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

“Oh, I hope it turned out! Which one?”

“The lacy carriage blanket. She said it knit up like a dream.”

Jessica jumped in again. “I think it’s beautiful. You’d pay through the nose for something like that in Manhattan.”

Brooklyn chuckled. “I can’t imagine there being a market for hand knits in Manhattan.”

Cole stepped in. “Actually, you might be surprised. A little market research would tell you for sure.”

“Which sounds a lot like big business. I’m pretty happy running my little one as it is, and on my own time.”

She took a bite of the salmon and wondered why her heart was beating so fast. Everyone was so friendly and lovely, so why was she feeling like a complete fish out of water?

Branson was the one who stepped in. “Actually, I think Jess and I get that. What you do is very creative. It’s not always a great idea to commoditize our creativity.”

“Exactly.” Brooklyn smiled at him and let out a slow breath. “I don’t mind living simply if it means keeping my joy.”

“Amen,” Jessica said.

The subject changed again and Brooklyn focused on enjoying the flavorful main course. By the time dessert arrived, she wasn’t sure she could eat another bite, until her serving of crème brûlée was placed in front of her.

She looked up at Raelynn. “You are evil, Raelynn.”

Raelynn laughed. “Thank you. I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“You should. This is my favorite dessert.”

She knew she shouldn’t indulge anymore. But she couldn’t resist as she took her spoon and broke through the crust to the custard below.

It was nothing short of heaven.

After dinner, they all retired to the living room again. A fire had been laid in the fireplace and it crackled merrily. Tori went to their guest room and put a now sleeping Rose to bed. Brooklyn wasn’t sure she should stay much longer. She was not a part of this group. It was clear that Cole would have been fine without a dinner partner, so why had he invited her? Why had he kissed her in her grandmother’s porch? What did he even want? She knew what his purpose for the island was, but that was all. That was professional. And perhaps a little personal, but she had no idea what his motives were.

And yet she didn’t believe he was playing games, either. He didn’t seem the cavalier type.

Maybe she should just ask him. But not now. Not when his guests were curled up on his expensive furniture.

“I really should be going,” she said with a smile. “But thank you for inviting me and for such a lovely dinner. I don’t need to eat now for a week!”

Cole looked up, a frown appearing between his eyebrows. “So soon? It’s only nine.”

“I’ve got to be up early in the morning. This time of year I start getting a lot of orders. I don’t want to fall behind.”

“You must be getting a lot of holiday business starting,” Tori said. “How do you keep up? Don’t you worry about having carpal tunnel after knitting so much?”

“So far so good,” Brooklyn replied. “But yes, this is a really busy time of year. It was so nice meeting you all and joining you for dinner, though.” And she meant it. She’d felt awkward, but it wasn’t because of anything anyone had said or done, not really. It was just an awareness that they lived in a world that was foreign to her.

“I’ll call Dan to run you down,” Cole said.

“No, please don’t. It’s a beautiful night and I’ll walk.”

“I’ll walk you, then.”

She was aware that the other two couples were hanging on their every word. “It’s okay, Cole. You stay with your guests.”

“Oh, we’re fine,” said Tori lightly. “We can spare him for half an hour.”

“See?”