“Riley, this is my assistant and good friend, Ethan.” As Thorsen introduced the two of them, he watched to see his friend’s reaction to Riley.
Ethan had grilled him repeatedly as to whether or not Riley was worth the trouble he’d gone to, and though Riley was so much more than a pretty face, Thorsen was happy to see Ethan was impressed—even if she wasn’t her normally happy and smiling self.
Riley shook Ethan’s hand. “It’s a pleasure, though I wish it were under better circumstances.”
Ethan shot Thorsen a look before turning his attention back to Riley. “I won’t argue with you there, though I’m hoping this will all be sorted shortly. Has Thorsen told you everything?”
She spun on him with a sarcastic glare that was barely held in check—and probably subdued only because Ethan was present. “I don’t know. Have you told me everything? Or do you have a few more secrets stashed away, and are waiting until the matter has gotten completely out of hand—so you can then spring them on me?”
Ethan gave him a shit-eating grin, his amber eyes alight with humor and intelligence. “You’re right. I do like her.”
Thorsen was saved by the waitress who sat them in a corner of the diner and, thank the gods, was already off to get them each a big cup of coffee. Riley slid into the old-fashioned booth, and before she could protest, he slid in next to her so she was now nestled against him in the tight space. Granted, it was due to the small size of the booth rather than her forgiving him, but for now, he’d take what he could get, the absence of her touch unbearable.
He’d spent the night tossing and turning, unable to sleep without Riley in his arms. Instead, he’d let his mind wander to the land deal and saving the inn. One scenario after another, he tried to anticipate what might happen, what problems might arise, and potential solutions for each instance. So many things could go wrong, but Thorsen was hopeful that they’d be able to put a stop to his cousin’s plans if they managed to get the land. That was the key to putting an end to this mess.
Once they’d placed their order, Thorsen wanted to get to work. “How do you want to approach this, Ethan?”
“It’s actually quite simple. The Teague family land has been on the market for over a year with no interest until now, which means that their only real chance for a deal comes down to accepting your cousin’s deal or ours.” Ethan shrugged while stirring sugar and cream into his coffee. “We just need to make the better offer so we can close the deal. They might try to play us off each other, but they need to know that if we decide to walk away, then they lose whatever advantage they currently have.”
Riley’s eyes went wide and Thorsen wondered if she’d soon be reaching across the table to shake Ethan. “But we can’t walk away. If we do, the inn will be ruined—and that will ruin the island. You can use whatever money I have saved if it’ll help, but we have to make this happen.”
Wanting to comfort her, he gave her hand a squeeze. “Even if this land deal doesn’t work out, we’ll find another way. You have my word, darling. I’ll do everything I can to fix this.”
And he meant it. He’d make it right for her even if he had to sacrifice everything. Because he knew that if the inn didn’t survive this, the rest of the island would truly suffer and he wouldn’t stand a chance of ever getting Riley back.
Ethan just shook his head and gave him one of his looks—the sort that said he shouldn’t be making promises he couldn’t keep. “I want a raise after this. Because you’re going to be the death of me.”
That had both Thorsen and Riley smiling. Thorsen perked an eyebrow in question. “Hazard pay, is it?”
“You bet your ass.”
Chapter Thirteen
Riley had never been one for negotiations or manipulations—nor could she wrap her head around the legalese Ethan and Mr. Moore, the Teague’s lawyer, were spouting. Knowing what was at stake had upped her stress levels to nearly unbearable heights, and it was only made worse by her lack of sleep and the amount of caffeine she’d consumed to keep herself from face-planting onto the table.
Every muscle in her body was locked up so tightly, shards of pain splintered through her shoulders and down her back. Thorsen must have sensed how nervous she was because he reached out and gave her hand a squeeze where it was sitting in her lap, under the table. And she hated to admit it, but she let him. She held onto his hand as if it were a lifeline, because one thing was clear—the two Teague brothers and sister thought they could play Thorsen’s deal against Mark’s and get a bidding war started.
Ethan wrote something on a piece of paper and slid it across the table to Moore. “This is our offer. As you can see, it’s a far greater amount than you were asking for originally and far greater than Mark Windham has offered. We’re willing to be generous, but we are not willing to play games. This offer is good for twenty-four hours and any communication with Mark Windham or anyone else at Holt will void our offer.”
Ethan’s words left Riley feeling ill with nerves. How could he say they wouldn’t consider any further negotiations when everything was at stake? She had to beat back her emotions, and was sure she must be grinding the bones in Thorsen’s hand to dust.
Moore looked at it, face blank, and slid it to his clients. Each one took a look, eyes going wide for just a moment, before they slid it to the next sibling and then waited for their lawyer to continue. “We’ll consider the offer, but make no guarantees. We’ll meet here again tomorrow, same time.”
Thorsen let go of her hand and sat forward, everything about him so calm, you’d think he was sitting on the beach sipping margaritas rather than negotiating a deal that held all of Mermaid Isle in the balance. It made her realize just how good an actor he was. No wonder she’d bought his lies.
When he spoke, he addressed the family, rather than their lawyer. “I just wanted to add that we only have the island’s best interest at heart. I’m sure you have fond memories of going there as children, of walking the beach, and going into town for ice cream. You know how unique and quirky the island is, but so much of it depends on the Siren Song Inn remaining as it’s always been. Mark Windham and Durham have drastic changes in store, and selling your land to them would guarantee the island’s demise as the quintessential Maine getaway.”
“A bit melodramatic, don’t you think, Mr. Black?” Moore grabbed his briefcase and put it on the table so he could file away his papers. Though he might not be interested in the sentimental aspect of the island, Riley knew he wasn’t the one Thorsen had been trying to influence. And she swore she saw an acknowledgement of Thorsen’s words from the siblings.
Riley had kept her mouth shut thus far, too worried to speak, but that lawyer had pissed her off. “It’s not melodramatic when everything on the island is at stake, Mr. Moore. The entire island’s economy is dependent on the inn and the guests who come to stay at the Siren Song. It’s been around for over a century and it’s steeped with history. But sell to Durham and Holt, and that will all come to an end. And you can’t let that happen.” She tried to keep her emotions from her voice, but found it impossible, and was just glad she managed not to burst into tears.
Thorsen rested his hand on her back to comfort her, and it took all she had to not bury her head in his shoulder. But he wasn’t done with Moore just yet. “And just so your clients know what’s at stake for them and how things are likely to play out, I want to make it clear for them. If you don’t accept our offer, we’ll walk away and you’ll have no bargaining power, because there are no other interested buyers. This means you’ll be giving Mark Windham the upper hand, and trust me when I tell you, that man’s a bastard. He will screw you over, given half the chance. And if you think he’ll honor his original offer once he has you backed into a corner, you might want to rethink that strategy. I hope you’ll not misconstrue what I mean to be friendly advice.”
Thorsen stood and offered Riley his hand, which she took, because she was sure she’d be getting up on wobbly legs. Once she was sure her footing was stable a
nd she wouldn’t topple over, she forced herself to let go of Thorsen’s hand and follow Ethan out of the office.
No one had yet to say a word as they wandered down the sidewalk, and the silence was getting to her. She thought the meeting had gone well, but quite frankly, she didn’t have enough experience with that sort of thing to know if she was right or gravely mistaken. “So? How do you guys think it went?”
Ethan shrugged and gave her a sideways glance. “As well as can be expected. Eirik—Thorsen—”, he rolled his eyes and shook his head with a sigh, “did a good job of dealing with the Teagues, and you were instrumental in making them realize how the island would be affected if they sell to Mark. I think they’ll come around to realize that our deal is a good one and a guaranteed thing.”
“Exactly. They’re now fully aware of the risk involved if they try to get more money out of Mark and play us off each other.” As they crossed the street, Thorsen put a gentle hand on the small of her back, there for no more than a moment before leaving her with nothing but a ghost of his touch. And though it was fleeting, that gentle caress was enough to bring on an onslaught of memories that she struggled to push aside.
“So now we wait?” She knew it would kill her. Patience had never been her strong suit, and with a matter of such importance, she’d end up being a tightly wound bundle of raw nerves.
Thorsen slowed his pace not far from where they’d parked. “We’ve got twenty-four hours, darling. Anything you’d like to do? I’m happy to oblige you any way I can.”
“I’m sure you are, and I appreciate the sentiment, but short of saving the inn, I don’t need you obliging me in any other way.” Why was he making this so hard on her? And why did he always have that flirty dazzle lighting up his eyes? ’Cause she swore it was there each and every time he looked at her.
What she should do is take a long nap—or go for a nice swim in the pool back at the hotel. It might help her burn off some energy and nerves—since distracting herself with Thorsen was no longer an option. Damn it. “I should try to take a nap since I got hardly any sleep last night, but I’m too worked up right now.”
“There’s some really good ice cream not far from here if you guys want to go for a bit of a drive.” Ethan yanked his tie off and shifted his leather briefcase, his dark hair getting more disheveled by the minute. It made Riley think he was probably more comfortable in casual wear and only tolerated a suit and tie as long as necessary. “Might want to get changed first. It’s getting hot and we’re all overdressed for sightseeing and grabbing a cone—unless you guys have other plans and would rather be alone.”
She glared at Ethan, his sly smile evidence that their relationship had graduated to him pushing her buttons. “Nope. We no longer have any reason to be alone.”
Ethan shifted his gaze from her to Thorsen and then back again. “Yeah…not my business, although it’s obvious you’re both still… ” He shook his head with a laugh. “Never mind.”
Thorsen just shook his head and gave Riley a sympathetic smile. Because they both knew what Ethan was hinting at. She was an open book with her thoughts and emotions and one thing was clear where Thorsen was concerned.
She was screwed—and that put her in a mood.
“I don’t know about the two of you, but I’m heading back to my room so I can slip into something more summer-like, and then I’m tracking down that ice cream cone. You two can stay here cracking jokes or you can join me, but I don’t care either way.” Riley held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. “Keys.”
Thorsen dropped them in her hand with a sweet smile. “I’m up for anything you’d like to do, darling.”
“Then you best stop calling me darling, Thorsen—Eirik. And do me a favor and pick a goddamn name.” She would not give in to his charms. She couldn’t.
Looking at Thorsen, Ethan shook his head with a wide smile that lit up his golden brown eyes. “Yeah. I definitely like her.”
***
Riley did her best to avoid thinking about the land deal and the inn, though time was still trickling by. Thorsen had done his best to keep her busy—they got ice cream, went for a bit of a hike, wandered through the shops in town, grabbed dinner, and were now heading out for a pint. She really wasn’t much of a drinker, but figured after the last day or two, she could use one.
“Sorry…this is where I leave the two of you.” Ethan put up his hands to stem any protests. “There’s still a lot that needs to get done, and I’m exhausted.”
“Not even one drink?” Riley wasn’t sure she wanted to be alone with Thorsen. Despite him trying to make amends, despite them having a good time, her trust in him had been shattered, and she wasn’t stupid enough to get involved with someone she didn’t trust. There was no point. If you didn’t have trust, you didn’t have a relationship. How could you if you were left constantly second-guessing everything that person told you?
“I’m afraid not, though if you don’t mind, Thorsen, I’m going to steal Riley for just a moment.” Ethan shifted his gaze from Thorsen to her, leaving her to wonder what he wanted.
“As long as I get her back.” Humor made Thorsen’s eyes sparkle and it sent yet another pang to her heart, knowing they could have been so good together.
When Ethan motioned with a head tilt, she nodded and fell into step by his side. “I’m glad I got the opportunity to get to know you. He’ll probably murder me for saying this, but Eirik—or should I say Thorsen—has never spoken about anyone else the way he speaks of you. And I’ve known him for close to a decade now.”
“I don’t understand why you’re telling me this.” What the hell was she supposed to do with that information? Whatever they had between them had been ruined with lies. You couldn’t just get over something like that.
“I’m telling you because I know you’re upset with him—and rightfully so. It was stupid of him to lie. Though, knowing him, it’s likely he didn’t lie, but rather did an amazing job evading the truth.” Ethan might actually be right, now that Riley thought of it, though it didn’t matter in the end. Thorsen’s intentions had been the same.
Ethan ran a rough hand back and forth through his dark hair, making it stand on end as he continued to build his friend’s defense. “I’m not trying to make excuses for him, but remember the sort of work he’s been doing up until now. His life has depended on keeping secrets and manipulating information. And Riley…you need to know that he only wanted to make you happy when he had Holt put an offer on the inn. His intentions were good—and honestly, he put a lot on the line personally to get that deal on the inn approved by the Holt board members.”
Well, she sure as hell wished he hadn’t bothered, though her anger with him had tempered a bit. Damn it. She wanted to be furious with him, especially when things were such a mess because of him.
“Did he put you up to this?” She didn’t think so, but needed to make sure and didn’t think Ethan would lie to her about it.
Ethan scoffed with a shake of his head and a smile, which made Riley like him all the more. “Hell, no. And if he had asked—which he’d never do, by the way—I wouldn’t have done it.” He shrugged, and dug out his keys. “I guess that’s why I’m doing it. Because he’d never think to ask and because the man is stupidly smitten with you. I’ve known him a long time and I’ve never seen him like this.”
She gave him a genuine smile, happy she could still manage it with everything that was going on. “Thorsen’s lucky to have you as a friend, Ethan.”
“Damn right he is.” He leaned in and gave her a wink.
Riley bid him a good night and wandered back down the road to where Thorsen was waiting. He pursed his lips as his blue eyes took her in. “Is everything all right, darling?”
“Yeah, though I wouldn’t mind taking you up on that drink.” Her mind was still churning over everything Ethan had said. It was a lot to take in when she was already feeling overwhelmed.
What kept coming back to her from her conversation with Ethan was that Thorse
n had put a lot on the line to get the inn. She wasn’t sure what that meant, but Ethan’s tone had been serious enough to have her wondering what Thorsen had done to get the sale of the inn approved by Holt. But more importantly, she really wanted to know why he’d done it.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He still looked worried about her, but when he went to cup her cheek, she pulled away. She had to.
“I’m sorry, Thorsen, but I can’t. I hate to push you away, but each time you touch me, I’m reminded of what we had and what could have been. And it kills me, because I know it would have been amazing.”
“I truly am sorry, love.” He looked away and shook his head. Before she could say anything else, he said, “There’s a pub just ahead.”
He looked hurt, and it left her feeling guilty that she was pushing him away when he was doing everything he could to make things right between them. It nearly had her giving in, but no good would come from dropping her defenses, and she couldn’t just pick up where they’d left off before everything went to hell. What they had was gone, and she didn’t think she’d ever be so trusting again.
Without taking her hand—and why would he when she’d just pushed him away?—Thorsen led the way to the pub he’d mentioned. Though it was pretty busy, the place still managed to maintain an easygoing and casual feel. Luckily, there were a few seats available at the bar, and moments later she and Thorsen were climbing onto a pair of stools.
“Looks like they’ve got an extensive selection on tap.” He motioned towards a large blackboard with a handwritten list of beers. “Any thoughts?”
Once she’d scanned the list, it didn’t take long for her to make a decision, though it wasn’t beer. “The mead…it sounds perfect.” She loved the honey drink, which could run from dry to sweet and was often flavored with a variety of fruit juices. This one was made with raspberries and sounded perfect.
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