Page 67 of Eclipse Bay

“No.”

“Then what the hell are you going to do with her?”

Rafe examined the hibiscus next to him. “I’ve suggested to her that we form a partnership to operate the inn and restaurant.”

“Apartnership?” Mitchell’s face worked in astonishment. “With Hannah Harte? Have you lost every damned marble you’ve got?”

So much for getting Mitchell’s unqualified support.

“You don’t have to shout,” Rafe said. “I can hear you just fine.”

“Now you listen to me. You’re a Madison. You can’t have a business partnership with a Harte. It’ll never work. Never in a million years.”

“Okay, so it might be a little more complicated than the usual business partnership,” Rafe said.

“Well, shoot and damn.” Mitchell grabbed a pair of pruning shears. “The rumors are true, aren’t they? You are foolin’ around with her, aren’t you?”

“We have started what some people might call a relationship. Sort of.”

“A relationship?” Mitchell went to work on the hibiscus with the shears. “That mean you’re shacking up together?”

Rafe realized that he was standing closer to the hibiscus than was comfortable. He moved a couple of steps aside to give Mitchell and his shears plenty of space.

“I don’t think I’d use that term.”

Mitchell snipped off a straggling branch and glared. “Well, just what term would you use?”

“Like I said, the situation is a little complicated at the moment.”

Mitchell aimed the shears at Rafe. “Pay attention for once in your life. What I got to say is important. That woman put her reputation on the line for you eight years ago. Saved you a lot of grief.”

“I know that.”

“You can’t fool around with her. It’s not right.”

“I’m not fooling around with her.” Rafe searched for the right words, but they eluded him. “Whatever is going on, it’s serious.”

Mitchell frowned at him for a long, considering moment. “It sure as hell better be serious.” Abruptly, he turned back to his pruning. “Why’d you come here today?”

“Came over to see if you want to have dinner with Hannah and me tomorrow night.” Rafe hesitated. “Feel free to bring your friend Octavia with you, if you want.”

“Octavia’s gone back to Portland.”

“Invitation still stands.”

“Huh.” Mitchell clipped off another small branch. “Hannah Harte can cook?”

“I don’t know. She’s never done any cooking around me. I’ll be doing the cooking.”

“Should be interesting,” Mitchell said.

“Does that mean we can expect you for dinner?”

“I’ll be there. Be a change of pace from Bryce’s grub.”

Rafe exhaled slowly. “Okay. Fine.” He straightened and headed for the door. He felt as if he had just weathered a storm. “See you around six.”

“Should bedamnedinteresting,” Mitchell muttered again.

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