Free Tangled Love on Pelican Point (Island County Series Book 3) by Karice Bolton Page A

you.”
    I drew in a deep breath and waited for the impossible.
    He removed his hand, and the playful look in his eyes went away as he glanced toward my apartment. “Don’t forget to let me know about doing my house.”
    Everything that had been building up tonight vanished, but I knew it was for the best.
    I nodded and opened the car door, letting myself out.
    “Thanks for dinner and the stimulating conversation.” I tried not to show any of the disappointment that was zipping through me.
    “I enjoyed it like I knew I would. Now get inside before we both do something we shouldn’t.” He flashed an irresistible smile and I obeyed, quickly shutting the door and making my way into the place I called home, where I finally let myself breathe again.

 
     
     
    “I was worried you might not ever talk to me again,” Natalie said, giving me a quick hug in front of our library.
    “Why wouldn’t I?” I dropped two library books back into the bin and pulled on the mammoth wooden doors leading to our book oasis.
    “You know why. Don’t make me say it. I’ve felt so guilty for the last two days.”
    I glanced behind my shoulder and saw the worried look in her eyes. Natalie’s hair was twisted into a loose bun, and several pieces of hair framed her face along with a red wool scarf. She looked so happy. Well, she always seemed happy, but since Cole returned in her life, there was something about her that almost glowed. But at this particular moment, worry lodged behind her gaze, and I reveled in it slightly.
    “Well, you should. He showed up on my doorstep with a bouquet while I stood in bunny slippers and my ratty pajamas because I was expecting YOU to be behind that swinging door. I even had your favorite cheese ready for our girl talk.”
    “I know, and I’m so sorry,” she repeated, glancing at the magazine rack.
    “Looks like it. You know, you should at least finish your apology with full eye contact before getting distracted. Makes it more believable.” I grinned.
    “I so rarely have to apologize.” She giggled and took the latest copy of People off the metal shelf. “I don’t know the ins and outs.”
    “Well, I’ve recovered. Sort of.” I picked up a copy of Cottage Living and glanced at a few pages before bringing my eyes back to Natalie’s.
    “He seemed to have a great time,” Natalie said, her brows wiggling.
    “You’ve talked to him?” I motioned to the sitting area with the fireplace.
    Our library had been remodeled recently, and it was gorgeous. The annual book drive and summer festival definitely had paid off over the last twenty years. Between the slate floors and exposed timbers, it was more like a mountain getaway than a library. I could stay here forever.
     “Well, I haven’t, but Cole seemed to think that his brother had lost his mind.”
    I took a seat in one of the leather chairs and Natalie sat in the other one.
    “What do you mean?” I asked, setting the magazine on my lap before unwrapping my green scarf from my neck and tucking it into my bag. I honestly didn’t think Anthony had given me much thought since he dropped me off a couple of nights ago. I hadn’t heard a word from him since.
    “He said he’d never heard his brother quite that excited about much of anything beyond his music, but when Cole tried to ask for details, Anthony would stop and start each sentence with bits and pieces that never led to a complete thought.”
    “What?”
    “To Cole, it sounded like Anthony didn’t want to betray your confidence, so he wound up not saying much of anything . . . which makes me wonder.”
    My brow arched.
    “What have you told Anthony that you haven’t told me?”
    “That’s what you got out of this whole thing?” I shook my head and opened the magazine. “I doubt I’ve told him anything I haven’t told you.”
    Natalie didn’t believe me, and I didn’t blame her. I was a horrible liar.
    “He’s leaving for LA tonight,” Natalie informed me.
    I nodded.