Page 386 of The Romance Adventure

“I was just thinking that we should get a camper. I think in Europe they’re called a caravan. We could travel around the country. Check out national parks, see the Great Lakes, and check out the West Coast. The waves there are sick.”

I blink a few times because CJ is also thinking about the future. About us. It’s such a novel concept. The furthest I thought into what lay ahead was to ensure that it did—that I lived to see another day.

With a warm smile, I say, “When you look at me, do you think, Now there’s a gal who’d like to camp?”

CJ wears a half smile. “When I look at you, I see a mysterious woman whose interests are vast and whose skills are surprising. I reckon you’ve slept under the stars, but only out of necessity. I’m guessing you’ve driven for long stretches, but were keeping an eye on who was behind you rather than enjoying your surroundings.”

Something inside relaxes because, as challenging as it has been to keep the truth about myself hidden from my husband, the fact that he seems to understand when no one else I’ve ever been close to could fathom my lifestyle, makes my heart feel buoyant.

CJ continues, “Of course, the camper would have all the bells and whistles. We’d stay at RV resorts with top amenities, and maybe once a week, we could find a luxury resort so you could be pampered.”

I like the picture he paints, but I’ve trained myself to remain in the present moment and focus on immediate threats. “Before we go anywhere, we need to talk about the guys who were chasing us in the boat.”

“Any idea who they were?”

“You suggested Magnus was taking care of it, indicating you knew who they were.”

“I have a hunch, but if you have intel, speak now or forever hold your peace. My family is involved in this, Jolie. I’m not going to put them at risk.”

And that’s where the connection we share and his understanding of the kind of life I live ends, because I’ve never had one of those to love and protect.

He tips his gaze to meet mine. “They’re your family too.”

The words come close and then scatter because I’m afraid to let them be true. I’ve cultivated my independence. Allowing people into my life means I could lose them. Being a lone operator is easier. I push these thoughts away.

I return our attention to the case because that’s what I’m good at. “What if whoever was after us has the other key?”

Counting on each of his fingers, CJ says, “Potential adversaries and enemies include Mr. Higbee, from the Pirate Defense League, but he’s mostly an old grump. Though he did warn Isla and Royal early on. Then we have Glandman, but he already had the opportunity to go after the crown when he and Lorena were together, and he and Chip were partners. He’s probably at a financial stage where he’s past speculating on treasure. Then there’s his son, whom I don’t assess as a credible threat. The guy seems more lost than close to finding much of anything.”

“What about the other business partner Chip had?” I ask carefully.

“That’s why I put so much emphasis on what we don’t know. He went dark. In the wind. We can’t find out anything about him that’s useful. Some old business transactions, but it’s like the guy went off the map.”

Not so, not even close, but I keep this to myself.

“Could be operating in the shadows,” CJ says. “Our rival could be someone else.”

Could be me.

“Are you concerned that your family is going to want to get the police involved?”

“I’ll handle it.”

I know what that means: he’ll do what’s necessary to pacify them without bringing local attention to the situation.

That would lead to complications, and we don’t need more of those. I already have so many tangled threads, they’re turning into knots.

That night, we meet up at Beans & Books for Robyn’s birthday. Isla went all out with decorations in a tropical theme, including an abundance of coconuts: coconut balloons, garlands, and blow-up coconuts. We play coconut bowling, which Luke loves, and Robyn even gets a coconut bathing suit from her sister.

I whisper to CJ, “Is she nuts about coconuts or something?”

“No, I’ve gathered the theme has something to do with Isla gently telling her sister that she’s nuts.”

“That’s not very nice.”

“I think it has something to do with a guy.” He tells me how Royal and Isla didn’t go on their honeymoon cruise as planned and instead gave their spots to Robyn and someone else.

Isla scoots around whispering, “We’re going to sing Happy Birthday soon, so everyone get ready.”