Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
They didn’t head too far from shore—just out into the deeper water of the cove where Danger Bluff was located. He noted a number of the passengers taking pictures of the glorious coastline where the resort was located. It was lovely on the land, but by sea, the resort was spectacular.
Noting Isla standing by the railing all alone, he took a second to watch her and felt a flash of remembrance ignite his brain like a lightning bolt as she checked her phone, which displayed a navigational map. He forced himself to approach her and seemingly joked, “Don’t tell me you’re looking for pirate loot?”
“Maybe. It would be disappointing to have the pirates be no more than smugglers,” she answered without any deceit. “I was hoping you might be available for private explorations while I was here, or perhaps you have recommendations for someone trustworthy I could hire.”
Ceasar cringed inwardly. “How do you know I’m not a bad guy?”
“You aren’t, are you?” she asked, studying his face.
“No, I’m pure Daddy all the way through.” He hesitated just long enough to see the term register visibly in her shocked expression before excusing himself to move slightly away to prevent Bradley from leaning too far over the deck. “Keep your feet planted on the deck until we stop.”
“Bradley James, you come sit right next to me,” his mother called.
Thank goodness for responsive parents. She wrapped an arm around his shoulders and returned to her conversation with another woman. He knew the young boy wouldn’t get away from her again.
“You’re good at what you do. I haven’t seen you get annoyed yet from wrangling all the guests,” Isla said quietly next to him.
“Of course not. He’s going to be a diving fan for the rest of his life.”
“You can tell that already, huh?” she said with a smile.
“Of course.”
“Just like you know I’m Little?” Isla asked boldly. The faint blush on her cheeks gave away her bravado and made her even more endearing.
“Ninety-nine percent sure,” he answered easily.
“What gave me away?”
“Nothing that most people wouldn’t chalk up to something else. For a Daddy, it’s the small clues that made me think you could be so special. We’re not through talking about this. Unfortunately, we’ve reached our dive spot. You won’t run away?”
“Nope. We have things to talk about,” she told him with a smile.
“Why does that scare me, Little girl?”
When her smile widened into an enchanting grin, Caesar had to force himself away. Damn, she’s gotten to me already.
An hour later, he left Jack in charge of Bradley James and the other snorkelers. Those who weren’t scuba certified enjoyed a snack and a beverage on board while Caesar took five of the group under the water. Leading the group around, he watched the family of four, who were skilled in diving, explore the area while always keeping him in sight. Isla, to his delight, stayed next to him.
He enjoyed watching her body language as they spotted a number of fish species, including one blue shark, several dogfish, octopi, and a scattering of sea urchins. The family hurried back to their sides when a school of dolphins seemed to fall in love with Isla and wanted to play. The sweet mammals generously interacted with everyone.
Caesar could see the regret on their faces when he signaled that it was time to head for the surface. The moment they reached the air, the family chattered happily about their experience. Isla hung back while they climbed back into the boat.
“Did you have fun?” he asked.
“The best time. I love diving. This one was magical.”
“I’m glad. It’s your turn. Head up. There are snacks and drinks waiting for you.”
Occupied with a dozen tasks he needed to take care of as they headed back to shore, Caesar’s gaze returned repeatedly to Isla, who now sat with the group. She and the family shared the wonder of what they had seen under the water. By the look on almost everyone’s faces, there would be more students than just Bradley James in his beginning scuba class. A few were happy but satisfied with their ocean experience. They’d probably show up next on Kestrel’s flight tour if they hadn’t been there yet.
That was the great thing about Danger Bluff. It allowed for a variety of activities, from lounging by the pool to pushing their muscles to the limit during rock climbing with Rocco. He smiled at the thought of how integrated they were with their new positions here at the resort.
None of his team of six had discussed what would happen when the last token was redeemed. Caesar shook his head at the thought of the team scattering to different parts of the world. He trusted these men like his brothers and cared about their Littles like a devoted uncle.
He shrugged off his worries and forced himself to focus on taking one day at a time. Caesar mentally reviewed the information he’d gathered from Kingsley’s files. He had a lot of questions for Isla when he could ask her privately.