Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

repairs could wait a little longer. He paced to a large picture window and looked toward the Sound. The couple who arrived today would be gone in the morning. Rachel was already getting a discount, and her mother seemed nice enough. Maybe she wouldn’t mind a couple days of noise. “I’ll call you.”
    “Don’t forget.”
    “Why do you always say that? Err, never mind.” He hung up knowing full well he was horrible about remembering to phone back. He found Rachel and her mother in the sitting room talking in low tones. He squared his shoulders and strode into the room. “Good afternoon, ladies. May I join you for a moment?”
    Rachel smiled. “Of course.”
    “Thanks.” He squeezed into the old Victorian rocker that faced the women. This old furniture was not made for a man from this century. “I’m sure you noticed that the Wildflower is in need of repair.”
    The women nodded.
    “Ordinarily I wouldn’t do any work with guests staying here, but since you,” he glanced at Rachel, “will be in residence for the entire summer, I find myself at a loss for when to do the needed repairs.”
    Rachel shrugged. “Don’t worry about me. I understand the situation. Go ahead and do what you need to.”
    Rachel’s mother patted her daughter’s hand. “Let’s not be too hasty. What exactly are we talking about? I am paying for a peaceful retreat, not a loud construction site.”
    Nick’s stomach roiled. This was exactly what he’d feared. “I understand your concern. However, I need to have the roof replaced while the weather is good. Perhaps you and Rachel could spend a couple of days sightseeing. We have an interesting museum on the island, I heard a new boutique opened up, and there’s the golf club if you enjoy golfing. There are also hiking trails and kayaking.”
    Mrs. Narrelli pursed her lips and shook her head. “That won’t do. Rachel, pack your bags. We’ll find other accommodations.”
    He snapped his mouth shut.
    “No!” Rachel’s face turned the shade of ripe strawberries. “I’m not leaving.”
    “Nonsense. You will do as I tell you.”
    “I’m twenty-three, Mother, and old enough to make my own decisions. If you want to leave, fine. But I’m staying.” She folded her hands in her lap and sent her mother a look that clearly stated she meant what she said.
    Nick rocked forward in the chair. “I’ll let you discuss this privately.” He had no problem with Rachel or her mother vacating the premises, however the chances of Rachel leaving were slim considering the sensational rate the previous owners had agreed to.
    A whirring sound from the kitchen drew him, and he pushed through the swinging door.
    Zoe switched off the stand mixer then grasped a large knife in one hand and a cucumber in the other.
    “What are you doing?”
    “Thought I’d serve cucumber sandwiches along with scones and whipped cream for tea this afternoon.”
    Nick stifled a sigh. He’d specifically told her to keep it simple. “It sounds delicious, but unnecessary. I think Mrs. Narrelli will be leaving and our other guests departed an hour ago. I’m closing reservations for the remainder of the week.”
    “What about Rachel?” Zoe brushed a loose strand of hair from her face with her arm, but it fell right back over her eye.
    He forced himself to keep his hands by his side. It’d be so easy to tuck the strand behind her ear, but definitely not appropriate. There was something about Zoe that brought out the protector in him. She was a puzzle he couldn’t figure out. Why he felt this way stumped him.
    She spread her hands out over the food. “What should I do with this?”
    “Set a small plate out for Rachel and her mom, and we’ll eat the rest. I skipped lunch.”
    Zoe chuckled. “I made too much.” She motioned to a platter piled with miniature sandwiches and freshly baked scones that smelled of fresh berries.
    “Ah, so you did. No matter, we’ll have them for dinner. The scones and whipped cream will