by Marie Force
Owen turned off the sander, removed his respirator mask and hustled her outside to the porch. “You shouldn’t be breathing the dust.”
When he was always taking care of her in one way or another, how was she supposed to remember they wanted different things out of life?
He took a closer look at her. “You look nice. What’s the occasion?”
On regular workdays, she tossed her hair up in a ponytail and didn’t bother with the light bit of makeup she’d applied to meet her always well-put-together aunt. “Breakfast with Linda, but I won’t be long.”
She felt guilty about leaving him to work when she was the one being paid to oversee the renovations. That reminded her she wanted to speak with his grandmother about getting him on the payroll. Since he’d given up his gig in Boston to babysit her this winter, it was the least she could do for him.
“Take your time,” he said with a grin that made his eyes crinkle at the corners.
“Believe it or not, I can manage on my own for an hour or two.”
Looking up at him, she had to fight the ever-present urge to straighten the shaggy dirty-blond hair that hung low on his brow. “Owen. . .”
Amusement and affection danced in his gray eyes. “What’s on your mind, Princess?”
Laura knew that she probably shouldn’t love that he called her that quite as much as she did. “We need to talk.” They couldn’t go on like this all winter without one or both of them incinerating from the heat that arced between them.
“Probably.” He bent to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “But not when you’ve got somewhere to be.”
The loving gesture took her breath away. She wanted to reach up, grab a fistful of that unruly hair and drag his sexy mouth down for a kiss that would leave him as breathless as he made her feel when he looked at her in that particular way. But then she remembered all the reasons why it was a terrible idea for her recently shattered heart to take a chance on a man who thrived on freedom.
She’d survived heartbreak once—barely. Why in the world would she set herself up for another trip down that hellish road? “Later, then,” she said, her voice sounding as shaky as she felt. “We’ll talk later.”
“I’ll be here.”
Laura felt him watching her as she went down the stairs to the sidewalk. As much as she wanted to look back at him, she didn’t. Rather, she took deep breaths to regulate her heart rate. The powerful effect he had on her was frightening. Nothing had even happened between them, and she already knew if he broke her heart, it would be way worse than the substantial damage Justin had done.
By the time she stepped into the South Harbor Diner, she’d almost gotten her heart to stop pounding, but the looming conversation with Owen had her vibrating with nervous energy.
Laura was surprised to find her friends, Grace and Stephanie, along with her cousin Mac’s wife, Maddie, sitting with her Aunt Linda. Grace had recently gotten together with Laura’s cousin Evan, and Stephanie was hot and heavy with Laura’s cousin Grant.
Everyone around her, it seemed, was newly in love and glowing with happiness.
“Hi, honey,” Linda said, rising to greet Laura with a hug. Linda’s love and affection had helped to fill the awful void left in Laura’s young life after her mother died. “You look so pretty. Come have a seat.”
“I didn’t realize we were having a party,” Laura said, thrilled to see the others. Her new friends were also part of the reason she was so happy on the island.
“Neither did we,” Grace said, “and I’m kind of relieved to see you all. When Linda asked me to meet her, I thought I was in for a ‘when are you going to marry my son’ inquisition.” She punctuated the comment with a cheeky grin for Linda.
“Don’t be silly,” Linda said. “I’d never ask such a question.”
The others laughed at the ludicrous statement.
“Right,” Stephanie said, dripping with sarcasm.
Propping her chin on her upturned hand, Linda zeroed in on Grace. “Since you brought it up, when are you going to marry my son?”
“Don’t make eye contact,” Stephanie advised Grace.
“You hush,” Linda said to Stephanie. “I could ask you the same thing.”
“You’re not the one who has to do the asking,” Stephanie said, arching a brow meaningfully at her boyfriend’s mother.
“Touché,” Maddie said, laughing at her mother-in-law’s shameless quest for information about her unmarried sons and their love lives.
Sydney Donovan came rushing through the door and made a beeline for their table. “So sorry I’m late,” she said, also seeming surprised to see the others.
They scooted chairs around to make room for the newcomer, who was Maddie’s close friend from childhood.
“Luke dropped me off on his way to see Dr. David,” Sydney said. “Fingers crossed this is his last appointment for the ankle injury from hell.”
“Oh, let’s hope so,” Maddie said. “At least he’s finally off the crutches.”
“And he’s walking much better since the surgery,” Sydney said as she accepted a cup of coffee from the waitress.
Laura shook her head when offered coffee. “Could I have decaf tea, please?” Oh how she missed coffee!
“And when are you two tying the knot?” Linda asked Sydney.
Sydney’s cheeks flushed with color to match her strawberry-blonde hair. “Soon.”
“Oh my God!” Maddie said. “Have you been holding out on me?”
“Luke’s been trying to get me to set a date, but I haven’t been ready. I think I might be now.”
“Oh, Syd,” Maddie said, hugging her friend. “I’m so happy for you!”
After losing her husband and children in a drunk-driving accident more than a year and a half ago, Sydney had returned to Gansett Island earlier in the summer and reconnected with Luke, her first love, a part owner in McCarthy’s Gansett Island Marina.
“I haven’t told him yet,” Sydney said, “so keep a lid on it for a few days.”
“Our lips are sealed,” Maddie said, and the others nodded in agreement.
“I’m thrilled for you both,” Linda said, reaching out to pat Syd’s hand.
“Thank you,” Sydney said. “I’m rather thrilled myself.”
“No one deserves it more,” Laura said.
They talked wedding plans and hotel renovations and kids for a while before Linda tapped her spoon on her coffee cup to get their attention.
“The reason I invited you all to come today,” Linda said, “is I have a project I need your help with.”
“Sure,” Grace said. “What can we do?”
“You’ve all heard about the new lighthouse keeper—Jenny Wilks?”
“I’ve heard she’s living out there,” Stephanie said, “but I’ve never seen her.”
“Neither have I,” Laura said.
“Mac told me she has her groceries delivered so she doesn’t have to leave the lighthouse,” Maddie said.
“That’s what I’ve heard, too,” Linda said. “I did some snooping and found out why she’s such a recluse. And that’s where you all come in.” She leaned in and lowered her voice. “It’s so heartbreaking. Listen to this. . .”
Season for Love, coming Summer 2012!
Don’t miss the release of Season for Love! Join my mailing list today with an e-mail to [email protected].
About the Author
Marie Force is the author of the bestselling McCarthys of Gansett Island Series: MAID FOR LOVE, FOOL FOR LOVE, READY FOR LOVE, FALLING FOR LOVE and HOPING FOR LOVE, with more books coming soon in the series. She is the author of the Treading Water Trilogy that consists of TREADING WATER, MARKING TIME and STARTING OVER. Marie also wrote the following contemporary romances: GEORGIA ON MY MIND, EVERYONE LOVES A HERO, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT, TRUE NORTH, THE FALL and THE WRECK.
Marie is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Fatal Series from Harlequin’s Carina Press. The series includes FATAL AFFAI
R, FATAL JUSTICE, FATAL CONSEQUENCES, FATAL DESTINY and FATAL FLAW, with more books coming in the series. “This novel is ‘The O.C. does D.C.,’ and you just can’t get enough.” (RT Book Reviews, 4.5 stars for FATAL AFFAIR). In its July 2010 issue, RT Book Reviews named Marie a “Future Star of Romantic Suspense.”
She is a member of RWA’s New England and Published Author Special Interest Chapters.
While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and she is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two teenagers and two feisty dogs, Brandy and Louie.
Find her at www.mariesullivanforce.com, on her blog at http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor, and on Twitter @marieforce. Join the fun at the Marie Force Readers Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/125194200923880/ and the McCarthys of Gansett Island Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/337251382956720/. Marie loves to hear from readers. Contact her at [email protected].
What Others Are Saying About Marie Force's Books
“Maid for Love was a charming beach read that had you believing in the HEA." —Joyfully Reviewed
“Fool for Love was a treat to read with engaging characters and their deep love for one another. Marie Force writes wonderfully, romantic heroes that you just want to curl up next to!” —Joyfully Reviewed
“Ready for Love is a beautiful and inspiring love story. I was riveted to the pages of Ready for Love not only for this magical romance but for the outstanding secondary plot lines as well. This may be my first McCarthys of Gansett Island book but it will not be my last! I am in love with these people and the tiny island they live on.” —Joyfully Reviewed
“Ms. Force has the ability to make you fall in love with her Island and all of the quirky and sweet characters that reside there. I can’t wait to read the next story in this fantastic series! Falling For Love is another keeper in the McCarthy’s of Gansett Island series!” —Joyfully Reviewed.
"Treading Water is a definite must read! Treading Water creates an emotional firestorm within the reader. It shines the light on the good and the bad in life and proves that one moment can change everything and it’s never too late to find love. Marie Force grabbed my heart and squeezed every ounce of emotion out of it but most importantly her monumental story left me blissful. Treading Water may be fiction but it gives me hope; hope in everyday people and happily ever after. I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy, Marking Time." —Joyfully Reviewed, a “Recommended Read” for November 2011!
“Georgia On My Mind” meets real life issues head-on. It will easily touch your heart with a variety of emotions. If you love a book, in spite of any flaws it may suffer, it’s a keeper. This one meets that test. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry. Most importantly, I’m betting you’ll have a satisfied smile on your face when you reach the end." —Romance at Random gives Georgia on My Mind an "A."
"It's a rare treat that you get three gorgeous romances in one story but Marie Force has achieved that with Georgia On My Mind. Ms. Force has seamlessly woven these stories into one magical novel. Each couple is drastically different with their own issues and smoking hot chemistry. This story has a bit of suspense, plenty of humor and lots of romance. Georgia On My Mind is a keeper!" —Joyfully Reviewed.
“With its humor and endearing characters, Force’s charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.” —Booklist on Line of Scrimmage.
“LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT by Marie Force is most definitely a keeper. It is an astounding book. I loved every single word!” —Wild on Books
“This novel is The O.C. does D.C., and you just can’t get enough.” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars for Fatal Affair
“This book starts out strong and keeps getting better. Marie Force is one of those authors that will be on my must read list in the future.” —The Romance Studio on Fatal Affair
“As Cole encourages Olivia’s incredible talent for drawing and her love of adventure through a series of carefully planned dates, the two embark on the emotional roller-coaster ride of their lives in Force’s steamy contemporary romance, a heartwarming Cinderella story set mostly in and around Washington, D.C.” —Booklist on Everyone Loves a Hero
“Marie Force’s second novel in the Fatal series is an outstanding romantic suspense in its own right; that it follows the fantastic first installment only sweetens the read.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars for Fatal Justice
Contemporary Romances Available from Marie Force:
Treading Water
Marking Time
Starting Over
Maid for Love
Fool for Love
Ready for Love
Falling for Love
Hoping for Love
Georgia on My Mind
True North
The Fall
Everyone Loves a Hero
Love at First Flight
Line of Scrimmage
Romantic Suspense Novels Available from Marie Force:
The Wreck
Fatal Affair
Fatal Justice
Fatal Consequences
Fatal Destiny
Fatal Flaw
What Others Are Saying About Marie Force's Books
“Maid for Love was a charming beach read that had you believing in the HEA." —Joyfully Reviewed
“Fool for Love was a treat to read with engaging characters and their deep love for one another. Marie Force writes wonderfully, romantic heroes that you just want to curl up next to!” —Joyfully Reviewed
“Ready for Love is a beautiful and inspiring love story. I was riveted to the pages of Ready for Love not only for this magical romance but for the outstanding secondary plot lines as well. This may be my first McCarthys of Gansett Island book but it will not be my last! I am in love with these people and the tiny island they live on.” —Joyfully Reviewed
“Ms. Force has the ability to make you fall in love with her Island and all of the quirky and sweet characters that reside there. I can’t wait to read the next story in this fantastic series! Falling For Love is another keeper in the McCarthy’s of Gansett Island series!” —Joyfully Reviewed.
"Treading Water is a definite must read! Treading Water creates an emotional firestorm within the reader. It shines the light on the good and the bad in life and proves that one moment can change everything and it’s never too late to find love. Marie Force grabbed my heart and squeezed every ounce of emotion out of it but most importantly her monumental story left me blissful. Treading Water may be fiction but it gives me hope; hope in everyday people and happily ever after. I cannot wait for the next book in this trilogy, Marking Time." —Joyfully Reviewed, a “Recommended Read” for November 2011!
“Georgia On My Mind” meets real life issues head-on. It will easily touch your heart with a variety of emotions. If you love a book, in spite of any flaws it may suffer, it’s a keeper. This one meets that test. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry. Most importantly, I’m betting you’ll have a satisfied smile on your face when you reach the end." —Romance at Random gives Georgia on My Mind an "A."
"It's a rare treat that you get three gorgeous romances in one story but Marie Force has achieved that with Georgia On My Mind. Ms. Force has seamlessly woven these stories into one magical novel. Each couple is drastically different with their own issues and smoking hot chemistry. This story has a bit of suspense, plenty of humor and lots of romance. Georgia On My Mind is a keeper!" —Joyfully Reviewed.
“With its humor and endearing characters, Force’s charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.” —Booklist on Line of Scrimmage.
“LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT by Marie Force is most definitely a keeper. It is an astounding book. I loved every single word!” —Wild on Books
“This novel is The O.C. does D.C., and you just can’t get enough.” —RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars for Fatal Affair
/> “This book starts out strong and keeps getting better. Marie Force is one of those authors that will be on my must read list in the future.” —The Romance Studio on Fatal Affair
“As Cole encourages Olivia’s incredible talent for drawing and her love of adventure through a series of carefully planned dates, the two embark on the emotional roller-coaster ride of their lives in Force’s steamy contemporary romance, a heartwarming Cinderella story set mostly in and around Washington, D.C.” —Booklist on Everyone Loves a Hero
“Marie Force’s second novel in the Fatal series is an outstanding romantic suspense in its own right; that it follows the fantastic first installment only sweetens the read.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars for Fatal Justice
Contemporary Romances Available from Marie Force:
Treading Water
Marking Time
Starting Over
Maid for Love
Fool for Love
Ready for Love
Falling for Love
Hoping for Love
Georgia on My Mind
True North
The Fall
Everyone Loves a Hero
Love at First Flight
Line of Scrimmage
Romantic Suspense Novels Available from Marie Force:
The Wreck
Fatal Affair
Fatal Justice
Fatal Consequences
Fatal Destiny
Fatal Flaw
Table of Contents
Copyright
Author's Note
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
