Page 22 of Beneath the Dawn

On one of the tables sat an ice bucket with a bottle of wine beside it. He’d also set up a candlelit table for two, and not far away was another lounger, wide enough for two people to stretch out on, with comfortable-looking pillows and a huge, unopened umbrella. And if the firepits weren’t enough, he’d lit several torches around the perimeter.

“Is that an outdoor pizza oven?” she asked. Everything had been strategically placed to make the area look like a beachside patio.

“It is. I’ve prepared homemade pizza for dinner, and it’s almost done.”

If his idea was to set the mood for romance, then he had gone above and beyond. “I am truly impressed, Dante. You thought of everything.”

“I tried. One of the guys at the Seaglass Saloon told me about a store in Wild Rose Point that specializes in patio and beach furniture.”

“You bought all this?” she asked, glancing around at the furnishings. From the craftsmanship and design, it was obvious that the entire collection had been rather costly.

“The owners of the store were happy to make the sale. They delivered it and helped me set things up.”

“When?”

“Today, around three. I was sure you’d figure it out when you heard all the racket.”

She laughed. “I didn’t hear a thing. After I left the beach this morning, I went to the Wild Rose Point History Center for a couple of hours. I got home around two and was taking a nap at three.”

“Glad we didn’t disturb you.”

“This is an awesome surprise, Dante.”

“I’m glad you like it. I’ll get three months’ use out of it while I’m here.”

“Aren’t you afraid of the tides? What if you wake up one morning and discover it’s been swept out to sea?”

“I made sure it’s far enough away from the shoreline. And before I leave at the end of September, the store owner said his staff would help me pack it up in the back of my place. While you’re here, feel free to use it anytime you’re out on the beach. It would be way more comfortable than sitting on your beach towel.”

“Thanks, Dante. That’s very thoughtful of you. It will be like having my very own private oasis.”

“You’re very welcome,” he said, releasing her hand and putting the wine bottle in the bucket of ice. “Nero d’ Avola tastes better chilled.” Then he picked up the other wine bottle. “This is my gift to you, Marti. I noticed a bottle of this same brand of wine on your kitchen counter was almost empty.”

Marti saw no reason to disclose that she’d spent her first two days in Wild Rose Point indoors, drinking wine and indulging in a pity party. “Thank you. That was very kind of you,” she said, again appreciating his thoughtfulness.

“It’s funny that you got me wine as a gift and I did the same for you, isn’t it?”

“Looks like we think alike,” he said, smiling.

“Is that something else we have in common?” she asked.

“Now you’re catching on,” he said, grinning. “Do you want me to pour you a glass? I hadn’t put it on ice since I thought you might prefer it not chilled.”

“Yes, please. And that’s fine. I prefer my white wine at room temperature and my red wine chilled, which is the opposite of most people.” She watched as he uncorked the bottle and poured sparkling white wine into the glasses.

“I like mine the same way you do,” he said, handing her a glass.

“These commonalities are beginning to scare me,” she said, before taking a sip.

Dante chuckled. “It only means we’re two people with similar mindsets,” he said, taking a sip of his own wine.

Marti watched, mesmerized, as Dante’s lips touched the rim of the glass, and felt her knees grow weak. She sat down in one of the chairs and glanced out at the ocean. Since it was still daylight, the ocean served as a beautiful backdrop. She looked up at Dante when he took the chair beside her.

“I meant to ask how the card game turned out the other night?”

“I didn’t win, but I didn’t lose my shirt either.”

“Hmm, what a pity. I like seeing you shirtless.”