Page 47 of Falling for your Fake Boyfriend

“No pain, no gain.”

“Right. That.” She dropped her gaze down. “And it seems I opened the door in my llama pajamas, so that’s a great start so far. I have to get dressed, and I need something to eat.” She winced. “Do you think the coast is clear in the breakfast room? I don’t want to run into any?—”

“Sharks?”

“That’s probably as good a word as any.”

“I could grab some breakfast goodies to go,” I suggested.

“Sounds good. Give me fifteen minutes. I’ll meet you out on the veranda.”

“Great. See you there.” I couldn’t believe how relieved I was that she was still talking to me.

“Ibrought you a piece of Gretchen’s bacon and gruyere quiche.” I handed her the napkin-wrapped food and a cup of coffee.

“It smells like a buttery slice of heaven.” She opened the napkin. Isla had pulled on a gray cap that had a picture of a Highland cow on the front.

“Guess you went from llamas to cows.” I pointed up at the cap.

“I did go through a bit of a Highland cow obsession after Ava returned from a hike across Scotland. The first photo she sent was of her leaning against a fence, and a great, furry brute of a cow was standing next to her. I told her not to send any more photos if there weren’t cows in the pictures, so she obliged. Then she brought home this hat and a stuffed Highland cow toy. This quiche is astounding. Gretchen makes me feel as if I have so much more to learn before I can call myself a baker.”

“As I recall, your honey cakes had people standing under the hot sun and using up most of their coffee break.”

“I told you that was because it was free. You wouldn’t get it.”

Her words actually stung. “I can’t change that about myself,” I said. “I’m sorry. You’re right. But I do get it. I’m not a heartless, wax statue. I understand there is plight in the world. I could be raking in big money investing in stocks and companies that harm the earth and people’s health, but I never put money into those companies. Believe it or not, I feel there is always room for improvement in this world and in my life.”

“Excuse my rudeness. I’m being a poorness snob. And yes, I just made that phrase up, but I think it fits. I shouldn’t have said you wouldn’t get it. That’s me being judgy. How is your brother, by the way?”

“Alive. Thanks to you,” I added.

Her cheeks darkened. “I just did what anyone else would have done.”

“There were dozens of other people standing very close to my brother, but you alone jumped into action.” I couldn’t stop myself. I reached up and lightly touched the bruise on her face. “I’m sorry about this. Did either of my parents thank you for what you did?”

Isla shrugged. “It’s implied, I’m sure.”

“See, that’s where you’re wrong. And I apologize for their utter lack of manners, humbleness, thankfulness and all the other emotions required for humanness. Just when I think I couldn’t be more disappointed in them, they manage to prove me wrong.”

Isla finished the quiche and patted her stomach. “I’ll stop by the kitchen later to let Gretchen know, yet again, that she is a genius.”

“If you’re finished, then follow me to the storage shed for the bikes.”

Music was thrumming through the speakers in the pool area, and feminine voices could be heard between the beats.

“Your sister invited me to hang out by the pool,” Isla said as we continued toward the shed. “I told her I didn’t bring a suit. It wasn’t a lie, but this morning when I spoke to her, all I could think about was leaving.”

I turned to look at her. “I’m sorry.”

“All right, sir. Stop apologizing. Most of the crummy stuff that’s happened has nothing to do with you.” She stopped. “Except last night. You left mid-song.”

“I’m sor—” I raked my fingers through my hair. “I am starting to sound like a pathetic sap, aren’t I? I loved your song. It was—” I shook my head. I was having a hard time sorting out my feelings about it. Watching her on stage, all I could think was that she really was an angel. My feelings and reaction to her performance were strong, but I kept them to myself. “Alex insisted she was feeling faint, and she asked me to walk her outside for some fresh air.”

Isla’s big blue eyes blinked up at me. She seemed to be assessing whether or not it was true. “Then I guess you had no choice,” she said dryly. She walked a few steps and then stopped again. “It’s all right, you know. She’s an incredible woman, and even the bartender told me that you two make a fantastic couple.”

“Well, I guess if thebartenderthinks so,” I said curtly. “Let’s end this topic.” I opened the shed door. “Our chariots await. Your choice of blue or red. My mom usually uses red.”

“Then I’ll take blue.” Isla entered the shed and laughed. “Did I just step into a sporting goods store?”

---