Well, I see everything's normal in here.
Suzanna entered, aiming a warning look at both of her children.
Hello, Nate. I didn't expect to see you here.
I got lucky.
He slipped an arm around Coco's shoulders.
Spent an hour with my
woman.
Flirting with Aunt Coco again?
But Suzanna noted that his gaze had already shifted. She remembered that look from the first time they'd met. The way the gray eyes measured, assessed. Automatically she put a hand on Megan's arm.
Megan
O'Riley, Nathaniel Fury, Holt's partner and Aunt Coco's latest conquest.
Nice to meet you.
She was tired, Megan realized. Had to be, if that clear, steady gaze put her back up. She dismissed him, a little too abruptly for politeness, and smiled at Coco.
You look wonderful.
Oh, and here I am in my apron. I didn't even freshen up.
Coco gave her a hard,
welcoming hug.
Let me fix you something. You must be worn-out after the flight.
Just a little.
We took the bags up, and I put Christian in the nursery.
While Suzanna herded the
children to the table and chatted, Nathaniel took a good long survey of Megan O'Riley.
Cool as an Atlantic breeze, he decided. A little frazzled and unnerved at the moment, he thought, but not willing to show it. The peach-toned skin and long, waving strawberry blond hair made an eye-catching combination.
Nathaniel usually preferred women who were dark and sultry, but there was something to be said for all that rose and gold. She had blue eyes, the color of a calm sea at dawn. Stubborn mouth, he mused, though it softened nicely when she smiled at her son.
A bit on the skinny side, he thought as he finished off his coffee. Needed some of
Coco's cooking to help her fill out. Or maybe she just looked skinny and prim because she wore such severely tailored jacket and slacks.
Well aware of his scrutiny, Megan forced herself to keep up her end of the conversation with Coco and the rest. She'd grown used to stares years before, when she was young, unmarried, and pregnant by another woman's husband.
She knew how some men reacted to her status as a single mother, how they assumed she was an easy mark. And she knew how to disabuse them of the notion.
She met Nathaniel's stare levelly, frostily. He didn't look away, as most would, but continued to watch her, unblinkingly, until her teeth clenched.
Good going, he thought. She might be skinny, but she had grit. He grinned, lifted his coffee mug in a silent toast, then turned to Coco.
I've got to go, got a tour to do.
Thanks for lunch, Coco.
Don't forget dinner. The whole family will be here. Eight o'clock.
He glanced back at Megan.
Wouldn't miss it.
See that you don't.
Coco looked at her watch, closed her eyes.
Where is that
man? He's late again.
The Dutchman?
Who else? I sent him to the butcher's two hours ago.
Nathaniel shrugged. His former shipmate, and The Towers' new assistant chef, ran on his own timetable.
If I see him down at the docks, I'll send him along.
Kiss me goodbye,
Jenny demanded, delighted when Nathaniel hauled her up.
You're the prettiest cowboy on the island, he whispered in her ear. Jenny shot a
smug look at her brother when her feet touched the floor again.
You let me know
when you're ready for a sail,