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I sit there in silence, unable to even form words because Sully— Did he just say he loves me? That's what love at first sight means, isn't it?

He places his palms on his knees and shoves to his feet, lowering until he can bus a kiss across my forehead.

"Jas texted about five minutes ago. She's on her way with your stuff."

Am I really going to stay here after that confession of his, though? Can I? Do I dare?

I dig into the plate, stuffing my mouth full to keep from rambling nonsense or asking questions I'm not sure I'm ready to hear the answers to. After a lot of chewing, I manage to focus on my sister's arrival. "I'm glad Jas is bringing my things. I'll need them to get back to work."

I peek at Sully long enough to see his mouth and expression tighten into a dark glower, but I ignore him. I will not be kept hostage for long. And I can't think about what he just admitted when he's still in the same room or house.

I'll stay long enough for the soreness and dizziness and headache to fade completely, but I won't allow Thad's release to control my life or frighten me out of living it. Or working. The robbery might be completely unrelated to the other things. A random act of violence aimed at profiting from Ty's good fortune and hard work at keeping an island business thriving over some lean years of hurricanes and economic downturns.

But until then I will rest. "Aren't you going to eat?"

I can tell my comment about going back to work bothers Sully, but he doesn't say anything. He's about to sit down with a plate of food when the doorbell rings. He sets it on the coffee table and goes to answer it.

I watch him and then choke on the food in my mouth when I see him stepping back with a gorgeous flower delivery. I can't help the way I tense all over or the pain that results when my sore muscles cry out in response.

But worse? Sully notices.

He sees me and the stupid, instinctive reaction, and his nostrils flare in anger. A flush forms high along his cheekbones, and his jaw locks in a tight clamp that makes me worry for his teeth.

I shift, sliding my gaze away the moment he says, "They're from Gabe and Bronwyn. And don't think I didn't just see your response. We'll discuss that and you returning to work later, though."

Discuss it later? Like he has a say? "My life is my own, Sully. You'd best keep that in mind," I say more firmly than I feel. Because inside? I'm quaking. Shaking like an earthquake is happening within. All from the fact I'm setting a boundary with a man I don't know well, which means I don't know how he'll respond. Will he yell? Throw things? Punch a wall? More?

Will it mean an automatic blow up and argument? I hope so. I hope it does if he's the type, so I don't waste my time or hopes on a man like the one I sent to jail.

I refuse to allow another person to rule me and my decisions. I allowed it once out of stupid naivete that disguised the lies as love. That Thad controlling aspects of my life was his way of protecting me. Looking out for me. Guiding me with his worldly experience over my sheltered existence.

No, he isolated me. Damaged me emotionally to the point I second guessed everything. Until I didn't believe in my ability to make my own decisions, because according to him? I wasn't capable. I wasn't smart enough. I needed him. I couldn't do anything without him. He was the reason I survived in the world because without him, I wouldn't be able to.

I was nothing without him. His money. His input. His decision-making. I was nothing while he⁠—

"Look at me."

The order breaks my spiral and jerks me back into the here and now. I forcibly slow my breathing and inhale more deeply, more slowly.

"That's it. These are pretty, yeah? They smell good, too."

I focus on the beautiful arrangement to center myself and counter the upset I see in Sully. His upset at my response, and— I wonder how we'll get through the trauma left by my past. Is it even possible?

The flowers are a breathtaking mix of roses, lilies, a few others I can't name and greenery. They smell heavenly, and I lightly run my fingertips over the soft petals when he sets them on the coffee table in front of me.

"Eat," he orders in a terse tone.

I shoot him a glare and salute him, earning a grunt of response. And a wry twist of his gorgeous lips. It's my fault, though, and I blame myself for automatically thinking the flowers were from Thad.

Over the course of the afternoon, more flower arrangements arrive, most of them from Sea Glass Florals here on the island, but a few from florists off island. Edible goodies arrive from London's Lattes and Itty-Bitty Bakery as well.

Word has obviously spread of the attack and robbery, and the island locals have taken up arms and are responding with kindness. I've prepped food for them or bartended for all these people over time, and I'm beyond touched that this is their response. This is home. And I won't take it for granted again.

But they also apparently know I'm here at Sully's, because why else would the items be delivered here? I'm not sure how I feel about that. About me staying with Sully being so public. The island is a gossip mill, and I'm sure there is talk about me being here. Am I ready for that? Is he?

All the flirting in the world doesn't mean we're there yet. Or that there will be a future for us. Being with Sully is something I have to take a day at a time. And with all island eyes watching, it will be harder if things end. No matter how they end.

Sully shows me around the cottage and the spare bedroom. I gaze longingly at the bed. So much so that Sully suggests I rest some more, and I don’t argue.