AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Look, you prickly bastard. You’re one of the best people I’ve ever met in my life. I know better than anyone what it’s like to be alone. That’s my life now, and I accept it. But you don’t have to. You deserve better, Alex.”
He met Steve’s eyes, his jaw locked. “Thanks. I’ll take it under advisement. Can we change the subject now?”
“Fine.” Steve looked like he was biting the inside of his cheek as he tried not to smile. “You know, the new owner says she’s single.”
Alex gave Steve a tight smile. “That sounds like an incredibly bad idea on so many levels that I don’t even want to start.”
Steve finished his beer as Clark brought another round. “Ok, ok, you win.” They clinked beers.
“Is she at least a diver?”
Steve grinned wider. “Nope, never dove.”
“Oh, great.”
“I’m sure you can certify her if she wants to learn.” Alex shrugged, and Steve narrowed his eyes. “You’re not getting itchy feet, are you?”
“What? No, this place suits me. Been here for five years now. I don’t have any thoughts of moving on.”
Steve sighed, his shoulders relaxing. “Good. That’s an enormous weight off my shoulders. I feel better about leaving, knowing that you’re around to keep an eye on things.”
Alex scowled. “You said you thought she’d work out fine.”
“I do, but she doesn’t have your experience here on the island, and she sure doesn’t have your background. Alex, you can’t hide out forever.”
Alex stomped down the pier toward his apartment, fuming. He ripped off his shirt and shoes and dove into the water, cargo shorts and all, with no goggles. It was night anyway—not like he could see anything. He sliced through the water, his powerful stroke the result of years of practice.
Who the hell does Steve think he is, raffling off the resort to a complete stranger?
He had worked very hard over the last five years to build the resort dive operation from a side business featuring a revolving door of dive professionals to a well-respected and safety-focused mainstay that brought back guests year after year.
And this is the thanks I get—some woman who doesn’t know the first thing about diving.
CHAPTER 9
Present Day . . .
Hope took a drink of champagne. Her throat was dry after the long explanation about winning the resort and wrapping up her life in Chicago. The airplane air didn’t help either.
Barbara gaped at her. “What an opportunity. You’re not nervous?”
“I alternate between euphoria and terror at equal intervals.” Hope took another sip, the bubbles tickling her nose. “I still can’t believe how easy it was to settle my current life.” Kind of depressing, actually. “A woman in my apartment building was thrilled to buy my car. I sold some of the stuff in my apartment, donated the rest, and now here I am.”
“You know, I’m a corporate attorney. Real estate is definitely not my area of expertise, but you got this checked out, didn’t you?”
Hope laughed, easing back in her seat. “Yes. Background check passed. Attorneys pored over the documents, and we signed a week ago. I am the official owner of Half Moon Bay Resort.” Her heart pounded just saying the words.
“The name sounds romantic. Is it one of those resorts with non-stop activities and aerobics in the pools?”
“No, I don’t think so.” Hope smiled as the flight attendant refilled her glass. “It looks like it’s mainly a scuba diving resort.”
“Oh, that’s awesome!” Barbara turned more toward her. “I got certified around fifteen years ago but haven’t been diving since I had kids. You must be an avid diver then?”
Hope shook her head. “I’ve gone snorkeling and enjoyed that. Diving seems scarier, though—what if you run out of air? No, I’ll have plenty to keep myself occupied without adding drowning to the list.”
“Well, it sounds wonderful and a terrific opportunity for you. Few people have the courage to cut their ties and jump into a new life. I wish you all the best.”
* * *
