Captivated by the Millionaire

How did someone like her end up living here full-time? She must have sensed his nonverbal question because she went on to answer it.

“My college roommate grew up on Martha’s Vineyard. I accompanied her on some of her holiday visits back home. After graduation she moved back and I came here with her.” She took a lick of her ice cream cone and he had to look away in order to continue focusing on her words. “It was only supposed to be temporary. Just for one summer. I was enrolled in graduate school in Boston. I attended just two semesters before realizing I’d made a mistake. Found it wasn’t really my calling.”

“So you came back here.”

Jess nodded. “It was the only place that had ever really felt like home. Though Kelly has since moved on,” Jess added. “Out to the West Coast with a toddler and another baby on the way.”

“You sound as if you miss her,” he said in response to the faraway look that had appeared in her eyes.

“I do. Her parents still have me over for dinner every Sunday that I can make it.”

“Standing invitation?”

She nodded. “That’s right. That’s how this island operates. One of the qualities that drew me to it.”

There was clearly a story there. As much as he wanted to ask, Jordan didn’t want to push. He himself had shared enough for one night. And though part of him felt good about getting some of it off his chest, another part felt drained, even a little exposed.

The chicken strutted by their table again and Sonya giggled at it. Or maybe that was a totally different chicken. Damned if he knew. He was just glad his little sister appeared to be having some fun at long last. Moving to this town had to work out for them.

He glanced over at the woman sitting next to him. She was motioning to Sonya that she had a little chocolate on her nose and was laughing. She leaned over to wipe it when Sonya tried but kept missing the spot. Little did she know, she had a bit of chocolate smeared on her own cheek.

Jordan couldn’t help but imagine all sorts of ways he could help her clean it off.

CHAPTER FIVE

“WHAT IS THAT godforsaken noise?” Jordan asked as they finished up their ice cream. Well, he and Jess had finished theirs anyway. His little sister had more or less taken a few bites then smeared some of it around in her cardboard bowl as she’d gotten it all over herself and her clothes.

“What particular noise are you speaking of?” Jess asked. She had a point. There was a lot going on around them. But he was certain he heard a low-level humming coming from a distance behind the dining tent.

“That constant buzzing that’s always in the background. That noise.”

She stood and motioned for him and Sonya to do so, as well. “Here. I’ll show you.”

Sonya didn’t hesitate. She jumped up and rushed to Jess’s side. The buzzing grew louder as they walked around the tent then behind it. A pungent scent of exhaust filled the air and grew stronger with each step they took. As soon as they turned the bend, he saw it. A small lake surrounded by lush greenery and shrubs. Another long line of people snaked around it. The lake was being used as a venue for gasoline engine bumper boats.

Sonya squealed in delight and clasped her hands together.

Several of the boats were on the water at the moment, manned by kids and adults alike. All of them trying to bump into each other hard enough to either topple the other occupant or at least get them fairly wet.

“You weren’t kidding about this place,” Jordan said. “It really does have everything.”

“Are you up for it?” she asked with a taunting undertone.

“Clearly, that was a challenge.”

“Maybe.”

He gestured toward the line. “Lead the way, madam. Though I feel compelled to warn you how out of your league you will be once we get on that water.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes. I happen to be an avid boater with years of experience.”

She laughed at him. “These aren’t the kind of boats you’re used to, sir. I must be the one to warn you. Through my three or so summers on Martha’s Vineyard, I’ve become a bumper boat master sailor. With countless trophies under my belt.”

“A master, huh?”