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Unfortunately, the eyes belonged to Jack. The horrible divemaster.
Her chagrin instantly erupted into fury, and she dropped her hand from her face. “Goddammit, watch where you’re going. Pouring water over me wasn’t enough? You have to break my nose too?”
Jack’s face flushed crimson as he took a big step back, holding up both hands. “I’m sorry! I need to use the restroom and wasn’t watching where I was going.”
He was of average height, but at five feet three, she still had to look up at him. He spoke with a very slight twang. Texas? “Yeah. No kidding. You really need to stay the hell away from me, understand?”
His obvious embarrassment was replaced by a flash of anger that he quickly covered, raking a hand through his short, dark-brown hair. He had a strong jaw and sharp cheekbones, and really was rather good looking.
Too bad it’s all wasted on him.
“Look, I’m not doing it on purpose. Lighten up, princess.”
Clenching her jaw tightly, Sara drew herself as tall as she could. “No. I won’t. But fortunately for both of us, I’m leaving later today.” She breezed around him toward the staircase. “Have a nice life, Jack.”
* * *
Sara stomped up the pier, but by the time she turned to walk north along the beach, her irritation had dissipated. It was quickly replaced by tranquil peace as a soft breeze blew through her long brown hair, and the line of palm trees waved gently back and forth. They stretched along the back of the long crescent of white sand that gave the bay its name. Half Moon Bay sat on the western side of the island, but she’d be gone before the sun descended to the ocean.
Sara had intended to head toward the lobby office, but changed her mind, strolling north along the beach instead. Enjoy it while it lasts. I’ll be sleeping in Charleston tonight. She kicked off her flip-flops and let the waves wash over her feet, a small smile on her face as she soaked in the peaceful setting.
“Hey! Wait for me. Where are you going?” Hope called out behind her, and Sara stopped as her big sister hurried toward her, dressed in a dive-themed Half Moon Bay T-shirt and long black shorts. Her hair was much lighter than Sara’s, especially since moving to St. Croix. She had it loosely wound in a clip and wore no make-up, yet she was still gorgeous. Totally not fair.
“I thought you’d be waiting in the cool house,” Hope said.
“Are you kidding? These are my last few hours in paradise. No way am I wasting them.” Sara turned and they continued north. “I’ve never walked to this end of the beach, and thought I’d check it out. So, how’s married life?”
Sara rolled her eyes as Hope broke into a face-cracking grin. “Incredible! We’ve been living together for over a year, so it shouldn’t really make a difference. But it does.”
“Who would have thought you’d become the face of wedded bliss?”
Hope arched a brow at her. “Careful. That sounds suspiciously close to sour grapes.”
Sara had to laugh. “I’m very happy for you. Both of you.” They were nearing the north end of the beach. The sand competed with iron-shore rocky ground as the crescent swept out to their left. As it narrowed to a point, the rocky ground won. Sara put her flip-flops back on and the two women picked their way carefully onto the thin spit of land.
Sara shaded her eyes with one hand as she took in the expansive view. “This is beautiful. Nothing but ocean ahead and the resort behind us.” In the other direction was nothing but wild jungle. She itched to paint it. Oh, these colors!
To their left, a large expanse of dark coral reef descended from the rocky edge and disappeared into the depths in a stunning variety of blue shades. Hope pointed at it. “That’s the house reef. We’re lucky to have it so close. Most resorts don’t have something this nice. It gives the guests something to dive or snorkel, even if it’s too rough for the boat to go out.”
Her sister had gotten off to a rocky start at the resort, but she had turned it into a resounding success—with Alex’s help, who was a great deal more than dive manager and instructor. The women picked their way back to the soft sand and continued toward the resort. “No plans to develop this end?” Sara asked.
Hope laughed. “Actually, Alex and I don’t own this end.” Sara caught her unconscious Alex and I, but remained silent. Hope pointed to an orange wooden stake pounded into the edge of the sand just south of the spit. “That’s the property marker there. I met the owner once, who comes out here occasionally. As politely as possible, I asked for right of first refusal if he ever wants to sell it. He wasn’t interested in selling, but at least he likes it undeveloped. It would be terrible if he built a big restaurant or something here.”
Sara laughed. “Big sister. Resort mogul.”
They continued past four northern bungalows and a central complex of buildings. As they passed by the pier on their right, Alex was strolling toward them, and they paused to wait. He was tall and gorgeous, with bright blue eyes and short, light hair—he and her sister were a stunning couple. Alex broke eye contact with Hope long enough to say hello to Sara before sweeping up to his wife and enveloping her in a long kiss.
Sara propped her hand on her hip. “Hey! I’m standing right here, you know. Don’t you two have any decency?”
They both ignored her, but finally pried themselves apart. “Good trip?” Hope asked, a dizzy smile on her face.
He nodded, stroking a finger across her chin. “Perfect day for me to drive the boat and very experienced divers. It was a walk in the park for Jack.”
At the divemaster’s name, Sara scowled and resumed the trek toward their house. The couple fell in beside her. They entered the house, and Cruz was much happier to see them than he had Sara. After a quick shower, Alex joined them in the kitchen as Hope prepared lunch.
“So Kate and her family got away this morning?” Sara asked, standing behind one of the kitchen chairs.
Hope stopped stirring the salad and a long look passed between her and Alex. Sara could practically see information being passed between them. Jeez, they’ve only been married two days and they’re doing that already?
