Rafael wanted to laugh. Or shake his head. Months of financial analysis, blueprints being drawn up, investors courted, endless planning on his and Ryan, Devon and Cam’s parts all reduced to a few words so casually tossed out.

“That may be so, but I lose credibility and respect in the process,” Rafael said evenly. “Next time I want their backing, they won’t be so willing to give it.”

“And what will you gain?” Silas asked as he looked in Bryony’s direction. Bryony, who stood in a small group of people looking so damn beautiful that it made Rafael’s teeth ache. “Seems to me you gain far more than you lose.” With that, Silas slapped him on the shoulder.

“Something to think about, my boy.”

Then he walked away, leaving Rafael to shake his head again. Boy. He wanted to laugh. Granted the sheriff was at least thirty years older than Rafael, but no one had called him a boy since he’d been a boy.

Time was running out. His BlackBerry was full of voice-mail notifications and missed calls, and his inbox was bursting. His week would soon be up, and Dev would come down with Ryan and Cam to kick Rafael’s ass.

For the past several days, Rafael had willfully ignored everything but Bryony and their time together. They’d spent every waking moment walking the beach, cooking together, laughing together, talking of nothing and everything.

They made love, they ate, they made love some more. There was an urgency he couldn’t explain, almost as if he wanted to cram a lifetime into as few days as possible because he feared it would all slip away from him.

Tomorrow decisions had to be made. He couldn’t hold them off any longer. He still had no idea what he would do, but he couldn’t—wouldn’t—lose Bryony over a resort. Over money.

“Can I get you something, Rafael?”

Rafael turned to see Bryony’s grandmother smiling at him. He smiled back and shook his head. “No, I’m okay. Don’t let me keep you from your guests.”

“Oh, they’re fine. Besides, you’re a guest, too. How are you liking your stay so far?”

Again Rafael’s gaze found Bryony. This time she lifted her head as if sensing that he watched her and her face lit up with a gorgeous smile.

“I’m enjoying it very much. I’m only sorry I can’t remember when I was here before.”

Laura stared thoughtfully at him for a long moment and then put her hand on his shoulder. “Maybe it’s better that you don’t.”

She patted him and after offering those cryptic words, she turned to talk to another group of people.