Anna blinked several times as her mind processed his statement. The concept of buying a multi-million-dollar house without viewing it in-person was alien to her, much less the fact that he did this all over the world.
She knew James had deep pockets from the furniture order for The Majestic. It wasn’t all that unusual in the hospitality space in Key West. But this was beyond even that. Her heart skipped a beat. Now that she'd finally warmed up to the idea of spending time with James, she wondered if the man was way out of her league.
Was she fantasizing about a man she could never truly have? Anna huffed out a breath as Aunt Louise's words played through her head.
Life is too short to let your insecurities lead the way, girl. Take the leap and stop worrying so much.
As usual, her aunt was one hundred percent correct: at the end of the day, neither his wealth nor his businesses were anyconcern of hers. She could only focus on him and her intense attraction.
In fact, the thought of exploring her time with James now excited her, and she'd be grateful for what she got.
"Was that the surprise? A romantic dinner on the beach?"
"It won't be a surprise if I tell you," James teased, his lips very close to hers.
Carl walked forward, throwing a playful grin over his shoulder as he passed them. "Let me show you what we've done. I think you'll like it."
He led the way around the side of the house and Anna gasped as the stunning view laid out before them. Towering palm trees dotted the pristine beach, leaves swaying in the light breeze, as waves softly lapped the white sand. It was breathtaking, and it would be the perfect spot to watch the famous Key West sunset.
"Oh my God." Anna didn't have words to describe what she felt. She'd lived in this paradise nearly her entire life, so she should be accustomed to scenes like this. But this was idyllic, with the sun shining brightly from the west as it arched toward the ocean.
She noticed a table set for two on a square pad between the house and beach. A bottle of wine sat to the side in a chilled metal container.
"Wow."
His thumb ran circles along her sensitive palm, sending goosebumps up her arms, the motion almost erotic. "I thought we could have dinner while we were here. What do you say? I've heard rumors that the sunset is amazing from this vantage point."
"I'd love that." Anna smiled, knowing full well that her emotions were splayed all over her face. It felt like James had torn down yet another wall in her heart.
They stood like that, staring into each other’s eyes for several moments until Carl cleared his throat awkwardly behind them. They turned toward the man in unison.
Carl handed them a menu. "I need your orders." They made their selections and Carl gestured to one of his entourage, who scurried off.
"Great choices. Give my team about twenty minutes to get your meal set. In the meantime, enjoy the beach. You'll find the water is crystal clear and at the perfect temperature."
"That sounds great. Thanks, Carl." James shook Carl’s hand and turned, bent his arm toward Anna, and smiled as she curled her hand around his firm bicep. "I'll be in touch."
Carl gave them a knowing smile. "I look forward to doing business with you. Enjoy the island." With a nod of his head, he sauntered off with the rest of his group following in his wake.
James kicked his shoes off at the edge of the beach and rolled up his pant legs. "I love walking on beaches. It's one of the best forms of meditation in my opinion." He glanced at her, his brows up. "You gonna join me?"
Anna realized she'd frozen in place as she watched him. He was charmingly relaxed with his careless grin highlighting the sharp planes of his face. The light breeze molded his white linen shirt to his chest, emphasizing his muscular build. She wanted to trace her hands over each and every bulge it revealed. The man exuded sexuality even as he kicked off his shoes.
She was beginning to wonder if he practiced voodoo or perhaps was a wizard in his spare time. She was enchanted, drawn to his every movement.
"Yes, of course." She kicked off her sandals and bunched the bottom of the dress up, holding it at her side as she took the hand he extended to her. "I feel like I'm in a fairy tale right now. Like this is a dream and I’m about to wake up."
James led her to the surf, sinking his toes into the wet sand with a sigh as the small waves splashed to the shore, the warm water lapping at their ankles. "Do you want me to pinch you?" he asked playfully, an adorable, mischievous grin on his face.
She laughed and slapped his bicep. "Stop teasing me."
"How about if I splash you with some water? Would you believe it's real then?" He squatted and flicked some droplets toward her, sprinkling the bottom of her dress.
Anna squeaked, and on instinct, kicked a plume of water toward James. The water soaked the front of his white linen shirt and he stared at her agape, his eyes wide, jaw dropped.
"Oh no!" Anna gasped, horrified at her reaction. "James, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do that."
James snorted, standing up with his eyes wide. "Yes, you did. And I deserved it." His tone was good natured, and he chuckled softly as he unbuttoned his shirt, peeling the edges apart to expose his firm chest.
