It Started In Paradise

Chloe headed to the bathroom. Jewel dragged herself to the one connected to her room. Within the hour, they were dressed and stepping off the elevator to meet Donovan.

Chloe spotted Donovan near the entrance with his cell phone glued to his ear. As they approached, Donovan wrapped up his call and smiled. Chloe could tell the smile was somewhat forced.

“Good morning, ladies. You look beautiful!” Donovan gave Jewel a friendly peck on the cheek before leaning toward Chloe. Donovan took one of her hands in his, placed the other on her arm and pressed his lips against her cheek, lingering just longer than what could be considered friendly.

Chloe’s cheeks burned from blushing but the spot where his lips had just been tingled. She swore she could hear the actual sizzle from the sparks that passed through her when his lips touched her face. Jewel discreetly raised her brows and grinned.

“Shall we go?” he asked, holding both elbows out. The sisters hooked their arms in his and headed for the door.

Donovan had done it again, Chloe thought as they pulled up to another beautiful establishment. Donovan paid the driver and advised that he’d call him back when they were ready to be picked up.

The restaurant was its own tropical paradise. The interior was elegant, complete with water fountains and lush tropical plants with a bright nautical theme. Delectable aromas met them at the door, inviting them in.

A young hostess guided them to a table on the deck overlooking a marina. Chloe watched the boats bob on top of the water. The cool breeze caressed her skin and lifted her shoulder-length hair.

Their server arrived promptly and took their orders. He moved in a stealth-like manner as he delivered their drinks and meals. It was as if he could read their minds. Chloe thought about wanting more water, looked at her glass and found it full. The only thing better than the impeccable service was Donovan’s presence. Jewel’s spirited demeanor was a plus as well.

“Do you like sailing?” Donovan asked Chloe. He looked out over the marina.

“Yes. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the last time I was on a boat.”

“That’s because you don’t take time off,” Jewel said. When she finished her forkful of eggs, she continued. “Remember when Dad used to take us out on the boat when we were kids?” Jewel questioned and took a sip of her mimosa.

“My goodness! I used to love that.” Chloe smiled as she reminisced. “What about you, Donovan? You sail?” Chloe pushed her half-eaten vegetable omelet aside and picked up one of the mini breakfast pastries that were delectably perched on a long white dish. She took a bite and closed her eyes momentarily, savoring the taste. At her reaction, Jewel reached for one as well.

“I sure do. It was one of my dad’s favorite things to do also. My brother and I try to get out on the water a couple times a year.” Donovan stopped speaking for a moment and held Chloe in his gaze. She felt it, only responded with an inward smile. “What are some other things you enjoy, Chloe?”

Chloe tilted her head and narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

“Chloe is a mixed bag,” Jewel interjected, holding her hand over her mouth to cover the pastry she’d just bit into. Chloe shook her head and laughed, assuming she hadn’t answered quickly enough for her sister. “It depends on her mood. Only lately, she hasn’t done much of anything besides work. Just so you know, she’s the type that can go from the bowling alley to the boardroom. It depends on what she’s in the mood for. When she’s feeling adventurous, she’ll jump out of a plane and other times, she’s happy sitting on the couch, eating a bowl of popcorn while watching movies.”

“My kind of girl!” Donovan said.

Chloe had never blushed more in her life. “Thanks. I am pretty well rounded,” she said confidently.

“Oh! And she plays a hell of a game of chess.” Jewel took a long sip of water to wash down the dessert.

“I’ve heard about that. I need to see that for myself,” Donovan said, inviting himself to the challenge.

“Anytime, my friend. I haven’t slaughtered a good-looking man at chess in a long time.” Chloe laughed as soon as she said those flirtatious words.

Jewel’s brows rose and so did Donovan’s. Chloe held up her glass of mimosa, her third since they’d arrived, and looked at it as if there was something in the glass that caused such audacious speech. Despite being a little embarrassed, her forwardness made her feel giddy.

“I’d be happy to take you up on that challenge if you think I qualify.” Donovan tucked his luscious lips inside his mouth and licked them—a gesture that Chloe deemed extremely sexy.

“Oh, you qualify!” She laughed aloud. Jewel’s eyes stretched and she looked back and forth between Donovan and Chloe.

Donovan sipped his mimosa, without taking his eyes off Chloe. Usually she’d match his gaze for a moment and look away, but this time, she refused to break the stare. Unspoken desires seemed to pass between them, intensifying the moment and charging the atmosphere.

“Good, because I don’t think I’ve ever been challenged by such a beautiful woman before. This will be interesting I’m sure.” Donovan raised his glass, nodding his acceptance. Chloe raised her glass, sealing the deal.

Jewel cleared her throat. “I’m still here. Should I just leave you two alone?” She chuckled, causing them to join her.

Chloe looked at her watch. “Oh! I really need to get back. I can’t miss my lunch meeting.” She was surprised at how much time had passed. Chloe enjoyed the company, energy and the conversation and hated that it was coming to an end.

Donovan signaled for the waiter. When he got his attention, he wiggled his hand, indicating that he was ready for the check.

“When are you heading back home?” Donovan asked.

“The day after tomorrow. We’re on the first flight out,” Jewel stated.

“Me, too. Perhaps we could ride to the airport together,” Donovan said, taking the billfold from the waiter and stuffing his credit card inside.

“We could,” Chloe answered, batting her eyes. Who knew flirting could be so much fun? “What are you doing for dinner tonight?” Chloe tilted her head and raised her shoulders playfully.

Donovan’s sexy smile eased across his lips again. “I was hoping you’d join me wherever I go.”

“Gladly.” Chloe had always been confident but was surprised at her own forwardness. It was almost like an out-of-body experience but it felt real and amazing and exciting. “See you tonight.”

Donovan winked as he accepted the billfold with the receipt, signed his name, and handed it back to the waiter. “Time for work.” Donovan pressed his hands into the table and stood. “Jewel, you’re welcome to join us tonight.”