Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 102071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Breathe.
Eli waved a hand, erasing all I said. “That’s crazy. It was a completely fair settlement. But let’s not talk of such unpleasant matters. Look, our brunch is here,” he said, his eyes lighting up as the server set our plates on the table.
We thanked him, and when the man left, Eli gestured to my dish. “I know you must have missed this food.”
He was ready to move to other topics but I wasn’t. As he dug into his eggs Benedict, I tried again. “Eli, why can’t you at least return the money she gave you to start the business?”
“Sweetheart,” he admonished.
“Or maybe that money is someplace else?” I suggested pointedly.
“Ruby. Let’s have a nice meal together.” He pointed to my plate. “Eat your brunch. And let’s talk about your plans for the week. I want you to meet Willow.”
“Your new girlfriend?” I asked as I picked up my fork.
“Fiancée. And she’s amazing,” he said as he finished chewing. He reached into his pocket, fishing for something. “Speaking of…Willow and I wanted to give this to you. She can’t wait to meet you.”
He set a small black box on the table then gently nudged it across the white linen tablecloth. Was he really giving me a fancy gift when he wouldn’t repay my mother? It sure seemed that way. But vitriol wouldn’t help my cause, so I hid my anger and put on a smile. I clicked open the box and gasped. My god, it was gorgeous. Glittering on a white silk bed was a stunning diamond.
“I didn’t have it set or placed on a chain. I thought if you like it, we can have it added to your treasure chest necklace,” he said, tipping his chin to my regular necklace, the one Mom gave me years ago. It represented my childhood dreams, but also my present—the way the sea was a treasure. I touched it impulsively, perhaps even protectively. The necklace was a special thing.
But this diamond? It was special in its value, to be sure. This diamond had to be worth five figures, and I was going to keep this gem safe and sound—and use it to help my mom. “Thank you,” I said.
“Anything for you,” he said. “And when you wear it, you can feel good about the world. I know that’s important to you. For every diamond that comes from this mine, money goes to help build schools.”
“That’s thoughtful,” I admitted.
Then, I wondered if I was looking at the answer to my questions. Mom said he’d stolen money from his firm. Now, he had jewels.
He had to have hidden that money somehow. Had he ferried the money in gems?
My skin tingled.
He might literally be handing me a clue. “Thank you again,” I said, but a bitter taste settled in my mouth. Had I just accepted a gift purchased with money he’d stolen? How could he do something like that?
“It’s my pleasure. And Willow would love if you could come over for dinner Thursday night.”
“Sure,” I said, trying not to give away my hurt.
“Fantastic. She’s having some friends over too,” he said as he finished his mimosa. Okay, maybe this could be a good thing. A gaggle of friends could work to my advantage when it came to snooping around.
“I can’t wait to see your new place,” I said.
And to explore it too.
A few hours later, I glided along the shallow bottom of Happy Turtle Cove, watching bubbles rise through the crystal-blue water.
A pair of turtles paddled through the shallow reef, coming close enough to brush against my leg. Boy, I’d missed these guys over the past year.
When Duke had lashed out with his online smear campaign after our breakup, he’d hit Flamingo Key first, knowing how much I loved it. So cruel. So vindictive.
But in a few days I’d bring a group of Texans here, showing them the world under the water. Maybe I’d get to introduce them to these two turtles. They were, quite honestly, inspiring—and I wouldn’t let the past with Duke poison my beloved cove.
I checked my dive watch. One-fifteen p.m. After last night, I had more than a suspicion he’d come looking for me. I kicked for the shore and stood when I got to the shallows. By the time I’d stowed my snorkel gear, my sexy fisherman was crossing the beach of Happy Turtle Cove at 1:23 p.m.
11
A LIAR’S KISS
Jake
No matter what Ariel was up to with Eli, it was a crime for her to be that hot.
Because…that bikini.
I didn’t stand a chance. It showcased all her assets. Those legs. Those curves. Those gorgeous breasts.
Wave the white flag. I surrender.
“You deciphered my code,” she said as I crossed the sugary white sand.
“I like a challenge,” I told her. I didn’t realize until I’d said it how true it was, on multiple levels. “Pretty clever. Though once I knew that Happy Turtle was a place, I figured the numbers were a time.” I lifted my wrist as if showing her my watch. “One twenty-three, on the dot.”