Page 13 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“And my nephew, who shares his father’s love of surfing, but thankfully not to the same extent as my brother.” Caroline leaned against the tree trunk and spread her long legs in front of her. “Are you and Connor going to the Hamptons this summer?”
“Sadly, no,” Brad said, shaking his head. “He’s managed to twist my arm into allowing him to enter a surfing competition in California.”
“Do you mean the West Coast Classic Surfing Competition?” Caroline impressed him by asking.
“Yes, that competition.” Brad nodded.
“Yeah, my brother used to go to that competition every year,” Caroline told him. “Be sure to get there early because that place fills up quickly, and take a beach umbrella.”
“Thank you for the advice,” Brad said. “I’ll be sure to heed it.” He smiled and shook his head. “That stretch of the shore gets jammed packed as it’s during summer vacation. I can only imagine what it’s like when it draws in the kind of surfing talent that competition does.”
“It’s unbearably busy.” Caroline finished her drink and refused another refill. “No thanks, I’ve reached my limit.” She smiled and returned to the conversation about California. “Even with all the hustle and bustle, I envy you and Connor getting away for a summer vacation.” Her eyes reflected a deep longing. “Jules and I haven’t had a proper vacation in over four years.” she sighed.
Brad empathized with her situation. “Well, I know we’ve just met, but you are both welcome to join us,” he suggested with a playful grin.
Caroline smiled warmly and appreciative, but she shook her head gently. “Thank you. That’s so kind of you, but I have a lot going on this summer, and Jules has already gotten a summer job.”
Brad nodded understandingly. “Of course. Maybe some other time, then.”
Caroline’s hazel eyes sparkled with sincerity. “I’d like that.”
“Where does the time go?” Brad looked at his wristwatch.
“I know.” Caroline agreed.
She helped Brad pack away their picnic items before he helped Caroline to her feet. His heart went wild as her soft hand touched his. They took a leisurely stroll through the park on the way back to the town car. As they walked, they savored the beauty of their surroundings and the pleasure of each other’s company. Eventually, they found themselves near the park entrance, where a line of horse-drawn carriages awaited.
“I haven’t been on one of those in about ten years,” Caroline’s eyes lit with excitement.
“I might not be able to take you on vacation,” Brad said. “But I can certainly take you for a carriage ride if you have time?”
“Do you have the time?” Caroline asked, her eyes filled with hope.
“I can make the time.” Brad hailed one of the carriages.
They climbed aboard, settling onto the plush seats. The carriage driver gave them a warm smile and set the horse in motion. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horse’s hooves added a romantic soundtrack to their ride.
As they meandered through the park, Brad couldn’t help but steal glances at Caroline, her profile soft and serene in the gentle afternoon light. He had to stop himself from pulling her to himand crushing his lips to hers. She was one of the most amazing people Brad had met. Her sincerity was refreshing, and he knew she wasn’t a gold digger. Caroline had no idea who Brad was. She seemed to like him for who he was. Guilt at having lied to her about his last name sliced through him, but he pushed it aside.
“What a wonderful ending to an enchanting picnic,” Caroline turned and smiled at him, making his heart stop for a few seconds.
“Yes, it is,” Brad agreed.
The carriage ride was a fitting end to their day together. It was a slow and graceful transition from the enchanting picnic to the real world beyond. Brad didn’t want the day to end, but sadly, he had a meeting he was already running late for.
All too soon, the carriage ride ended, and they went back in Brad’s town car, heading towards Caroline’s apartment building. Once they arrived, he helped her out of the car and kept her hand in his as he walked her to the door. The doorman opened it, and they walked to the elevator.
“I had a wonderful time today,” he said sincerely.
Caroline smiled, her cheeks dimpling delightfully. “Me too.”
Brad pulled her to him, their lips met, and the world around them no longer existed. His phone buzzing made it abruptly come crashing back, and he pulled away.
“If you’re not busy tomorrow, would you like to join me at my friend’s birthday party?” Brad asked her. “It’s on his yacht docked at the New York Yacht Club.” He smiled. “You can bring Jennifer.”
“That sounds nice, but are you sure your friend won’t mind you adding two guests to his birthday list?” Caroline’s brows shot up.
“Trust me, they won’t even notice,” Brad assured her. “If you give me your phone number, I’ll send you the name of the yacht and where it’s docked.” He took his phone out and bit back awince when he saw all the missed calls and angry messages from Harriet. “The only catch would be that I’d have to meet you there as I have business to attend to before the party.”
