Page 47 of Paradise West
He shrugged. “I’m not sure. But I do know that we’re on the right path.”
Her hands planted on her hips, she retorted, “And how do you know that, Jack?”
He shrugged again. “Don’t know. It’s just a gut feeling that I have.” He narrowed his eyes and grabbed her hand again, giving it a light squeeze. “We’re going in the right direction. Just believe in that for the next few months.”
Charli shook her head in disbelief. This was turning out to be way more than she had anticipated.
* * * *
Jack stared out over the balcony railing at the old compound across the street. He took a sip of tequila and released a deep sigh. He had grown up with the ghost stories and legends on Key West and was familiar with Amelia because Dottie had talked about her so often.
But it had been a shock that Amelia would reveal herself so deliberately...especially on the first day they were in the house.
This project was going to be interesting, and he’d have his hands full trying to keep Charli and his team from panicking.
Jack sighed and glanced around the balcony—everything was perfect...light jazz played on the radio, a small table was set for two, and he had a full bottle of his favorite tequila. The only thing missing was Charli. He looked over his shoulder toward the bathroom door where she was taking a shower.
He drew in a deep breath and smiled—he could picture her naked, with the hot water streaming over her breasts and down her legs. His body tightened at the thought and he took another sip of tequila, turning back to stare at Paradise West.
He didn’t know how much longer he could maintain his patience and sanity around this woman. He was a gentleman under normal circumstances, but Charli made him feel like a chest-pounding caveman. The daily urge to toss her over his shoulder and have his way with her was nearly overwhelming.
Looking back, he’d fallen for her the moment he saw her at the airport, when her gorgeous eyes met his and just sucked him right in.
But from the way she spoke, even when Annette was visiting, he could tell she still had roots firmly planted in Boston and planned to go back at some point. Miriam and Art had both counseled him to be patient, that Charli would come around with time. However, time wasn’t on his side here and his instinct was to go after her. His instincts told him that if he didn’t try, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
He smiled to himself. If he let his control slip, they’d be in her bed tonight and he wouldn’t let her out for days. That should destroy any remaining questions she had about his sexuality.
He scoffed and took another sip of tequila.
“What was that sound for?” Charli piped from the shadows, making him jump and slopping tequila out of the glass and onto his shirt.
Smooth Jack...real smooth. What the fuck is wrong with you?
“Shit,” he yelped, wiping the tequila from his shirt. “You scared...” he trailed off when he turned and caught sight of her standing just inside the doors.
His mouth hung slightly open as he took in the short pink dress she’d thrown on, admiring the way it hugged her firm breasts and swirled teasingly around her thighs, her wet hair slicked back and curling as it dried in the humid air.
She had clearly chosen to go without a bra under the dress and he couldn’t see a panty line either. Her purple eyes seemed even bigger as they sparkled with amusement, watching him take her in and his reaction. Her lips were curved in a small smile that he wanted to kiss.
She grinned up at him, and his body clenched. “Did I scare you, Jack?” she finished playfully.
“Actually, baby, you terrify me,” he admitted honestly.
Her grin dropped and her forehead puckered with worry lines. “I terrify you?”
He mentally kicked himself for changing the playful mood so quickly. Sure, she scared the hell outof him—that she would leave and take his heart with her, but he shouldn’t unload all his serious thoughts at this point.
Jack shook his head. “I’m only teasing you.” He waved her toward him. “Come on. The food was delivered while you were in the shower.” He took her hand as she stepped onto the balcony and led her toward the small table that he’d set up for their dinner.
“Wow, Jack. This looks amazing.” She smiled and squeezed his hand, then leaned up and kissed his cheek. “You’re so thoughtful,” she added before settling herself into the chair he’d pulled out for her.
Thoughtful...ugh, nice guy words...
He stood there behind her for a moment with clenched fists, the spot on his cheek tingling where her lips had touched, fighting the impulse to pounce on her.
Patience, man...patience...
He cleared his throat and walked around the table taking his seat. Once settled, he motioned toward the food spread across the table. “This is from the best seafood place on the island. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I ordered several dishes to try. There’s gulf shrimp and cocktail sauce, conch ceviche with tortilla chips, fried oysters, hogfish tacos, and stone crab claws.”
