A shadow of regret flickers in his eyes, but just as quickly he’s back to business.

  I’m more disappointed than surprised. The real surprise was the kiss. Alex Stone does nothing without thorough examination.

  Maintaining the brightness in my voice, I manage a smile. “I’ll be here at eight, then.”

  “Thank you.” He’s not looking at me, and I steal one last look at his face before I disappear out the side door.

  It’s an expression I’ve seen before when he’s sampling a new blend or thinking about adding a service. Problem solving.

  Only, I don’t want to be a problem for him, even if I seem to keep creating them, from being his fake fiancée to being the nanny he wants to kiss… and hopefully do so much more with.

  Climbing the stairs to my garage apartment, I study the diamond on my hand surrounded by angel’s wings. In all the years of circling him, I never dreamed I’d be this close to him. I never let the thought enter my mind, because it seemed impossible.

  I always tried to be his friend, and now I finally understand why we never were. I turn over everything he said to me. I’m smart and curious and a little wild, and he seems to dislike Drake Redford as much as me.

  A month of fun with a man I’ve seen naked and who doesn’t want to be friends. Pressing my lips together, I swallow the bubble of excitement rising in my stomach. What kind of twist is this?

  “Daddy told you a secret last night.” Pinky sits at the bar eating toast spread with almond butter and strawberry preserves.

  My stomach tenses, and I’m not sure what to say.

  It’s just the two of us. Alex and I exchanged a brief, professional good morning when I arrived five minutes ago. He was gorgeous as always in jeans that hugged his ass perfectly and a long-sleeved, maroon Henley. His dark hair grazed his collar, and he said something about needing a haircut before letting us know he’d be home by five.

  Now he’s gone, and I’m holding a cup of coffee facing his adorable mini-me, who’s waiting for a response and wearing the exact same expression I left him with last night: Problem-solving.

  Clearly, she was not sleepwalking last night, and she did see us in a clutch. “What makes you think that?”

  “He was talking in your ear.” Her serious expression is too cute. “Was it something about me?”

  “No, um… he was actually telling me a joke.”

  She takes a big bite of toast and nods knowingly. “That’s why you didn’t laugh. Uncle Adam says Daddy has no sense of humor. He’s like Marlin.”

  Pressing my lips together, I almost laugh. “Don’t talk with your mouth full, okay?”

  She takes another big bite of toast, and I’m not sure Alex needs to be funny. He’s sexy as sin, which more than makes up for a lack of comedic skills in my book.

  “I need to run a few errands today. Want to brush your teeth so you can go with me?”

  “Yes!” She drops the toast at once and hops off the stool, running towards the stairs. “We can watch Nemo later!”

  Something tells me I might have that movie memorized by the end of this job—more so than I already do. After a quick clean-up, I head upstairs to look through her drawers and familiarize myself with her closet.

  At four and a half, she’s old enough to pick out her clothes and make her bed, so when she races into the room from brushing her teeth, I stop her.

  “Let’s make this bed, okay?” Her little shoulders fall, but I’m no pushover. “Come on.”

  Together we make the bed and straighten her toys. Then I let her pick out her outfit for the day. Not too bad. She pulls on a white sleeveless dress with little blue flowers all over it.

  “Let’s do your hair.” I sit her on her bed and French-braid the front of her hair out of her eyes. The rest I don’t touch, and her perfect spirals hang in shiny sausages.

  “I like your hair!” She spins fast with her curls flying around her shoulders, threading her fingers in my long ponytail.

  “Thanks! I like your hair.”

  Smiling like we’re the best of friends, she takes my hand and grabs Piglet as we head out the door.

  Coffee in hand, and Pinky in her booster seat, we make the drive to Britt’s old apartment. Alex’s massive home is on the outskirts of town, closer to the beach, so it takes a few minutes to get there. “Paper Rings” by Taylor Swift plays on my phone, and Pinky sings right along with me at the top of her lungs.

  “We’re lucky!” I cry as we pull into an empty parking space close to the courthouse before crossing the street.

  She points at the purple neon sign for the Star Parlor. “Ryan says they do magic in there, but Bubba says they only do card tricks.”

  I grab the key from above the door as I consider her statement. Aiden was very hostile towards Britt’s family’s business when they first got together. I have no idea how Alex feels about tarot and magic, or the fact that I used to do it as well.

  We really should have a conversation about all these landmines, but how can I possibly anticipate what a four-year-old will say?

  “They definitely have fancy cards in there.” It’s a good, safe reply, and I catch her hand. “Let’s see what’s up here, okay?”

  Piper said they packed up everything after the party, so there’s no danger of Pinky seeing anything inappropriate. I just have to get the box and figure out where it’s going to live until the next bachelorette.

  Unlocking the door, I’m still humming “Paper Rings” when my eye catches the angel ring still on my finger. I forgot to take it off, and a tickle fills my stomach. I like shiny things… but I have to remind myself it’s not real. We’re just pretending while Drake is in town.

  The brown box sits on the coffee table, and I walk over to grab it as Pinky runs to look out the window. That BBL bumper sticker falls to the floor, and I scoop it up, stuffing it in my pocket.

  Pinky calls, “Daddy’s here!”

  “What?” I walk over to where she’s looking at the town square below.

  Alex’s car is parked in Aiden’s reserved spot.

  “I wonder what he’s up to.” My voice is quiet, but I have a wild hair. “Come on, we have to take this box to my car. Then who wants to go for a swim?”

  “Me! Me! Me!” Pinky jumps around waving her arms.

  “Maybe we’ll swing by and pick up your cousin.” Adam probably needs a break.

  She holds my pocket as we return to my car, and I put the box in my trunk before buckling her into the booster seat. We’re about to head out when I make a quick stop by Alex’s car.

  Let the games begin…

  CHAPTER 13

  ALEX

  “Did you see me doing the Cupid Shuffle?” Deputy Doug flaps his arms like a bird as he slides to the right in front of Holly’s desk. “I haven’t danced that much since Julia graduated college. I didn’t see you dancing, Al. Don’t you like to dance?”

  “I saw him dancing with Cass Dixon, and I had to grab a fan.” Holly gives me a wink. “The chemistry was real.”

  My eyes narrow, and I wonder if anyone else noticed.

  “Oh, yeah, she’s a looker.” Doug waggles his eyebrows at me as he swipes a Krispy Kreme donut from the open box on Holly’s desk. “You think they did more than dance?”

  The two of them titter conspiratorially, and it’s like I’m not even in the room. I’m certainly not needed in the conversation.

  Shaking my head, I look around the open space. “If you’ll just show me which desk is Britt’s?”

  Aiden asked me to stop by the office and pick up his wife’s laptop, even though they’re supposed to be taking a few days off for their honeymoon while Adam keeps Owen.

  I’d hoped to be in and out, but one of the quirks of small-town life is it always takes thirty minutes longer to run any errand, especially when people you’ve known most of your life are involved.

  Some would call it charming.

  “Right this way, boss.” Doug does a little shoulder jostle before leading me to a small desk across the open room. “Although I guess I’m the boss when Aiden’s on vacation. Let’s hope no major crimes occur.”

  “I’ll second that every day,” Holly calls from her desk.

  Doug’s been the deputy sheriff since my dad was alive, and as easygoing and helpful as he is, I agree with Holly. I’m glad we’re never in danger of him running things.

  “Speaking of, that sure was a weird crime spree we had last year.” He chatters as I take the laptop and cord off the wooden desk.

  Beside it is a stack of pictures of the small wooden signs that appear sporadically around town with little sayings or affirmations painted on them.

  “Still no idea who’s doing these?” I hold one up.

  “No clue.” Doug’s voice is thoughtful.

  The sign reads Open your heart, and I quip, “Maybe it’s Madonna.”

  Doug’s silent laugh shakes his whole body. “Wouldn’t that be something? Or her number one fan.”

  It was a pretty lame joke, and I’ve got what I need. “Any messages for Aiden?”

  He polishes off the donut, licking his thumb and index finger. “Just keep enjoying married life. It’s going to be fun having them two working here together. Like one of those old TV shows, Moonlighting or something.”

  “Tell him we want more babies!” Holly yells from her desk.

  I’ll leave that message for her to deliver. Waving, I head out the door. I’ve already been here too long, and I’m supposed to be meeting with that prick Drake Redford in fifteen minutes.

  I can’t imagine what’s on his mind, but if he plans to suggest we work together in some way, he’s got another thing coming. Cass has told me enough to want to call off this morning’s meeting, but it would be unprofessional at this late hour. I’ll deal with him in other ways.

  I leave Britt’s laptop on the porch swing and text my brother. I don’t have time to chat. By the time I’m at the distillery, Drake is already there, sitting in his Range Rover and looking at his phone.

  Quickly parking in my reserved space, I hit the lock button and step out. “Sorry I’m late. Had to run an errand for my brother.”

  “No worries, man.” He steps out of the vehicle and reaches for my hand.

  Hesitating, I study his palm before giving him a brief shake. “We should have the place to ourselves. Did you want a tour? A peek at the honey barrel?”

  “I’ll save that for next time. Walk with me.” He smiles that obnoxious grin. “It’s better if I show you what’s on my mind. Help you catch the vision.”

  As if I’m interested in his vision. Still, I follow him as he walks across the parking lot, out to the pea-gravel drive, and towards the road. He’s wearing a brown suit and leather loafers, so I’m guessing we’re not going far.

  At the beginning of the road, he stops. “Take a look around. What do you see?”

  My brow quirks, and I’m not sure what he’s getting at. “I see my family’s land.”

  “And I see opportunity!” He spreads his arm across the quiet green fields like he’s in the opening number of a Broadway musical. “Picture it. A resort hotel with a golf course, a splash pad for the kids, and all the customers you could want right here in your own backyard.”

  It actually is my own backyard, and I can’t think of anything worse than plugging up the beautiful scenery with high rises and traffic and noise and litter.

  Exhaling a brief laugh, I shake my head. “We’re not interested in selling.”

  “Are you kidding me?” His brows rise, and he pauses for a moment. “You haven’t heard my offer yet.”

  “We don’t need the money.” I’m returning to the distillery, and he’s right behind me. “Let the golfers go to Kiawah, and the beachcombers can go to Hilton Head.”

  “What about the foodies? The bourbon enthusiasts?”

  “I don’t need a bunch of taters ruining the scenery.”

  “Now you’re just being a snob.” He laughs. “I think Eureka is ripe for development. It’s my job to spot these things. I’m offering to let you in on the ground floor of something big.”

  “I’ve already got my big thing.” I stop when we reach the cars. “I appreciate you stopping by. If that’s all you wanted to say, I’ve got work to do.”

  “And I thought you were a visionary. Guess I was wrong.”

  His words don’t bother me if that’s his goal. “Eureka’s not interested in being developed. We like things the way they are.”

  “Sounds like that’s your opinion, man. I’d like to take it to the people, see what they have to say. Maybe this won’t be the spot, but you’ll regret missing the opportunity.”

  “Suit yourself. I’m only trying to save you some time.” I leave him standing beside my car, but I’m halfway to the door when a loud burst of laughter stops me.

  Turning back, I frown at him. “What’s so funny?”

  “Sorry.” He makes a big show of clearing his throat, putting his hand on his chest. “Let me be the first to say it. Nice ass.”

  Now I’m really frowning. “What?”

  He barks a laugh, rapping his knuckles on the back-door window of my car. “Tell your fiancée I said hey. I’ll be seeing you two around town.”

  He climbs into his Range Rover still laughing, and I wonder if the real problem Cass had with Drake was because he might be gay. Whatever. I’m no judge.

  Turning, I head inside. I need to see how well the cleaning crew did and get ready to be open for business tomorrow.

  CHAPTER 14

  CASS

  “What are you doing here?” Piper greets me at the door of Adam’s place, and Pinky races through it, yelling for Bubba and Ryan.

  “I figured Owen could use some company.” I follow my friend inside, to where Adam’s standing at the bar in his kitchen.

  “Looks like we shared a brain today.”

  “Hey, girl.” He walks over to give me a hug. “How’s the pink cyclone treating you?”

  “She’s not a cyclone.” I cross my arms, lifting my chin. “She’s a princess, and she’s really sweet.”

  “I see you haven’t crossed her yet.” Adam snorts, going to the coffeepot. “Coffee?”

  “Please.” I’m about to follow him when what feels like pincers clip me by the third finger of my left hand.

  “What. The frick?” Piper’s eyes are wide.

  Shit. I forgot to take off that fucking ring. Adam’s back is turned, and I’m spiraling. How do I keep getting into these situations?

  I’m about to answer her when my phone buzzes in my hand, and I look down to see it’s a text from Alex. “Hold that thought. This might be important.”

  Holding up my finger, I dash out the door again to read it.

  Alex

  Everything good?

  is all he wrote, and my shoulders drop.

  Scrubbing my fingers over my forehead, I confess.

  Dropped by Adam’s to take Owen swimming, and Piper saw the ring. What do I say?

  Gray dots appear then stop.

  Then they start again, and they stop.

  I’m chewing on my thumbnail, dying of suspense mixed with dread, when he finally responds.

  Alex

  Met with Drake. He’s planning to stay. Has a development idea.

  “Shit,” I hiss under my breath, my thumbs moving quickly over my phone face.

  I guess we have to confess.

  The thought makes me sick to my stomach.

  Drake is going to be such an asshole when I come clean. He’ll make some major case about it, and I’ll have to leave town until he goes away. Alex will be embarrassed, and I’ll look like a fool. Why did I pull Alex into this?

  I know why. I told him why. Alex Stone makes me feel like I’m not a fuck up. He doesn’t judge me, and being with him makes me feel like I have value.

  Clearly I need therapy. I’m aware my sense of worth should come from within, but it doesn’t. My phone buzzes, and I jump when I read his text.

  Alex

  I’m willing to keep going if you are.

  My eyes widen as I stare at his words. My fingers tremble as I text,

  You are?

  Alex

  Yes.

  What does that mean?

  I’m chewing my thumb as the gray dots float.

  Alex

  It means I’ll be damned if I let that dickhead shame you.

  I can’t text anymore. I hit the call button on my phone.

  He answers before the first ring. “You have a problem with that?” It’s his all-business, take-no-excuses tone, and my stomach tightens.

  “You’d do that for me?” My voice is soft, and stupidly, I want to cry.

  “Yes.”

  “But what about our friends? Piper’s not going to believe this ring is just a gift.”

  He’s quiet a moment, and I imagine that problem-solving expression on his face. “Let them think what they will, and when he leaves, we can come up with some excuse to break it off. You think I work too much, or you don’t like the way I chew my food.”

  I don’t say I could never imagine breaking up with him if he were truly my fiancé. Instead, I go with, “What about Pinky?”

  “She doesn’t have to know.”

  “I think she’ll find out if everyone’s talking about it.”

  “Tell Piper we’re keeping it a secret from her until we set a date. She’ll respect our wishes.”

  Inhaling slowly, I try to dismiss the feeling of dread at this arrangement. He asked me if I trusted him twice, and I said yes both times. Still, this is playing with fire.

  “Are you with me, Cass?” I like the way he says my name.

  I like the idea of him wanting to protect me. I remember his words last night, I like you coming to me for protection… I like the idea of being with him, like we’re on a team, like we’re a real family. Something I’ve never had.