“Hello, Bryce, this is Kaegan.”

The deep, throaty sound of his voice was like a long, sensuous stroke down her spine. Sliding down on the sofa, she said, “Yes, Kaegan, how are you?”

“Fine and I understand congratulations are in order. I’m glad you passed your exam. I told you that you would.”

“Yes, you did. Thanks for your help, Kaegan. I’m convinced I would not have passed without your study tips.”

“Glad I was able to help. Sorry I didn’t call sooner but I had to make an unexpected trip to Boston. I just got back in town around noon today.” He paused then added, “I started to call you on Sunday to let you know I was leaving but didn’t want to interrupt your studying.”

His words lifted her spirits because she’d assumed he was still upset about Saturday. If he’d thought of calling her before leaving town that meant he hadn’t been.

“How was Boston?” she asked him.

“Nice, as usual.”

“I’ve never been there, but it’s on my bucket list of places I’d like to visit.”

“Really? I’ll be going back next month. Would you like to go with me?” he asked her.

Bryce arched an eyebrow. “Why would you ask me that?”

“Well, you just said it was on your bucket list of places to visit and I extended the invite to you as a friend. The thought of us staying in the same hotel room never entered my mind, Bryce, if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

She swallowed. “I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Okay then, consider the invitation out there. In fact, now that I think about it, you coming with me might be a good idea.”

“Why would you think that?”

“You’re the first person I’ve told other than my investors, but I’m expanding my business to the Boston area. There’re a couple of warehouses on the harbor that I’ll be looking at. Since you’ve passed your exam that means you’ll be licensed to handle the sale when it’s made, right.”

“Yes.” She couldn’t downplay the excitement that began flowing through her. “You would actually hire me to represent you?” she asked, trying not to sound too enthusiastic at the prospect.

“Any reason why I shouldn’t hire you as my real-estate broker? Vashti always said you did an outstanding job with trying to sell Shelby by the Sea. It wasn’t your fault the deal fell through.”

He was right. It hadn’t been her fault that the Catalina Cove zoning board wouldn’t approve the permit for a new tennis resort. Things turned out for the best when Vashti decided not to sell and, instead, run the inn herself. “It will take a week for my passing grade to be registered in the system with other states and then I can begin practicing as a broker.”

“I can wait until then.”

She tried not to feel all happy inside. “You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Think about it, Bryce,” Kaegan said. “If you aren’t able to do it then I’ll connect with a broker in Boston.”