Chapter 18Stella
Chapter Eighteen
Stella
As golden light poured through my window, I stretched luxuriously. Over the past two weeks, Aiden and I had spent as much time together as our dissimilar schedules would allow. He mentioned implementing evening hours at his clinic one day a week to give him an extra morning off, and I’d been incredibly touched.
He just shrugged in that self-effacing way he had. “It’s good for patients too. Lots of people struggle to make daytime appointments. I’ll look into it some more.” Then he closed the distance between us, his mouth so close to mine I could feel his breath. “If changing up clinic hours gives us more time together, I’m not complaining.”
Grinning, I turned on my side and stared at the empty spot next to me. He’d left before dawn. Now it was after 8:00 a.m., and still languid from his embrace, I stretched beneath the cool sheets, reliving the way he had explored me, assured and incredibly in tune with what I wanted. What made me bite my lip to keep from screaming. My skin still tingled from where his lips had wandered. I sighed into the new day, reluctant to leave the bed, but the thought of coffee finally lured me downstairs.
I received a distraction as soon as I walked into the kitchen, where Dad was eating breakfast. I’d barely smiled a greeting at him when a smoke gray cat with vivid green eyes padded up to me and rubbed against my legs. “Pilar! You’re back from the whorehouse. Well done.”
I laughed and scooped up our cat as Dad looked up from his plate, frowning. “I would hardly call the Hemingway House a brothel.”
Still grinning, I stroked her head as she purred in my arms. “Did you just get back with her?”
He nodded. “Yes, yesterday evening. I got confirmation the deed had been accomplished multiple times and I could collect her again. Hopefully, we’ll have more Hemingway kittens in two to three months.”
One of our Markham ancestors had been friends with the great writer and been gifted one of his famous six-toed felines. We’d kept up the bloodline ever since, breeding our cats with those located at the Key West estate to keep bloodlines fresh. And now hopefully Pilar would carry on the tradition. I gently deposited her on the wooden floor, and she padded out of the room.
“Oh, how exciting! I love kittens.” I fetched a mug from the cabinet, throwing a smile at chef Martin, who was already preparing my oatmeal and fresh fruit. I filled my cup and took a seat adjacent to Dad. “I’m surprised you’re still here. No fishing charter to lead this morning?”
“No, I scheduled myself a day off.” He shrugged, putting his fork down and giving me his full attention. “I’ll head down to the fishing shed and tie some flies soon.”
He looked years younger since he’d started leading our fishing charters, releasing the mantle of resort leadership to my brother. “Gabe had a great idea with the fishing charters. Though I hardly get to see you anymore.”
“I’m always around anytime you need me.” His eyes gleamed with the same adventurous spirit that mirrored my own.
“I know you are. You always have been.”
“The reservation book at Orchid has really filled up,” he said with a smile. “Coinciding with when you took over as chef.”
I tried to look demure and sipped my coffee. “The staff is great.”
He grinned at me. “I think we both know it’s more than that.” A gust of wind blew in through the open kitchen window and I slammed my hand down on a napkin to keep it from flying away. “Good thing that storm went south. Well, good for us anyway. Hopefully, we have a calm storm season this year.”
At the same time, we both rapped our knuckles on the wooden table. I laughed, though hurricane season was no joking matter, and we were in July now. “Thefts and hurricanes would just be too much to deal with. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a nice, calm summer.”
Dad nodded and sipped his coffee. “You’ll get no argument from me.”
The sky outside was a stunning crystal blue and a light breeze wafted through the trees. “Looks like excellent fishing weather out there.”
He nodded. “The last week has been as good as it gets. The people on my charters positively gush about your daily catch specials.”
I reached out and squeezed his forearm, grateful for these rare mornings when the world seemed to pause just for us. He and I had come up with an idea a while back, and it occurred to me that now was a perfect opportunity to discuss it. “Do you think you’d be able to catch enough every morning for us to serve at Orchid? I love the idea of the family connection to my signature dish, and I’m sure guests will too.”
Dad nodded. “That shouldn’t be too difficult. And if for some reason I come up short, you can always get more from one of our suppliers. Orchid has always been known for its connection to the sea, and you’ve taken that to a whole new level. ”
“I love working with the challenge the daily catch presents. Every day is different and a new chance to shine. It’s the perfect dish to make my reputation with.”
“And you certainly have, sweetie. Your mother would be so proud of you.”
“Thanks. I’d like to think so.” I smiled softly, the distant memory of her laughter like a warm blanket around my shoulders. “I miss her.”
“Me too, kiddo. Me too.”
We sat in companionable silence for a while, the only sound being the sharp squawks of seabirds outside and the occasional clink of silverware. No matter how busy life got or how far apart we were, these shared silences always brought us back together.
“If you don’t mind me butting into your business,” Dad said, breaking the silence as he took a sip of his coffee, “How are things between you and Aiden?” He’d had breakfast here a couple of times, but so far we hadn’t managed to arrange our schedules for a family dinner.
Soon.
I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Aiden—his blue eyes that seemed to see right through me, his laugh that reverberated in my own chest.
“Things are going well.” I smiled as Martin set my breakfast in front of me, but I wasn’t about to discuss my sex life with my dad. “We’re both more mature now and have a little more perspective on life.”
“Is it serious?” His brow arched, curiosity etched in the creases of his weathered face.
I stirred my oatmeal, considering how to answer. “It’s… messy and tangled.”
“Messy and tangled can be good. Keeps life interesting.”
“Maybe.” I sighed, my thoughts swirling. “We’re both trying to establish careers here. I don’t want to get involved seriously, and Aiden needs to focus on his medical practice. I’m lasered in on my goal, always reaching, while Aiden is trying to mix pleasure with his business. He even lives on a sailboat he’s restoring. In some ways, we aren’t alike at all.”
Though I enjoyed the nights I spent on his boat, the cabin was cramped and stuffy. We’d spent a night on deck, snuggled under blankets and under a starlit sky, which had been absolute heaven. But Aiden’s living situation seemed… tenuous, not in character with a man wanting to set down permanent roots in Dove Key.
“Your mother and I were night and day, Stella. She was all fire and passion, and I was content to let the world come to me. We ran a busy resort together and had five children along the way.” He reached across the table, covering my hand with his. “Work and love can coexist, you know.”
“I just don’t want to get sidetracked from what I’m trying to accomplish at Orchid.” My career was my identity. And Aiden, with his cautious nature and intense focus on his medical practice, seemed like another world away.
“Listen,” he continued, “just remember that taking risks is part of living. Your mother never hesitated to dive into life headfirst. I see her spirit in you every day.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I said, warmth spreading through my chest. His belief in me was a buoy I could always count on.
“I spoke to Hunter yesterday.” Dad’s voice was casual, but his eyes held a hint of concern. “He’s worried about the thefts at Orchid and is thinking about coming down to look into it himself.”
I nodded, swirling the last of my coffee in the cup. “Yeah, we talked about it too.”
There had recently been another theft, this one a glass sculpture that had stood near the entrance to Orchid. Right next to the path where the landscapers were adding a flower bed. I scowled at my oatmeal.
My father eased out a sigh. “As much as I want to see him again, I don’t like the thought that petty theft is what is inspiring his visit. I hate the idea that we might need a security presence here. ”
“Me too, but it’s kind of the way of the world now. If Hunter comes down for a visit, maybe we should do something… fun.” The idea came to me like a sudden breeze. “A pool party? Get everyone together. It could be another chance for him to reconnect with Evan too.”
“That could work.” The corners of his eyes crinkled with his smile. “As long as Evan doesn’t push them both into the pool this time.”
“I think he’s still pretty appalled about that. This could be an opportunity to put that episode behind them for good, and maybe even the accident too.” Excitement rippled within me.
“Don’t get your hopes up too high,” Dad said quietly. “There’s a lot of water under that bridge. But you’re right—it’s a great idea. Nothing brings family together like food, sun, and a pool.”
“Maybe Hunter can put the pieces together regarding Ben and the thefts.”
Dad folded his arms, his eyebrows knitting together. “I’m looking into security cameras. But you need to be careful—I heard about your altercation with Ben. Don’t go confronting anyone about this again.”
I sighed, knowing he was right. “I just hate sitting back and doing nothing.”
“I know, and I love that fire in you. But if anything else goes missing…” He paused, meeting my gaze with a mix of sternness and affection. “It’s time to call the police. Agreed?”
“Okay, Dad.” I conceded the point, not completely convinced but willing to drop it for now.
“We’ll see what Hunter has to say. Now I’m off to tie some flies. And make sure my big rods are in good condition so I can catch enough to feed an entire restaurant.” He pushed to his feet, planting a kiss on my forehead before heading out to his fishing shed.
I took a fresh cup of coffee outside, the flagstone patio still cool beneath my bare feet. The pool’s surface rippled gently as it reflected the clear blue sky. Wanting a distraction from family drama and petty thefts, I dialed Aiden’s number. Even though I wasn’t sure where I wanted our relationship to go, I missed him already. Missed the warmth and sexiness in the tone of voice he used with me.
“Hey there, gorgeous.” His deep voice was a balm, instantly soothing me. “What’s up?”
“It’s a gorgeous morning, and I had an irresistible urge to hear your voice.”
“Mmm. I like the sound of that.” A smile raised my lips as he laughed. “I have an irresistible urge for more than just your voice, and I’ve been running over an idea in my head. When was the last time you went diving?”
“I’ve been thinking about that! I can’t even remember.”
“Well, I happen to have two sets of gear on my boat. How about you join me for a sail and dive?” There was a hint of something more in his voice, an invitation I couldn’t resist.
“That sounds like the perfect date,” I replied without hesitation. “How about Sunday? I have that night off.”
“And I have the day off. Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?”
We both laughed and my toes curled at the rich sound of his. “Can’t wait.”
I felt like a stupid, giddy teenager, and I didn’t care. After we ended the call, the corners of my lips still curled upward. Except the idea of diving left me with a rather large problem. Jumping to my feet, I headed down the hill toward the resort.
The dive shop always smelled of neoprene, a pungent scent that reminded me of happy times as a child. Maia was elbow-deep in a crate of new masks when I walked in, her long hair loose over her shoulders and back—every bit the siren of the sea.
“Hey, mermaid.” I leaned against the glass counter laden with colorful brochures of underwater adventures.
“Landlubber,” she shot back without looking up. “What brings you to my watery kingdom?”
“I need a favor.” I shifted from one foot to the other. “A refresher course in scuba. It’s been a while. ”
“Oh! You’re going diving?” Maia quirked an eyebrow, finally giving me her full attention.
“Maybe. Well, yeah.” Staring at the brochures, I tried to avoid her knowing gaze.
“Spill it, Stella. Is this about Aiden?”
I sighed, sitting on a stool. “We’re going diving on Sunday.”
“Keeping things casual, huh?” Her voice was laced with mischief as she began sorting through the masks.
“Yes,” I confirmed, trying my best to sound nonchalant. “Just casual.”
Maia let out a peal of laughter that bounced off the tanks and wetsuits lining the walls. “Yeah, so were Gabe and April. Who are now married, I might add.”
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Well, Aiden and I are not them.”
“Sure, sis.” She winked at me and stood, walking behind the glass counter. “I’ll get you sorted, don’t worry.”
She ran a finger down her computer terminal, studying the schedule. “Okay, how about Friday morning? I can have Nona watch Skye for a few hours, and you don’t need to start work until the afternoon.”
“That’s perfect. Thanks, Maia. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Anytime.” She paused, her eyes still dancing. “If you’re happy, I’m happy. Besides, I don’t want you dying on me.”
“Jeez, way to increase my confidence!” Despite my words, a rush of affection for my sister washed over me. “And who knows? Maybe a little adventure is just what I need.”
She waggled her brows. “Or maybe, it’s what you both need.”