Page 14 of Last Ticket to Paradise

“Miguel will put them behind the bar.”

They strolled across the patio and scuffed into the sand. A half moon hung in a sky brilliant with stars. Jake’s hand brushed Georgette’s, and she folded her arms.

Other couples glided along the shore, each merging into one figure, or snuggled on blankets tossed across the sand.

Georgette stared out at the inky water, creased with lines of bubbling white foam. “This is beautiful. What made you decide to build a hotel? Were you involved in business before?”

Jake stood beside her, inhaling her feminine scent carried by the gentle breeze. “It’s what I was trained for from the time I was old enough to tap the keys of a calculator.”

She frowned. “Family business?”

That was an understatement. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his shorts. “You could say that.”

As she swiveled her head around, her brows shot up. “Kincaid.John Russell Kincaidand Sons?”

News from Manhattandidtravel to North Dakota. He raised his hand. “I’m ‘and Sons.’”

She whistled. “Palumba’s a long way from Manhattan.”

Not long enough. His father still tried to exert his influence. “I never cared much for the city. When I found Palumba, I knew what I wanted to do.”

“Your father put up the money?”

His jaw tightened. “I paid him back, every cent.”

She held up her hands. “I’m sure you did. I’m surprised he let you buy him out. He must be proud of what you’ve done down here.”

He grunted. “Not exactly. Thinks I’m wasting my time. He thinks I’m here to party, surf, and dive.”

She spun around to face him. “But surely he can see how efficiently you run the resort. It must take a lot of work.”

“He’s never been here.”

She sputtered, “Never been here? Why? You’ve done a fantastic job.”

“Except for the food and wine cellar, apparently.”

She smiled. Then the shine vanished from her eyes, and she turned away from him. Why couldn’t she relax and give them a chance to get to know each other? Why did she keep backing away just when things got good? Maybe she was inexperienced with men and didn’t recognize when one was attracted to her.

And he was attracted to her.

He took a deep breath. “My father and I don’t see each other much. He doesn’t realize I’ve changed.”

“Changed?”

“There’s a good reason he thought I came down here to party, surf, and dive. That’s what I used to do, but this place worked its spell on me.”

She studied his face, as if trying to read every line. “And you don’t party, etcetera, anymore?”

Did she really suspect him of preying on his female guests? He grinned. “I still etcetera.”

She pursed her lips and took a few steps away from him. What did he say wrong this time? Seemed as if she purposely misunderstood him. He followed her down the sand.

Thethump-thumpof drums reverberated to the water’s edge. Shrieks and yells followed.

Georgette turned her back to the ocean. “What’s that?”

He waved his hand toward the torches at the Costa Azul. “It’s the Palarosa show.”

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