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I sat back, shifting my arms behind my head. What the fuck was going on? One thing was certain. Until I figured that out, Willow Cavanaugh would remain with me on this island. If that took a month, a year, so be it.
After that?
Fuck.
As I closed my eyes, allowing visions of what we’d shared earlier to enter my mind, I had to face the ugly fact that I wasn’t entirely certain I could let her go.
Not now. Not ever.
* * *
The sprawling Sanderson ranch was nestled against the mountains on the other side of the island, the small town in between our two properties where the entire rest of the population lived. As I pulled down the long, mostly dirt driveway, I’d forgotten just how expansive the facility was. I hadn’t been here in far too long.
I felt it necessary to warn the caretaker that I’d returned and had a guest. As far as mentioning possible danger, I’d yet to decide whether that was wise. The mission was required to remain a secret, not a single person in my life allowed to know who I was working for. It wouldn’t be easy to explain danger might follow.
As I pulled the Jeep close to the main house, I was surprised to see one of the owners’ vehicles being used. I jumped out, trotting to the front door. I had no intention of staying away for longer than necessary. Willow was far too curious about aspects of my life. I’d already shared more than I should have, certainly more than I’d done with anyone else in a long time.
But she wanted more.
After knocking on the door, I turned around, admiring the herd of cattle. The working farm had done well over the years, able to employ everyone from the town who wanted a job. While there were few modern amenities in town, the people genuinely seemed happy.
When the door opened, I turned, surprised to see Jameson Sanderson standing in the foyer. He’d been with his father on the day I’d been given permission to retire to the island. We’d talked old war stories and I’d heard about the island. In a couple of short days, we’d become friends. It was good to see him again.
“I was hoping I’d get to see you,” Jameson said as he threw out his hand. Then he glanced down at the shoulder holster I was wearing, lifting his eyebrows.
“What are you doing here? I thought you had a luxurious life in New York City.” I shook his hand, glad to see him.
“You mean a dog-eat-dog kind of life. Occasionally, I need to unplug, or I might rip out my own hair. Being an attorney can be a pain in the ass.”
“I hear that.” I laughed, shaking my head. The man had been through hell and back, much like I’d been. We’d shared some war stories, but with every soldier, there were some that were far too personal to talk about, even to another military man.
“Come in. I thought I heard your bird yesterday.”
“Nothing skips past you.”
“Ha! Come in. Let’s have a drink. Oops. I shouldn’t say that too loudly, but I consider this vacation.”
“Good for you.”
“Given you choice of… attire, I’d say you have some issues you’re dealing with.”
“Just being cautious.”
“Uh-huh,” he mused.
“Where’s your lovely wife?” I trailed behind him into his library, the single room in the house he’d insisted on having his way. The man was a legend in the law, tackling huge corporations who’d needed reminders of the errors of their ways. You didn’t want to get in the man’s crosshairs.
He threw me a look and walked toward the bar he’d had built into the bookcases. “I think his name is Paulo, but I’m not entirely certain. He swept Sandy off her feet and she’s spending a few months in Rio.”
“Ouch. I’m sorry.” I watched as he prepared Bloody Marys. He’d taken me out on his boat the first time I was here to show me the island. We’d ended up drinking far too many Bloody Marys in the sun.
“I’m not. We hadn’t been getting along for years. I worked constantly. She spent my money. We weren’t a match made in heaven. What about you? Did you bring a beautiful woman with you this time? Maybe thinking about settling down? About time you did so, although I’ll give you the name of an attorney friend of mine so you can have a decent pre-nup written up.”
“I didn’t know you were so jaded,” I teased.
“Ha. I’m a realist. Ya gonna tell me the story?”
“I had an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
