“Sounds like a whole bunch of fun.” Arlo waded over and pulled himself up onto the jetty. “Who does she work for?”
Matt filled his brother in on his visitor and her business. “Thought it might be nice for her to meet Hilary since they have similar backgrounds. They seem to be hitting it off.”
“Good.”
“It’d be nice for her to have a friend here. She’s not used to sitting still so I’d like to help out if I can, encourage her to relax.” He glanced over at the girls and smiled. Mia laughed at something Hilary said and his smile grew bigger.
“Ah, so you’re arranging her life already. Is she staying or are you going to let her get away?”
What the heck? Like he had any control over his guests. “She’s here for a month to destress. That’s it.”
Arlo nodded. “Right and you’re already acting like you’re her best friend. So, I repeat: Are you going to let her get away after that or are you going to do something about it?”
His brother had the weirdest way of communicating sometimes. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Arlo stood, put his hands on his hips and looked out to sea. “I can see the moony look in your eyes from here, bro. And you had your say when I fell for Hilary. Just returning the favor.”
Matt jumped up, ready to deny his brother’s words but stopped short. Was it even possible that he liked her? She was driven, business oriented, focused on her company, and a city girl. “I haven’t thought about it. I don’t even know if I like her, not like that.”
“Funny. You seem to be more cheerful than usual. Or is there some other secret you’re keeping from us? Won the lottery or something?”
Matt shook his head. He’d never been keen on a woman before. Not really. Apart from the occasional casual fling, no one had ever made him sit up and think about building a future together. “No.”
“It’ll hit you when you least expect it, so be warned. And it’ll make you say and do stupid things. Make you act like a twelve-year-old again. Fair warning.”
“Nah, man. You’re wrong. I’m just showing her around to get her mind off work. I mean, she’s nice and all, but her focus is to get this holiday over with so she can go back to Seattle.”
“Sounds a lot like Hilary to me,” piped up Bryce from the water.
“Ha.” Arlo pointed a finger at him. “Says you, who’s never had a relationship last longer than a week. What do you know about love?”
“More than you think, pal. Just calling it like I see it.”
Later on, when Mia accepted Matt’s offer to continue their tour of the island, he drove her up to the lighthouse. Mia sucked in a breath as they got closer to the point where the lighthouse rose majestically out of the rock and towered over the ocean. “That is so pretty.”
Matt pulled into the parking lot and she climbed out as soon as he turned off the engine. Together they walked up the path toward the stark white building on the remote end of the island. Wind tugged at her clothing but Mia faced the weather head on. Matt took her hand and pulled her down the grassy embankment away from the tourist trail. “You get a better view down here but don’t tell anyone. The locals don’t like to advertise it because it’s kind of our secret place.”
They climbed over rocks and come to a large ledge jutting out over the sea that wasn’t visible from the parking lot. He tucked her in against him as the ocean spray hit them full on. A hint of pink brushed her cheekbones, and he caught his breath. Drops of water clung to her hair and Mia smiled, sending a jolt to his gut. Matt felt himself gravitate toward her, unable to help himself. It took a couple of moments before he could come up with a coherent thought.
“It’s stunning here when the sea is rough. Not that you’d want to be down here, though. It gets a bit too wild. I have some amazing photos at home I can show you.” He watched her as the white tops of the waves crashed against the rocks, sending spray into the air.
“Hard to believe how wild this end of the island is. Compared to Hope Harbor, this is so different and untamed.” Her blonde hair whipped around her face but her smile was unwavering. “And to think I never would’ve seen this place if not for you. Thank you, Matt. You’re the perfect host.”
“I aim to please. Let me know when you’ve had enough and we can head back home.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay a bit longer. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
“Sure. I could sit here for ages; I love the outdoors.”
She turned her head and looked at him, a smile lighting her eyes. “I didn’t think I did, but now that I’m here, I want to stay.” Taking in a deep breath, Mia watched the waves cresting and felt the sea breeze stinging her cheeks.
“Tell me about yourself, Mia. What was your favorite thing to do growing up?”
“That’s a hard one. If we’re talking before my parents passed away, I’d say the movie nights we used to have. Mom would make popcorn and Dad would take us to the old drive-in theater. I’d have my pillows and blankets and always fall asleep before the end but it didn’t matter. We were together as a family and that was all that mattered.”
“I’m sorry. It must be hard without them. And after?”
“Thanks.” A sigh escaped her lips. “Nothing was the same. I had my uncle. He tried, but nothing could make up for what we’d lost. We’re close though.”
Matt tried to get onto a lighter subject. “Favorite
