He liked to keep his shining, though, so he tried to polish it every chance he got.
A grin split his face as he imagined Melani as he'd left her that morning, deep in slumber, her glorious hair spread across the pillow, her beautiful breasts rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. It had been so magnificent to hold her last night as she slept, her body soft against his.
He loved the way she'd shivered under him as they'd made love the previous night, the way she'd focused inward on the feelings, and not on the physical aspects. Their quiet joining had been almost more than he could take, and when he'd come he'd felt himself on the edge of tears.
It had been hard not to let her see. Leaving himself open emotionally was a tough thing for him, but he found himself wanting it more and more as his week with Melani progressed. And he'd given in to that feeling quite a few times, his heart pounding at the sight of her and his nerves tingling when she was nearby.
Only three more days and she would be on a plane and out of his life. The thought almost ripped him apart. Not even Sarah had affected him the way Melani did. He loved the look in her green eyes when she questioned people, and they way they lit up in anticipation of the answer.
Her inquisitive nature demonstrated how much she loved life, and how much she wanted to learn. Other than that one feature, they were polar opposites. He loved to fly by the seat of his pants while she liked to plan things out, know what went where, and exactly how to get from point A to point B.
Still, she'd let go this week and allowed herself to experience each day in a way that had made them both happy.
And tonight. She'd been the one to plan their theft of Jaynie's jewels. He shook his head at the idea. He might have thought about doing something like this, if for no other reason than to put Jaynie's asshole of an ex in his place. But he never would have sat down to make an actual plan for it. He might have done it on his own, so as not to endanger the others.
And there was danger. If Tim The Creep found out what they were doing, they could all end up in jail. Or worse yet, at the business end of a gun.
Of course, the idea of danger was exciting, too. And the idea of pulling off this little caper with Melani just made it better.
"It's a good thing that's dull. The way you're wiping it right now, you might lose a finger."
Royce lifted his face to Russell, who stood in the doorway, shaking his head at his friend.
"My mind's not exactly here."
"Is it on a busty little wench? Maybe you should take the afternoon off and see what comes up."
They both laughed and Royce shook his head. “I wish. Melani insists on working today. Says she has to take photos and get some more notes for her story."
"She's dedicated, that's for sure.” Russell sat down on the other bench and stretched his legs out in front of him. “So, are you keeping her?"
"She's not a dog, Russ. She has a mind of her own. And no, she's not staying."
"Have you asked her?"
"No.” Royce turned his face toward the open window that faced the ocean.
"Well, I've already voice my opinion on the matter."
"Yeah, if you were me she'd be tied to your bed right now."
"Damn straight. It's what I did to Ellie. And look where it got me. I'm marrying the little tart on Saturday. I can tie her to the bed all I want now."
Royce laughed. “Look, I'm thinking about it, it's just..."
The room grew silent.
"She's not Sarah, Royce. I've known her for a few years now. True, I've only seen her during brief visits, but I don't believe that Ellie would have a superficial friend. Melani is a real flesh-and-blood woman, not some barracuda who will bite you in the ass. She's honest and up front with people."
"Yeah,” Royce said. “I agree, in my mind. I just don't know if I can convince my heart. If she says no, I'll feel like I've lost part of myself."
Russell shook his head and stood. “If you let her go, you will lose part of yourself anyway."
Royce stared at Russell's back as he walked up the stairs. He looked toward the window again, knowing his friend was right. In a few short days, Melani had become a part of him. Convincing her to stay would be tough. But he knew it would be worth it. He just had to find the right way to bring it up.
* * * *
Melani smiled at Jess as the young waitress wrote down her name on the piece of paper. True to her word, she'd come back to photograph Jess in the restaurant, and to get quotes from her about why she enjoyed working in a pirate-themed amusement park.
Her answers had not been surprising, and had dealt with fun and meeting new people. She glanced at her watch and saw that it was after three. She hadn't eaten since the bagel Kidd had delivered around eight that morning, and her stomach let her know that it wanted some attention.
"I think I'm going to sit and have a late lunch,” Melani said. “How about a cheeseburger?"
"Sure,” Jess said. “You want a soft drink, or some lemonade?"
Melani selected the lemonade, then sat down at the table to look through her photos. She smiled at the beauty of digital cameras, where you could instantly see your work and correct it if there was a problem.
She had photos of the Swashbuckler's School, the treasure-hunting pit where young kids could dig for buried toys, several of the rides, people eating food at the food court, and now, the restaurant. She still needed photos of the pirate fight that Royce and Russell staged several times a day.
She took a sip of the lemonade that Jess sat on the table. She hadn't realized how thirsty she was, and it tasted like champagne as it slid down her throat.
Worries about their upcoming heist pushed her thoughts of photos aside and centered in her mind. She couldn't believe what she'd proposed, and not only that, what they'd all agreed to. If something happened to one of them she would never forgive herself.
She tried to tell herself that things would be fine, that Jaynie would keep Tim out of the house long enough for them to break in, find the pearls and take them back. But she knew that the chances of things going off so easily were slim.
Something would go wrong. Something always went wrong. But it was too late to back out. Jaynie would be crushed. Not only that, she would lose everything. Tim had seen to that.
Melani smiled as Jess placed a huge cheeseburger in front of her.
"Wow."
"They're delicious,” Jess said. “Chef John is known for them."
Melani cut the burger in half then took a bite, chewed, and swallowed with a grin. “You're right. Very, very delicious."
When Jess was gone, Melani took out her notes and began to jot down any park attractions she may have missed during the week. She had just finished half her burger when Jaynie burst into restaurant, looking frantically from side to side before spotting Melani and rushing toward her table.
"He's screwed me again. He must know I'm up to something."
"What? Slow down. Sit down, and tell me what's wrong."
Jaynie shook her head and wiped away tears.
"Tim just called. He said he would meet me in an hour at a café near the beach. And only there and only at that time. If I try to change anything the deal's off. He said to bring the deed and he'd bring the pearls."
"Crap.” Melani threw down her napkin and took a deep breath. “OK, relax. There's no need to panic. We still have an hour. We can think of something between now and then."
"Like what? It's not too far from here, true, but if he has the pearls on him we're screwed. He won't give them to me unless I sign the deed."
Melani shook her head. “He won't have them on him. He might leave them in his car, but he would never have them on his person. Too much chance of you calling the cops and having him searched. He's smarter than that."
"Smarter than I am,” Jaynie said, frowning.
"No, he's not. More devious than you, maybe. You would never pull a stunt like that."
Melani sat back and sipped her lemonade, the wheels in her mi
nd turning.
Jaynie was right. He had made sure that they would meet in public, and at the time that he specified. That kept him in control. The wheels continued to turn. He was a control freak. He felt he was invincible.
She smiled at Jaynie.
"I have an idea. It just might work."
"What?"
"How well known is your husband?"
"Very. He's a prominent business attorney. His firm represents some of the biggest businesses in Miami."
"Then, if people found out he was a thief, it would hurt his reputation."
Jaynie smiled. “I would say so."
"Well, Tim needs to meet a reporter. One who can convince him that all his dirty little deeds are about to come to light. Don't you think?"
Jaynie's smile widened.
"You wouldn't."
"I would. Now, give me some dirt. Just enough so I can give it to him and let him think I'm writing an expose on his dealings. If he gets scared enough, he'll hand over the pearls without a fight."
Jaynie laughed, and the two ladies put their heads together. Twenty minutes later, Melani paid her check and wrote Royce a note to let him know there had been a change of plans and that she was going to Bruno's on the Ocean. She ended it with the words ‘wish me luck’ and gave it to Jess.
"Give this to Royce when he comes in, please."
At Jess’ nod, Melani and Jaynie left on their quest. Melani smiled. Her thoughts about someone getting hurt tonight had been for nothing. She would handle nasty little Tim all by herself. She'd dealt with creeps before while writing criminal stories, and she could handle him.
Then she'd come back to the park a hero, and she and Royce would have that much more time together before it was time for her to go home.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Thirteen
"What? Son-of-a...” Royce crumpled the paper in his hand and ran his fingers through his long hair.
Russell bounded down the stairs and stopped in the doorway, a frown on his face. Ellie was behind him, peering over his shoulders.
"Something wrong?"
"Read this.” He passed the note to Russell, who uttered an expletive.
"Jess had it delivered when she thought something was wrong,” Royce said. He glanced at the wall clock. “She says the meetings at four-thirty. If we hurry we can catch up to them before they get there."
"Like hell,” Ellie said. “I know Melani and she's probably already there, lying in wait."
"If he hurts her...” Royce's face turned thunderous. “I'm going to tan her ... Damn!"
"Let's run,” Russell said. He started for the door then stopped.
"No wait! I have an idea. Change into street clothes. Hurry."
* * * *
Melani stood at the corner of the building, watching as Jaynie nervously fiddled with her coffee cup. She was sitting at out outdoor table in the crowded shop, and her horrid ex had yet to show.
The plan was simple. Jaynie would sit with him for about five minutes, talking about the pearls and the deed. Then, she would turn on him, and let him know that instead of calling the cops, she'd called a reporter; someone who could let the world know that he was a thief and a blackmailer. And, the woman would be here any minute to ask Tim questions.
Then, when Melani felt he looked like he was suitably worked up, she'd approach the table and tell him if he didn't hand over the pearls, she'd write an expose on him and print it in the newspaper.
She knew that he'd threaten to sue, but she'd dealt with similar threats before. She'd be able to keep her cool while he ranted and raved. In the end, she knew Tim's need for approval by the public would win out. He was superficial enough to think that way, just like Royce's wife Sarah.
The idea made her belly clench. She knew that Royce was going to be angry with her for going off on her own, but she was sure he would see it was the right thing to do. If she'd waited any longer, their window of opportunity would be closed. This way, the situation would be resolved and they wouldn't have to break the law.
Melani scanned the crowd as they continued to wait. She watched the cars that parked on the street and frowned. The asshole really wanted to be in control. Being late proved that.
About ten minutes after the scheduled meeting, Melani watched a sleek sports car pull up to the curb. A handsome man in his later thirties got out and straightened his jacket, hitting the button for his car alarm before crossing the street toward the café.
It had to be Tim.
She watched him scan the crowd and find Jaynie. He walked toward her quickly, setting his keys on the table and taking a chair. The conversation started and Melani smiled as his face turned from calm to anger.
It was just about time for her to make her entrance. She gave him a few more minutes, then stepped away from the wall and started toward the table. She was about ten steps away when someone pressed a large cup of iced coffee into her hands.
She turned her face to see Royce, his eyes unreadable.
"Just play along,” he whispered in her ear as he moved toward the table. When they were inches away from Jaynie and Tim, Royce jostled her arm, turning it so that the cold drink spilled down the front of Tim's suit.
"Son of a bitch!” The lawyer stood quickly, turning his back on the table and brushing the iced drink from his front as he continued to cuss.
"Sorry, man. My wife can be a little clumsy,” Royce said with a laugh.
Out of the corner of her eye, Melani saw Ellie grab Tim's keys and turn the remote toward the street, hitting the unlock button several times until it dinged on the sports car.
"You stupid bitch!"
"Hey, that's my wife you're talking to!” Royce yelled, pushing Melani behind him. “It was an accident. Get over it."
Melani turned her gaze toward the street where Russell was opening the door of Tim's car. He disappeared into the passenger's side and closed the door.
"Fuck you! Do you have any idea how much this suit cost? You're fucking paying for it."
"You think? Get over it, man, it's just a suit,” Royce said with a laugh.
Melani kept her gaze trained on the car. It seemed like forever before Russell got out. He waved a bag in the air, then put it in his pocket and began calmly walking down the street.
Royce was now up in Tim's face, yelling and pointing his finger at the older man and demanding an apology for his “wife."
Ellie hit the remote and Melani laughed as the car dinged to signal that it was again locked. She sat the keys on the table, winked at Melani and disappeared.
Jaynie, who had not moved from her seat, bit back a laugh and stood to push Tim and Royce apart.
"It was an accident Tim,” Jaynie said. “Get over it."
"I want a name and address,” Tim replied, pushing his finger into Royce's chest. “You and your wife are paying for the cleaning bill."
"Like hell,” Royce said. “You look like you can afford it. Come on, babe. We're leaving."
He took Melani's hand and they headed toward the gate. The other diners, who had stopped to watch the floor show, made way for him as they walked away. When they were on the sidewalk, and out of view of Tim and Jaynie, Melani stopped.
"Brilliant."
"You think? Why didn't you come to me first instead of dashing into the situation?"
"I could handle him. We had a great plan. I was going to be a reporter, which I am, pretending to do an expose on his dirty dealings with his divorce."
"Really. And you don't think he would have hit you? I thought he was going to deck me."
"You're a man. He never would have tried to hit me."
"The man's a blackmailer and a thief. Do you think he would have stopped to think about the ethics of hitting a woman?"
Melani took a step back. “It would have worked."
"Not very likely.” The anger in Royce's voice hung thick in the air.
"Why are you mad at me? We got what we came for."
"Because, Melani
, you rushed into something without, without..."
"Without what? Your permission? I've got news for you, Royce. I've been doing things on my own for a while now. I don't need your permission for anything, even if we are lovers."
Royce took a few steps back. Melani look at him. “Royce. I didn't mean..."
"No. I understand. Perfectly."
"It's just—"
"You don't have to explain yourself. And you're right. You don't have to answer to me."
Melani took a step toward him. “That's not what I meant. I knew you were busy and we were in a hurry. I just thought that..."
"It's okay. I understand. Perfectly."
"You're reading something into this that's not there. I swear it."
He captured her face in his and kissed her forehead. “It's okay."
But when his eyes met hers, Melani knew that it wasn't. There was a shield up that hadn't been there before, blocking his emotions. He was unreadable, and she supposed that it was his lawyer training, keeping him distant from what was happening around her.
With one fell swoop she'd managed to close a door between them. And she wondered how she would get it open again.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Fourteen
Melani took Royce's hand as she jumped from the ship to the pier. Ellie had decided to have the rehearsal dinner at the island where the reception would take place.
On Saturday, the wedding ceremony would be held on the tall ship they'd sailed over on tonight. Then, the guests would convene on the island for the reception. Throughout the night, those who were ready to leave would be ferried back on party barges.
Melani knew it was this island where Ellie and Russell had first fallen in love three years ago, so the place had special meaning for her friend.
She turned her face toward Royce, who smiled at her. It didn't reach his eyes. Just like every smile he'd offered her since the previous afternoon. He was doing his best to show there was nothing wrong between them, but Melani knew that there was.
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