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She paused once she realized what I was doing.
“I’m more than capable of getting into a car on my own, you know.”
I chuckled, stepping back and sweeping my hand toward the interior of the car.
“Then don’t let me stop you.”
Seconds later, I was behind the wheel. I opened a compartment just above my head, letting a pair of Ray Bans fall out and into my hand. I slipped them on, started the engine and took one more look at Emily to make sure she was OK. She sat with her bag on her lap, her arms folded over top of it.
“Ready?” I asked.
She nodded without saying a word. I pulled forward, taking us onto a winding road offering a sweeping view high enoughto see a large part of the island of St. Thomas and the ocean beyond.
“Let me give you the lay of the land,” I said as I drove. I pointed toward the water. “That’s Charlotte Amalie, the largest city in the Virgin Islands. Now, when I say, ‘largest city,’ don’t think of New York. Charlotte Amalie is around eleven thousand people, meaning you could tuck it into Brooklyn and not notice it for a week. That’s the port and our destination. Our first one, at least. We’ll be taking my boat to the island from there. Whenever we want to get out and about and have some fun, we will come back here to St. Thomas.”
She said nothing, and I could tell that Emily was content to silently take everything in on her own terms. No doubt that going from her isolated life with her father in Long Island to paradise was something she’d need a little time to wrap her head around.
We drove on. I put some classic rock on the player, The Rolling Stones flowing from the speakers as we made our way to the port. The city was a resort paradise. American tourists in Bermuda shorts, flowered shirts and Panama hats packed the streets, locals mixed in among them. The Virgin Islands were a popular destination for the wealthy, and it was clear just by looking at the tourists that they had money.
“We can come here if we’re looking for something to do,” I said. “Lots of restaurants and cafes and places to shop. I have most of my supplies airlifted in, but now and then I’ll take the boat over to do my own shopping and take in the culture.”
It wasn’t a long drive at all to reach Charlotte Amalie. I drove to the docks, dozens of boats of all shapes and sizes floating in the harbor, the place alive with activity. I parked, another squad of staff there to take out our bags and bring them to the harbor. A lovely breeze hit us just as we stepped out of the car that mademe want to get out of my heavy business clothes and change into something linen.
Speaking of clothes, as we made our way to the harbor, I couldn’t help but imagine what Emily might choose to wear once we arrived. I pictured her dressed in a skimpy bikini, her olive skin glistening with oil as she lounged in the sun. I was going to give her space while she stayed with me, but the mere idea of her dressed like that was enough to make me want to pounce on her the moment we reached the boat.
“Here we are,” I said, gesturing to a modest-sized boat, a motor sailor with the wordSerendipitywritten on the side. I nodded to the staff, instructing them to load the bags into the boat.
“This is nice,” she said, approaching the boat as it bobbed in the water, placing her hand on the side.
TheSerendipitywasn’t that big; about the size of two large trucks placed in front of each other.
“I can’t believe you have a boat. I mean, my dad has one, but it’s about half this size, just something big enough to take out fishing.”
“If you like this, you’ll love the other one.”
She turned to me, cocking her head to the side in confusion. “The… other one?”
I chuckled, casting a glance at the staff as they stowed the last few bags. I tossed the car keys to one of them.
“This is the way I get back and forth between Saint Thomas and my island. Myotherboat, the one I use for cruising, is at my place.”
Emily regarded me with more confusion, her mouth opened slightly. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Come on,” I said. “The ride over to the island isn’t long, but I’m ready to get there and relax.”
She nodded again, that overwhelmed expression still on her face. Emily was so overwhelmed, in fact, that she actually took my hand when it was offered to her as I helped her onto the boat. Once aboard, she sat down on the U-shaped couch that half-circled the back end of the deck, putting on her seatbelt as I got situated at the controls.
Once the harbor staff gave the all clear, I started the boat, the powerful engine growling to life as it warmed up. TheSerendipitywas easy to drive, was similar to handling a large truck. After a little maneuvering, I was out of the harbor and on the open ocean.
A big smile spread across my face as I drove. I was a city guy at heart, and nothing could compare to the magic of New York. However, there was something to be said for being out on the ocean, the sun bathing you in warm light, the hush of the waves carrying the salt rich air all around you. I savored it, allowing the pleasure of the water to momentarily push aside the distraction of what might have been the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in my life.
It didn’t take long at all before our destination was in sight.
“See that?” I asked, pointing up ahead at a white object in the distance.
Emily squinted, focusing on the object. “Is that ayacht?”
I nodded. “That’s theEndeavor, my main ocean vessel. One of the finest ships on the sea if I do say so myself. It’s parked at my estate. We’re nearly there.”
