Some Kind of Wonderful (Puffin Island 2)

But what was the point in arguing with him? Sky was in an established relationship with Richard Everson and even if she weren’t, Brittany wouldn’t have put her optimistic, wildly creative friend with a hardened cynic like Alec Hunter.

She pushed her hair back from her face. “I should go. Thanks for listening.”

“Anytime.” He paused. “So do I take it you and Zach are involved again?”

“I wouldn’t describe it as involved, exactly.”

“Be careful. I wouldn’t want to see you hurt. I don’t want you to get in trouble.” Unsmiling, he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

She felt the comforting warmth of his touch and thought for the millionth time in her life that without her friends her life would be a barren wasteland.

“I won’t be hurt and I’m not in trouble. I’m not one of those women who think the only relationship worth having is one that could potentially end in wedding bells.”

He laughed. “If that’s true, then you might be my perfect woman.”

“Alec, we would kill each other.” She gave him a light punch on the arm and carried on walking. “See you around.” She threw her parting words over her shoulder and made her way down the narrow path that wound its way down to Shell Bay.

There, nestled on the far side of the beach, was Castaway Cottage.

Despite everything, her heart lifted.

Was there a more perfect place to live on the whole planet?

She didn’t think so, and judging from the number of calls she had from real estate agents, she wasn’t the only one with that opinion.

She stared at her home for a moment, absorbing the truth.

For the first time in her life she didn’t want to leave.

There was no urge to travel, no restless pull or wanderlust.

She wanted to stay.

She wanted to spend Thanksgiving with her friends and have Christmas here, too. Maybe Sky and Richard could be persuaded to join them for a few days.

Mulling over the possibilities, she walked the final distance and took the sandy path that led to the front door.

She let herself in, decided that coffee was her priority and walked through to the kitchen.

And there, fixing the lock on her back door, was Zach. He wore black jeans and a black shirt with the sleeves rolled back and he looked sexier than any man had a right to look.

Her mood lifted and her heart flew.

Shit, she thought. I am in trouble.

Serious trouble.

HE SHOULD HAVE stayed away.

When he’d woken and found her gone, he should have thanked his lucky stars she’d made that decision. Instead he’d felt a gut-wrenching disappointment and that unsettled him far more than finding her in his bed would have.

His brain had told him to stay away, and yet somehow he was here, standing in her kitchen, remembering the kindness in her eyes as he’d given her a glimpse into the toxic wasteland of his past.

He was trying to work out how to best make his excuses and leave, when she flashed him a smile.

“Maybe I should just give you a key? Then you could come and go as you please without breaking in.”

“I don’t need a damn key.” His voice didn’t sound like his own. His tongue felt thick and his head was spinning. She’d pulled her hair into a simple ponytail but it was uneven and a little tangled and he knew he was to blame for that. “Everyone can gain access to this place just by giving the door a push. Hilda’s right, it’s time someone fixed that.”