Rafael cursed. Then he turned and slammed his fist into the wall. He leaned his forehead against the cabinet and fought the rage that billowed inside him.

When he looked up, an odd sort of peace settled over him. He looked at his friends—his business partners—and knew that this could very well be the end of their relationship.

“I have to go after her,” he said.

Devon nodded. “Yeah, you do.”

“I’m canceling the deal. I’m pulling the plug. I don’t give a damn how much it costs me or if it costs me everything. It already has. I’m going to give back that damn land. Bryony will never believe that I love her as long as it stands between us. I have to get rid of it and make it a nonissue.”

Slowly Cam nodded. “I agree. It’s the only way you’re going to get her to believe that you love her now.”

To his surprise, all three of his friends nodded their agreement.

“You’re not pissed? We had a lot riding on this.”

“How about you let us deal with the resort plans,” Devon said. “You go after your woman. Settle down. Have babies. Be nauseatingly happy. I’m going to see what I can do to salvage the resort proposal. Maybe we can find another location.”

“I’m not even going to ask,” Rafael said. “Tell me about it later. I owe you. I owe you big.”

“Yeah, well, don’t think I won’t collect. Later. After you’ve kissed and made up with Bryony,” Devon said with a grin.

“Need a ride to the airport?” Ryan asked. “My driver’s still outside. I told him I wouldn’t be long.”

“Yeah. Just let me get my wallet.”

“Not going to pack a bag?” Cam asked.

“Hell, no. Bryony can buy me more jeans and flip-flops when I get down there.”

“After she kicks your ass you mean?” Devon asked.

“I’ll let her do whatever she wants just as long as she takes me back,” Rafael said.

“Good God,” Cam said in disgust. “Could you sound any more pathetic?”

Devon laughed and slapped Cam on the back. “Apparently that’s what falling in love does to a guy. Take my advice. Marry for money and connections, like I am.”

“I think the best idea is to never marry,” Cam pointed out. “Less expensive that way. No costly divorces.”

Rafael shook his head. “And you all called me the bastard. Come on, Ryan. I’ve got a plane to catch.”

* * *

“Bryony!”

Bryony turned to see her grandmother waving to her from her deck. Silas stood beside her, watching as Bryony stood close to the water’s edge.