“Yes, the island is typically fully staffed with a housekeeper, chef, and groundskeeper. They keep everything running in top shape for guests and visitors and for when the owner comes to stay.”
“Wait, someone owns the whole island?” I can’t help but interject.
The boat navigates away from the resort dock, deeper into the sea. A few white puffy clouds dot the sky, but otherwise it’s a clear day. The sun beats down, causing Ivory to pull out her white sunglasses from the resort shop. I’m blown away by her effortless beauty.
“Yes, sir. The island is an ecological preserve and uninhabited other than the one main house.”
Ivory is quiet during the short ride while I attempt small talkwith the captain. The water is flat and soon the island comes into view. Dense lush green trees meet the white sandy beaches. It’s a true private island. Turning to Ivory, she looks a little shell-shocked sitting at the back of the boat. This is even outside my comfort zone so I can only imagine how out of whack she is feeling now that we’ve left the safety of the resort and will soon be left to fend for ourselves on a floating rock in the middle of the ocean.
The captain steers the boat closer to the pier jutting out from the shoreline. A covered gazebo sits at the end. A smaller boat is tied in a slip on the other side of the pier. “Do either of you know how to operate a boat?”
Ivory shakes her head.
“I have some experience.” A few friends in Tampa have boats that we take in the bay. My dad taught me when I was younger on one of our many fishing trips.
“This boat stays on the island. You are free to use it while you’re here. I would caution you to be careful and look up any Coast Guard warnings before venturing out. You can also take the boat to the mainland if you need to. The owner pays for a slip on the mainland so just leave the boat there when you depart.”
“Do you live on the island?”
“No, that’s mine,” he says tipping his head towards the smaller boat as he ties a rope around the cleat securing us to the dock. “Come, I will show you to the house and give you a tour.”
Hoisting myself up onto the dock, I hold out a hand for Ivory. She places her palm in mine, giving me a small smile and that same warmth rushes through my bloodstream. Heaven help me being stuck on this island with her for a month.
At the end of the dock, a golf cart is parked; the boat captain loads our suitcases to the back.
“Is the house far?” Ivory asks, perching on the front seat of the golf cart.
“It’s on the other side of the island. The island isn’t large, but it’s quicker and easier to take the cart.”
Taking my place in the back seat, we set off down the gravel path through the trees with the boat captain explaining different parts of the island.
Neither of us speak, both lost in thought and surveying the area around us. A modestly sized ranch style house comes into view. The white stucco offset by glass paneling around the exterior of the house. Our guide drives straight to the front door explaining the keyless entry.
“Wow, this place is nice.” Ivory walks to the front door in front of me.
“How does your friend know these people?”
“I have no idea.” The front door swings open and I immediately notice the view extends straight out the back of the house in the open concept living space. Glass panel accordion doors showcase the pool and pristine blue water in the distance.
“The house has a chef’s kitchen and a walk-in pantry.” The captain ushers us inside, beginning a tour. We set our bags down beside the large island in the center of the kitchen to the left of the entryway. A dining table sits opposite the kitchen island. A short hallway extends off the living room that they disappear down. Passing a massive couch and big screen TV to the right of the entryway, I follow them. “There are two master suites. Both have full bathroom amenities and access to the surrounding patio area. A hall bath is here”—he points—“and laundry room with additional storage here.” He stops in front of the second door. Directly across the hall is an open door leading to one of the bedrooms and the door at the end of the hall appears to be the second bedroom.
“Do you have a preference on which room?” Ivory peeks in the first bedroom.
“I’m not picky. Whichever one is fine with me.”
“I’ll take this one.” The room is bright with white linens and soft touches of blue. Moving down the hall, I open the bedroomdoor and take in the darker furnishings. It looks a little bigger than the other bedroom.
Back in the kitchen, the captain walks us through the amenities on property. “As you saw on the drive in, there is not much on the island. There are some walking trails and beaches you can explore. You have a pool and hot tub on the patio, a private dock down the path, and a fire pit.”
I see the dock through the glass doors. A small building sits beside it. “What is that building?”
“All the equipment is stored there. Paddle boards, kayaks, fishing gear, life vests. It’s fully stocked with anything you might need.” At least some activities exist on this island.
Ivory’s stomach growls, interrupting the conversation. I chuckle and her cheeks tinge pink. It’s an adorable sight. I’m already wondering how I can make it happen again, wondering how I can keep breaking through her walls and get her guard down.
“The kitchen should have everything you need and more.” He clearly heard it as well. “Is there anything else you need from me? I should get back to the mainland before dark.”
“I think that’s everything. Thank you for picking us up and for the tour.” Ivory is gracious, despite her embarrassment.
