Page 20 of Escape To Paradise
“Well, I was playing poker with my pals. And then, we made a deal that if I lost, I would have to buy this restaurant from my pal. He was thinking about getting out of it and moving back to the U.S. So, I hired a lawyer to handle the transfer and, in a month, I found myself the new owner of The Flamingo in Grenada.”
“You make it sound so easy.” Admittedly, I was surprised when he told me he was the owner. He looked like he had no business savvy at all.
“If he was your friend, I’m sure there was a way to get out of the bet. Right?”
He paused and replied, “You’re right. I could have gotten out of it, but I was thinking, what have I got to lose? I mean, I had never been to Grenada, and my life in the States was falling apart. Might as well risk it.”
“What do you mean falling apart?” I asked, curious now. He was not what he seemed.
I sensed his hesitation, and his green eyes stared at me with more intensity. “Well, I had just gotten divorced, and I figured, why not start over? It’s not as strange as it seems.”
“You’re right about that.”
“So, how about you? What’s your story, Chef Harper? Why are you here?”
“Same thing.”
I piqued his interest because he leaned forward and completely stopped what he was doing.
“Really? How so?”
“Well, we kind of have the same story, but in reverse.”
“Okay, spill.” He smiled his charming smile. With his flirtatious manner, I could see how many times he’d done this to women, luring them with his charms.
“I co-owned a restaurant with my fiancé. Found out he was cheating on me, and so I left him and the business. That was less than two months ago.”
Maverick placed his hand on his chest. “What? I can’t imagine any guy leaving you for another woman.” He sounded sincere, but the way he said it annoyed me.
“Why don’t you think so?”
“You’re a very beautiful woman. You’re intelligent and level-headed. How could any man take you for granted?”
My cheeks warmed, but a part of me was not buying his charming, flirtatious manner. I tried to find a comeback but couldn’t. Thankfully, Zofia interrupted us.
“Hey, Harper, let’s head back home,” she called out from across the room. “We got work to do tomorrow.”
“Well, it’s time for me to go,” I told Maverick.
“Why don’t you give me your number? I can show you around Grenada. I’ll make sure you’ll have a good time.” He winked.
“Listen, buddy,” I said, “you seem like a nice guy. But you’re really not my type.” I was surprised by my bluntness. Maybe it was the alcohol talking. Still, it was the truth.
Maverick seemed taken aback. “Ouch. That hurt, Harper.”
“Just the truth.”
“Maybe I could change your mind?”
“Maybe.” I left it at that.
The girls came over to the bar and said their goodbyes to Maverick.
Zofia still hadn’t let it go. “You better give that guy a chance. He looks absolutely smitten with you.”
“Well, he’s a flirt.”
“Well, he’s very cute,” Kathleen added.
