Page 82 of That Island Feeling

‘Yes,’ Hazel agrees. ‘Let’s get our Andie-girl back safely.’

Chapter Thirty-three

JACK

Afew hours after I’ve deposited Andie back at Moorings’ beach, I’m waiting for her at my jetty. I watch her dawdle down the pier towards me, a shawl draped loosely over her shoulders, like she has not a care in the world – like the island has truly permeated her.

‘The Codfather?’ You named it The Codfather?’ she exclaims as she stops in front of my boat.

‘What were you expecting?’ I laugh, tickled that, after our conversation with Mum out on the water, she’s noticed my boat has a name.

‘It’s just pretty convenient that it’s named after a movie, isn’t it? Who are you looking to impress?’ She gives me a pointed look before leaning down to inspect the gold gleam of the lettering, wiping her hand like she’s expecting to discover wet paint.

I shrug. ‘What can I say? I was mildly obsessed with Al Pacino when I was seven. At one point, I believed he could be my real dad,’ I chuckle.

‘Really? I didn’t realise Hazel was in showbiz too?’ Andie murmurs, her head still bent, pinched fingers keeping the shawl from slipping from her shoulders.

‘No showbiz. But I wouldn’t put anything past my mother,’ I say. ‘I figured having Al Pacino as my sixty-year-old father was preferable to not having one at all . . .’

Dating rule number six: Start opening up when the time feels right.

Andie’s head lifts. ‘I’m sorry, Jack. Hazel told me about your dad.’

I wave away her sympathetic tone. ‘Ah, nothing to be sorry for,’ I say. ‘I was going to mention it yesterday when you told me about your mum, but it’s not really the same thing – it was so long ago now. I barely even think about it.’

I don’t mention that there’s plenty I do think about. Like whether I should accept Alec’s offer and betray my home. I’m relieved I didn’t have to break the news to Keith myself, but his seemingly blasé attitude has only left me more confused.

I clear my throat. ‘Actually, it’s Keith who’s like a dad to me.’

‘Keith, as in Keith’s place?’ Andie asks, surprised.

‘Yup, he and Mum were together for over a decade. He’s actually back on the island at the moment.’ I pause, remembering one of my dating rules: Don’t come on too strong. Fuck it, she’s already best friends with my mum. ‘I’d love for you to meet him.’

‘I’d love that too,’ she says, her tender gaze sliding over me.

Dating rule number seven: Share what’s important to you.

‘Now, if you’re all done there, inspector. I’ll be needing you over here.’ I pull her away from the boat and into my arms. I don’t want another second to pass without kissing her.

As our lips meet, it feels like the most natural thing in the world. But after a moment Andie tenses and turns her head to glance over her shoulder. Maybe she’s not comfortable with public displays of affection.

‘Are we expecting someone?’ I ask, puzzled, following her eyes up the dock.

‘I wasn’t sure if you were . . .’ She pauses. ‘Expecting another suitcase delivery, maybe?’ She finishes merrily, looking pleased with herself.

My mouth twitches upwards. ‘Today’s lost-luggage special was from a flight to Antarctica, and I wasn’t sure I had much use for woollen underwear here.’

‘Or, apparently, any underwear,’ she remarks, her eyes lingering on the waistband of my shorts.

Dating rule number eight: Still banter, always banter.

Oh, hell. I wanted to show her a nice time and get to know her outside of the bedroom, and now all I want to do is scoop her up in my arms and run back to my cabin.

I swallow hard, urging myself to stay in the present.

‘Now, can I interest you in some dinner?’ I ask, reaching for her hand to help her board The Codfather.

‘Like, proper dinner-dinner?’ Andie asks, a suggestive look flickering across her face.

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