CHAPTER ELEVEN
Nadine quickly forgot her fears and became immersed in the beauty of this underwater playground. With Jeremy never leaving her side, they dived under to see the coral, and were met with schools of blue striped grunts, gorgeous yellow and black striped sergeant majors, horse-eyed jacks that were big and plentiful, and a stunning blue and yellow Queen angelfish that hid shyly amongst the coral.
It wasn’t until later when Colt identified the fish that she learned the names, but seeing them was an experience she was unlikely to forget. Afterward, they had a light lunch on board, chicken and shrimp salad sandwiches, a Caesar salad, and brownies and cookies for dessert.
“Eat up, everyone. My wife, Taylor, supplied the food and she’ll be disappointed if I bring anything home.”
It was surprising how hungry snorkeling could make a person, because Nadine and her friends enjoyed every bite. Colt surprised them by opening up a bottle of champagne for the girls and beers for the men.
“We can spend another hour here if you want to do a little more swimming, or we could take an hour to visit another reef not far away.”
Nadine was the only one who wanted to go home. She was anxious to find Michael and have a much needed talk.
“Don’t worry,” Colt told her, stripping off his white t-shirt to toss aside. “It’s on the way back.”
The girls were treated to the sight of his tanned skin and mouth-watering abs, but he was too busy running around the boat, making sure everything was secured down before they took off again to notice their admiration.
Once they arrived at the Horseshoe reef, Nadine was glad she’d been voted down. It was a shallow reef where they were lucky enough to see some new species of fish. She and Jeremy captured pictures of a nurse shark and turtles resting on the sandy ledge edged with sponges and soft coral. Colt had warned them not to touch the turtles as the loggerheads and hawksbills were endangered species and protected.
Jeremy took her hand, wanting to see more of a reef, which true to its name was shaped like a horseshoe. They were minding their own business, enjoying this underworld adventure in the warm, clear sea when all of a sudden an enormous octopus floated toward them.
Nadine had never seen anything so big and scary in her life, and freaking out, she dropped her camera and tried to swim away. It brushed right past her, the long tentacles touching her skin.
She pushed upward, clinging to Jeremy and didn’t realize her legs were wrapped around his until they reached the surface. She took her mouth piece out. “It touched me!” Her bottom lip trembled and she was close to tears, her heart racing. “Holy shit that was scary!”
He spat out his mouth piece as well, and didn’t pull away. If anything, his body got closer. Now that the panic was subsiding she could feel other things as well. He was getting a hard-on.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her legs still entwined with his. She should have moved her leg, broken away at once, but she still clung. His shoulders were so big, so sturdy. His eyes so direct and kind. The fact he was hard for her was intriguing. She liked the fit of him next to her—she always had.
“Don’t be.” Before she could react, he cupped the back of her head and kissed her. Just once. But she’d tasted him, his tongue in her mouth, and the flare of excitement coursed through her. When the kiss ended, he gave her a weak smile. “I should apologize but I won’t. I’m not at all sorry.” He swam off, heading for the boat.
She followed slowly, hoping no one had seen the kiss, wondering why she’d allowed it, why she’d enjoyed it so much. She should have been horrified, incredibly guilty, but she wasn’t. Like him, she wasn’t sorry either. Maybe it had been a good-bye kiss, the end of what they had once shared. She hoped that was all it was.
Back on board, it was full steam ahead to Paradise Cove, and the weary snorkelers sat back to enjoy the trip. Jeremy kept his distance, hanging out with Devon, and she joined her friends, exchanging stories and photos. She told them about the giant octopus and losing her own camera and they promised to send her pictures.
Once they docked, Nadine and her friends thanked Colt for the amazing day, and walked back to their cabins extremely pleased that the afternoon would be a day of rest at a nearby spa.
She was unlocking her door, when her father greeted her. “Nadine? Can I have a word?”
“Of course.” She opened the front door and welcomed him inside. “What’s up? Did Cameron make it in?”
“Yes, he’s down at the pool.” He took her by the shoulders, and gave her a worried look. “I was concerned about the fact that Michael left you alone again today. What is going on with you two? And Jeremy–is he back in the picture?”
“Look, Dad, I don’t know.” She stepped away, wishing they didn’t need this conversation. “I’m pissed at Michael, and will get to the bottom of this later.” She tossed her bag down on the sofa, and leaned against it. “Jeremy is Michael’s brother, that’s why he’s here. No other reason.”
“Are you sure? I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Does he still have feelings for you?”
“He’s just concerned about me, and pissed off with Michael. That’s all.” She forced a smile on her face. “He cares for me as a friend.”
“And what about you? Are you having second thoughts? If you are, now is the time to voice them. I want you to be happy, and if Michael is not the one to do it, then we’ll simply call off the wedding.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Everyone’s here. The expense….” She took her dad by the arms and looked up into his handsome face. “I will be happy. It’s my choice. I want to marry Michael and I’ll make him happy too.” Tears filled her eyes. “Just like you and mom. I miss her, Dad. I wish she were here. She always knew what was best for me, sometimes when I didn’t even know myself.”
“I miss her too. Every day.”
“So what’s up with Anna, then?”
“She makes me laugh and feel good—something I haven’t felt for a long time. I hope to continue our friendship once I return home.”
“How will you do that?” She was glad the conversation had gone off in a different direction but wasn’t sure that she was pleased by his admission.
“Haven’t worked out the logistics of that, but I know I want to see her again.” He looked away, then his eyes came back to her. “And once again, I want to reinforce the fact that you can still change your mind. The money doesn’t matter. A divorce is far more costly, both financially and emotionally.”
“I’m not going to do that, Dad. I intend to marry Michael.” She tossed her head back and stuck out her chin. “We are going to be incredibly happy.”
“Then I won’t say anymore on this matter.” He stepped towards the door and stopped, glancing back. “I knocked on Michael’s door to check on him this morning, but he didn’t answer. Probably passed out.” He cleared his throat. “I love you, honey. And of course, I only want the best for you.”
“I know, Dad. And I appreciate it, but please don’t worry about me. I’m all grown up now.” She watched him go, then went into the bedroom, shed her clothes and had a good cry.
An hour later, the bridesmaids and Nadine met at the office, where Anna waited to drive them to their scheduled appointment. “How did it go, girls? Did Colt treat you good?” Anna grabbed her keys, knowing they were running late, but it would be no problem. She was a regular at the spa and they’d accommodate the wedding party no matter what time they showed up.
“It was the most amazing thing,” Jordon gushed. “No wonder you love living here. The water is so clear and the fish so spectacular, I have never seen anything like it.” She stopped for breath. “Oh, the food and champagne was delicious too.”
“It was great,” Nadine confirmed. “Except I got pawed by an overly friendly octopus.”
Anna laughed. “Now that’s an interesting story.” She turned her head to look at Melody. “I’m sorry you were sick today and missed the excitement.”
“Me too.” Melody grinned, and her eyes danced. “But I’m feeling much better. Good thing I took the morning off. It did me wonders.”
“What did you do?” Nadine asked, having expected to see a washed-out, shame-faced friend instead of this bubbling, bright-eyed girl in a sundress and sandals. Amazing what a little sleep could do for a hangover.
“Not much. Stayed in bed for hours then went for a walk on the beach. Swam, ate lunch at Taylor’s and ran into Jay and Michael there.”
At the mention of her fiancé’s name, Nadine felt a sharp ache inside of her. She still hadn’t seen him and he hadn’t answered her texts. What the hell was going on with him anyway? If he was having second thoughts, he’d better voice them or get rid of them. In a little more than twenty-four hours they would be married.
The kiss from his brother didn’t mean anything, she told herself. Jeremy had been comforting her after a fright, that’s all. And the hard-on, that was just being a male. Nothing more.
“I haven’t seen Michael today. Is he all right? Did he say anything to you?” Panicked, she knew something was wrong, and her friends must too. It was embarrassing, hurtful and she didn’t know what to do about it. Exempt the first strike? Call off the wedding before he did?
“He seemed fine,” Melody said, pulling her hair back over her shoulder. “Kind of quiet. I think the final day of being a single man is probably a weight every man feels. But I wouldn’t worry,” she said. “He’s going to go through it.”
“I don’t want him “to go through it”,” she sputtered. “I want him to be happy, delighted, and excited to be marrying me.”
Melody’s green eyes widened. “I’m sure he is, but men aren’t built the same as women. Marriage is important to us because we want family, security, and most of all love, but it’s not that meaningful to a guy.”
“Their careers come first, and a wife and kids just complement who he is,” Jordan said.
“Well, he better figure who he is real soon, or he won’t be marrying me, that’s for sure.” The minute the words left her mouth she wished them back. She loved him, she did. And she didn’t want to lose him. The thought that he might not want to marry her, was like a dull knife lodged in her heart.
Anna put a hand on her back, and gave her a brief hug. “Don’t worry, hon. The wedding will be beautiful and I’m sure you’ll both be very happy.” She glanced over at Melody. “Don’t you agree?”
“Of course,” she said quickly, her cheeks turning red.
They all climbed into the light blue SUV, and Ashley took Nadine’s hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. “No more worries. We are going to celebrate your upcoming nuptials tonight, and tomorrow you will be married to a man who adores you, and who the whole world adores.”
Somehow that last line bothered her, knowing that while he traveled she’d never know what the man was up to. Her gut twisted acknowledging the truth. She didn’t trust him as much as she should have.
* * *
That evening was the rehearsal dinner and the meet and greet for friends of the family. By now everyone already knew each other, and being a simple outdoor wedding there was no need for a rehearsal, but the customary dinner was on.
John and Mary Williams hosted the evening at Lazy Days, recommended to them by Anna, who’d confirmed the booking. They took several cars for the short journey and arrived in time to see the beautiful sunset from the outdoor patio. They sipped on champagne cocktails as the vibrant sky turned from pink to mauve, and a half moon appeared. They’d booked the entire upstairs for the night and had hired a small band to play island music.
Michael was dressed in off-white linen pants, and a pink and white striped shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He looked tanned, happy and mouth-wateringly handsome. Nadine was happy too because when she arrived back from the spa he was inside her cabin, lying on her bed wearing nothing but a bad boy grin.
He’d apologized for not returning her calls, saying he’d been busy making arrangements for a special treat tonight, and then had taken her into his arms and given her some loving. It had eased her mind that he did love her after all and wanted the same thing she did—a lifetime of happiness for them both.
They’d sipped ice cold wine, and when she wasn’t looking he put a small wrapped present on her pillow.
“What’s this?” she’d asked.
“Open it and see.” He sat down beside her on the bed, propped the pillow behind his back and waited with an expectant smile.
Her fingers trembled as she ripped aside the gold wrapping paper and opened the small box. She didn’t know what to expect, but inside was a gold Rolex watch, matching the one on his wrist—his present to himself for winning the Honda Classic.
“Wow! It’s beautiful…and expensive. You shouldn’t have spent so much on me! I don’t have a gift for you.”
“Honey, you’re worth it. I want to spoil you. When I start making real money then you can quit your job. I know you want to, but the time isn’t good right now. A few more years and then we can be together all the time.” He kissed her cheek. “You can travel with me.”
“I want to do that now,” she said softly, looking up at him with tears in her eyes.
“I know you do, babe. But I wouldn’t be able to focus with you around. I need a few more years and a few big wins, then things will change.”
She nodded. “I hope so.” She had wanted to ask him about their future, about children, but held back, not wanting to rock the boat. There would be time for that later, and with a few successes behind him, it should be easy to change his mind.
He kissed her neck and shoulder and cupped her breast. “Ready for round two?”
“What? Are you taking Viagra now?” She laughed and shook her head. “No. Later. I need to shower and get dressed. Your parents were really sweet to put on this big dinner for us. We can’t be late.”
They weren’t. Her father, along with Cameron had picked the two of them up making sure they’d arrive in time to greet their guests.
Now that Cameron lived in New York they rarely saw each other. He looked exceedingly handsome in his white shirt and khakis, more polished and mature than ever before. All grown up, in fact.
“What’s that on your face?” she said nudging his elbow.
“What?” He rubbed his cheek.
“Looks like stubble, but you’re not old enough to shave.”
His lips twitched. “I’m old enough to do a lot of things,” he said, looking Melody up and down. “Who’s that hot chick?”
“Melody Barnes. She works with me. Want to meet her?” Melody was all dolled up, wearing a snug, thigh-high black dress that emphasized her slim shape and cute butt.
“I want to do more than that,” he whispered.
“Behave yourself. This is my wedding, and I’m the one who should get lucky, not you.” She gave him a little push. “Why don’t you go say hello to Jordon and Ashley?”
“Which one’s Jordon? I remember her. Short, plump little thing. I loved chasing her with caterpillars. She’d always run home screaming. Little fuzzy things…why was she afraid?”
“Because you put one down the back of her t-shirt, you moron. You were always doing annoying things to us.”
She nodded to where her friends were sitting at the bar. “She’s got the blonde, spiky hair, wearing the red dress. Ashley’s next to her in blue.”
Nadine had worn an off-white sleeveless sheath, with a V neck both front and back. She wore her hair down, gold dangling earrings, a gold choke necklace, and her diamond ring and new Rolex. Her four inch sparkly heels made her almost as tall as her brother.
He whistled under his breath. “Wow, wow, look at them now. All grown up. I’ll go say hello.”
With a grin she turned to Michael, giving his arm a squeeze. “I just love my brother but he’s barking up the wrong tree if he thinks he can score with one of my friends. Won’t happen. We have a code.”
“You might be surprised.” He looked at the three attractive girls at the bar. “Which one is he interested in?”
“Not sure. But I could use a drink. Would you mind getting me a chardonnay while I go and speak with your mom and dad? This is just so great of them.”
“Sure. Back in a flash.”
She watched him head for the bar, and saw Melody swirl slowly in her chair to face him. Her bridesmaid gave him a warm smile and his body leaned into hers, then he bent and whispered something in her ear. Melody laughed and glanced her way. Their eyes met.
Nadine felt it like an electric shock—a knowledge so deep, so sure, that her knees buckled. He had either slept with her, or was going to. Like every woman in the world that has ever experienced the same thing, the shock of it slammed through her body, and made her reel. Betrayed.