He sounded like he was being strangled.

“How’s Spence?” she asked.

“Whiny.” He brushed past her and stepped inside.

“If you want, you can dump him here for the rest of the day so you don’t have to deal with him,” she offered.

“I think you two have spent enough time together,” he announced, taking off his cowboy hat and throwing it on the table.

The man insisted on wearing the full uniform every shift, no matter how cold it got. She, and the rest of the female population on the island, did not mind how his uniform pants looked hugging his butt.

Butt bongos. Ugh. What was it about this man that made her so desperately stupid?

She sighed. “Can I get you something?” she asked, feeling suspicious.

“Coffee,” he said. “Please.”

“Coming right up.” She ducked into the kitchen and fired up the coffee maker. Meanwhile, Brick prowled the sunny space like a big, pissed-off cat waiting to pounce on something and rip its head off. “So, how’s your shift so far? Before your brother and I ruined it,” she said, reaching into a cabinet and producing two mugs.

“Fine.”

A man of few words and much annoyance.

“You got something to say?” she asked. “Because a conversation that goes both ways is usually more productive.”

“You and Spence,” he began.

She picked up the carafe and poured. “Cream? Sugar?” she asked, knowing full well he took it black.

He shook his head and stared at the mug when she set it on the counter and pointed to it.

“You two need to start thinking about growing up,” he announced, looking just a little green around the gills.

Remi poured herself a cup of coffee and then offered him a flat smile. “Do we now?”

“I can’t have you running around the island pulling pranks and getting into trouble. I get that you’re bored—”

“I hear what you’re saying,” she said through clenched teeth. “And I appreciate your feedback.”

He stilled. “What the hell kind of bullshit is that?”

“It’s me not biting your head off for unsolicited advice. If you want to tell your little brother how to live, that’s one thing. But you don’t get a say in me and my decisions.”

“I do when I’m the one who has to clean up your mess.”

“I get that you’re upset about your vehicle.”

“It’s not the fucking snowmobile.”

“Then what is it?”

“Maybe it’s time you head back,” he said abruptly.

“Oh, for Pete’s sake. I am so sick of the one step forward thirty-six steps back dance with you!”

“Is this still you not biting my head off?”

“Brick, you either say thank you and drink that coffee, or I’m going to throw it in your stupid, stubborn face.”

He blew out a breath, obviously trying to rein in his temper. “Fine. I’m sorry,” he began stiffly.

“Don’t apologize to me. I’m the one who helped your brother sink your snowmobile.”

“You don’t want an apology, then what do you want?” he demanded.