Chapter 290
“Want to try it?” Adam nodded toward the colorful drink between them, tiny star garnishes dancing on its surface.
Irene caught his eye, sensing the weight behind his simple question. This wasn’t just about some fancy island drink. She studied the cocktail, hesitating briefly before her face softened with a smile.
“Why not? The kids did win it fair and square.”
Adam picked up the glass, his eyes never leaving hers as he held it cut toward her. Something in the way he looked at her made the restaurant around them fade away, creating a bubble that contained only them. Irene accepted the glass, their fingers brushing in a touch that felt deliberate. She brought it to her lips and took a small sip, the sweet tropical flavors spreading across her tongue.
When she passed the glass back to him, Adami turned it slightly, placing his lips exactly where hers had been moments before. The gesture was subtle but unmistakable, and Irene felt heat rise to her cheeks as she watched him drink.
After he set the glass down, a comfortable silence settled between them. The air felt different somehow–not dramatically altered, but warmer, more intimate, as if they’d crossed some invisible threshold together.
Irene looked down at her hands, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. “Its good… sweet, but not too sweet.”
Adam studied her face, his expression gentler than she’d ever seen back in Silver City. “Alex mentioned a lookout point on the island. Apparently the view is incredible. Would you like to see it?”
She looked up, meeting his gaze directly, and nodded. “Sounds perfect.”
Irene laughed. “God, those three should start their own travel agency They’ve got opinions about everything.”
The path wound uphill with wooden steps cutting through the steeper parts. Irene pushed Adam’s wheelchair, grateful Thomas had thought to bring the all–terrain model. When they reached the top, she froze.
“Oh wow,” she whispered, moving to the railing like she couldn’t help herself. “This is…”
Words failed her. The sunset turned everything gold and pink, making the ocean sparkle like crazy. Their beach house looked tiny
from up here, surrounded by palm trees swaying in the breeze.
“The kids weren’t kidding,” she murmured, gripping the railing.
When Adam didn’t respond, she glanced back. He wasn’t looking at the view at all–he was watching her, with an expression that made her chest tight.
“What?” She tucked her hair behind her ear, suddenly self–conscious
His lips quirked up. “Just taking in the view.”
As darkness slowly claimed the sky, the warm island air gave way to a cool ocean breeze. Irene tried to hide her shiver, but Adam caught it instantly.
“Here,” he said, slipping off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders before she could protest.
“Thanks,” she murmured, pulling it closer. It still held his warmth, smelling faintly of him–that mixture of cologne and something uniquely Adam that she’d come to recognize.
He reached out, fingers brushing against her neck as he freed a strand of hair caught under the collar, The touch was so light, yet it sent heat racing across her skin. His hand lingered a fraction too long before pulling away.
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Stars started appearing overhead, making the whole place feel magic 1. They stood quietly together, just enjoying the moment, until Adam checked his watch.
“We should head back,” he said eluctantly.
The path down looked steeper than she remembered, with shadows making it hard to see where to step.
“Careful,” Adam extended his hand toward her. “Take my hand.”
His face remained perfectly neutral, but Irene caught the slight tremble in his fingers. Without thinking twice, she slipped her hand into his. His palm was warm, grip confident as they navigated the dark path together.
His thumb traced small circles against her skin, so subtle she almost thought she imagined it. When they reached flat ground, reality hit her–she was supposed to be helping him, not the other way around. The whole hand–holding thing had been completely
unnecessary.
She glanced at his profile, the moonlight softening his features. He turned, catching her staring, a hint of mischief playing around his mouth. He knew exactly what he was doing.
A face like that does come in handy, she thought, unable to even pretend she was bothered.
Back at the house, they found the triplets sprawled across the living room with cards scattered everywhere, giggling like they were high on sugar.
“You’re back!” Lucas jumped up so fast he nearly tripped over Alex’s outstretched legs.
Three identical expressions swiveled toward them–curiosity barely contained behind fake innocence.
“How was dinner?” Lucas bounced on his toes. “Wasn’t the lookout totally mind–blowing?”
“And did you try that special drink?” Lily cut in, practically vibrating with excitement. “The server told us it’s, like, the most romantic thing ever!”
Alex just watched, quiet as always, but missing absolutely nothing.
Adam reached out to mess up Lucas’s hair. “Your intel was solid, kid. Five–star recommendations.”
The triplets turned to Irene with such hopeful expressions she couldn’t help but smile.
“Yes, the view was incredible,” she admitted. “Just like you promised.
The kids exchanged looks that screamed ‘mission accomplished,‘ their silent triplet telegraph working overtime.
Two days later, they were heading back to Silver City. Their perfect getaway had been too short, leaving everyone craving more.
“Why can’t we stay longer?” Lucas dragged his feet across the yacht’s polished deck.
“We’ll be back,” Adam said, his eyes finding Irene’s across the boat. Something passed between them–a promise wrap! glance.
Silver City’s skyline grew larger, and the transformation was instant. Adam slipped back into CEO mode the moment they docked, his relaxed island vibe replaced by sharp edges.
“What’s happening with Snow?” he asked Thomas, who waited with a stack of files.
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“Exactly as you predicted, sir. They’re shopping around for investors but nobody’s biting. Everyone’s waiting to see what Haven does first.”
A cold smile touched Adam’s lips. “Good. Let them sweat a little longer.”
He glanced down at his legs, still confined to the wheelchair despite the progress they’d made on the island. “Everything’s right on schedule,” he said quietly.
Those words covered both business and something way more personal. As he headed to his office, all Adam could think about was how Irene’s hand felt in his, and the way her face lit up under the stars.
Some battles were about money. Others were about the heart. For the first time ever, Adam Haven was winning both games at once.
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