“No, we didn’t kiss, but we did hold hands.”
Jewel’s mouth formed an O and her shoulders slumped. “You’ve been out with him all this time.” She craned her head toward the digital clock on the desk in the living area. “And you didn’t even get a kiss? You held hands?” she asked incredulously.
Chloe went into the bathroom on her side of the suite and started the shower. The heat of their dance, mixed with the salty beach air, made her feel sticky. Jewel hopped off the bed and followed Chloe when she came back into the room.
“So tell me about the date,” Jewel urged.
Chloe grabbed a T-strapped nightie, turned back toward the bathroom and bumped right into Jewel.
“Oh my goodness, Jewel. Give me some space!” Chloe couldn’t help but laugh.
“Ha!” Jewel hooted, making Chloe giggle some more.
When they gathered themselves, Chloe began to tell Jewel’s eager ears how much she enjoyed Donovan’s company. Jewel closed the lid of the commode, covered it with a towel and sat down, listening to Chloe as she showered.
“Wow! So what’s next?”
“Pass me a towel,” Chloe said. Jewel did as she was asked. “I don’t know what’s next.” Chloe patted her body dry, wrapped the towel around her and left the bathroom with Jewel on her heels.
“You don’t want to see him again?”
Chloe flopped on the couch and huffed. “I do but...”
“But what?” Jewel planted her hands on her hips.
“You know...” Jewel twisted her lips. Chloe grunted. “I just don’t want any drama.”
“Chloe.” Jewel sat beside her sister. “For once, forget about doing what you think you’re ‘supposed’ to do.” Jewel curled her fingers into quotes. “And do what feels good to Chloe.”
Jewel’s words brought Chloe back to the question Donovan asked on the beach. What’s one thing that you’ve always wanted to do?
Donovan had no idea how loaded that question was. It would have taken more time than they had for her to tell the truth. She’d backed herself into a highly safe box in life. She had long ago begun to feel caged and compelled to break out of the safe zone she’d created, knowing that her actions might shock some and anger others. However, every day, she longed to break free.
“It’s obvious that you like him and he likes you. You’re a brilliant, talented, hardworking woman and you deserve to indulge every now and then. Go out with the man. No one ever said that the two of you have to get married. When the novelty wears off, you both can go your separate ways and no one will be any wiser—except me of course. Ha!” Jewel slapped her knee, mimicking an instinctive gesture of one of their favorite uncles.
“Uncle Jack!” they said at the same time and burst into laughter.
“I don’t know what I want to do,” Chloe began when they calmed down. “I need to think about this.”
Jewel stood and headed toward her bed. “Good. And remember to focus on what you want. Don’t worry about anyone else.” Jewel lay down but jumped up almost immediately. “Wait!” she said, running through the suite. “I have to tell you about the guy I met in the lobby. He’s from New York.”
Jewel sat on the edge of Chloe’s bed and shared a witty rendition of her encounter with a tall, dark and handsome man from the hotel restaurant industry. As usual, he was eating from the palm of her hand by the time she left him. They’d exchanged contact information but Jewel wasn’t sure if she’d pursue him any further since he seemed too straight-laced for her liking.
“You’re too much.” Chloe slipped under the covers. “See you in the morning.” She went to sleep with mirth in her spirit and Donovan on her mind.
The next morning she rose to an endearing text from Donovan noting that he’d had a great evening. Chloe wondered about Jewel, who was probably still sleeping, and pulled back the covers. As her feet hit the floor, her cell phone rang.
“Good morning.” Chloe was surprised by the smile in her own voice.
“Good morning. Have you two had breakfast yet?” Donovan’s voice seemed as smooth and rich as molasses.
“Actually, we’re just getting up,” she said, yawning and stretching. “Oh! Excuse me. Let me check with my sister.” Chloe stuffed her feet into her slippers, swished her way to Jewel’s room, and sat on the side of her bed. “Jewel! Hey, Jewel. Wake up,” she sang.
“Whaaa...” Jewel whined and pulled the covers over her head.
“Get up. Donovan is asking if we’ve had breakfast.”
Jewel groaned. “What time is it?”
Chloe looked at the clock on the table. “Eight thirty-six.”
“Darnit!” Jewel pushed the covers off. “There was a session I wanted to make at nine.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed. “It doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now. Breakfast sounds great.”
“We’re good for breakfast,” Chloe said to Donovan.
“Meet me in the lobby by nine thirty. I have a great place.”
“You got it.” Chloe ended the call and hopped up. After speaking with Donovan, she felt energized.
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,”