Page 19 of Spring Break with a Treasure Hunter
“That’s actually got me thinking about all this. You’re right about these artifacts. That they belong to the people and not to one individual.” He cast another glance at Cork and then looked back at me.
“That is my goal. But what’s the deal with you looking at Cork every time you say that?” I asked.
“Oh, nothing really. It’s nothing at all.”
I nodded and chose to believe him, even though small niggle of doubt grew inside me. I was on a jubilant high! A load was lifted off me, now that the museum had a benefactor. “One thing, though. The name of the museum shouldn’t change,” I told him.
He shook his head. “Absolutely I agree. I don’t need my name splashed anywhere.”
He may not need it, but the museum should acknowledge it. I’d figure out a way to do it.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur, and it was all so surreal I could hardly believe it. Then Cork took my elbow.
He leaned down and whispered in my ear. “I think it’s time for dessert.”
I faced him and saw a gleam in his eye. His slow smile told me exactly what was on his mind.
“I agree.” Now I had something else to think about.
We said our good nights, filled plates with delicious desserts, and left arm in arm for our cabin.
11
We stayed onIntrepidfor another two days, then flew back to St. William’s. I’d been hesitant to see the damage the storm left behind and was relieved to see it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Thankfully.
I stood on Cork’s hotel balcony. He asked me to stay with him and while I wanted to, I still needed to maintain my independence. I loved being with him, so I was torn. There was no doubt we enjoyed our time together, but I was a little cautious not to get used to it. In case, you know, he left and went back to his life leaving behind me, the museum, hunting. I pushed those thoughts away and lifted my face to the sun, enjoying the heat it shone down on the island.
Oh how I’d missed the tropical scent of the island, flowers, spindrift, hot sun, and sand. Even if I’d only been gone a few days. It was a balm for me here. Like I’d come home to the familiar. Leaving St. Williams for good would never happen. I belonged here; my family ancestry was rooted here.
I gazed out over the turquoise water. The sky was clear and Gilbert’s clouds were long gone. The sun shone as if promising to make up for the chaos the storm had left behind. But no amountof sunshine could mask the excitement and exhaustion coiled in my chest.
I was eager to get back to the dive site where I’d found the coins. It seemed ages ago now, when, in fact, it hadn’t been that long at all. Now with Beck’s generous financial contribution, I had so much to plan and organize and had to be careful I didn’t overwhelm myself trying to do it all.
The familiar sound of Cork’s footfalls came up behind me and I leaned back into him when he slid his arms around me.
“Are you as worn out as I feel?” I asked him and rested my head on his shoulder.
“I am. It must be all our extracurricular activities,” he whispered in my ear, sending a delightful shiver through me.
“It must be. But I’m not complaining.” I turned, wanting a kiss.
“Ready to see what damage Gilbert left us with?” he said against my lips.
I gave a small nod, and our eyes met. “Yup. It’s a little late in the day to dive, but we could take a drive to a beach to check out the situation.”
“I’ve booked a boat for tomorrow, so we can get an early start.” He smiled down at me. “Of course, after a good night’s sleep.”
I gave a little laugh. “Since when have we slept all the way through the night?” I teased. “However, it’s best we have an early night, you know, before it’s time to sleep.”
He let out a hoot. “Why, madam, are you planning something I should prepare for?”
“Oh, maybe,” I said coyly. I was definitely ready for a night of passion with this sexy man, regardless of how tired I was. “Come on, let’s get cracking.”
A short while later, we drove through town.
“Oh, my,” I whispered. “I don’t think you can ever get used to seeing the aftermath of hurricanes.”
“Yeah. I can’t see how you could,” Cork said as we drove around a downed palm tree and patio furniture blown into the street. “It could have been a lot worse.”
