Don't Tempt Me by Julie Ortolon Read Free Book Online

house," she observed as they reached the landing where the stained-glass windows bathed the area in colored light.
    "We've survived our first year at least, and business has really picked up since we built a few bungalows along the jogging trail." He continued up the stairs, explaining the schedule and the amenities. The upper hall had another sitting area, this one cozier than the one downstairs. A vase of fresh flowers sat on a sideboard next to a wicker basket of individually wrapped tea bags. "We put coffee and hot water up here every morning so you don't have to come down for your first cup."
    The small luxury brought back vague memories of life before her parents had divorced, when she'd lived in one island resort after another, her father preying on other guests, her mother ordering room service and lounging on white sand beaches while Jackie built sand castles.
    Adrian moved toward a bank of tall windows opposite the stairs. Gauzy curtains obscured the view, but she could make out a balcony and the blue and white cove beyond.
    "Here we are." Adrian opened a door to the left of the windows. "We call this room the Pearl, since it was Marguerite's. The best room in the house."
    Jackie walked to the middle of the large, airy room and let her duffel bag drop to her feet as she took it all in. The soft white walls, gilded furniture, and filtered light from the sitting room in the turret made her feel as if she'd stepped into a cloud. The headboard even had a painting of cupids flying against a gold background.
    She turned back to him. "Don't you have something smaller? Because I really don't want to be obligated to quite this extent."
    "Ah, I see you're on to me already."
    "I usually am."
    "True." He came toward her. "I might as well confess my dastardly scheme."
    "I'm sure I'll be shocked."
    "Actually, you will, since it doesn't involve anything more than your returning the favor. Whenever we get the cruises going, I'd like to be on the first half of the first trip. I'd do the whole thing, but hate to take off for that long."
    "I suppose you'll want my best cabin."
    "Unless you're short on space." His eyes twinkled, and she saw some suggestive remark coming.
    "Don't," she warned. "You're on your best behavior, remember?"
    "Darn it." He grinned, completely unrepentant. "But for now, come check this out." He led her through the elegant sitting room in the turret to one of the tall windows, which was actually a door.
    Following him onto the balcony, she caught her breath at the view.
    "Gorgeous, isn't it?" he said. A change came over him as he looked out to where palm trees guarded the mouth of the cove. Sunlight sparkled off the waters of the bay beyond but something brighter seemed to shimmer around him. "I've often wondered how many times Marguerite stood in this very spot, thinking about Captain Kingsley and wondering when she'd see him again." He glanced at her. "Maybe she's still here, waiting."
    Jackie blinked at his shift in mood, this quiet side of him she'd never seen before. "Do you really believe in ghosts?"
    A sudden breeze came off the cove, and he turned in that direction, his face in profile against the blue sky. "Let's just say that sometimes, when I stand here, looking out toward the bay, I feel ... something. A sense of expectation mixed with grief and longing. As if the house is waiting."
    "Waiting for what?"
    A smile turned up the corners of his lips. "For Captain Jack to return, of course."
    A shiver raced down her spine. "What about the diaries? You said I could read them."
    "We'll hand them over at dinner tonight." He checked his watch and sighed. "Right now I have some catering orders to fill. Please make yourself at home. Feel free to borrow any of the books or magazines lying about, watch TV downstairs, or explore the island. I'll see you at six."
    She watched him go, almost wishing he would stay. Impossible as it seemed, Serious Adrian was even harder to resist than Playful Adrian. What on earth did