“Not here, it’s not. It’s all about family and supporting each other.” Matt finished his nightcap and held the empty glass between his hands.
She cast him an uncertain gaze. “Sorry. I have a reputation to uphold in the industry so maybe I’m overthinking things. Regardless, I have to find her something. If I go, I refuse to go empty-handed.”
It was hard not to find her conundrum funny. People were different on the island, but she didn’t know that. “When the storm clears, you can go shopping then. Find something suitable.”
Mia relaxed. “Fine, but in the meantime, I’m going to help you with the attic. If I don’t do something with my hands, I’ll go nuts.”
Matt grinned. He wouldn’t say no. “Thanks. I will bow down to your skills and take on board whatever you suggest.” He stood and reached for her glass. “How about saying goodnight while we still have power? With the way that wind sounds, I wouldn’t be surprised if we wake up without anything.”
“How are you going to cook breakfast?” She pouted.
He grinned. “See, you’re used to eating in the morning already. And just to reassure you that you won’t starve, I have gas appliances. The fancy coffee machine will have to wait, but I can put a pot on the stove to keep us going if need be.”
She draped a hand over her forehead and gave an exaggerated and funny sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.” She stood and reached for the glasses, her fingers brushing his. “I’ll pop these in the dishwasher and see you in the morning then.”
“No, let me. My room is that way. You have a good night’s sleep, Mia.” He stared into her eyes but couldn’t move away. He wanted to savor the closeness for as long as possible.
“Thanks for today, Matt. I really enjoyed it.” She touched him on the arm and smiled. “And that fish was amazing—one of the best dinners I’ve had for ages. You don’t get takeout like that in Seattle.”
He’d bet she ate more frozen meals than anyone he knew. It made him want to cook for her more. “Arlo will be pleased. But you can tell him when you see him on the weekend.” He moved to the counter and picked up the flashlight he’d put there for her earlier.
“Just in case. The storms on the island can get pretty fierce. Call me if you’re scared.”
“Thanks. Night.”
She headed up the stairs and Matt stood where he was until she shut her bedroom door. Then he banked the fire, made sure the screen was in place and headed to the kitchen. Once the glasses were in the dishwasher, he turned it on and headed to his room, which was tucked off the back of the kitchen. When they’d renovated the old house, the servants’ quarters had seemed like the perfect bachelor pad for him. He had his own bathroom and a large enough bedroom. Plus, it was close to his favorite room, the kitchen.
Matt pulled his shirt over his head and threw it on the chair in the corner of the room. What Arlo had said was digging at him. He really did like Mia but they weren’t well suited. It wouldn’t work. Couldn’t work. Not with her being who she was and the position she was in. She was a company mogul who lived and breathed work and he was a small town B&B owner who wanted a wife, kids and a happy life.
Hilary’s move had been easier because everything she did was possible on her computer so long as she had internet access. Not so with Mia’s job. She had to be on site, visiting stores and doing buying trips from what she’d told him over dinner. Everything that went into the stores was personally chosen by her. And it was obvious that she loved doing it too. That would hardly work if she stayed here with him.
But he was getting ahead of himself. He wasn’t even sure of his feelings toward Mia and yet there he was, already dreaming of the future. They hadn’t shared a kiss or a romantic word and he was thinking of how she could live here and continue her work. Slow down, Matt, before you dig yourself into an emotional hole you can’t get out of.
* * *
Mia turned down her bed and walked into the bathroom to brush her teeth. Matt was the perfect host and despite her initial reaction, she was starting to enjoy being here. She pulled her hair back, then washed her face, started her nightly cleaning routine of toning and moisturizing, and let her mind wander.
The longer she was there, the more she found she was enjoying herself. The company was good. Better than good actually. If things were different, she could be interested in someone like Matt. He was a nice guy, kind and considerate. Handsome too. He already seemed impressed with what she did, based on having listened to him talk about her interviews and blogs. He was concerned that she was well looked after, which was lovely compared to how she lived now. She could do worse than fall for a sweet guy like Matt.
Once Mia was finished, she flicked off the bathroom light. Her flashlight was on the nightstand in case she needed it but the darkness didn’t scare her. She enjoyed a good storm, especially from the safety of her own room.
She opened the drapes and looked out at the view. The darkness swallowed everything, even the moon. The wind whistled around the trees and up the street. The chimes in the back garden tinkled madly, like an organ grinder going crazy. She climbed into bed and lay back, listening to the
