“Oh yes,” she replied. “I was with Triton for almost ten years, so I got to see every island in the Caribbean, or close to it. Jamaica is definitely my favorite, but I have to admit, my husband had something to do with my preference.” She looked between the two of them. “I take it you’re here for dinner and the beach party?”
“Absolutely,” Devin replied. “I told Paul this was the best place on the island.”
“Well, we like to think so. Since I heard thePearlwas in port and had the feeling you’d drop by, Dev, I saved a table for you.” She moved back behind the hostess stand to retrieve two menus, and she gestured for them to follow her. “Will the patio do?”
“Absolutely,” Devin said, grateful for Cass’s foresight. He was a regular at the Golden Sands whenever thePearlwas in port.
They followed her out to a beautiful patio that overlooked the water. The sun was low in the west, and Cass placed them at a small table for two where they could watch it set. After getting them settled, she handed them the menus and promised their waiter would be right with them.
When they were alone, Devin pointed toward the beach, where two men were placing wood in a ring of stones. “That’s for the bonfire later,” he explained. “I highly recommend the Jamaican paella. It’s made with seafood and chicken and jerk seasoning. Spicy and wonderful.”
“Then that’s what I’ll have,” Paul said with a decisive nod. “What would you recommend to drink that would go with the paella?”
“We could have wine, or go all out and have the rum punch,” Devin replied. “Since we don’t have to worry about driving, I’m tempted to indulge in the punch, because it’s really good.”
“Rum punch sounds good to me,” Paul said, giving Devin an arch look. “Who knows what might happen with enough rum punch?”
“I might not know, but I can hope,” Devin replied with a wicked smile.
Their waiter came over to take their orders and returned with the rum punch in tall, frosted glasses, and a loaf of crusty bread. Devin took a sip, then sighed in pleasure.
“Cass hasn’t lost her touch. She was my mentor when I started with Triton. She’s the best bartender I’ve ever met.”
Paul tried his rum punch as well and made a quiet noise of approval. “It’s very good,” he said. “Although I still have a preference for your Rum Stumbler.”
Devin grinned. “I’m glad you like it. I’ll have to make up a drink especially for you. Or maybe a seafood dish. I still have to show you I’m not all talk when it comes to cooking.”
“I believe you,” Paul said, reaching for a knife and the loaf of bread. He sliced two pieces and offered one to Devin. “But it’ll be difficult to give a demonstration when we’re either on an island or on a ship with a busy kitchen.”
Devin accepted the bread, which was still warm from the oven. “I can come up with something,” he said, giving Paul a playful wink. “I’m a resourceful sort of guy.”
“Somehow, I’m not surprised.”
Devin laughed, and they chatted until the food arrived, which was just as good as Devin remembered. The rice and vegetables were richly spiced, and the seafood was cooked to perfection. “This is a dish I’m going to steal when I have my own restaurant,” Devin said. “It’s a bit difficult to get fresh seafood in Buffalo Lick, but if I end up back there, I’ll have to figure out a way to import it.”
“How far are you from the Gulf of Mexico?” Paul asked. “Maybe you can find a distributer from a coastal town.”
“Buffalo Lick isn’t too far from Austin,” Devin explained. “I’m not necessarily looking to move back home, but it’s what I know.” He gave Paul a sideways glance. “I’m not averse to going almost anywhere with the right incentive.”
Paul raised one eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “That sounds very hint-ish, especially if the incentive is what I suspect it is.”
Devin shrugged, but he didn’t hide his smile. “Just letting you know where I stand. I’m not the hidden-agenda type.”
“You wouldn’t have any trouble getting fresh seafood in Charleston,” Paul said lightly.
Devin suddenly felt breathless, and he told himself not to read too much into Paul’s words. As much as he wanted to believe it might be an indication of Paul’s interest, it was far too soon to let himself start hoping.
“That’s true,” he said, keeping his tone just as light. “I happen to love Charleston. It’s a food town.”
“Good food, history, the arts.” Paul began sipping his punch, watching Devin over the rim of his glass. “It has a lot going for it.”
“It certainly does.” Devin leaned forward, his smile growing heated. “Especially if you’re there.”
“That’s where I plan to stay,” Paul said. “It would be more difficult for me to relocate, since corporate headquarters is there.”
“That makes sense,” Devin replied. It was hard to not let himself hope things could work out for them. He knew he was a dreamer and a romantic, and he also knew that when he fell, he fell hard. “Would you like another rum punch or dessert? Or are you ready to go dance on the beach?”
“If I have another rum punch, I might not remember the beach party,” Paul said with a quiet chuckle. “Let’s check out the party.”
