had been priceless. While there were fancy hotels and estates located in sequestered spots, I knew she was in for another round of disbelief.
I knew almost every road, beach, and marsh in the low country, having spent enough time exploring the location to consider moving permanently. I smiled remembering the first time the subject had been broached. Not a chance in hell. I was required to be an employee of my father’s company since Christian hadn’t wanted anything to do with it.
Things change.
Tables turn.
Now I’d use what I considered to be my prized possession for protection.
First things first. I darted glances in her direction as I drove. The wind was flowing through her long hair and with every attempt at forcing strands behind her ear, she became more frustrated. She also was finally uncertain of what to expect, her expression pensive. Even her face remained flushed, her cautious looks in my direction laced with fear.
Fear of the unknown or terror of her fiancé? My guess was both. Another sharp stab to the heart. For all the ‘deals’ various members of the sect had made, the threats required in order to keep people in line, including myself, she was truly one of the innocents.
That would forever keep me furious with her father.
When I made a turn down Main Street, parking the car in front of my favorite gourmet market, she snapped her head in my direction. Given the open convertible, the smell of barbecue and hot bagels wafted across the dashboard.
“I’m not hungry,” she insisted.
The woman was so damn defiant. “We’re not here for lunch.”
“Then what?”
I pointed to one of the signs, waiting for her reaction.
“A Sweet Shop Named Sprinkles?” she asked as she read the name on the sign.
I cut the engine, opening the door and getting out. Grinning, I leaned over the door. “Best ice cream in all of Jekyll Island. I assume you like ice cream.”
She wavered, shielding her eyes from the sun as she turned to look at me. “You’re serious. That’s insane.”
“I thought getting a lemonade and some ice cream might be a good treat.” I heard the level of anger in my voice and cringed. I was used to getting my way, snapping my fingers and making things happen. Her continuing defiance pissed me off. “If not, we can go but I assure you this will not be suggested again.”
As soon as I put my hand on the door, she held up hers.
“No, wait. This is... amazing,” she whispered, fumbling until she was able to open the door. As she stepped out, she glanced down at her attire and laughed. “I don’t think I’m dressed for such a fabulous place.”
“I think you’re going to be the best dressed customer they’ve ever seen.” I waited until I could take her by the arm, surprised once again that she didn’t attempt to pull away. I’d been here with my mother on two vacations as children, Christian wanting nothing to do with the simpler aspects of the island.
The memories were some of the fondest I had and also fleeting. There’d been so much pomp and circumstance during my youth. The oversized location held several establishments, every one of them welcome and inviting.
We stood in the entrance of the market itself, the place almost exactly the same as I’d remembered. She took a deep breath, inhaling the various scents as she studied the fine selection of wines and cheese, meats and poultry.
“Come on. The ice cream shop is this way.” I pointed toward the door, trailing behind her as I inhaled her perfume.
After walking inside the little shop, even the sounds of several children as they yelled over each other in order to be selected first created a warmth in my heart. I’d fallen into the trap of being wealthy, running the finances of a major corporation. I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d eaten ice cream.
“How pretty,” she said so quietly. I couldn’t help but get the feeling she didn’t want me to know a single thing about what she liked.
I’d always said there were two sides of every person, if not more. While Winter certainly knew how to portray an edgy woman, one refusing to take any crap, that wasn’t the real girl. She was a woman of passion and verve while craving the simple joys in life. Music. The ocean.
Soft kisses and gentle caresses.
I was more drawn to her at this moment than when I’d had my cock buried deep inside. Her eyes were filled