I added a squeeze of lime. “This is the one time I’m happy to say the rumor mill got it right.” I shook the drink before pouring it into a cocktail glass.

I turned to see Lacey gaping at me. I ignored her reaction and set the glass down on the bar. “Here you go. That’ll be fourteen even. You want to start a tab, or cash out now?”

Lacey reached out, grabbing my arm. “You can’t, Ford. What would Violet think? That’s her sister.”

I stepped out of Lacey’s hold but held her stare. “You don’t know a damn thing about what Violet would think. And you know even less about me. Now, cash or tab?”

41

BELL

I couldn’t un-see it. The image was burned so clearly in my mind, it was as if a branding iron had put it there. Lacey’s hand resting gently, almost lovingly, on Ford’s arm. She’d had worry written all over her face. What did she know about Ford that required her concern?

I’d forced my gaze away quickly, but it wasn’t fast enough. My stomach roiled. I jumped as a hand landed on my shoulder. I squealed.

“Shit, I’m sorry, Bell. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You looked upset.”

I rested a hand on my chest, breathing heavily. “Sorry. I was in another world.”

Hunter’s face hardened. “Someone giving you trouble?”

I shook my head. “No, I promise. Just spinning my wheels about something.” When Ford had bailed, Hunter and Ethan had taken it upon themselves to look out for me. I appreciated it, but it wasn’t necessary.

“Is everything okay with you and Ford?”

Apparently, Hunter wasn’t giving up. “We’re fine. It’s just weird having people whisper and stare.”

Hunter scanned the crowd. “People are gonna talk. You and Ford? No one thought they’d ever see it happen. That’s fodder for gossip for years to come.”

Hunter was right. On an island the size of Anchor, people would always talk, and I’d always be faced with Lacey coming into the bar and putting her hands on my boyfriend. Was that even the right term? Ford and I hadn’t made any formal agreements. Maybe he thought he was free to take someone else to bed. I gave my head a little shake. That wasn’t Ford.

“Bell, are you sure you’re all right?”

I nodded. “I just need to run to the ladies’. See you later.” I barely made it into one of the stalls before my stomach emptied its contents. I braced myself against the wall as I heaved. I knew my brain was twisting things, but I couldn’t seem to stop it.