AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No. In fact, once he realized I wasn’t happy, he backed way off.” Like he was backpedaling, trying to appease me. She had her moments of self-doubt now and again, but something about Wayne made her suspicious. How he was single-mindedly pursuing her and pushing her to invest in his spa. Why me? “He’s very good looking, but I’m not completely comfortable around him.”
“Trust your instincts, sis. They’re usually spot-on. He sounds like the opposite of Jack.”
That made her smile. “Yeah. He kind of is. Jack never made me uncomfortable, even when he was trying to kill me.”
They both laughed, then Hope became serious again. “Are you intentionally running in the opposite direction? Or maybe... trying to make Jack jealous?”
Sara scowled. “No! I’ve never played mind games. Besides, Jack’s not interested anymore.”
Hope’s smile was back. “I wouldn’t be too sure about that. He looks at you a lot, you know. And first thing this morning, he came up to me and asked if you were working today.”
A soft, fuzzy ball formed in Sara’s abdomen, sending warm light through her body, but she was still smarting. “Good. Maybe he’s realizing what he gave up. If he’s still interested in me, he needs to damn well say so.”
“Keep an open mind. That’s all I’m saying. Just because love isn’t easy doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.”
Sara snorted. “You should start an advice column. The old married lady who knows it all.”
Hope didn’t smile back. “I went through hell most of my adult life. It wasn’t until I finally let myself believe Alex was meant for me, that he wouldn’t try to destroy me, that it all fell into place. Sometimes you have to take a leap into the unknown, whether you’re ready or not.”
Hope’s words echoed in her head as Sara climbed up to the spa. Oh, big sister. You have no idea how apt your words could possibly be. Do I stay here, maybe try to work things out with Jack? Or break completely away, and ally myself with Wayne? $100,000 isn’t enough to start a spa on my own. I’m much better off with a partner. But do I want Wayne to be that partner?
Then another thought leaped into her head. To start a spa by herself. She glanced at the white sand beach with its row of bungalows. Like I could do better than this? Here on St. Croix? Take it easy—it will all work out how it’s meant to.
* * *
It was just after noon when Sara finished at Hibiscus. Surface Interval was back, but the dock was quiet as she headed up the pier.
“Sara! Wait a minute.”
She turned to see Jack trotting toward her. The beard looked fantastic on him. She’d always had a weakness for neat facial hair, and Jack was the embodiment of tall, dark, and handsome. Well, tall to her. But the heat that had been forming inside her melted away. Stop it, Sara.
He breathed hard as he stared at her, laser focused. “I really need to talk to you. Can we walk for a while? Please?”
Confirming her earlier thoughts, she shrugged. “Suit yourself. I don’t have any afternoon clients, so I was leaving early.”
“Robert’s taking my afternoon group, so I’ve got some free time too. Thanks.” Stepping off the pier, they turned left, heading north along the powdery sand. There was a gap between them, and Jack remained quiet, staring at his feet as he walked.
Sara tried to keep her irritation in check. “You said you wanted to talk to me. So, talk.”
He rubbed the back of his neck and took a quick glance at her. “I was at Breakers last night, and I saw you with that guy. Sara, this isn’t a good idea.”
She stumbled to a stop, whirling in the sand as furious heat rushed up her neck and inflamed her face. “What? You want to tell me not to date other men? Are you kidding me? Go to hell, Jack!” She stormed off, hurrying toward the north end of the beach.
So much for talking things out...
Jack ran to catch up. “That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry, it came out wrong.”
She continued her rapid pace, anger stoking a furnace in her gut. “Jack, you of all people don’t get to tell me what to do, or who to see. My God, you’ve got some nerve. Hell, you don’t even care about me!”
He stopped cold, and she turned. His face was slack, completely stunned. “Don’t care about you? What are you talking about?”
She rushed up and jabbed him in the chest. “Are you serious? You broke up with me, remember? That’s a pretty clear indication.”
His chest moved up and down in deep breaths as he stared at her, wide eyed. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
She hissed and turned around again, resuming her march. They were near the rocky spit now. “Oh? And what would you call it?”
“Do I really have to say it?”
