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“It looks worse than it feels.”
“Perhaps you’d like me to bring you a pillow to put under your ankle,” she offered.
“That would be nice, Kristina. Thank you.”
Kristina set the water glass on a table near her and soon returned with a pillow. Once she had arranged it under Asia’s leg, she straightened. “If there’s anything else you need, Miss, don’t hesitate to call.” She set a small device down on the table. “Just push this button, and you can call down to the galley to me.”
“How kind. Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“I’m preparing conch fritters, a seafood bisque, and snapper picatta with a white wine, lemon, butter, and caper sauce. It’s Mr. Amorosi’s favorite.”
“It sounds delicious. I can’t wait.”
“Well, if you need anything, just call.”
“Thank you, Kristina.” Asia leaned in her chair and felt the warm sun on her face. She could get used to this. What an amazing life she and Nico were going to have. She smiled, imagining their children playing in the island surf. She couldn’t wait to start a family of her own. It had always been her dream to have at least three children like little stairsteps—siblings close in age who’d be inseparable. She closed her eyes, imagining their sunburned smiling faces. Except when she imagined them, they’d always had a different man’s features.
Dusty.
Her eyes popped open. Now what had made that thought pop into her head? She shook herself. Dusty was her past. Nico was her future. They’d have a happy life together. Soon her dreams would all be coming true.
That evening, the captain found her on the aft deck watching the sunset.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, Miss, but Mr. Amorosi has been delayed. I’m afraid he won’t be able to join you this evening.” He gestured his arm toward the salon. “But Kristina has prepared a lovely dinner.”
“Oh. Did you speak with Nico?”
“His man, Rocco, notified us. Mr. Amorosi wanted to extend his deepest apologies and promised to join you tomorrow morning. Mr. Rocco will arrive in a few hours.”
“Do you have a way of reaching Mr. Amorosi?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am, I don’t. We get all communications through his man. It’s my understanding Mr. Amorosi doesn’t like too many people to have his private number. Unless, of course, you have it.”
She shook her head. He’d given her a number when they first started dating, but had since changed it, and she’d never gotten it since she still hadn’t gotten a replacement for her lost phone. It was embarrassing to admit that, so she just smiled. “I’m sure he’ll be here tomorrow.”
She rose and ate dinner alone.
CHAPTER TEN
The Tri Star team arrived in St. Thomas disguised as men on a fishing vacation. They boarded the fishing boat that Chris led them to in the harbor.
A thin islander with a big smile greeted them on the dock.
“Mr. Drake? I am John Gumbs. How was your trip down?” He extended his hand to Chris.
“Good. Thank you.”
“I understand you’d like to do some… fishing today.”
Chris winked. “Yes, specifically around Cruz Bay on St. John.”
“I know just the place. Come aboard, gentlemen, and we’ll get underway.”
Dusty thought they must all look odd dressed in floral shirts, tank top, shorts, and flip-flops. Stan sat back, smoking a cigar and popping the top on the can of beer that John offered. When they were out of the harbor and on the open sea, Chris spoke more openly.
He moved to stand next to the helm, where John sat. “We’re interested in the Amorosi estate. Do you know it, John?”
“I do. Mark told me the reason for your visit. The Amorosi estate is well known throughout the island. The locals call it the virgin house.”
