Page 12 of Rosie and the Beast Next Door

I held my breath.

“Paint over whatever this is”—he waved at my almost-dodo bird—”and answer your brothers’ texts, and I’ll pretend I never saw it.”

I paused.Don’t ask, Rosie. Don’t youdareask.“That’s it? No ticket?”Dang it!When had I become the kid who reminded the teacher she forgot to assign homework?

“No ticket,” he confirmed. His gaze drifted back up to the window, and he rocked back on his heels and removed his hat, oh, so casual. “You ever consider renting out that extra room?”

The second apartment was nearly uninhabitable, but I was intrigued. Sheriff Savage had never looked so forcibly chill. “Why?”

“Your brothers thought someone broke into your houseboat, but when I had one of my guys check it out, they said it was a Realtor. Are you selling?”

I nodded slowly. “I don’t want to, but …” I shrugged.

“Seems like you could make some extra money renting the second apartment out.”

We both glanced up. I didn’t know what he was picturing, but I knew exactly what was behind that window. A dark apartment filled with dust, boxes, something I heard squeaking when it got quiet enough, and the mural no one knew about (yes, yes, another secret; I was addicted to them. There were only so many ways to be mysterious on an island this small.)

“Maybe even enough money to keep your houseboat. Something to think about.” He slapped his hat against his leg a few times then propped it back on his head.

After Sheriff Savage left, with one more pointed finger at the dodo bird, I finally read my texts. Heaven save me from overprotective older brothers.

I was lucky Bennett only saw the sales agent. What if he’d spotted Dad instead?

Rosie: Brothers. I love you. I really do. But chill. I’m selling my boat. PLEASE don’t scare off potential buyers with weaponry. I didn’t answer right away because I have a life. Which you should all look into having instead of texting me nonstop AND CHECKING MY LOCATION, HAYDN.

I painted over the dodo bird blob with a twinge of regret for what could have been, and mulled on Sheriff Savage’s suggestion of renting out the spare apartment. And it wasn’t a bad idea. Not a bad idea at all. Clean it out and find a good tenant, save up enough money to help Dad really get on his feet, plus I’d get to keep my store and my houseboat.

This might just solve all my problems.

Except for the problem of my brothers, of course, who were all exasperating (but adorable) lunatics.

Chapter 6

Dylan

One bed, one bath studio apartment located in the heart of Winterhaven. Situated between the stunning waterline of the Pacific and the expansive trail systems in the center of the island, this apartment is the perfect getaway haven for a long-term vacationer. Comes lightly furnished. Serious inquiries only. Must love cats.

—Winterhaven Times, Classifieds

Winterhaven tasted like saltand eagle scat.

And, yes, I’d tasted bald eagle scat before, thanks to a dare Shiloh challenged me to in eighth grade. I’d never been one to back away from a dare, especially from Shiloh. He’d beenfearless in a way I could only dream of being … and I did dream of being exactly like him. Though we were in the same grade at school, he was nearly a year older than me, and I wanted to be just like him.

I dare you to text your dad and tell him you’re here.

I ignored the thought and instead pulled up my phone to check the address. It was only a mile walk to the apartment. Or I could call a ride share and hope I didn’t know whoever picked me up. How many miracles could I reasonably expect to experience on this trip?

Walking it was.

I tugged my baseball cap low and tucked my chin down as I crossed the street and headed toward one of the paths winding between forestland and the main road around town. This path circled me around to Main Street with as much tree coverage as possible.

How long could I go without anyone knowing I was here?

A constant mist covered the island, and a light drizzle fell from the gray sky. My clothes were damp and chilled in minutes.

I walked beside the mountains I was familiar with, having explored them endlessly with Shiloh. Unbidden, the memory of watching Shiloh collapse on the ice, too far away to stop it, too slow to reach him in time, like skating across tar as I rushed to his side, flashed into my mind. A cold sweat broke out across my forehead.

I had to get out of Winterhaven and back on the ice.

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