Once Upon an Island

4

Hatchinga plan on the spot to distract a surly billionaire isn’t as easy as it sounds. But Arya’s slumped shoulders give me plenty of motivation. She’s too nice to bust in on Declan and Percy’s pow-wow. But I’m not.

I stalk across the beach, kicking up the soft sand behind me. Usually, I’d appreciate the feel of the sand between my toes, honestly, it’s so fine it’s like powdered sugar, but right now, I’ve got a job to do.

Declan and Percy are about fifty feet down the beach, their conversation is drowned out by the waves, but as I get closer I catch a few phrases. Most notably, “unsuitable,” “devious,” and “fortune hunters.”

What is this, the Regency period?

“Hi guys,” I call when I’m only a few feet away.

Percy turns and gives me a relieved look. His nose and cheeks are a little pink from the sun, even though he’s smeared in sunscreen.

Blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin do not do well this close to the equator.

“Percy, you should put a hat on,” I say. “I think I saw a few extra panama hats in our cottage’s entryway if you need one.”

I nod my head back down the beach toward Arya.

His eyes light in understanding. “That’s a grand idea,” he says.

“What are you doing?” Declan growls at me.

“Being helpful?”

“Not possible.”

Percy pauses mid-step, sensing the tension between us. “Err, alright, mate?” he asks Declan.

Great.

If Declan says no, then Percy won’t go back to Arya.

“I need Declan’s help,” I say.

Percy smiles with relief. “That’s wonderful. Declan loves to help.”

I hold back a snort and manage to keep a straight face. Declan narrows his eyes on me, like he knows that I’m fighting back a laugh.

“What do you need help with?” Percy asks.

I look out over the sea. The little island sticks out on the horizon, lush green foliage with a line of sand.

“I’m writing an article,” I begin. I bite my bottom lip, trying to think, the taste of salt in the air tingles against my tongue. “I write for the local paper.”

Percy nods, “Arya mentioned that.”

Declan just crosses his arms and waits for me to continue.

“I have to go out to that island,” I point to the little island across the water. “Just for an hour or so.”

They both look across the water.

Declan turns back to me and there’s a glint in his eyes that tells me he knows exactly what I’m up to. Or at least he thinks he knows.

He probably imagines I want to get him there to seduce him or something idiotic like that.

“It’s not safe to go alone,” I say. “Water safety rule number one, never swim or boat alone.” I point across the beach at a little shed near our cottage. “There’s a two-person kayak for our use.”

“Of course,” Percy says. “You need a partner. Declan?”

Declan scowls, which I take as a firm no.

Apparently, so does Percy.

“Or I could help,” Percy says. Because, you know, he’s a really nice guy.

I quickly shake my head. “No. No. Not at all.”

“That wouldn’t work, would it?” Declan asks. There’s a mocking gleam in his eyes.

I shake my head. “No. It wouldn’t.” I pull out the perfect excuse as to why not. “Kate mentioned the island’s included in the purchase price of the last property we saw. She said you should come with me so you can have the full property tour. To do your due diligence.”

“Really?” Declan asks, doubt laces his tone.

He’s probably doubtful because while Kate did mention the island is included with the property, she never suggested we see it. Still, he doesn’t know that.

“That’s wonderful,” Percy says.

I nod and smile widely. “Yes. It is wonderful. Isn’t it?”

Declan looks at Percy then down the beach toward Arya. Then he shrugs. “No thanks. It doesn’t interest me.”

He emphasizes interest, reminding me of what he said on the plane. Unfortunately, it also reminds me of the vision I had of him having sex on the beach. I flush and I know from experience that I’m turning beet red.

Of course, he notices. His eyes take on a satisfied gleam.

“That’s a shame,” Percy says. “Maybe Arya and I could go? We could take notes, pictures, maybe stay for a dinner picnic…” He trails off and both Declan and I can see the path that Percy’s mind has veered onto.

A romantic, secluded, lovely path.

“I’ll go,” Declan says quickly. When Percy looks at him in surprise, he says more firmly, “Isla and I will go. It’s for her work, and I’m obligated to finish the property viewing.”

“Oh,” Percy says, deflating a bit. “Well, I suppose, if you really want to…”

“Of course I do,” Declan says.

He sizes me up, taking in my bikini and my oversized beach hat. He’s in board shorts, a short-sleeved rash guard and a ball cap.

“I’ll prepare the kayak if you’ll get some bottles of water…” He pauses as he stares at my swimsuit. “And perhaps a more appropriate outfit for kayaking and exploring?”

Ugh.

Can’t stand him.

I give him a blinding smile. “Perfect.”

“Wonderful,” he says back, with what I assume he considers a smile but looks more like a mangy wolf baring its teeth.

Percy seems fooled. He happily hurries ahead of us, back toward Arya. We walk after him, back toward the cottage and the kayak.

“Whatever you’re doing, it’s not going to work,” Declan says through gritted teeth, keeping up the appearance of a smile for Percy’s benefit.

Ugh. He still thinks I’m after him.