Merry Beachmas: A Barefoot WilliamSunkissed Key holiday novella by Kate Angell

Author:Kate Angell [Angell, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kate Angell Books
Published: 2023-12-06T18:30:00+00:00

Danielle sat quietly on a brocade sofa in the conservatory. She exhaled softly. Finally alone. She had yielded to Brogan’s insistence and permitted Max’s mother to examine her injured fingers. The retired nurse believed them sprained, not broken, as Dani had expected. Marlene had come to the island fully prepared for most emergencies, having packed her own medical bag. She had braced three of Dani’s fingers with short, sturdy metal splits. Further suggesting an ice pack be placed atop her hand.

Exhausted from the volleyball game, Dani had requested Brogan not hover and that he give her space. He had hesitantly done so, going as far as placing a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the doorknob. Resting her head on the back of the sofa, she momentarily closed her eyes.

Only to open them with the click of the conservatory door. Someone had disregarded the sign and entered. She glanced back and found Hudson Cole leaning against the French doors. He tilted his head, asked, “Does ‘do not disturb’ include me?”

Hud looked like a big, nervous kid requesting permission to enter. Which was quite polite for him. He was known to barge in where he didn’t always belong. His consideration drew her smile.

She patted the sofa cushion beside her. “Join me.”

He approached her, carrying a tray and walking carefully amid sunshine and shadows reflected in the rounded glass sides and domed ceiling. This was Dani’s favorite room in the mansion. Cushioned wicker armchairs and sofas teamed with cane rocking chairs upholstered in tapestry needlepoint. Nature lived indoors. Hanging and potted plants flourished. Heart-leaf philodendrons scaled one glass wall. A small cluster of potted bamboo palms sheltered the room from the afternoon sun. A lemon tree cast a citrus scent. Hand-painted Limoges vases of freshly cut flowers brightened and fragranced the sun parlor.

Hudson soon eased down beside her. He set the tray on the white marble top coffee table.

“Milk, tea, and cookies?” she noticed.

“It was the best I could do. ‘I’m sorry’ doesn’t cut it.”

She understood his apology. She was touched by his thoughtfulness. “This works,” she said. She flexed her hand.

“I’m feeling better already.”

“Help yourself,” he encouraged.

She leaned forward, selected a macaroon and took a small bite. “One of my favorites.”

“Rizi knew what you liked.”

“You’ve had an opportunity to speak with her then.”

“Our conversations are always short. Sometimes no more than a sentence or two. Today, was different. I got to tell her about myself. The good, bad, and the ugly. She listened.”

“You’re more good than bad, Hud.”

“Brogan calls me a work in progress. Wish I could be more like him. He owns his every thought and action.”

She didn’t want to discuss Brogan. Instead, she finished the macaroon and took a sip of tea. “Perfect,” she told him.

“Are you feeling better?”

“Between you and the cookies, I’m almost back to normal.”

He heaved a sigh, relieved. “That was my goal.”

She caught him staring at the tray, and lightly touched his arm, insisting, “Save me a macaroon and the rest are yours.”

“You’re sure?”

She nodded. “Be my guest.

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