We touched down in the soft sand at Taffy Beach, gathered our chutes, then hustled to the parking lot and climbed into the black Navigator that waited for us. Marco shuttled us to the FBO, where we packed our chutes and did another jump. Catalina had booked the flight crew for the entire morning, and we got in a total of four jumps before calling it a day.
I had an ear-to-ear grin. "You sure do know how to make a first impression.”
"This is a second impression, actually. I'm not sure my first was great. I figured I needed to go all out to make up for it."
I chuckled. "You've exceeded expectations."
Catalina smirked. "The day’s not over yet,” she said with enticing eyes. “My chef is preparing lunch at the house. I hope you can still join me.”
I had turned my cell phone off. I didn't want to check it. I didn't want to know what was happening in the rest of the world. I wanted to live in that bubble for a little while longer. That bubble that lacks responsibility or obligation. "I'd be delighted.”
We collected our gear, thanked the flight crew, then I stowed my belongings in the passenger seat of the Porsche. I climbed in and followed Catalina back to her Palm Haven mansion.
She lived in a stunning modern home with daring angles and cantilevered structures. White concrete, large window walls, open concepts, and a seamless blending with the environment. It belonged on the cover of Architectural Digest.
I parked the Porsche at the curb, hopped out, and strolled up the driveway. Marco had pulled the black Navigator up the driveway, past the gate.
I managed to follow in before it closed. Deke grabbed Catalina’s door and helped her out of the car. Catalina escorted me to the patio. It was a stunning oasis with an infinity pool, lounge chairs, a full bar, a fire pit, an alfresco dining area, and plenty of shade if you wanted to avoid the sun. A path led down to the beach, and the teal waves crashed against the white sand. There were a lot of nice homes in Palm Haven, but this was among the nicest.
“It’s a little small, don’t you think?” I teased.
Catalina gave me a look, then smirked. "I try not to live beyond my means."
I chuckled.
We stepped into the kitchen that was home to black stainless steel appliances, onyx countertops, and sleek fixtures. The spacious living room was full of contemporary furniture,bleached hardwoods, and Impressionist abstracts that hung on the wall. I had no doubt the art wasn't cheap.
A 100-inch flatscreen TV sat atop a stand. I’d seen smaller screens in theaters.
Despite the luxury, it still had a quaint, cozy vibe to it. It was a place you could live in. A lot of these mansions just don't feel homey.
The chef was hard at work, preparing lunch.
Catalina said, “I’m going to change into something more casual and get freshened up. Marco will show you to a guest room where you can take a shower, change clothes, and take a moment to relax. I’ll meet you on the patio for lunch. How do you feel about hamburgers?”
“I’m good with hamburgers.”
Catalina smiled, then sauntered across the living room and took the stairs up to the master bedroom.
Marco showed me to the guest room. It was like a luxury suite at a hotel. The bed was made with meticulous attention to detail. Fluffy towels sat atop the comforter next to a pair of board shorts that just happened to be my size. I figured we were in for an afternoon by the pool. Who was I to argue with that?
I peeled out of my clothes, took a shower, then toweled off. I put on the board shorts and made my way down to the patio. I left my pistol and badge in the car. I didn't think I’d need them here.
I beat Catalina to the patio and took a seat at the table under the cantilevered roof. I had a stunning view of the infinity pool and teal water. A waiter approached and asked, "Can I get you anything to drink? Water, soda, juice?"
"Water’s fine, thank you.”
"Sparkling, or no?”
"No."
He darted away and returned a moment later with a bottle of spring water from some exotic location. He twisted off the top at the table, then poured it into a glass. I felt like I was at a restaurant.
Catalina sure made an entrance.
She stepped onto the patio wearing a skimpy black bikini and a sheer sarong. Stretched taut, the fabric barely contained her pert assets. Her golden skin and all-natural curves hypnotized. She was the kind of woman who could elevate heartbeats and make men do silly things. I was more than happy to do silly things around her.
I'm not often at a loss for words, but it was hard to speak for a moment. I finally managed to get my mouth working again. "I don’t want to inflate your ego, but you look pretty good out of that flight suit."
