Page 33 of When Summer Returns

“Yes.”

She waited, but he offered nothing more, just watched her with those blue eyes that had always seen too much.

“And?” she finally prompted. “No, wait, let me guess. He used it to start a bonfire while dancing naked under the full moon with three Brazilian supermodels.”

Luke’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s…specific.”

“I’ve had fifteen years to think about what happened to that note.”

“And that’s the scenario you came up with?”

“It was either that or aliens.”

“I think we have a lot to talk about, but not now.” He gestured toward the steadily filling tables. “Later. When we have time to do it properly.”

She nodded, understanding. Whatever he’d learned from Reece deserved more than a hurried conversation between drink orders. “Later, then.”

His hand covered hers briefly, a warm weight that sent a current of awareness up her arm. “It’s going to be a good night, Jess. Live music, island food, new friends. Try to enjoy it.”

“I always enjoy watching other people work while I kick back with a drink,” she said, but her smile took any sting from the words.

Before she could say more, he moved away to greet a party of regulars who’d just arrived, leaving her with the lingering warmth of his touch and the promise of “later” hanging between them.

The evening progressed with the comfortable chaos of a busy restaurant—Mateo’s paella earning its legendary status, the live music providing a mellow backdrop to the constant flow of conversation and laughter. Jessie moved between helping Miguel at the bar and checking on tables, each task becoming more natural as her confidence grew.

At precisely eight o’clock, Maggie swept into Seeker’s Paradise like a summer storm—beautiful, powerful, impossible to ignore. The ocean breeze caught her loose blond waves, lifting them momentarily before letting them settle around her shoulders like spun gold. Her sundress—the deepest shade of cobalt that perfectly matched her eyes—fluttered against her curves, making her appear more goddess than doctor.

The transformation from the clinical professional of the morning to this vibrant woman was startling and complete. Gone was the white coat of authority, replaced by an easy grace that turned heads throughout the restaurant.

Jessie felt a genuine smile spread across her face as she moved to greet her new friend. There was something about Maggie that radiated both strength and warmth—a combination Jessie had always admired but rarely encountered.

“You found us,” Jessie said, embracing Maggie briefly before guiding her through the maze of tables toward a secluded corner that offered the perfect vantage point—ocean waves visible through the eastern screens, the small stage with its twinkling lights to the north, and just enough distance from neighboring tables to allow for actual conversation.

“Found you? Please. I just followed the sound of actual fun,” Maggie said, glancing around appreciatively. “Three years on an island the size of a postage stamp, and I’ve been here exactly once.”

“Let me guess—sick people selfishly demanding your attention?”

“The nerve of them.” Maggie rolled her eyes. “Nothing says ‘cancel your dinner plans’ like Mr. Peterson’s gallbladder deciding to revolt at eight p.m. on a Friday.”

“The glamorous life of island medicine.”

“Oh, it’s all sailing and cocktails until somebody hooks their own thumb.” Maggie settled into her chair with a contented sigh. “This view alone is worth emerging from my cave of bandages and antiseptic. Why did nobody tell me Luke was hiding paradise back here?”

“Possibly because you were too busy saving their lives to listen?”

“Details.” Maggie waved a dismissive hand, but her smile was warm. “Tonight, I am officially off duty unless someone starts actively dying—and even then, I’m weighing my options.”

Jessie handed her a glass of white wine, which Maggie accepted with a grateful nod. She took a sip, her eyes wandering over the twinkling lights strung above them.

“This place is even more charming at night,” Maggie said. “All those fairy lights make it magical.”

“Luke’s idea,” Jessie said, nodding toward the strands of twinkling lights strung along the rafters. “He has a good eye for what works.”

“Among other talents.” Maggie’s gaze followed Luke as he moved among the tables, stopping to chat with guests, his easy confidence evident in every gesture. “The island’s lucky to have him.”

“I’m beginning to see that.” Jessie signaled to one of the waitresses to bring Maggie a menu. “He’s built something special here.”

“And now you’re part of it.” Maggie studied her over the rim of her wine glass. “How does that feel?”

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