His Precious Jewel (Treasure Harbor Book 6) Read online

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  Even though Jade had gone into this evening as a skeptic, she couldn’t ignore the things Roman was telling her. And showing her! His theory made sense. It would explain why the Star of Imara had never been seen again. If pirate Drake Burton had gotten his hands on the legendary necklace, then perhaps he’d added it to his stash of jewels.

  “Oh my goodness.” Jade reached out and ran her finger across the necklace in the picture. “I can’t believe it.”

  “It would explain why the Star of Imara has never been seen since the early seventeen-hundreds.”

  Jade shrugged. “It wouldn’t be far-fetched to have a collector who procured the piece and has been safeguarding it in a private collection all this time, passed down through the generations. Look at all the famous masterpieces that have been hidden away in private homes.”

  Roman leaned in across the table. His expression was animated and intense. “Yes, of course that’s possible. But the timeline I discovered shows that Princess Eloise fled England at the same time as Drake Burton settled in Barbados.”

  “So what you’re suggesting is that Princess Eloise ended up in Barbados and changed her name to Elizabeth? And that she and her husband became acquainted with Drake Burton?”

  Roman grinned. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. Barbados would have been one of the few places at the time where the Princess could marry her soulmate without being subjected to discrimination based on his skin color or origins.” He tapped the pictures. “It’s all right here in front of us.”

  Jade’s pulse quickened. She’d always loved the story of Princess Eloise and the way in which she had given up her crown for the love of a poor, Native American man. Jade believed that true enduring love knew no bounds. A love like that surely would have withstood the test of time, as well as and hardships and alienation from her royal family.

  Just as Jade opened her mouth up to speak, the waitress came with their entrees. For now, they would have to table their conversation until after her groaning stomach had been satiated.

  **

  Roman had to admit that he enjoyed sharing a meal with a woman as lovely and intelligent as Jade. She made him feel invigorated. Even though they didn’t know each other very well, they managed to share a companionable silence as they ate. Roman felt a rush of excitement racing through him at the thought of treasure hunting with Jade. She was lady-like and refined in her manner. Although he had to admit, he would love to see her let her hair down. She seemed very contained. Polished. Maybe he would get the chance to see her in a pair of blue jeans and wearing sneakers. Something told him that Jade had a wall up around her, one she didn’t let down for just anybody.

  He’d done some research on Jade’s family and he knew that they’d been preyed upon by a swindler. Although he didn’t know all of the details, he was aware of the fact that they’d nearly lost their jewelry store in the process. And they still owed creditors a large sum of money. A kernel of guilt pricked him. He shouldn’t know all of Jade’s personal information. It really wasn’t his business. But he’d done the digging in order to sway her into working with him to find the lost jewels.

  Once Jade reached for her napkin and gently wiped her mouth before placing it back down on the table, Roman decided to continue their conversation. At this point, he figured he should just lay it all out there.

  “I need your help, Jade. And I’m willing to pay you a salary to gain your assistance.”

  “What exactly is your end game, Roman? Why are you so eager to locate the Star of Imara? Is this for financial gain? Would you attempt to claim ownership for yourself?” She scowled. “Because that really is a sore spot with me.”

  Jade’s questions were tricky ones to answer. Technically, if he found the jewels and the treasure, he would be duty bound to hand it over to his employer, Buddy Keaton. So it wouldn’t be his property. It would be up to Keaton to settle the issue with the Callahan and Burton families, who would no doubt sue him for ownership. His goal was to find the jewels and make Keaton a very happy man, one who would pay him handsomely for his efforts. He in turn could write out a hefty check to Marissa’s rehab hospital. None of this information could pass his lips. Buddy Keaton had insisted on him signing a confidentiality agreement about their partnership. His hands were truly tied.

  “I wouldn’t keep the jewels or seek ownership. I’m an archeologist. I’ve always donated my jewelry finds to museums. I’ve only ever accepted a salary for the work I’ve done in finding relics.” He grinned at her. “I don’t think an emerald and diamond necklace would look good on me. You on the other hand,” he said in a flirtatious voice. “I think it would look dazzling around your neck.”

  Jade’s smile was slow in the making, but once it fully bloomed it was radiant. Suddenly it disappeared, almost like the sun being hidden by clouds.

  Jade furrowed her brows, then shook her head. “I already have a full-time job. My parents are spending less time at the shop these days, so I need to fill up the slack. And they’re on vacation as we speak. I only have one worker to help me out, so it’s not really possible.”

  There was something in Jade’s expression that hinted at an underlying sadness. He wondered if her attitude had anything to do with her family and their financial setback. A woman like Jade should never be sad. He felt a sudden desire to make her happy. To see her smile.

  “We can work around your hours at Gems. Lunch time. Whenever you can hand over the reins to your worker. Weekends. Whatever it takes to get you to work with me on finding the Star of Imara and solving this mystery.”

  Roman hated the pleading tone in his voice, but he needed to impress upon Jade the seriousness of this matter. So much counted on him making inroads in the quest for Drake Burton’s treasure. If he didn’t make a substantial amount of money in thirty days, Marissa’s rehabilitation would come to a grounding halt. And he couldn’t allow that to happen to his sister. Not after all she’d gone through. Not when he felt responsible for her losing both of her legs.

  “I don’t think it would work out. I’m responsible for managing Gems. I can’t take my eyes off that, especially not now.”

  “Please, Jade. At least sleep on it.”

  Jade stood up from her chair and stuck out her hand. “Thank you for a fascinating dinner. I’m very intrigued by all the information you shared with me. And I promise not to tell a soul about it. I wish you well on your hunt for the jewels. It’s a fascinating slice of history.”

  Roman reached for her hand. He ended up holding on for far too long. There was something about Jade that made him feel things he hadn’t felt in a very long time. She was an enigma. On one hand he knew that her family business could use an extra infusion of cash, yet she hadn’t even seemed tempted to accept his offer.

  “Can I walk you to your car?” he asked, hoping to get a few more minutes in her presence.

  “I walked over here from my place. It’s a five-minute walk.”

  He pulled out his wallet and took out some bills and placed it by the tab. “Let’s go then, if you’re sure you don’t want any dessert. I heard they serve a mean key lime pie here.”

  Jade smiled. “Thanks, but I’ve got an early morning tomorrow. And you don’t have to walk me to my door. It wasn’t like this was a real date or anything.”

  He placed a hand over his heart and let out a groan. “You sure know how to wound a guy.” He opened the door for her as they exited the restaurant. A blast of balmy September air hit them as they walked outside. “This may not have been a date, but I was raised by my Mama to always act like a gentleman.”

  The smile Jade gifted him with went straight to his heart. It served as a reminder that this woman was doing things to him that were fairly unusual. He wasn’t the most romantic guy on the planet, but Jade made him want to do better in that department. Be better. It was strange to have all these feelings coursing through him. For so long his heart had been encased in a block of ice. Was it possible that Jade Sims might
be the woman to thaw it out?

  Roman followed behind her down the stairs, all the while wishing he’d been more persuasive in his discussion with Jade. He walked side by side with Jade as they passed by the Harbor with its stunning views of the sea. Twinkling lights shone in the distance, lending a romantic vibe to the evening. He saw Jade shiver and immediately pulled off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. She turned toward him, seemingly surprised by his instinctive gesture.

  “Thank you,” she murmured. “I should have brought a sweater, but the nights have been so warm as of late. One of the major benefits of living in Treasure Harbor is the weather.”

  “I grew up in Wyoming, so I’m used to much colder weather. Being here is a treat,” Roman said. “There’s something really special about this town. I can’t quite place my finger on it.”

  The sound of Jade’s tinkling laughter was like music to his ears. So far she’d been pretty serious and somber. It was nice to see her feeling light-hearted.

  “Treasure Harbor is special. And it has nothing to do with treasure and pirates and promises of gold.” She looked over at him, her brown eyes glinting with joy. “It’s the people I think. A town is only as strong as its community. And this community stands together, even though there are squabbles and petty feuds. When it really matters, we all come together as one. Pastor Riggins really drives home that point. Despite our differences and our conflicts, we are all children of God.”

  Roman shrugged. He felt a slight stabbing pain near his heart. “I haven’t been tied to a church in a long time.”

  “You’re always welcome at Safe Harbor Church.”

  “Thanks, but I’ve veered away from my faith. It’s been a while since I attended church service.”

  Jade frowned. “This may be too personal of a question, but can you tell me why?”

  Roman sighed. It wasn’t something he discussed, not even with his beloved mother, who continued to try and push him back towards his faith. He didn’t know why, but he wanted to talk to Jade about it. Her own strong faith made him curious. “Let’s just say when I need God the most, He turned his back on me. It felt as if I’d spent my whole life believing in something that couldn’t sustain me during the toughest time of my life. That was a real slap in the face.”

  “Hmm.” The one word slipped past Jade’s lips. Her expression was thoughtful.

  “I’m not knocking religion, but it just hasn’t worked for me.”

  “Do you still love God?” Jade asked, knocking him off-balance by the question.

  “I-I…that’s a hard question, but I suppose the answer is yes. I just don’t rely on Him anymore.”

  “Now that’s just plain sad, Roman. I’m not going to preach to you,” Jade said with a gentle smile. “But I know from my own life experiences that we go through tough times that seem near impossible to surmount. When the days are darkest, we want God to provide a fix for everything. And when He doesn’t deliver in the way we want Him to, we can get all twisted up inside. Just remember that God doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way we imagine. It doesn’t mean He wasn’t there for every step of your journey.”

  No one had ever put it to him in those exact words. He let her words sink in for a moment. Maybe he’d shortchanged himself and God by turning his back on Him. On the other hand, Jade had no idea what he’d been through over the past two years. She didn’t know the tragedies that hung around his neck like albatrosses.

  The night air felt good as it swept over them. The quaint town of Treasure Harbor was slowly but surely imprinting itself on him. It was laid back and beautiful, with a tight-knit community and friendly faces who greeted him with warmth and smiles. It was a strange feeling to embrace such things after a lifetime of dodging them.

  Jade suddenly stopped walking. “My place is right here,” Jade said, gesturing toward the small yellow Victorian with the bright blue shutters. Her house looked comfy and cozy. At this very moment it seemed like a fairytale home in an idyllic seaside town.

  “Goodnight. Thank you for hearing me out. I really do wish we could work together. I think it would be a lot of fun.” He felt a huge smile overtaking his face. “And we might actually solve a mystery that has been rattling around for centuries.”

  “Night, Roman. Thank you for a lovely dinner and fascinating conversation. Hearing about Princess Eloise made me feel like a kid again.” She graced him with a beatific smile.

  “Happy to hear it. I hope to see you around.” He more than hoped. Roman was counting on it.

  “In a town this size it’s bound to happen.” Jade began walking down the stone pathway toward her front porch steps. After unlocking her front door, she turned around and waved before disappearing inside. A soft glow from inside her home had Roman thinking about candlelit dinners over a home-cooked meal with Jade.

  What was wrong with him? He barely knew the woman. But it didn’t feel like it, he acknowledged to himself. It seemed as if they’d known each other for way more than two days.

  He began humming a zippy little tune as he walked back toward the Spindrift Hotel. Yes, indeed! He could really get used to life in Treasure Harbor!

  Chapter Three

  Jade pulled back the curtain in her living room and watched as Roman walked back in the direction of his hotel. The man certainly did possess a fair amount of swagger. He projected such confidence and vitality. She admired him for that. Although people always told her she seemed so self-possessed, it was all a big act. Fake it till you make it. Wasn’t that how the saying went? Jade had been faking it for quite some time now.

  Roman had been full of surprises. Just when she thought she’d heard everything about Pirate Drake Burton and his treasure, she now found herself stunned and amazed. Jade couldn’t stop thinking about the conversation she and Roman had shared over dinner this evening. The information about Princess Eloise and the Star of Imara had been a revelation. Her mind whirled with the possibilities. Was Roman right? Had Drake Burton crossed paths with Princess Eloise aka Elizabeth in Barbados? The picture looked strikingly like both of them. Had the infamous pirate somehow finagled the glorious necklace from the Princess? Was the Star of Imara hidden right here in Treasure Harbor?

  Her heart pounded in her chest as she lay in bed, tossing and turning. A million different thoughts streamed through her mind. Just as slumber overtook her, Roman’s chiseled features flashed before her eyes. She knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would dream about him tonight.

  **

  Roman woke up the following morning asking himself where he’d gone wrong last night. Had he scared Jade off with his intensity? Or was she simply telling the truth in saying she was already tied up with running the family jewelry store? Disappointment flared inside him at the realization that she’d rebuffed his proposition last night.

  It’s not the end of the world, he reminded himself. Surely there was someone else in town who could assist him? He let out a snort. It was highly unlikely that he would find someone who was an expert on gems, Treasure Harbor, Princess Eloise and the history of pirate Drake Burton. Not to mention that there surely couldn’t be anyone as appealing or as attractive as Jade Sims. Working side by side with Jade would be pure heaven as far as he was concerned.

  He hadn’t expected to feel something romantic for Jade. Coming to Treasure Harbor was a means to an end. Although he knew romancing Jade would get in the way of his goals, he wasn’t sure he could rein himself in. The feelings surging up inside him were powerful and real. He didn’t think he could put a halt to them if he tried.

  Over a breakfast of blueberry pancakes, sausage and grits, Roman studied a map of Treasure Harbor. He had a to-do list for today, and high on his list was tracking down journalist, Lara Callahan. She had come to Treasure Harbor to write a series about the treasure. So far, the articles had been earning accolades. He figured she might be a great source of information. An added bonus was her engagement to Ryan Burton, ancestor of the infa
mous pirate, Drake. Rumor had it that the Burton family had diaries in their possession that could provide insight into the whereabouts of the treasure.

  With his face buried in a map of the inlets around Treasure Harbor Bay, Roman found himself being immersed in a whole different world. He could practically see the handsome rogue Drake Burton cackling as he stole treasures from his enemies, the Callahan family. Roman couldn’t say he blamed him. If the rumors were true, the Callahan family had been the source of his greatest agony—the death of his wife, Camilla Callahan Burton.

  “Ah, love,” Roman murmured. “Such sorrow. Such delight.” He couldn’t imagine loving a woman so deeply and then losing her in such tragic fashion. Surely it had shaped Drake Burton into becoming the pirate he became.

  The delicate clearing of a throat caused him to swing his gaze up from his Treasure Harbor map. He felt his eyes widening at the sight standing before him. Jade—pretty in pink—gazed down at him, her beautiful features shuttered. What was it about this woman that seemed so mysterious to him? She was like a riddle he wanted to solve. What made her tick? What was her favorite book? Song? What made her cry?

  As poised as she was, Roman detected a few tell-tale signs of nervousness. She shifted from one foot to another. “I changed my mind. I’d like to accept your offer.” The words flew out of Jade’s mouth. Roman got the impression she said it quickly on purpose. Most likely before she changed her mind.

  He couldn’t hide his surprise or delight. “You did? Seriously? You’ll work with me?”

  “Yes,” Jade said with a graceful nod of her head, her onyx colored hair rippling over her shoulders. “It will have to be during my off hours from Gems, but I’m sure we can work something out based on what you said last night.”

  “Of course. Yes. That’s perfect. And we can discuss financial terms. I can draw up a contract so it’s official.”

  “That sounds fine. I only work a few hours this Saturday, so that might be an opportune time to work together.”