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

This was the problem, wasn’t it? Before, they were just friendly, getting along as neighbors. Now it was different. In the beginning, she’d let him pay for the dock because legally she could have made it difficult for him to make changes. That was business. This was...well, if not pleasure, it was personal. It changed the dynamic between them and she didn’t like it.

Maybe it was better that he went back to New York now, so they could stop pretending they had something real.

“You’re awfully quiet,” he said, looking past Marvin’s head to catch her gaze.

“Just thinking. There’s a lot to do when I get back. I don’t even know if I have power back. This morning the news was that some parts of the province might not get it back for three or four more days.”

“As long as you have lots of gas for your generator, you’ll be fine.”

“I know.”

She hadn’t even been thinking about the practicalities, but she wasn’t going to tell him that.

All too soon the drive to the airstrip was over and their helicopter was waiting. Cole lifted Marvin out of the car but the dog walked to the chopper under his own steam. Then Cole lifted him up again, careful of his incision.

When everyone was secured, Dave readied for takeoff and Brooklyn let out a long breath. Once she was home she’d find the inflatable collar that she’d used the last time Marvin had had stitches, to keep him from licking. It was a little friendlier than a huge cone. Then she’d cook up some rice and chicken for him to eat until his stomach healed. She nuzzled his face with her nose. “I’m so glad you’re okay, buddy. You scared me.”

A happy lick was her reward.

Once they were airborne, Brooklyn got a good look at the devastation from the hurricane. Structures were mostly fine, but it was easy to see downed trees, and as they got to the coast, the mess left behind from the storm surge. She remembered that she had a huge tree in her lane that would need to be dealt with. In years past her dad would have made the trip with his chainsaw and they all would have hung out together. Maybe she’d give him a call and see if they wanted to make the trip from Halifax.

She let out a hefty sigh.

“What is it?” Cole reached over and touched her shoulder.

“Just a lot to do, that’s all. But thank you so much, Cole. If not for you, Marvin could have died before I could get him to the mainland. I appreciate this more than you know.”

“Maybe you can show your appreciation later.” He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling. They had their headsets on, and she saw Dave smile a little in the cockpit.

She wasn’t going to answer. If they were to have a conversation, it wouldn’t be in the air with a pilot listening in.

Dan and Raelynn were waiting when they landed, and Brooklyn was surprised at the feeling of pleasure she got, to see them waving at her. Dan came forward and helped Cole get Marvin out of the helicopter, and Raelynn practically showered the pup with kisses. “Oh, here’s a good boy.” She kissed his head and ruffled his ears. “I’m so glad he’s okay, Brooklyn.”

“Me, too. I’m sure he’ll be up to no good before I know it.”

Dan came forward and gave her a small hug. “Your generator’s still working fine. Latest update is that we’ll have power back tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Dan. I appreciate that more than you know.”

“It was no problem at all.”

There was an awkward silence while they all stood there, as if wondering what to do next. Brooklyn finally jolted into action when Marvin pulled on the leash. “I’d better get this guy home. Plus, I’m dying for a change of clothes.”

Cole thankfully took the bait. “Yes, me too. We left in kind of a hurry. I’ll check in later, though, okay?”

“Sure,” she responded, unsure of what exactly that meant or what she wanted it to mean. It was like last night was a whole world away, divorced from reality.

* * *

Cole changed into jeans and a soft sweater, then sat down to a delicious meal prepared by Raelynn. Their breakfast had been small and on the run, so he appreciated the homemade soup and substantial sandwich she placed on the table. Their internet was still down, so he was using his phone and eating up his data to work. Arrangements were being made for next week and his return to Manhattan. The first retreat at the house had gone well; one of his business acquaintances was planning a week here with his senior staff later in November. Granted, it wasn’t the best time of year as far as weather and scenery, but Dan and Raelynn would make sure everyone was warm and cozy, and there was a facilitator coming with the group to guide their activities.

It was exactly what he’d bought this place for. And it would be much busier next summer.

He imagined Brooklyn here over the winter and wondered how she managed it. A good nor’easter would blow nearly as hard as the hurricane that had passed through, only colder and with snow, not rain. How did she manage being on the island alone for that?

What if...

He shook his head and spooned up more soup. No, it was ridiculous, wasn’t it? She wouldn’t leave the island. Unless... He thought back to last night and this morning, and the way she’d been in his arms. How she’d laughed playing cards, and the way she’d held his hand while they were waiting for news of Marvin. He cared about her so much. He might even...love her. It was a foreign idea in his brain; he’d never let himself even consider the word before. But Brooklyn was different, and the way he felt about her was different, too.