“It has pearls in it,” Sam said, holding it up to show Lucas.
“I saw that. It’s pretty, though I’m sure it’s not real,” Lucas shrugged.
“I don’t know, Lucas, this is really fine craftsmanship.” Samantha turned the comb over in her hands, studying how the pearls were inlaid in the shell without cracking it.
“Let me see,” Lucas said. Plucking it from her hand, he examined it once more before looking up at her. Leaning close, he lifted her chin with one hand so that her eyes met his tawny green ones. With a smile, he slid the comb into her salty hair, which was drying in the ocean breezes.
“There,” Lucas said, brushing a kiss over her lips. “You look just like a mermaid.”
A hum of power shot through Sam, so deep that she almost dropped her beer. This comb… something about this moment, this comb, this man. Forcing herself to take deep breaths, Samantha willed the thrum of power down inside of her, locking it in her core like a secret to be pulled out later and examined in private. For if she looked too closely at it now, she feared it would shatter into pieces.
Chapter 28
Jolie had packed them a feast, Samantha decided, as Lucas unpacked the hamper and set it up on a nifty little table he’d unfolded with the chairs. He hooked a tiny speaker to the back of his chair, and Samantha relaxed into her seat as the island rhythm began to overtake her.
“I could get used to this,” Samantha said, taking a sliver of cheese from the board.
“It’s not too shabby, right?” Lucas smiled and stretched his long, tanned legs out in front of him in the sand. Damned if she didn’t sneak a glance at his ab muscles where they dipped below the waist of his board shorts. Grateful for her sunglasses, Sam raised her bottle of beer at him. Lucas held his up in in response. “Or are you going crazy not being busy all the time?”
“I have to admit, it’s taken a serious level of control not to check my phone every two minutes,” Samantha said. “But I’m proud of myself. I checked my work email this morning, delegated everything that needed delegating, and then put a vacation responder up for the first time ever in my life. I feel like I passed an important milestone there.” She touched the comb at her hair, feeling it hum with an odd vibration she could only attribute to the fact that she was drinking beer at midday on an empty stomach.
“Ah, yes, the first vacation responder email. An important step toward freedom,” Lucas said, tapping his beer to hers in cheers.
“Is this your life every day? I mean, sure, when people are in town you probably do this stuff. Not to say this would get boring, but I guess I just can’t imagine my life without routine. Or the pressures of a job. I hate to say it, but I’m not sure if I’m cut out for retirement quite yet,” Samantha said, “I feel like I’d enjoy it for a bit, but then go a little stir crazy. I think deadlines drive me to be more productive. What do you do with your time? Wasn’t it a shock leaving your old job to come to this?”
“Oh, it absolutely was a shock to my system. But, in some respects, I kind of needed it. I really needed the time to grieve my friend. And, I think partly because of how I left work, I initially viewed working as evil. I’d invested well and was able to support myself just fine on what I had in the bank. I spent a lot of time puttering around – diving, exploring, that kind of thing. But, eventually, yeah. I needed to do something. I went back to work.” Lucas shrugged and took a swig of his beer.
“You work? What’s your boss say about you taking off to go snorkeling in the middle of the week?” Samantha demanded.
“He says so long as it’s with a pretty girl, I’m fine.” Lucas laughed at her.
“You’re the boss, aren’t you? What do you do?” Samantha asked, her eyes drawn again to his tanned chest muscles. This was not a man who sat inside at a desk all day, that was for sure.
“It’s interesting on an island. A lot of people hodgepodge things, piece it together. I do a little consulting on investments here and there – though once word gets out, you’re more in demand than you expect to be. And, for some reason, I invested in a restaurant downtown. I have no idea why – I’ve never been in the business. But it just felt fun to me. And it has been. I’ve been more of a silent partner since I have no background in the restaurant business. But there was a local I’d met who had a passion for cooking, the other locals trusted him and wanted to work for him, and together we made a fun little spot downtown. He’s as happy as can be being the face of the restaurant and I get to go in and rock in a swing while I eat my food whenever I feel like it.”
“The swing restaurant is yours?” Samantha exclaimed. “That was the one place I saw that made me want to forget everything and just relax.”
“That’s the point of it all, isn’t it?” Lucas looked over at her. “You should savor your food, enjoy it with friends, or just relax and read a book while having a beer. I thought the swings would invite people to feel like children again and just enjoy themselves while partaking of a good local meal.”
“You have to take me. I promised myself that when I worked up the gumption to drive that rusty old truck again, I would go there and sit in a swing. I love swings,” Samantha said.
“I know. I saw how much you enjoyed mine yesterday,” Lucas said, his smile slow and dangerous in his face.
“You’re killing me here,” Sam said, heat rising to her face. Once again she imagined rolling into cool sheets with him, their skin warm from the sun, the taste of salt on their lips.
“Good, because when we make love, I want your whole world to fall away to just us,” Lucas whispered. He reached out to trail a finger down the string of her bikini top, fussing with the neat bow she’d tied at the neck. Slowly he ran his finger up her neck to toy lightly with the curve of her ear, and a shiver shot through her. Lucas grinned – a wicked, naughty bedroom grin – as his gaze dropped to her very visible response through the thin fabric that covered her breasts.
“You are torturing me,” Samantha decided.
“It’s the best kind of torture,” Lucas said, bending over to plop a cheerful kiss on her lips. “Eat up. We may have time for one more snorkel, but we should get home for a siesta before the party tonight.”
“There’s a party tonight?”
“The ladies are throwing a little beach BBQ. Usually it’s just a small group of people for dancing or games on the beach. You’ll love it,” Lucas said.
How nice was that? Samantha thought. So casual. None of the fussy overly-planned affairs her work and family always scheduled into her calendar. No, just a casual come-as-you-are beach hangout.
“You know what? I think I will.”
Chapter 29
Lucas took the long loop home, delighting in showing her different areas of the island. It seemed to her that there were little pockets of neighborhoods tucked among the trees and hills all over the island.
“See, each area of the island has its own vibe, and different selling points. Some people like being up on the hill where they catch the trade winds and can look over the island. Others like to be right on the oceanfront, though those properties typically go for a premium. Some of the neighborhoods are clustered close to town where people can walk, bike, or scooter to their jobs. A few neighborhoods consisting almost solely of longtime islanders are further out, away from it all. They try their best to maintain local traditions.”
“It’s a melting pot,” Samantha said, raising an eyebrow at some newly-built villas that lined one particularly beautiful stretch of the coast. “Those are pretty.”
“There’s been a push for sustainable eco-tourism. One of the companies that has set up shop here is working on building homes using sustainable practices – solar panels, local materials and furnishings – and gives jobs to the local families. They take the time to teach the trade to people who want to learn, and have been a great addition to the island. Plus, there’s a big push for people wanting to stay in smaller eco-friendly areas instead of big all-inclusive hotels. I think they’ll do well here,�
� Lucas said as they passed the breezy villas, where workmen were putting the finishing touches on the outside walls.
“It doesn’t seem like you have too many hotels,” Samantha said.
“We do, but they aren’t large like some of the bigger islands that just pile people into all-inclusives like they’re just another number or a big cattle herd. The hotels and vacation rentals are smaller here; people come back to visit year after year because the staff stays the same and remembers their names. I think it makes people feel welcome to be recognized on their vacations, you know?”
“I agree. Honestly, it was something I have brought up to Paradiso. I can tell which hotel has a larger turnover of staff just from looking at the accounts to see how many returning guests they have each year.”
“You know,” Lucas said, sliding a glance at Samantha, “it sounds like you’re pretty good at your job.”
“Thanks, I try to be. Apparently not good enough to get the big promotion, but I’ve poured all my sweat and tears into this job for years now. I can confidently say I’m proud of the work I’ve done and my reviews consistently show that I rarely, if ever, make mistakes with the accounts.”
“Ah, so that’s one of the things that sent you scurrying down here,” Lucas said.
Sam leaned her head back on the seat and closed her eyes for a moment, wondering if that was how the people at work viewed her – scurrying away with her tail tucked between her legs.
“It is. I was essentially promised the CFO position. I took on every last task and challenge presented to me and worked long hours. But the guy who kissed ass and delegated the most got the job. End of story,” Samantha said.
“It doesn’t sound like your company rewards loyalty or hard work,” Lucas said, slowing as they approached the village.
“I always thought they did. But in all honesty, now that I’ve had a chance to step back from it, I can see they really don’t. I never received any special bonuses or vacation time that any of my other colleagues didn’t receive as well. All the overtime I put in was just to claim the coveted CFO position. And for what?”
“For nothing, it seems. So, why are you giving loyalty to a company that hasn’t given it to you?” Lucas asked, his tone even, though his words slammed into her like a hammer to the gut.
“Well, shit, to be honest…” Samantha said. “I have no good answer to that.”
“Something to think about, I guess. Maybe there’s other companies out there that would value your work more.” Lucas shrugged as if he hadn’t just handed her an epiphany, and slowed his truck in front of his restaurant, tapping his horn in a friendly beep. A short man, round at the waist with deep brown skin and a mile-wide smile, came out from behind the bar and over to the truck. Samantha wondered if the cars behind them would get annoyed, but it seemed people just accepted a car stopping in the middle of the road to chat. Perhaps that was the norm on the island. If this was back home, the horns would be honking madly by now.
“Hey, Javier, this is my friend Samantha,” Lucas said, clasping the man’s hand and pointing to Samantha, who waved to him.
“Ah, a pretty lady to join you on a pretty day,” Javier said, winking at Samantha.
“Would you like to have dinner here tomorrow?” Lucas asked Samantha.
“I… yes, I would,” Samantha asked, still tripping over the fact that she and Lucas seemed to be actually dating.
“Save us two of your best swings, Javier. We’ll come by around seven or so,” Lucas said. Javier nodded, waving at them as they motored on. Sam swiveled her head to see a line of cars behind them.
“Not a single one honked,” Samantha marveled.
“Oh, the cars? No, what’s the point? You’re going to get mad at someone you live on a small island with? Plus, nobody is in a hurry here. Well, tourists are. You can always tell when someone is just visiting — they’re always rushing around trying to pack the most into their trip.” Lucas laughed. “I get it. I used to be the same way. Go, go, go.”
“You’re saying you learn more about life if you spend time in the slow, slow, slow.” Samantha smiled as they left the colorful buildings of town behind them and headed toward the Laughing Mermaid.
“It’s not a bad way to learn,” Lucas said. “If you’re moving too fast you might just miss what’s right in front of you.”
They’d pulled to a stop in front of the Laughing Mermaid, but Lucas made no move to get out as he studied her. Her mind whirled with the idea of leaving the company, of falling for this man, of living a life outside anything she’d been told was possible. Could this be the life she’d been working toward all along?
Sam wasn’t used to making dramatic decisions or sudden changes, and she felt panic flutter in her chest. It was all too much at once; she needed room to breathe. Her hand moved to nervously tuck her hair behind her ear, and when she felt the comb she was immediately infused with a rush of calm. Remember the ocean, it seemed to remind her. Go with the flow.
“Thank you, Lucas, for a beautiful day,” Samantha said, needing to escape and be by herself for a moment to process.
“You’re welcome, Samantha. I really enjoy spending time with you and it was a delight to share some of my favorite places with you,” Lucas said, his hand reaching up to twirl a lock of her hair around his finger.
“I’ll never forget the turtle. I swear I almost cried right into my mask,” Samantha laughed, then sobered when Lucas leaned over and kissed her softly.
“It was a special moment. The ocean shows you her love in her own way. I’m only happy that I got to experience it with you. I hope you hold onto that if you need to make any tough decisions moving forward,” Lucas said, and kissed her once more.
“The ocean will be my guide?” Samantha looked up at him, his eyes seeming even more green against the fresh flush of sun on his skin.
“The ocean has loads of lessons to teach us all. You’ve only to listen,” Lucas said, a small smile on his face. “Will you dance with me on the beach tonight, pretty mermaid?”
“Mermaid? Oh, the comb.” Samantha touched it again, feeling the little hum of power it seemed to give her, and then shot him a sassy look. “I’d love to dance with you tonight.”
“Good. Wear red. It drives me crazy,” Lucas said. This time his kiss was decidedly dangerous as he trailed one finger down her bikini top to slip inside and cup her breast. Instantly, lust shot straight through her, and she sat there, a molten pool of need.
“Uh, I will.” Samantha glared at him when he pulled back and laughed.
“Don’t give me that look,” Lucas said.
“You’re teasing me on purpose,” Samantha bit out.
“What were we just talking about?” Lucas reminded her as he got out of the truck and unloaded the picnic basket.
“Taking life slowly.” Samantha sighed in frustration as she got out and stood in front of the villa.
“Exactly. And I plan to take it really nice and slow once I get my hands on you, Samantha,” Lucas whispered, brushing his lips over hers once more as her cheeks flushed with heat again.
“Isn’t that what siestas are for?” Samantha asked, nodding toward the second floor where her suite was. “A nice relaxing… uh, break?”
“I want you when you’re ready for me,” Lucas said, running his hands up and down her arms again. “Not when you’re trying to rush that part because you’re nervous. You and me, Sam? We’re worth the wait.”
Sam held onto that thought as she curled into a chair by her balcony and looked out at the water. It had been so long since anyone had put her first, or had considered her worth the wait. Even her own family hung up on the phone on her as they raced from appointment to appointment.
Maybe, for the first time, someone was valuing her for her. And wasn’t that something to think about?
Chapter 30
“I can’t wear that.” Sam blanched at what looked like bluish-green fish net covered in sparkly mirrored discs, which Jolie was currently holding up
in the air. “My hoo-ha will show.”
“Hoo-ha?” Mirra gasped and started giggling. “How old are you again?”
“Naughty bits? Lady garden? Down there?” Samantha supplied, sending the sisters into fits of giggles as they pawed through Samantha’s clothes in her room.
She’d spent her siesta time doing something she hadn’t done in a really long time: thinking, with zero distractions, about her life and what she wanted from it. Ignoring her phone, her laptop, even the trashy romance novel, Sam had curled up in a shaded low-slung chair and stared out at the ocean, waiting to see what lessons it would offer her. Before long, she’d pulled out a notebook and had begun to write – not making lists or plans, just writing down all the thoughts that swirled around in her head. It was a free-form brainstorming kind of self-therapy session and by the time she was done with it, a pattern had emerged. Samantha had studied the mess of words and in one blinding moment, they’d all fit perfectly together.
She was desperately unhappy with her job. It hurt to admit that, she realized: She’d given so much of herself to her career over the years, and for what? A company that didn’t treat her with loyalty or respect. But at the end of the day, if she sat back and really looked at her career, she realized she hated working for Paradiso. At first, the thought had stung, but oddly enough, after a moment, the realization had flooded her with a newfound power. It was like having a boyfriend break up with you and realizing you never loved him anyway.
The golden egg she’d been striving for all along had never been the CFO position at Paradiso. It had been the recognition of her family. And even that would have been an empty win, she realized, because it would have left her working hard for a company she hated to please people who had no idea what was best for her. They might think they did, but since they’d never bothered to really get to know her, there was no way they could know what would make her happy.
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