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“It sounds like you’ve got some soul searching to do, little sister. Maybe a step back from Jack isn’t such a bad idea.”
“Yeah. That’s what I keep trying to tell myself.”
CHAPTER 30
March...
Sara eased down the spa steps to the wooden dock, enjoying the happy chaos of a dive trip returning. The divers headed toward her as Jack followed, BCDs layered over his shoulders. In the passing weeks since their breakup, Sara and Jack had formed a polite, if slightly strained, working relationship. She was determined not to let him see her pain, though that still warred with anger at how he’d ended things. But her bruised ego had received some bolstering recently, and she was regaining her usual attitude.
A guest diverted and came her way, bringing a smile to her face.
“Hello, Sara.” Daniel was around her age and there on a solo holiday. He’d made no effort to hide that he was open to a vacation fling. Nothing had ever been said, but Sara knew Hope and Alex well enough to understand sleeping with guests would be highly frowned upon. But a little harmless flirting never hurt anyone...
“Good dives?” she asked, tilting her jaw up. Jack passed by them, watching the whole way. Sara gave Daniel a flirty smile and tried not to feel smug as Jack clenched his teeth, pressing his lips tightly together.
“Fabulous. Are you headed to lunch, by any chance?”
“Yes, with my sister. We’re headed to Christiansted.”
Daniel sighed theatrically before giving her a rakish grin. His light brown eyes danced over her face, though she couldn’t help noticing they didn’t hold a candle to Jack’s. “I’ve only got a couple days left, you know. You’re missing out.”
“Who knew working in paradise would have its downside? Sorry, but we try to keep things strictly professional.”
He stepped closer as Jack walked back to the boat, shoulders hunched. “Have a business dinner with me, then.”
Sara stepped back with a laugh. “You’re persistent, aren’t you?”
“I’d like to get to know you better.”
She made a show of glancing at her watch. “Sorry, but I really need to run. I’m sure we’ll talk again, though.”
“I certainly hope so.”
Sara had a little more bounce in her stride as she moved toward the lobby to meet her sister.
Sara and Hope ate fish and chips as they leaned against the sea wall of the Christiansted marina. The area was bustling with activity. Street performers, tourists, restaurants, and souvenir shops all competed for attention. “Why do fish and chips taste so much better on a tropical island?” Sara asked. The batter covering was crisp and light, with just a touch of local spice.
“Everything tastes better on a tropical island.”
“Can’t argue with that.”
The breeze blew Hope’s hair across her face, and she brushed it away. “So, how’s it been living above Jack?”
“Not as bad as I feared. We just kind of ignore each other when we’re at home.”
“Doesn’t sound like you guys are getting back together.”
Sara hesitated. “It wasn’t my idea to break up, and I miss him. But I’ve adjusted.”
“I’m sorry. I really wanted it to work out for you two.”
She turned to Hope with a smile, determined not to show how she really felt. That she still thought about him. Hell, that she still dreamed about him. Maybe I do need to distract myself with someone else. “There are other fish in the sea. I remember telling you that once, and look at you now.”
Wayne’s handsome face flashed into Sara’s mind. The restaurant and bar at Serenity were fully open now, and the previous week she had run into him as she’d been enjoying a glass of wine. Some lighthearted, flirty banter had gone back and forth. “I even have a couple of prospects.”
Hope burst out with her throaty laugh. “I swear. It’s like you’re catnip for men.”
“It does my sore heart some good. And one of the men is a guest, so don’t get too excited. I know the rules, even if you’ve never stated them.”
