“Look!” Paige cried, almost toppling out of the boat as she forgot herself and tried to stand.
“The dolphins,” Jack slowed the boat. “This pod has been coming by lately.”
“Oh, Jack!” Paige bent over the front of the bow. “They have a baby with them!”
Sure enough, a pod of sleek gray dolphins danced just below the surface, keeping time with the boat, as they surfaced periodically in the waves. Paige’s heart trembled in her chest, as the tiniest dolphin, surrounded by her family, seemed to laugh up at her from the turquoise waters.
“Do you think they know we’re here? Like on the boat?” Paige called.
“I think they like to have fun. I’d normally let you swim with them, but not with a baby around.”
“Why?”
“They’re protective. As soon as you jump in, they’ll dive deep. Otherwise, if you sing and dance in the water they’ll come over.”
“Shut up,” Paige laughed, delighted at the thought. “They do not.”
“They do! I swear. They are playful, and I think they must wonder what these idiots are doing jerking around in the water and yodeling.”
“I love it. I love them!” Paige couldn’t get enough of the pod that kept time with the boat. “Oh, can’t we stay with them a little bit longer?”
“Of course we can. Your wish is my command.”
Paige smiled back at him before bending over the front of the boat to watch the dolphins dance in the waves. He couldn’t know what those words meant to her. Nobody had really put her first before. It was something so simple really, drawing out the experience so that she could enjoy this time with the dolphins.
But she’d never forget this moment – or the man who had made it possible.
Chapter Twenty-Three
They all drank that night.
“The ex okay?” Mariposa asked as she pulled out liquor bottles and held them in the air, making notes on a little pad in front of her.
“Seems to be. I think his pride is hurt more than anything. Though he’ll likely have a bruise.”
“Jack had to rescue them, I heard.”
“He did. And then the idiot over there decides to try to…” Paige was shocked when a laugh bubbled up her throat. “Tried to…” She pushed her mouth together, not wanting to break out in laughter, but the effort proved too much. It was like when she was supposed to be quiet during a serious occasion and no matter how hard she tried, Paige could not stop. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gasped, waving a hand in front of her face, turning her body so that Horatio couldn’t see her expression across the reception hall. A wide grin broke out on the beautiful bartender’s face. “He…Jack…pulled them back on the dinghy.”
“Go on.” Mariposa gestured, clearly enjoying Paige’s attempt to contain her giggles.
“And…and…” A snort escaped and Paige slapped a hand over her mouth, bending her head to the bar. “The idiot decides to try a yoga pose as Jack pulled up to the dock.”
“On a moving paddle board?” Mariposa’s eyes rounded.
“Yes,” Paige gasped.
“I’m guessing that is how he got the bruise?”
“Just…kerplat!” Paige clapped her hands together, her shoulders shaking. “He just…face…first…dock.”
“That’s his own damn fault then. You know, for a moment I was feeling bad for him.” Mariposa chuckled. She was smart enough to keep her eyes on the bottles she was inventorying and not look across the hall at Horatio.
“Don’t…” Paige gasped, wiping her eyes. “Just don’t. This one is all his fault.”
“I think you deserve a drink after that one.” Mariposa slid her a rum punch in a tiki mug, and Paige accepted it gratefully. She took a sip of the sweet fruity drink and schooled her breathing.
“There’s the hero himself.”
Paige looked up as Jack joined them at the bar, a grumpy look on his handsome face.
“Beer,” Jack said, and then his tone softened. “Please.”
“I was going to say…” Mariposa gave him a look.
“Sorry. I’m…”
“Annoyed that Horatio is acting like he meant to do this? That discomfort is a growth tool?” A giggle escaped and Jack turned to Paige, narrowing his eyes.
“Is that how he is spinning it?” Jack’s tone was anything but pleased.
“I understand. Trust me, I get it.” Paige tried to hold back the laughter again. “It’s just…did you see…when he…”
“If he hadn’t hit his head on the dock, I was going to do it for him.” Jack took a slug of his beer.
“And then…just…” Paige made a motion with her hands. “Splash!”
“I honestly contemplated leaving him there.” A begrudging smile worked its way onto Jack’s face.
“Bad for the hotel’s image.” Paige shook her head sadly.
“But oh so satisfying.” The tension eased from Jack’s face, and this time he smiled for real.
“Not much longer, guys. Head’s up…they’re coming,” Mariposa said, her tone low, and a bright, welcoming smile on her face.
“Did you get the paddles?” Stan asked, slapping Jack on the back. He’d changed for dinner, and Paige looked around to realize most people had done the same.
“I did. Luckily.” Jack hoisted his beer.
“I’ll be right back, I just need to freshen up.” Paige took her tiki drink and hightailed it from the reception hall and the group that had surrounded the bar. Even though island life was casual, it wouldn’t reflect well on her to show up to dinner covered in sand. She’d taken her cue from CeCe and Whit on this one, since each night they appeared dressed to the nines as though they were hosting a fancy dinner party.
Paige took a quick shower, bundling her hair on top of her head and rinsing the sand from her legs. After toweling off, she stood under the little air conditioner for a moment, letting the puffs of cool air soothe her warm skin as her thoughts drifted to Jack.
She was falling hard, Paige realized.
The moment today with the dolphins hung suspended in her mind – a crystalline moment of perfection where she knew she was exactly where she wanted to be with a person she enjoyed being with. Even though Jack had times where he was quite broody, and even though Paige had yet to figure out some of the undercurrents between him and the others, she found herself looking to him more often than not. Jack carried himself with a confidence that just seemed to say – no matter what the problem was – he could handle it. It was such a contrast to Horatio’s incessant need to have other people take care of his problems that it was like Paige had been held hostage in a dark cave and was seeing the light of day for the first time in years.
And yes, Paige knew that she shouldn’t have feelings for a co-worker. She knew it. She’d already lectured herself more than once – in the depths of the nights when she’d wake up after another sweaty dream about Jack – do not sleep with the boss.
But, damn she wanted to. Their stolen kiss from the other night haunted her.
Sighing, Paige dug through her closet and pulled out a dress she hadn’t worn yet. It was a deep red, with turquoise shimmers splashed across it. The neckline was low, the dress hugged her curves, and the hemline ended just above her knees. Now that she had more of a tan, the red looked good against her skin. Paige pulled her hair down and shook it out, letting it tumble down her back in a cloud of curls, and hooked some big silver dangles in her ears.
Jack always complimented her, Paige realized as she studied herself in the mirror. He was respectful to her, complimented her on her work, and complimented her on her outfits. He never crossed the line, so she didn’t feel uncomfortable when he did comment on her appearance, and Paige respected how he managed boundaries. But now she kind of wanted him to cross some lines with her.
She liked how they talked. Their conversations were only snippets, moments caught here and there in between handling the guests, but the topics were varied and interesting. They talked about book
s, travels, music, and life experiences. Over the past couple weeks, Paige had started to piece together a picture of a man who was well-traveled, well-read, and comfortably confident in his place in the world.
And…she needed to stop thinking about him, Paige realized. It would only make her crush worse, and she was well aware that her tendency to give in to her impulses was what often landed her in tricky situations. Giving herself a stern lecture, Paige downed the rest of her rum punch and left the cottage. Immediately, she missed the cool air of her room as the heat pressed against her skin. Paige paused for a moment, just outside the reception hall and took a good look around.
Various lights were scattered through the walkways that wound to the different cottages, lighting the palm trees from below, and creating a warm ambiance at night. The breeze ruffled the palm fronds, and the waves crashed in the background. The ocean had become a background sound that Paige had now gotten used to, and she wondered if she’d miss it when she left. Tiki torches lined the outside of the open-air reception, fire dancing in the darkness, and the guests laughed and chattered around the bar and at various tables. The mood was light, everything was moving along smoothly, and Paige felt truly at ease for the first time since she’d landed on Poco Poco Island.
What could possibly go wrong now?
Horatio’s accident seemed to have set off a mood of celebration, Paige realized, as everyone drank more than usual that night, herself included. For once, Paige let her hair down a bit and drank rum punch after rum punch. As the night took on a fuzzy quality, Paige couldn’t decide if Mariposa was making her drinks weaker or if she was just not tasting the alcohol anymore.
“Water.” Mariposa handed her a bottle. It was an order, not a question and Paige accepted the bottle gratefully, downing it in one go.
“Thank you.”
“One more.” Mariposa handed her another.
Paige sobered a bit, leaning back against the bar and watching the group. Dinner had been a success, with a delicious taco bar that had caused CeCe to roll her eyes. But Paige had noticed that didn’t stop the woman from enjoying three tacos herself. The dinner had been spent with everyone praising Jack for being a hero, and Horatio’s expression growing mutinous. Now, the group had urged them to turn the music up and a dance party had ensued.
Sunday was a free day with no classes scheduled, so Paige didn’t bother to try to rein anyone in. If they wanted to cut loose tonight, so be it. CeCe’s raucous laugh caused Paige to turn and her eyebrows shot up. Locked in a decidedly steamy embrace, CeCe and Stan were attempting what looked to be a tango, but they were both so drunk that they were pretty much just falling all over each other and laughing. That didn’t stop their enthusiasm though, as CeCe tried to hook a leg around Stan’s waist, and Stan tried to lift her so that she could sit on his waist. Unable to bear watching them fall, Paige turned and caught Jack’s dark look at CeCe before he turned away.
Whit, of course, was nowhere to be seen. Why didn’t that man look after his wife? Paige wondered. All of a sudden, she grew weary of the party.
“I’m going to tuck in, unless you think you’ll need me?”
“Go on.” Mariposa nodded. “We’ve got two security guards on tonight and Luis stuck around. Jack will also do pass-throughs. I’m good. We always put extra people on for Saturday nights.”
“Smart. This crowd might be up for a while.”
“I close the bar at twelve-thirty. They won’t have a choice after that.” Mariposa grinned at her and wiggled her fingers in goodbye as Paige slipped away. She padded softly to her cottage, enjoying the gentle breeze, and swaying slightly with the alcohol that was still in her system. She’d just gone inside her cottage when a voice surprised her, causing her to slam her hand against her chest.
“Horatio!” Paige took a deep breath. “What are you doing here? You scared me.”
Horatio came into her cottage and closed the door behind him, like he had every right to do so. Annoyed, Paige crossed the room and opened the door back up, not caring if the cool air got out. She didn’t want Horatio to stay and she certainly didn’t want anyone passing by to think she’d invited Horatio into her space.
“What’s with that Jack guy?” Horatio paced the room, his arms crossed and annoyance lacing his tone. “He thinks he’s the man or something.”
“Um, I highly doubt that.”
“Oh sure, you would defend him.”
“I’m just saying that I don’t think you can assume what anyone else is thinking of themselves. Isn’t that what the ego is?” Paige parroted some of Horatio’s own words back to him.
“He deliberately tries to show me up. This is my retreat. My followers. They should be listening to my words.”
“Um, this is Yoga Soulone’s retreat hosted by Tranquila Inn. Jack is part of making sure this goes smoothly.” Paige stood in her doorway, her arms crossed.
“What he’s trying to do is be in charge.”
“Well, he kind of is.”
“He’s making me look like a fool!” Horatio, for the first time ever, looked truly angry. Not like when he put on a temper tantrum or had a meltdown, but fully angry. Paige wondered how much he’d had to drink as a ripple of apprehension went through her.
“The only one making you look like a fool is yourself.” Her tone was clipped as she gestured for the door. “And I think it’s time for you to leave.”
“I miss you, Paige. We were good together, baby.” The sudden switch in topics had Paige confused for a moment. Which is the only reason she didn’t immediately shove Horatio away when his lips descended on hers. Hadn’t he just been bitching about Jack? As Horatio moaned low in his throat and pulled her to him, Paige shook herself from her daze and pushed her hands against his chest, and ripped her lips from his.
“I asked you to leave,” Paige gritted out, pushing harder against his chest, though his arms were like a vice clamp around her.
“Come on, baby. You know you loved our time in bed. Don’t you miss us?”
“I really truly don’t. Please leave.” Paige could see now just how drunk Horatio was and that worried her. Her heart rate kicked up as she struggled in Horatio’s arms.
“Shouldn’t we give it one more chance?”
“The lady said no.”
Paige closed her eyes as relief washed over her at Jack’s words. Which was immediately followed by distress, because if she knew anything about Horatio at all, it was that he wasn’t going to back down without a fight.
“And what are you going to do about it?” Horatio released Paige, turning to square up to Jack. They stood just outside her cottage, dark silhouettes lit from the tiki torches behind them. One man sinewy and lean, the other all muscle. Paige knew in a heartbeat that Jack would win in a fight.
“I just did something about it,” Jack said, his tone even. But Paige saw him rock lightly back on his feet, his palms held loosely open. He was ready for whatever Horatio would try.
“You know you don’t have to run to everyone’s rescue? This has nothing to do with you.”
“It’s my job to make sure guests and employees get home safe.” Jack kept his tone even.
“She’s safe.”
“Are you?” Jack asked.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re clearly in the wrong cabin. I’m worried you won’t find your way back to your cottage. You wouldn’t want to get stuck out here all night with the bugs.”
“I…” Horatio looked around.
“I think Nadia was looking for you, Horatio. Right, Jack?” Paige spoke softly, not wanting to draw Jack’s attention in case Horatio suddenly made a move.
“She was. She wants to go to bed. I said I’d come find you. I’m sure you’d like to go to her, wouldn’t you, bud?”
“Yes, I do. She’s much better in bed than you ever were.” Horatio spit at Paige before stomping off into the darkness. Paige turned, tears filling her eyes, and she rushed for the bathroom to splash cool water ove
r her face. The taste of Horatio was still in her mouth, so she vigorously brushed her teeth as she tried to push the embarrassment that burned in her core away. It didn’t matter what Horatio thought of her performance in bed, Paige told herself.
But she hated that Jack had to hear that. Or think that of her. After she toweled her face off, Paige bracketed her hands on the sink and looked in the mirror. It didn’t matter what any man thought of her, she told herself. The only opinion that mattered was her own. And Paige was proud of herself for taking risks and working hard. Nobody could take that from her. Screw Horatio, she thought, as she left the bathroom. He would be something she would laugh about someday.
“You okay?”
“Oh shit,” Paige stopped and held a hand to her heart for the second time. “People really need to stop scaring me in my cottage.”
“I hope I don’t scare you.” Jack leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, a concerned look on his handsome face. Paige couldn’t help but notice the way his muscles bulged in his arms. Stay focused on the conversation, she ordered herself, as her mind began to wander in a much naughtier direction.
“You don’t. Just surprised me is all.” Paige walked across the room to stand in front of him. Her cottage was small with no place to sit other than on the bed.
“Are you okay?” Jack asked again. He searched her eyes.
“I…yeah, I am. Just…”
“He was trying to hurt you.”
“He was. His ego is bruised and he lashed out.”
“Doesn’t make it right.” Jack shifted on his feet, dropping his arms and clenching his fists.
“No, it doesn’t.” Paige smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “It really doesn’t. And despite all I tell myself about what an idiot he is…his words still hurt.”
“I would think that if anyone was bad in bed, it’s him.”
Paige surprised herself by laughing. “Why would you say that?”
“Because men who only think about themselves don’t care about a woman’s pleasure.”
“Oh.” The air in the room seemed to thicken around them, and Paige found herself caught in Jack’s gaze. “I…you’re absolutely right.”
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