Barefoot Bay: The Billionaire's Convenient Secret (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Leigh Duncan Read Free Book Online Page A

stranger.”
    “You, too, Lacey. Give my best to the family if I don’t see them this trip.”
    Almost as an afterthought, Lacey added, “Make sure you stay with us next time you visit. You won’t be disappointed.”
    After agreeing to do just that, he made his way through the lobby to Junonia. There, the daily special—seared pompano on a bed of barley risotto with a mango chutney—sounded too good to resist. The full-bodied texture of the Alsace Pinot Gris he kept on hand back at home made it the perfect accompaniment for the fish. He ran his tongue over the back of his teeth, wondering if Junonia might have something equal to the pairing.
    A discreet rustle at the hostess stand drew his attention. He crossed to the dimly lit corner, where he gave his first name. “I’d like a table for two this evening. Something with a view, if possible.”
    “We’ll be only too happy to serve you…Josh,” came an answer that acknowledged him without revealing more information than he’d provided. “Chef Ian is especially looking forward to cooking for you.”
    “He shouldn’t go to any extra trouble, Marcia,” he said, noting the name tag on the girl’s uniform and giving himself a reminder to reward her for her discretion. “To tell the truth, reading about tonight’s special made my mouth water.”
    “I’ll let him know,” Marcia said with a cheery smile. “Can I see you to a table?”
    He nodded. “I’m expecting Charlotte Oak to join me in a few minutes. If you could keep an eye out for her, I’d appreciate it.” When the waitress lingered, he tilted his head. “Yes?”
    “Mr. Josh, I hate to ask, but…”
    “What is it, Marcia?”
    “Well, my folks’ fiftieth wedding anniversary is next year. They both like wine, and I thought I’d like to give them something really special. Can you recommend something?”
    Josh smiled. “Fifty years. That’s an occasion worthy of the very best.” Should he and his bride—whomever she might be—ever reach that momentous date, he’d crack open the 2005 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti aging in his private cellar. But at thirteen thousand dollars for a single bottle, he doubted the burgundy was in Marcia’s price range. “How much do you want to spend?”
    “There’s three of us kids. We thought we’d pitch in fifty apiece, a dollar for every year. So around a hundred and fifty?”
    “My absolute favorite at that price point is a Napa Valley Spottswoode Cabernet. If your folks like reds, they’ll love it.”
    “Thanks, Mr. Josh.” Marcia scribbled.
    Josh nodded. “And congratulate your parents for me.”
    Marcia left him to study the resort’s surprisingly extensive wine list. By the time water had been poured and she returned, he’d decided to start with an artisanal cheese plate and another favorite, a bottle of Château Saint-Paulin Bordeaux. Marcia disappeared into the kitchen while he relaxed and enjoyed the view at a table overlooking the pool and the gulf beyond.
    And what a view it was, he decided moments later, when he spotted Charlie at the entryway. She’d ditched the black suit, replacing it with flowing white pants and a sleeveless tank that showed her sculpted arms to their best advantage. If he’d thought the red-soled heels she’d worn earlier were unbeatable, he’d been wrong. The strappy sandals that clung to her feet were every bit as adorable. Best of all, she’d released her hair from its wispy bun. He swallowed, watching the waterfall of corn silk cascade over her shoulders.
    His usual aplomb deserted him as she neared. Struggling to his feet, he bumped his knees on a table leg, a move that sent water goblets teetering and flooded his face with uncustomary warmth. It took effort, but he managed to circle the table and pull back her chair without crashing into anything else. While she slid onto the upholstered cushion, he brushed a hand down the button placket of his linen shirt. For the first time in recent memory, he wished