Page 10 of Spring Break with a Treasure Hunter
What made it even more impossible was the fact I was sitting here in my bikini with only his jacket around me, practically naked. Talk about vulnerability.
I’d always prided myself on being self-sufficient and making my way through life, my own decisions, and not having anyone to help me. If I did, then I chose them myself. The one thing my father taught me was independence, and to trust only yourself, which could be problematic. That mindset made it difficult for having a relationship, opening yourself up, and being vulnerable. It led to hurt.
I looked out the window. St. William’s Town was so pretty. Dad had used it as a home base and I was born here. Even though he had us traipsing around the world in search of treasure, we’d always come home for a while. I was thirteen when he finally settled here, for the most part anyway. His new obsession, theSirena del Mar, had sunk somewhere around the island. And legend said it sank with a belly full of treasure.
We passed the nautical museum, and I was pleased with activity out front. I was so happy to see the hustle and bustle, people entering the museum, and workmen getting the boards for the windows ready. The coins in the bag at my feet would also find their place there among the other relics, which made me even more eager to get back in the water and continue the search.
We were quiet on the drive. My thoughts were hopping around between how this day had begun on a high with the fantastic discovery, to the surprise of us making out on the boat, to a low of being left without my bag. I was in the middle of a big fat problem, which I should have been able to solve myself, but here I was, relying on Cork.
I was grateful he was helping me out, and I had to admit it was rather nice letting someone else manage the problem for a change.
“Here we are.” Cork’s voice broke through my chaotic thoughts. He parked the car and looked over at me. Hisexpression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes. “You all right?”
I nodded, swallowing. “Yeah. Just... thinking.”
“Come on. Let’s get you some clothes.” He opened the door and gestured for me to follow him.
I stepped out into the tropical sun, feeling a strange mix of relief and unease. I didn’t realize I’d gotten chilled in the car until the heat of day washed over me and I paused for a moment, drawing in a deep breath then let it out slowly. I almost forgot the bag of coins on the floor of the car and turned to grab them.
Cork’s fingers lightly rested on my elbow—damn if a little erotic spark didn’t zap me—and he guided me under the gracious palms that shaded the parked cars to the hotel entrance.
I’m not sure why I was surprised he was staying at Tempest Isle. It was a lovely old hotel, one of the original buildings, that started out as a brothel two hundred years ago, now renovated and restored. I’d expected him to stay at one of the high-end resort hotels on the island. I glanced at him with a new insight. Perhaps he wasn’t all flashy money after all.
I’d been to Tempest Isle a few times for high tea, lunch, and dinner on the verandah that faced the ocean, but never up to the rooms.
I was acutely aware of him as we walked side by side through the lobby, and feeling extremely uncomfortable in my unsuitable attire and bare feet. I leaned closer to Cork. He put his arm around me and pulled me to his side. I let him and damn if it wasn’t the comfort I needed right now.
Finally, we were at the door to his suite and I sought the refuge inside the simplistic luxury of the room. Its wonderful old-world charm greeted us. I sighed when the tension fled my body. It was so good to be somewhere private and secluded.
It was a spacious room with dark wood floors, light furniture with pops of color from throw cushions, and fresh flowers. The open balcony overlooked the crystal-clear ocean, and the gauzy drapes lifted on the sea breeze billowing into the room. It was breathtaking.
“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll grab you some clothes,” Cork said, his voice low, and he disappeared into another room.
I wandered out to the balcony, needing a moment to breathe. The breeze brushed over my skin, soft and sensuous. Lord, I loved this island. But the reason I was here invaded my moment of peace.
The reasons that led me to be here, in this room with Cork finding me something to wear were ridiculously stupid, and the last thing I expected. I was a mess of emotions, including the simmering attraction I felt for him. Everything was happening so fast and it needed to slow down! This couldn’t be happening willy-nilly and I needed to get a grip as the old “trust no one” mentality hung like a chain around my neck.
I wasn’t sure if I could trust myself.
“This should work.” Cork had come out on the balcony holding a soft t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts in his hands.
“Thanks,” I said, taking the clothes from him. “I appreciate it. Do you mind if I shower?”
“Please do. I’m sure it will make you feel better.” He pointed. “Right through there. No rush. I have calls to make.”
“Thank you.” I clutched the clothing to my chest and slipped into the bathroom. Moments later, cool shower water sluiced over me and rinsed away the rest of the tension knotting my muscles. I raised my face to the stream and slowly washed my hair and body, then stood under the spray.
Reluctantly, I turned the water off and after drying myself I pulled on his clothes, which I found was quite erotic, knowing that my body was touching fabric where his body had been. Iwound my hair in a towel and found some lotion to put on my face. I felt somewhat more human now and was beginning to relax.
I picked up his brush and held it. Would he mind if I used it? There were a few sun-streaked strands in the bristle and I stared at them. It all seemed so very personal, and I hesitated before removing the towel to brush the tangles out of my hair.
I sighed and examined myself in the mirror. I was as ready as I’d ever be under the circumstances. The tightness in my chest had eased. When I finally left the bathroom, I walked through the bedroom and avoided looking at the bed. Closing my eyes for the briefest moment, I imagined us between the sheets together.
No! Don’t you dare go down that rabbit hole!
I walked into the main salon and saw Cork on the balcony with his forearms resting on the railing. I went out and joined him. We stood quietly for a moment.
“Feel better? he asked, still gazing out over the waves.
