Brothers of Paradise Series

I shake my head at him and grab my bag. “Asshole.”

“Since long before I met you. I’ll take the guest room,” he says, a hand on the doorframe. “The master is yours.”

“Thank you.”

He glances down at the heavy watch on his wrist. Judging from this place-this town-no doubt it’s some family heirloom, probably bequeathed from George Washington himself for favors rendered during the Revolutionary War. “We have a few hours, still. How about we unpack and start working? I’d like us to have a final draft of the structure on Sunday, with all the changes implemented.”

The idea brightens me. The structure is beautiful, and I’ve been wanting to get back to perfecting it for days. “Sounds good. And then we can-”

A knock sounds on the front door, a cheery little pat-pat-pat. “Heeenry! I saw your car come in!”

Henry sighs. “Well, you might have to meet my sister a little bit sooner than expected.”

“That’s her?”

“Oh, yes.”

I smooth a hand over my dress and follow him to the door. A woman is standing on the porch, about my own age, with flaming auburn hair and a giant smile on her face. She throws her arms around Henry.

“You made it!”

“Of course,” he says, wrapping his arms around her. “Were you standing in your window watching, or what?”

She gives a pealing laugh. “Yes. It’s funny, I’ve been so busy with wedding preparations, and now that the weekend is here I have nothing at all to do. Mom and Ingrid have all taken over now.” She turns to me, her smile burning impossibly brighter. Is this woman really related to Henry? She feels like his complete opposite.

“I’m Lily,” she says. “Henry’s sister. I’m so happy to meet you.”

I extend a hand. “I’m Faye. It’s really nice to meet you.”

She ignores my hand and pulls me into a hug instead. “That’s a beautiful name,” she says into my hair. “Faye. Very unique. Makes me think of mystical fairy creatures.”

I blink at her. “Yes, well, I’m afraid I can’t really live up to that. I’m awfully short for an fairy.”

“But you’re just as beautiful as one,” she says.

Laughter slips out of me, embarrassed and surprised. “Thank you, I think.”

“Oh, it’s most definitely a compliment.”

“Lily, let’s stay on track here.” Henry’s voice is exasperated, and I hide my smile. He sounds just like a fond older brother. “Is everything going as planned with the preparations? Any fires to put out?”

“No,” she beams. “I’m sure the other shoe will drop, but for now, everything’s perfect. But trust me on that, not Mom. You know she’ll give you a different story. My reception shoes are eggshell white, not cream, or something equally banal.”

“I won’t even ask,” Henry snorts. “Is Hayden doing all right?”

“Absolutely.” Lily turns to me with a conspiratorial smile. “Henry keeps thinking that my fiancé is going to run off. Leave me at the altar or get cold feet.”

“I do not,” Henry protests. “Not in the least.”

“Sure you don’t. But I don’t mind. It’s part of your gruff charm, not that I have to tell Faye that, of course.”

And then I watch the most miraculous thing, as Henry-Henry Marchand himself-blushes. It might be the best thing I’ve seen in years.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“His gruff charm is what I fell for in the first place,” I tell her.

She winks at me. “I’m not surprised.”

“All right, all right,” Henry interjects. “Faye and I are going to get settled before we head over to Mom and Dad’s.”

“Right. Dinner is served at seven, but we’re having drinks earlier. I’ll see you guys soon.”

I reach out to her before she leaves, a hand lightly on her elbow. “Thank you for letting us stay in your house, by the way. It’s absolutely gorgeous here.”

Her eyes sparkle again. “Flattery. We’re off to a great start, Faye. I’m going to like you.”

I have a sneaky suspicion that I’m going to like her, too. “Keep making Henry blush,” I say, “and we’ll get along famously.”

She laughs, and then laughs even harder as Henry reaches out to close the door. “All right. Goodbye, Lily. See you soon!”

“Can’t wait!”

With the front door closed again, I can’t help but grin at him. “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”

He reaches up to rub the back of his neck. “Of course you two will be thick as thieves before this is over. I should have seen it coming.”

I put a hand on his arm. “I’m on your side in this.”

“Thank you,” he says dryly. “Let’s see if we can channel that spirit into the opera house.”

Right. We’re here to work, and the way we’re blurring the lines at the moment is as dangerous as it’s fun. “Lead the way,” I say.

Henry

Faye walks by my side in silence, keen eyes taking in the beach and the boardwalk. It’s not a long walk from the cottage to my parents’ house on the other end of Ocean Drive, and I know it’s not what she’s there for, but I want to show her Paradise Shores.

“So,” I say finally. “What’s the verdict?”

She glances up at me with intelligent eyes, tucking long hair behind an ear. “On what?”

“This place,” I suggest, “or my sister. Take your pick.”

“You know that’s an impossible question.”

“Is it?”

“Yes. You’re fishing for compliments, I can tell. And if I refuse, I’m rude, but if I give in, you won’t know if they’re genuine.”

I snort. “Maybe I’m just making conversation.”