Finding Love in Forgotten Cove (Island County Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

watched me dance around the topic of him and anything to do with—him.
    “So you knew at the school you were coming here?” I asked, crossing my arms.
    “Once you told me your name, I had a hunch. Yes. Sorry for barging in. I did try the doorbell, but it didn’t work, and I knocked but you guys must not have heard.”
    “Another couple things to add to the endless list,” I sighed and glanced at Gabby. “See?”
    “It’ll be fine. Won’t it?” She looked over at Mason and he nodded.
    “It’s a great home and the view is pretty magnificent.” His eyes locked on mine, and I wanted to fall over, but I managed to stay perfectly upright and frozen.
    His gaze fell to the wad of paper towels taped to my ankle.
    “What happened?”
    I stared at Mason and I planned on answering, but for some reason I was purely in awe. Of what, I didn’t know.
    Maybe that he paid attention to me?
    “She fell through the front porch,” Gabby answered for me.
    “I saw that hole when I came in. I just didn’t think it was a person who did that.”
    My head tilted as I tried to figure out what he thought might have made the hole in the porch, but I didn’t dare ask and open up the can of worms.
    “I’m pretty petrified at what the cost of everything might be to get the house ready to sell. That’s my goal. Fix it up and sell it so I can get back home.”
    “And where’s home?” he asked.
    “Upstate New York.”
    I swore I saw a dash of disappointment glide across his features, but as quick as it came, it left. I probably imagined it.
    “I’m sure we can help you with that. If you want to walk me through the house and show me all of your concerns, we can come up with the most cost-effective way to go about the fixes. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, we can shave some off the cost by employing some DIY talent.”
    Relief flooded through my veins. Gabby was right. He was the right guy to call.
    For many reasons.
    “Do you want me to stick around?” Gabby asked.
    “Sure.” I shook my head and Gabby chuckled.
    “Am I supposed to go with verbal or nonverbal cues on that one?” she questioned.
    Mason smiled. “I vote for nonverbal, but generally Gabby just ignores what I say so—”
    “So not true. I only ignore what you say when Brandy tells me to.”
    My stomach sank. It felt like I just jumped out of a plane and I was in free fall. Getting my hopes up over a guy was really too much trouble. Of course he had a girlfriend. Why wouldn’t he have a girlfriend?
    “And that must be all the time,” he chided.
    “Not all the time. Just most of the time.” Gabby caught my gaze and her lip turned up slightly when the realization set in. “Brandy is one of my best friends and she so happens to be Mason’s sister.”
    It felt like the ripcord had just been pulled and the chute had opened as the adrenaline coursed through my body. I glanced at Mason and noticed him watching me. My pulse quickened at the thought and pure enchantment filled my veins.
    “Well, if you need anything, give me a call. If he tries any really lame jokes, don’t laugh. It’ll only fuel the fire and then there is no end in sight.” She smiled. “I mean it. It can get bad.”
    “I’m offended,” Mason replied.
    “You should be. We always are.” She leaned into Mason and whispered. “And you may have found someone who actually likes your jokes so be nice.”
    His brow arched and he smiled. “That might be a first.”
     I chuckled and shook my head at how easily I fell into his trap. This guy was pure trouble.
    “Okay, well enjoy the scones and I’ll see ya soon,” Gabby said, waving as she walked down the hall.
    I heard the storm door slam shut, and my nerves ignited with the thought of being alone with Mason.
    I glanced over at him and saw him staring at my ankle so I looked down. The towels were completely soaked in a matter of minutes.
    “I don’t know how you two go about wound care, but I’d say stick to your day jobs.