Chapter 11

“I've got good news and bad news,” Jake told her over the phone one week later.

Charlie didn’t like the sound of that. In her book nothing good ever resulted when someone began a conversation that way. “Give me the good news first.” She cradled the phone against her ear as she continued to fold laundry.

“My lawyer got the ultrasound results from Blair's lawyer yesterday. Blair is 14 weeks pregnant. Her estimated conception date is in March. I was in England that entire month.”

“Sounds like great news so what's the problem?”

“She could claim she was with me. Technically we were still together then. Or she could argue it’s only an estimated date. The research I read said the technology is not one hundred percent accurate.”

Charlie didn't see his bad news as earth-shattering. There must be people in England that could confirm Blair hadn't been with him. “No, but its pretty darn good. Besides whoever you were visiting can confirm you were alone right?” Although he'd left out any names, he'd told her that he recently visited family in England during one of their conversations.

Jake remained silent on the other end of the line and a knot began to grow in Charlie's stomach. What was he hiding? Had he left out some important details when he'd told her about his trip?

“I can't. I was visiting my cousin. He was in drug rehab. If I tell the media who I was with they'll start digging and AJ's hospital stay would come out. Right now no one but me and his girlfriend know about it. He doesn't want the rest of the family to know yet.”

Charlie admired him for his sense of loyalty but didn't agree with his decision. If he could put an end to the speculation now, he should consider it. “Have you asked him?”

“Trust me, AJ can't handle it right now. I'll just have to wait it out. My lawyer is still pushing for DNA testing. Though her lawyer did suggest that she'd be willing to admit she might be mistaken in exchange for two million dollars. Apparently Blair is running a little low on funds.”

How could someone blow through the money Blair Peters made modeling?. She modeled for all the top designers as well as Victoria's Secret. Charlie didn't know what the going rate for a fashion model was, but it had to be way up there.

“For that kind of money she should come right out and tell the truth.”

“She wants to save face.”

Charlie couldn't contain her sarcastic laugh. “So it looks better to admit she was involved with two men at the same time?”

“I guess it does in her mind. Not that it matters. I'm not paying her anything.”

She still thought getting someone to verify his whereabouts during the month of March was the best solution. “Jake, maybe you should talk to your cousin. See what he says. He might surprise you.”

“What are your plans for this weekend?”

Jake's immediate switch in topics let her know he considered their previous topic closed for further discussion.

Fool. She wanted to reach through the phone and beat some sense into the man. “None, why?” she asked, choosing to take his hint and drop the subject.

“I thought we could spend it together.”

A warm sense of excitement spread through her. It occurred every time she anticipated spending time with him. And she wasn't sure she liked it. None of the men she dated in the past affected her this way, and she couldn't help but wonder if that meant her feelings toward Jake were developing into something she didn’t want to deal with. Every time they were together she tried to remind herself she wasn't looking for love. That she was only having fun with Jake. But somehow she suspected her heart was slowly getting invested in their relationship despite her efforts.

“What did you have in mind?” Charlie pushed aside worries for the moment. She could sort out her feeling later when they weren't on the phone.

“How does a weekend on Martha's Vineyard sound? I can pick you up and we can fly to the island together,” Jake said.

The worries she'd just buried exploded in her head again. How should she interpret Jake and his actions? They never discussed an exclusive relationship, yet he treated it as one. He called almost every day. Sometimes they talked about nothing of importance. The weekend before he traveled up to see her and now he wanted to take her away. Just what was his game? Should she tell him she didn't want anything serious in her life? Or should she go with the flow and keep having fun? Eventually he would move on to someone else. She knew that like she knew the sun would rise tomorrow. So why worry about it now, right?

“It sounds nice. I've never been.” Charlie proceeded to put her clothes away while ignoring the uneasy emotions lurking just below the surface. By agreeing to go was she leading him on and giving him the wrong impression about what she wanted? If on the off chance he wanted something permanent between them, he had a right to know the truth.

Get serious. This is Jake Sherbrooke aka Prince Charming. Even if he wanted a serious girlfriend he wouldn't look at you.

Though it hurt to admit, Charlie's silent reminder to herself pushed most of her unease away. Another relaxing weekend with Jake sounded wonderful, so why should she deny herself

“I'll take that as a yes,” Jake drawled.

Charlie closed the bureau drawer causing her retirement papers to scatter across the floor. She'd been prepared to fax them the day before, and then had gotten distracted. For whatever reason she'd hadn't gotten around to it yet. “You twisted my arm. I'll go with you.” She picked up the papers and put them back into their envelope.

“I knew I could convince you,” Jake replied smugly. “I'll have a car pick you up and bring you to the airport. I'll meet you there.”

JAKE LEANED back in the plush leather seat and stretched his legs out as his last conversation with his lawyer replayed in his head. He'd suggested that Jake consider paying Blair off. As much as he wanted this scandal to disappear, he refused to play her game. It now made sense why she repeatedly tried to change his mind about their relationship. She wasn't the first woman to use him for his money. Unfortunately, he didn't have another quick and easy way out of this situation. Not unless he wanted to drag his cousin into things. Charlie suggested he reconsider his decision on that front. He knew she meant well, but she didn't understand his cousin's fragile state. Even if he just announced that he'd been in England during March the media would somehow track down his exact whereabouts. They always seemed to. Once they did that, it wouldn't be hard to trace things back to AJ. He wouldn't let that happen. No one else in the family knew about AJ's problem and he'd promised to keep it that way. If it meant he had to make some sacrifices to keep his promise, oh well. Both his family and Charlie seemed willing to stick by him.

The fact his family remained behind him didn't surprise him. While they may not always agree or support his decisions, they would never turn their back on him. Charlie, on the other hand, did surprise him a little. The fact she had not tossed him out on his ass when she read the magazine pleased him, more than he thought possible in fact. After all, in many ways they barely knew each other. But at the same time he felt closer to her than any other women he'd dated. Jake didn't know what that meant in the long term, though he did know he was looking forward to another weekend together. This time away from both their families.

Reaching for his drink he realized this would be their first weekend alone. Every time they'd been together either her family or his were close by. The thought made him smile. No one else around meant no distractions or interruptions.

A few minutes later the small plane touched down. Eager to see Charlie, Jake came to his feet. If everything went as planned the car he'd sent to pick her up at the Victorian Rose would arrive soon.

A warm breeze washed over him as he stood outside the airport. A group of girl scouts passed him on their way inside for a tour of the airport, but Jake didn't notice them. His mind was planning the next few days. He already had scheduled reservations for dinner. But after that he had nothing planned. As far as he cared they could spend the entire weekend locked up in their room, coming out just for food. Still it wouldn't hurt to have a few other ideas just in case Charlie wanted to see some of the island. After all, it was her first time on Martha's Vineyard. Perhaps a short excursion for some sightseeing or shopping was needed. Many talented artists and jewelry makers called the island home.

The sound of several car doors slamming grabbed Jake's attention. From behind his dark glasses his eyes scanned the people heading his way. The minute his eyes locked on Charlie walking toward him a calmness he hadn't realized was missing settled over him. Until the moment he saw her, he hadn't realized how restless he'd been. With her suddenly in reach he felt grounded, as if he was just where he was meant to be.

He couldn't help but smile when she saw him and waved. Today her vibrant red hair hung free and the breeze was blowing it in every direction. She wore a pair of denim shorts and a plain black t-shirt. Although the outfit didn't scream “look at me”, he couldn't tear his eyes from her.

“You're late,” he said in his best no-nonsense tone. She'd told him before how much she hated being late so he couldn't help but give her a bit of a hard time now.

Charlie stopped in front of him, her hands on her slim hips. “Not all of us have a private plane, Mr. Sherbrooke.”

She kept any hint of laughter out of her voice, but he noticed her lips curved ever so slightly as she fought back a smile.

“Some of us had to deal with traffic on the highway.”

He stopped a grin from spreading across his face. She never held anything back. She seemed to tell him exactly what was on her mind. “I'll forgive you this time. Just don't let it happen again.” Jake took two steps forward and pulled her possessively toward him. When his arms went around her it almost felt as if a switch flicked inside his head. The minute he felt her pressed up against him all of his worries faded away. That fact unnerved him. How could someone he'd known such a short time have such an effect on him? And what should he do about it?

Now isn't the time to think about it. This weekend is all about relaxing and having fun.

“The plane is waiting for us.” Jake took a step back and picked up her bag. “Ready to go?”

Charlie took hold of his free hand and fell into step next to him. “All set.”

Jake led her inside the airport and through a restricted area, then back outside to the private air strip where their plane sat ready to go. “I think you'll love the house we're staying in. It belongs to a good friend of mine. He bought it a few years ago, but only gets there maybe once a year.” Jake put her bag in a storage compartment, then pulled her down into one of the seats and prepared to make this his most enjoyable plane ride ever.

CHARLIE WALKED along the uppermost deck with a mug of coffee in hand and took in the view. She couldn't imagine owning a piece of property like this and only getting here once a year. She didn't know where the homeowner spent most of his time, but it couldn't possibly compare to this. Setting her mug down on a table, she glanced over the railing at the secluded beach below. Maybe today she would check it out. Since it was part of the property no one else could use the beach, and it remained pristine thanks to the home's maintenance staff. She doubted even a single piece of drift wood could be found on the sand.

Through the open screen door she heard Jake moving around inside. When she woke up he'd looked so peaceful she didn't want to disturb him, so she'd made a pot of coffee and come outside. That had been more than an hour ago.

As she leaned against the railing she wondered what he had planned for the day. The previous afternoon they'd walked through the center of town checking out some of the local businesses before having a dinner at The Blue Herring, the most exclusive restaurant on the island.

He knows how to spoil a girl, Charlie thought as visions of their dinner replayed in her mind.

Behind her the screen door opened and closed. “Why didn't you wake me?” Jake wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his side.

“You looked so adorable sleeping. I didn't have the heart,” she teased before dropping a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Adorable? I looked adorable?” He asked with mock outrage. “I'm going to get you for that one.”

“Just try.”

Jake took a long drink of coffee before replying. “Those sound like fighting words.”

“You can take them anyway you want,” Charlie tossed back, enjoying the silly banter. “So what's on the agenda for today?” As she spoke Charlie looped her arm around his waist and leaned into his side.

“For starters, breakfast. It’s ready when you are. After that you'll just have to wait and see.”

AFTER A BREAKFAST of freshly baked scones and fruit, Charlie took her time getting ready. She felt no need to rush and Jake didn't seem in any hurry either. In fact, by the time Charlie showered and dressed the clock read noon and Jake still hadn't finished getting dressed

What are we up to today? Charlie sat in a leather recliner watching television while she waited for Jake. The slowpoke was still in the bedroom getting dressed. Whoever said women took forever to get ready obviously hadn't met a twenty-first century man.

She pressed the up arrow prepared to scroll through the TV stations a third time when Jake entered the media room. Water still clung to his hair making it appear a much darker shade of blond than usual. He wore shorts and a t-shirt indicating that his plans were casual.

“Let’s go,” he announced as he leaned one shoulder against the door frame. “Unless you'd rather stay inside.”

Charlie switched off the television and stood. “I'm the one who's been waiting.” She crossed to the door and stopped.

“I promise you won't be disappointed. But you do need to wear this.” Jake told her pulling a black bandana from his pocket and moving toward her.

Charlie pulled the bandana from his hand and held it over her breasts. “Well, if I'm going to wear this then you're definitely overdressed.”

“Not a bad idea, but not what I had in mind,” Jake said grabbing the bandana back and covering her eyes. Once secured, he took her hand.

Warmth spread up her arm and through her body at his touch as they walked down a set of stairs. He remained silent as he led her, and Charlie wondered just where he was taking her.

She could tell they were walking through the house though she had no idea in what direction. Soon she felt the ocean breeze on her face and she knew they were outside, most likely on the lower deck. In the distance she heard the roar of the waves, and the warm sun above beat down on her as Jake continued to lead her toward his surprise.

“Just one last step,” Jake told her as he helped her down a staircase.

Charlie felt the surface beneath her sandals change from something solid to sandy and she knew they'd stepped onto the beach. They walked a short distance before Jake again stopped. “Okay, you can sit now.”

A visit to the beach didn't seem like all that much of a surprise considering where they were, yet she didn't complain. After all it was a flawless day and she was on a private beach with possibly the most gorgeous man alive. Really what was there to complain about?

Sinking to her knees Charlie waited. Behind her she felt Jake loosen the knot in the bandana. When the cloth dropped she blinked a few times as her eyes grew accustomed to the bright sunshine. Then she really looked around. Spread out in front of her was a red and white checkered table cloth with a huge wicker basket in the middle. Two champagne flutes stood in front of the basket with a bottle of champagne on ice right next to them.

“Surprise!” he said dropping down to his knees next to her.

A picnic, she thought, unable to say anything around the lump in her throat. He'd brought her on an old-fashioned picnic. “You remembered,” she whispered, her voice almost impossible to hear over the waves. “I can't believe you remembered.”

Jake popped open the champagne bottle and poured her a glass. “Playboys have terrific memories. Didn't you know that?” he asked as he handed her a glass.

Charlie took a sip from her glass. The bubbles tickled her throat and she savored the taste. She generally preferred beer when she drank, but this champagne was the smoothest she'd ever tasted. “I didn't know that, but I'll keep it in mind for the future.”

“If you ever have any other questions about us, don't hesitate to ask.” Jake smiled at her as he began to pull food from the picnic basket.

Oh, she had questions all right. She just chose not to ask them. Some questions were better off not asked. “I'll remember that too,” she promised accepting the dinner plate he held out.

All the food spread out in front of her looked good but she still held back. “It all looks great. I'm not sure what to try first.”

Jake reached for a cherry tomato stuffed with what looked like fresh mozzarella cheese and basil. “I suggest you start with one of these. I stole one earlier and they're delicious.” After placing it on her plate he reached for another. “I tried some of the focaccia too.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Charlie popped the tomato in her mouth and chewed. Jake was right, it was delicious.

A better picnic never existed, at least Charlie believed so. Everything about their beach picnic, from the food to the location, was perfect. And the company wasn't half bad either, she thought looking over at Jake. Though she felt ready to burst from all the food she'd eaten, he sat munching on yet another brownie. Not that she blamed him. If she had any more room left she'd indulge in one more herself. Perhaps if any remained later she'd have one, although watching Jake eat, that possibility seemed unlikely.

Straightening her legs out, she leaned back and rested on her elbows. The hot beach sand warmed her bare legs and Charlie wiggled her toes underneath it. She almost never made it to the beach, but whenever she did she was reminded how much she liked it. Today even more so thanks to the company. Just being on the beach seemed to help wash away the stress of everyday life.

“You look deep in thought over there. How many pennies will it cost for them?” Jake's question signaled that he'd finished his most recent brownie.

“I'll consider this one on the house since you went to all this work,” Charlie answered pointing to the remnants of their picnic. “I was thinking about how much I like the beach. I always seem to forget that till I get back to one.”

“Then I'm glad I picked it for our picnic.” Jake leaned over and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “I hope you enjoyed it.”

Words didn't normally fail her. Actually she couldn't think of a time when she hadn't been able to express her opinion with ease. Right now, however, the right words escaped her. In silence Charlie watched the waves hit the beach and recede again. “I'll never forget it.” The huge knot in her throat almost chocked off the last part of her sentence much to her frustration. She considered herself a calm cool woman, not someone ruled by emotions. This afternoon though she felt like just the opposite.

“Just what I wanted to hear.”

She knew by his tone that he was smiling and turned to confirm her belief. Even though she expected it, the hundred-watt smile spreading across his face set her pulse racing. Damn, she should be used to that smile by now. What was wrong with her?

“You do know that no beach picnic is complete without a walk along the water?” Jake replaced the empty containers into the basket.

“Oh, really? So there are written rules for these types of things?”

Jake's eyebrow went up. “Of course. There's a whole rule book.” His tone contained just the right amount of arrogance and playfulness. “And after a walk the couple must retreat to the nearest bedroom. It's all spelled out in the book.”

She couldn't help but shake her head. Jake Sherbrooke made her laugh more than anyone else she knew. “Let's go then. I don't want to get caught breaking the rules.”

Charlie let Jake help her to her feet and together they started down the beach along the shoreline. For a little while they walked in silence, but she didn't mind. In some ways she actually liked it. The lack of conversation let her focus on the sound of the crashing waves and the way the cool ocean breeze felt against her skin.

“Are you going to apply for that position at the hospital in Williamsburg?” Jake asked breaking the comfortable silence between them.

The week before, a former colleague who knew Charlie was considering retiring from the Navy had given her a heads-up about an opening at Memorial Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia.

“I sent in all the paperwork yesterday. I don't know how long it will take to hear something.”

Jake stopped walking and put his arm around her waist. “Does that mean you've decided to leave the Navy?”

The waves washed up over Charlie's feet as she stood staring out at the ocean. This was the first time he'd asked her if she'd made up her mind. Charlie wished she could say yes. But she couldn't. Actually she was no closer now to making a decision than she had been when she left Virginia. “Honestly I don't know yet. One minute leaving seems like the right decision and then the next I am telling myself it would be a huge mistake.”

Charlie watched a boat off in the distance bob on the water and it reminded her of how she felt about her future. One minute she was optimistic about a change and then the next her enthusiasm plummeted. “Do you have any thoughts?”

When Jake didn't answer immediately, she turned to look at him and was surprised by the seriousness of his expression. His grin was gone and his eyebrows drew downward as if deep in thought.

“Unless you're sure you want to make the Navy your life, I think you should retire. This position in Williamsburg sounds like the perfect opportunity to move forward with your life without having to completely start over somewhere else. ”

Charlie opened her mouth to respond but then closed it. Knowing how he felt about the military, she'd expected an entirely different answer from him. “I never thought of it that way,” she said unable to come up with anything better.

JAKE FELT the wheels of the plane touch down but ignored it; content to sit kissing Charlie who sat on his lap with her arms wrapped around his neck.

Slowly he felt her pull her mouth away from his. “We landed,” Charlie said, her voice echoing his own disappointment.

“So? We have a few more minutes.” He settled his lips on top of hers again. A few more minutes weren’t enough. What he wanted was another day with her. If he didn't have a meeting in Virginia tomorrow morning he'd ask her to stay in Boston with him for the night. Their two days together had flown by. In fact, she hadn't left yet and already he was thinking about when he'd be able to see her again.

Could he somehow reschedule his meeting for tomorrow? Jake ran through all that rescheduling would entail. The meeting was set for eight in the morning, so he knew it wouldn't give the other parties involved enough lead time.

“Next time we do this it has to be for more than two days,” Jake said as they exited the plane. “And maybe to some place more exotic. Any thoughts?”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and entered the airport. As they walked he got the sense that they were being watched. Jake let his eyes wander in search of anyone unusual. At first glance he didn't detect anyone, but when he was about to shrug off the feeling of unease, he saw the photographer. He was trying to blend in with the other tourists, but he didn't quite fit in. He had no visible luggage and the camera hung around his neck was too high-end for an everyday vacationer.

“I hope you're ready for your magazine debut.”

Charlie looked over at him, her forehead wrinkled in confusion.

“That guy in the black shirt and baseball hat is a photographer. I don't know for who, but I am positive of it.” Jake knew it was only a matter of time before the media picked up on his most recent relationship, he just hoped Charlie was as ready as she thought.

“It might be a coincidence,” Charlie offered.

Jake was glad to hear that she sounded calm about the whole thing.

“Maybe, but he saw us. He probably got a picture too.” Any other woman he knew would be hoping the photographer had snapped a picture or two, not Charlie.

Charlie continued walking and didn't stop until they were standing by the car he'd arranged to take her home.

“He'll probably think about it later and decide it couldn't be you. Even if he did take a picture he'll think it must have been a look-alike. After all, why would you show up at the airport with some unknown redhead?” Charlie's tone told him she believed every word she spoke.

For the first time since meeting her, Jake associated her with the word naive. If she thought the fact that she wasn't a celebrity would stop the media, she was in for a rude awakening. Perhaps if he'd shown up with an eighty-year-old man the photographer would second guess himself, but Charlie was a young beautiful woman, more beautiful than she seemed to realize.

“Don't count on it Charlie,” he warned, dropping her bag to the ground and taking a step closer.

Charlie wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he felt her fingers dig into his hair. “I'm not worried about it.”

Jake shook his head but didn't press the issue. “I'll call you tomorrow.” Jake pulled Charlie tight against him relishing the way her body felt against his.

“Sounds good. Have a safe trip back.”

He felt her fingers trailing up and down his neck. Once again Jake found himself contemplating if there was any way he could reschedule his morning meeting. “You too,” he replied before lowering his head so he could kiss her. Though it took all of his self-control he kept the kiss short. “You’d better go now.”

Jake waited until Charlie left and then went back inside to re-board the plane