Page 101 of Second Chance at Sunshine Inn

“Cade?” Roger asked. “What’s going on?”

“That’s Trevor over there talking to Valerie Rhodes, the Realtor representing the developer that wanted to build luxury condos on our land. I knew that guy couldn’t be trusted. He always told us he was just a handyman, but he’s actually working with her.” He glowered. “Everleigh says she and this guy are only friends, but I had this feeling he wanted more. Now I know for sure he’s just using her—angling for an opportunity to buy the Sunshine Inn. And she’s too sweet and trusting to realize his attention isn’t genuine.”

Trevor reached in the SUV and touched Valerie’s cheek, and Cade grumbled. “I can’t let him hurt her, but that’s exactly what he’s going to do.”

“But she likes him, right?” Roger asked.

“Unfortunately,” Cade groused.

“That means she might not believe you.”

Cade massaged his forehead, where a headache brewed. “She already thinks I’m too suspicious of everyone, but look”—he pointed to Trevor as he laughed at something Valerie said—“they’re clearly in cahoots. I can’t let him get away with this.”

“Just tread lightly,” Roger warned him. “If she considers him a friend, she’ll take his side.”

Cade sat up straighter. “I’ll handle it.” He’d make Everleigh see he was right before it was too late.

***

Everleigh turned toward the driveway just as Roger’s truck steered in. She smiled at her father and brother, grateful they had come to help with the framing. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

She scooted down the driveway just as Trevor’s black Toyota Tacoma pulled in. He had texted to check on her yesterday and mentioned that he’d try to come by and help, but she hadn’t heard from him again. He’d been promising to offer a hand ever since the storm two weeks ago, but today was the first time he’d actually shown up.

Curious.

She picked up speed just as Cade climbed out of Roger’s truck. Trevor approached him and said something before holding out his hand. Cade gave him a black look, scrutinized his hand, and then walked away.

Everleigh’s stomach twisted. Why was Cade always so rude to Trevor? He didn’t deserve it. He’d come over to help them.

Then Quinn’s words from the day of the storm echoed in her mind:

“He’s jealous, I bet.”

But how could that be true? Everleigh hadn’t seen Trevor since well before the storm, but she’d spent every day since the storm with Cade. Didn’t Cade know he was special to her—much more special than Trevor could ever be?

“Hi, Everleigh,” Trevor said. “Sorry it took me so long to come by.” He opened his arms to hug her, but she gave him an awkward pat and backed away from him.

“We appreciate the help.”

Trevor turned toward the empty concrete pad where the sunroom had once stood and gave a low whistle. “All of that painting was for nothing, huh?” He touched her arm. “I guess we’ll have to paint the new sunroom Lemonade.”

“Right.”

“You know, you don’t have to go through all this,” Trevor began. “You could just let the place go to a developer and not have to worry about rebuilding the sunroom.”

Everleigh blinked and then blinked again. Had she heard him right?

Trevor lifted his hand, and his expression was mildly sympathetic. “Just think about it. A developer won’t care if there’s a sunroom or not. You won’t have to deal with the hassle.” He gestured around the property and then flashed a winning smile.

She looked over to where Cade was speaking to Roger, and when Cade started toward her, her insides turned and dropped.

Oh no. He’s going to make a scene.

“I know your godmother meant a lot to you, Everleigh, and I’m not trying to make light of that.” Trevor touched her hand. “But think about it. You want to get back on the road, and you mentioned you had to take the inn off the market while you deal with this headache. If you just sold it to a developer, all your worries would be solved.”

The dark expression on Cade’s face sent a cold chill through her as he approached.This is going to be bad.

“Trevor, why are you so invested in convincing Everleigh to sell the inn to a developer?” Cade demanded.

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