Page 12 of Tempting the Heart

“Fine.” I smiled at her and shook my head.

That was the one thing I dreaded.Going to the citywas code for trying to find a man.

But maybe this time, I’d finally be ready because Tyler wouldn’t be taking up space in my head.

Chapter Four

Tyler

I picked a table on the patio overlooking the water. A few sailboats bobbed in the distance. Flowers filled the planters along the edge of the deck railing, and the outdoor heaters had been turned on for the evening.

There were very few places that existed in the world like this gem, a beautiful island tucked away from the rest of the world’s insanity.

Or that was how it should be and probably was for the Evans family.

I didn’t exactly draw the lucky card when it came to family.

Far from it.

So, what Marigold Island represented to me was suffocation.

And it sucked because some of the best relationships I’d ever had came from this island.

Dreams had been built here.

But I also knew they would have been destroyed if I'd stayed.

I swirled the vodka and Coke in my glass and looked up when I felt the energy shift.

It was like the air had been sucked right out of my lungs when my eyes landed on Mae. Her dark hair had been piled on top of her head in a messy bun. A few strands swept her cheeks.

She looked as gorgeous as this morning. Brad looked great too. The years had worked in his favor, but honestly, I could make up excuses all day to see Mae again.

My gaze dropped to my drink, and I took a sip.

So much for getting on and off the island without seeing anyone.

I stood as Mae and Brad made their way to the table. Brad tackled me for a bear hug and smacked my back as Mae slid into a seat across the table.

“It’s so good to see you, man.” Brad clapped my shoulder one last time.

“You too.” I nodded, trying not to steal a glance in Mae’s direction. “Sorry for not calling beforehand. Everything just kind of manifested overnight.”

“No, dude. I totally get it. Just so good to see you again.” Brad nodded, and I felt slightly guilty about originally wanting to sneak on and off this island.

The server came over, and Mae lit up when he approached. She ordered a cranberry spritzer and glanced in my direction as Brad ordered his drink.

“Good to see you again. Hopefully, the coffee did the trick this morning.” Her eyes stayed on mine, and I felt that familiar charge run through me, pushing me back to when I was ateenager, trying to avoid the fact that I had a crush on my best friend’s older sister.

“Yeah. Really good coffee.” I nodded, realizing I couldn’t sound more like a dud if I tried. I picked up my drink, took another sip, and glanced toward the boats. “Thanks, by the way, and dinner is on me.”

Mae’s eyes darted to me. “Ridiculous.” She shook her head. “I just gave you a free cup of coffee. It’s not the same.”

“Sounds good to me,” Brad said, grinning. “I never turn down free grub.”

I smiled at Brad and nodded. “Nice. At least one of the Evans siblings isn’t difficult.”

Mae laughed, and I wished I could bottle the sound and take it back with me when I left. Breathing in, I felt the warm sea air coat my lungs and tapped my finger on the table.

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