Page 12 of Spring Break with a Treasure Hunter
“Okay, if you say so.” Up I went, and gasped at the luxury inside the jet.
The cabin hostess greeted us and stowed our bags.
I settled in a plush, comfy chair and Cork sat across from me, a table between us. I wasn’t afraid of flying, but with the high winds and threat of Gilbert, I was more than a little more on edge. Cork’s calm demeanor and warm smile helped ease my concern, somewhat, as I gritted my teeth when the plane shimmied and fought against the buffeting of the wind.
I looked out the window. The engines increased their power, and soon we raced down the runway and up into the air. Away from Gilbert and St. William’s. Once above the clouds, the sun streamed in the windows. I relaxed into the seat with a sigh, unclenched my fists, and stretched out my fingers.
The cabin hostess brought us each a glass of champagne and put a charcuterie board on the table between us, reminding me I hadn’t eaten anything yet.
“Thank you, Gail,” Cork said and gave her a smile.
I glanced at her and smiled as well. “Thank you. Would it be possible to get a coffee as well?”
“Of course, I’ll be right back.” She disappeared to the back of the jet and returned moments later with a silver tray holding a silver coffee pot, two cups, cream, sugar, a plate of biscuits, and linen napkins. The aroma of the coffee was divine.
“Please let me know if you’d like anything else,” she said and disappeared to the back again.
Love Beach wasn’t a long flight from St. William’s Island. Cork enjoyed watching Daisy as she discreetly looked around the cabin of the jet. The sudden urge to shower her with all he’d worked hard for and been gifted with rocked him. She was different, unlike most of the other women he’d dated—but this wasn’t a date, right?—the others never lasted long, only wanting the glamor and lifestyle he could offer. Daisy wasn’t a gold digger, and it was a very refreshing change.
And he wanted her for more than just dates. Their relationship had bloomed after the day they met underwater, and he was quite happy with the direction it was going.
She was like him, a treasure hunter. Her reasons were to preserve the historical significance and save the antiquities for future generations and to honour her father’s lifelong dream, unlike his. It gave him pause. He’d been reassessing the reasonswhy he wanted to find the rare and beautiful. His gaze flickered back to Daisy.
It wasn’t for the money. Maybe it was the thrill? The challenge? To build his own private collection? Or was it something more? He frowned. He’d never given it much thought until now.
Cork reached for the champagne glass, lifted it, and stared into the bubbling liquid. He didn’t really like champagne, so why was he drinking it? He finished it, grimaced, and put the glass down.
“If you prefer something else to drink, just let me know,” he said to Daisy, selecting food from the board.
“Mmm, no it’s great. I love champagne and don’t get it often.” He watched her lift the glass to her lips and sip. He was struck with the urge to have those lips against his again. The sexual tension that crackled between them hadn’t eased up since they’d started sleeping together. It had gotten more powerful.
“We’re really doing this?” Daisy asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Flying out in the middle of a hurricane?”
Cork grinned. “We’ll be fine. We’re above the clouds now and Beckham’s people are already on standby to get us to the island. The weather models aren’t showing the island in its path, so that’s good. But we could get some rough water.”
Daisy nodded and looked out the window. “I’m excited to see what this tip of yours will reveal. If anything.”
“That’s a rather negative outlook,” he commented.
She lifted a shoulder.“Well, I suppose it’s to be expected, having been dragged all over the world for as long as I can remember following clues. Whenever Dad got a hot tip, off we’d go. Sometimes it resulted in a discovery, but more often than not, it didn’t. TheSirena del Marwas his magnum opus that was never realized.”
“Well, then, let’s think positive.” Cork stood. “Want anything from the galley? More champagne?”
“Mmm, yes please, that would be very nice.” She smiled up at him and he caught his breath when this new, very rare and pleasant sensation barreled through him.
Her smile lit her face, and he returned it. Never had he been as affected by a woman as he was with her. Even though they’d only recently met, he felt like he’d known her for a long time. Which, he supposed was kinda true from his viewpoint since he’d done a bit of research on her and the museum… and by extension theSirena.
Gail met him in the galley. “Mr. Shannon, I can get whatever you need.”
“Thank you, but it’s fine. Why don’t you enjoy the flight and relax? It’s a quick trip.”
“If you’re sure. I don’t mind.”
“I’m sure. Thank you for getting things set up.” He reassured her, not wanting her to think she’d done anything wrong. “Just pretend you’re a passenger as well and help yourself to anything you’d like.”
“Thank you. But, if you need anything, please let me know,” she insisted.
“I will.” He went back to his seat and put his beer and the champagne bucket on the table. Daisy’s eyes were closed. Cork sat and pulled out his phone, letting her snooze.
