Jack smiled, happy to see her mood lighten. “She was one of the founding members.”
Charli giggled and then choked back a sob. She closed her eyes and pressed a fist to her mouth.
His stomach twisted at her grief and he reached out to pull her into a gentle embrace, cradling her head on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Charli.”
A shiver shot through his body as she melted into him, accepting his kindness without a protest. Unintentional as it was, the press of her body against his, her breasts against his midsection, awakened a hunger and yearning within him.
Down boy...her Aunt just passed away. Not the time or the place.
After several minutes, Charli sniffed and placed a hand on his chest, pushing away from his embrace. She cleared her throat awkwardly and kept her gaze down. “I’m sorry about that. Didn’t mean to lose control.”
Jack smiled at the cute picture she presented—even in her grief, she was a very attractive woman. “There’s nothing to apologize for, Charli. You’ve suffered a terrible loss. Besides, I’ve been consoling most of the neighborhood for a month now. Think of me as your personal cheerleader.”
Charli sputtered a laugh and glanced up, a carefree grin taking years off her face. “I can’t believe howlucky I am to have such an experienced empathizer here with me.”
Jack snorted a laugh. “That’s something I’ve never been called before.” He gestured toward the balcony doors. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the house.”
As they made their way down the stairs, he mentioned over his shoulder. “Art has a packet of information on the kitchen counter for you—things he wanted you to review before the meeting this afternoon.” He stopped in the dining room and turned toward her. “Do you think you can find his office? If not, I’d be happy to pick you up.”
Charli waved a hand in dismissal. “No, you don’t have to do that. I’m sure I can find it.” She sniffed and seemed to compose herself, then laid a hand on his shoulder. Again, a bolt of awareness shot through him at her touch and he had to squint his eyes to focus on what else she said.
“Thanks for everything, Jack. You’ve been...” She trailed off for a second and sniffed again. “You’ve been great.”
At that moment, words were beyond him and all he could do was nod. He turned and pulled open the back door, then looked back at her as he stepped out. “I’ll see you around.”
3
Key West, Florida
Charli released a rough breath and closed her eyes when Jack shut the door behind him. She had known this trip would be difficult and take her a bit to get her bearings. But change was anathema to her and lately all it seemed she had was change.
Over the last few days, her career had gone from soaring success into an unexpected freefall, she learned that her favorite aunt had passed away, and now she was over a thousand miles from home and her regular routine. To top it all off, a too-handsome-to-be-real carpenter had held her on the balcony while she sobbed pathetically on his shoulder. She cringed at the mental image.
Just perfect, Charli. He probably thinks you’re crazy.
She released a rough breath and looked around the kitchen, spotting the packet Art had left her. She absently thumbed through it, noting that it was mostly local information, something you’d get as a new homeowner. Charli scoffed.
Exactly how long did he think she was staying down here?
Her stomach grumbled loudly, and it dawned on Charli that she hadn’t eaten since the night before. The thought of trudging to a grocery store made her grimace and she opened the refrigerator with a hopeful prayer. Her mouth dropped in amazement to see it full of basic items—milk, eggs, bread, fresh produce. The freezer and pantry were the same. There was even coffee and creamer available.
Charli glanced around in confusion. Art and his assistant had certainly rolled out the red carpet and anticipated her every need. But why?
Her belly rumbled again in protest, the sounds of which could probably be heard across the street, and she huffed, deciding on eggs and coffee. Everything else could wait until after breakfast.
Two hours later, after a hot shower and a change into something more appropriate to the climate, Charli walked the two blocks to Art Murray’s office feeling much better. Truthfully—and despite her tough reputation—she had been dreading this meeting sincereceiving the letter. But now, after a cool shower and refresh, she felt fortified and ready to face whatever Aunt Dottie had left for her to deal with.
She took a deep breath of the tropical, salty air and smiled, tilting her face up to bask in the sun. There was something magical about Key West—the climate, the carefree attitude, and the promise of an excellent margarita—that just seemed to mellow a person out.
Jack’s words came back to her.It’s the best place in the world.
At that moment, Charli agreed with him.
She turned the corner onto Petronia Street and spotted her destination across the narrow road. It was a quaint one-story light blue house that had been converted into a law office designated by a prominent sign in the yard. With its large covered front porch, white picket fence, huge palm trees, and classic white Bahama shutters, it looked like the quintessential tropical dream home.
As Charli walked up the porch steps, the front door swung open and a smiling young woman stepped out. “You must be Charli,” she said, extending a hand out in greeting.
Charli nodded and shook the young woman’s hand. “Are you Theresa?”
