Page 81 of Mail Order Sunset (Hawthorne Billionaire 4)

“I just came for the fun of it, mostly, but we’re prepping the island for some expedition with a group of girls. Where’s your dad’s tools? I’m gonna take a look while my cookies are baking.” Charlie stopped at the open door. “No arguing, just point me to the tools.”

“Yes, sir. The toolbox is probably on Paradise Two. My friend was looking at that engine today,” I smiled. “Thank you, Charlie.”

“Cookies, I need cookies to get me through the night.”

I showered during batch number two and checked my cell a million times for a call back, to find nothing each time.

I’ve waited too long to accept her offer. Now what?

I was taking the third batch of cookies out of the oven when I heard a knock at the front door. I wiped my hands, grabbed the spoon with batter on it that I’d saved for Charlie, and went to let him in.

Why would he be knocking. It must have locked when he went out.

“Charlie, did you lock yourself out?” I asked, pulling the door open wide. “Oh, you’re not Charlie.”

Chapter 60

Sawyer

“Where have you been? You find a girl out there, or you searching for mermaids again?” Lou teased.

“Maybe both. I keep telling you mermaids are real.” Charlie pulled out a chair to sit. “Did you eat already?”

“We did but my chef has been waiting for you to get here.” I motioned for Josh. “Just let Josh know what you want.”

“What did you all eat? I smell steak.” Charlie leaned back and put his bag on the floor. “I’ll have whatever the chef wants to make, I’m not picky.”

“What’s in the bag?” Robert reached for it. “It smells good, Charlie, what have you been doing?”

“I spent the afternoon with Guy’s daughter. There’s so much to do at that marina.” Charlie shook his head.

“But what’s in the bag, Charlie?” Lou urged.

“Cookies, and they’re all mine. I earned them for fixing her boat engine.” Charlie pulled the bag to his lap. “If you want some you have to go earn them.”

After much debate about the cookies and whether Charlie should share them, he reluctantly gave each of us two cookies. They filled him in on the morning mission, then we all relaxed inside watching a football game.

“You know, I never hang out inside when I’m here, but I don’t mind it so much,” I said from the chaise I was lounging in. “I forgot to tell you. My cousin Asher is hanging on the other side in the huts with his friends. Try not to scare them too much.”

“Come on, can’t we have a little bit of fun?” Lou laughed. “I’m off to bed if you can point me in the right direction.”

“I’m going as well. Josh will show you to your rooms.” I stood when they all did.

“I need to go get my bag out of the plane.” Charlie turned with his bag of cookies.

“Josh already got all of your bags out earlier and they’re in your rooms,” I said. “Come on, I’ll walk with you guys.”

I walked with the men to their rooms, then returned to the beach to look at the stars. I’d spent many a night sleeping under the stars and tonight was a perfect night for that again. I looked out across the water to see lights blinking in the distance on the other island and found myself wondering what Jade was doing.

What are you doing? You have five women coming in a week to choose a wife from.

I wokethe next morning with the sunrise and a group of men shoveling in breakfast. I stood from the lounger on the beach, stretched, and dragged my stiff body over to the table.

“Good morning, young man. Are you joining us this morning?” Gunner asked, mid-bite. “You should, you know, seeing as you like adventures.”

All four men stopped eating and looked at me, putting me on the spot.

“No, I think I’ll wait until you have a path cleared and it’s not dangerous.” I motioned Josh to bring coffee. “I don’t live on the edge like that. I’m more of a cushy live on the edge.”

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