Page 53 of Storm Warning
Wanting something that looked dangerously like a genuine connection. Like home. Like belonging.
He shook his head, the movement almost violent, shoving the thought away before it could root itself any deeper in the soft soil of hope he’d spent years salting and scorching.
Whatever she stirred in him—this ache, this hunger, thisterrifying glimpse of something that might have been different—it wasn’t worth the risk. Wasn’t worth the inevitable moment when she’d learn the truth and walk away, taking her light with her.
With an exhale that felt too much like defeat, like surrender, he opened his laptop. The screen’s cold glow illuminated his face as he forced himself to read the first email waiting in his inbox, even as his thoughts kept drifting like smoke to the beach—and the woman he couldn’t let himself want, but wanted anyway with a ferocity that scared him more than he’d ever admit.
Chapter 27
Shattered
Kate stepped into the lobby,stomach growling. She’d second-guessed her outfit twice on the way downstairs, but now, standing here, she decided it didn’t matter. Her writing was going well, and it was time to relax and enjoy some actual vacation time.
She spotted Lena near the reception desk, chatting with another employee, and waved a greeting before starting toward the bar, only to pause when Lena rushed to catch up with her.
“Hi, Lena. How are you doing tonight?”
“I’m great, thanks. Are you heading to the bar? I’ll walk with you—I’m heading that way,” Lena replied, her smile warm and inviting.
“Yes, I thought I’d have dinner at the bar and relax a bit. Are you going for dinner? Would you like to join me?” Kate blurted out impulsively, a slight flutter of uncertainty twisting in her stomach. Was it acceptable to ask a staff member to dinner?
They entered the bar, and the cheerful clatter of the evening crowd greeted them, clinking glasses and low laughter blending into a comforting background hum.
“I’d love to. I was going to order something from the barand go back to my desk, but I could use a bit of a break.” Lena glanced around the bar, her eyes brightening as she spotted a cozy table by the bar. “Let’s grab that table there next to the bar. That way, Walter can serve us, and we’re out of the way.”
“Oh, perfect!” Kate said. Lena grabbed two menus, and they settled in, the surrounding chatter fading as they both focused on the menu.
“So, what’s good here, Lena? Any recommendations?” Kate asked as she perused the options, waiting for something to jump out at her.
Lena laughed, the sound light and melodic, drawing attention from others around them. It lightened Kate’s heart, too. “It’s all good! The food here is incredible. So, it depends on how hungry you are!”
“Hmm, I don’t want a big meal.” Kate skimmed the appetizer section, searching for something that would satisfy without overwhelming her. Her eyes lit up when she spotted the perfect choice. “Ooh, Apple Chicken Quesadillas! That sounds perfect.” She set the menu down, a small smile tugging at her lips, enjoying the camaraderie of eating with a friendly face.
“I’ll give Walter our order.” Lena zipped over to the bar. Kate watched her with a smile, waving to Walter when he winked at her. The energy of the lounge pulsed around her, a mix of laughter and soft music blending into the background.
“So, how’s your stay going now that all the excitement is over?” Lena asked as she retook her seat.
Kate laughed. “It was an exciting start, wasn’t it? It’s going really well.” Warmth spread through her. “I love the suite—who wouldn’t? It’s perfect for writing.”
She shut her eyes for a moment, recalling how words flowed from her fingers like a river today. “I’ve gotten so much done in such a short time. The resort is spectacular. I’ve enjoyed mylittle adventures out and about. I want to explore the island itself, but I’ll hold off on that until I finish my manuscript.”
The thought of the island, with its warm sun and salty breezes, made her feel alive. “Actually, I met Walter at Tiki Beach. He’s quite the character—and apparently gets around!”
Lena chuckled.chuckled. “Yes, he’s the beverage manager. He likes to take bar shifts when he can. I think he’s filling in for a callout tonight. Our gain—he’s awesome.”
Kate nodded, recalling the easy conversation they’d shared, the masterful way he’d handled the con-artist guest.
“I haven’t been here that long, so the islanders still consider me as an outsider. But Walter? He’s been nothing but welcoming. He’s made my life here much easier.” Lena continued. “We’ll see how it goes now with my new job.”
“New job? Not on the reservation project anymore? But you’re still at the desk?” Kate leaned forward, curiosity bubbling.
Lena grinned. “Not exactly. The owners offered me a job as Interim Front Office Manager. I have ninety days to prove to them I can do the job and keep it.” She leaned in, dropping her voice. “The best part is the job includes a cottage on the grounds, so I don’t have any housing expenses! It’s like a dream come true for me.”
“Oh, Lena, that’s wonderful! You’ll make an awesome manager, I’m sure. It looked like Victoria taught you everything not to do.”
Lena burst into laughter, her joy infectious. “Oh, yeah! She was an amazing, negative mentor! I’m not worried about the job, honestly. I know I can handle it. I ran a B&B all by myself on Cape Cod, so this is a piece of cake. Sure, it’s a bigger resort, but my scope of duties is smaller. I’m a hard worker, and I’ll make it happen. I love it here, and the owners have treated me well.”
Warmth bloomed at Lena’s glowing words about Nick andhis brothers. “Yes, they are something else, aren’t they?” she replied, her pulse quickening at the thought of him.