“Oh for God’s sake, Jenny. Knock it off, and let it go. It was a couple of kisses. Stop making it into a federal case.”

She was still muttering to herself when she stepped into the mudroom and stopped short as images from the carnal encounter flooded her mind, making her mouth water for another taste of him. This was utter madness, and it was enough already.

After stomping up the stairs to the bedroom, she sat at her computer to record the weather conditions and seas on the Coast Guard website she reported to every day, which was another of the regular duties required of her position. The job wasn’t exactly the best use of the MBA she’d earned at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, but she liked her life at the lighthouse and on the island, where she’d made friends she greatly enjoyed.

They kept her busy and engaged in island life, which was exactly what she needed after years of floundering following Toby’s death. She finally felt rooted again and ready for the next phase of her life, whatever that might be. The morning passed quickly as she replied to several emails from her parents and sisters, who worried about her far more than they should—not that she hadn’t given them ample reason to worry over the years.

Her parents were talking about coming to visit this summer, and she hoped they would. She’d love to show them “her” island and introduce them to her new friends. Speaking of her friends, it was time to get ready to go to Syd’s. She’d offered to arrive early so Syd’s husband, Luke, could go to work for a few hours.

Suddenly, she realized she could no longer hear the beast and went over to the window to look out at the lawn, which was devoid now of the mower and the hot man who ran it. He was gone. That was fine. She had to go, too. But as she drove away from the lighthouse on her way to Syd’s, she wondered if or when he’d be back.

***

Jenny arrived at Sydney and Luke’s oceanfront home a short time later. She was accustomed now to the breathtaking views the island afforded, but theirs was one of her favorites. Carrying the brownies she’d baked, Jenny tapped on the glass door and heard Syd’s dog, Buddy, bark inside.

Luke came to the door and smiled when he saw Jenny there. “Oh, good, you’re here. Syd can’t wait to be rid of me.”

“That’s not true,” Syd called from her perch on the sofa. She had decorated the room in shades of navy and cream and made the most of the exquisite view. Jenny absolutely loved this room. “He can’t wait to go to work.”

“Also not true,” Luke said with a wink.