“I see.” Matt rubbed his hand on the back of his neck. This was getting too personal for him. He didn’t want to know unless Mia chose to tell him. “Well, I’ll go along my merry way and keep out of it if you don’t mind. Now, is there anything I can get you? How about a coffee on the front porch? It’s a nice spot to sit and do nothing.”
* * *
Mia rubbed her eyes. She was so over the management side of this business already. It’d been fun when she first started the company but now after years of leaving it someone else and concentrating on other aspects of the business, it was the last thing she wanted to be doing. How on earth had Ryan put up with it for so long? She closed down her computer and glanced at her nightstand. He’d only been gone a few days and she was struggling to deal with the workload.
Mia checked the time. It was after eleven—too late to call her uncle. With any luck, he’d be asleep with the crashing of the waves soothing his dreams. She picked up her cell phone and sent a message to Matt.
Mia: Hi, stranger. How’s Ryan? Let me know when you can. xoxo
Her cell pinged almost immediately.
Matt: Doing great. Drew came and saw him today and is very happy with progress. Dad came and took him walking down to the wharf and back.
She smiled. She knew she could rely on Matt and his family to look after her uncle.
Mia: Thank goodness. I’ve been worried about him.
Matt: Don’t be. He’s doing great. How are you going?
Mia: Getting there. I can’t believe how much work there is to do. This company has grown since Ryan took over management. I didn’t realize how much he does.
Matt: Maybe it’s time to let it go.
He just didn’t get it. This was her baby. Could he let go of his house that easy? She doubted it.
Mia: It’ll all get sorted out.
Matt: When are you coming over?
Mia: Friday night if I can swing it.
Matt: Please do. I miss you.
Mia paused. She missed him too and that knowledge sat heavy on her heart.
Mia: I miss you too. Goodnight.
She turned her phone off and put it on her nightstand before turning out the light. She snuggled down in her bed but sleep eluded her. She’d worked so hard to get this business up and running and it had paid off. Could she do what Matt suggested and walk away? How could she? It didn’t make sense personally. Not to her. It’d been part of her life for so long, it would be like cutting off her arm. But the thought of being with Matt played in the back of her mind.
Mia thumped her pillow and rolled over. Matt was such a nice guy. The only one she’d slept with in ages. The only one who didn’t care that she was famous among renovators and decorators. Or that she was wealthy. He was a fan of her work but still treated her normally, not like she was a celebrity like some people did. Money had never been mentioned. He didn’t need anything from her. His whole life was wrapped up on the island with his family and business around him.
A small seed of jealousy grew in her mind. What she’d give to have brothers and sisters to tease her the way his teased him. Her parents had given her a good life but things had turned out badly due to no fault of their own.
Mia had the chance to make sure that didn’t happen to her. As she drifted off to sleep, she reminded herself to make that doctor’s appointment so she could set Ryan’s mind at ease about her health. Plus she’d love to be with Matt. They’d proven they had a connection already. The sex was great, and the man was incredible in every way. Sure, the relationship was new and it might work out. What if it didn’t and she gave up the business to be with him? To let go of everything she’d built would be like saying goodbye to a piece of herself with no guarantees. She didn’t know if she had it in her to take that step, even for Matt.
Chapter 14
On Friday night, Mia drove off the ferry and up to Matt’s place with a smile on her face. She’d been looking forward to this visit all week. Not only to see how Ryan was doing but also to touch Matt again. She’d missed him more than she wanted to admit. Nightly phone calls and text messages didn’t quite cut it.
She pulled into the parking lot by the rear garden and before she could get out of the car, Matt was there. He opened her door, helped her out and held his arms wide.
“Hey, gorgeous girl. Missed you.”
Mia smiled, unable to help herself. “Missed you more.” How was that even possible after she’d told him that a relationship wasn’t in the cards right now? She lifted her lips for a kiss and let her body relax into his. This was worth waiting for. When he broke away, she felt the disconnection immediately, as though someone had cut the ties between them.
“Ryan’s in front of the fire with a small glass of sherry. He can’t wait to see you.”
“Should he be drinking?” She scooped up her handbag and Matt collected her weekend bag from the back seat.
“Drew said it was okay in moderation. Don’t worry; I’ve been keeping an eye on him.” He put his arm around her shoulders and walked her into the kitchen where he set down her bag before following her into the sitting room.
She couldn’t believe the change in her uncle. He had color in his cheeks and a smile that outshone the sun.
“Ryan.” She ran to him, and reached out timidly at first in case she hurt him.
He held
