“Feel what?”
“Like we’re being watched.”
Robert lowered his voice. “You mean like the rag magazine dirtbags?”
“Uh-huh.”
“There’s no one around. Maybe you need to get out more.”
She pointedly changed the subject and began discussing New Year’s Eve. Robert confirmed what he’d already told her—he was heading to New York to ring in the new year.
“You’re missing out. You know how much fun New York City is during the holidays.”
“Actually, I think a nice, quiet New Year’s Eve will suit me fine.” Harlow stabbed a piece of lettuce and took a bite. “Are you flying out this afternoon?”
“I had planned to.” Robert looked away.
“Planned to?”
“I might hang around for another day or so,” he answered evasively.
“Why?”
“I…have a new project I’m working on and figured I could work here as easily as in New York.”
Harlow suspected his “new project” might be none other than Cheyenne Clifton. “A new project for me?” She couldn’t resist, feeling a snippet of satisfaction at paying him back for signing her up with Flynn by putting him on the spot.
“It’s more of a personal project.”
“Hmm.” Harlow took another bite of salad. “Although the Grand Hotel has closed for the season, there are some other nice hotels in town. Which one are you staying at?”
“Clifton Manor.”
“Clifton Manor,” she repeated. “I’ve never been inside, but I hear it’s one of the more upscale places to stay.”
“It’s no LA or New York high-end hotel, but it offers some luxury touches.” Robert began talking about another deal he was salivating over, one that was still in the planning stages. Clearly, her ex’s goal was to get as many deals under contract as possible before their management agreement expired.
The meal ended, and Harlow slipped her coat on. “Happy New Year, Robert.”
“Happy New Year, Harlow.” His cell phone chimed for a third time, all texts he’d received in less than a minute. Robert was careful to keep his phone screen turned away so she couldn’t see, which made her even more curious.
“Is everything all right?” she innocently asked.
“Yes. Fine. I’m working out some details regarding my private project.” Robert paid the lunch tab and led the way out of the restaurant. “Do you need me to call a taxi?”
Harlow pointed to her fat-tire bicycle parked nearby. “I rode over.”
“On the bike?” His eyes widened.
“Yeah. It has winter tires.” She slid her helmet on and secured the chin strap. “It’s a lot faster than waiting for a carriage.”
“Better you than me.” Robert told her to be safe. She secretly suspected it had less to do with him being genuinely concerned for her safety and more about making sure his valuable asset was protected.
With a jaunty wave goodbye, her ex sauntered down the sidewalk in the opposite direction, toward Clifton Manor.
“What a barrel of laughs…not.” Harlow steered her bike onto the street, her mind whirling. Robert was up to something. There was no way he would “hang around” Mackinac Island. It wasn’t his speed…not by a long shot, which meant only one thing—someone was persuading him to extend his visit, and Harlow had every intention of finding out who that person was.
Chapter 13
