Page 56 of Dreams That Bind Us
"Oh, I'm not worried, at least not for Aunt Louise, anyway. But Carl may fall hopelessly in love with her before the night's over. She has that effect on men."
"It seems to run in the family," James murmured, as he pressed his lips to Anna's ear, feeling her shiver in response.
"Regardless of what happens to Carl's heart, it'll keep them busy while we finish this discussion." He slipped his hand into hers, leading her in the opposite direction toward his house.
"I can't believe you bought an island." There was a timidity to her voice that told him his assumptions were correct. She was intimidated by his wealth.
Don’t worry, Kitten. You'll get used to it.
"I didn't buy the island, just the resort," he reiterated. "When Carl and I met at that bar months ago, he mentioned he was thinking about selling and I revealed I was investing in Key West real estate. This is an outstanding property, and Carl has managed it very well. I mentioned to you that I'm selling off some of my businesses, and I want to invest more in this area, beyond just bringing The Majestic back. It was an easy decision."
Anna was silent for a few moments, her mouth opening and closing several times. "I just…"
"Come on. Stop worrying about the resort. I want to show you what I've done to the house since the last time we were here."
"What more could you have done to the house?" Anna sent him a scolding look. "It was perfect the way it was."
"Mmmmmmm." James squinched his nose. "No, it wasn't perfect. It was designed several years ago for another family. We need something entirely different, especially since I'm considering making this my primary residence."
He hadn't mentioned that idea to Anna yet, trying to be as low key as possible. But after Louise's tarot reading, he'd begun to think of their future, seeing them as a family rather than just a dating couple.
Their relationship was moving quickly, he knew. Some would say recklessly so. But even the more logical parts of his brain weren’t sounding alarms at the speed of their romance. His instincts were operating in overdrive when it came to this woman. It was almost time for him to lock this down and make Anna permanently his.
Anna blinked. "You are? When did you decide this?"
"I haven't made any decisions yet, but there's something about this place that calls to me. It's still part of Key West but far enough away from all the craziness."
"I can understand that. I bet it would be amazing to have a workshop here. But this," she sighed. "I just don't know."
He lightly squeezed her hand. "What don't you know? Talk to me, Kitten."
"Well, my workshop is on Stock Island. If you're out here, I won't get to see you as often."
"Why would that be the case?" he asked. "This could be where you come every afternoon after work. It's just a short ferry ride away."
She made a non-committal sound in the back of her throat. "I like your house in Old Town, especially with all the changes you're making."
"I like it, too. But this is quiet and peaceful." He stopped and pulled her in to his chest, kissing the top of her head. "It’s the perfect escape from the island chaos."
Anna giggled. "There's no chaos on Stock Island. And my warehouse is back near the docks, so not only am I difficult to find, but no one ever bothers me."
"No one would find you here and the view is better." James knew how to sell real estate.
She bobbed her head. "I can't argue with that. It's definitely prettier scenery than old rusty boats and the smell of decaying fish parts."
"See?" James draped his arm over her shoulders and continued down the path. "Promise me you'll think about it. You'll have a reserved parking spot available for you at the resort garage on the docks, and I'll even make sure it's one of the larger spots on the bottom floor so your truck will fit."
He knew he was almost there when she started laughing. "Okay, I'll think about it."
"Fair enough." The house was looming ahead of them. "You can't see it as well in the fading light, but I had the interior and exterior repainted. Had to twist a few arms to get the perfect shade of light blue that I love."
"That's my favorite color," she commented.
James grunted. "Mine, too. I did the best I could to match the color of your eyes."
Anna stopped and stared up at him, the stars shining in her gaze. "Stop being so romantic."
He turned toward her, cupping her cheeks and lifting her face. "Never gonna happen," he breathed against her lips. He kissed her softly, noting the way she shivered and how her hands clutched at his waist. "You can expect it to continue on steroids."
