Page 9 of One More Time

“Always. Just had a minute, so I thought I’d check in. You heard from Derek?”

The lightness I felt inside disappeared swiftly. “Not in the past week or so. I’ll let you know if I hear from him.”

“Please do. I tried calling the other day and haven’t heard back.” Gage’s voice was somber.

“I’ll keep you posted if I hear any updates. I promise.” We ended the call, and I took a swallow of my coffee, stopping on the sidewalk to take a steadying breath.

My heart felt scraped whenever I thought about my brother right now. After another breath, I began walking again, taking in the town. The town was beautiful in the winter, nestled at the base of the mountains with snow-capped peaks rising in a circle around the harbor. A glacier glittered blue under the sun, striking sparks off the icy surface. The water was calm today, with ice floes drifting along the edges of the shoreline.

I turned toward the docks. A high-pitched eagle screech stood out amid the seagull calls. I followed the sound to see the eagle sweeping low, its talons out to scoop a fish out of the water. I watched as it landed on the shore and immediately tore into the fish.

I shook the gloom settling inside my thoughts away. I had to compartmentalize. Because there was literally nothing I could do about my brother.

Chapter Six

McKenna

“Excuse me?”

“Call for you. Something about a rental,” Tish said through the phone speaker.

My sister-in-law Haven and I were working on some graphics for an upcoming event for the winery. Haven was deep into adjusting the graphics on her laptop as she sat across from me at the conference table.

“Is Sandy available?” I eyed the conference phone as if Tish could see me.

“No, she’s out today. Remember? She has a doctor’s appointment.”

“Oh, that’s right. I’ll take it. Did you happen to get a name?”

“Of course I did,” Tish said, her tone affronted.

Haven waggled her brows and grinned over at me. We liked teasing Rhys’s wildly efficient and organized receptionist. She was amazing, and we all loved her.

“I didn’t mean to imply that you wouldn’t have,” I quipped with a grin.

“It’s Jack Hamilton. He said you gave him Sandy’s number.”

My cheeks heated. Haven’s eyes widened when she happened to glance back up at that moment.

“Okay,” I managed through a swallow. “Put him through.”

“Just a sec,” Tish replied.

I heard the click of that line just before the next call line began blinking. “Are you taking this one on speaker?” Haven teased.

I narrowed my eyes at her. “No.” Lifting the receiver, I answered, “McKenna Cannon here.”

“McKenna,” Jack said, the low rumble of his voice sending a hot shiver down my spine. “I thought I was getting Sandy.”

“Um, she happens to be out today. I’m guessing you’re calling about the rental I mentioned.”

“That I am. Should I wait until Sandy’s back in the office?”

My pulse revved its engine, but I tried to ignore it. “Uh, no. I can meet you.” Blessedly, Haven had looked back down at her computer screen. “Do you prefer a house or apartment?”

My fluster level was an eleven on a scale that topped out at ten. It was a freaking call with a guy about a rental. OMG.

I mustered every ounce of composure and willed my pulse to slow its galloping beat and the heat rising inside to dissipate.

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