BRITTANY TOOK THE PRETTIEST route to the harbor and the Ocean Club, walking up the coast path and then cutting across the fields that skirted the wooded interior of the island.

With the sun shining and the air filled with the scent of grass and wildflowers, it was impossible to feel anything other than pleased to be home.

The spectacular coastline of Maine matched anything she’d seen in the Mediterranean. From the lush, emerald perfection of Acadia National Park to the granite islands inhabited only by puffins and cormorants, Penobscot Bay was a wild, unspoiled paradise.

From high up on the bluff she could see fishing boats bobbing in the sheltered harbor and yachts and windjammers dotted across the bay.

It took her a little over an hour to walk to the Ocean Club. She arrived to find Ryan and Emily already sitting on the deck along with Lizzy, Emily’s six-year-old niece who was now living with her. The little girl was clutching a wooden boat to her chest and the moment she saw Brittany she moved closer to Emily.

Brittany watched as her friend scooped the child onto her lap and murmured words of reassurance.

She knew how hard the past few months must have been for Lizzy, but she also knew how hard it had been for her friend who had always vowed never to have children.

“That boat,” she said slowly, “looks exactly like the Captain Hook. Can I take a look? Where did you get it?”

Lizzy hesitated and then handed it across the table. “John made it for me.”

“He did? I’ve never known him to make anything like this for anyone before.” She turned it in her hands and read the words on the side. “The Captain Lizzy. This is beautiful. You’re lucky. John must think you’re very special to have made you this.”

“It floats.”

“You’ll have to show me.” She handed the boat back. “John taught me to sail when I was your age.”

“I’m learning. Ryan is teaching me.”

Brittany had known Ryan Cooper her whole life. She’d spent her summers with his sister Helen at Camp Puffin and babysat his younger sister, Rachel, to earn money.

She greeted him with a quick kiss on the cheek and then settled down in the vacant seat.

“Good to have you home.” Ryan tilted his chair back and reached for Emily’s hand. “I hear you’ve already seen Zach and the two of you managed to keep it civilized. You didn’t kill him.”

Civilized?

There was nothing civilized about the chemistry between them. Never had been. Being with Zach had been the most dizzying and exciting time of her life.

Until he’d dumped her.

“Why would I kill him? It doesn’t bother me whether he’s here or not.” Ignoring Emily’s raised eyebrows, she sat back while Kirsti delivered food and drinks to the table.

“A special welcome home, Brittany! Fresh blueberries, our homemade cinnamon-and-honey granola, Greek yogurt in case you’re missing Crete, coffee and pancakes. I’m pretty sure they don’t make those in Greece. And I added a side of bacon to your order because I know it’s your favorite. Enjoy.”

Brittany’s stomach purred. Apart from a mouthful of the muffin Emily had produced, she hadn’t eaten since the flight. “If I eat this I’ll be the size of a small yacht.”

“You’re tired. Fuel will help that. And diet soda isn’t fuel.” Kirsti gave her a knowing look and Brittany returned it with a sheepish grin.

“It was my breakfast of choice in Greece.”

Kirsti shuddered. “I know nothing about Greek history but I’m fairly sure that isn’t part of the traditional Mediterranean diet. Eat your granola.”

As she walked away, Brittany glanced around the crowded terrace. “Business is good? I don’t see many empty seats.”

“Business is good.” Ryan reached across and rescued the soft toy Lizzy had dropped.

Looking at the plush puffin, Brittany knew instantly where it had come from. “Rachel had a million of those when she was little.”

“Because she kept losing them and couldn’t sleep without one.”

Knowing that Ryan’s experience of raising his younger siblings had left him with a thirst for a child-free existence, Brittany was surprised by the change in him. “How is Alec? Is he in London at the moment?”

“No, he’s back. Had a drink with him last night. Zach joined us.” Ryan picked up his coffee. “He has your backpack. He’s going to return it.”

“He already did.” Not wanting to dwell on the fact she’d screamed like a baby and then stood in front of him naked, Brittany picked up her spoon and dug it into the granola and yogurt. “There’s no need to look so worried. Our relationship was over a long time ago. I can barely remember it.”

Ryan gave her a steady look but said nothing and she felt a rush of gratitude.

He’d been a good friend to her.

In those few initial weeks after Zach had deserted her, he’d been the one to pick up the pieces.

With his help and the help of her friends and grandmother, she’d healed.

And gradually she’d forced herself to accept the truth.

Zach had never loved her.

He wasn’t capable of it. He wasn’t capable of intimacy or sharing or any of the things that went hand in hand with love.

Brittany looked down at her plate and realized she’d eaten the food without noticing it. “Maybe I was hungrier than I thought.” She looked up just as Ryan reached out and stroked Emily’s cheek with his fingers.

They shared a look that reminded Brittany of Nik and Lily.

Everyone was in love, she thought numbly. Everyone was holding hands and exchanging long looks.

Unsettled, she finished her coffee and stood up. “Thanks for breakfast. I need to pick up a few things at the harbor. See you later.”

She walked out of the Ocean Club, enjoying the view of the bay. After the sweltering heat of Greece in August she was grateful for the sea breeze. High above, the gulls circled, hopeful of an impromptu meal delivered by careless tourists.

The Captain Hook was leaving on its late-morning trip to the mainland, its squat bulk and red paint making it instantly recognizable. Knowing that this was the busiest time of the year for John, the harbormaster, she didn’t pause to talk to him and was surprised when he came striding across to her.

“Hi, John! I saw the boat you made Lizzy. It’s beautiful! It’s good to see you after— Oh.” She staggered as he pulled her into a giant bear hug. She’d known him since before she could walk, but this was the first time she could ever remember him hugging her. “That’s nice.” The words were muffled against his shoulder and then he released her, his eyes fierce.

“You’ve been away too long. I hope this time you’ll stay awhile. No more of those flying visits.”

“I was working, John. I was on a dig in Greece, and before that I was studying.”

“I know. Oxford and Cambridge. Doctor Forrest. The night Ryan and Alec told us, we all raised a glass up at the Ocean Club.”

“You did?” Surprised and touched, Brittany felt a rush of affection for the islanders.

“We always knew you’d do great things. Kathleen would have been proud of you.” His voice was gruff. “And all I can say is I’m sorry. A good girl like you deserves better.”

Confused, Brittany looked at him blankly. “Er—better than what?”

“Better than coming home with so many achievements to celebrate and finding that cheating ex-husband of yours living on your island.”

Her stomach lurched.

“He didn’t cheat, John, and it’s not my island. He has a perfect right to be here.”

“You were here first. And you’re local. You belong here.”

As a child it had both fascinated and offended her principles that people had to “earn” the right to be accepted on Puffin Island. As far as she was concerned, people had a right to come and go as they pleased and the place would be all the better for the variety.

“There’s room for both of us.”

“I hear he was the one who flew you from the mainland.”

It was inevitable that the manner of her arrival would have been the subject of local gossip, but still the thought of it grated over her skin like sandpaper. “He did.”

“That must have shaken you up some.”

She chose to deliberately misunderstand. “Not at all. The weather was smooth and Zach is an excellent pilot.” He’d been a lousy excuse for a friend and an even worse husband but she didn’t intend to discuss that with anyone, no matter how much they probed and how much she loved them. She tried to turn the conversation. “How are you, John?”

“I’m good, considering. Must have been awkward for you, seeing him again. By my calculation you haven’t laid eyes on the man since he left you all those years ago.”

“That’s why it wasn’t awkward. It was so long ago I barely remember it. I appreciate how much you all care, but no one needs to worry about me. Good to see you, John. I have to pick up a few things from Harbor Stores before I go back to the cottage.” She extracted herself from the inquisition, crossed the road and bumped into Hilda, who had been a close friend of her grandmother’s.

“Hilda!” Genuinely pleased to see her, she gave the old lady a warm hug. “How are you doing? I hear Agnes has moved near you. I bet the two of you never stop talking.”

“Talking with friends is one of life’s pleasures, especially now that my hips won’t let me rush anywhere. Can’t even run away from a handsome man, not that there are too many chasing me these days.” Hilda patted her arm. “And on that topic, I just want you to know we’re all watching him so you don’t need to worry.”

“Watching him?”

“After the way he treated you last time—” Hilda gave her a fierce look that would have repelled the most determined invader. “If he puts a foot out of line, we’re going to deal with him. There are some who have forgiven him everything because he flew that child to the hospital when no one else would, but as far as I’m concerned, he still has to prove himself. And if you ask me, Ryan should be a bit more careful in picking his friends.”

There was no need to ask who she was talking about and Brittany sighed. “Hilda—”

“Don’t you worry yourself. You live your life and leave it to us. We’ve got your back, honey.”

“I’m trying to live my life, Hilda, but people keep—”

“Caring.” Hilda patted her hand. “It’s the least we can do. Protecting our own is one of the perks of island life. Welcome home, pumpkin. Your grandmother would be proud.”

Feeling eight years old, Brittany gave a weak smile. “Thanks, Hilda. You take care now. And please don’t worry about me. It was a long time ago and I have no feelings for him.” She fled and took refuge inside Harbor Stores.

Holy crap.

No wonder so many people left and moved to the mainland. If it carried on like this, she’d be joining them.

If there was one thing she hated it was pity. She’d all but drowned in it after Zach had left her. And what did Hilda mean when she said they were watching him?

She had visions of the islanders setting up a roster to monitor the exact movements of her ex-husband. If it hadn’t been so frustrating it would be funny.

Dropping soap into her basket, she glanced into the street to check no one she knew was about to come into the store.

“Well, if it isn’t Brittany Forrest Flynn.”

Recognizing the female voice, Brittany closed her eyes.

She should have stayed in bed.

Pinning a smile on her face, she turned. “It’s just Forrest these days. I dropped the Flynn.”

“No one would blame you for that, seeing as he dropped you first.”

Definitely should have stayed in bed.

“Hello, Mel. How are you?”

“Better than you, I should think.” Mel Parker, who had been at school with her and now ran Harbor Stores with her parents, eyed her wrist. “I heard you were injured. I’m guessing that’s what happens when you do a dangerous job. I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark a while back. And Lara Croft. Looks like an exciting way to earn a living, archaeology. And dangerous.”

“Well, those are both movies, obviously, and movies remove most of the boring parts. Weeks of people excavating the same piece of earth and finding nothing doesn’t make for gripping viewing.”

“But you broke your wrist.” Mel looked at Brittany’s cast in awe and admiration and Brittany decided she’d better spell out the detail or the next time she came into town she’d be hearing stories about how she’d been chased by natives with a massive boulder rolling towards her.

“I was talking to someone and tripped.” In fact she’d been laughing so hard at one of Spyros’s jokes, she hadn’t looked where she was putting her feet. “I fell into the trench.”

Mel’s eyes went round. “That sounds awful. Were there snakes?”

“No. No snakes. And no angry natives.” Just Spy, also laughing so hard that it had taken him a moment to realize she’d actually broken something. “Sorry to disappoint. And anyway, I don’t mind snakes. Just spiders.”

“We were all real sorry to hear the news.”

“That’s kind of you, Mel, but it will heal.”

“I wasn’t talking about that news. I was talking about Zachary.” The girl’s voice lowered and she glanced around the empty store, even though both of them knew that a store crowded with people wouldn’t have stopped her gossiping.

Deciding it was time to move this reunion on, Brittany dropped several cans of tomatoes that she didn’t need into her basket. “Everything is fine, Mel.”

“Can’t see how it can be fine when you’re living with your cheating ex under your nose.”

Brittany frowned. “He didn’t cheat.”

Why did everyone keep saying that?

“Oh, that’s right, he just upped and left. I guess that’s almost worse.” Clearly not in any hurry to return to the demands of her job, Mel pondered the severity of the crime. “Mom always says that when a man leaves you for another woman, then all it means is he met someone he liked more and you weren’t right for each other, but when a man leaves you for no one in particular, it means he didn’t like being with you enough to stay. That’s got to hurt.”

Brittany contemplated swinging her good arm and decided she didn’t want to be arrested on her first proper day back on the island. “Or it means we were both too young to be married.”

“You were young.” Mel leaned against the aisle, settling in for a long chat. “And to think we were all jealous, because you were the one who caught his eye. We all wanted Zach to be our first. Who wouldn’t? The man was sex on a stick. I still remember the rumors about just how good he was in the bedroom.” She looked at Brittany expectantly, clearly waiting for confirmation and juicy details.

“Nice meeting up with you again, Mel.” She snatched toothpaste and shampoo without looking at the brand and headed to the checkout.

“I’ll ring those up for you.” Suddenly efficient, Mel walked behind the counter. “Zach comes in here sometimes so if you’re looking to avoid him, just send me a text and I can warn you if he’s here. You won’t want to be anywhere near the man.”

“I don’t need warning and I’m not trying to avoid him. I’m just trying to live my life.” And that was turning out to be a thousand times harder than she’d expected. She was tempted to abandon her purchases and run. “But thank you for caring.”

“Thought it might be awkward, what with you making such a giant fool of yourself and all. Throwing in college, marrying the man. You always were a romantic, and so in love with him. Which just goes to prove that even smart people can be stupid when it comes to love.”

“I don’t think—”

“If it were me, I might have forgiven the fact he hadn’t bought me a ring.” Mel bagged up the purchases. “I’m not sure I’d have been so forgiving if a man had left me after my wedding night.”

Great. No doubt the whole island had been speculating that Brittany Forrest was bad in bed.

“It wasn’t my wedding night.”

“Oh, that’s right, he waited ten nights.” She gave Brittany a knowing look and Brittany waited for her to voice the implication hovering in the air.

Ten nights to see if she would improve and when she hadn’t, he’d walked.

Was that what they were all saying?

It horrified her to think of people talking about it and speculating about something so personal.

“I appreciate your concern and deep interest in my life, Mel, but it was a long time ago.”

“He’s still sexy as hell, though. And now he has money. No one knows exactly how he came by it, of course, but who cares?” Mel sighed and stared dreamily out the window, her feelings for Zach visible on her face.

Brittany frowned. “I would care, but I don’t think for a moment that he—”

“The way he flew that little girl through that storm when she was sick and no one else would? There’s a touch of a hero inside him. I’ve always said that what he needs is the right woman.” It was obvious she thought she might be that woman. “I mean, he’s single and all, and I’m guessing you’re not interested.” She eyed Brittany closely, looking for visual signs of inner trauma, and Brittany held her gaze and her temper.

“I’m not interested, Mel. He’s all yours. I moved on a long time ago.”

But it seemed no one else had.

Apparently it wasn’t just with Zach that she had to keep up the pretense that she didn’t care, it was with most of the island.

“If you change your mind about me texting you when he’s in town, just let me know. He’s living over at Camp Puffin, but I expect you already know that.”

No, she hadn’t known that. She hadn’t got as far as wondering where he was living.

As long as it wasn’t next door to her, she didn’t care.

She was already exhausted and she’d been home less than twenty-four hours.

Ignoring Brittany’s silence, Mel decided this was information that needed to be disclosed. “Seems Philip Law is helping him out again, like he always does. Zach showed up here a couple of months ago, bold as brass. Flew his plane in, didn’t explain himself to anyone.”

“Why would he need to explain? He’s like a son to them.”

“Molly Noakes told me they hadn’t heard from him in months. Then one day he just shows up like he has a perfect right to be here.”

“He does have a perfect right to be here. Puffin Island isn’t private.”

“Folks were speculating on why he was back. Last thing we all heard, he was flying in Alaska. And now he has his own plane.” Mel leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I heard a rumor he might have stolen it, but I’m guessing not.”

Brittany stared at the girl who had sat across from her in the classroom and paid more attention to the boys than the teacher. “I’m guessing you’re right.”

She ignored the niggle of guilt that came from knowing she’d also wondered how he’d come to own a plane.

“He’s flying people with money. Real money. Charging a fortune. If you’d waited to divorce him, you might be a rich woman now. Could have bought yourself that diamond ring he never gave you.”

Brittany had studied weapons through the ages and found none more effective for inducing pain than the barb of the female tongue.

“Thanks, Mel. Great to see you again.”

Get me out of here.

Desperate to escape before any more locals came in to do their shopping and gossip, she strode through the store, her eyes fixed on the exit.

The doors slid open at her approach and she quickened her pace, her strides just short of running.

Determined not to catch anyone’s eye she kept her head down.

And collided with the solid wall of muscle that was Zach.