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“Delicious. I’d go back in a heartbeat.”

“Even if it meant getting abandoned?” Dad stuck a cigar between his teeth.

Willa shrugged. “It wasn’t so bad.”

“Then we’ll have to plan a family luncheon at the Conch. Willa, you’re invited, of course.” Before she could reply, Dad pressed the throttle all the way forward, opening up the engine, speeding us towards the marina.

12

WILLA

The morning air was crisp and clean as it sliced around me. The bow of the boat jutted into the air as it cut a smooth line between small mangrove islands and sandbars. The tide was low, revealing just how many obstacles sat between Calusa Key and Flamingo Island. No wonder Everett didn’t want his dad coming to get us in the dark.

The boat wasn’t large or small. It was the kind made for fishing with an open design and lots of places to set your rod. John stood at the wheel, his wraparound sunglasses covering his eyes, that cigar clenched between his teeth, and a variety of instruments telling him how deep the water was and which path to take.

I always thought Everett and Isaac looked exactly alike, except for Everett’s beard, but John could easily be their older brother. They all had the same wide shoulders, square jaws, and hazel eyes.

Everett had taken us out on the boat many times in college, but it had been years since I’d seen the marina. It looked the same. Almost as if time stood still. It didn’t show any wear or aging. The docks were straight and the slips filled with boats. The farthest and shortest arm housed all the rentals. John tucked the boat into the slip closest to the office door and killed the engine as Everett tied off the lines.

“Welcome back. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you around, Willa.”

I couldn’t see his eyes behind his sunglasses, but I could tell he was looking back and forth between Ev and me.

“Thank you for pointing out that I’m a selfish asshole, Dad. Willa gave me enough of that last night.” As soon as John turned to look at me, Ev winked.

And I melted just a little.

“Well, he is a selfish asshole. But let’s not dwell on that. Megan has breakfast waiting for you two inside.”

“Moms didn’t need to do that.” Ev held out his hand and helped me onto the dock.

Meanwhile my nerves went haywire. Yes, it made logical sense for John to rescue us, but did he have to bring us back here instead of the resort? I needed time to process everything that just happened, which was going to be very hard to do with his parents feeding us breakfast.

“Well, Isaac and Rosie are here too.”

My heart jumped into my throat. “What are they doing here?” The last thing I needed was Everett’s brother to see us like this. I wanted to believe we simply looked tired and rumpled after an unexpected night. No one knew we slept in the same bed or that anything else had happened.

But what if Isaac took one look at us and knew? Then he’d tell Kate and Kate would absolutely tell Jeri and then everyone would know.

John stepped onto the dock and motioned us towards the L-shaped building that held their offices, the small store, and deli. “Rosie wasn’t a fan of the resort. They ended up sleeping at home last night.”

Ev huffed. “Seems no one was a fan of the retreat.” He pushed open the glass door that led directly into the deli.

It was also just like I remembered it. The center of the room was dotted with square tables and there was a line of booths along one wall.

Ev let his fingertips brush the small of my back as I walked by. At this rate, his whole family would know something was going on before we escaped breakfast. “Hey everyone!” I plastered on a smile.

Megan came straight to me, enveloping me in a warm hug. “Oh, it’s so good to see you.” She looked nearly the same as the last time I saw her. The day she told me Everett wasn’t home and sent me away.

And even though I knew she was protecting her son, it still stung. Even all these years later.

“Please tell me those are cinnamon buns fresh out of the oven.” Every single time we visited she made a tray of the treats that was more filling and delicious than any other sweet breakfast food I’d ever had in my life.

“Of course it is.” She held me by the shoulders as her gaze swept over me. “I’m really sorry about the last time we met.”

Ev’s shadow fell over us. “Sorry about what?”

Her eyes flared. “This is girl talk, Everett. Go away.”