Forever Love on Fireweed Island (Island County Book 4) Read Online Free Page A

little less painful.”
    Natty chuckled. “You did have a flair for the dramatic. Even Dad was impressed as Rich whisked you away on his speedboat. God forbid Rich take the ferry like a normal person.”
    “There was nothing normal about Rich.” I cringed, remembering the moment all too well.
    My ex-husband was twelve years older, and he had more money than sense, so when I told him I wasn’t ready for a serious relationship, he did everything in his power to convince me otherwise. Unfortunately, most of it involved money, and I was dazzled way too easily.
    When my parents attempted to talk sense into me, I didn’t want to hear it. I wanted to believe that Rich was everything and more than he’d ever said. So after a long weekend home, when I’d planned to tell my parents I was ready to move in with Rich, the conversation turned into a battle of wills. In hindsight, they only wanted the best for me and did everything in their power to let me know I always had a place to call home.
    But I was too stubborn, and all I could think about was how I must’ve looked with my hair blowing in the wind as Rich whisked me off Fireweed, only to return with my tail between my legs, trying to piece my life together again.
    “No, there really wasn’t anything normal about him,” Natty agreed. “But I have to admit that you had me fooled. I thought you two had it all. I never would’ve guessed you put up with so much.”
    “Love makes people do funny things.” I glanced down at the sidewalk and watched the hanging baskets filled with red geraniums sway from the breeze that continued to pick up. “If my life had been filmed, I’m sure I would’ve won an Oscar for all the characters I played in that marriage.”
    Natty smiled and gave me a peck on my cheek. “I don’t doubt it. In fact, you almost could’ve won an award with your fireman encounter. You can’t tell me he didn’t stop you in your tracks.”
    “I said he was cute,” I protested.
    “But you’re trying to act like you’re not the least bit interested in finding out more about him, and that is Oscar-worthy.”
    “It’s not a performance. It’s the truth. I have absolutely no interest in Jake Harlen. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have books to shelve and cards to hand out.”
    “Interesting that you already have his name memorized.” She grinned mischievously. “What color are his eyes?”
    “Customer service is what I do. I can remember names, dates of birth, numbers of pets and children, time on the island, and all kinds of crazy details. His eyes are blue, but I only noticed because they’re such an interesting shade of blue.” I knew better than to admit any interest in Jake. The moment I did, my dreams of a quiet summer on Fireweed would be quickly extinguished with Natty’s handiwork, and I wasn’t about to let that happen.
    I gave a quick wave to Natty and turned around to head to my sanctuary, where I could bury myself in all the men I wanted without ever risking my heart or sanity again.

 
     
     
    I stared down at the front page of the Fireweed Chronicle, our island’s weekly newspaper, to see myself splashed across the front page, dangling from the maple with Jake standing below. Between my horrified facial expression and my legs splaying in opposite directions, I’d never have to worry about advances from the fireman if I did happen to run into him. The sight was enough to make any man run in the opposite direction.
    I glanced around the quiet library and debated whether or not I wanted to place the stack of newspapers where they belonged. The Chronicle always delivered Friday night for Saturday morning distribution. What were the chances anyone would notice we were missing this week’s edition?
    I’d like to think slim to none.
     “Ooh, the paper is here,” Valorie said, smiling across the lobby. “Rob’s letter to the editor got accepted. I can’t wait to see it in our official paper.”
    I grunted, hauling with a