Page 66 of Island Protector

“It was eventful and lovely.”

“Are you blushing?”

Sharon pressed her hands to her cheeks. “Probably.” She sank down on one of the counter stools. “He was so romantic. And only a little pushy.”

“Pushy does not sound romantic,” Molly said gently.

“Says the niece who has a strapping new boyfriend.” She grinned. “Roxy called to let me know Miles was injured and you went to spring him from the clinic. So you’re officially a couple.”

It was Molly’s turn to blush. “Thanks to Knox. He told me about Miles and I went over. No biggie. Miles loaned me his car. Giving him a lift home was the least I could do.”

“What happened?” Sharon reached across the counter to hold her hand.

“Oh, please. Like I don’t recognize a diversion when I see one.”

“Tell me the story anyway,” Sharon ordered.

“One condition.”

Sharon flicked that away. “Yes, I’ll tell you about my romantically pushy man. Now spill the details about your date.”

Molly laughed. She didn’t spill all the details. Just the most important ones. It felt so good to share with the woman who was her dearest mentor and friend. And her biggest cheerleader. “He thought of everything, Aunt Sharon. Bryce had a great time. It was lovely.”

“A picnic on a docked boat. What a clever man,” Sharon murmured.

“He knows his audience,” Molly allowed.

“What about the plan for him to stay over? How did he end up walking home last night?”

Molly went to the fridge and pulled out one of the meals Lila had delivered. “That’s on me. I felt so happy and safe.” She glanced around for Bryce. “And way too tempted.”

“You should give in to that temptation,” Sharon chided.

“One day.” Setting the pan in the oven to heat through, she asked, “Did you know that Miles lives on the marsh?”

“One of the old fish camp cabins, isn’t it?”

“It doesn’t look all that old or fishy now. How did I not know this?”

“Honestly? Because you’ve put your head in the sand and kept it there. Especially when it comes to Miles. I think it was ten years ago—maybe more—when the Parkers chose to renovate rather than tear down that last cabin. Rumor has it Miles bought it rather than rent.”

Molly digested that. The house and land had to be among the most expensive on the island. “He has one of your paintings in his kitchen.”

The smug look dropped from Sharon’s face. “No kidding?” A smile bloomed. “That makes me so happy.”

“I told him you’d say that.”

“I assume the house is nice?”

“More like gorgeous,” Molly reported. “Furnishings are a little sparse.”

“He’s a single man.” Sharon shrugged as if that explained it all. “One with good taste as evidenced by the painting. Now tell me how he wound up in the clinic?”

She checked for Bryce once more. “Someone jumped him while he was walking home after our date.” She dropped her head. “I should’ve let him stay.”

“Yes, but because that was the plan, not because of the trouble. You can’t blame yourself.”

“Can’t I?” She lowered her voice even more. “What if it’s all part of this custody thing?”

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