Page 63 of Island Protector

“I’d like it if you’d stay and have cookies,” Miles interrupted.

“You don’t need to play host today of all days,” she argued.

“Come on in.” He eased out and opened the back door. “I’m up for the full tour. With cookies,” he promised as he unbuckled Bryce from the car seat.

Chapter Fifteen

Miles could easily readMolly’s reluctance, but he wasn’t sure where it was coming from. He’d thought they’d gotten over the awkwardness and cleared up expectations last night. And he’d kissed her in front of Dr. Sanders. She had to know he was serious.

He figured the best solution was to pretend everything was fabulous and just treat her the way he wanted to. He didn’t want this to be her only visit, so he did everything he could to show her how happy he was to have them over.

“This used to be a cabin for the fish camp before Parker’s became a full-time operation.” For the first time in a long time, he looked at the house with real pride. He saw the potential of coming home to a true family with the people he loved and adored filling these rooms. “They obviously expanded this cabin and fixed it up a lot,” he continued as they walked the wrap-around porch. “Back in the day there were half a dozen of these tucked into the marsh.”

“Seriously?” Molly’s gaze skimmed the area. “I guess I can see it. Then they’d take the catch over and cook together?”

“Pretty much.” He slipped an arm around her, ignoring his body’s protests. Tucking her close was the best medicine.

While Bryce zipped ahead and back again, exploring and asking questions, Miles shared his vision with Molly. “The inside is pretty basic right now,” he admitted. “I’ve been taking my time adding pieces here and there.” He unlocked the slider and led them into the central family room.

A brick-tiled fireplace anchored one wall. He had a couch and a couple of chairs parked around a big coffee table. It wasn’t as much a lack of style as a lack of time and interest. Until he’d kissed Molly, he was certain he’d be moving on—sooner than later.

He tried to see it through her eyes. Plenty of light poured through the windows and glass slider, painting her in a bit of a spotlight as she took in the space. What would she think?

“My goodness this is incredible. You need some art on the walls.” She clapped a hand over her mouth, but a giggle escaped. “I sound like Sharon.”

“Then you’re both right. I’ve been eyeing one of her latest pieces in the gallery, but I can’t decide if it’s too small or too big.”

Molly just stared at him, eyes wide. Her aunt’s paintings sold for serious money. She probably thought he was scraping by, especially when classes weren’t in session. They’d have to discuss that eventually.

“I have one of her pieces back this way,” Miles said. “Come on, Bryce.”

He guided them into the kitchen and the breakfast area with its view of the marsh. On the wall was one of Sharon’s smaller live oak landscapes.

“Does she know?” Molly asked. “She’s always so honored and humbled to see her work in someone’s home.”

“I’m honored. It makes me smile every morning.”

Bryce scrambled up into the bench built into the baywindow, his fingers on the glass. “That’s the boat we had dinner on.”

“It is. Knox and Eddie brought it back for me this morning.” While he’d been laid up in the clinic. “Who’s in for cookies?”

He got Bryce set up with a stack of Oreos and a glass of milk. “How about you? Can I interest you in a cookie?” he asked Molly.

“Water is plenty. I can get it myself.”

“I’m feeling great.” He filled a glass with ice and water and handed it to her.

“I can’t believe you tried to walk all this way from my place. In the dark.”

‘It’s not that far. The marina would have been further.”

“Right. Of course. I don’t know why it’s so different.” She chewed on her lip.

“Because it’s on the water?”

The more he realized he had feelings for her, the more he worried that his house would bother her. And then he remembered they could move anywhere. There were other properties in and around town, and thanks to his early developments and smart investments, price wasn’t really an issue.

Of course she didn’t know that. Just like he couldn’t be sure she’d want to be part of his life full-time. Hell, he’d pretty much rushed her into becoming his girlfriend. Not his style at all, but he’d sensed a limited opportunity and refused to squander it.

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