Read Online The Temporary Mrs. King by Maureen Child - Free Book Online

the chemical makeup of our lovely island and how it reacted to those now long-dead volcanoes.”
    Sean looked up at the man and smiled. “Sounds like you’ve given that speech before.”
    The man relaxed a bit and returned the smile. “Often,” he agreed. “But honestly, most people only care about the stone itself, not how it was formed.”
    â€œThe stone is pretty, but the craftsmanship of this ring is amazing,” Sean said, picking up a ring that had several of the topazes set into a gold band that was etched and detailed so beautifully, it almost looked like lace.
    â€œAh, yes.” James nodded. “The artist is local, and her work is truly breathtaking. Her designs are always in demand.”
    â€œI can see why,” Sean told him, and took a closer look at the ring. It was small, but then Melinda’s fingers were long and narrow. It would probably fit and if it didn’t, she could bring it back in here and the artist could size it for her. “I’ll take this one.”
    James gave him a smile and nodded. “I think Melinda will be pleased with your choice.”
    â€œHope so,” Sean told him.
    â€œI’ll just give it a final polish and box it for you.” He was still smiling, but Sean dismissed that as a shopkeeper’s pleasure in making a sale.
    â€œThat’d be great, thanks.” Sean pulled out his wallet and handed over his credit card. “I’ve got to say I’m a little surprised at the price though. Not that I’m complaining, but you could probably get a lot more for that kind of craftsmanship.”
    James shrugged again and took out a polishing cloth. “We’re a small island with a limited supply of customers.”
    Sean leaned both hands on the glass case and watched the man’s reaction as he asked, “How would you like it if there were more tourists coming to the island?”
    â€œI know about the hotel you’re planning to build, if that’s what you’re asking,” James said with a wink.
    Sean grinned. “Island gossip chain?”
    â€œAbsolutely,” the man told him. “You’ll find that nothing stays a secret for long on Tesoro.”
    â€œOkay,” Sean said with a nod. “So, how do you feel about it?”
    â€œCautiously optimistic,” the man said. “I’ve always agreed with Walter on his no cruise ship stance.” He shuddered a little as he said, “I don’t like the idea of Tesoro being overrun with thousands of people. But a luxury resort is something different, isn’t it?”
    â€œYeah, it is. Fewer people,” Sean said. “Fewer disruptions and a lighter impact on the environment.”
    â€œIt will still be change,” James told him, tucking the ring into a cream-colored velvet box and snapping the lid closed, “but not all change is bad.”
    â€œI think you’ll be pleased,” Sean told him.
    â€œI hope so,” James said and rang up the sale. When he was finished, he gave Sean his receipt and said with a grin, “I hope Melinda likes the ring.”
    â€œThanks.” Sean’s fist closed over the small box. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
    â€œAbsolutely. I’ll be at the wedding.”
    Chuckling, Sean nodded and headed for the door. “Along with everyone else on the island?”
    â€œExactly.”
    Sean stepped outside, still smiling ruefully. Of course every resident of Tesoro would be at the wedding. The place was so small, they probably all thought of each other as family. The island was a world away from his everyday life. In California, there were so many people, so much… noise , a man could hardly hear himself think. He had always liked that—or at least, he had been comfortable with it. Where he lived, in Sunset Beach, he didn’t know his neighbors more than to exchange a nod with them in passing. His brothers were