Page 30 of Paradise West
His head was tilted and he shaded his eyes as he stared up at her. “Is everything okay? We could hear you yelling down here.”
“Oh, sorry about that.” She waved her hands. “It was just the office calling.”
“Ah,” he replied as if that explained everything. He put his hands on his hips and Charli couldn’t help but sigh as his sweat-soaked t-shirt molded to his muscles and highlighted the taper from his broad shoulders to his perfect waist.
I cannot believe he’s gay.
She wanted to cry at the thought.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked, a look of genuine concern on his face that made her wish for things that just weren’t meant to be.
“No, but thanks for the offer.”
He nodded again. “I checked with my folks. We can take the plane out tomorrow if you’re feeling up to it.”
Charli blinked. She hadn’t expected it to happen so soon, but she gave a tight smile. “Yeah... Yeah, that would be great. Thanks, Jack.”
His face split in a charming grin that made his dimples visible even from fifteen feet up. “No problem. I’ll stop by in the morning around 9 AM to pick you up. It’s about a forty-five minute flight out to the island.” At her nod, he threw his thumb over his shoulder. “Well, gonna get back to it.”
“Okay,” Charli replied. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
He waved and then turned to cross the street. She sighed as she watched him walk away. The man literally oozed testosterone and was unfortunately off limits to her.
Go figure...
7
Key West, Florida
Jack held the door for Charli as they entered the bright teal building. “Hey, Sis,” he called out to the young woman sitting behind the counter.
The cute brunette glanced up from the computer she’d been staring at and gave Jack a huge grin. She ran around the counter and gave him a hug. “It’s about time you got your butt out here.” She nudged his stomach. “It’s not like we’re far away, you know.”
Jack gave her a squeeze and shrugged. “What can I say? I’ve been busy.”
“Yeah, so I’ve heard.” She glanced at Charli, an odd gleam in her eye. “Who is this?”
Charli clutched the white box to her chest with one arm and shot her hand out just as Jack made the introduction. “Charli, this is my annoying sister, Janie. Janie, this is Charli Harris. She’s Dottie’s niece.”
Understanding flashed across his sister’s face, followed quickly by a big smile. “Oh, hi! It’s really nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Charli’s eyes widened, a bit surprised at Janie’s answer. “You have?”
“Well, sure,” Janie shot back. “All the locals have been talking about you.” She shrugged. “Plus Miriam called me yesterday and gave me the 4-1-1.”
“Oh.” Charli wasn’t sure if that was good or bad but smiled anyway. “Well, it’s really nice to meet you.” She gestured to Jack. “Your brother has been a huge help and I’m probably the reason why he hasn’t had time to visit lately.”
Janie’s smile turned absolutely wicked. “Oh, I bet you are. My mom’s going to love you.”
Not knowing how to answer that comment, Charli decided to change the subject. “So, you run the tourist business?”
Janie waved her hands around. “Basically, yeah.” At Jack’s scoff, she added, “Well actually, we all chip in around here. It really is a family business.” She looked to Jack. “You’re taking Bertha out today?”
“Yeah, we’ll be back around mid-day if I were to guess.”
Charli’s eyes bounced between brother and sister, trying to follow their conversation but failing miserably. “Whose Bertha?”
“She’s our sea plane,” Janie answered, pointing to the window behind them toward the dock.
