Sandcastle Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story

by Krista Lakes

  The smaller boat bobbed gently at the end of the dock, drawing my attention. The boys would be busy with their grant work today, so I could take the boat out. I could stay close to shore, but no one would bother me out on the ocean. I could be free. Saltwater and wind sounded like the perfect salve for my soul. My feet were down the dock before my brain even registered that was what I was deciding to do.

  I sent a text to Brooke and Doc that I was taking the boat, then turned the ignition key. It felt good to be out on the water. The sun glittered off the sea, and the boat skidded along the waves, bouncing just enough to make it fun. A pod of dolphins followed me out into the ocean, jumping and dancing alongside me like faithful friends. They lifted my spirits.

  I suddenly found myself at the Grove. I hadn't been paying attention to where I was going, and I had just followed the dolphins as they played beside me. I turned off the engine and gave the pod a dirty look. One dolphin jumped up beside me, and I swear he giggled before swimming off back into the ocean. If I didn't know better, I would have said those trickster dolphins had brought me here. This is why I liked sharks.

  Speaking of, I could see a large lemon shark pup swimming through the pale green water between the roots of the mangrove trees. He would be big enough soon to swim in the open water, but for now, he was still hunting in the protected shallows. A heron called from deeper inside the dark green trees. I let the boat drift as I watched the edges of the roots. Small, colorful fish flitted in and out of the dark roots while crabs skittered on the dry portions. This was where life grew.

  I saw two tiny lemon shark pups waiting under a large root structure. They were far too small to survive out in the open ocean, but here they were safe from predators. I watched them, mesmerized. One caught a small fish and ate it in a single bite. He was a strong little guy. I hoped he survived the destruction that was going to occur. I knew he wouldn't, though. Even if construction was a year away, he would still be too small. A larger shark or fish would eat him up in an instant without the protection of the mangrove roots.

  It broke my heart.

  I didn't want to look anymore. It was too beautiful here, and knowing that it was all going to go away hurt too much. I glared out at the direction the dolphins had swum off to. Stupid dolphins bringing me here.

  I sighed. It wasn't entirely their fault. I drove that route often enough with them riding my wake for it to be habit for all of us. They didn't know that everything was going to change. In their watery world, nothing had changed yet. I envied them.

  I needed something else to do. Something productive. Something that would make others happy. I felt the corners of my mouth twitch upward as it came to me. The fish tanks needed cleaning; this was Lucas's job. So did the storage areas by the shark pools; that was Devon's. The kitchen could use a good scrubbing, and the yard would benefit from some attention; these were Brooke’s and Doc’s respective chores. I turned on the boat and headed home. If I couldn't be useful on my research, then I would be useful to the people who cared about me.

  ***

  Nine hours, four scrub brushes, one broken broom, three garbage bags of leaves, and one and a half bottles of cleaning solution later, the entire research facility was clean. We kept it pretty clean anyway, but now, it practically sparkled. I had cleaned every tank, organized and swept the storage area, dusted, vacuumed, and cleaned everything I could get my hands on.

  I sat on the couch, watching the reflection of light in one of the now pristine fish tanks. I was exhausted physically, but somehow my mind hadn't gotten that memo. My hands ached from scrubbing, but I knew if I went and lay down for bed, I would just think of him. His kiss. How his hands felt on my skin...

  “The house looks awesome, Izzy.” I startled as Brooke broke into my thoughts. She glanced around appreciatively. Lucas was right behind her as they emerged from the kitchen. I could smell something delicious baking in the oven. It was Lucas's night to cook, but I was sure Brooke had helped him out. The man usually made sandwiches for dinner because he could barely make toast without burning it.

  “We should have you break up more often,” Lucas said. “I like not having to do any chores.”

  Brooke smacked his chest with the back of her hand and shot him a dirty look. “Hey! Be nice.”

  “What?” Lucas asked, genuinely confused for a moment. Then he looked at me and laughed nervously. “Sorry, Izzy. You know I didn't mean it like that.”

  “I know,” I replied softly. I knew he was just trying to lighten the mood with a joke. That was just what Lucas did. He flopped onto the couch beside me and put his arm over my shoulder. It felt nice, and I laid my head on his shoulder. He gave me a gentle squeeze.

  “Dinner will be ready in forty-five minutes. Doc and Devon should be back by then,” Brooke informed me. She raised her eyebrows at us all cozy on the couch. “I'm going to go take a quick shower. Don't make out with him while I'm gone, Izzy. No matter what he says, it will not make you feel better.”

  “Yes, it will,” Lucas countered quickly. “I'm like a broken heart Band-Aid. Kissing me will make you lose all your troubles.”

  “Unfortunately, it would also make me lose my lunch,” I quipped, making a gagging motion. Brooke laughed and shook her head as she headed toward our room.

  “You want me to go beat him up?” Lucas asked quietly once she was gone. I shrugged.

  “I don't know. It's super tempting.”

  He gave me another squeeze. “I know. I'll hold him down and you can hit him. Brooke will totally be our alibi.”

  “Alibi? I don't want to kill him.” I frowned at Lucas. He grinned.

  “Then we are making progress. Not wanting to kill your ex is a good sign. We'll have you forgetting his name in no time.” Lucas grinned wider as I cracked a smile. He gave me a real hug with both arms this time.

  I sincerely doubted that I would ever forget Noah, but smiling had felt good. Life was going to go on. Heartbreak couldn't last forever.

  “You smell like fish,” Lucas informed me, pulling back and making a face. I rolled my eyes at him.

  “What do you expect? I did all your chores,” I said, feeling more lighthearted. Lucas had that affect on people. He was annoying as hell, but he knew how to pick a person up. “I'll shower when Brooke finishes.”

  “Good, you need it.” He pinched his nose and made a face. I just rolled my eyes again.

  “I'm going to go feed the sharks. At least they don't care how I smell,” I said, rising to my feet.

  “Be careful they don't mistake you for a fish,” he called out as I headed to the back door. I considered making an inappropriate hand sign in his direction, but I knew he would enjoy that too much.

  Outside, the air held the sweet promise of evening. The sky glowed purple as the last streaks of red and orange shifted into dusk. The heat from the day still lingered, but with the sun tucked firmly in bed beyond the horizon, it was just a radiant heat instead of demanding. I loved this evening time. The nocturnal world was just coming alive while the day prepared to rest. It was a magical time where anything could happen.

  The waves shushed gently in the distance. With the oncoming night, the sharks were active. I watched them for a moment as they glided through the water. They were regal. Kings of the water, even as pups. I kicked off my sandals and stepped into the cool water.

  A tingle of electricity went up my legs. I loved being in the water with the sharks. They were still dangerous despite their size, and I craved the surge of adrenaline I felt by being with them. If anything could make me forget my heartache, it was these guys.

  I went until the hem of my shorts brushed the water. The larger lemon pup swam close, and then back to deeper water. My little sharks weren't quite so little anymore. The plan had been to release them back into the Grove this week, but with the impending destruction, I hated the thought. They might be big enough to survive when construction begun, but I had grown attached to them. I wanted them to make it and not just possibly survive. T
hey deserved the best chance they could get and I wasn't sure it was at the Grove anymore.

  I skimmed the surface of the water with my fingers, watching the moonlight catch and shimmer on the ripples. There was another mangrove outcropping further down the island. It didn't have as large a reef, or as good a placement on the island, but it was an alternative for their release. Unfortunately, it wouldn't work for my thesis. I swallowed down the anger rising in my throat. It just wasn't fair. The Grove was just so perfect for my research and the island.

  “You love them, don't you?” Noah asked, his voice soft in the darkness. I startled and turned around quickly to see him on the edge of the pool. He looked handsome in the moonlight, softer and more romantic. It terrified me. The irony that I was in a pool with sharks and I was terrified of leaving it was not lost on me.

  “You shouldn't be here,” I said. I was proud that my voice didn't waver, even though I was shaking like a leaf. I wished he would go away, but at the same time I wanted him to stay. As much as I wished it wasn't true, I still loved him. One day of heartbreak wouldn't take that away.

  “I couldn't sleep last night,” he replied, ignoring my statement. His eyes were dark pools as he watched me. “I just kept dreaming of you.”

  He took a step closer to the water and slid out of his shoes. I stared at his bare feet, hoping that he would come closer and praying that he wouldn't. I stayed silent.

  “So, since I couldn't sleep, I went for a walk last night, and I found myself at our sandcastle.” His hands were behind his back. He wore a dark blue polo that accentuated the strength in his shoulders and displayed his beautiful arms. “The rain had pretty much washed it all out to sea, but I could still see it. I realized that it was the most beautiful thing I had ever built.”

  When he stepped into the water, my heart threatened to burst out of my chest.

  “I have hundreds of spectacular hotels. Architectural jewels and historical treasures that I've turned into five star hotels, but that sandcastle was the most beautiful thing I have ever built because I made it with you,” he explained. He took another step. I held my breath, waiting to hear what he said next, wishing my own heartbeat wasn't so annoyingly loud. He pulled his hands out from behind his back and presented me with a small, glass bottle. “This is my message in a bottle. I've been stranded on an island of money, and I didn't even realize it.”

  I took the bottle in my shaking hands. It was the shape of a small bottle of wine and made of clear glass with a cork stopper. There was sand and a rolled up piece of paper resting inside of it.

  “Will you read it?” he asked quietly. His voice held hope and desperation. I looked up from the delicate glass to see his face. Moonlight shone in his eyes, fear and concern sparkling in their depths.

  I pulled the stopper out, and carefully picked out the piece of paper with my fingers before replacing the stopper. I unrolled the paper, being cautious not to drop it or the bottle in the water. Despite my care, I nearly did when I read it. It was the deed to the Grove.

  “It's yours,” he said, answering the question in my eyes. “It should have always been yours. I should have made the connection, but I was too wrapped up in securing another amazing business deal to realize what I was doing to you.”

  I opened my mouth, then shut it. I didn't know what to say. I needed to sit down, but I was in the middle of a pool and he was blocking my exit. I carefully rolled the paper up and put it back in the bottle. My breathing was ragged, and my heart rate was out of control.

  “I need to ask you something,” I said quietly, desperately trying to sort out the tangle of emotions in my chest.

  He took a step closer so that we were almost touching. I looked up into his eyes and saw nothing but honesty. “Anything,” he whispered.

  “Why did you decide to stay on the island?” The question had been burning into my very being ever since Danica had mentioned it. I needed to know.

  “For you,” he said simply.

  “Not to buy this?” I asked, holding up the bottle containing the deed. He shook his head and smiled softly.

  “I could've bought that property just as easily from my office in New York. I stayed for you.” He paused and slowly raised his hand to my cheek. “I'll stay for you.”

  My breath caught in my throat. Raw emotion washed over me in waves: shock, happiness, relief, hope, and finally love. I couldn't stop the tears from running down my face as I smiled up at him, seeing the same mix of emotions reflected in his blue eyes. I didn't know if I kissed him first, or he kissed me, but somehow our lips met and the world righted itself.

  I kept my arms wrapped around him when we broke apart for air. I never wanted to be separated from him ever again. Noah's eyes were bright with tears of joy as he kissed my forehead.

  “Why is there sand in here?” I asked, shaking the bottle gently. The grains of sand made a peaceful sound against the glass. The sharks swam near our feet.

  “It's from our castle. The foundation was all that was left,” he explained. He locked eyes with me. “That's where I'd like to start with you again.”

  I smiled, losing myself to the warmth and love in his eyes. I nodded, not trusting my voice. Instead I kissed him, pulling him into me with love and desire. I let my kiss tell him that was what I wanted too. His kiss told me he understood.

  Epilogue

  I take a deep breath and let it out as slowly as I can. All that does is make me feel lightheaded as the butterflies in my stomach continue to dance around. I smooth my wedding dress one last time and try to be patient. I feel like I've waited forever for this day, even though it's only been barely a year.

  “You ready?” Brooke asks, poking her head inside the door of the bridal villa. Her hair is done up in an elaborate bun. “It's show time!”

  I nod and she grins, closing the door behind her. I try the breathing thing one more time, but I'm still nervous. My dad takes my hands in his before I can smooth the satin of my dress again.

  “You look beautiful,” he says. Memories fill his eyes as he looks at me like he did when I was a little girl playing dress-up. “I'm so proud of you, Izzy.”

  He hugs me, careful not to mess up my hair. It crunches slightly from all the hairspray, but the curls remain intact. Dad puts his hands on my shoulders and looks me up and down. His eyes are brimming with tears, but he's smiling.

  “Thanks, Daddy,” I whisper. I'm glad he's here. My entire family arrived a week early to enjoy the island and meet my soon-to-be husband. I think they love him as much as I do. Mom and my little brother are out waiting with the rest of the bridal party. I can't believe how big Jake has gotten since I saw him last. He's practically all grown up.

  “You ready?” he asks, tucking my arm into his. I'm not sure if he's the one shaking, or if I am. Probably both of us.

  “Definitely.” I grin. I've been waiting for this day for a long time.

  The sunshine is bright as we step out of the villa and onto the sandy path leading to the beach. I can hear the string quartet playing over the gentle murmur of the waves. The wedding planner holds up her hand as we get to the aisle. Dad squeezes my arm.

  The music changes. My heart is pounding. It's time. The wedding planner grins and motions us forward. My father guides me into the aisle, and we begin to walk.

  There are smiling faces on either side of me: friends, family, relatives, and all the island locals. Devon and Mimi grin as I walk by them. Mimi is about ready to pop from her pregnancy, but she is radiant. I remember how beautiful she was at their wedding, and I hope I look the same. Lucas flashes me a big thumbs up. He proposed to Brooke two weeks ago. Doc is sitting with Adele and Dominic. Adele is already openly crying.

  But there is only one face I want to see. Noah's.

  He is standing at the altar, waiting for me. He looks so incredibly handsome in his light gray suit against the white of the sand and blue of the water. His hair, for once, looks tamed and combed. I wonder how many times he's tried to run his hands throug
h it today. Our eyes connect and I can see all the nervousness leave his shoulders. He smiles, and I'm captured in his gaze. His eyes are so blue, they call to me like sirens. I stop walking and start floating. This is it.

  “Who gives this woman to be with this man?” the minister asks.

  “Her mother and I,” my father replies. His voice shakes a little. I know he's practiced that line all day. My mom wipes her eyes and beams up at me from her seat.

  I hug my father. His lips brush my cheek, his eyes glistening with happy tears. His little girl is all grown up. He shakes Noah's hand, and then, reluctantly lets me go.

  Brooke takes my bouquet and gives me a wink. She's grinning like a fool. Noah's hands are strong and steady on mine. He smiles and we turn to face the minister. I'm glad I have Noah's hand. With him there, I don't shake so badly. He is my rock. Together, we can face anything.

  Noah squeezes my hand. “Thank you for coming.”

  I squeeze back. “I wouldn't have missed this for the world.”

  We promise to love one another. We promise to support one another. I know that we will do these things. We already have. We have been doing it for over a year now. There are no secrets anymore. Only honesty and love. Our foundation is strong; we are ready to build our sandcastle.

  The ceremony is a blur. All I know is that I am happy to promise my life to Noah. His blue eyes shine with joy as he promises the same to me.

  “You may now kiss the bride,” the minister tells us. I can't believe we’re at this part already. I grin and Noah cups his hand on my cheek. The smile spreading across his face tells me everything I need to know: we are going to be happy.

  The crowd cheers. I can hear my little brother whooping and Lucas’s distinctive, annoying wolf whistle he enjoys using. They are happy for us.

  We part from our kiss, breathless and grinning. The crowd is still cheering. Noah takes my hand and raises it up in victory. We have made it. The crowd roars even louder. My brother starts imitating Lucas's whistle technique. Together we hurry down the aisle.