He was about to go with her when Ben spoke up. “You doing okay?”

Connor spared Ben a quick glance. “I don’t like getting up this early during what’s supposed to be my vacation.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I know.”

The desk chair creaked as Ben stood up. His footsteps thudded on the concrete floor as he walked around the desk and leaned in the doorway, joining Connor in watching over Maddie from a distance.

Ben lowered his voice to a whisper as he continued. “If the thought is to bolt, you should do it now. Don’t get any more entangled with her. Your brother waited too long and now he’s engaged, though I think we both agree that’s a good thing.”

A great thing, but Connor didn’t really focus on that part of the comment. “I’m not looking for a wife, but thanks.”

“If you say so.”

The uneasiness Connor tried to block kept kicking to the surface. The hold or hug or whatever it was looked innocent enough when he walked in, but it wouldn’t be the first time he’d read a relationship wrong. He glanced at Ben. “Unless you need me to leave the island.”

Ben continued to lounge against the doorjamb. “I’m not sure what you’re suggesting.”

“Come on.”

“Ah, that.” Ben let out a long, exaggerated breath as he finally gave Connor eye contact. “There’s nothing between us. I asked Maddie out to eat once and she did everything to avoid letting it happen. Even pretended she didn’t understand the question. I got the hint. I’m firmly in the friend category, and that’s the right answer. There’s no us, Connor.”

So, he’d tried. At one point, Ben showed an interest and made a move. Connor wasn’t sure what to do with that information, so he tucked it away to analyze later. “She hit me with a stick and I keep coming back.”

Ben laughed. “Maybe you should ask yourself why.”

Footsteps dragged Connor’s attention back to the office reception area, saving him from having to reply to that.

She walked up to Connor and handed over the leash. “He did his business. You’re welcome.”

Right. The dog and Winnie. He was supposed to be running an errand.

He rubbed the area around his stitches. “I guess I should take him back.”

Ben winced. “Uh . . .”

Maddie’s expression didn’t look any more positive about his suggestion. “Let’s treat him to a long recreational walk first.”

“Why?”

She shot him a why-aren’t-you-getting-this frown. “Do you want to walk in on Paul and Winnie before they’re done?”

Sweet hell. “Some exercise sounds good.”

“Now you get it.” She winked at him. “Smart man.”

Chapter 13