Page 10 of Secret Billionaire

“Good idea,” Jesse said.

Faye looked at Jesse from the corner of her eye and she could tell that he’d had the same visceral reaction to the stranger that she’d had. She could see how tightly coiled his muscles were…ready to pounce if need be. She touched his arm and he immediately softened. Looking down at her, their eyes locked and his flickered with some emotion she couldn’t name. He watched the man hitch his boat and jump onto the dock, then walk across her deck to the pier that ran the length of the marina. He disappeared from sight.

“All of a sudden I feel like I’m a creep magnet. What’s going on?” Faye laughed nervously.

“People get set in their ways and think they have a right to anything they want. The concept of private property must have gone right over his head. Once I build the new deck, we’ll be able to gate that entrance off so nobody can trespass when you’re not open.”

“That would be awesome.”

“I don’t want to sound sexist or anything like that, but I don’t like the thought of you being here alone all the time.”

She slipped her arm through his and said, “Well, I declare. Aren’t you just the sweetest southern gentleman, Jesse Carlisle? That’s why it’s good you’re going to be here to protect me. Let’s have ourselves a beer.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled, and she could feel him relax under her hand. Frankly, she was relieved he’d been here when that guy showed up. She didn’t want people to know that she was here alone as much as she actually was. With Jesse starting on construction, she wouldn’t have to worry about that for now. Then when tourist season started, she’d have to hire help. Her isolation would be minimal. She was glad of that.

---