Love by Design

Miranda walked up behind her. “The path is right out back, and if you stay on it, it will take you to the dining area outside. If you go down further on the path, you will see a pool on the left-hand side. If you take the path to the left, you going to buck up on the beach.”

“I can’t wait to see them.”

She followed Miranda to the master bedroom. A king-size bed dominated the room. There was an armoire along the right wall, and an open door that led out to a private terrace on the left. Her luggage had already been delivered, and was on a small bench at the foot of the bed. Dakota glanced in the bathroom, and then turned to Miranda.

“It’s beautiful.”

Her hostess relaxed. “Me be glad. If you be needing any’ting, you call. Enjoy.”

“I’m sure I will.”

Dakota went into the bedroom to unpack. When she was done, she took a shower and changed into a pair of leggings and a T-shirt. The lure to lay across the bed to rest briefly was too great to ignore.

A few minutes turned into an hour in record time. Dakota slowly opened one eye to check the clock on her nightstand. She felt as though she could sleep another few hours. The anticipation of the trip and all the excitement had clearly caught up with her. It took considerable effort, but Dakota made herself get up.

After washing her face, she went to the kitchen and checked the refrigerator for some water. To her surprise, it was fully stocked with juices, bottled water and snacks. She also noticed a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter. She gazed around the room. Was that there earlier?

She still had time so she walked around her garden. Before she knew it, she had meandered down to the water’s edge. There were a few people out and about, but not many. Dakota studied everything she laid eyes on. Eventually, it was time to head back. Reluctantly, she followed the path back to her villa. It did not take long for her to get dressed. She was in the living room putting on her heels when she heard a voice behind her.

“Are you going to wear that?”

Dakota’s hand flew to her heart. She spun around to see Logan standing in her front doorway.

“Yes. Knock much?”

He walked in and sat down on the couch. “Most people just leave them open to take advantage of the tropical breezes. Usually, the only vacationers who close their doors around here are honeymooners.”

“I’ll be adding myself to that list.” She paused. “Of door lockers, that is.”

“You’re going to bake in that outfit.”

She glanced down at her navy blue skirt, matching jacket, white blouse and heels, and then to Logan’s white linen pants and white short-sleeve top that was open at the neck. He looked as cool as an ice cube.

“Well, the only other clothes I have besides suits are lounge wear, and I’m not wearing those.”

He stood up and motioned for the door. “Suit yourself,” he joked.

“Give me a minute.”

Dakota went back into her bedroom to grab her hobo bag. She took off her jacket and laid it across the bed before dropping her notebook into her bag. She closed the door to the terrace, but thoughts of returning to a stifling, hot house made her open it again.

She followed Logan outside.

“I see you left the door open,” he said smugly.

“I didn’t want to return to an oven. Where’s the key to the place? I don’t remember Miranda giving me one.”

“You passed it on the way out.”

Dakota looked confused, so he pointed. “It’s hanging on a hook by the front door.”

“So I take it security isn’t an issue here?”

“No. We have a security staff that patrols the grounds, and I’m happy to say that there’s never been an incident of theft here.

“Good thing I brought this,” he said, sliding into a golf cart. “This might kick up a breeze and help cool you off.”

Dakota rolled her eyes. “It’s not that bad.”

“Yet.”

He drove them down the path that led to the beach. Logan stopped at one of the thatched-roof cabanas. Before he got out, he faced her.

“Dakota, I’m sorry for what happened earlier. I didn’t mean to upset you—any more than I already have.”

Dakota sighed. “It’s fine. I shouldn’t have taken my frustration out on you.”

He walked around to help her out of the cart, but she had already slipped out of the vehicle. They walked down the path side by side.

“I thought we were going to be dining at the restaurant?”

“Dinner is coming to us tonight. It can get a bit loud in there. Especially with a full complement of guests in residence. I figured it would be better to dine out here. It’s quiet, and we can talk.”