The Billionaire's Island Bride (South Shore Billionaires 3)

Something changed in that moment, in that small but intimate physical touch. He felt it in his solar plexus, reaching in to grab him and hold him captive. It had been meant to reassure. But as her gaze darted to his, the energy between them became something bigger. Something unexpected.

She slipped her hand away from his. “Would you like more soup?”

It had rattled her, too. Cole cleared his throat and knew he’d better get out of there before he started sharing other things or, worse, inviting her to share. The idea was to convince her to sell. Not get himself tangled up in her.

“I should get back. I really just came with the peace offering.”

Brooklyn gathered up their bowls and took them to the sink. “Thank you. And I appreciate the clarification on the dock maintenance.”

Cole stood and brushed a few breadcrumbs off his pants. “I want us to deal fairly with each other. It’s not my intention to cause you financial hardship.”

She spun around and pinned him with a stare. “Don’t worry about my financial situation. I’m doing just fine.”

Dammit, he’d stepped in it again. Just when he’d let down his guard a little. “I’m sure you are. But no one wants an unexpected expenditure, do they?”

Marvin had reappeared and he leaned over to give the pup a pat and a bit of an ear rub. “You’ve got a great dog. I never had one growing up.”

“But you like them.” Her voice was softer. “That’s pretty obvious.”

“I do. Very much.” Marvin leaned into a scratch, which delighted Cole immensely. “You’re such a good boy, aren’t you, Marvin? Mmm...that feels good.”

When he looked up, Brooklyn was smiling. Damn, she was so beautiful when she smiled. He was going to have to step carefully there.

“He likes you, too. You can stop by for a game of fetch when you need to,” she offered.

It was unexpected and he frowned. “Really? You’re inviting me to play with your dog?”

She shrugged. “Dogs are great healers, Cole. From what you said, you probably need him as much as he needs a good game of throw-the-tennis-ball.”

“Thanks,” he said quietly, standing again. “Maybe I’ll do that.”

But as he said his goodbyes and made his way down the path from her house, he wondered what kind of recovery she’d needed, and if Marvin had been there for her. He hoped so. The thought of Brooklyn, such a strong, beautiful, independent woman needing some sort of healing made his stomach tie up in knots. If she’d had to recover from something, he hoped she hadn’t had to do it alone.

CHAPTER FOUR

BROOKLYN KNEW THE day the executives arrived because the helicopter made an appearance, swinging low over the house before disappearing over the trees to the landing pad. She stepped away from the window and went back to printing shipping labels. She’d spent too much time thinking about Cole and that moment when he’d touched her hand. Something had happened between them, like a bolt of lightning. The startled look on his face had told her he had felt it, too. It made everything more complicated.

She should just brush it off and regain her common sense. But the past few nights, when she’d gone to bed, she’d lain awake thinking of how he’d brought Marvin a present and the way he patted the dog and rubbed his ears. Marvin was the most important thing in her life, really. As much as it would be more convenient for her to still hate Cole, his actions suggested an unexpected kindness and gentleness.

Kindness didn’t translate into trust, though. He was a long way from accomplishing that.

Better to focus on the present. She needed to go over to the mainland again today. She’d finished dyeing another batch of yarn and had packed up new orders to be shipped away. Fall was a busy time for her. As the weather cooled, people picked up their knitting needles again and started on a number of projects. Even though it was only early October, Christmas orders were already flooding in.

She should forget about Cole and think more about the holiday season and building up her stock.

The seas were calm and the day clear, and the trip seemed to take no time at all. The first stop for her was the post office, which took a fairly long time as she had a number of shipments. Then she drove down to Liverpool to visit Delilah. Even though Brooklyn had her own yarn business, there were many specialty yarns that she sourced elsewhere. Right now she was hoping Delilah had a new shipment of alpaca yarn. She loved working with it, and her customers liked it, as well, since it was lighter than wool and wasn’t

scratchy.

Delilah was at the store but more than happy to go to lunch. They headed to a local inn and dined on hearty chowder and fresh bread.

Delilah, who was in her midforties, took a look at Brooklyn and angled her head, as if assessing. “There’s something different about you. A different kind of energy.” She thought for a moment and shrugged. “You’ve perked up.”

Heat slid up Brooklyn’s neck. “I love the fall. It’s my favorite time of year.”

“I don’t think so. What’s going on in your life?” She leaned forward. “Have you put up that online dating profile like I suggested?”

Brooklyn laughed and spooned up more chowder. “No, I didn’t. It’s nothing, really. I mean, I met the new owner of the house. Otherwise I’ve just been busy.” She raised an eyebrow. “After what I just spent at your store, you can tell I have orders piling up.”