Summer Secrets by Barbara Freethy Read Free Book Online

distracted earlier. Otherwise, I would have seen right through you.” Caroline lifted her chin in the air, the gesture filled with bravado.
    Tyler nodded approvingly. “I understand, and I like your style.” But he thought her words had an edge of desperation to them, as if she wanted to make sure he understood that she was smart and capable. He had a feeling Caroline had been trying to prove herself for some time.
    “I don’t care if you like me or you don’t. That’s the end of our discussion. I’m not interested in a story, and my sisters aren’t, either.”
    Tyler considered her words, then leaned forward in his chair. “You know, Miss McKenna, you and your sister are awfully secretive for no apparent reason. Most people who win races love to talk about them.’’
    “So go talk to them.”
    “Can’t. My curiosity is piqued.”
    “Curiosity killed the cat.”
    “Hmm, what should I make of that?”
    “It’s just an expression.” She paused as the waiter set down her mineral water. “I really can’t stay,” she said when they were alone again.
    “Why don’t you have your drink and give me the opportunity to change your mind?”
    “That won’t happen. I’m not as gullible as some people seem to think.”
    “Like Kate,” he said, taking a wild guess.
    “I didn’t say that.”
    “You didn’t have to. You’re the baby sister. Did Kate try to boss you around when you were at sea?”
    Caroline rolled her eyes. “She bosses me wherever we are.”
    “But on a boat, in close quarters, I would imagine not everyone gets to be chief.”
    “Daddy was the chief.”
    “Daddy,” he murmured, taking another sip of his beer. “I met him earlier, you know -- your father. He was three sheets to the wind.”
    “His favorite place to be.” Caroline picked up her glass, running her finger around the edge. “But he’s a good man. He did his best by us. And he did accomplish an amazing feat. People forget that nowadays.”
    Tyler put his elbows on the table and leaned in, sensing he’d just gotten the opening he needed. “They won’t forget if you let me tell the story again, and not just that story, but the one you’re living now. Your father could have it all back, the glory days of his life. What’s the harm in that?” Caroline didn’t reply right away, and he could see the indecision in her eyes. “This could be a good thing for you and your family.”
    Before she could answer, a loud group of men entered the lounge, their voices high and filled with energy.
    “Damn,” Caroline muttered, looking past him. “Just what I need.”
    Tyler followed her gaze to the four men sitting down at a table near the door. “Friends of yours?”
    “Kiwis,” she said.
    Tyler raised an eyebrow. “Are we talking fruit here?”
    “New Zealanders.”
    “Ah. And we don’t like Kiwis?”
    “My father is an Aussie. There’s a long-standing rivalry between Aussies and Kiwis in ocean racing,” she explained, tensing even further as one of the men approached their table.
    “Caroline,” he said in a loud, boisterous voice. “Just the person I was looking for. Did you hear who’s coming to town?”
    “Do I care?”
    “You should. Or at least your father should.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “The Moon Dancer is a last-minute entry in the race. She should be here by Monday.”
    Tyler watched Caroline’s face pale as the news registered. The Moon Dancer was the name of the McKennas’ boat. Now it was back, apparently with a different owner. He didn’t know the significance of this news, but it seemed to disturb Caroline.
    “That’s not possible,” she said.
    “Oh, but it is, and guess who bought it?” The man paused dramatically. “Good old K.C. Wales. I can’t wait to see Duncan’s face when he finds out his nemesis is coming to town on his boat.”
    “He won’t care a bit.”
    The sailor laughed. “Yeah, sure. See you around.”
    “That’s your boat he was talking about, right?”