CHAPTER EIGHT
Nadine and her friends jumped out of the cab, chatting happily, carrying their purchases in their hands as they headed for their separate cottages. “See you at the pool for happy hour,” Jordan called out. Melody nodded.
“Nor for me. I need a shower and rest,” she yelled back, unlocking her door.
“No way. Everybody will be there.” Ashley stopped to look at her. “They’re your wedding guests from out-of-town, so you have no choice. And don’t forget, Michael’s golfing buddies flew in this morning. You’ve got to come and meet them.”
Just what they needed—more drinks! She groaned inwardly. Getting married was exhausting business—with all the planning, the showers and shopping, the list-making, refining the list. It would have been much easier if they’d just eloped. Not as romantic, but she and Michael could have more romance on an extended honeymoon than surrounded by family and friends.
“A quick shower then,” she conceded with a wave.
“I’ll keep Michael and his friends company until you arrive,” Melody said with a husky laugh and a flip of her long auburn hair. “Hurry up, you lucky thing.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” It grated on her nerves that people thought she was the fortunate one. Shouldn’t have but it did. After all, she knew Michael’s faults and they didn’t. The bath towel that he’d toss over the shower curtain, the way he’d never pick up after himself. The way he’d burp when he drank beer, and laugh when she made a face. Little things…but he wasn’t perfect. And neither was she. For one thing she fretted too much instead of going with the flow. She was a stickler for neatness, a bit of a perfectionist, and he was just a guy. A guy who liked to play and made great money doing it. He was the lucky one. Blessed with good looks, a lean and fit body, a natural gift to make money doing what he loved, and enough charm to make him irresistible.
She tossed her purse and the bag with a t-shirt from Margaritaville for Michael, onto the bed. A nap sounded tempting, but her friends were right. They were her guests, and player friends of Michael’s, so she needed to clean up and put on her smiley face.
Pronto!
Her hair didn’t need a wash, so she showered quickly, used lotion on her skin, and dressed in a pair of snug white short-shorts, a yellow halter top, and wedged sandals. If she got tossed in the pool she’d be a little better prepared. Not that he would, of course. His parents and his buddies would be here by now. She left her long hair down, redid her makeup, and added big gold earrings and pink lipstick.
Then she slipped her key in her pocket and headed for the pool where the sound of laughter and music lifted her spirits. In two days she’d be married to this really amazing guy. She really was a woman to be envied, and had every right to be happy—no time in the past or the future could measure this. Marriage was a sacred thing. Few people nowadays remembered that. But her parents had loved each other throughout the years, and she intended it to be like that with her and Michael. She would show him how wonderful everlasting true love can be.
Her breath hitched seeing him, dressed in white shorts, a blue and white knit golf shirt, looking handsome and tanned from his day on the boat. She thought about running back and changing into a dress, but Ashley spotted her and waved her over.
She noticed her father talking with Anna, and the casual way he leaned down to whisper something to her—and the resulting blush on her cheeks. Her footsteps faltered as alarm bells zinged right through her. They were sleeping together…at her wedding.
It was wrong! A betrayal of the worst kind. She felt it like a knife to her heart. She’d loved her mother like all young girls do, and to get married without her was unbearable! Her dad had no right, none whatsoever, to be getting laid and looking at another woman with affection.
She turned her back on them, simmering inside, and pounced over to the table where Michael stood with Chad and Rob, and his golf buddies that she hadn’t yet met. She hadn’t seen him all day, and the pain she was feeling inside should be shared with him and him alone. Feeling fragile, she wished they could sneak away so she’d have him all to herself.
His parents were already seated at a table by the pool. His mom smiled and stood up when she approached. She liked his parents very much and would never drag their son away so she could unload her fears on him. What her father was or was not doing with their host Anna, was no concern of hers–at this moment, anyway.
She tossed her hair back and put her arms around her soon-to-be husband’s neck. “Hi honey,” she kissed Michael perhaps a moment too long, then stepped away, not wanting to look as desperate as she felt. “Hello, Mary. Hi, John.” She left Michael’s side to kiss them both on the cheek. “What time did you get in? Was it a pleasant flight?”
“An hour ago,” John said. “And no. Don’t know how you do it all the time, but flying has become downright unpleasant.”
“Sorry to hear that,” she answered, shooting a glance at Michael. “Times have changed, that’s for sure.”
His mother beamed. “This is a lovely place you chose. I couldn’t understand why you didn’t do a big city wedding, or at least Miami Beach, but this has charm.”
“It is nice, isn’t it? Small, but so private and the beach is only steps away. I hate big hotels where you have to walk a mile to your room, or to find the lobby, or the pool. And I stay in big cities all the time. No thanks.” During her Internet search seeking a beach wedding, she’d come across Paradise Cove. It had grabbed her attention right from the start, and she knew it was right for her. For them.
“I told Nadine to keep it small—wanted to keep the ceremony under the radar,” Michael said, pulling her into his arms. He dropped a big kiss on her, then introduced her to his friends. “This is Jay Winslow, and Devon James. My fiancée, Nadine Thomas.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Jay said, punching Michael’s arm. “But what are you marrying this bastard for?” He was tall and lanky, probably three or four inches taller than Michael, and had an English accent. He had reddish brown hair, bright blue eyes and a ruddy complexion that had obviously seen too much sun today. They’d arrived mid-afternoon and gone to the beach, judging by his sunburned nose.
Although he wore a grin and his eyes sparkled, she wasn’t sure how to take his joking, but decided to play along. Putting a hand on her hip, she cocked her head. “You didn’t ask,” she replied, which brought a howl of laughter from the guys.
“What are you drinking?” Devon asked. “I’m ready for another beer. Anybody else?” He was cute, perhaps five foot ten, with dark hair worn on the longish side, and warm brown eyes.
“I’ll take a rum and coke,” Michael said. “Nadine, you should try the Mudslide. It goes down easy—your friends are getting sloshed on it.”
“Okay, but just one.” Her bridesmaids sat on the deck of the pool, their bare legs dangling in the water. They were dressed down, in jean shorts and bikini tops, looking sexy and beautiful. They were laughing and ignoring the men, but Nadine knew them too well to think the act wasn’t deliberate. All four men were good looking, successful, a touch arrogant, but worth a tumble in the sack. Even Ashley, who was not a man chaser, would hardly turn down a chance.
She smiled at Jay. “I’ve seen you a few times on TV. You won a major recently, didn’t you?”
He ran a hand over his chin. “No, should have, but I blew it in the end. The British Open.”
“Crap, those bunkers are monsters. Don’t know how you can hit a ball out of them.” She rolled her eyes. “I golf a little, but mostly I’m a hacker.” She nodded in the direction of her friends. “Jordon, with the spiky blonde hair, has a single digit handicap.”
He looked, smiled and raised a brow. “You trying to hook me up?”
“You think I might do something like that?” She laughed. “Come on. Why don’t I introduce you.” She grabbed him by the arm and dragged him over to the girls, then made the introductions.
She left them talking and walked over to the bar, taking the drink from Devon. “This does look yummy. Why don’t you have one instead of a boring beer?”
“Sissy drink,” he said with a wink. “Think I’ll just go over and meet your friends. Can’t let Jay have all the fun.”
“Enjoy yourself. I have to say hello to everyone.” Where was Michael? They should greet their friends and family together. Glancing back at her bridesmaids, she spotted him, rum and coke in hand, as he dropped down to sit next to Melody. He said something to her that made her blush and laugh, and Nadine felt fear grip her heart. Her stomach twisted in a familiar way—sensing something was wrong, aware of approaching danger. Or just plain jealousy, she wasn’t sure which.
She had a good mind to go tap him on the shoulder and insist that he accompany her to greet their guests. To stop talking with her girlfriends. But of course she didn’t. If she couldn’t trust him, she couldn’t marry him. She sucked in a deep breath, held her chin high and joined his parents at their table.
Just as she sat down, she felt a tap on her shoulder. “Hey, Nad, mind if I sit?”
She glanced up at Jeremy, into the eyes that had haunted her memories for years. It felt as natural as breathing to be with him again. And if it made Michael jealous, so be it. After all, he should be next to her, not sitting with Melody and making her bridesmaids smile.
Her backbone stiffened. “Course not. They’re your parents, and you probably haven’t seen them for a while.” She blinked, realizing that she didn’t even know if he lived in the same town. Had he lived nearby in Orlando when she’d been there with Michael?
Mary reached out for her eldest son. “What took you so long? You went back to your room to change over an hour ago.”
He kissed his mother’s cheek then took the chair beside Nadine. “Laid down for a minute and fell right asleep. Being out on the boat all day knocked me out.”
Nadine’s insides hummed as she looked at him. He was as handsome as ever, no, more so than before. His rugged face had new lines in it now, the creases in his brow deeper, the furrows around his mouth more intense. It was the face of a man that had seen and endured too much—but had come to peace with it.
“Wish I could have done the same,” she said, her eyes roaming over him, committing every detail to memory. “We went to Key West. It was great, but we bar-hopped and shopped. Exhausting work,” she replied with a smile.
Sitting next to him, his long bare legs spread out under the table, made her yearn for all that they had lost. She hadn’t thought of him for years. Wouldn’t allow herself to, especially after meeting Michael. When he’d returned from his third and final tour in Afghanistan, he’d come home broken and bitter. She’d waited for him, years in fact, but he hadn’t wanted her love, and had given up on himself.
It had been gut-wrenching for her, leaving her no choice but to move on. Then a year and a half ago she’d met Michael on a flight. Things quickly sparked between them and her heart had mended.
Michael was still chatting up her friends, and Jeremy was sitting with her. It was odd, and yet it some ways it almost seemed right. She and Jeremy had always got along so well, he’d never been a flirt like his brother. She knew it was Michael’s nature, and didn’t believe for one sec that he acted on the flirtation. He was marrying her in two days—that spoke volumes for his devotion, didn’t it?
“Always thought it would be you two getting married,” John said, earning a kick under the table from his wife. “What?” He wiped his damp brow, the humidity in the Keys different than the heat in Orlando. “Why is Michael talking with those single friends of yours, instead of being here with us, holding your hand?” He made a face of disgust. “Damn fool, that’s why.”
“Dad, whoa,” Jeremy said. “That’s a little harsh. He loves Nadine, and is just being friendly. You know how he is.”
“I do, and that’s half the problem.”
Mary put a hand over hers. “Why don’t you go get him, honey? You haven’t seen him all day. He was on the boat, and you, shopping.”
“It’s all right,” Nadine said. “I’m happy here.” If he preferred the company of her friends then let him! She refused to chase after her man. Even if his lack of attention hurt.
Jeremy shifted in his chair and his knee knocked against hers. She was warmed by his touch, and wouldn’t have moved her leg for all the wealth in the world. Her feelings for him had never been resolved. Their relationship had ended abruptly, then he’d gone away again and she hadn’t seen him since last night.
He left his knee where it was and gave her a long look. It was ironic really, but she had a lump in her throat and a quietness in her soul, as if peace had been restored to her world. She had forgotten how balanced she’d always felt around Jeremy. Not like Michael at all—he kept her on her toes, second-guessing everything she did. Jeremy accepted her as she was. Imperfections, moods and all.
Michael glanced their way and then turned his attention once again on Melody, but not before she saw his eyes darken with rage. Spurred by guilt she went to get up but Jeremy put his hand on her leg to stop her. “Let him come to you,” he said softly.
Mary looked distressed. “Can I get some more appetizers for the table? Jeremy, you haven’t eaten a thing.”
“We had sandwiches and chicken onboard. I’m good.”
Mary stood anyway. “I could use some of those chicken wings and mini crab cakes. I’ll bring us back a little taste of everything.”
“I’ll take one of those hamburger sliders,” John told her.
“Why don’t you help me?” She signaled for her husband to get off his fanny and give them a private moment. “We’ll bring back two plates.”
John pushed up from his chair. He was a big man, tall like his sons but with a wide girth from too much of the good life. He was retired and played golf for recreation. Nadine’s heart twinged as John took Mary’s hand and walked toward the buffet. She wanted Michael to show her affection like that. If he couldn’t do it before the wedding, what would happen after?
“It’s funny you and I…here, alone, together.” Jeremy gave her a solemn look and she had no idea what was in his mind. Did he have regrets? Did he still have feelings for her, or was she just someone from his past, now to be a friend?
“Funny, how?”
He leaned toward her, making her pulse jump with awareness. “I don’t know how you feel about me, or if you feel anything at all. But sitting near you like this, it’s like old times. Like we never really parted.”
Her pulse leapt with alarm. She moved back in her chair. “But we did. That was a long time ago. You left me.”
His jaw tightened and he swallowed hard. He nodded. “Yes, I did. Best thing for you too—I would’ve dragged you down, Nadine.”
“I should be the judge of that.”
“No, you shouldn’t.” He gently touched her hand. She snatched it away. “I’m sorry for the pain I caused you, but I wasn’t myself. I didn’t trust myself around you. I was afraid I could hurt you. The nightmares, the flashbacks…”
He’d been worried about physically hurting her? She knew he would never have done so…and in the process he’d torn out her heart rather than give them a chance. “Well, you did.”
“Yes, and I’m sorry for that. But I had serious psychological problems back then, rages I couldn’t control. It’s better, but it took me time and therapy to get to the place where I am now.”
His apology eased something inside her. “I’m glad you’re doing better.” She glanced over at Michael wishing he’d come and rescue her. Rescue her from what? Jeremy, his feelings. It was too late for them, and it didn’t help to rake up old feelings. Hell, she was marrying his brother in forty-eight hours.
Michael shot her another angry look, his fist tightening around his glass so hard she could see the white of his knuckles from across the pool.
“Are you happy, Nadine? Does Michael give you enough?”
How awful, that Jeremy knew Michael wasn’t giving her his all. “What kind of question is that?” She scooted her chair away so that their legs didn’t touch. “You have no right to ask me that.”
“I know,” he said in a low growl. “I promised myself that I wouldn’t impose myself on you this weekend. I’d keep my distance. But I can’t.” He looked over at Michael. “He’s my brother and I love him, but he’s not the man for you. Look at him. Flirting right in front of you. How could he do that to the one he loves?”
She locked eyes with Jeremy, and her insides churned. She’d been a fool to think her feelings were gone, because they’d returned in full, heart-wrenching force. Too little, too late. She was marrying his brother.
“Don’t say that,” she whispered. “Not ever again. Michael is going to be my husband. I love him, Jer. I do.” Of course the love she shared with Michael was different than what she’d had with Jeremy. She’d chalked it up to Jeremy being her first love, her first heart break. Her stomach fluttered. Was it true? Or did she just want to believe it so badly, to have a marriage like her mom’s and dad’s? She didn’t know, and she wished she could talk to her mother about this. But her mom was gone, and her dad was with Anna.
Mary, plate of appetizers in hand, stopped next to Michael, and bent down to whisper in his ear. Reluctantly it seemed, he got to his feet, sending her a petulant look.
Jeremy stood to leave. “I’m sorry, but you deserve better.”
The knife inside her twisted. “So do you. Be happy, Jer. Please?”
He didn’t answer, but stepped aside when Michael came up to the table. “I kept your seat warm,” he told his brother with strength behind the words.
“Thanks, bro.” He bent to kiss her, and made it a good one, then sat down, taking her hand in his.
Jeremy left with a snort of disgust.
Mary and John delivered extra plates of food on the table and sat down. “Eat up, you two, and then I’m sure you lovebirds have something better to do than hang around here with us.” His mother’s mouth tightened, and John made a harrumphing noise in his throat.
Michael snagged a slider, and bit into it with a smug expression. He made no apology for his actions, and neither did she expect to get one. Michael was Michael. All charm, all play, a take it or leave it kind of guy.
For better or worse he was the man she’d picked and would marry on Friday.