Chapter 12 #2
Charli giggled at their antics and gave David a nod. “Thanks for the ride and the sunset cruise. I loved it.”
He winked down at her and dropped her hand. “Anytime, angel eyes.”
Jack snorted as Charli stepped onto the dock. He leaned over and untied the boat, then pushed it off with his foot. “Get out of here.”
David huffed. “Guess that’s the thanks I get for helping you out. You’re welcome,” he called out.
Jack waved and turned, placing a hand on Charli’s lower back, and guiding her down the pier.
He nodded to their right toward a restaurant with a wall of windows facing the water and tables laid out strategically on the beach.
“That’s Tropics. Our reservation isn’t for another hour, so I thought we’d get settled in the cottage and then maybe I’ll give you a little tour of the island.
It’s only twenty-seven acres, so it won’t take long. ”
Charli smiled. She couldn’t remember a man ever making her feel so special, like she was the most important person in their lives.
It seemed like he had everything organized down to the last detail, and it warmed her to the core.
The stresses of the past month—an upset former client and her visit with Amelia included—just seemed to melt away. “That sounds perfect.”
They reached the bricked path that wound throughout the island, lit with tiki torches along the way.
Jack threaded his fingers through hers, sending a torrent of butterflies through her stomach and up to her heart.
They reached a round-a-bout and as they took a right, Jack pointed over his left shoulder.
“That’s the pool. If you’re feeling up to it, maybe we can take a swim after dinner. ”
Charli grimaced and looked away, too embarrassed to say anything, but Jack—observant as ever—caught it. She could get nothing past this man.
“What is it?” he asked, leaning toward her.
She wrinkled her nose and pressed her lips together, then sighed. “I didn’t bring a bathing suit.”
He stopped abruptly. “You didn’t?”
She raised her hands in the air. “I have several in Boston, but I didn’t bring any down with me because I honestly didn’t think I’d be down here for more than a few days.”
His face fell and Charli wasn’t sure if it was from the reminder of her life in Boston or the fact that she really didn’t have a bathing suit right at this moment. Then he shook his head. “It’s okay. They’ll have plenty of bathing suits to choose from in the gift shop.”
Her brows rose and her heart melted just a little bit more.
This man literally thought of everything—he was doing all he could to make this weekend special.
Any normal woman would be swooning at this level of attention.
..and while Charli’s jaded heart was nothing close to normal, the affect he had on her was staggering.
She smiled. “Okay. I’m sure the shop is closed for the evening. But I’ll see if I can find something appropriate in the morning.”
He beamed and began walking faster and tugged on her hand. “Come on. We’re almost there.” He gestured with his full hand. “It’s just up here on the right in the private residences.”
Her head tilted as she glanced at him. “Private residences? I thought this was an exclusive island.”
“Well, it is,” he assured her. “But a section of the island has privately-owned cottages that can also be rented out. If you can believe it, they actually receive better concierge service than the resort guests.”
The small white shotgun-style cottage was adorable and situated on the western cove of the island complete with a small, white-sand beach.
The front porch faced west and Charli could already envision herself in one of the rockers watching the sunset.
Two nearby palm trees held a large hammock that looked completely enticing.
“Oh Jack, this place is amazing,” Charli breathed as she glanced around.
“Just wait until you see the inside,” Jack assured her. He grabbed her hand and led her to the front door. “Come on, let me show you.”
Charli gasped when she saw the interior.
It was gorgeously tropical, with a wide open space for the living room, kitchen, and dining room, all trimmed in white and blue décor with lazy palm leaf fans overhead.
A side patio held an additional dining table that faced the west—most likely to enjoy the sunsets.
“We’ll be back here,” Jack announced as he led her to the master bedroom. “This room has a king-size bed and the best bathroom.”
Charli sighed when she saw the floor-to-ceiling glass doorways on the south and western wall, providing an incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico. The large four-poster bed dominated the room and the white and blue tiled bathroom included a massive porcelain tub and a walk-in shower.
“How do you know so much about this place?” she asked.
He smiled as he dropped the bags on the bed. “I renovated the bathrooms for the owner. He had a specific design in mind for the shower and knew I was one of the few contractors in the keys who could get it done on time and on budget.”
He pointed toward the walk-in closet. “You can put your things in there, if you’d like.” He gestured over his shoulder. “There’s something I want to check in the kitchen. I’ll be right back.”
Charli smiled as she watched him leave. She hung up her dresses and laid out the rest of her clothes on the racks.
Glancing around, she noticed that the closet was completely empty, leading her to believe that the owners were rarely in residence.
She grimaced at the thought...if she owned a place like this, she’d never leave.
When she stepped out, she found Jack standing in the middle of the bedroom, holding two wine glasses and a bottle. He grinned at her and held up his hands. “I thought we’d have a little toast before we go to dinner.”
Charli sighed and felt her heart melt completely. It was obvious Jack was going all out this weekend.
I can’t wait to see what he has planned...
* * * *
Jack watched Charli closely throughout dinner, wondering if his plan was working. For the most part, she had been quiet...a little too quiet for his peace of mind. Even now as she stared off into the horizon twirling her wine glass, she didn’t have much to say.
“What are you thinking about?” he murmured as he reached for her hand. He intertwined his fingers with hers and stroked his thumb across her palm.
She glanced at him with a smile and his breath froze in his chest. Her features had softened in the soft light of the tiki torches that lined the beachside tables. Happiness beamed from her in that moment and her purple, expressive eyes were so beautiful that it nearly hurt.
“I’m thinking that you’re right,” she replied softly, returning the caress on his palm.
Jack’s lips twisted into a smile. “To be fair, I usually am,” he teased. “But what did I get right this time?”
Charli laughed and leaned toward him across the table.
“That once you’re here for a week, you never want to leave.
” She glanced out toward the ocean again.
“I can’t remember the last time I felt this calm before.
It feels like I’ve been running at top speed forever, you know?
Getting through law school and trying to climb the ladder at the firm. ..”
She shook her head and continued, “Anyway, I think this is the first time I’ve really relaxed in over a decade.
I’m not thinking about cases and strategy, firm politics, or how to make partner.
” She frowned. “I don’t know how to explain it other than it almost feels like I’m.
..home, like I was meant to be here all along. ”
Jack nodded vigorously and then grimaced.
Way to play it cool, jackass...
He cleared his throat. “It truly is the best place in the world to live, and the best part is that you and I are fortunate enough to have occupations that fit this island perfectly.” He knew he had to tread carefully here, but the urge to push was almost too much to overcome.
“Hmmm?” she asked, tilting her head.
“Well, mine is tailor-made for this island. Renovations and restorations will always be a lucrative business throughout the keys—and really anywhere.”
He took a gulp of his wine, nearly blowing his effort at nonchalance. “As for you, every town needs good lawyers, especially Key West and particularly someone with your experience.”
Charli only grunted and sipped her wine. Her gaze returned to the horizon, her forehead crinkled and mouth flat.
“I was also thinking that I should do some research on your family,” she added absently.
Jack arched a brow. “Research? I can tell you whatever you want to know.”
Charli sniffed. “No, I want to look into Amelia’s family. After reading the entries in the first diary, I thought it would be helpful if I mapped everything out.” She shrugged. “I can’t explain it, but I feel this drive to dig.”
He grunted. “What was in the box?” he asked.
Charli’s gaze swung to his. “What?”
He smiled gently. “Amelia’s box. I assume you looked inside. You never told me what was in there.”
“Oh! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you. I really don’t know where my head is anymore.” Charli’s lips turned up in the corner. “The box is locked and I didn’t want to damage it by trying to pry it open.”
Jack blinked. “Locked? That’s odd.” He took another sip of his wine. “I wonder where the key is.”
Charli shrugged. “My guess would be somewhere in the house—but where, I have no idea. I did read quite a bit of the first diary. Amelia was fifteen then and talks a lot about her family and friends. It’s actually really interesting.” She stopped and pursed her lips, her gaze sharpening.
Jack leaned back in. “What?”
She gave him a lopsided grin. “I just realized this—her older sister, Elizabeth, is your great, great grandmother, right? She’s talking about your family.”
“Add a couple more greats on there, but yes, Elizabeth is my grandmother.”