Page 28 of Storm Warning
Walter’s tone cooled further. “Additionally, we saw you put a phone set to livestream under your daughter’s napkin, aimed at the serving station. Do you mind explaining what you were recording?”
The mother bolted. Security moved fast, halting her retreat. The man blanched as the other officer stepped forward.
“You’re not under arrest,” the officer stated, “yet. But you are being detained for questioning. Unless you’d like to be sued for false medical claims, child endangerment, and endangering public safety, I suggest you stop talking and start thinking.”
A stunned hush fell before someone muttered, “They faked an allergy? For views?”
Kate swallowed hard, a bitter taste in her mouth. She could almost see the social media headline: My Kid Nearly Died at This ‘Luxury’ Resort—Avoid at All Costs.
Kate’s admiration of the resort and its staff deepened. When Lisa approached again, this time with a glowing smile, Kate couldn’t help but grin back.
“I told you he’d handle it,” Lisa said, her pride evident.
“Yes, you did! Walter is amazing! Thanks for the heads-up,” Kate replied, laughter weaving through her words, relief making her giddy. “I take it Walter is not a simple bartender.”
“Nope. He’s the Beverage Manager.” Lisa glanced toward the bar. “Ready to order anything else? Or just soaking it all in?”
A thought flitted through Kate’s mind, a surge of inspiration igniting her creativity. “I’ll take a refill. This slight drama deserves a celebration, and a note for a future book scene.”
As Lisa walked away to fetch her order, Kate felt a bright energy spreading through her veins, electric and warm. This place inspired stories, and maybe, just maybe, she was ready to write them again.
By the time her fresh drink arrived, the afternoon had softened into a golden haze, but her contentment was slipping away like sand through her fingers. She let her eyes linger on the glittering water, breathing in the salt air and the warmth, reminding herself she’d earned this—this little pocket of peace.
But then, as though conjured from the lull between waves, images of Nick slipped in. Unbidden. Unwanted. And impossibly persistent.
The memory of his eyes—so steady, so unreadable—sent an ache through her chest. What was it about him that tangled up her thoughts? Was it purely physical attraction? Was there truly something between them, or was she inventing a connection because she was lonely and starved for validation?
Her ex’s voice rose from the back of her mind, cool and dismissive.‘Men like that don’t look twice at women who write silly little stories.’
She curled her fingers tighter around her glass, the chill biting into her palm; her pulse fluttering in her throat. Could Nick see her as anything other than a passing distraction? Notjust another guest to charm, then forget the second she was out of sight?
A couple drifted past her table, hands clasped, their shoulders bumping in that unconscious way that spoke of easy familiarity. A sharp pang of envy pierced her chest, and she almost pressed a hand to it, as if she could hold the hurt inside.
Don’t be ridiculous.The scolding didn’t help. The longing remained, low and insistent—a flicker of hope she should smother before it caught fire.
With a sigh, she leaned back into the plush seat, closing her eyes against the bright glint of the sea, letting the sounds wash over her.
Around her, the atmosphere shifted—more guests arriving, a swell of laughter and music folding over her. Delighted shrieks erupted from a group of young women clustered near the bar, and a bittersweet tug reminded her she’d never had those simple friendships.
Maybe Callie was right; that Kate needed to talk it through instead of circling her own insecurities like a wounded bird.
She opened her eyes and watched the sunlight dancing across the water, diamonds scattering across the surface. The thought of calling Callie relieved her, a small promise she could make to herself.
She set the tablet aside and enjoyed the breeze washing over her, cool against her sun-warmed skin, although the uncertainty refused to let go.
Chapter 12
Breathy
Kate crossedthe threshold into her suite, and the familiar buzz of apprehension fluttered in her chest at the sight of her phone flashing with notifications. She scrolled through the missed calls until one name jumped out at her—Callie, best friend and assistant extraordinaire.
She tapped the screen and brought it to her ear as she wandered to the office for her earbuds. Callie’s voice burst forth, like a glimmer of sunlight breaking through the clouds.
“Hello, boss lady! How is sunny Florida?”
Kate grinned at the infectious warmth in Callie’s voice, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease. “It’s sunny and hot. I am loving it.” Her laughter slipped out, melting some of the anxiety that clung to her like humidity.
“By the way,” Kate’s enthusiasm bubbled over, “before you start talking and distract me, let me thank you again for the clothes. You did an amazing job. I think you should be my personal shopper from here on out.”