He was quiet for a moment as if choosing his words carefully. “Do you like your job?”

“I love it.” I’d found a peaceful rhythm on the island that I’d never experienced before. A sense of purpose that was more healing than any of the therapy sessions I’d ever attended. Tending the land, the animals, the buildings…it gave me something I needed. Maybe it somehow proved that I could take care of myself, too.

“If you love it, then nothing needs to change. You know how to run Harbor better than I ever could, so it’s not like I’m actually your boss. I just sign your paychecks.”

I let out a soft snort. “Yeah, no big thing.”

Brody slowed to a stop on the sidewalk. “Does it bother you?”

I searched my mind, my heart, trying to be as honest with myself as possible. “At first, yes. But mostly because I was terrified that if something happened between us and it didn’t work out, I’d lose my perfect hiding spot. But now…I trust you.” It was as simple as that. I trusted the man of honor that Brody was. I trusted his heart. I knew he’d never be vindictive or cruel.

If things didn’t work out between us, I’d likely still have to leave. Not because Brody forced me to but because it would be too painful for me to be near him, knowing that he was no longer mine. But for once in my life, I was taking the risk anyway. I had no choice. The pull was too strong, and I wanted to reach for my happiness.

Brody’s free hand slipped beneath the fall of my hair, tipping my head back so he had better access to my mouth. His lips brushed against mine, then again. “Your trust is one of the best gifts I’ve ever been given.”

My throat clogged, and I swallowed the swirling emotions. Three little words were dying to escape, but I held them back. It was too soon. And it was a risk I wasn’t quite ready to take. “Don’t go making me emotional. It’s not very nice.”

Brody chuckled and guided me forward. “I’ll try to refrain.”

“Thank you.” I tugged him towards The Exchange. “I want to check the mail before we go.”

“Good idea. I’m supposed to be getting some papers from my lawyer.”

I pulled open the door to the shop. “Is everything with Lara okay?”

He held open the door for me to duck inside and then followed. “All’s calm on that front. She seems to have slunk away quietly.”

Brody’s brow furrowed as he spoke the words, and I had an urge to smooth the wrinkles that formed there. “You don’t trust that she’s gone away quietly.”