Free Starfish Island by Deborah Brown

furrowed brow and slight scowl on Michael’s face confirmed what Cecilia suspected. If Gregory wanted to fight for Nicole’s heart, he’d have to bring it. And if he was up against Michael, Templeton never stood a chance.
    But was he up against Michael? She probed a bit to find out. “What if he succeeds in winning her over? Suppose she marries him? If he’s as bad as you say he is, he could ruin her life!”
    “That’s not going to happen,” he answered gruffly, clearing his throat.
    Interesting , thought Cecilia. And after only three brief meetings with Nicole . “It seems to me,” she said, “that you ought to at least offer a word of warning.”
    “You need to stay out of her personal life,” Michael warned. “You don’t need to worry about her in any case. Caroline made me promise to look out for her. I won’t let anything bad happen to Nicole. ”
    “Oh, I know you won’t, Michael. It’s no surprise that Caroline asked you to look out for Nicole. But I’m still worried; won’t you at least tell me what you know?”
    “Drop this, please.”
    “Don’t yell at me, Michael. Of course, I understand.” She added under her breath, “More than you could possibly know.”
    Cecilia went over to check the phone and saw that the message light was blinking. She quickly listened to the message and told Michael, “A phone message from Katrina Lewis. She wants to join us at the Beach Club tonight. Says she has no one else to sit with.”
    “Why do we care if she’s alone? Let her find someone else to bother.”
    A Golden Retriever sauntered lazily into the room and made himself comfortable on Michael’s shoes. Jake was one step behind. “Keep your voice down, big brother. The neighbors will have proof of the ogre that you are.”
    Michael looked up at his brother and laughed. “I guess Cecilia was right when she accused me of yelling at her. Sorry, sis. I promise not to take my frustrations out on you. Jake, since you’re here, you might as well sit down.”
    Jake threw himself into a chair and stretched his legs out in front of him. Patron, the dog, rose and sat hunched beside him, waiting with eager eyes, knowing his best chance at a snack had just sat down. Cecilia glanced at her brothers. They were both over six feet, advantage Michael. Jake had boy-next-door good looks and dark brown eyes that spoke of a joke brewing. Not as stern-looking as Michael, and Cecilia loved how Jake always wore an easy smile.
    “Where’s the fire?” Michael inquired. “You raced in as though someone was chasing you. Either that or you’re up to something and couldn’t wait to share the news.”
    “Believe me, my conscience is clear for the moment.” Jake placed his hand over his heart in a solemn gesture and winked at Cecilia as if they were co-conspirators. “I think I’ll join you for dinner tonight. How about a ride?”
    “Let me guess—your car is in the shop. Time to get a new one,” Michael said. “That Porsche of yours is a money pit.”
    “It’s a collectible.”
    “Whatever. It never runs.” Michael shook his head. “Go with Cecilia; I’m taking my own car.”
    “Cecilia never says no to me. Best sister ever.” Jake made puppy dog eyes at her.
    “You’re still my bratty little brother.” She laughed and made a face. There had never been a time the three of them hadn’t been close, but they’d been closer as children; as they grew up and got their hearts broken, they’d become a little walled off from one another.
    “See you later,” Jake said as he stood. “I’m going to offer a special someone a tour after dinner. Down, Patron, I’m not speaking about your dinner.” In disappointment, the dog flopped flat, his paws stretched over his head.
    “Who?” Brother and sister demanded in unison.
    “I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve been interested in someone…” Jake’s eyes and voice teased. “I’d like to get the lovely Nicole Alexander off in a corner and ask her