Free Beauty and the Beach by Diane Darcy

family.”
    “My family?” It took her a few seconds to adjust.
    “I knew your dad turned his life around in the last few years. I also knew he had two daughters. I didn’t realize I knew his eldest.”
    “My dad has his problems, but he’s a great guy and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.” She shrugged. “Let’s see. My sister is eight years younger than me, gets good enough grades to have earned a scholarship, and works at The Deck.” She glanced up. “It’s a beachside restaurant out on South Coast Highway.”
    “I’ve been there.”
    She shrugged helplessly. “I’m not sure what else to say. They’re great.”
    “What happened to your mom?”
    “She died of cancer when I was fifteen.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    She lifted one shoulder. “Thanks.”
    “So when your dad was struggling with alcohol, who took care of you girls?”
    “It worked out fine.”
    “Meaning you took care of your sister?”
    “I had my mom until I was fifteen. We were fine.”
    “And now you’re a nurse. It sounds to me like you’ve always taken care of everyone else. Who takes care of you?”
    Her eyes narrowed. “I know you live in a castle, but don’t mistake me for a damsel in distress. It would be a mistake. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and anyone else I need to.”
    He lifted both hands in a gesture of surrender. “Sorry. I’m just trying to understand you better.”
    “Don’t bother.”
    “I can’t help it.”
    For some reason, Isabelle blushed and she was grateful for the darkness. She bit her lip and decided it was her turn to change the subject. “I talked to my dad today.” She swallowed. “He’s had no luck so far finding the necklace.” She told him all her father had done and his plans to continue looking. When she finished speaking, there was a long silence and Isabelle held her breath.
    After a moment, Adam exhaled. “I figured as much. You’d have said something sooner if he had. I suspect it’s long gone. If someone found it and knows what it is, what it’s worth, the jewels could be sold individually, and the gold melted.”
    Isabelle’s stomach tightened and her chin dipped. She studied her entwined fingers. “I have to believe it’ll be found.” She stood. “I’m going to go to bed now. Goodnight.”
    “Wait.” He stood and faced her across the chairs. “Don’t go yet. You’re probably right. I’m an eternal pessimist. I’m sure your dad will find it.”
    She didn’t believe he really believed that, but she appreciated the sentiment. “Thanks, Adam. I’d better go to bed. I work at the hospital in the morning.” Something she wasn’t looking forward to. She hoped Pete wasn’t there.
    He studied her for a long moment. “Can you do something for me?”
    “Sure. That’s what I’m here for.”
    “I want you to try to relax and have fun while you’re staying here.”
    Her brows rose.
    “I know the necklace is a big worry, for both of us, but there isn’t anything we can do about that at the moment. So relax, okay? Have fun while you’re here, enjoy the house and the beach, and I won’t put any pressure on your dad. We’ll wait and see what he comes up with. All right?”
    Isabelle’s gaze dropped to the chair in front of her. “According to the police, it could end up being several months before it turns up in a pawnshop.” She glanced up, needing to see his reaction, wondering if that would seal the deal and the police would be calling on her father first thing in the morning.
    Adam shrugged. “It is what it is.”
    Her hand touched her throat. “You mean you won’t call the police or my dad while he’s looking?”
    “I won’t. The fact that you’re here is assurance enough that he’s doing his best to find it. So do we have a deal?”
    Isabelle’s heart soared. If he didn’t put any pressure on her father, if he was willing to wait, that was more than she could have ever hoped for. “I’m not sure why you’re doing this. What