Page 54 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
“Thank you,” I said sincerely.He was obviously a man under a lot of stress and just might be beginning to realize his client was more difficult than he’d thought.
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On the way home from the party, Vaughn was quiet.
“What’s wrong?”I asked.
“I know we’ve discussed it before, but I don’t trust that man or the people supporting him.”
I sighed.“We’re just going to have to deal with him.”
“You’re right.But I don’t like it,” said Vaughn.
We arrived home, and Vaughn and I decided to take a dip in our heated pool.It was a pleasant night and both of us were a little tense after attending Jonny’s reception.
We checked on Robbie and found him sprawled across his bed sound asleep.
“I swear it’s one of his growing days,” I whispered.“Look how tall he is spread out like that.”
Vaughn put an arm around me.“Our boy is growing fast.”
Cindy eyed us from where she lay next to Robbie.
We patted her and left to go to our bedroom.
Vaughn took off his shirt.“I don’t know about you, I think it’s a perfect night for a skinny dip.”
“Sounds fine with me,” I said.We had total privacy in the pool, and I loved the freedom it gave us.
A few minutes later, we were enjoying the refreshing water and loosening our tight muscles by floating on our backs and gazing up at the stars.
“I always feel as if our troubles disappear when I see the stars and realize what a small part I play in the context of things,” I said.
“Youmake my troubles disappear,” said Vaughn tugging me to him and wrapping his arms around me.
When our lips met, it seemed as if the stars were shining just for us.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
When I did my usual morning walk at the hotel’s beach, I saw Philippa emerge from the guesthouse with her mother.
Surprised, I hesitated and then moved ahead to greet them.I hoped Philippa’s mother would be understanding about the situation that had unfolded between Luciano and her daughter.
Philippa hurried ahead.“Morning, Ann.Heads up.My parents don’t know anything about Chet and me and Luc and Harper.Please don’t say anything.I haven’t had a chance to talk to my mother.”
“I understand,” I said, smiling as I approached Catarina Ferrera.“Lovely day.When did you get back?”
“Late last night.I wanted to return as soon as possible because I was unaware my husband had sent for Luciano to come to Florida.”
“I’ve met him.He’s a very pleasant young man.”Observing Philippa’s worried look, I quickly changed the subject.“By the way, while you were gone, Philippa did some consulting work in the kitchen for our chef, Chet.It helped us out of a difficult position when our master chef hurt his ankle and couldn’t come in.And now she’s agreed to work in our hospitality department.”
Catarina smiled.“Philippa mentioned that to me.She says she loves it here in Florida working at the hotel.It’s satisfying to see her so enthusiastic about something.”
“Any luck with the housing hunt?I asked her.
“My real estate agent says he’s found the perfect house for us.I’m to take a look at it sometime this morning.I’m delighted to be able to spend part of the year in Sabal, and with Philippa so happy here, having a house is important to me.”
“I wish you luck with it,” I said.“I’m going to head back, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to see you.As always, if you need anything during your stay, please let us know.”
