Page 92 of At First Catch

Five seconds ago, I was standing close enough to Nolan that I could feel the warmth coming off him.

Now Holt’s truck is turning into the parking lot, and I instinctively take half a step away before I even realize I’ve done it.

Or maybe twin-detected-emotional-compromise mode.

Equally dangerous.

Beside me, Nolan goes subtly still in what I’m guessing is a different panic than my own. That calm steadiness in him should not make my pulse soften the way it does, but unfortunately, I’ve reached the point where almost everything Nolan does affects me emotionally now.

Holt climbs out of the truck wearing sunglasses and a faded Coral Bell Cove Fire Department T-shirt stretched across broad shoulders. Rook abandons us to sprint toward him like a furry traitor missile.

“At least someone in this family still loves me,” Holt mutters as the dog launches into him enthusiastically.

I force a casual smile. “Pretty sure the pup belongs to your soon-to-be-wife.”

Holt’s gaze lifts toward me, then his eyes make a beeline for Nolan’s.

Oh no.

That is absolutely the face of a man assembling puzzle pieces internally.

“Morning,” Nolan says evenly.

Holt nods once. “Pierce.”

The marina suddenly feels entirely too warm. Usually Holt and Nolan get along well. Not exactly best friends, but comfortable. Easy. There’s mutual respect there after everything that happened with Lark and the inn.

Today?

Something feels off, and it’s a terrible reminder that my twin has always been very good at watching me.

“You here for inspections?” I ask quickly.

Holt’s eyes narrow behind the sunglasses.

“Dad asked if Nolan had checked the electrical hookups near the fuel dock.”

Translation: he’s absolutely lying.

Holt came because he’s suspicious.

Beside me, Nolan shifts closer. He doesn’t touch me. Doesn’t even look at me. He takes a half step forward until we’re standing shoulder to shoulder. And it feels like being chosen.

This man is going to ruin me.

The silence stretches one second too long, and then Walter Greene appears out of nowhere carrying a biscuit sandwich and detonates the entire situation.

“There’s my favorite marina couple.”

I close my eyes briefly.

Nolan mutters, “Jesus Christ.”

Holt goes completely still.

Walter looks between the three of us, then has the after-though to say, “Oh.”

OH?