Page 39 of Turbulent Fires

“There are a lot of trails on this island. We can go on any of them you like,” he tells me as we stop and grab more water before making the nearly two-mile walk back to the heart of town.

“If there’s time I’ll take you up on that. I love all of the different views and I like how my body feels,” I tell him as we reach town.

“I like how your body makes me feel as well,” he says with a wink.

We reach the Glenmore Hotel, my new place for the night. He pulls me close and gives me a kiss. We’re sweaty and I most likely look like I’ve been thrown around in a tornado, but he doesn’t seem to mind. I melt by the time he lets me go.

“I’ll be back in one hour so get ready fast because I’m starving after that hike,” he tells me.

I don’t have a chance to say a word before he turns and jogs away. I glare at his back. I can’t believe he has the energy to jog after the hike we’ve taken. It’s been a full day of nonstop activity, and the man doesn’t seem fazed at all. I need to seriously increase my workout time if I plan on keeping up with him.

I slowly make my way to my room, then stand in the shower for an extra long time, knowing I’m going to be sore from head to toe by the time I leave this island. I don’t have the energy to get too dressed up, so I put on a simple sundress, some mascara and lipstick, run the brush through my hair, and call it good. I barely make it down to the lobby in time.

I take a seat on the couch and hope Wolf is a little late. Though we won’t have to go far to eat, I’m worn out. I’m sure I’ll feel better after getting some much-needed fuel inside me. He’s not late. He walks inside with a skip in his step, looking like he did nothing but nap for the day. I smile. There’s no way I’m letting him know how exhausted I am right now.

“You look stunning,” he tells me as he reaches out a hand to help me rise. He practically pulls me from the seat. I fall against him and chuckle. He gives me a quick kiss, then wraps his arm around me and leads me outside.

We don’t walk far before getting to Steve’s Steakhouse, which requires me to walk up some stairs. At least it’s only one level. I’m instantly in love with the restaurant’s low lighting, wood panels, and classic steakhouse charm that makes it feel like a retreat for old-money vacationers and island regulars alike.

I order a glass of pinot noir, which thankfully arrives quickly. I look across the table at Wolf, who’s in an annoyingly good mood and looks absolutely delicious in his deep blue button-up shirt and a self-satisfied smile that always accompanies trouble.

“This place is cozy,” I tell him.

“It also has the best steaks on the island.”

“And I’m sure you know the entire staff,” I say with a laugh.

“It’s a small island. They let me bartend once on a dare. I made a mojito that nearly blinded a man. That was the end of my bartending career.”

I laugh. “Okay then, I think I’ll stick with wine to be safe.”

We order our food and talk while we wait. My mouth is watering when they place a perfectly seared ribeye in front of him and grilled halibut in front of me. Maybe I made the wrong choice. His food looks amazing. I’m contemplating switching plates with him, whether he likes it or not, when a shadow falls over us.

“Well, well, well,” a voice drawls. I look up and immediately know who the two men are. The similarity to Wolf is unmistakable. “Is this a woman having dinner with my commitment-phobic big brother on the island he’s long declared a no-romance zone?”

I can’t help it, I laugh. “And you are?” I ask, not knowing which brother is which.

“Drake Young,” he says with a playful salute. “The younger, more handsome, significantly funnier brother.” He takes a bow before taking my hand and kissing the back of it, making me giggle.

Wolf shoots a glare at his brother. “Significantly louder,” he mumbles.

His other brother steps forward. “I’m Jayden, the far less feral brother.” Jayden’s gaze lingers on me for a long moment, not rudely, but certainly more observant as if he’s taking notes of something Wolf might’ve told him. I feel like a bug under a microscope.

“You don’t mind two more joining, do you?” Drake asks. He doesn’t wait for an answer as he takes a seat right next to me and grabs a roll.

“Do I have a choice?” Wolf grumbles as Jayden takes the seat beside him.

“Nope,” Drake says. He signals the waiter who heads our way. It only takes a moment to place their orders with a promise to bring out more rolls.

Jayden looks over at me. His gaze is so intense it makes me want to squirm. “You’re a writer.” It’s not a question. From his tone I don’t know what he thinks of me writing.

“Well, I have a blog,” I say. Some might not call that writing, but I spend a lot of time on it, so I don’t care what haters might have to say.

“I read your piece on Savannah last month. You have real talent, a good eye for nuance. I enjoyed the balanced tone of the piece and the fact that you didn’t over-romanticize it, but added humor. It made me want to visit the location and see it through your eyes.”

I’m taken aback by his words and feel a glow at his praise. “Thank you. I’m shocked you like to read travel blogs.”

“I like to read everything,” he says.

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