and Jake and the rest of the partygoers were staying was a sprawling French Colonial–style estate, amid a gorgeous sandy white beach.
The caretakers, an older couple local to the area, escorted Carol and Jake to their rooms. Lena had brought the rest of the staff over from the States, along with a beauty team to provide in-room makeup, hair and nail services to her guests. Massage therapists could be had, as well.
No one had seen Lena yet. She wouldn’t be making an appearance until the party. But she was the type who liked to make a grand entrance, so Carol wasn’t surprised.
Carol’s and Jake’s rooms were located on the second floor and were next to each other, with adjoining doors in the center. For now they were open, making it one huge suite.
“We’re going to have to lock those as soon as we get settled in,” she said.
“We will,” he replied, going onto his veranda.
Carol’s balcony had the same view. But she joined him on his, standing beside him on the airy structure. Beyond the oasis-style pool was the ocean. In another direction, she spotted a mountainous terrain, surrounding a lush green glimpse of rain forest.
She thought it would be a wonderful setting for a destination wedding. The caretakers had already given them a bit of history on the custom-built mansion, which could be rented out for weddings. Not that she should be thinking about that. But after the discussion she and Jake had had on the plane, her mind was still immersed in marriage.
“It’s beautiful here,” she said as a breeze stirred between them.
Jake turned toward her. “You’re not afraid of getting bitten by something scary anymore?”
“I already told you they don’t have superscary things on this island.” Except for him, she thought. The look in his soul-stealing eyes was filled with danger. Or lust. Or something she was too chicken to identify. He was actually giving her goose bumps.
He kept staring at her, and she crossed her arms to ward off the sexy chill.
Trying to stay focused on their schedule, she told him, “The caretakers said that the chef was making seafood for dinner, with lots of vegan dishes on the side for the people who prefer that.” Their meals would be served in their rooms. After that, they could rest before they got ready for the party, which was scheduled for later that night.
He kept looking at her. “I’m getting a little hungry. Are you?”
She nodded. She definitely wanted to keep her mouth busy. But she didn’t have to wait for the meal. Baskets of fruit and nuts and other snacks had already been provided, along with fully stocked portable bars. A glass of wine sounded good about now. But Carol would be indulging in alcohol at the party, so she figured it was best to wait until then.
“Before I forget, I have something for you,” he said. “I’ll go get it.”
She remained on the veranda while he rummaged through his luggage. He returned with a trim white box.
She lifted the lid and uncovered an elegant gold bangle encrusted with round-cut diamonds surrounded by multicolored stones. There was also a pair of starfish-shaped earrings, also glittering with diamonds.
Her pulse quickened. “They’re magnificent, Jake.” The pieces were going to look stunning with her dress. “Are they on loan?” She knew that jewelers sometimes let their rich and famous clients borrow from their inventory.
“No. I paid for them.”
Oh, my. “You shouldn’t have done that.”
“I wanted to. Besides, I checked with Millie to see if you’d gotten any jewelry to go with your outfit, and she said that you hadn’t.”
“I didn’t want to go overboard and spend more than was necessary.” She gazed at the gems. “But this is way too much. I should return them to you after the party.”
“Seriously? That doesn’t make any sense. They were purchased to complement your wardrobe, and you’re keeping the clothes. So why would you give the earrings and bracelet back? They’re just part of the mix.”
She studied each piece again. “They really are amazing.”
“Don’t be too impressed. I had Millie tell me what to get. I’m not good at giving women gifts.”
That was true. Sometimes he even relied on Carol to decide on what type of flowers to send to his lovers. But she shouldn’t have used that as a comparison, not with the way he was making her feel.
Had she made a mistake, coming on this trip with him? It was certainly the most impetuous thing she’d ever done.
She closed the box and held it against her chest, where her heart was thumping much too madly. She liked being in his company, far more than she should.
“So it’s settled then?” he asked. “You’re keeping the jewelry?”
“Yes, thank you. I’ll accept it.” What good would it do to argue the point, when she was already losing ground?
“I should go unpack now,” she said.
He gestured to the pool. “Maybe I’ll go for a quick swim before the food gets here.”
She didn’t want to think about him diving into the water in nothing but a bathing suit, but her imagination went haywire just the same. No doubt his naturally bronzed body would be a sight to behold.
Attempting to make a graceful exit, she said, “I’ll see you when it’s time for the party.”
“I’ll see you, too.”
He didn’t turn away and neither did she. They just stood there, immersed in each other. So much for a graceful exit.
Finally, she ended the connection and headed to her room, closing and locking the door on her side that separated their living quarters. She heard him close the door on his side, too, and turn the bolt.
Carol breathed a heavy sigh of relief, then glanced around at the glamorous antique furnishings and four-poster bed. Jake’s room more or less mimicked hers, which didn’t make it any easier, knowing he was on the other end of those adjoining doors.
She warned herself to stay away from her veranda in case he did go for a swim. Fantasizing about him was bad enough. She didn’t need to watch him and become a voyeur, too.
* * *
As the evening progressed, Jake was more than ready to blow off some steam. After his swim, he’d eaten dinner. Then he’d fallen asleep, rumpled and naked. From there, he’d dragged his ass out of bed and taken a long, hot shower.
And now he was standing in front of the mirror in a designer suit, his hair styled in its usual way.
If he knew Carol, she’d probably been ready for hours. His assistant was an early bird, whereas Jake waited right up to the end to dash off to wherever he was going.
As if on cue, his phone beeped with a text. No doubt it was Carol, telling him it was time to leave. She always sent him reminders for everything.
