Art bobbed his head. “That’s right, and they never had children. So when he passed away, he left everything to her.”
“Wow,” Charli commented, her brows lifting. “I can’t imagine his family approving of that.”
“Oh, they didn’t and there were a few legal battles around it because it wasn’t a small amount of money we’re talking about. It was a veritable fortune.” Art pursed his lips. “But Richard safeguarded the inheritance. He had hated everything about his family and made sure they wouldn’t get a dime.”
Art sighed. “Dottie and Richard brought the resort back, but it never reached its former glory. After Richard passed away, it eventually became too much for Dottie to manage and she closed Paradise West. And then for some reason several years ago, she stopped its upkeep altogether and just let it sit.”
Jack snorted. “I had been offering to work on it pro bono for years, but she wouldn’t let me touch it.”
Art gave them a mysterious smile. “She always said it wasn’t the right time.”
“Hmmm,” Charli murmured, her lips flat as she stared at Art. She took a deep breath that caused her breasts to swell almost out of her dress and made Jack’s eyes nearly pop out of his head. She turned her brilliant purple gaze on him and he felt his gut shift. “I guess now the only thing left to decide is when we can start.”
Jack blinked several times to clear his head, feeling somewhat hypnotized. “Uhh, yeah. I’ll call Gus and see if the crew can start tomorrow. The sooner we get the brush cleared out, the sooner we can get to the structures—and that’s where things will get tricky.”
“Well, that’s enough for today. I’ll keep the maps here and you two are more than welcome to review them as needed.” Art paused. “Charli, have you had a tour of the island yet?”
She smiled softly at Art. “I’ve been all over this island before.”
Art tsked. “Yes, but that was quite a while ago. There have been a lot of changes in the last decade. I’d imagine you’d like to get out and about and see everything.”
She raised her brows. “Sure.”
Art grinned. “Jack’s your man, here.” He looked at Jack with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Jack, you can escort Charli around Old Town, right?”
Jack chuckled at Art’s maneuvering, but didn’t mind his obvious matchmaking efforts. “I’d love to.” His eyes flickered to Charli. “Just let me know when you’re ready.”
“Why not now?” Art suggested. “You’re both free, right?” he added with a grin.
5
Key West, Florida
Charli peeked to her left as they walked down the sidewalk, and mentally sighed. Jack was masculine perfection—all long lines, broad shoulders, muscles, and dark hair that made her want to run her fingers through it...sigh. Her conscience twinged a bit from Art’s less-than-subtle arm-twisting that Jack give her a tour of the island.
“Jack, we can do this some other time if you’re busy,” she offered, hoping he’d say no. There was something soothing and magnetic about this man that drew her in, and she wanted to spend more time with him.
He shot her a quick side glance and gave her his easy dimpled grin that she was beginning to think was his trademark look. “I’m not busy today and I’d love to show you around the island. I can imagine that thearea is a bit different than the last time you were here.”
Charli released a deep, relieved breath and smiled back at him.
As they approached a busy cross-walk, he pressed the crossing button and they waited quietly for the light to turn. A chill shot through her when the pedestrian light lit up and Jack placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her across the intersection. The warmth of his hand seeped through her sundress and her body tingled.
They made a left on Duval Street and he asked, “Is there anything in particular you’d like to see?”
Charli pursed her lips in thought for a moment. “You know, the last time I was here, I was underage. So, I could certainly use a drink, and I’d really love to try out a bar.” She paused for a moment. “A good one that the locals go to,” she clarified.
Jack chuckled. “I know just the place.” He motioned to his left. “Come on. We’re gonna take a left here.”
There was a slight jam on the corner as a large group of people waited for the light to cross the street and Charli leaned back as someone stepped in front of her. Her breath froze in her throat as Jack’s hand closed over hers and pulled her to the side. She glanced up and met his smiling gaze.
“Careful,” he admonished with a gleam in his eye. “You’ll have to learn how to hold your own with the tourist traffic around here.”
A shy grin tugged at her lips as she followed him through the crowd. She breathed a sigh of relief when the sidewalk opened up. “Is it always this crazy around here?”
“Usually only when a cruise ship docks or anytime during Fantasy Fest.”
“Fantasy Fest?” Charli asked. “What is that?”
