I grinned and forced myself to release my hold. “Maybe I should start giving you hazard pay.”

“It’s not a bad idea. I was just coming to tell you that I’m headed into town to pick up the mail and a few supplies. I wanted to know if you needed anything.”

“I’d actually like to come with you, but—”

“Brody,” Lara called as she rounded the corner. Her eyes widened as she took in Shay and me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I didn’t realize anyone else was here.”

“You weren’t interrupting,” Shay hurried to explain. “I was just checking to see if Brody needed anything from town.”

“Shay, this is my manager, Lara. Lara, this is Harbor’s caretaker, Shay.”

I could see the wheels turning in Lara’s head as she surveyed Shay. Trying to put the pieces together and likely filling in all the wrong things. I fought the urge to groan.

“It’s nice to meet you in person,” Shay said.

“You, as well,” Lara returned. “Brody, if there are things you need to do, go ahead. I can crate everything on my own. When I’m done, I’ll head back to Shelter, and we can meet up for dinner later. Shay, you’re welcome to join.”

Shay shook her head. “Thank you, but you two should have time to catch up.” She turned to me. “Do you want to come to town? Or I can just get whatever you need.”

“No, I’ll go with you.” The last thing I wanted was to expose myself to a couple of hours of interrogation by my manager. “Lara, the supplies are right in there. And I’m sure Hunter or one of his crew can help you bring them down to the dock when you’re done.”

She waved me off. “I’ll be fine. You know I always find a way.”

“So very true.” I turned to Shay. “You ready to go now?”

She shuffled her feet before answering. “Sure.”

I wanted to laugh. Shay didn’t seem sure about a couple of uninterrupted hours with me. But I couldn’t wait.

11

Shay

“This is incredible,” Brody mumbled around a mouthful of sandwich.

“I told you.”

“Yeah, but I thought you were exaggerating. This is the best sandwich I’ve ever had.” He met my gaze, suddenly sober. “But if you tell the owner of my old corner deli back in New York, I’ll deny it until my dying breath.”

“I promise your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank God.”