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“I look forward to it. But I’ll take yours anytime.”
Her smile faded and Sara walked around the island. She cupped his face in both hands, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. “I’m sorry I blew up. It was uncalled for.”
His smile faded as he eyed her steadily. “I’m glad you’re feeling better about it now, but Sara, you need to understand. I’m responsible for people’s lives down there. Panic is the most dangerous thing in the world. My number one job is to keep people safe. And that means reassuring them—and yes—letting them clutch my arm or hold my hand if they need to.”
She looked down. “I know. Ashley came to me this morning, wanting to thank you. She wanted you to know you made a big difference.” Sara returned her eyes to his. “Hearing that made me really proud. I was being stupid over nothing.”
“You didn’t feel it was nothing at the time.”
“No.” She sighed and returned to her glass, taking a sip of Dutch courage. “I started feeling self-conscious as soon as you introduced us. How could you resist her? She was this petite, pretty, adorable little thing. Everything that I’m not.”
He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re right about that.”
Sara stepped back. “What?”
“You’re everything she’s not. Full of fire. You hum like a live wire, and you don’t even know it. You’re gorgeous when you’re all made up like this. But I hope you understand you’re every bit as beautiful with no make-up and your hair in a ponytail.”
“You’re telling me all this was wasted, huh?”
A slow smile rose on his face that made her heart beat out of her chest. “I don’t plan on wasting anything.”
CHAPTER 27
Jack circled his arm around Sara’s hip as they strolled down the brick walkway of Breakers. He tried to swallow down his nerves, unable to keep himself from comparing dinner tonight with that of a few nights ago, when they’d made up. Over Gerold’s incredible meal, she’d asked if he’d like to have dinner with Alex and Hope, her eyes bright and hopeful. Of course he’d said yes, but he wasn’t exactly looking forward to this double date.
He and Sara had made up, but there was still a slight strain between them. Mostly on his side. The other night, he’d been caught up in the euphoria of making up, but it wasn’t just that. He had fallen hard for her. She was like a drug for him, one he wasn’t sure he could quit if they kept on. But Sara had said more than once she didn’t want a serious relationship, which made his turmoil even greater. And now he had to face Alex and Hope on top of it.
Maybe we’ll be in a quiet corner of the bar. Robert said the good tables are hard to get here.
Sara stopped in front of the hostess’s stand. “We’re meeting another couple. The reservation is under Monroe.”
The hostess smiled. “Sure. Hope and Alex are already here. Follow me.”
She led them toward the beach, where the Monroes were seated at a front-row table in the sand. Jack and Sara sat across from them as the hostess gave them menus. “Nice table,” Jack said, watching the soft waves rustle onto the beach mere feet away. “I heard you needed to make reservations weeks in advance to get a table like this.”
Hope waved casually at him. “We come here often, so they take care of us.”
Jack’s stomach flopped over. I’m sure they do. You two are minor celebrities on this island. Reason four hundred and twenty I need to think about what I’m doing here.
Hope continued, “I ordered a bottle of cabernet. Is that all right?”
“Fantastic,” Sara said. “You know your wines, so I’m sure it will be great.”
Just then, their server brought the bottle and four large wine glasses, pouring a taste for Hope. She took her time evaluating it, then nodded at him. After the bottle was poured out and their server left, the two couples clinked their glasses together.
“I’m glad you picked the wine,” Jack said. “It’s not exactly my strong suit.”
“Mine either,” Alex said. “I let Hope or Gerold do it whenever possible.”
Sara moved the wine around in her mouth before swallowing. “This is really good. I could drink the whole bottle.”
Hope snorted. “If you just want to get drunk, there are a lot cheaper ways to do it. This is the red wine we served at our wedding. We wanted to celebrate tonight.” Alex ran an arm across her shoulders, and they shared a private smile.
“It’s a tradition, then!” Sara said. “I’ll try not to give any sappy speeches tonight. Bottoms up.”
Jack was uncomfortably aware he was the only person who hadn’t been at the wedding, and the sense of being an outsider amplified. Just pretend they’re an ordinary couple you’re having dinner with.
Alex looked at Jack and Sara. “I saw you two in scuba gear this afternoon. Did you dive the house reef?”
