Page 48 of The Cottage on Pelican Bay

Andrew’s recently opened in the cove. Andrew Bertelli had been born and raised in Catalina Cove. Like others, he left for college and never returned. For the past ten years he’d received numerous awards and recognition as a top chef in New York. Thanks to a Reid Lacroix low-interest loan, Andrew had purchased an unoccupied warehouse near the shipping district and transformed it into an impressive two-story Italian restaurant. It opened last month and was getting a steady stream of satisfied customers.

“Then Andrew’s it is,” he said. “I ate there with Vaughn and Reid when it first opened. The food was excellent. You won’t be disappointed.”

“I know I won’t be.”

“I have another idea, too. How about dinner at my place on Sunday?” he asked.

“At your place?”

“Yes.”

She’d never been to his home before. Had never assumed she would get an invitation. “Dinner at your place on Sunday sounds great.”

“By the way, how did packing go today?”

“I didn’t do any today. Since I’d packed two days straight, I decided to take a day off to paint. I was leaving Ms. Fanny’s art supply store when I ran into Samantha.”

There was no need to tell him that her encounter with the woman had ruined her entire day, and she hadn’t felt like painting after that. “Instead of painting, I relaxed in one of the chaise lounges and read a book. As usual, the view of the bay was spectacular, and it felt good to just relax and read.”

“Did you read anything interesting?”

“Not unless you’re into romance novels.”

The sound of his chuckle made her breath catch. She wondered how long it would last, her total awareness of him whether he was near or far, seen or unseen, naked or clothed. Even the sound of his voice over the phone stirred desire within her.

“Unfortunately, I’m not,” he said.

She was tempted to tell him regardless of whether he was into them, he could definitely be a romance hero in any novel that she’d ever read. “I can’t wait to see your home on Sunday, Saint.”

“Nothing fancy. I bought it for all the land that came with it. Five acres. The location works for me since it’s halfway between town and my parents’ home.”

“It’s on the bayou, right?” she asked.

“Not right on the bayou but close enough.”

“So, what will we be having for dinner on Sunday, Saint?”

“I haven’t decided. What would you like?”

“Umm, surprise me,” she said in an amused tone.

“Okay, I can do that.”

They talked a little while longer about various topics. She told him she’d gotten a call from Vaughn to say they’d arrived in the Maldives and that he and Sierra were having a wonderful time.

“I’m glad to hear that. He hasn’t called into the office, which means he’s giving his wife all of his attention.”

“And that’s the way it should be. I’m sure he knows he left the place in capable hands,” Zara said.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. I’d better let you turn in. It’s almost midnight.”

She couldn’t believe they had talked on the phone that long. “It is, isn’t it. I hadn’t realized it had gotten so late.”

“Good night, Zara. Pleasant dreams, and I’ll see you for lunch tomorrow.”

“Good night, Saint.”

After ending the call, Zara realized that it was the first time she and Saint had engaged in a telephone conversation that lasted more than five minutes. And she had enjoyed it.

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