Page 39 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“Finn called you?” Caroline shook her head.
“Yes, he was worried that Brad was the man who’d broken your heart when you were in New York six weeks ago,” Jennifer told her.
“Wait!” Suspicions pricked down Caroline’s spine. “How would Finn know about my New York romance?”
“Uh—” Jennifer hesitated. “I may have told him.” She could picture the sheepish look on her friend’s face. “In my defense, I was worried about you and didn’t want you pining away or closing up your heart again, so I told Finn.”
“Great!” Caroline sighed, knowing she couldn’t be mad at her friend when she was just looking out for her. “That’s all Finn told you about Brad?”
“Yes,” Jennifer nodded.
“Then he left off the best part,” Caroline informed her. “Brad didn’t come to Plum Island looking for me. He came to Plum Island for the Cobble Cove television series because he’s Brad Danes.”
Just mentioning the man’s name did weird things to her heart, even knowing he was in Plum Island with his girlfriend, who was also his executive assistant. While her heart felt bruised, she couldn’t help smiling as she heard Jennifer start to choke with disbelief on the other end of the line.
“I’ll be there in a few days,” Jennifer spluttered.
CHAPTER 10
Brad stood in front of the bathroom mirror after his shower, looking at the slashes across his chest, face, and hands from his introduction to Caroline’s pets. The thought of her made his blood zing in his veins, and he had to admit to looking forward to meeting her in twenty minutes.
As he dressed, his mind played over the events of the day. It had been a shock to find Caroline in the library, and he’d thought he was hallucinating for a few minutes, only to be bowled over when he found out she was Carrie Lines. Could fate get any more twisted than that? He gave himself a mental shake as he pulled on his gray chinos and soft blue cotton shirt. Brad’s eyes moved to the shirt he’d worn earlier.
“That’s ruined,” Brad muttered, shaking his head before spraying deodorant, brushing his teeth and hair, then exiting the bathroom feeling refreshed.
“Hey, Dad,” Connor flew out of his room and into the kitchenette area, grabbing a bottle of water and a snack. “Julesand Lila are in the foyer waiting for me. We’re going to walk to the Beach Hut. It’s not far, and the hotel has beach access.”
“Okay, son, please be careful,” Brad told him. “And don’t get back too late.”
“I won’t,” Connor promised, waving as he slammed his way out of the suite.
“Why can’t kids ever just close a door without having to slam it off its hinges?” Brad rolled his eyes and glanced at the clock on the wall in front of him.
Brad decided to go to the restaurant bar and wait for Caroline. It had a lovely ocean view, and he was told that spotlights lit the beach at night. Brad made his way down to the foyer.
“Good evening, Mr. Danes,” the concierge greeted him. “Are you going through to the restaurant?”
“I am,” Brad confirmed.
The concierge picked up his desk phone, and within a few seconds, the restaurant hostess came to meet him.
“Good evening, Mr. Danes,” the woman greeted him. “Your table is booked and ready for you, but you can wait at the bar until your guest arrives.”
“I’ll go to my table and order a drink there,” Brad told her.
He followed the woman into the restaurant. Brad’s eyes took in the large room with low lighting. Two of the glass roll-back doors were open to a spacious terrace adorned with fairy lights, allowing a gentle breeze to drift in. The scent of blooming flowers and the savory aroma of culinary delights created an inviting atmosphere.
The interior boasted an elegant blend of modern design and rustic charm. Marble floor tiles gleamed beneath the soft glow of hanging pendant lights. A series of intimate tables, topped with crisp white linens and sparkling glassware, were strategically arranged to offer a mix of privacy and a view of the vibrant terrace beyond.
The walls were decorated with tasteful artwork, capturing the essence of Plum Island’s coastal beauty. Large windows framed the breathtaking vista of the white beach stretching to the sea. No curtains obstructed the panoramic view, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of nature as they dined. The low hum of chatter and laughter intertwined with the soothing notes of background music, creating a harmonious ambiance.
In one corner, a well-stocked bar showcased an array of spirits, and a skilled mixologist crafted signature cocktails with precision. The clinking of ice and the gentle pour of liquids added to the symphony of the restaurant, creating an inviting backdrop for guests seeking relaxation and indulgence.
As Brad followed the woman to his table, he couldn’t help but appreciate the attention to detail that defined the Summer Inn’s beautiful restaurant and warm ambiance.
“Your waiter will be with you shortly,” the woman told him.
“Thank you,” Brad took the menu she handed him.
