She knew that might be hard for Willa and Faith to believe because most people in the cove had been aware that the two of them had made plans to marry one day. Of course, by the time she’d finished college and returned home, most had heard the two of them had broken up, although no one knew why.

When Kaegan had moved back to the cove, Bryce had known all eyes were on them and that most people thought whatever had broken them up would be patched up eventually. She’d ignored the erroneous assumptions and everyone’s speculations.

Bryce figured they would be under everyone’s microscope even more now that they were friends again. The assumptions and speculations would increase, but there was nothing she could do to stop them, other than deny there was anything between them like she was doing now.

“There’s Kaegan now,” Willa said, smiling.

Bryce turned and saw Kaegan. As if he’d known where she was, his gaze connected to hers. He smiled and she couldn’t help but smile back.

“Now, what was that you were saying a few minutes ago, Bryce, about you and Kaegan just being friends?” Faith asked, reclaiming her attention.

She broke eye contact with Kaegan to glance at Faith. “What about it?”

“We haven’t seen the boss smile like that in a very long time.”

She was certain Faith was exaggerating. “He’s probably smiling because he didn’t believe I’d show up.

“I’m only volunteering until noon. I got more studying to do.”

“Your mom told me you were taking that class in New Orleans at Delgado Community College,” Willa said.

“Yes, and the exam is Monday evening,” Bryce replied.

“Good luck and I hope that you do well,” Faith said.

“Thanks.”

“Good morning, everyone,” Kaegan said, and Bryce wished the sound of his deep, husky voice didn’t still stir sensations within her. That was definitely something she needed to work on.

Everyone returned his greeting and then he handed Willa a clipboard. “Here you are, Willa. I’ve assigned everyone positions and grouped them into teams for the boats. Let everyone know their placement and duties after they’ve signed those liability forms.”

“Okay,” Willa said, nodding. Before walking off, she scanned the list, looked over at Faith and said, “We’re manning things in the office while everyone’s out on the boat.”

“Where am I needed?” Bryce asked Willa. “I’m only available for half of the day.”

“You’re on my boat,” Kaegan said, before Willa could answer her. “I’ll be returning to shore every four hours and can bring you back.”

“Oh.” Bryce noted Willa and Faith were smiling. Unknown to Kaegan, he’d filled their heads up with crazy ideas.

* * *

“YOU WERE RIGHT,” Kaegan told Bryce after he placed a huge tub of oysters on the scale to be weighed.

She looked up at him after recording the weight in the log. “About what?”

“Still having your sea legs.”

She threw her head back and laughed, and he loved the sound. He couldn’t recall the last time Bryce had laughed over something he’d said. “Did you think I didn’t? I was born in the cove, remember.”