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Hope and Alex both stiffened and moved their attention to Jack simultaneously as Sara continued. “I have no idea how much that land is, but maybe you two can swing it.”
Jack was brought back to their double date, when Sara had made a drunken comment about Alex and Hope having a lot of money, and they had shut her down quick. Now, Hope and Alex stared at each other for a long moment, communicating without words, and Alex nodded at her. Hope set her empty bottle on the coffee table. “We’ve got some big expansion plans in the works. But we were concerned about the costs, so we’ve been planning another trip to Miami. If we do, we can probably swing both the land and the construction.”
Miami? Jack was lost again.
Sara took his hand and held tightly. “Tell Jack. All of it.”
Nodding, Hope smiled at him. “You’re an integral part to all of this. We need Dexter, and you’re the key to that. And you’re part of the Half Moon Bay family now.”
Even as soothing warmth spread through him at Hope’s words, Jack stared bewilderedly at Alex. “You had your turn with Creepy Guy. Now it’s mine to be completely clueless.”
“Not for much longer.” Alex’s gaze pierced into him, evaluating him. Jack stared evenly back. Then Alex shook his head and grinned, turning to Hope. “Baby, why don’t you get another six-pack? We’re gonna be here a while.”
CHAPTER 36
After stopping at a sandwich shop for a meal they both wolfed down, Sara and Jack drove back to Serenity. It had been a long afternoon, full of lengthy explanations, and Jack had kept his bewildered look throughout dinner. After Sara opened her apartment, he headed for her deck while she retrieved two bottles of water from the refrigerator.
The air was salty as she stepped outside, and she inhaled its bracing scent. It was a calm, gentle night, and a nearly full moon was dropping toward the western horizon, bathing them in its pale light. Jack’s features were clearly visible as she sat next to him on the couch and handed him the bottle. Unable to resist, she stroked her fingers over his chin and the soft hair that covered it. “What made you decide to grow a beard?”
He barked a quick laugh, as if he’d forgotten about it. “Just felt like something different. What do you think?”
She leaned back on the couch, facing him. “I like a beard. Nicely trimmed, that is.”
“Duly noted. That’s my preference, too.”
She tilted her head, moving her gaze upwards. “Your hair, on the other hand...”
He ran a hand through it with a sheepish smile. “Yeah, it’s been a while. Know anyone who can help me with that?”
“I just might. Come see me in the spa and I’ll work you in when I’ve got some free time.”
Jack stared absently at the horizon. “I’m still in shock. About all of it.” After explaining about the treasure, Hope and Alex had suggested a meeting the following day to discuss a plan.
“They’re being very closed-lipped about the treasure,” Sara said.
“I can see why. Treasure hunters crawling everywhere wouldn’t be a good thing.” He turned a dazed smile to her. “But I’d love to see that rock pool and the cave.”
“We’ll hike out there sometime. It’s really beautiful. Though the thought of diving that cave gives me major heebie-jeebies.”
“Me too. I’ve never been interested in caves or caverns. I like to see the surface.” He swiveled to her. “You think they have enough money to buy Dexter’s land?”
Sara shrugged. “I don’t know, but they hinted they have a lot.” She met his gaze. “They insisted on giving me $100,000. It’s sitting in the bank because I can’t decide what to do with it.”
He smiled and brushed her hair off her face. “That’s smart. Better to let it sit there than blow it on something stupid.”
She sighed and clenched her eyes shut. “Like investing in Wayne’s spa. That’s what I was planning on doing with it. Everything’s so clear in hindsight—how selfish I’ve been. With Hope, and with you. You’ve always been there when I needed you, and I took you both for granted. Especially you.” A tear spilled over, and he wiped it away, pressing a light kiss over her lips.
“I’m sorry too. I was so afraid of what you’d say, I never even gave you the chance. I just kept imagining the worst.”
“You had valid reasons to be cautious, and I should have been more understanding. Maybe both of us could stand to communicate a little better.”
He twitched a corner of his mouth. “Yeah. You’re pretty direct, but I need to speak up more. Even when I’m afraid of what I might get in response.”
“Direct isn’t necessarily a good thing either. I’ve got a tendency to make quick assumptions that end up being wrong. I’m very glad we’re getting a second chance. I love you.”
The pale moonlight allowed her to see every detail as his face lit up. “I love you, too.”
Such a small sentence, those three words. And not one she had said very many times. But she meant it with all her heart now. She cupped his head, drawing him close as she kissed him, luxuriating in the sweet taste of his mouth, the new softness of his beard.
