Page 9 of The Romance Game

“On a honeymoon.”

“She got married too?” I ask.

“No, she’s going on our honeymoon.”

The two of them laugh like they have an inside joke.

Rubbing my eyes, I say, “Yeah, I could use some coffee.”

“Also, Bean made these fantastic new lemon poppyseed muffins you have to try.”

Five minutes later, I’m at Beans & Books and can confirm that the new muffins are delicious.

“Who’s going to handle things here while Robyn is on your honeymoon?” I ask.

Bean, whose real name is Robyn, swallows. “I’m entrusting my baby to my dear sister, Rosalie, and Lally.”

Seated on the windowsill, Robyn’s cat flicks its tail as if she supremely disapproves.

Robyn mutters, “I might be better off leaving Nutmeg in charge.”

“I heard that.” With a gleam in her eye, Isla herds her sister outside. “We have to pack.”

My gaze follows them out the door and lands on a woman wearing a denim skirt and a tank top. She has a heart-shaped jaw, an adorable nose, long golden hair, and piercing amber eyes. Eyes you never forget.

“She looks yummy.”

Royal raps me on the head with a book. “Don’t be a dummy. You two are like,” Royal glances at Nutmeg, “like cats and dogs.”

He’s not wrong.

But something about seeing Harley makes my pulse kick. My smile pops. I cannot help it. And this time, instead of running away from my problems, I go outside.

Harley

CHAPTER 3

No, no, no. This is bad.

I’ve been spotted and duck behind a cabbage palm. Crouched down here, I notice my shirt is inside out. Dare I fix it now?

My leg cramps and I try to shake it without rustling the fronds. I am not cut out to keep up with these covert moves, trying to evade Ryan. How do spies live their lives, always trying to blend in and remain unseen?

I squat-run to my rental car and close myself inside.

Letting out a long breath, I push the vehicle’s “on” button. I miss Aunt Martina’s Pontiac with the key. I miss her. I miss Luke.

Part of me misses Coco Key, but not Ryan. Nope. I do not miss him. Nopey nope nope.

Peering out the window, I spot him standing on the sandy road, looking around. Presumably looking for me.

A low drone sounds from nearby. I frown, wondering if it’s a fishing boat or maybe a helicopter. No, it’s lower. Closer.

It’s then I realize there is a flying insect in the car with me. It buzzes by.

Update, it’s a stinging insect.

As it throws itself against the windshield, trying to escape, I fumble for the button to open the window.

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