Page 64 of Paradise West
“I’m thinking that you’re right,” she replied softly, returning thecaress on his palm.
Jack’s lips twisted into a smile. “To be fair, I usually am,” he teased. “But what did I get right this time?”
Charli laughed and leaned toward him across the table. “That once you’re here for a week, you never want to leave.” She glanced out toward the ocean again. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this calm before. It feels like I’ve been running at top speed forever, you know? Getting through law school and trying to climb the ladder at the firm...”
She shook her head and continued, “Anyway, I think this is the first time I’ve really relaxed in over a decade. I’m not thinking about cases and strategy, firm politics, or how to make partner.” She frowned. “I don’t know how to explain it other than it almost feels like I’m...home, like I was meant to be here all along.”
Jack nodded vigorously and then grimaced.
Way to play it cool, jackass...
He cleared his throat. “It truly is the best place in the world to live, and the best part is that you and I are fortunate enough to have occupations that fit this island perfectly.” He knew he had to tread carefully here, but the urge to push was almost too much to overcome.
“Hmmm?” she asked, tilting her head.
“Well, mine is tailor-made for this island. Renovations and restorations will always be a lucrative business throughout the keys—and really anywhere.”
He took a gulp of his wine, nearly blowing his effort at nonchalance. “As for you, every town needs good lawyers, especially Key West and particularly someone with your experience.”
Charli only grunted and sipped her wine. Her gaze returned to the horizon, her forehead crinkled and mouth flat.
“I was also thinking that I should do some research on your family,” she added absently.
Jack arched a brow. “Research? I can tell you whatever you want to know.”
Charli sniffed. “No, I want to look into Amelia’s family. After reading the entries in the first diary, I thought it would be helpful if I mapped everything out.” She shrugged. “I can’t explain it, but I feel this drive to dig.”
He grunted. “What was in the box?” he asked.
Charli’s gaze swung to his. “What?”
He smiled gently. “Amelia’s box. I assume you looked inside. You never told me what was in there.”
“Oh! I can’t believe I forgot to tell you. I really don’t know where my head is anymore.” Charli’s lipsturned up in the corner. “The box is locked and I didn’t want to damage it by trying to pry it open.”
Jack blinked. “Locked? That’s odd.” He took another sip of his wine. “I wonder where the key is.”
Charli shrugged. “My guess would be somewhere in the house—but where, I have no idea. I did read quite a bit of the first diary. Amelia was fifteen then and talks a lot about her family and friends. It’s actually really interesting.” She stopped and pursed her lips, her gaze sharpening.
Jack leaned back in. “What?”
She gave him a lopsided grin. “I just realized this—her older sister, Elizabeth, is your great, great grandmother, right? She’s talking about your family.”
“Add a couple more greats on there, but yes, Elizabeth is my grandmother.”
“You’ll enjoy the diaries. Amelia goes into a lot of detail about her sister and brother. It seems like she was particularly close to her brother, Gordon.”
He chuckled. “To be honest, my mother is chomping at the bit to see those diaries. I’ve been holding her off ever since Gus told her what you found.”
Charli’s eyes widened. “You should give them to her. They belong to your family.”
He shook his head slowly. “Not yet. Something tells me that you and I should read them first. Maybe they’ll help us figure out what’s going on.”
He dragged his thumb across her palm again and smiled when she shivered. “Mom did mention the other day that she wants to stop by the compound, see if she can help out anywhere.”
When Charli grinned, he added. “Actually, I think she just really wants to meet you. And I figure she’d probably cause more problems than she’d solve. But Gus and the guys would be happy to see her.” He stopped and smiled. “She always brings them treats whenever she visits one of our construction sites.”
Charli snickered and gave him a playful smile. “She’d cause more problems than she’d solve? You mean like I do?”
