Page 41 of Stars Shine In Your Eyes

Once more, he sensed that Mari was feeling overwhelmed. She obviously hadn’t anticipated that good publicity and having his grandmother appear at the bookshop, plus the launch of her father’s book, would flood the shop with customers. It was a good problem to have, but he could see she was struggling to stay on top of everything.

“No. Owen’s been helping me, and I think we have everything under control, but I am sorry I’m not with you at the cottages.”

“Don’t feel guilty at all,” Josie insisted. “This is a really fun project. And we both just want to make it a beautiful space for you and all the people who are going to come to read and get away from it all for a little while on Elderflower Island.”

He could have hugged Josie in that moment. She’d said exactly the right thing. Already, Mari looked calmer.

Mari smiled at them both and then looked back at Josie. “Elderflower Island is already doing wonders for you. You have that same bright-eyed expression that I know I did when I arrived here. The island is just so magical, isn’t it?”

Josie looked for a moment like a deer caught in the headlights. As though Mari were intimating that more than just being on the island had put the glow in Josie’s cheeks. Finally, she snapped out of it and said, “Oh yes, it really is magical here. I’ve loved every single second I’ve been here so far.”

He knew he shouldn’t tease her, knew he’d agreed to keep everything secret, but the devil inside of him couldn’t resist. “We’ve enjoyed the rooftop deck on my boat a couple of nights. It was particularly nice out last night, wasn’t it, Josie?”

She almost shot him a glare, then caught herself at the last second. “It was really nice up there.”

“Is living on a houseboat as romantic as it seems?” Mari asked Josie.

This time, she didn’t answer with words. All she did was nod. Clearly, she felt that actually using words might betray her.

Just then, the door chimes sounded. Malcolm’s brother Tom and his young daughter, Aria, walked in.

“Mari, do you have the book for me?”

Mari got up, a huge smile on her face as she went to hug the little girl. “Of course I do. You’re getting the very first copy. I saved it just for you.”

She gave Aria a copy of her father’s book. Aria hugged it to her and then ran to the children’s section and its smaller-sized chairs. She settled herself and opened the book as though she was unwrapping the most precious gift. Tom watched his daughter with affection, then seeing she was settled and happily reading, he walked over to say hello.

“You must be Josie. I’ve heard a lot about you already, from practically everyone.”

Malcolm noted his brother wore his most charming smile. The one that made women’s panties fall down around their ankles.

Josie stood to shake his hand. “It’s lovely to meet you. I think you and Aria are the last of the family, apart from your parents, that I have yet to meet.”

“How are you liking the island so far?” Tom asked.

“Oh, it’s absolutely beautiful. I’m having a wonderful time.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I was worried that Malc might not be showing you a good time. He’s always glued to his phone, or about to head into a meeting. Whereas I know all the great places for nightlife. I’d be happy to show you around the city if you can spare an evening.”

Malcolm narrowed his eyes. His brother was out-and-out flirting with Josie. All but asking her on a date. “We’re busy,” he growled. “The cottages need a lot of work. That’s why we’re here right now—to go over everything with Mari before we head over there and get back to work.”

Tom’s eyebrows went up. “Okay, but…” He turned back to Josie. “If you need to get away from Mr. Cranky Pants here, just let me know. I’ll give you my number.”

Mr. Cranky Pants? It was obvious Tom spent a lot of time with a five-year-old. Malcolm nearly stopped him from giving Josie his number. Heck, right at that moment, he was stopping himself from slugging his brother.

Aria ran over, the book under her arm. “Hi, I’m Aria,” she said to Josie. “Who are you?”

Josie knelt down. “I’m Josie, Mari’s friend from the United States. You’re so lucky to have the first copy of her father’s book.”

“I know. Do you want to come over to my special rug with me, and I can read it to you?”

Josie smiled. “I’d love that.” She shot another smile at Tom as they walked away, her hand in Aria’s.

Obviously, as if Tom’s charm wasn’t enough, he was wooing her with his daughter. Damn him.

Tom shot him a slightly evil grin. “So that’s the lie of the land, is it?”

Malcolm didn’t pretend not to understand. “She’s off-limits to you, Tom.”

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