Love by Design

* * *

Logan was too wired to sleep, and the pool at his place was not large enough to do laps, so he walked down the lit path to the beach. The roar of the waves hitting the shore was loud, but not overly so. The water was perfect. He walked into the water and immersed himself. Instead of swimming, he stood there gazing up at the moon and stars. It was a full moon that night, and it lit up the sky with pale light.

For the first time since he walked back into Dakota’s life, Logan felt as if some of the ice had begun to melt. Now she smiled when she saw him and asked how he was doing. He may be taking baby steps, but at least it was forward momentum. Despite how much she would protest otherwise, Logan saw glimpses of the girl he used to know. She was not a total stranger to him. She still had some of the same mannerisms, likes and dislikes. He did not profess to know the innermost workings of her heart, but it was a start. At times, the glances she would give him were warm, friendly and companionable. Tonight, something else was there. Something unexpected. She had actually enjoyed being with him. He could see it in her eyes, and that made his heart beat faster. Progress.

* * *

Logan received a text message from Dakota the next morning saying she was at the cabana having breakfast if he wanted to join her. He got dressed and left.

“Good morning.”

“Morning. That was fast. I just got here and gave my order to the waiter.”

Out of nowhere, the man in question came up to their table. Logan placed his order and then turned his attention back to Dakota.

“Did he do that because you’re the boss, or is he always so efficient?”

“Regardless of who you are, our staff’s main focus is customer satisfaction.”

She thought about Miranda and Tandie. “True. Everyone I’ve interviewed excels at what they do and makes you feel important.”

“You are important.”

When she lowered her eyes, he added, “As is everyone else at Belle Cove. It’s one of the tenets my parents insisted on when they started the business. When you’re here, you’re family.”

Dakota smiled. “I like that.”

Logan watched her writing in her notebook. “What’s in that thing, anyway?”

“My entire universe—at least as it relates to each project I work on.”

When she stopped talking, Logan motioned for her to continue.

“It’s every detail about what I’m working on. Employees, processes for the company, interactions with consumers, my thoughts…it’s my work bible.”

“Do you have one for every project?”

“Of course. Each client is different and deserves my full attention so…separate books.”

Their breakfast arrived. Dakota surveyed her selection appreciatively.

“No pancakes?”

“Nope. I only want authentic Jamaican dishes while I’m here.”

“Then you’ve chosen well. The most cherished meal here is breakfast. They celebrate their rich heritage with food that is filling, flavorful and delicious. Saltfish, ackee and callaloo are staples here. As is breadfruit, plantains and johnnycakes.”

“Callaloo?”

“It’s like spinach, but more robust.”

Digging into her meal, Dakota sampled each item on her plate. The fish was prepared with bell peppers, onions and tomatoes.

“Whoa, this has got some heat.”

“It’s the Scotch bonnet chilies. They’re very hot.”

“You’re way better than the average tour guide,” she teased.

“I’ve been coming here since Belle Cove’s inception.”

“True. I guess you’re bound to pick up a thing or two.”

“A mi fi tell yu!” he replied.

Dakota laughed. “Point taken.”

“So, what’s the plan for today?”

“Finishing up my site visit.”

“You’re just about done?” Logan was hoping for more time. “What’s next?”

“Then it’s back to my office to create the design brief. When it’s ready, I’ll schedule a meeting with you, and I’ll present my concepts for revamping Belle Cove. We’ll go over everything, along with any concerns you have at that time. After your approval, I’ll head back here and begin setting up my team. Miranda provided me with a list of local contractors that have worked on Belle Cove in the past, so that will save us a great deal of time. I’m very excited about the project, Logan. I think you’ll love my ideas.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

She stood up and placed her notebook back in her bag. “I’m off to work. Thanks for meeting me for breakfast.”

Before he could think better of it, Logan took her hand in his and kissed it. “Thanks for inviting me.”