“I need to get this straight!” Jennifer held up her hands. “You thought Caroline ghosted you?”
“I guess you can call it that!” Brad wondered where she was going with her line of questioning.
“But you still tried to track her down, even when I refused to speak with you?” Jennifer looked at him in disbelief.
“Yes.” Brad nodded. “Harry, your doorman can back me up on that.”
“I’m sure he can.” Jennifer gave a soft laugh. “I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you.” She touched his arm. “I’m laughing at how absurd we humans are.” She shook her head. “Our lives are like a comedy of errors.”
“I have to agree with you on that point.” Brad snorted. “When I walked into Caroline’s office at the library, I was expecting to find Carrie Lines, not Caroline.” He blew out a breath. “I thought I was dreaming.”
“Fate sometimes has a sick sense of humor,” Jennifer said. “One of its favorite tricks is yanking the rug out from under your feet only to slap you with it as you get back up.”
“Isn’t that the truth?” Brad drank the last of his wine. “Every time I think I’m reaching Caroline, she pulls away, and I feel like fate is punching me in the face.”
“Caroline had a hard time with her ex-husband and then her daughter after the divorce,” Jennifer explained. “She needs time to build her trust in you again.”
“I seem to keep knocking that block of trust down as soon as it just starts to get to the top,” Brad sighed.
“I noticed.” Jennifer widened her eyes and nodded. “But give it time and be honest with her—always.”
“Noted,” Brad said. “And thank you.”
“I haven’t done anything.” Jennifer raised her hands before warning him. “And I’m not going to do anything but keep a watchful eye on you.”
“Fair enough,” Brad agreed. “What do you suggest I do?”
“Not hurt her!” Jennifer stated. “That’s a good start.” She turned, readying herself to get off the chair. “And talk to her. Keep an open line of communication.”
“Okay.” Brad nodded. “Be honest and talkative.” He grinned at the look Jennifer gave him. “I take it by your pose you’re ready to join the party?
“I’m starving and dying to get back on that yacht,” Jennifer confessed. “I didn’t see all of it the last time I was on it.”
“Then I shall give you the grand tour.” Brad got off the chair and called the bartender, showing him his room card. “Put it on my tab.”
Brad helped Jennifer off the chair and gave him her arm as they walked to the yacht.
“Who do you think broke into Caroline’s house?” Brad asked Jennifer as they made their way down the path to the jetty.
“I’m not sure,” Jennifer said. “But it is worrying that it happened the day the film crew arrived in town.”
“I know.” Brad glanced at the yacht gently bobbing next to the dock. The sounds of laughter, music, and conversation got louder the closer they got to it. “That’s been worrying me too.”
“I thought the police had someone they were questioning?” Jennifer’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Clover, was it?”
“We’re not convinced it was her,” Brad informed Jennifer. “The police think she was set up.”
“To be honest, she didn’t look like the type to break into someone’s house,” Jennifer looked at the yacht as they neared it. Her brow creased as she turned to him. “And I think she was too short to be the intruder.”
The conversation stopped as they walked up to the yacht. The night air was alive with the sounds of the ocean. As they climbed aboard the boat, the gentle lapping of waves against the yacht’s hull harmonized in a soothing melody to the tunes above. The lights aboard the vessel danced across the water, casting an ethereal glow that painted the night in shades of luxury.
Dark Ocean was an opulent engineering masterpiece that stood tall and proud against the backdrop of the night sky. Its sleek design boasted a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance. The yacht’s lights were strategically positioned to accentuate its curves, creating an aura of mystique.
The soft murmur of conversations and laughter echoed from the various decks above as Brad and Jennifer walked up the gangway. The vessel seemed to pulse with life, each deck offering a unique ambiance. The lower decks resonated with the upbeat tempo of a live band, the music drifting down like a siren’s call. The rhythmic thud of the bass reverberated through the yacht, enticing guests to sway to its infectious beat.
Ascending the grand staircase, Brad and Jennifer emerged onto the main deck, where a sea of fairy lights adorned the railings. The air was infused with saltwater and the delicate fragrance of exotic flowers strategically placed around the deck. As Brad led Jennifer towards the upper deck, the atmosphere shifted. The soft glow from strategically placed lamps illuminated plush seating areas, inviting guests to relax and enjoy the view.
Reaching the sundeck, Brad and Jennifer found themselves surrounded by the mesmerizing skyline. The deck wastransformed into an open-air lounge with a stylish bar. Brad guided Jennifer towards the bar. The bartender, a maestro of mixology, skillfully crafted champagne cocktails. The clinking of glasses and the effervescent pop of the champagne bottle harmonized with the music.
