What Tomorrow Brings (Florida Keys Series) (9 page)

Maggie ran her hand up and down Jakes muscled arm. “At this very moment, Jake, I can say I get it. I can create from anywhere in the world and no one knows who I am. I’m not sure though that if I were to stay here in the keys, that I would feel the same way. Right now, I love it here. I love our time together, even if we’ve had a few bumps in the road. I love sitting outside by the water, writing in the morning air. I love it and yet I feel so far away from the rest of the world.” She sighed.

He gave her a hug. “Thanks for your honesty. We’ll just have to see what tomorrow brings.”

She snickered. “Or, we could just have hot, raw sex and then go our own way!” She shrieked when he pinned her to the bed, his body hovering over hers and began to bite at her neck and shoulders. He had her hands above her head, holding them gently together. She closed her eyes, smiling.

The wet lick on her face was not Jake! “Uggg, Jax! Who let you in here?” He pounced on the bed, practically on top of them both as Jake rolled to the side and stood up. He staggered a bit after the effects of the roxanol, but strode to the shower laughing.

Maggie patted Jax, rubbing his head. She was in seventh heaven. Could she get used to this kind of life? Did Jake mean that he was ready to have a serious relationship with her, Maggie McCoy? Was she ready for something different in her life? She finally got off the bed and went outside, letting Jax do his thing and breathing in the morning air.

She wandered over to the dock and stood, looking out over the water, taking in the morning air, enjoying the warm sun on her face. Ahhh, the florida keys. This place was like no where else she’d ever been. But, she wanted to see more. If she were going to even think about investing her life in one place, then it was time for some exploring.

<>

They sat across from each other on the patio, having their ritual of morning coffee. Jake was back to his old self, his body healed and she knew that he was going to go back up to his place today. It was time. “Jake, you were talking about a proposal earlier before Jax interrupted.What did you have in mind?” She put her coffee mug to her lips, acting indifferent but actually curious to know.

Jake winked. He stretched back in his chair and picked up his cup. “I know these last few day have not been very kind to you. You had to nurse me back to health, which was quite enjoyable I may add. But I’m sure it left you with very little time to work on your novel. I want to thank you for all you’ve done.”

Maggie shook her head. “No, please. There’s no need.” Wonder how he wants to do that?

Jake stretched out his hand and caught hers. He laced his fingers with hers and rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb. “I insist Maggie. I bought some hotel property awhile back and the renovations are finally done. I need to go check on things there. I’d really like it if you came along with me. I promise you’ll have your own suite where you can relax on the balcony and write until the sun goes down. The added bonus are the sunsets, which will take your breath away.”

“A suite? What kind of place is this Jake?”

He leaned forward and grinned. “You’ll just have to come along and see for yourself.”

Maggie tilted her head and let out a sigh. “Let’s see, does it have a jacuzzi?” He nodded.

“Mmm, delightful. How about my own private butler.”

“I can arrange that.”

“Room service?”

“Of course.”

She was going for the gusto. “A massage on my balcony while the sun sets.”

He laughed out loud. “Dear Maggie, you have no idea. Time to pack. I’ll be ready in about an hour.”

She took a sip of her coffee, smiling at the thought of another ride with hot man on his harley. He started up the steps, two at a time, seemingly without any problem getting up those steps. “How are we gonna take our luggage on a harley, hot man?” Maggie yelled.

“We won’t be taking the bike this time. Jax is going with us.”

Chapter Eleven

Jake was waiting for Maggie out front, his back seat loaded with a few bags and Jax. When she saw the dog, she laughed out loud. There he was, in the back seat, a doggie seat belt and of all things doggie goggles around his eyes.

“Adorable,” Maggie squealed, throwing one bag into the back seat, along side of the pup. She placed her computer bag on the floor, careful to keep it away from a drooling Jax. They would be driving the Overseas Highway in a classic restored 1967 Camaro convertible. Timeless! Jake seemed to have a love for some pretty awesome rides. She ran her hand along the side of the seat. “Did you fix this up Jake?” Maggie asked.

“Nah, believe it or not, Jon did it.”

“What! How would he have time? He’s a doctor?” Maggie sat in the passenger seat when Jake opened the door for her. He shut it, pushed down on the lock and brushed his soft lips across her cheek.

“You’d be amazed what us Hatfields can do. Enough about Jon. How am I doing so far, Maggie McCoy?”

She reached up and touched his cheek. “Not bad Jake Hatfield, considering we’re not even out of the driveway yet.”

Jake planted a quick kiss on her lips before he got in and they made their way out to Highway One. “You haven’t seen nothing yet, babe,” he said as he shifted the 3 speed, revving up the engine a bit to show off.

With the wind in her hair and on her face, the ride in the convertible was almost as fun as on the bike. Except, Maggie wasn’t tight up against Jake, hanging on to him like she would have been on the harley. They could talk too if they wanted, but he turned on radio tunes and they just enjoyed the music until he left the highway and turned onto a long lane. They drove for awhile on back roads that were surrounded by some trees that were nestled so tight together you had no idea what was ahead. Finally, the resort came into view.

“Oh Jake, you didn’t tell me you owned something quite like this!” To say that Maggie wasn’t shocked was an understatement. The view was glorious, an exquisite hotel stood in the center of her view, surrounded by the beautiful blue sky and the ocean as a backdrop. This resort was nestled amongst acres of forestry. “It’s the ultimate place for a getaway,” she whispered, in awe of such an incredulous scene before her.

“Tell me, who wouldn’t want to come here,” he said, nodding his head in agreement. “I knew this design would be perfect. Wait until you see the rest.”

Jake pulled up to the circular drive and put the car in park, letting the motor run. He jumped out and that was literally the truth. Maggie gasped when he got out without opening his door and strode around the camaro to open the passenger door. “You are about to be pampered like a princess,” Jake announced. He winked and she took his arm as they walked into the hotel.

<>

“Mother, I’ve got a two bedroom suite here, you can stay with me,” Maggie told her. “There’s so much room, you won’t even see me for days.” Kate McCoy was about to leave for the Keys and so Maggie had to tell her that she wasn’t at the little bungalow.

“How long do you plan on staying there?” Kate asked. #

“I’m not sure Mom, but who cares! This is one of those resorts where you feel pampered and it’s so much fun. Didn’t you tell me to have fun?” She knew she was throwing her Mother’s words back at her, but Maggie was as high as a kite, living like a queen. She didn’t have a problem paying her own way ever, but she had not enjoyed a stay quite like this before. She’d always been a bit tight with her dollars and didn’t indulge much. This was a rare treat for her.

“Don’t even go there, missy!” Kate started on her. “I’ll be there in about 4 hours and then we’ll talk. Love ya, hugs, bye.”

That was Kate. When she was done talking, the phone went dead. She didn’t mince words, she got the job done, no matter what she did. Her Mom was a type A and some days Maggie could not and would not keep up with her.

The door buzzed. “Come in,” she said, her loud voice barely carrying to the front door of the suite. A butler came through, unsmiling. He parked a tray of cheese and fruit with a glass of wine on the little table by the Lanai and stood there while Maggie reached in her pocket to get him a tip. She looked down at the wad of bills. She’d have to go get more soon. Then she smiled up at the young man, who gave her a cheeky grin and started towards the door. “Thanks Charles,” Maggie chanted, picking up her afternoon drink. He told her his name was Charlie but she preferred to call him Charles, it sounded a bit more elegant. After all, if she were a queen for the day, then she’d decide who her porter was. That made Maggie laugh to herself. She was being silly now, but it was so much fun to indulge and just let go.

Charles was no more than a teenager, but he wore his casual shirt and shorts well. He acted all grown up and professional and Maggie was drawn to him immediately when she first met him a few days ago. The front desk was told to give her anything she wanted and so she chose Charles. He had been cleaning up the atrium on the lower level and caught Maggie’s attention, so she told the front desk she wanted him. It made him a very attentive concierge to know that she picked him out special.

She was having so much fun. She was feeling like a princess, no, a queen. The first night when Jake dropped her off at the door of this two bedroom suite, she looked out at the ocean and felt as if she were in heaven. The lure of the tropical lush greenery surrounded the white sandy beach, it’s contrast so strikingly beautiful. The pool with a cascading waterfall was magnificent. She sat on the Lanai for hours after the sun went down, watching the lights flickering as people strolled along the beach, enjoying the night. A soft breeze sang to her as she got lulled by the ocean. It had been a wonderful few days.

Jake told her he would be busy for a few days but after that they could spend time together. So, while he was working, Maggie took it upon herself to indulge. He told her whatever she wanted. Perhaps she should teach him to be careful what he says to Maggie McCoy because she was running Charles ragged with her requests. She requested his services many times today and it was only early afternoon! Chocolates and wine, fruit and champagne, and even fruit and cheese were sent to her room, hour after hour. Maggie was having a grand time being waited on hand and foot. She set about finishing up her novel when phone rang again.

“Maggie, are you finding things to keep you happy?” Jake asked.

“I am. Jake, if I haven’t told you, thanks. This is really heaven. I’m enjoying this so much.” She slid back in her lounger, smiling into the phone.

“I have a few hours free before our big meeting. I thought perhaps we could do something together.”

Maggie sat up. “That’s perfect. I bet you ‘ve been working hard Jake. Come on up to my suite in about fifteen minutes. All you need is a pair of shorts. I’ve got the best thing right here.” She hung up the phone and punched in some buttons until Charles answered. “Charles, I need you again.”

<>

By the time Jake got to Maggie’s suite, the massage tables were set up on the Lanai, ready. She handed him a glass of chilled wine, eyeing his tanned legs in his shorts and t shirt. “Drink up, I’m gonna get you so relaxed your muscles will be crying out for more,” Maggie crooned.

Jake grabbed her. His eyebrow shot up. “Maggie, are you sure?” He put the wine down and took her in his arms, slowly leading her to the bed where he thought they would make love.

“Jake, Jake! There are people here! I didn’t mean that!”

He looked up to see the two ladies who would be giving them their massage walk across the Lanai and waved them out. “Come on,” one of them said in broken English, “We can get started now.”

Jake looked at a smiling Maggie “Ahh, you ordered a couple’s massage.” His eyebrow rose and he shrugged, then pulled off his shirt and was the first one on the massage table, his bare back tanned and muscular. Maggie ignored her own treatment for a few minutes and watched him moan and groan every time the masseuse struck a sore muscle.

“See Jake,” she said to him, “you really needed that.” Another groan followed. Maggie closed her eyes then and when she opened them again, Jake watched her, his eyes on the masseuse as she rolled her hands expertly across Maggie’s shoulders and down her spine. She wondered what he was thinking? Then he turned to her and winked.

“Were not done yet, Jake. Come on.” She got up and grabbed his hand, guiding him towards a large wooden tub on the opposite side of the Lanai, tucked in a small private corner. “You have to try this, it’s wonderful.”

They both stepped into the open air soaking tub while the massage therapists packed up and left. Maggie dried off her hands and punched in some numbers from the phone that she placed on the table by the tub. “ Charles? Yes, we would like some chocolate covered strawberries and wine please. Oh and just come out to the Lanai.”

Jake looked at her funny. “Who’s Charles?”

“My porter. Remember, you said I could have one.”

“Yes, I did. You mean Charlie?”

Just then, Charlie knocked and entered the hotel suite and made his way out to the Lanai. He almost dropped the tray when he saw Jake. “Uncle Jake! I didn’t expect to see you here!”

“That’s your Uncle?” Maggie looked from one to the other, not seeing any resemblance at all.

“It’s a long story, Maggie,” Jake mentioned when he saw the look on her face. “Charlie works and lives here.” He nodded to the young man and Charlie made his way out the suite in a flash, not waiting for his usual tip.

“Jake, I didn’t realize Jon had children.”

“He’s really not my nephew. It’s a long story but his mother and father basically abanded him. When I first bought this property a few years back, we found him living in one of the rooms that hadn’t been used for awhile because it was in such bad shape. There was the kid, probably about 12 years old then, living in an abandoned hotel room, on his own. His parent’s left him, telling him that someone would come back for him but no one ever did.”

Maggie reached out to Jake and took his hand that was draped over the edge of the soaking tub. He continued, “My Dad took a liking to him and told Charlie that as long as he took a breath, Charlie would have a home here. My Dad runs this resort. Actually, I bought this place for my Dad, so he’d have something to do. He looks out for the kid. Charlie has been waiting for his parents to come back for him, but no one ever has. It’s been 3 years.”