Dreams That Bind Us (Romancing The Keys #3)

Chapter 19

K ey West

Anna followed behind the large box truck as it bounced slowly down South Roosevelt Boulevard toward its destination. This was her final furniture delivery for The Majestic and if she hadn’t needed signatures for the completion paperwork, she wouldn’t be tagging along. In fact, she'd love nothing more than to stay as far away from this place as possible.

She chewed her bottom lip as they passed the airport, cruising closer and closer to the turn for the hotel, her anxiety level spiking. Squirming against the warm leather seat, she felt a trickle of moisture slide down the middle of her back. For a moment, she wondered if she was having a hot flash. Then her hands slipped on the large, acrylic steering wheel.

Dammit! Are my palms sweating, too?

She’d been a basket of edgy nerves all morning about this delivery and had nearly backed out at the last minute. There had to be some other way to get the signatures.

It didn't help that she'd woken this morning as the last vestiges of a powerful orgasm tingled through her body. The erotic dreams of James had returned with a vengeance and now she was fairly certain she had been cursed. There was no peace to be found, even in her sleep.

At this point, she couldn’t wait to leave Key West.

She firmed her jaw. While The Majestic was the last place in the world she wanted to be, business was business and she was a professional.

James won't be here. James WILL NOT be here.

Maybe if she thought it enough, it would come true.

Without her cellphone or even a landline in her warehouse, Anna had found it particularly difficult to communicate with her clients and vendors, as well as manage the day to day of her company with just email. But because she had been rushing to complete The Majestic's order, she still hadn't found time to pick up a new cell phone.

Jack and Gus hadn't answered her emails, so she had to handle this errand in person at the old hotel. And pray that the one man she never wanted to see again wouldn't be here.

There's no reason for him to be here. That's what he has employees for.

Drawing in a long breath through her nose, she exhaled slowly and the tension in her neck and shoulders eased as her pulse slowed. After a few more rounds, she felt better just as they pulled into the busy parking lot.

All I have to do is drop off the furniture, get the signatures and I'm out of here. I don't even have to leave the parking lot. This will be a piece of cake.

She stared at the old facade in awe. The Majestic had never looked better, gleaming with a freshly painted eggshell white stuccoed finish and a new deep blue tile roof. Every window had been replaced, and even a new section on the second-floor featured floor-to-ceiling windows that faced the ocean. The view would be spectacular from that vantage point.

Large grand opening banners on either side of the roof waved lazily in the sea breeze, and the main entrance to the hotel was bustling with uniformed bellhops helping eager guests check in.

Even from the outside, she could tell Jack and Gus had pulled off yet another miracle both rehabilitating as much of the historic sections as possible, while modernizing where they could. The result was breathtaking, and she knew the old hotel would be a huge tourist draw. Its status as a Key West gem would be reinstated.

The corner of her mouth lifted in a reluctant wry smile. James had done what he came here to do. He fulfilled his mother's wish and had brought an exciting and historic hotel back to life in Key West.

No matter what happened between them, she was happy for him. In fact, if she was lucky, he'd soon lose interest in the town and leave.

Maybe then I'll get some sleep.

A loud knock on her window jolted Anna, and she blinked at Gus who stared at her perplexed. “You okay?”

She opened her door and hopped out of the truck. "Yeah. I'm good. I was just checking this out. I can't believe it's busy already." She smirked at Gus. "You guys have done an amazing job. This place looks fantastic."

Gus puffed out his chest, and for a moment Anna wondered if he was going to beat it. "Yeah, we did," he crowed. "And we came in well under the deadline." His face contorted as he tapped his nose. "A bit more over budget, but the boss didn't care. So we're good. Plus, it's already fully booked for the grand opening. Can't ask for much more than that."

"That's great, Gus. I'm happy for you." She pointed toward the delivery men who were opening the back of their truck. "We have the last fifteen pieces you ordered, and by my records, that should cover the entire inventory request you sent." She reached for her clipboard. "I need you to sign the paperwork and we'll be out of your hair."

"Hold on a second." Gus snatched the clipboard out of her hands. "You need to come in for a tour. Wait until you see this place on the inside. It's next level."

"Oh, no." She shook her head vigorously and pedaled backward. "That's not necessary. I’m sure it’s nice, but I need to head back to the warehouse."

"Baloney! It's almost five o'clock, quitting time." Gus chuckled at her resistance and put an arm around her shoulders, propelling her forward. "You've been a big part of this renovation and launch so you need to see what we've done. Won't it be cool to see all your furniture in use?"

"No, not really. I've seen plenty of my furniture before. It's not that big of a deal. And besides, I…uh…have a few errands to run." Anna's heart nearly pounded out of her chest as Gus basically dragged her up the wide veranda staircase. "I probably shouldn't be here."

"Why would you think that?" Gus scoffed. "You're practically family."

Gus hauled her through the main doors and Anna audibly gasped at the splendor. The huge open lobby was old world elegant with tall ceilings, white marble floors, oversized steampunk fans pumping down cool air, and countless potted palm trees and other colorful tropical plants adding to the allure. One wall featured an aquarium full of exotic fish.

The overall design was an interesting mix of new and old Key West. She loved it instantly.

Light jazz played over the speakers as waiters delivered water and cocktails to waiting guests. A soft, light tropical scent was in the air. It was a fantastic scene.

"Wow," she breathed.

"See?" Gus's voice jumped an octave in his excitement. "It's cool, right? We nailed it."

"Yeah." Her brain was too busy taking it all in to create any other words. "You certainly did."

Anna jumped, her teeth clenching when a familiar squeal echoed through the lobby. "Anna!" Hazel and Flora shrieked from across the room.

"Oh no," Anna muttered under her breath as she backpedaled several feet. Now she'd never escape.

She heard Gus chuckle, and out of the corner of her eye, saw him move away. Her suspicious gaze darted around the expansive lobby. Something was not right here.

"You made it, dear." Flora pulled her in for a hug. "Isn't this fabulous?"

"We just had a tour, and it's simply the best," Hazel babbled, apparently recovered from the copious amounts of alcohol she had consumed just two nights before. She sipped at an elegant mojito decorated with a large mint sprig and lime wedge.

"Come on. We'll show you around. You're gonna love it." They each looped an arm in hers, leading her deeper inside. "I can't wait to tell people about this place."

"What are you two doing here?" Anna asked distractedly as she was reluctantly guided up the sweeping grand staircase. "Is this an open house or…?"

"Yeah, it's something like that," Flora snickered. "Oh, look! There's Iris and Cornelia," she added as they got to second floor.

The duo stood in front of the large overlook windows and waved them over. "Come see this, Anna. Check out the view," Iris called out. "It's enchanting! Almost like you're looking through a painting."

Just as Anna had suspected from the parking lot, the wall of glass provided a captivating view of the beach and ocean. The space featured a cozy seating and reading area where guests could enjoy the scenery or curl up with a good book.

As Gus promised, her furniture was dotted around the space. Short bookcases featured full shelves of books and stacks of newspapers were scattered around. If James didn't own this hotel, she would be tempted to stay here just so she could sit in this spot.

"Yeah, it's gorgeous," Anna answered diplomatically, her eyes darting nervously around the large expanse. Long parallel hallways moved down each side of the hotel. Thankfully, the only people she saw were couples looking for their rooms. She eyed the staircase—she could still make her escape.

"You know, I really need to head back to the warehouse. My truck isn't parked correctly, and I left it unlocked. I don't want to get towed."

"Nonsense!" The word was barked from the top of the staircase above their heads.

The breath left Anna's lungs as her gaze swung to Miriam who stood on the third-floor landing, her dignified pose giving her a regal air.

Dammit to hell!

"Anna, you simply must join Sadie and I up here," Miriam announced. "It's remarkable what they've done with these old bones. I remember when this hotel was in its heyday and it never looked this good."

With an objecting groan, Anna let the group steer her to where Miriam and Sadie waited. "I love your furniture, dear!" Sadie gushed. "I wonder if you'll accept a commission from me."

"Ummm…" Anna winced. She hadn't told anyone, other than Annette, about her plans to travel and really didn't want to share the news with this group. She'd be the talk of the island grapevine in no time. "It'll be a while before I accept any new commissions, Sadie. But I'll make sure you're at the top of the list when I start up again."

"Oh, thank you." Sadie pulled her in for a warm hug. The comforting scents of vanilla and spice swirled in the air on this floor. "You've had a rough few weeks, haven't you, hon?" she muttered in Anna's ear.

Anna stiffened, but Sadie held on, her hands smoothing up and down Anna's back, attempting a soothing gesture that did nothing to calm Anna's nerves. Sadie released her, a mischievous grin playing about her lipstick red lips. "But maybe we can help a little with that, hmmm?"

Anna narrowed her gaze, her alarm bells clanging. "What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing, nothing," Miriam injected. "Let's check out the fourth floor. You’re gonna love this. It's where they really got creative."

Anna glanced around, wondering again if she could make a run for it. But before she could make the move, Flora and Iris snagged her hands. Anna felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter as they ascended the stairs together.

What the hell is going on?

She prayed she could get out of the hotel before she ran into the big bad wolf—the one person who would be basking in the glow of his success right about now.

"Can you believe they turned this entire floor into penthouse suites?" Miriam held her arms out to the side, her voice authoritarian like a tour guide. "How many did you say were up here, Sadie?"

"Nine. Gus said each suite was made up of at least four original rooms. Can you imagine?"

The layout was perfect, Anna noted as her gaze skittered around the expanse, with the suites all along the exterior walls. Any internal rooms had been demolished, leaving an open, circular space that was filled with more lounge areas, one of which even held a shiny, sophisticated coffee machine.

"Now isn't this posh," Hazel cooed as she sat on an antique leather chaise lounge. "This is as soft as butter," she commented, running her hands over the backrest. "I wonder if James would let me move in here. After all, he'll owe me after this."

Anna scowled. “What the hell does that mean?”

"Hazel!" Flora hissed, glaring at her partner in crime and slashing a finger across her throat. "Shut it!"

Hazel's round eyes stared blankly at the group for a moment, then she snickered sheepishly. "Oopsie!" She waved a hand at Anna. "Just ignore me, dear. I've had one too many mojitos today."

Miriam cleared her throat sternly and drew Anna around the round

baluster, the other ladies filing in behind them. "We were told that the penthouse on the end has the best view. It faces the ocean and is elevated enough so you could see quite a ways out if the weather is cooperative."

"Why, I bet you could see Havana if you looked hard enough," Hazel quipped before she hiccupped into her cocktail glass.

Anna frowned. She had to get out of this building and get home behind her safe metal walls. "I don't think that's true, Hazel."

"Anna's right," Iris injected. "It's over ninety miles from this point on the island. There's no way you could see Havana from here. But you would have a fantastic view of all the ships coming and going."

Miriam gave the penthouse door a quick rap and opened it with a flourish. "After you, Anna."

"No, I'm good." She motored backward and bumped into Flora, who towered over her by a head on a good day.

"Sorry, Anna," Flora murmured. "But you'll thank us later, you stubborn girl." She gave Anna a quick push into the room and the door snapped shut behind her.

"Hey!" Anna shouted as she yanked on the doorknob, but it wouldn't budge. How in the world did they make it lock on the outside?

“Let me out of here!”

A shuffling noise on the far side of the room caught her attention and Anna spun on her heel, the air rushing out of her lungs at the tall figure who met her eyes.

James stood in front of a wall of windows, looking impossibly handsome in khaki pants and a light blue linen button up. The sleeves were rolled up, and he was barefoot, like he'd made himself at home.

Which was entirely possible—he did own the hotel after all.

"Hi, Kitten," he said softly, his eyes drilling into hers. "I've missed you."

Anna gawked, her mouth dry from shock, wondering if she’d fallen into some alternate reality. It was a miracle she remembered to breathe. Words refused to formulate in her brain as she watched James carefully inch his way toward her, hands out to his sides as if he expected her to bolt. But escape was impossible with the doors locked behind her.

"Don't be mad at the ladies. I asked for their help," he implored, stopping ten feet away from her. His hair was mussed and there were dark circles under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept well. But still, he looked incredible.

His tired, pleading gaze scanned her body. "You look beautiful, Anna." He tilted his head back an inch, drawing in air through his nose. A small smile formed as he sighed, his face relaxing. "You always smell so good."

A hot flush moved up Anna’s neck. It was a ridiculous compliment because she’d worked like a madwoman all day. Her hair was clumped haphazardly in a messy bun on top of her head, she was in desperate need of a shower, and she was fairly certain half of her mascara was currently streaked down her cheeks. And there was no way she'd smell like sweet flowers. Regardless, her traitorous lips lifted at the corner.

His eyes didn’t miss the movement as he extended a hand toward the window. "Will you join me? I was just about to have a toast to celebrate the grand opening."

Anna stared at his hand, her brain at war with her heart. Her mind was a muddle of emotions, uncertainty still ruling the moment. She knew she should stay firm but that instinctive pull she’d always felt with James drew her in like a bee to honey.

Her resolve wavered as her heart urged her to jump into his arms. If she did that, she knew there would be no going back.

When she didn't respond, he added, his voice pleading, "Please Anna. I’m so sorry, baby.” He took a small step closer. “I don't want to celebrate this by myself. I'm tired of being alone and you’re the only person in the world I want to share this with." The sincerity in his eyes was easy to read.

If it was possible for every cell in her body to melt, it would have happened right then. She’d have been a puddle at his feet. Annette's cautionary words from the other night flitted through her mind.

James is your opportunity, Anna. Don't blow it.

Her mind was heavy, the weight of everything suddenly becoming too much to bear. She was tired of blocking. Tired of fighting. She simply wanted to let it all go and take his hand.

Despite everything that happened, Anna knew she’d find peace there. She could release the heartache, the fear of rejection, and the pain she’d been lugging around like a trophy.

She understood now that James had overreacted because of his grief. It was a mistake he was desperate to fix if she would only let him.

Her mind immediately calmed, and it was as if the storms cleared, washing away all her doubts. Anna had her answer.

It was time to let go.

With a nod, she placed her hand in his and jolted at the familiar zing that shot up her arm. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to it. Their chemistry, the connection, was still fierce no matter what had happened.

A huge smile stretched across his face and relief twinkled in his eyes as his shoulders dropped slightly. He gave her fingers a light squeeze as he led her toward the small table near the windows. A silver champagne bucket sat in the middle with two glasses off to the side, a spread of fruit and cheese next to it.

"I hope you like champagne," he murmured. "It felt like a celebration kind of day."

That was an understatement. "Yeah, I like it okay."

While James poured the glasses, Anna moved to the window and took in the breathtaking view. "You know, Hazel might have been right after all."

"About what?" The comforting heat of James’s body radiated from him as he stood beside her and handed her a glass.

"She said you could see Cuba from here." Her gaze cut back to the horizon. "I'm not certain that she's wrong now."

James chuckled. The deep sound rumbled through her body and Anna nearly purred. She’d missed him, what they had, so much and the need to wrap herself around him was a strong temptation.

Instead she lifted her glass. "Here's to The Majestic and the completion of your project."

James faced her, his deep green gaze piercing. "Here's to The Majestic, and also to you and your contribution that made this opening even more special."

A smile tugged at Anna’s lips as the negativity she’d been mired in for weeks melted away. The weight of her concerns evaporated like the mist, leaving her feeling light and without a care.

"Cheers." She took a sip and hummed. The effervescent bubbly was a perfect blend of tart and crispness with a hint of sweetness. "Oh, that's good."

A cute smirk curled the corner of his mouth and she fought the urge to kiss it.

"Anna, I…" His voice trailed off as his gaze hit the floor. She watched while he wrestled with the words, her heart in her throat.

James inched closer and took her hand, lifting her palm to his lips. She shivered at the contact. His eyes met hers, an intensity burning in them as his face hardened. "There's no excuse for how I treated you. I feel horrible that I hurt you, betrayed your trust. I can't tell you I'm sorry enough. But I'm going to try every day to make it up to you and show you that I love you." He lifted her other hand, his lips playing homage, making goosebumps erupt down her body. "I'm so sorry, Kitten. Please forgive me."

Anna slowly placed her glass on the table and launched into his arms, knocking him back several steps. Champagne sloshed from his glass.

"Whoa!" He set the glass on the table and locked his arms around her, lifting her. He held her like that for several minutes, his face buried in her hair. "I love you so much, Kitten."

He twirled her and she giggled, wrapping her legs around his waist as she captured his mouth with hers. His fingers dug into her bottom, massaging the firm globes as their lips and tongues dueled.

James withdrew, his eyes pleading. "Come home with me?"

She nodded. There wasn't any other place she'd rather be.