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This time when she turned around, there was a stunned look on her face. “Was there humor in your up and leaving, Logan? I guess you’ll have to tell me where it was because apparently, I missed it.”
A pained expression surfaced on her face, but disappeared seconds later. This time it was Logan who turned away. He felt like an ass, and there was nothing he could say to the contrary. Fifteen minutes later, their driver turned off the main road, and drove down a winding path. It was flanked on either side with large trees, landscaped grounds and stone walls. Every few feet there was a copper lantern built into the masonry.
When the driver pulled up in front of the resort, he got out to retrieve their bags. Opening his door, Logan stepped out of the car and then held his hand out to Dakota. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to assist her.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
The tense moment dissipated, and Dakota’s face transformed from annoyance to an appreciative smile.
“Welcome to Belle Cove,” Logan said proudly.
“Thank you.” Dakota surveyed her surroundings before eyeing the main resort. Painted a dark gray-green, it was surrounded on three sides by abundant trees and flowers. There was a large wraparound porch with wooden swings suspended from the ceiling. She turned to Logan. “It’s…so beautiful here. I’ve seen plenty of pictures, but they didn’t do this secluded gem justice.”
“I’m glad you like it, but there’s a lot more to see.”
Logan escorted her into the reception area, and she was introduced to the general manager, Miranda Elliott.
Dakota shook her hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Miranda replied. “Is only good things me hear about you, Miss Carson. Nobody not saying nothing bad against you.”
Dakota glanced at Logan, and then back again. It took her a few moments to follow the Jamaican lingo. “Please, call me Dakota.”
“I really looking forward to the plans what you have for Belle Cove, but I kinda scared at the same time,” Miranda confessed. “Is ten years I’ve lived here, and all the staff and guests is like family to me.”
Miranda’s voice shook with emotion. Dakota placed a hand on her shoulder in a comforting gesture.
“I assure you that my goal is to ensure that Belle Cove Resort prospers, while maintaining her core appeal.”
Logan stepped forward. “Dakota can go into more in-depth discussions about her vision later, Miranda. Right now I’m sure she’d like to get unpacked and settled in. Tomorrow is soon enough to start work.”
Miranda smiled and swung her arm toward the door. “No problem, Miss Dakota. I’m more than happy to take you to the villa meself. Don’t you worry yourself, everything irie.”
Dakota moved to follow Miranda, but Logan’s hand on her arm stopped her.
“Would you join me for dinner later?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Great. I’ll pick you up at five.” He glanced at Miranda. “Take good care of her.”
Miranda cocked her head to the side. “E’vryting criss.”
Logan knew that meant all was well, so he winked, and then left.
As they walked, Miranda talked about the resort, where things were located and how many people were on staff.
Coming up on a brick pathway, she noted that it continued past the main building and into the lush greenery. There were so many things to see that Dakota slowed down every so often to look around.
“How many villas are there?”
“The main resort has guest rooms, a restaurant, activity center, the library, the staff quarters and lounge. There are six villas available for private rental—three one-bedroom villas, two with two and three bedrooms, and the last one boasts five bedrooms. All are accessed by a separate pathway, with private pools, gardens and plenty of privacy. The property backs to the beach, with cabanas, a pool, watersport equipment, a large pier, outside dining and a lighted trail.”
“Sounds fabulous.”
“Me can give you a tour, unless you want to go all about on you own? It’s up to you what you want to do. You just let me know what is your pleasure.”
“I’d love to walk around and explore, if that’s okay?”
“Of course.”
They stopped in front of a quaint one-story villa painted brilliant white. The large wooden door was wide open, and flanked by large blue ceramic pots with Jamaican wildflowers. Miranda stepped inside, and Dakota followed.
“Here we are.”
Though it was extremely hot, all the doors and windows were open, and Dakota marveled that the villa was comfortable, and she could feel a breeze. Miranda told her that the entire house was less than one thousand square feet. The living room opened into the dining room, and off that was a small kitchen. There was a large printed sofa with two chairs with colorful accent pillows. Lots of local wood statues adorned the tables and walls, along with colorful artwork. Dakota walked into the kitchen. It had lovely dark wood cabinets and light countertops. Black appliances finished out the compact space. It was a bit dated, but otherwise it was a lovely space.
