We continue like that, chattering on about the Getty, the resort, and the beauty of the space in general until it’s time to make our way to the restaurant.

Reggie is already there, and he shakes Jackson’s hand enthusiastically and then pulls me into a crushing hug.

“I like the beard,” I say. He’s always been a big man with a Paul Bunyan build, but now he looks more like Santa Claus with the full, graying beard and mustache.

“Thought I’d try something new. Always good to keep them on their toes.”

“Who?” I ask.

“Everyone,” he says, and then winks.

We get settled at the table and order drinks, then fall into a convivial conversation full of reminiscing, catching up, and lots of laughter.

“So what were you doing in Santa Barbara?” I ask as I finish the last bite of my seared scallops.

“Visiting family, primarily. My nephew is the concierge at the Gateway hotel. He and his wife wanted my advice on an investment property, and I wanted to get away from Houston. Seemed like a win-win situation.”

“So the investment is a good one?”

“Some land outside the city. Lots of growth potential. So long as they can afford to keep those assets tied up, I think it’s a good deal for them. And speaking of good deals, you certainly had the right idea,” he says, his attention focused on me.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been paying attention to your Cortez project. A resort that is spread over the entirety of one of the channel islands. Honestly, Syl, it was inspired.”

“Thank you.”

“Even if the Lost Tides Resort gets up and running before Cortez, it still won’t have that aspect going for it.”

I glance at Jackson, who doesn’t appear to understand, either. “What’s Lost Tides?” I ask.

Reggie leans back in his seat and sighs. “Well, shit. I assumed you’d heard. A developer in the Santa Barbara area is trying to bring a resort to one of the islands. Hasn’t managed to acquire all the square footage, but as far as I’ve heard, they’re moving forward with development.”

“Who’s the developer?” I ask even as Jackson asks about the architect.

“Not sure. Apparently, they’re being as anonymous as possible until they’re ready for the big announcement. I guess the plan is that the more drama they can drum up, the more press they’ll get. And the more press, the more interest from the tourism industry.”

I feel a little sick to my stomach. “So how do you know?”

“My nephew’s boss,” Reggie says. “He keeps his ear to the ground.”

I glance at Jackson and grimace. “Well, a little competition never hurts anything.”

He puts his hand over mine. “Don’t worry,” he says gently. “Our resort is fine.”

I sigh, then nod, relieved that he can read me so well.

“He’s right,” Reggie says. “Santa Barbara’s a long way from Los Angeles.”

“Besides,” Jackson adds. “Santa Cortez has a lot more going for it.”

“Yeah? Like what?” I’m playing along, expecting him to cite himself.

Instead, he says, “You.”

“Oh.” My heart flutters as he squeezes my hand, and from the look in his eyes, I see that it is not a platitude. “Thank you.”

Across the table, Reggie is watching us. “I wondered if the two of you had gotten back together. I’m happy to see that you have.”

“Me, too.” I whisper the words, my throat too full of emotion to speak clearly.

“Ironic that you’re both working for Stark,” he continues, and I feel Jackson stiffen beside me. Hell, I feel myself do the same, suddenly fearful that Reggie has somehow learned about Jackson’s relationship with Damien.

But that’s not what he means.

“I mean, the man saved all our asses, didn’t he? Hell, I should probably take a job with him and complete the circle.”

“What are you talking about?” Jackson asks.

“The Brighton Consortium, of course.”

The Brighton Consortium consisted of a group of real estate investors and professionals who had been in the process of developing four hundred acres of land for commercial purposes. Jackson had been their intended architect, and had it gone through, he would have been responsible for a massive complex, including every building in the development. At the time, it would have been his biggest job yet, and he undoubtedly had expected it to be the project that truly launched his career.