“I had a reaction to the makeup.” Carlita ran a light hand across her cheek. “Thankfully, the bag balm she let me borrow worked wonders.”
“And your little fact-finding mission was successful?”
“Mercedes and I found out some things worth checking into.”
Dernice gave her a thumbs up. “I better get going. Enjoy the beautiful evening.”
Carlita thanked her, and the couple began their leisurely stroll to Pete’s apartment. While they walked, they discussed their restaurants. She briefly mentioned Tony and Shelby’s sad situation.
“Sometimes marriages hit rocky spots,” Pete said. “I’m sure Tony and Shelby will get it all worked out.”
“I hope so.”
Since Pete had installed a separate entrance for his apartment, they bypassed the restaurant and headed up the stairs.
He gave her a tour of his most recent renovations and then poured Carlita a frozen mint lemonade. “I wondered if you could give me your honest opinion of my latest concoction. I’m adding it to my non-alcoholic drink selection.”
Carlita took a tentative sip. It was refreshing and minty. “It’s delicious.”
Pete poured a glass for himself and they wandered out onto the terrace.
A secluded alcove and a hammock were in the far corner. A gas fire pit with seating for six was off to one side.
Although the furnishings were inviting, her favorite feature was the spectacular view. From their vantage point, Carlita could see not only the Savannah River but also the downtown skyline. “You have a million-dollar view.”
“It gets better.” Pete led her to a high-powered telescope. “This cost me a pretty penny but is worth every cent.” He held her drink while she stepped onto the small platform.
Carlita peered through the telescope, seeking out the city’s familiar landmarks, from The Cotton Exchange to the ferryboat. There was even an unobstructed view of Hutchinson Island and the convention center.
“I gotta admit, I’m a little jealous.” Carlita hopped off the platform. “I wonder if I could add a rooftop terrace to my place.”
“You can come over here anytime you want.” Pete placed a light arm around her waist and pulled her close. He lowered his head, claiming her lips when the doorbell rang.
“Impeccable timing.” Pete reluctantly released his grip. “I’ll be right back.”
He returned moments later, steering a cart laden with covered dishes onto the rooftop.
Carlita helped him set a table for two, strategically choosing a spot with a view of the city’s skyline. “This is absolutely beautiful. I would be tempted to sleep out under the stars.”
“Great minds think alike.” Pete tapped the side of his forehead. “That is what my hammock is for. I think I’m going to give it a go one of these days. I don’t know about you, but all of this fresh air is making me hungry.”
Pete placed their appetizer, a crab dip with pita slices, on the table. “This is a customer favorite.”
“It looks delicious.” They devoured the dip and then started on their salads.
While they ate, they chatted about Sandy Sue’s Bar-B-Que and then Elvira’s surprise of her booking their cruise.
“She’s going overboard on this cruise planning, wanting us to link our reservations so we can eat together.”
“And make it one big, happy family event,” Pete teased. “I’m sure the ship has rescue boats in case she goes over the side.”
“Knowing Elvira, there’s a good chance she’ll get tangled up in some sort of predicament.”
Carlita placed their empty salad plates on the cart while Pete served the main course. “I hope you like what I picked out.” He lifted the lids, revealing beds of white rice. Skewered jumbo shrimp were on top of the rice. “It’s Cajun smoked shrimp.”
“I love shrimp.” Using her fork, Carlita gingerly slid one off and nibbled the end, savoring the smoky, spicy morsel. She quickly gobbled it up before sampling a spoonful of rice and steamed broccoli.
After dinner, Pete called down to the restaurant. A server arrived to drop off a carafe of coffee and collect the cart and dirty dishes. He tipped the employee while Carlita filled their cups.
Darkness had settled in, setting the stage for the mesmerizing city lights, twinkling in every direction for as far as the eye could see. A cool breeze blew across the water.
Pete wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and nuzzling her neck. “I missed you.”
Carlita chuckled. “You were only gone for a coupla days.”
“It seemed longer,” he insisted. “I can’t say as I cared much for Atlanta. I’m not a big-city person.”
“Me either. At least not anymore.” Once again, life in Queens, New York, seemed a lifetime ago. “I love it here.”
“And I love how you love it here.” Pete’s eyes met Carlita’s right before he claimed her lips in a soft kiss. She could feel his warmth and the ripple of his muscles through his silk shirt. Her heart skipped a beat, and a tingle started in her toes.
Finally, Pete pulled away, his eyes smoldering. He pushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes. “Thank you for giving an old pirate a chance.”
“I could say the same, except you’ve taken on an entire family,” Carlita said.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Date night ended, and Pete drove her home. He steered his pickup into the back alley. “Don’t move. I’ll get the door.” He sprang from the truck and strode to the other side.
“You’re spoiling me.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He offered Carlita his arm and escorted her to the stoop.
“Thank you for a lovely evening, a delicious dinner, a spectacular view.”
“It was long overdue.” Pete pulled her close for one more kiss. His lips lingered on hers, causing her pulse to race.
By the time he lifted his head, she was breathless. “Kissing me like that will get you in trouble.”
“A salty old pirate loves trouble.” Pete
