Caro had seen the farm. She wasn’t interested. Truthfully, I think she just didn’t want to be a third wheel.

Great.

“Enjoy that.” Milly winked at me.

Over the past few weeks, the winks, hints, and innuendos about my friendship with Roane had increased to the point it was like water off a duck’s back for both of us. It felt like the entire patronage of The Anchor was willing me to jump Roane Robson’s bones. Belly fluttering at the mere thought, I waved goodbye and headed outside to the parking lot, where Roane said he’d collect me.

The sun shone strong in a cloudless sky, and since we were headed somewhat inland where there wasn’t even a sea breeze for relief, I had worn shorts, a loose-flowing tank top, and a pair of Wellington boots I’d bought online. They were dark pink and cute as hell.

I’d pulled my hair up high in a ponytail to keep it off my neck, and I could feel the sun burning hot on my nape as I waited.

Through the brown filter of my sunglasses, I noticed movement across the street and started when I saw Lucas Elliot walking toward The Alnster Inn from the direction of the harbor.

“Hey, Lucas!” I called out before I could stop myself. Shifting my sunglasses into my hair, I skipped across the cobbled road as he stopped midstride. His brow puckered with obvious confusion at my approach. “How are you?”

Lucas crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. “I’m all right. What can I do for you?”

Honestly, I’d approached him without really thinking about what I was doing, but the words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. “Viola heard about the altercation at the inn. She was grateful you stuck up for her.” She hadn’t said as much, but I knew her well enough to know that she was.

Hopefully.

Lucas scowled. “Who told her? She doesn’t need to know people say stupid shit like that.”

Oh, he so liked her.

It was a struggle to keep a straight face. “Small town.” I shrugged. There was no way I was telling him it was my fault.

“Why do you think I care what Viola thinks of me?” His gaze was far too searching, far too perceptive. “Why do you care?”

“I care because I care about Viola. And I’d like to think that you’re a good guy underneath all your bluster. She doesn’t deserve shit from anyone.”

“Right, well, you don’t know us. You’ve been here all of a few months; that doesn’t make you an expert on this village. Stay out of things between Viola and me,” he warned. “She’s a big girl and she can handle it.”

“Can she?”

Lucas’s head snapped back like I’d slapped him.