when you give me a compliment?”

He glanced at his reflection. “Probably so.” His gaze cycled through the mirrors and returned to the road. “You and Natalie have significant others now. Celeste doesn’t. I wanted to make sure she had a dance partner if she wanted one.”

“You are too sweet. Way down deep where only someone who could get this close,” she leaned across the console, “would ever see it.”

“Good to know.” He flexed his hand on the steering wheel. “Did I do the wrong thing?”

“Not at all. Although, I wish I could be sure the fire chief shows up.”

“They’re an item?”

Roni snorted. “No. Though Nat and I have been encouraging it. For the record, I think he’s really into her, but she keeps blowing off their conversations and pretending she doesn’t recognize his interest.”

“Why?”

“I wish I knew. She deserves someone as steady as Chief Miller.”

“He’s a good guy,” Brayden agreed. “And a great landlord. His number is in my phone if you want to extend a personal invitation.”

She practically jumped at his phone. “I’ve always liked being devious with you.”

“Just wait until we’re out there dancing on the sand. You’ll like me even more.”

This kind of bantering with him was new and she was enjoying herself tremendously as they neared Charleston. It was fascinating to discover a flirty side to the boy she’d known forever and the man who’d always kept their friendship on an even keel.

“Square up in your seat,” he directed. “Please.”

She did as he asked. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing specific,” he said. “As a precaution, Connor and I worked out a specific route to make sure we’re not followed.”

“That’s a little creepy.”

“Agreed.” The curt tone put her on edge. “But I’m not giving Vanbeck or whoever he called on to pull the ECMs and shut off the Hideaway water any more headstarts.”

“Okay.” She waited while he used the voice commands to call Connor. Fidgeting in her seat, she barely resisted the urge to search the traffic around them for suspicious behavior. And how would she even recognize it, she wondered.

“So why would they follow us now, when they can be confident of where we’ll end up?”

“Fair question,” he said. “And they might not be following us at all.” He gave her a thin smile. “Precautions.”

“Does that include adding agency personnel to the dance class?”

“It might,” he allowed.

“Take the exit for the Citadel,” Connor directed. “I’m programming a route for you that will give me access to street cameras.”

A moment later, the navigation screen in the truck lit up, the computer’s voice reciting instructions. Brayden calmly followed each prompt while Roni marveled at his composure. Yet another side of him she’d not been privy to. Of course, she’d appreciated his help in many ways through the years and recent events with the construction crew had been tense, but this was different.

Precaution or not, she was on the verge of panic, her stomach in knots and questions racing through her head. Left to her own devices, she would never have thought about being followed. A shiver skated down her spine at how things might’ve gone so wrong out here without Brayden and the agency.

“How can I help?” she asked.

Brayden’s focus didn’t waver. “She needs a job, Connor.”

“On it,” the researcher replied. “Check your phone,” he said a few seconds later. “You should have a text message from the Wine Barn.”

“I love that place,” Roni said. “Did you know that?”

“Lucky guess.”

Agitated as she was, she knew there hadn’t been any guessing involved. “Text is here. Oh, my order is ready for curbside pick-up.” The message instructed her to verify her vehicle details and send a code once she was parked in a designated spot.

“Clever,” Brayden murmured.

She agreed with him as she followed the text instructions. “You think they’re tracking my phone too?”

“Can’t rule it out until we rule it out.” Connor sounded distracted. “If you get text messages from your sisters, answer them, okay?”

“Of course.”

“All right, Brayden, tell me what you’re seeing.”

He relayed the information in a flat tone that didn’t quite scare her, but wasn’t entirely comfortable. She reminded herself to stay out of it and let him work. But the closer they got to the wine store, the more she worried.

For nothing apparently. He pulled up, the wine Connor had ordered was delivered, and once the researcher watching over them gave the all-clear, they continued on their way. She listened as Connor continued to monitor the situation and appreciated his help more and more.

When they reached the Hideaway, Brayden pulled up, blocking Celeste’s car in the driveway. The street was lined with cars and golf carts and when she stepped out of the truck cab, she heard the happy, upbeat music flowing from the beach.

“Holy cow. Brayden, look!” She reached back for his hand. “They strung lights.”

“Let’s get down there and join the fun.” She grabbed the document tube and he carried the wine, following her inside.

They were alone in the kitchen, though her sisters had obviously been busy prepping refreshments. The sink was full and prep trays were stacked on the stove top. It hit her then how lucky she was to be in business with Celeste and Nat. Her fingers curled around the tube. She was lucky that business could continue without any more threats from the aggressive developer next door.

“Celeste made chips and roe. Empanadas too.”

Brayden set the wine on the island and looked around. “How can you tell?”

She tapped her nose. “The seasonings. And the tools. She makes batches of the empanadas and freezes them for times like this.”

“An entertainment emergency plan?” He laughed. “There are worse things to be great at.”

“I know.” She darted over and hugged him tightly, still holding the document tube. Tears threatened as she released him, staring at the thin plastic cylinder. “Dad really came through.”

He pulled her into another gentle hug. “You came through for all of them too, Roni.”

“Stop or I’ll cry again.” But she lingered there in his arms, soaking up the strength and comfort he offered. “We need to get dressed and go celebrate with everyone.”

He stroked her back, her hair, tipped her face up for a soft kiss. “We’ll get there. I want another minute with you.”

“Just a minute?” she teased. “I could stay right here forever.” Hearing the words, she cringed. “I mean…” What did she mean? He was it for her. The one.

She hadn’t meant to put any pressure on whatever was growing between them. They’d only been together-together for about a minute. Moving into forever territory was way too fast. Wasn’t it?

Except it was Brayden. They’d seen each other through major victories and disasters. She blinked back a strange surge of happy tears. She couldn’t give in to that now. Not with an event going outside. There would be time to talk things out. Time for more kisses and nights in his arms. If she knew anything about Brayden, it was how reliable he was.

“Easy. I know what you mean.”

“I just don’t want to face another storm, natural or man-made, without you.”

Brayden’s dark eyes flared with an intense, breathless wonder. His fingertips, rough from the clean up today, traced her cheek. A slow, breathtaking smile broke across his handsome face—a smile meant only for her.

“You’ll never have to, Roni,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m yours. Always have been. Always will be.”

His phone chimed from his pocket and he rolled his eyes. She giggled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “We need to get moving anyway.” She made a dash for the suite. “Nat and Celeste will want to see the documents as soon as this event is over.”

“I’ll be right behind you.”

CHAPTER 17

Dressed for the dance class in a Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, and boat shoes, Brayden stepped out on the deck. He set the alarm system for all the doors except the kitchen slider. Not perfect security, but it would quickly pinpoint anyone trying to get in where they didn’t belong.

It was nice to stand here as the light faded, with only the happy sounds of the party on the beach. No machinery noises interfered.

He wasn’t exactly thrilled with the call that delayed him long enough that he missed being there while Roni changed clothes. Any chance to be close to her was a good thing.

But when the bosses called, he answered. And he was grateful for the intel, even if the timing sucked. Gamble and Swann had learned that Silas Vanbeck was in search of a judge who would side with him on the new property line surveys.

That annoying attorney needed to find a new project.

Gamble and Swann weren’t worried about the legalities, especially now that the sisters had the original documents. They were concerned that he might do something rash and warned Brayden to stay on high alert.

No problem. After the stunts the man had already attempted, Brayden wasn’t about to let down his guard.

He hustled down the steps and out to the refreshment tables near the fire pit where Natalie and Trent were chatting with several folks from town. As he passed, he exchanged a look with Trent, getting a subtle nod in return: no sign of trouble.

Grateful, he paused for a taste of the chips and roe and then nabbed a hushpuppy from the basket from Parker’s Fish Camp. The sisters might not have been full-time residents growing up, but they were clearly appreciated now. And had tremendous influence too, based on this turnout.

Without any sign of Roni or Celeste, the back of his neck prickled and he told himself to relax. They were surely down near the water, helping out with the dance class. Crossing the dunes, he was immediately waylaid by Abigail Devaney. She sat in a pop-up chair with a sleepy toddler in her lap.

“Hey.” He crouched down so the little one could be included. “I’m Brayden.” The toddler only stared at him with wide eyes.

“Of course, Veronica’s friend. How nice to see you again.” She pointed for the toddler and bounced the little girl a bit to the beat of the music. “Look at that. Daddy and Mommy are dancing.”

“Are you having a good time?”

“We’re having a blast,” Abigail said. “This was exactly the outing we needed after a day at the zoo. But Grandma got a little tired with all the dancing, so I had to sit down with a buddy.”

Brayden grinned. “That happens. And your supervisor is adorable.” He scanned the crowd again. “Veronica must’ve been thrilled to see you here.”

“Oh, we haven’t seen her yet, though her sisters have been lovely and the food is amazing.”

A chill replaced that initial prickle of unease. “I’ll send Veronica over as soon as I see her.”

“Don’t trouble her, please. Go dance and have fun. That girl deserves a break.”

Brayden couldn’t agree more. “We’ll dance,” he promised. “And it’s no trouble. She’ll want to see you.” He pushed to his feet and managed a warm smile. “Y’all enjoy the rest of your evening.”

He didn’t go straight to the class. Spotting Jess and her husband Nash with Cav and Bobby, he walked over. He shook hands with Nash and greeted the guys and that was all Jess needed to pick up his tension.

“What’s up?”

Her casual tone was as obvious to him as his tension was to her. He willed his shoulders to relax. “Have you seen Veronica?”

“Yeah.” Cav glanced toward the dancers. “She and Celeste are in that mix somewhere.”

A few folks were off to the side, learning the shuffle and glide steps of the Carolina shag. Plenty of others were having a blast, shoes off, dancing to the music pumped through the speakers.

“Can I steal your wife for a dance?” he asked Nash.

Jess gasped in exaggerated shock, hand to her heart. “You did not just ask my husband for permission. It’s the twenty-first century, for crying out loud.”

All of the men laughed as she left her shoes behind and hurried off with Brayden.

“Is it true? Are you and Roni getting married?”

He thought about that forever comment she’d made in the kitchen. “Where’d you get that idea?”

She turned to him, taking his hand and they started dancing to the music. “Nash came home from taking that limb out of the trailer with it. Apparently, Natalie was waxing poetic about your new relationship.”

He chuckled. “She’s a hopeless romantic.”

“And you’re not?”

“Only with Roni,” he admitted. “A proposal is a ways off.” Except she’d basically proposed to him about an hour ago. “Have you seen her?”

“Smile, Leggett. Your stress is showing.” She glided into a turn and back to him as they started the cycle of steps again. “She was here. Turquoise dress, looking pretty and very, very happy.”

“They won’t have any trouble with Indigo Reef anymore. I’m sure you’ll get the full details.” He scanned the crowded dance area, spotted Celeste dancing with Evan Miller. Roni would love that.

“She isn’t here.”

“She must be,” Jess soothed. “There hasn’t been a single sign of trouble.”

“Her absence is a sign of trouble,” he said as they came together. They swung out, and back close again. “You’re not disagreeing.”

“Who would come at her here? Tonight?”

There was only one answer. “Vanbeck’s up to something. Gamble and Swann called. He’s determined to get his fake survey in front of a judge.”

“Of course he is,” Jess said, voice mild. “He’s desperate. His client stands to lose a small fortune if their plans are impeded by reality. More if their stunts shut down the development entirely. But here?”

“He must know by now she has the proper documentation,” Brayden said, thinking aloud. “And the guys we rescued told us he has some kind of enforcer who pulled that stunt with the water main. Plus, that observation point—” He swore.

Whoever had been stationed there could’ve gathered all kinds of intel on Roni and her sisters. Hidden well, he could’ve overheard all kinds of conversations while they’d been cleaning up storm damage today.

Jess made it look as if they’d stopped because she was out of breath, drawing him to the side of the dancers. “Text her.”

He grabbed his phone and sent the message. Waiting for a reply was excruciating. Jess was guiding him back toward Nash and the others. Still nothing.

Finally, a message came through: Some bodyguard. She was easy picking.

His heart stopped and his blood ran cold. Calmly as possible, he showed Jess the message. She snatched his phone and demanded the terms.

The documents for the woman. One hour. Wait for my call.

“Not waiting,” Brayden growled. Roni would fight. She wouldn’t make it easy. She had a deep understanding of anatomy. She was strong. Unless she’d been drugged or wounded. Restrained. His vision hazed and he had to rein in his temper before he lost her forever.

He turned to Bobby and Cav. “Tell me everything you know about Vanbeck’s enforcer.”

“He’s got Veronica?” Bobby’s expression went stormy. “What do you need?”

“We think so,” Jess interjected calmly. “Do you know anything about him? Where he lives or what he drives?”

“I’d say he lives out of the truck,” Cav said. “Old, rough paint job. Shell over the bed.”

While Jess asked reasonable questions, Brayden’s mind filled with unreasonably violent action plans. He stormed off in the direction of that original observation nest, using the flashlight on his phone to scan the ground for any clue.

He’d promised her he’d be there. Always. And now she was missing. For a second, he swayed, overcome with a worst-case scenario. “Not happening,” he whispered to himself. “Hang on, sweetheart. I’m on the way.”

“Hey, man.” Trent was suddenly in step with him. “Backup’s better than going alone.”

“Sure,” Brayden grunted. He didn’t care if the agency sent an army to flank him. He was getting Roni back. Right now.

CHAPTER 18

Roni was cold and sore. She blinked her eyes open. Or thought she did. Everything was dark and blurry. Not just dark, there was something covering her face. When she breathed the fabric moved with her inhale and exhale, but it was scratchy. Uncomfortable.

When she tried to sit up, she discovered her hands were pinned behind her back. Zip ties on her wrists. She shivered and metal scraped against metal, scraped against her bare legs. Her shoes were gone and her dress was hiked up above her knees. The surface beneath her was lumpy and unyielding. Chain and tools, she guessed as she surreptitiously explored.

Her movement hadn’t caught any attention so far. She held her breath to listen for other clues. Wherever she’d been taken, she was stationary, and unless her kidnapper didn’t need to breathe, he wasn’t nearby.

She let her head fall back as the attack flooded her mind. She’d been mingling, eagerly waiting for Brayden to come down and dance with her. They’d goofed off occasionally, but tonight would be their first dance as a real couple.

Everyone seemed happy with the event as the dance instructors started their demonstration. The crowd continued to grow and she’d been marveling at all of it. Brayden had been right. The Hargrave sisters made hospitality look easy.

When a text came through from Brayden asking her to meet him on the deck, she’d practically flown to him.

Except it hadn’t been Brayden.

She’d been rushing by the garden shed when she was caught. A heavy, gloved hand clamped tightly over her mouth, cutting off her reflexive scream. A hard, muscular arm banding around her middle, yanking her backward and dragging her straight into the blackened shadows of the trees.

She’d put up a struggle until an ugly voice had hissed at her ear. “Shut up if you want to keep breathing.”

Breathing, yes please. Captive, no. She’d refused to go easily with this brute.

Riding a wave of panic-induced adrenaline, Roni fought back. She stomped her heel down hard on her attacker’s foot, elbowing backward with all her strength, catching him flush in the ribs. He fell back, cursing her, and she lurched out of his grasp.

Only to get caught again and slammed hard against a tree. The impact knocked the wind from her lungs, making her head spin. Before she could regain her balance, the attacker pulled her hands behind her back, the sharp zip of a plastic cable tie tightening painfully around her wrists.

That was the last detail she remembered. She hadn’t even gotten a good look at him. How long had she been out? Where had he dumped her?

None of that mattered. She wasn’t done fighting.

Wiggling her hips, she tried to determine if she had her cell phone, but her pockets felt empty. Odds were low he would leave the device with her. If she could get this hood off her face, maybe she could improvise a weapon to use when he came back.

Unless he meant to leave her here indefinitely.

No, no, no. Not the right kind of thoughts. She nearly gave into the growing panic, but caught herself before she started screaming. She had to be ready when he came back.

It took forever, but she managed to snag the fabric hood on something rough under her head and work her way out of it. Enough light filtered through the small, dirty windows that she could see she was in the back of a covered pickup truck full of tools and thick chains.

She’d been pinned between two loose piles of chain. The truck smelled of rust and stale oil and a long toolbox lay against the opposite side of the bed.

But where was the truck parked? How far would she have to go for help? Because she was getting out of here. She started scraping the zip ties against the mess behind her. Surely something was rough enough to snap the hard plastic.

She was wiggling around, fighting for a better angle, when the tailgate suddenly opened. Her captor’s eyes went wide and then narrowed to slits when he realized she could see him. He grabbed for her ankle and she jerked out of his reach, kicking the chain at him while she struggled to free her hands.

“Brayden!” she shouted. “Help!”

Swearing, the brute climbed into the covered bed with her and she used her feet and knees to keep him back, kicking at his face and throat, twisting when his hands locked around one leg, going for his groin with her free foot. She was landing a few blows, but nothing hard enough or accurate enough to incapacitate him.

Suddenly, she found leverage on the end of the toolbox and pushed hard, flipping herself to roll off the tailgate and out of the truck. Scrambling to her feet, his curses chasing her, she ran. Her feet slipped in mud and she went down again, but the force popped the plastic cuffs.

It took a beat for her to realize she was in the construction site. The light was coming from a halogen security light they’d mounted near the street. He would expect her to run for the light or the party at the Hideaway. But they’d had enough trouble from this stupid group.

She bolted for the concrete and steel skeleton of the condos they were building. Her muddy feet slipped and slid as she forced herself to go faster.

“Stupid girl! You’re leaving an easy trail for me.”

Roni hoped so, she wanted him to follow her. She was more agile, but the fixer was bigger, heavier, with a longer reach. She needed to even the odds. Somehow.

She ran out of stairs at what would eventually become a third-floor condo. She scoured the darkness in search of anything she could use as a weapon. Nearly tumbling into a pile of rebar, she picked up a smaller piece and ducked into the shadows.

“This coulda been easy.” The rough voice bounced off the concrete block. “You’re just leverage. Vanbeck needs a few signatures and you’ll all be wealthy enough to buy the damned island.”

Of course, Vanbeck was behind this. Well, too bad. The corrupt attorney was destined for disappointment. No amount of duress would force her sisters to sign over the Hideaway. There was too much love, too many memories. This was their legacy.

A beam of light sliced through the darkness. “Stop playin’ around!” the fixer bellowed.

She pressed herself into the corner, willing him to turn around so she could attack.

“More than one way,” he grumbled to himself. “Burn it down.” He’d delivered the order with authority. “You heard me.” A pause. “Then don’t get caught.”

He couldn’t mean to burn down the Hideaway? “No!” Roni streaked out of her safe corner, swinging the rebar like a bat, the way Brayden had taught her years ago.

The fixer ducked, taking most of the blow across his shoulders. Then he spun around and charged.

“Not on my watch,” a voice rumbled from the darkness, vibrating with absolute fury.

Brayden.

Brayden emerged from the darkness like a phantom, launching forward with terrifying speed. He didn’t hesitate or negotiate. He tackled the fixer to the floor, the momentum carrying both men close to the edge of the structure.

The crash was deafening. She held her breath as Brayden fought for control. They rolled, exchanging blows and suddenly the fixer pulled a knife. Roni jumped forward, determined to help.

“Stay back!” Brayden ordered, without sparing her a glance.

Veronica scrambled back against the wall, her heart hammering against her ribs. All she could do was watch the brutal confrontation.

The fixer slashed his blade through the air, wild swings that Brayden dodged. Then he shifted his weight, lunging again and catching the sleeve of Brayden’s shirt, but Brayden didn’t flinch. He grabbed the man’s wrist and applied a crushing joint lock that sent the knife flying across the concrete. With cold precision, he delivered a devastating right hook to the fixer’s jaw, followed by a heavy elbow to the chest that leveled the bigger man. He fell, unconscious, onto the concrete.

Roni discovered she had no sympathy for the concussion that would surely follow.

Brayden stood over the kidnapper, his chest heaving and his dark eyes flashing with a dangerous, primal fury. He patted the man’s pockets, coming up with zip ties that he used to secure the fixer’s wrists and ankles.

Then, he turned to Veronica.

In a fraction of a second, the lethal operative vanished, his expression softening into the familiar lines of the man she loved. She launched herself into his arms and, though his hands trembled, he held her close.

“Roni.” His voice cracked with raw emotion. He ran his hands over her face and shoulders. “Are you hurt?” She shook her head, words failing her. He pulled her flush against his broad chest, so tightly she could feel the thunderous beat of his heart. “Tell me you’re okay.”

“I’m okay,” Roni said, burying her face in the crook of his neck, her fingers clutching his shirt. Her entire body sagged with relief. “I’m okay now.” She jerked back. “The house. You heard him tell someone to burn it down?”

“We did.” He sank down on the floor and brought her into his lap.

“We?”

“Trent was with me. I’m sure he’s notified the fire chief by now. Though I’m pretty sure it was a bluff.”

“Let’s be super-sure.”

“Smart.” He kissed her temple, keeping her close as they heard the sounds of police arriving. “Third floor. Kidnapper contained,” Brayden called out. “No one is armed.”

She snuggled closer. “You found me.”

“Always,” he whispered fiercely, his hand smoothing her hair. “I swear to God, Roni... when he texted me on your phone, I was ready to kill him.”

“Part of me wanted you to,” she confessed for his ears alone as the police thundered up the steps. “I love you.”

He bent his head and claimed her mouth in a deep, passionate, and possessive kiss.

“Guess we missed the fun,” Chief Caldwell said to Lieutenant Frasier as they arrived. Taking in the scene, his face turned a dangerous shade of red. “Are you injured, Veronica?”

“N-no, sir.” The tremor in her voice warned her that shock was setting in. She really wanted to get out of here. Make sure the Hideaway was fine and her sisters were safe.

“He kidnapped her, Chief,” Brayden volunteered, his arms wrapped securely around her. “Trent Blakely and I heard him threaten her when we were in pursuit. This guy,” he pointed to the unconscious man, “said Silas Vanbeck ordered the abduction to force the sisters to sign over the Hideaway.”

Chief Caldwell pulled out his radio, his voice barking with absolute authority as he ordered an all-points bulletin for Silas Vanbeck. Looking at Frasier, he said. “We’ll start with charges for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and felony extortion.” A sharp smile creased his weathered face. “I’m looking forward to seeing that particular attorney in handcuffs.”

Lieutenant Frasier helped a team of paramedics load the fixer into a transport chair to get him back down the stairs. He handed Roni the blanket they’d brought along and Brayden wrapped it around her, rubbing her arms to combat her shivering.

“Ready to give me a statement?” Caldwell asked.

Roni looked up from the safety of Brayden’s arms and wept. Startled and embarrassed, she couldn’t control the reaction. Nothing stopped the tears as she explained how she’d been taken and how she’d escaped the truck to run up here.

“Why not go back to the party?” Caldwell asked.

“He moved quickly for his size, but I figured I had him beat on general fitness and the stairs would make him winded.” She gave a watery smile when Brayden murmured approval. “It worked a little.”

“Until he threatened to burn down the house.” Brayden hugged her.

“Until then.” A tremor rattled through her. “When I heard that, I tried to hit him with a piece of rebar.”

“It was a bluff, so you’re clear. The fire chief cleared the house.”

“Good.” Her teeth chattered. “C-can I go now?”

“Yes. I’ll be in touch with more questions,” Caldwell said.

“You know where to find us,” Brayden shook his hand, then gathered Roni close, sheltering her with his body all the way down the stairs.

Her legs felt rubbery. “The adrenaline crash is catching up with me,” she said. “I don’t think I can walk all the way back.”

“You don’t have to. Cav and Bobby are here. Brian’s at the house.” He picked her up and carried her toward a truck idling just beyond the line of first responders. “Your chariot,” he said, boosting her into the front seat. “The guys insisted on giving you a lift home.”

CHAPTER 19

Brayden was restless long after Roni was safely back home at the Hideaway. Those first hours had been the worst, despite the best possible outcome for Roni. He hadn’t known what to do with himself while her sisters tended to her and pampered her.

He didn’t want to let her out of his sight. Not ever again.

He’d spoken with Trent and Jess and even debriefed with his bosses back in Chicago. Nothing helped him wind down. He was edgy and angry and no longer had a viable outlet. The immediate, physical danger was over, but Brayden wasn’t sure he’d be content until Silas Vanbeck was behind bars.

Jess had understood, assigning a full protection detail of local cops and agency personnel at the Hideaway until they were sure Vanbeck was in custody. Her sisters had moved into the house to lend support and just be there for one another.

The correct plat maps had been recorded, again. Their house was safe, the property theirs until they chose to sell.

The silver lining was spending time with Roni and her sisters. Trent too, since he was a package deal with Natalie. It felt like the best part of being a family. Rallying together in the crisis, finding ways to smile and laugh and feel alive.

The five of them stayed close, cooking, watching movies, swimming down at the private beach and having s’mores around the fire pit. Food was delivered as folks stopped by to check on all three of the sisters.

It had taken three full days for the net to drop. And when Caldwell came by to tell them Vanbeck was in custody, Brayden felt as if he could finally breathe easy again. That night, he’d slept soundly.

Even dreamed.

Of little girls with white-blond hair and blue eyes running across the sand on the Hargrave beach. What he wouldn’t give for that to come true.

Waking early, he’d filled a mug with coffee and wandered out on the deck to enjoy the sunrise while Roni slept in. The bruises around her wrists were fading and she moved a little easier every day. It made his heart glad, though he still wanted an hour alone with that fixer.

He wanted it, but he wouldn’t get it.

He’d just have to be satisfied with his freedom. With the glory of this private haven. The air was clear and clean. He could hear the birds in the forest and out along the shore. Next door, the Indigo Reef construction remained silenced. The heavy machinery was parked in a neat, motionless row behind yellow police tape.

Since the arrest warrants had been issued and executed, he suspected the site would eventually be abandoned, the machinery moved or sold to cover the fines. He hoped whoever bought the property would have the common sense and decency to discuss plans rather than try to force something that didn’t fit the island.

The tranquility out here was a treasure. Almost as wonderful as the woman he’d left in bed.

When his phone hummed in his pocket, Brayden set the coffee on the railing to check the email from Patrick Gamble:

Vanbeck’s bail motion was denied by the judge. His fixer is cooperating with state prosecutors in exchange for leniency. We expect the official paperwork showing Indigo Reef’s abandonment of the project to come through by the end of next week. The land will go up for sale, unless a private proposal is approved by the court and local town council.

Thank you for your commitment and exemplary work on this assignment.

The tight knot that had taken up residence between his shoulder blades started to unwind. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and thought about how happy Roni would be when he shared the news.

“You’re up early.” Roni’s sleep-roughened voice murmured behind him.

He turned, his chest instantly expanding with a wave of fierce, possessive tenderness. “Come here.”

Wearing her tank and sleep shorts, she walked into his arms as if she never wanted to be anywhere else. The light breeze tugged at her hair and she twisted it back over her shoulder. Though a fading yellow-green bruise still touched the line of her collarbone from her ordeal, her eyes were clear and bright, her smile warm and sincere as she stole a sip of his coffee.

Resting her cheek against his chest, she sighed. “This is what Hideaway mornings are really about.”

Brayden wrapped his arms around her, bringing her back against his chest and nuzzling his face in the crook of her neck. “You smell so good.” He teased her skin, inhaling the intoxicating scent of lavender, sea salt, and the essence of Roni herself.

“Same,” she said, turning to burrow into his chest. “Was that a new assignment?”

The phone, he realized. “No, just an update from Gamble. All good news.”

“Yay.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard this beach so peaceful.”

“It’s the best,” Roni said. “Celeste is sorting out a slew of new bookings. Holly’s front-page story in the Bugle about the Indigo Reef fiasco, team cleanup, and the historical documents has turned the Hideaway into the most popular destination on the coast. We’ll be booked solid until Christmas.” She sighed.

“You’re not happy about it?”

“I’m thrilled, actually. As much as I love it here when it’s all for us, we have a business to run.”

Which meant they needed to decide where they were going to live. “Did your dad call her last night as promised?” Brayden queried. David had done a video call with all of them together, then scheduled time individually with his daughters.

“He did.” Roni’s smile rivaled the rising sun, warming Brayden down to his soul. “She said they talked for over an hour. It’s not perfect, not the same, but it’s progress. He says he’s coming to Brookwell for the Fall Festival.”

“That’s a big step,” Brayden said, leaning down to press a soft, reverent kiss against her forehead.

“It is,” she whispered, her hands sliding up to frame his neck. “And none of it would have happened if you hadn’t come here. You saved our home, Brayden. You saved me.”

“See, that’s giving me too much credit,” Brayden corrected softly, his hands moving to rest on her hips, holding her steady. “You saved yourself. The whole way. You stood up to Vanbeck, you opened your heart to those stranded workers, and you held your family together when everything was falling apart. I just made sure nobody got in your way.”

“Now who can’t take a compliment?” Roni chuckled, her blue eyes shining with unfiltered joy. “You were my shield, Brayden. You always have been.”

She shifted her posture, leaning up on her tiptoes, and brought her lips up to meet his.

The kiss wasn’t rushed. She took her time, slow and deep, she stole his breath. He felt it like a sweet, lingering declaration of everything they’d built together over a lifetime of friendship and the new unbreakable love that would define their future. Brayden held her close, feeling the steady, rhythmic beat of her heart against his own, tasting the warmth of her lips and the quiet promise of a thousand tomorrows.

When he finally pulled back, both of them were slightly breathless.

“Gamble and Swann sent me a new offer letter last night.” Brayden’s fingers sifted through her hair, tucking a stray lock behind her ear.

Veronica blinked at him. “They’re calling you back to Chicago?”

“No, actually.” He stole a kiss. She was irresistible. “Guardian wants me to head up a regional threat-assessment training branch. Here. In Brookwell. It means a salary bump and regular hours most of the time.”

Roni gasped, her hands tightening on his shoulders. “Brayden... that’s incredible!” She went still. “Is that what you want? You won’t miss the action of active assignments?”

“If it means being here with you, not for a second.”

Her eyes went wide, then she jumped into his arms. “Yes. You’re mine.” She peppered his face with kisses. “Mine. Mine. Mine.”

They were laughing so hard, together, he had to set her on her feet. “I take it that works for you.”

“Of course that works for me. I love you. You’re where my heart is safe and happy.” She pulled him into another passionate kiss. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, Roni,” Brayden vowed against her lips, lifting her effortlessly into his arms as the warm ocean breeze swept through, rustling the ancient live oaks and carrying the sweet sounds of the surf. “Always have. Always will.”

He’d come to Brookwell—to the Hideaway—to protect her, the most important person in his world, and found the love he’d dreamed of. Giving her his heart had been the smartest move of his life and he couldn’t wait to celebrate all the future sunrises together.

EPILOGUE

By the time the holidays rolled around, Veronica had almost forgotten the intense summer chaos. The Brookwell music festival had been bigger than ever, bringing in loads of good press and revenue for the entire town. Fall had come and gone with many community events, a visit from their dad, and a bit more drama they managed to survive generally unscathed. 

More than that, she and her sisters were actually thriving. Settled, but with a contentment rooted in quiet joy and excitement. The perfect vibe with Christmas just days away. 

To celebrate, they’d closed outside bookings for three weeks so they could enjoy the Hideaway together. With their family growing through the addition of significant others, it was the best place to get together. 

And tonight, Roni, Celeste, and Natalie were hosting the first official Brookwell Holiday open house. Spearheaded by Celeste, of course, the Brookwell Island B&Bs had gone all out with holiday decor and opened for tours. The event started at the Monroe B&B and ended here. 

Naturally, tickets had sold out and now, with the guests departed and the day melting into a lovely wintery twilight, Roni and her sisters were ready to relax with family and a few close friends. 

Roni walked through the rooms they’d opened, admiring the results of their cooperative design skills. Each of the other B&Bs had been beautiful in their own right, but here the atmosphere was pure holiday magic. 

Maybe she felt that way because, deep down in her heart, this was home. But she thought they’d nailed the assignment with the pine and holly garlands lit by warm-white fairy lights at every door and weaving up through the stair railing. In the front room, a fire crackled in the hearth, the woodsy scent of cedar and oak blending with the rich aromas of spiced mulled wine, baked pecans, and hot apple cider drifting from the kitchen.

The mantel was a work of art thanks to Natalie’s creative display of Christmas trees made from all kinds of materials.

Veronica stood near the parlor doorway, a glass of sparkling cider cradled in her hands, taking a moment to simply absorb the breathtaking sight of her home—full of life, full of laughter, and completely safe. For now and forever.

No longer teetering on the edge of corporate extinction, the house was filled with the people they loved and cared about. Folks who had jumped in and helped when they needed it. Folks they’d helped along the way. This gathering underscored everything about the hospitality she and her sisters valued.

Near the new chess table, Sharon Trumble was laughing animatedly with Betty Jo Monroe, both women holding plates piled high with Celeste’s famous holiday crab dip. In the corner, Jess Billings stood arm-in-arm with her husband, Nash, chatting with Chief Caldwell, who looked relaxed and entirely off-duty with his wife at his side.

Even Bobby had accepted the invite she’d extended. The former Indigo Reef worker had officially left the company to start an independent coastal carpentry firm. Roni couldn’t be prouder of him, or more pleased that he chose to stay in the area. It amused her to see him engaged in a spirited debate with Natalie and Trent about trends with custom trim and finishes.

A warm, radiant swell of gratitude filled her chest. They’d really done it, with plenty of help, of course. Still, it felt incredible to stand here having successfully defended their home and legacy. Together.

“What are you thinking about?” 

Roni turned and smiled at her older sister. Celeste looked stunning in her strapless cranberry velvet dress. Her long blonde hair, styled in loose waves, was held back from her face with jeweled combs and her shoes sparkled with gold beading and sequins.

“How fabulous we are,” Roni admitted. The three of them had gone to the Beach Belle for their dresses. The owner, Grace, had made the brilliant suggestion for them to wear the same fabric, in the styles that suited each of them best. Natalie’s dress had a sweetheart neckline, thin straps, and a full skirt that ended in a flirty hem well above the knee. Roni had chosen a v-neck wrap dress with a longer skirt that made her feel like a model. 

“We are fabulous,” Celeste agreed. “It’s been quite a year.”

“And we’re all better for it,” Roni said. “In every way. Look at this place that we’ve built.”

“I’m not arguing,” Celeste said with a grin as Natalie hurried over. 

“Are you two brainstorming a New Year’s bash without me?” she teased. 

“We would never,” Celeste promised. “And also, I thought we said no bash.” Her eyes sparkled, though. Roni suspected Celeste was looking forward to ringing in the new year in a big way.

“But Trent and Brayden were discussing fireworks—” Nat said as Roni waved her off. “I mean, Merry Christmas to my favorite sister.”

Celeste started to laugh. “You two are incorrigible.”

“It’s a gift,” Nat said. “We need a picture, just the three of us.”

“In front of the fire,” Celeste suggested. “We’ll have Brayden handle the photography. He brings out Roni’s best smile.”

She felt her cheeks go hot and shamelessly blamed it on the champagne. Although she actually didn’t mind being called out. Being in love with Brayden had done wonders for her. She was more relaxed, more hopeful, and happier than she’d been since losing their mom.

“You can’t fault me for that,” Roni said as her eyes locked on Brayden.

Celeste sighed and Natalie laughed. “No, we really can’t,” Nat said. “Though I will say, I told you so.”

“You did.” Nat had been shipping her with Brayden from the start. There were times when her little sister being right would bug her. This definitely wasn’t one of them.

Celeste slid her arm around Roni’s waist on one side. Nat did the same on the other. They pressed in close as Brayden took several pictures. Roni was so focused on him, she lost track of the conversation.

“...Dad called three times today,” Celeste was saying. “Checking on the open house and asking about the menu.”

“We’ll send him this picture,” Nat said, peering over Brayden’s shoulder as they all reviewed the images. “He’ll love it.”

Tears pricked the corners of Roni’s eyes. David Hargrave’s return to their lives hadn’t happened overnight, but his visit during the Fall festival had opened a door to real, lasting healing. For the first time in five years, she felt as if they were a whole family again.

Trent delivered glasses of champagne and Brayden snapped more pictures as Celeste offered a toast. “To the Hideaway.” Celeste raised her glass. “And to the three of us.”

“To the best sisters around,” Natalie added, clinking her glass against theirs. “Y’all make me so happy and proud. We’re unstoppable.”

“To us,” Roni cheered, sipping her champagne.

As her sisters drifted back to their individual conversations, Roni felt a familiar warm touch settle over her waist from behind.

She didn’t need to turn around to know it was Brayden. His intoxicating masculine scent wrapped around her, making her pulse skip with the wonderful, addictive rhythm that had defined every single day of her life for the past months.

Brayden leaned down, his lips brushing the sensitive curve of her neck just behind her ear, sending a delicious shiver straight down her spine.

“Have I told you tonight how breathtaking you are?” She felt those words rumble along her skin, sending a jolt of instant heat through her body. 

She turned in his embrace, resting her hands against the broad expanse of his chest. He looked impossibly handsome in a dark charcoal suit and crisp white shirt, his deep brown eyes fixed on her with that intense, possessive tenderness that always took her breath away.

“You might have mentioned it once or twice,” she teased, her fingertips smoothing over his lapel. “Any training ops between now and the new year?”

“No.” He let her nudge him back into the kitchen, out of sight of the party. “My bosses are smarter than that when things are optional.” 

“So you’re all mine?” She brushed her lips against his.

He groaned. “You know it.”  

He took the kiss slow and deep, the pleasure mounting until she wondered if they could slip away, down to the beach or even back to her place across town for some privacy. 

“Come on,” he rasped. Taking her hand he hurried out through the sliding glass door, aiming straight for the beach. 

“You’ve read my mind,” she said. Near the fire pit, she slipped out of her dress shoes and left them behind. Heels and sand weren’t a good mix.

The night was clear, the brisk ocean breeze tugging her hair loose from the sleek updo. She gave in and pulled the pins, tucking them into Brayden’s breast pocket.

He ran his hands through her hair, gently massaging her scalp. “That’s perfect.” Her head dropped back and she gasped at the blaze of stars across the ink-black sky. At their feet, the ocean pushed the white foam runners along the shore. 

Brayden trailed his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, lacing his fingers through hers. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She snuggled closer to his constant warmth. “I’ve never been so happy, Brayden. This is the best Christmas I’ve had in years.”

He laughed. “It’s days away yet.” 

“I said what I said.”

He stilled and for a time they just watched the dark ocean and sparkling stars, content to be quiet with each other. She’d been so lucky when he walked into her life, first as her friend and now as her forever partner.

She felt him sigh and nestled closer, fluttering a kiss along his jaw. Whatever he wanted to say—or not say—she was here for it. 

“We stood on this beach right after that heavy storm, but we never got our dance,” Brayden said. He pulled out his phone. A moment later an arch of white lights sparkled in the night and beach music flowed from his phone. 

How had she missed him setting this up? She laughed. “You are the best.”

“You inspire me.” He pulled her into a kiss, then moved them into the easy shuffle of the dance. 

He’d clearly been practicing, though he moved with his athletic confidence through every task. He gave her a spin and brought her back close to his chest and she was lost to the sheer happiness of the moment. Tossing her head back, she sang along until the song ended.

When he stopped short, she thought he’d fallen, then realized he’d dropped to one knee. In his hand, a small square box waited. He opened it and a brilliant diamond solitaire ring sparkled and fired under the lighted arch. 

She gasped, her breath catching in her throat as hot, happy tears instantly welled in her eyes. “Brayden...”

“Veronica Hargrave,” his voice cracked slightly with emotion as he took her hand in his. “I’ve spent half my life loving you from a distance, trying to be your friend first and always, afraid to wreck us by admitting I’d fallen in love with you. 

“You loving me back was a dream come true. Being with you as your partner, loving you more with every passing day makes my life brighter and better.” His gaze held hers. “Roni, will you marry me? Please?”

Tears spilled over Veronica’s lashes and she blinked them away, wanting to remember every detail with perfect clarity. “Yes!” she shouted it, pulling him to his feet. “Yes! A thousand times, yes!”

He slipped the ring over her finger and she admired it for a moment, her hand supported in his. Then she turned and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him close enough to feel his heavy sigh followed by a deep, triumphant laugh. He held her in his strong embrace as if she was the most precious treasure in the universe.

That’s how he made her feel every day: Treasured. Adored. Loved. 

When he finally pulled back, his hands framed her face as he leaned down, his lips meeting hers in a deep, slow, and breathtakingly romantic kiss—a promise of a lifetime built on trust, fierce devotion, and an unbreakable love.

Dreams came true. The two of them were living proof, as was the Hideaway behind them. She could hardly wait for all the ways to love him more as they followed their next dreams into a future as wide and bright as the starry sky overhead.

* * *

Thanks for reading Hideaway Reunion! I hope you’ve enjoyed Veronica and Brayden’s story.

Are you curious about how Brayden felt in that “forever” moment in Chapter Fifteen? You can savor that scene from Brayden’s point of view when you subscribe to my emails. (Of course you can unsubscribe at any time.)

EXPLORE BROOKWELL ISLAND

Each book and story in the series can be enjoyed on its own, but the series is listed below in reading order.

In the Spotlight, free prequel

Island Homecoming

Island Refuge

Island Whispers

Island Holiday

An Island Day, short story

Sailor Surprise, short story

Island Protector

Island Rescuer

Island Guardian

The Book Well Affair, short story

Hargrave Flame Out, short story

Hargrave Health Kick, short story

Hargrave Artistry, short story

Hideaway Hero

Hideaway Reunion

Hideaway Danger—coming soon

New! The Beach Readers Silent Book Club Series

Willow’s Secret Chapter, free prequel

Graces’s Secret Chapter

Holly’s Secret Chapter

Scarlett’s Secret Chapter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Regan Black, a USA Today bestselling author, believes in the joy of happy endings—whether that’s another year of wedded bliss, a finished crochet project, or every action-packed romance book she writes. Raised in the Midwest and California, she currently lives her best empty-nest happily ever after with her husband and their most-recent rescue pup in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich blend of legend, romance, and history fuels her imagination.

Discover what readers are raving about—dive into a FREE READ today. 

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