Just as I approached the girls to ask Caro if she wanted to stay over at my apartment, a slamming door pulled all three of our gazes toward The Alnster Inn. Lucas had stepped out of the pub and he wasn’t alone. Whether she’d been there all along or had just arrived, a tall blonde wrapped her arm around his waist as he slung his over her shoulders. Without a look in our direction, the young couple sauntered in the direction of the harbor.

I turned to Viola to crack a joke, but closed my mouth immediately.

She was staring after Lucas and the girl with real, true pain in her eyes.

Suddenly, their passionate encounter took on a different edge.

Did Viola have a crush on Lucas Elliot? Was that the reason for their antagonism? Unrequited love?

Thinking of the way everyone else seemed to disappear for him as Lucas took on a battle of wits with Viola, I wondered if it was unrequited after all. Any guy would find indifference toward Viola Tait almost impossible—not just because she was gorgeous (although knowing young guys, that was certainly enough) but because she was quick-witted and self-confident.

Hmm.

Deciding it was best to avoid the topic of Lucas Elliot and his mysterious girl, I asked Caro about staying the night.

“Oh, I don’t know. I should probably go home.” She bit her lip.

“Stay. We can have a sleepover.” Viola grinned at me. “That was me inviting myself too.”

I laughed and slung my arm over her small shoulders. “You’re very welcome.” We both turned to Caro with hopeful gazes. “What do you say? Girls’ night?”

Her smile was slow but genuine. “How can I say no?”

“You can’t. I won’t let you.”

Not too long after, Roane arrived with a few more men to load the rented stalls into the van. I stood by the back of the van as Roane shut the door. Caro was waiting for Viola, who was putting together a small bag for their stay at my apartment. We’d said goodbye to all of our market sellers, who thanked us for a great day, and I’d watched Annie and Liz leave without a backward glance at Maggie.

Who stood in the doorway of her store and stared down Main Street until Annie was out of sight.

“She sold everything.” Roane crossed his arms over his chest and smiled softly at me. He was dirty and disheveled from working the farm, and sweat glistened on his temples. He smelled musky and warm with exertion, and I had to ignore the impulse to bury my face in his throat.

I didn’t know what had gotten into me.

But the urge came over me more frequently these days.

Swallowing hard, I looked toward The Anchor. “Oh yeah. She sold out just after lunchtime.”

“Maybe it’ll give her the boost she needs.”