Pleasure Cove: Where love is hot on the beach! (19 page)

Chapter 30

Carrie woke up the next morning and reached for Bob but found she was alone. She glanced around discovering they had stayed on the patio all night. She opened the sliding glass door and walked in just as Bob opened the door entering with a tray in his hands. “I was bringing you breakfast in bed,” he said as a greeting

She kissed him good morning and headed for the bathroom. “I’ll join you in a minute.”

Sipping her black coffee, Carrie nodded her head, “Whoa, I need this. My head’s a little fuzzy this morning.”

She dived into her scrambled eggs while Bob watched. “I thought you might need fortifying this morning. Here, drink some orange juice.”

As they finished breakfast, Bob explained that he and the motel crew would load the supplies into the van while Carrie got dressed and met them at the airstrip.  “Do you think anyone at the Open House will speak English?”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine, Carrie, “There is always someone who speaks broken English. They pick it up at the motels.”

Pulling on her sundress, Carrie chose conservative earrings and sandals. She styled her hair and headed out the back door to the airstrip. The crew was just packing the last boxes as she arrived.  “You look lovely,” Bob greeted locking the back and opening the van door for her. “Your chariot is ready, my lady.” He took her hand and helped her step up into the van.

It was a clear sunny morning as they drove into the village. Carrie watched the fishing boats head out to sea while Bob focused on driving the narrow highway. He pulled around to the back of the clinic where they would receive the supplies. Walking toward the front door, they arrived with a couple of families whose children where chattering about the cake and ice cream that would be served later.

Bob stayed by Carrie’s side while they toured the check-in and patient rooms. The pediatric rooms were colorful with murals on the wall and had toys for children to enjoy. Bob was impressed by the in-house lab and new OB wing which could manage two patients in labor.

He left to speak with the clinic director while Carrie stood by the coffee table in the lobby. Just as she prepared a cup of coffee, a young man walked up to coffee pot and helped himself as well. “Hola,” he said politely to Carrie.

“Buenos dias,” she replied turning to wait for Bob.

“Excuse me, are you American?” he asked looking at her closely.

Carrie turned back and smiled politely, “Yes, you speak excellent English.”

Nodding at her compliment, he said, “I went to college in San Diego before coming back to work in the family business.”

“What business would that be?” Carrie asked curiously. They both strolled away from the table pausing by the bay window in the waiting area.

“We are in the construction industry. I’m here because we donated materials to build this new wing. The director insisted that I be present since I coordinated the donation.”

“Oh, I’m here because my party donated medical supplies to the new wing.” She looked at his surprised reaction and realized he was a handsome man with thick black hair and dark brown eyes. He had a generous smile giving Carrie his attention.
He must be a hit with the ladies,
she thought. She noticed that he was checking her out as well. She sipped her coffee and took in the crowded room.

Touching her elbow, he guided her to the food table. “May I make up a plate for you?”

Carrie glanced at the spread, “Oh, I just had breakfast an hour ago.”

Taking a plate, he placed a pastry on a small dish and passed it to her, “You must sample this one, biscochitos, which you call Mexican wedding cake. In my culture a boy gives it to a girl when he would like to court her. It goes very well with coffee.” He gave Carrie a sexy smile as he handed her the plate touching her fingers with his hand.

Lifting the plate to her nose, she smelled the fresh vanilla. “Um-m it smells delicious.” Taking a bite of the cake, she nodded her approval as she chewed. When she swallowed, she followed it with a sip of coffee. “You’re right, this is good.”

She glanced up noticing he was staring at her. “What?” she asked. “Do I have something on my face?” She touched her cheek as a precaution.

He reached up with his finger wiping white powder from the corner of her mouth. “They are delicious but messy,” he chuckled.

Carrie was unaware that Bob had returned to the lobby and was watching her from across the room. When he saw the man touch Carrie, he felt a jolt of anxiety course through his veins.
What was going on?
  He crossed the room to Carrie’s side touching her elbow, “I’m back sweetheart,” he announced, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“I was just talking to this gentleman who supplied the building materials for the new wing.” She turned extending her hand, “This is Bob Stevens, who donated the medical supplies.” Offering his hand, the Mexican said “Nice to meet you, I’m Felix Jacada.”

“Ah, yes, I’ve heard of the Jacada Construction Company,” Bob said smoothly without missing a beat. “You do construction work for Royal Hacienda.”

“Yes, they are one of our clients. We do work for other motels. I’ve been speaking to The Spa about renovating their underground mineral springs into a complete health and beauty spa. When we heard about the clinic, we offered to help.”

Bob listened carefully and took his time to size up Felix. He was impressed that he presented himself as polished and well-educated. He also recognized someone ingraining themselves into the community since he was doing the same thing.

“I had heard that Royal Hacienda had made an offer for The Spa Motel several months ago. Will your renovations attract their interest again?”

“It is possible,” Felix replied casually, “They are always looking for good properties.”

“Isn’t most of the timeshare business in Cabo San Lucas closer to the airport?”

“Yes, but they are considering some luxury private resorts as well where guests can stay for three or four months,” Felix added. “The international business can be lucrative.”

Turning to Carrie, Bob took her hand. “Are you ready to leave? We have unloaded the van and I do need to return it.”

“Sure, Bob, Just let me go to the ladies room and I’ll be right back.” She nodded to Felix, “Nice to meet you” and she turned to go.

Bob and Felix both watched her walk away. “She’s quite lovely,” Felix commented, “You are a lucky man.”

“Yes, I am. Excuse me while I say good-bye to our hostess.” Bob nodded his head and crossed the room to wait for Carrie and leave a note for the director.  Carrie re-entered the room just as he signed his name on the notepad.

“You don’t want to wait for the cutting of the cake, Bob?”

“No,” he said quickly. “We won’t be missed if we leave through the back door.” He led the way through the building into the warehouse where the van was parked at the back.

“Is anything wrong, sweetie?” Carrie asked as they climbed into the van.

Bob looked at her crossly, “Felix was touching you when I came into the room.”

“Oh, that was nothing. I got powdered sugar on my face tasting a cake and he wiped it off. We were simply passing time.”

“It’s obvious to me that he was flirting with you,” Bob replied heatedly.

“I admit he is a flirt, but I wasn’t flirting back. I didn’t even know who he was.” She looked at Bob closely before she touched his shoulder, “Don’t you trust me, Bob?”

“Of course, but he’s a creep and I don’t want him anywhere near you. Now, he knows who you are.” Leaning forward to touch her knee while he drove, Bob said, “I did not want you involved in any of this for your own safety.”

“I think you’re over-reacting. He did nothing suspicious. He didn’t even ask my name.” She studied Bob again. “Is it possible you’re jealous?”

“Pfaw-w,” Bob sputtered shaking his head, “No, I’m angry.  He hit the steering wheel with the flat of his hand. "I can tell from talking to him that he’s not going to walk away from this area. So, he’ll just find another Miguel and make a new plan.”

Bob turned to Carrie, “I didn’t want him knowing about you or any of my family. And, he was watching your ass when you left the room.” Bob glared out the window.

“He’s not the mafia, Bob. He’s not going to kidnap anyone to get what he wants.”

“Carrie, trust me. We are not at home. Things are different down here. The corruption is everywhere. Just let me be concerned.” He looked out the window in frustration.

“OK. Let’s not blow this out of proportion. He’s a small fish in a big pond. Remember? You were going to go to the top to stop this nonsense.”

“Yes,” Bob argued, “And I will have to fight Jose every step of the way because he won’t take this morning seriously. He’s already begun to hide things from me.”

“So that’s what has you in a tizzy. You’re hurt over yesterday when we found the construction, and you’re taking it out on me this morning.”

“What? No. Yes, I’m hurt that the family is pushing me out. I would have preferred that they tell me about it. But, that’s not it.” He pulled the van off the road and stopped to look at Carrie. “You have no idea how my heart fell to my stomach when I saw that man touch you. From my side of the room, it looked more like a caress.”

“Well, it wasn’t,” interrupted Carrie in a heated tone. She shook her head in disbelief.

He raised his hand to stop her. “I believe you, Carrie. You were being friendly. If I had not returned, he would have made a move on you.”

“That a big assumption on your part, Bob. I can take care of myself. We were in a public place surrounded by people.”

“Mark my words. He will find out where we’re staying just by asking the director. Don’t be surprised if he calls to invite you to The Spa for drinks.”

“You are jealous. He’s a younger man and quite dashing so you’re imagining things. Jealousy does not become you, Bob.”

“Well, at least you admit you noticed him, too. I’m sure he’s a Latin Romeo.”

“OK, you can stop the ranting now. I’ve been jealous before. I know how it feels. But, this is nothing – just two minutes of conversation.”

Bob blew out a long breath. He drove in silence for a few minutes. Carrie looked out the window staring at the simple block houses and dogs running in the front yards.

“Maybe, you are right,” Bob hesitated. “I had a bad experience with Diane and I’m letting that memory affect my reaction. Just promise me you won’t try to get involved with this any further, and please don’t respond when Felix contacts you.”

“I have only helped when you asked me, Bob, and I don’t appreciate your patronizing tone about Felix. Of course I wouldn’t go meet him at The Spa. I’m not foolish. That idea is all in your head, anyway. It’s not going to happen.” She folded her arms across her chest and turned back to the window.

“I’m sorry this has upset you,” Bob’s tone was conciliatory as he turned the van into the motel parking lot. “Why don’t we take a break for a few minutes so we can both cool off? I’ll take the van around to the back. I want to go find Jose right away to let him know what happened.”

“Fine,” Carrie said brusquely sliding out of the van and slamming the door.

Chapter 31

Parking the van at the back, Bob went to the front desk where he expected to find Jose. Instead he found Juanita doing paperwork. “Hola, Roberto.” Where’s Carrie?”

“She’s taking a walk on the beach, Juanita. Tell me, how did it go with Felix yesterday?”

“Nothing exciting. He hung around the motel to talk with several staff people. He did go below the motel into the underground mineral springs. He was down there for quite a while. He had a couple of drinks at the bar last night. Turned in early.”

“I just met him for the first time at the clinic’s Open House. Did anyone at The Spa talk about renovations?”

“No, but the family doesn’t tell the employees anything about their plans. Should I follow Felix today?”

“Not today - maybe tonight. We need to see if he seeks out someone to take Miguel’s place. Let me go talk to Jose first. Is he back in the bar area?”

“I think he’s in his office entering spreadsheet data for this week’s motel expenses.”

Bob nodded and walked back to the office. He tapped on the door before walking in. Jose looked up from his computer and waved Bob into the room.

“How was the Open House?” he asked as Bob sat down.

“I was impressed by the clinic,” Bob said honestly. “I do have some bad news. We met Felix Jacada while we were there. The construction firm donated materials to build the new wing. He was there representing the company. He made it clear to me that he wants to be a part of the community. He’s trying to persuade The Spa into renovating their mineral springs into a health spa area.”

“Whoa, that would be expensive. It’s all underground,” Jose replied with a whistle.

“I agree, but if Jacada gets a foothold into The Spa, they could jack up the costs and force The Spa into selling. I think it could be a set-up.”

“Or maybe Felix has decided to turn all his attention back to The Spa,” countered Jose. “Remember we do still have Miguel as a witness against Felix.”

“Don’t make that assumption, my friend. The Jacada lawyer could turn Miguel back to their fold with a bribe. Many a guy has taken a plea bargain for a big payout. We have to look at the fact that Felix has another chance to do more sabotage here unless we cut him off now. I think we need to take our evidence and write a letter to the CEO at Royal Hacienda so he knows what is happening.”

Jose sat up in a defensive position. “I will call Alfredo and let him know what’s happened. We need his input before a final decision is made.” Jose looked at his computer and back at Bob. “I have more expenses to log in. Is there anything else?”

“Yes, I think we should have Juanita follow Felix tonight. If he meets with one of your employees, we will know he’s up to something.”

“That’s true. I will arrange for her to follow him as soon as I finish here.”

“Good. I’m going to go cool off. Felix actually tried to make a move on Carrie at the Open House. It’s been a lousy morning. Please tell the front desk if Felix calls here, the call should be given to you and only you.”

“So, he’s messing with your love life. That would make any man testy,” joked Jose.

Bob walked out to the bar grabbed a beer out of the cooler. “Damn,” he muttered, and headed out to the palapa.  He scanned the beach looking for Carrie and saw her running at the edge of the water.

“How do I turn this around?” he mumbled to himself.  He thought again about his past and knew he had to do something different this time.  If he was honest with himself, Carrie was right about this being more than Felix. He was upset because he knew Jose was shutting him out and he didn’t like it. “What did I expect?  Friends and money is like oil and water. They don’t mix.”  Shaking his head, he started off toward the beach to walk with Carrie.

“Just drop it, knucklehead” he muttered to himself. “You’ll get your money at the end of the year. Lesson learned, now move on. Go apologize to Carrie.”

Carrie’s heart was pounding after her run along the water. She felt better letting go of her anger. She was clear this was Bob’s problem. So, the next move was his. 

As she turned to head back to the motel, she saw him striding toward her. She stopped and waited for his approach.

“Have a good walk?”

“Yes,” replied Carrie and began walking back to the motel.

“Wait,” Bob touched her arm, “I want to apologize to you. Please, walk on the beach with me so we can talk out here. I’m sorry for my behavior this morning. I was jealous and angry. And, I took it out on you.”

Carrie nodded. “Apology accepted. I’ve never given you any reason to doubt my loyalty.” She looked at him cautiously.

“No, you haven’t. But, I am a little insecure and you’re beautiful to me so I tend to imagine the worst.”

“I don’t see insecurity in you, Bob, you always seem to know what you want and go after it.”

“In business that’s true. It only crops up in my personal relationships. I still have issues from my marriage. I did warn you that I was bad at relationships. But, I’m very clear today was my fault. What can I do to make it up to you?” He leaned forward to kiss her lightly. She relaxed, let out a big breath touching his arm.