Page 11 of Spring Break with a Treasure Hunter
“Yes, much,” I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “I’m just... not used to …all this.” I waved a hand but there was no way to capture theall this,which was everything that had happened since this morning. “Thank you, though.”
Cork turned his head, and I met his gaze. “I get it. But you’re here now. Relax. Let me take care of things. We’ll have you all sorted in no time.”
I looked at him, trying to read the sincerity in his gaze. Why was he being so helpful? We didn’t know each other, yet somehow we’d been thrown together in the most unexpected way.
I had no reason to trust him, but something kept me from bolting out the door and running away, bag or no bag, but why? I couldn’t put my finger on it other than I needed him right now to get me through this ridiculous predicament. In this moment, he was a savior. And again…I asked myself why?
Could it be he was simply being sweet and nice? I hoped so, but having a very suspicious and distrustful father left a lasting impact.His ‘keep your cards close to your chest’, ‘be cautious of strangers’, ‘trust no one’ mentality wasn’t easy to shake.
No matter how hard I tried to ignore those words and their impact on the decisions I made, the words were ingrained in me. Which meant it was hard to be reliant on anyone other than myself.
I think it was something I needed to learn to change.
7
Ominous stormy grey clouds hovered over St. William’s, a warning that time was running short to get off the island. I stood inside the airport terminal and looked out the window. The outer bands of Gilbert streaked across the sky and the windsock whipped in the increasing wind.
Everything had been a whirlwind since the day I’d found the coins. Cork had been a lifesaver, and I was grateful for his help. He drove me back to the marina and thank goodness my bag was safe and sound.
He waited while I went to my car to ensure all was well. Another indicator perhaps, maybe, possibly, I could trust him. He got out of his car and we stood by mine. It was kind of awkward and I wasn’t quite sure what to do.
A hug goodbye seemed kind of lame, especially after our smexy time on the boat, which, if I was honest with myself, had been amazing. I’d dwelled on it all day.
So when he’d pulled me into his arms, I let him. We kissed. Boy, did we kiss! It was delicious, passionate, and rocked my world. Yes, cliche as it was, the earth moved for me and that was when I accepted I could enjoy this man for whatever time we hadtogether. It was the pivot I think I’d been waiting for and didn’t fight it.
That was five days ago.
Since then, we’d spent a lot of time together, both in and out of bed. We’d done research, talked about theSirena, he’d even helped at the museum getting the windows boarded up. I looked forward to spending time with him. The sex with Cork was indescribable, and I craved it like a starved woman.
“We don’t have much time,” Cork said, making me jump out of my daydream.
“I know.” I faced him, and he leaned down to me for a kiss. Which, of course, I was eager to return.
We were about to fly off on a quest to a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. He’d shared information with me about a possible lost treasure site. It wasn’t confirmed but there was a possibility there was a link toSirena. So that’s where we’re headed.
The distant rumble of thunder and flashes of lightning on the horizon looked as if they were getting closer. Did anyone ever get used to hurricanes? I dreaded them, but also loved them. It was a crazy mix of feelings. I hugged myself and said a silent prayer for Gilbert to skirt the island and not roll over it like a battering ram.
Cork stood beside me but he was checking his phone then glanced at me. “I know. We need to leave now. Come on, the plane is ready,” he agreed. His blue eyes flashing with excitement.
“You’re loving this, aren’t you?” I inquired, unable to hold back a smile.
He returned it. “I guess I am. I like to live on the edge.”
“Daredevil. Just don’t do anything stupid that could kill us both,” I told him. He grabbed my bag, and I followed him to the exit.
“I’ll do my best,” he said over his shoulder.
A sleek black and silver jet sat on the tarmac waiting for us. It was the first visible sign of his significant wealth. It didn’t appear as if he was one to flaunt it, which was definitely a refreshing change.
It surprised me he appeared to remain low key. His interest in finding theSirena del Marseemed genuine, and obviously his involvement could be a huge financial benefit.While that was a definite bonus, his interest and help with research, clues, and connections were so important. Doing all the day-to-day work could be overwhelming, especially as I established the museum.
Like now, jetting off because of a clue he received from a friend of his? Being with him definitely had its benefits. I inwardly cringed at the selfish thought and justified that it was because he also wanted to find the lost treasure, just as much as I did for my father.
“Hang on, the wind is strong.” Cork held the door open for me. We ran to the jet, the wind whipping at us, and the plane.
I leaned into him, needing to find a bit of reassurance. “Will we be okay?” I asked him, while also enjoying the comfort of his nearness.
“We’ll be fine. Henry is an excellent pilot and flown in worse conditions. Don’t worry.” He took my elbow and guided me to the steps. “Up you go.”
