Page 16 of Acadia Falls

“Maran Riley.” She gave him a smooth smile.

“The pleasure’s mine, Maran Riley. Do they just make the women in New York better looking or something?”

McKinley cleared her throat.

“No offense, McKinley.” The smile never left Kyle’s face, and he didn’t let go of Maran’s hand.

I took a step closer, and his expression became amused. “You need to mark your territory, cuz?”

“Can you never call me that again?” And can you let go of her hand before I punch you?

“No worries.” He released Maran and took a step back, still appraising her.

“So where’d you get the cash for a Hinckley, huh?” Tommy asked.

Kyle shrugged. “I’ve been saving up. You want to check her out?”

By the time we finished ogling Kyle’s boat—which was gorgeous, though I would never admit it to his face—it was time to go. Alex seemed nervous, so I offered to drive her Hinckley home. Tommy and Maran followed behind. I was worried Alex would try and make small talk, but she seemed intent on re-learning how to drive the boat. We reviewed the basics, including the rights of way in the Sound. She listened as though she were mentally taking notes. When we returned to her dock, she seemed more relaxed. Maybe little Alex Vejas would get her footing back this summer after all.

Tommy parked behind us, and Maran jumped out. “You guys want a beer?” Alex asked. “It’s the least I can do. Thanks for bringing us—I was too nervous about driving it back, but I feel better now. You’re a good teacher, Jack.”

“Thanks. And as for the beer⁠—”

“We’d love to,” Tommy finished for me. If my baby brother loved anything, it was free beer. He cut the motor and followed them up the dock.

“Come on.” We headed toward the Vejas’s house, one of the largest on the island. It was immaculate and well-kept but sat empty for the most part. They were so rich they didn’t even bother to rent it out.

We crossed the road, leaving the beach behind, but I saw a boat out of the corner of my eye. Trey and Cuddy. They were driving real slow, taking note of us walking with the girls, taking note that we’d parked our boat at the Vejas’s private dock.

I stopped walking.

“Jack, leave it.” Tommy’s shoulders slumped. “He’s not worth it.”

I scratched my head. “I still think I might have to kill him.”

Maran and Alex blinked at each other.

“S’cuse me a minute—I’ll be right back.” I took off at a run, heading back toward the beach.

If that fucker was looking for me?

He was going to find me, all right.

Chapter Five

MARAN

Ithought it again: Jack Brennan is hot—and nothing but trouble. I didn’t have time for trouble. Trouble was for girls; women had better things to do.

That’s why I surprised myself by following him as he ran down the beach. “Jack! Jack!”

He didn’t respond. He was fast, but I was a long-time runner, so I caught up to his side soon enough.

Jack watched, hands clenched at his sides, as the same skiff that passed us earlier slowed near the Vejas’s dock. The two men on board were talking as they inspected Jack’s boat.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing, Trey?” Jack hollered.

The men on the boat didn’t answer. The tall one, who had caramel-colored skin, a square jaw, and a baseball cap pulled low over his dark hair, ignored us. He seemed intent on Jack’s boat. The shorter one, who had scruffy hair, multiple tattoos, and sloped shoulders, nudged him.