Page 75 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“Okay, we get the hint.” Jennifer laughed, lightening the mood. “Brad and I can be a bit overbearing when someone we care about gets hurt.”
“What she said.” Brad didn’t take his eyes off Caroline as he tilted his head toward Jennifer. “Are we still on for lunch tomorrow?”
“I—“Oh no, I forgot I invited Brad to lunch.
“Oh, that’s why you wanted to go grocery shopping?” Jennifer raised a knowing eyebrow as she looked at Caroline.
“Sure,” Caroline said quickly, needing to get them out of her house as soon as possible.
Brad looked at Carly. “Will you take my number and call me if you need to anytime during the night?”
“I’m quite capable of calling for help,” Caroline said, not liking how they made her feel like an invalid. “I have your number and Jen’s on my phone.”
“Along with everyone else’s on Plum Island.” Sam snorted.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Brad said, turning to Jennifer. “I’ll meet you in the foyer of the Summer Inn in an hour?”
Jennifer nodded, and they watched Brad leave with Sam trailing behind him after saying goodbye.
“Are you really fine with me going?” Jennifer asked Caroline.
“One hundred percent,” Caroline answered.
Jennifer kissed her cheek. “I’ll fill you in on how it goes tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait,” Caroline lied.
As soon as Jennifer left the room, Carly sat on the sofa beside Caroline. “Caroline, my uncle told me what happened here earlier with Vanessa Turner.” She squeezed Caroline’s arm affectionately. “Trust me when I tell you this: Brad is not what the press and everyone makes him out to be.” She looked pointedly at the Television Magazine on the table beside the chair. “He’s a good guy.”
“How would you know that?” Caroline asked her.
Carly sighed, “Can you keep a secret?”
Caroline nodded.
“I’ve met Brad before. I even know his ex-wife,” Carly shocked her by saying.
“How?” Caroline knew it was rude to pry into other people’s lives, but she couldn’t stop herself. She’d known Carly for three years but didn’t know much about her.
“I’ll tell you someday,” Carly promised with a wink. “I’m starving.” She stood and looked questioningly at Caroline. “Can I dish up for you?”
Caroline nodded and frowned, staring at Carly, wondering how she knew so much about Brad and why he’d think she looked familiar. All thoughts of that disappeared when Carly brought her a plate of mouthwatering food. They spent the rest of the evening chatting about the restaurant and lighthouse while Caroline tried to stop herself from thinking about the yacht party.
CHAPTER 18
Brad Danes stood outside Harriet’s door dressed in casual evening wear attire. His clothes exuded a mix of sophistication and ease: a tailored black blazer worn over a crisp white shirt and black trousers. A subtle, expensive cologne enveloped him as he knocked, expecting an answer from Harriet’s suite.
To his surprise, there was no response. Frowning, Brad wondered if she’d already gone to the yacht. He looked at his wristwatch and realized it was time to meet Jennifer, so he went to the foyer. He arrived at the same time Jennifer walked in, looking stunning in an elegant, floor-length navy blue gown that hugged her lithe figure gracefully. The dress boasted intricate beadwork that sparkled in the dim lighting, and her auburn hair was styled into loose waves, cascading over one shoulder. A pair of diamond earrings adorned her ears, adding a touch of glamor.
“Brad,” she greeted him with a tight smile.
“Jennifer,” Brad replied. “You look breathtaking.”
“Thank you,” Jennifer looked him over. “You don’t look too shabby yourself.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Brad frowned, offering her his arm.
As they started walking, Jennifer steered them toward the lounge bar. “Would you mind if we had a drink at the bar first?” He looked at her curiously. “I think you and I need to have a chat.”
