Page 31 of Canapés at the Beach House Hotel
I rolled over and faced him.“It’s never the same with you gone.I’m so glad you’re home.”
“Not as happy as I am,” he said.He caressed my face and moved his hands lower.
My fatigue evaporated as we began to show one another just how special our marriage was.
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Later, while Vaughn slept, I lay awake hoping Vaughn wouldn’t hear about Rhonda’s and my troubles with Jonny Arno.Vaughn normally didn’t interfere in my business, but he would be upset to know that anything amiss was going on.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I awoke early, refreshed and happy.Beside me Vaughn was snoring softly.Pleased I didn’t have any hotel duties today, I slipped out of bed and drew on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt to go for a walk on the beach.It was my favorite way to start a day.
After letting Cindy outside, I went to the garage and climbed into my car.
The sun was rising, sending rosy fingers of light into the soft-gray sky.The slight chill in the air was invigorating, especially because it promised to be a hot day.
I parked my car behind the hotel, checking to see if a security guard was nearby.I waved to one and headed out to the beach.
Stepping onto the cool surface, I sprinted toward the water’s edge.The hard-packed sand nearby was an easier place to walk, but I chose to stand a moment breathing in the salty air, studying the waves rolling into shore and retreating in a soothing pattern.
Sand pipers and sanderlings hurried along the frothy edge of the water, their footprints stamping proof of their existence into the sand.
In the distance I saw two figures, and recognizing them, I went to greet Chet and Phillipa.
Intrigued, I wondered about the one date they’d had in New York City.Or was it more than that?
“Hello,” I said, approaching them.
Chet and Philippa faced me, holding hands.
“It’s nice to see you here.It’s a perfect time of day to be on the beach,” I said.
“It’s so beautiful”, said Philippa.“I really didn’t want to come to Florida with my parents.”She smiled at Chet.“But if I hadn’t come, we wouldn’t have had the chance to reconnect.I never thought I’d see Chet again.I lost his information and then he moved …” Philippa’s voice trailed off but the look she gave Chet made me realize this was more than a casual meeting.I wondered what her parents would think.
As if she’d read my thoughts, Philippa said, “Please don’t say anything to my mother about this.I need to talk to her myself.”
“Oh, yes, of course.We at The Beach House Hotel honor our guests’ requests for privacy.”
Chet seemed to realize he still held Philippa’s hand and let it drop.“I’m on breakfast shift this morning.I’d better go.”
He and Philippa gazed at one another.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Brock Goodwin trotting toward us.
“Oh, no,” I said.“Here comes trouble.Please, just keep any private information to yourselves.”
“Morning, ladies and Chet,” said Brock.He turned to Chet.“Shouldn’t you be working?Or did you decide you owe Jonny a favor?”
“I owe Jonny nothing of the kind,” said Chet, drawing himself up, exposing his broad, muscular chest.
Brock backed away.“Someday, you’re going to have to deal with him, not me.”He faced Philippa.“As president of the Neighborhood Association, I feel it’s my duty to make sure that each VIP is welcomed.I’d love to take you to lunch.”
Philippa struggled to hide her obvious distaste.“Thank you, but my plans are pretty settled for my entire stay.”
“Oh, but …” Brock began.
I gave him the warning look my kids would recognize.“We’re in the middle of a private conversation, so …”
