Cape Cod Promises (Love on Rockwell Island 2)

“Wiggle room,” she said softly. “It’s obviously not a huge deal that you didn’t tell me right away. I just don’t want us to fall back into our old habits of keeping things from each other. Especially such shocking things like Chandler actually saying he’s happy we’re back together. Now,” she said, smiling to let him know he was already forgiven, “tell me his exact words.”

“It’s ‘about damn time’ that you and I are together again,” he said in a funny approximation of his grandfather’s gruff voice. “I think he’s going soft in his old age.”

“Wow.” Her eyes were full of emotion as she said, “I always knew there was more to him than it seemed.”

“You always did have a soft spot for him for some inexplicable reason,” he said with a wry grin, “but I never thought I’d see it myself.”

“Well, even if he is going soft”—she rocked her hips against his and smiled that naughty little smile he’d always adored—“you’re definitely not. You know what?”

He could hardly think straight enough to reply. “What?”

“Now that I’ve thought more about it, I should blow off painting and you should blow off work so we can head to Boston. But first...” She reached for the buttons on his shirt. “We should deal with this lust thing we always run into when we’re out and about.”

* * *

THE FERRY RIDE was romantic and chilly, giving Reese the perfect excuse to snuggle closer to Trent. It had been tempting to stay in bed all day with him, but she knew this trip to Boston was an important one for both of them. Trent needed to show her that he could be spontaneous, and she needed to show him that big cities didn’t scare her anymore.

They could have gone inside, but Reese loved the feel of the brisk air against her face, and she didn’t want to miss a second of the scenery. As the island fell away in the distance, the Boston skyline came into view, reminding her of when they’d moved to New York. Back then, she’d experienced a conflicting rush of emotions from the fear of leaving everything she knew and loved behind while also being excited to see what the future held. This time, however, as Trent tightened his grip around her shoulder and kissed her temple, there was only excitement. Because it was starting to feel as if her life was just beginning.

Reese had traveled off the island plenty of times to go to the Cape, or to visit friends or her sister in Oregon, but she only went to the bigger cities like New York or Boston when she absolutely had to meet with gallery owners, for quick one- or two-day trips. Fortunately, any feelings that might have tried to filter in about being an island bumpkin who didn’t fit in with the “cool kids” quickly dissipated as she looked around the city and realized it was a beautiful, perfect blue-sky day. Children were holding their parents’ hands. Lovers were kissing on street corners. And the hustle and bustle suddenly seemed less chaotic and more full of fun and possibility. Even the air around them felt different from the air on the island, as if the energy of the crowd bound together and electrified it. After paying the cab fare, Trent draped a protective arm over Reese and his eyes darted along the busy sidewalk. She suddenly realized that he didn’t seem entirely comfortable on the crowded streets.

How had she never noticed this before? She’d always assumed he was like a chameleon, able to fit seamlessly into any environment. But now that she thought about it, he sure seemed more like his old self and much happier on the island than he’d been when they’d lived in New York.

“You okay?” Trent asked.

“Yes. I’m great.” She smiled at him. “Are you?”

He smiled back. “I’m with you, so how could today be any better?”

But she had a feeling he wasn’t telling her everything. Not because he wanted to hurt her by holding things back, but simply because they didn’t have much practice yet with being really good communicators. Which was why instead of letting it go, she asked, “Do you miss the hustle and bustle of the city?”

Trent shook his head. “Not even a little.”

“Really? You’re not just saying that?”

He frowned, as if he’d just realized he should have been more forthright when she’d asked if he was okay. “Let’s go find a quieter spot so that I can explain.” He led her several steps away from the gallery and the throngs of people trying to get inside.

“I came back to the island because my grandfather mandated the takeover, but the decision to change my life and accept his offer wasn’t one I made lightly. Because of my practice, the idea of moving was complicated. Although, honestly, I had been thinking about it for years, and once I came back and entertained the idea on a more serious level, the right decision became crystal clear. I wanted to be back on the island because I love it there. I’m still the guy I was when you met me, the guy who loved to take walks and throw rocks into the bay, run on the beach, and read on the deck. I also realized I wanted to be part of running the resort, which I know is far from what I felt when I was building my practice. I’m a Rockwell, and I’m proud of that. I want to be part of my family’s legacy.”