Island Refuge (Wildflower B&B Romance Book 1) (21 page)

“I’m fine, just embarrassed. I didn’t mean to say I was here to steal the B&B’s cook. But since I opened my big mouth, I might as well tell you I knew of her reputation, which is why I choose to stay at the Wildflower.”

He chuckled at the idea of this woman having a big mouth. There was nothing about her that was big, including her pretty mouth. Sure, she was less than six inches shorter than him, but everything else about her was as delicate as the flowers that bloomed in the field behind his house. Oh boy, he’d better change the direction of his thoughts right now. Getting involved with Piper was a
bad
idea.

“What was so funny?” She caught up to him and matched his stride as they exited the woods.

“You calling your mouth big.”

“Oh. That was a figure of speech. I know my mouth is small. When I was a teenager my orthodontist mentioned it every time I had an appointment.”

They came out of the woods into the clearing where they’d left their vehicles. He leaned against his Toyota Tacoma. “You know the way back?”

“I follow this road right?”

“Pretty much. There are signs leading to the B&B now, so you shouldn’t get lost as long as you don’t make a wrong turn.”

“Well, it’s not like this place is huge, and it is an island. I think I’ll be okay. Thanks for the tour.”

“My pleasure.” He dipped his head. “See you around.”

“Hey, could we meet sometime this week? I would like to run my plans past you.”

“But I thought you…” Better not tell her his thoughts yet. He didn’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her she should toss her plans and take a hike. She seemed nice enough and deserved to be heard out. “Sure. I’ll stop by the Wildflower or text you.”

“Thanks.” She hopped behind the wheel, tooted her horn, then drove off.

Too bad Piper Hunt was on a hunting expedition to destroy this island, because under different circumstances, he’d enjoy getting to know her. For now though he had to figure out a way to get her off this island.