Page 90 of Booked for Summer

It was the first time in years he’d been to a bar in Nantucket outside the resort and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. Scrutinised. Maybe it was paranoia.

Nope. The guy strolling up to their table was definitely staring him down.

‘Liam Haven.’ Grey hair, clothes that spoke of inconspicuous wealth, which was the Nantucket way. Anywhere else, people were impressed by labels, visible signs of wealth. On Nantucket, it was considered flashy. Gauche.

Liam nodded in greeting. ‘Stuart Johnson.’ He recognised Adam’s father because he’d made it his mission to put a name and face to everyone on the island who’d deemed the Haven brand one they could dismiss, or ridicule.

If Stuart was surprised Liam recognised him, he gave no outward indication. ‘What gives you the right to stop people using the wharf to dock their boats?’ He looked towards Jade. ‘And putting this young woman out of a job by knocking down the Little Bay Book Shack? Never mind whatever hideous plans you’ve got for the waterfront.’

He felt Jade stiffen and slid a hand onto her thigh, squeezing gently.I’ve got this. ‘You own the Westside Club, yes?’

Stuart frowned. ‘So?’

‘How would you react if I told you what to do with it?’

‘It’s my damn club, I can do what I want with it.’

Liam inclined his head. ‘And I own the wharf.’

Stuart grunted. ‘You might have conned Flo into selling the bookstore to you, but it’s been used by locals for years, and it’s one of only two on the island. When are you going to stop destroying things we islanders hold dear?’

‘With respect,’ Jeremy interrupted. ‘One of the things we islanders hold dear is our privacy and right now you’re intruding on ours. You’re also disrespecting a man in front of his friends, which doesn’t seem like a sensible idea.’

Friends. Liam felt a burn at the back of his eyelids. It was like Jeremy had just thrown a protective wall around him.

Stuart looked incredulous. ‘You’re on his side now?’ He nodded towards Jade. ‘Aren’t you two part of a group that campaigned to keep the bookstore?’

‘Hi, Stuart. I’m Jade, good to meet you.’ She gave him a sweet smile. ‘You’re right, I did set up a group to save the Little Bay Book Shack.’

‘So what are you doing drinking with Haven?’

‘Do you always see eye to eye with all of your friends?’ She waved down at Stuart’s wedding ring. ‘Your wife?’

His expression faltered. ‘Not always, no.’

‘Then you’ll understand that people can be friends, lovers, husband and wife, and still disagree on some things.’

‘Yeah, but not when one of them is a jackass,’ Stuart asserted.

Liam felt the anger vibrate through Jade’s body. Anger onhisbehalf. ‘Liam is quietly enjoying a night out with his friends. And his girlfriend,’ she added loudly– and damn if his heart didn’t cartwheel. ‘You’re the one who’s stomped over here and thrown insults at him. Who’s the jackarse?’

Liam found his lips twitching. ‘Jackass,’ he whispered under his breath.

She shrugged. ‘He sounds like an arse to me.’

Stuart gave a disparaging shake of his head and sloped off. Liam could almost see a tail between his legs.

‘Well.’ Jeremy spoke into the silence. ‘Never a dull moment when you’re around, Boss Man.’

‘Liam.’ He felt some of the tension begin to leave his body. ‘For God’s sake, call me Liam.’

‘Will do, Boss Liam. No, Liam Boss, that’s better. Way more dignified.’ Jeremy sprang to his feet. ‘Right, more alcohol is called for.’ He slid Liam a look. ‘And as I know you generously put your card behind the bar, I’ll get you one of those overpriced Macallans you’re so fond of.’

Leroy slowly rose from the table. ‘I’ll come with you. Make sure you get it right.’

The moment they were out of earshot, Jade groaned. ‘I’m so sorry.’

He was shocked to see tears brimming in her eyes. ‘Why?’

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