Page 109 of Enticing Her Love

“Seriously? Are you dead set on embarrassing me today?”

“No, babe. On hearing how cute you were.” He pulled open the door to the men’s store. “What color is your dress?”

“Seafoam green. Why?”

“Staking claim to the prettiest girl on the island comes in many forms.” He took her hand, leading her to the ties.

Half an hour later they walked out with a change of clothes and everything he needed for the wedding, including a seafoam-green tie and shiny black shoes. They wandered through the rest of the shops, and when the people she knew greeted her with hugs and enthusiastic hellos, Flynn took a few minutes to get to know each of them. She liked the way he didn’t rush them along and was at ease with the people in her community and added that to his pro column, which was getting mighty long. He asked a few of them about her reporting practice, and they relayed fond memories, which made her feel good and not like she’d been an annoyance to them.

They crossed the street and walked through the park. Sutton showed him the boulder she used to sit on and read when she was a kid and the hills they’d sledded down. They walked to the library, where she’d spent ages when she was younger, and stopped for coffee at the Sweet Barista, which was owned by her friend Keira Silver. Sutton introduced him to Keira, and the second he turned his back, Keira mouthed, He’s so hot, which made her laugh. Then they drove by her old schools and Abby’s Bistro, and she showed him Silver Monument and Majestic Park, where the town Christmas tree was located.

“The annual holiday festival I told you about takes place in the park the weeks leading up to Christmas,” she said as they drove away.

“I’d like to come to that with you this year.”

She wanted to bundle that up like a promise. “I’ll pencil you into my date book.”

“That won’t do. Write that sucker in with permanent marker.”

They drove down to Rock Harbor and parked at the marina. “This is where the flotilla takes place.”

Flynn took her hand as they headed down toward the docks. “I bet it’s gorgeous. Is this where Archer and Zev keep their boats?”

“Yeah. They’re just past the boathouse. I’ll show you. Is Zev here?”

“No. He’s visiting family this weekend.”

They descended the steps, and as they neared the boathouse, Roddy Remington walked out of the office carrying a massive box of lights. Roddy had always reminded Sutton of a young Jeff Bridges with thick gray-brown hair that brushed the collar of his vibrantly colored shirt, which was opened nearly to his navel, as usual.

“Sutton. What a nice surprise. I figured you and the girls would be busy as bees today.” Roddy wrapped her in a bear hug.

“Hi, Roddy. I’m meeting them at two to get ready. Roddy Remington, this is my boyfriend, Flynn Braden.” Her pulse quickened with the word boyfriend in a way it hadn’t when she’d introduced him in town. Roddy had always been like a second father to her, and she found herself hoping for his approval.

“It’s a pleasure.” Roddy offered his hand, and Flynn shook it. “Are you related to Zev and Carly Braden?”

“Yes, sir. Zev’s my second cousin. You’re one of the men responsible for bringing Sutton’s dad to the island, right? I’ve heard a lot about your family.”

Roddy laughed low and knowing. “Stick around long enough, and you’ll have stories of your own to tell.”

“I’m already penning a list.”

“Dad played a prank on Archer this morning, and Flynn was at the center of it,” Sutton said.

“Ah, so you’ve survived the Steele initiation.” Roddy chuckled. “Congratulations, son. Sutton’s pretty special, and you’d’ve had a hard time on this island if you’d failed that test. I look forward to getting to know you better. Where are y’all headed?”

“I was going to show Flynn Archer’s boat.”

“I’ll walk with you.” Roddy picked up the box. “I’m heading down there now to meet some of the boys to decorate it.”

“That’s nice of you,” Flynn said. “Want me to carry that box?”

“No thanks, son. Gotta keep these old muscles working.”

“You’re decorating his boat?” Sutton asked. “Archer doesn’t let anyone touch that boat.”

“I wasn’t born yesterday. I’m well aware of that fact.” Roddy shrugged. “But I’m just the lights guy.”

They made their way down to the boat. Sutton pointed to Archer’s boat, and Flynn whistled. “That’s a beauty.”