His friend scoffs, and they move to the snack aisle.
“Don’t zone out,” Hannah says, waving a pack of buns in front of my face. “Let’s get back to Scott.”
I bite my lip, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up my neck. The memory of Scott’s deep voice and large presence lingers. I can’t shake the memory of the tingles that ran up my body when he held me after the dive. It’s unnerving how quickly he’s gotten under my skin.
“Fine.” I lower my voice. “The dive was fun. He… surprised me.”
“How so?”
I run my fingers along the cart’s handle. “He’s not the stern, no-nonsense leader I thought he was. There’s more to him. He’s careful, reliable, but…” I can’t find the right words.
“But hot,” Hannah supplies with a grin.
I laugh despite myself. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Sure, sure. If you say so, Maddie,” she teases, nudging me. “But hey, no judgment here. You two will be terrific together. He’ll keep you from doing anything without a plan, and you’ll make him smile more. It’s win-win.”
I chuckle as she basks me with more of her matchmaking wisdom.
“Oh—nature calls. Can you handle the rest without me?” She’s already rushing off.
I push the cart forward, scanning the shelves for skewers.
A soft voice interrupts.
“Excuse me.”
I glance up. A young woman stands at the end of the aisle. Her blond hair is pulled into a sleek ponytail. She’s dressed nicely but looks out of place in the store. Her expression is polite yet tinged with discomfort. She seems afraid to be here.
“Are you Maddie Carter?” she asks.
I freeze. “Yes, that’s me. Can I help you?”
She stares at me in an intimate, unnerving way.
“I thought it might be you. I’ve… heard of you. Your brother was Nathan Carter.”
The mention of Nathan jolts me. “He was. Did you know him?”
She studies me, then jumps when she hears something nearby and her eyes flick toward the store’s front doors before returning her gaze to me.
“I’m sorry to bother you. I just wanted to meet you and say… I’m sorry. Nathan was… important to me.”
She looks back at the doors.
“I should go.” She turns and starts to walk away. “I hope you’re enjoying yourself on the island.”
“Wait.” I step forward, but she’s already retreating outside, her steps quick and purposeful.
I hesitate, deciding whether to go after her or stay and wait for Hannah. I rush outside, but she’s already gone.
Hannah is waiting for me when I get back inside. “What happened?”
“It was strange,” I mumble, my thoughts racing.
“This woman came up to me. She knew who I was and told me Nathan was important to her. Before I could ask her anything, she left in a panic.”
“What did she look like?”
