The driver came around and opened the car door, offering his hand for Libby and then Aria. She’d known many drivers in her life and most had a very special demeanor. Sweet, quiet, and passive. This dark-eyed older gentleman was no different. The ride was smooth, filled with jazz music and comfy seats.

“I know you said you were feeling a bit tipsy,” Libby said after the driver let them out and they entered the lobby. Aria tried to avoid the attention of any of her bosses or coworkers, dipping her head low. “Do you think we can walk to the waterfall? They say it’s stunning at night, and the air is so refreshing.”

“That sounds good,” Aria replied with a smile. Libby was kind. Her gentle features were welcoming and her humility refreshing. “I feel better now that I’ve eaten. And you’ve heard right, the waterfall is the prize of this entire place. You can hardly tell it’s man-made.”

Relieved to be slipping into the quieter side of the resort, Aria quickly led Libby to the back of the property. If this place wasn’t such a drain on her soul, she could see the beauty in it. It wasn’t like she blamed the guests for enjoying their stay. Who didn’t love a tropical resort with blue water and white sand?

“Can you believe this could be ours?” Libby asked, practically falling into one of the gliding benches and gesturing for Aria to join here. “You know there were days not that long ago I wasn’t sure how I’d fill my gas tank, and now I have everything at my fingertips. It’s still a lot to take in. How can I get my head around the fact that we could own this place?”

Aria had a poker face. She’d honed the skill years ago, but with that revelation she knew it would fail her. “This place,” she stuttered out but then quickly righted herself, “it’s certainly luxurious. I can’t imagine what the price tag would be.”

“That’s what I was saying to James,” Libby replied, completely unguarded. She was an open book, and Aria needed to flip the pages quickly. “But he said Monroe is the guy to partner with. That’s an impressive man you have there. James was told if you’re going to make an investment, you want Monroe Redson involved. He was skeptical but the more he dug around the more impressed he became. Monroe has a stellar track record. He’s known for finding all the secrets a place or a person could hold. And apparently his gut instinct is impeccable. But obviously you know all this.”

“It’s a useful skill,” she forced out. “And the resort would surely be in good hands with James and Monroe.”

“James is really looking forward to diversifying his investments. Owning a property like this is a great opportunity. I know I’ll enjoy it a heck of a lot more than any of the oil business junk. You and I could plant ourselves right here and read some good books. Maybe redecorate some things. Imagine setting up a little shack on the beach that sells ice cream cones.”

“That sounds amazing,” Aria lied, kicking her head back and staring at the starry sky. Closing her eyes, she pretended to enjoy the serenity of the waterfall splashing and the cooling night air. In reality, she was reliving every conversation she’d had with Monroe. Had he said what line of business he was in? No. She’d leaped to conclusions about him being some kind of reporter or investigator. Hopefulness had distorted her vision of the truth. Monroe hadn’t lied. If he was keeping a business deal quiet, that was his prerogative.

“I don’t think they’d have to change much,” Libby said, as she gave a little push with her legs to get them moving on the glider.

Aria nodded but knew that wouldn’t be true. Monroe had been gathering all sorts of information. He’d improve this place in ways Libby couldn’t fathom. She and James seemed to be compassionate and worldly people who, when made aware of the circumstances, would surely be compelled to fix things.

A weight lifted off of Aria’s chest as she allowed herself to imagine what life on the resort could be in a year. She’d stay by his side as he swooped in and made the needed changes. And maybe . . . just maybe when everything was settled he really could help her face the past. For a man like Monroe, now that she knew more about him, maybe the truth was within reach.

“There you are,” James laughed, a puff of smoke rising above the cigar in his mouth. “I knew you would have convinced Aria into coming to the waterfall. It’s all you’ve been talking about since you saw it in the brochure.”

“How was your Scotch?” Libby asked, hopping to her feet and sliding herself under her husband’s arm.

“A productive after-dinner drink,” James replied with a knowing nod to Monroe.

“Are you feeling better?” Monroe asked, reaching a hand to Aria on the glider and pulling her gently up. Being next to him again, taking in the earthy scent of the liquor on his lips, Aria felt whole.

“So much better,” she said, wrapping her arms around him. “Just enjoying the beautiful night.”

“Should I order some drinks?” James asked, and the heady feeling of relief had Aria rushing to answer.

“Why not?” She beamed. “We’re in paradise.”