A few seconds passed then Colt said, “Do you remember Kim Heathrow?”
Kim had been a child and teenage Disney star, but she hadn’t been in a movie for years. “The one from The Impressionable Years?”
“Yeah.”
“She’s adorable!”
Kim was a brunette beauty with the cutest dimples and one of those shapes where her backside was very prominent, but she was so cute it just worked for her. Navy knew Kim and Colt had dated years ago, but it was short-lived—like all of Colt’s relationships.
Colt let out a disgusted grunt.
“She’s not adorable?” Navy would always be on her brother’s side—always—even if it meant lying about how delightful Kim Heathrow was.
“Maybe she is to some people … like Holden.”
Holden and Kim. Navy’s stomach pitched. They’d be a beautiful couple with their dark coloring and him so tall and manly and her so delicate and sweet. Navy had never heard anything about them dating, but Holden was an expert at keeping his private life private. No matter how often she had Google-searched him, she’d seen nothing about family and very little about women besides the occasional doll on his arm at some important party or business function.
“What happened?”
“I was young and stupid and thought I was in love.”
“You? In love?” She didn’t mean to balk but she’d never seen Colt even act like he would stick with one woman for longer than a week.
“I told you it was stupid.”
Navy stood again, concern washing over her. Was this why her kind, conscientious brother had gone from a flourishing career in the Army to doing erratic security jobs and loving on and dumping beautiful women? Had Kim broken his heart? Navy didn’t think Kim was so adorable anymore, and if she found her, they’d have words, maybe more than words.
“And?”
“She cheated on me with Holden.”
Navy had never, ever heard emotion like this in her brother’s voice. Kim and Holden had broken her brother’s heart. It was clear, even through the phone line that it was still painful for Colt. She wanted to fly home and give him a hug. She wanted to plant her fist in Holden’s gut.
“Colt … is that why?” She couldn’t finish it, couldn’t say what he’d become, even though she teased him about being a womanizer all the time. Right now it was too real. Her brother had been broken and turned to dating a different girl every week the way some might turn to alcohol or prescription drugs to relieve their pain.
“I gotta go, sis. I’m picking up my date. Love ya.” His voice was falsely bright and cheery.
“Love you,” Navy returned. The phone clicked dead.
Navy set the phone down and paced her room for a few minutes. She felt like a caged animal. She opened her windows and tasted the salty breeze. The wind was picking up and the light of the half-moon danced off angry waves. The sea had been so tranquil earlier. Navy didn’t usually like storms but as unsettled and turbulent as she felt right now, she wanted to be out in the middle of the incoming storm in the worst way. She wished this suite had an exterior door. There weren’t any screens on the windows. She pushed the window wider and squirmed through, thumping onto the grass outside.
Standing, Navy brushed her dress back into place, wrapped her long hair up in one hand and set out for the closest staircase she could find. It was by the master suite. She hoped she wouldn’t run into Holden but wouldn’t mind giving him a piece of her mind. He and Kim Heathrow had broken her brother. What a jerk. Navy hated thinking of her brother hurting and she loathed picturing Holden and Kim Heathrow in each other’s arms, but she was relieved to know that she was justified in being mad at Holden and that he wasn’t perfect. Far from it.
Regardless of how little she liked him right now, she found herself peering into the master suite’s open windows. Her chest relaxed when she couldn’t see him.
She took the stairs down to the beach, loving the wind whipping at her clothes and hair as she inhaled great gulps of tangy, crisp air. Releasing the fistful of long hair, she let it fly around her. As she reached the beach, she plodded through the soft sand.
A large form appeared in front of her and she screamed. Arms wrapped around her and she instantly recognized Holden’s muscular frame and his spicy scent—a fabulous combo of bergamot, cinnamon, and saffron. Jerking herself away, she squinted up at him. He looked incredibly handsome in the moonlight and she couldn’t help but stare at his mouth. The kiss earlier today had ended much too soon. She hadn’t even savored the feel of his beard against her face, tasted each of his lips.
“No!” she yelled at herself and backed a step away. How easily this jerk could make her forget her anger at him and her loyalty to her brother. She actually doubted Kim Heathrow was to blame. What woman could be strong enough to resist Holden Jennings if he set his sights on her?
Holden reached out as if to steady her but quickly withdrew his hand. “I apologize,” he said.
“For what now?” she demanded, stomping her foot in the sand. “I think I’ve been apologized to more than I can handle.”
His perfect lips bowed in a grim smile. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“Apology accepted … for that transgression at least.”
Holden took a bold step forward. He was at least six four and every inch of it looked good on him. He leaned toward her and she caught undertones of vanilla in that fabulous cologne. “How many transgressions do I have?” he asked quietly.
The wind almost took his words away but she held on to them because it reminded her of exactly how mad she was at him. He’d rejected her after their one beautiful kiss but even more horribly, he’d hurt her brother. Nobody hurt one of her brothers and escaped unscathed from her.
“Too many to count.” She slugged him in the gut. “Ow!” she yelled when her fist made contact with his muscular abdomen.
Holden grunted but she hadn’t even budged or injured him, far from it. His brows drew together. “Was that for the kiss?” he muttered.
“No!” she yelled loud enough to be heard over the wind. “That was for my brother.”
She was tempted to hit him again, simply because the first punch didn’t have the desired effect, but her hand hurt too much.
“Your brother?” He straightened and nodded, his eyes registering his transgression. “Colt.”
“Yes, Colt.” She glared up at him. “You may be my boss. You may think you own me, but I can stand on my own. I had no clue what kind of a jerk you were. I will finish this job because Quinns never quit, but then I am done. Don’t you worry about me. I’ll find a better sponsor soon. One who doesn’t try to come onto me and who hasn’t hurt my family.”
Emotion crossed Holden’s face that almost made her feel guilty for her tirade. He seemed to care deeply for her and he seemed to regret cheating with her brother’s girlfriend, but he couldn’t have any clue the damage he’d really caused to Colt.
Holden backed up a step. “We’ll regret losing you, Miss Quinn.”
“Yes, you will.” She stormed around him and down the sandy beach. The wind was picking up, but she welcomed the fear the storm inspired in her. It was nothing compared to the storm deep inside of her. She’d had strong feelings for Holden Jennings for many years and tonight they’d all been shattered. She was mad at herself for falling for a man who had hurt her brother. The fact that she’d be unemployed after this week hardly bothered her. The fact that she would never kiss Holden again and still wanted to ticked her off to no end.
Chapter Four
Holden returned to his room, changed, and didn’t even check his phone or emails. He was happy that the home gym down the hall by the theater was empty. He could hear the loud bangs of an action movie playing in the theater. Hopefully he’d have the gym to himself. He started pushing through a shoulder and chest workout, his anger giving him the fuel to lift heavy.
He was upset with Colt Quinn, with Navy Quinn, but most of all, with himself. He had known h
e needed to keep his distance from Navy. He’d never allowed himself more than a handshake, brief conversations, and longing glances for years … and now this. Interesting that she found out about the relationship between Colt and Holden’s cousin, Kim Heathrow, tonight. He wondered why, after all these years, the story had come out now, and he also wondered how much Colt had told her. How the man had skewed it to somehow make himself look innocent to his older sister.
Holden was very protective of his cousin, especially after he’d lost his own sister in a tragic accident as a teenager, and then Kim had been stalked by a man who had never been caught. She’d withdrawn into herself and stopped acting. When Kim met Colt through some friends she had fallen much too fast for him. Holden had some concerns and he wondered if Kim was just desperate for the safety and positive attention a man like Colt could bring—he was retired Army Special Forces and one of those too good-looking guys with a silky, smooth tongue around women.
Holden had also heard that Colt was the type that every woman fell for, but Colt never took any of them serious. About five years ago, Holden had risked the media exposure and arranged with Kim to meet her and Colt for dinner one night. He had invited himself along, telling Kim he would like to get to know her boyfriend, but really wanting to assess the situation for himself. Colt was late, so after he and Kim hugged and caught up on each other’s lives for a while they decided to be seated and wait for him at the table. As they rounded a corner, they found Colt snuggled in a corner booth, kissing another woman. Holden had about taken the man out, but upon seeing Kim’s distraught face he whisked her away instead.
Righteous indignation for his cousin and her anguish surfaced. It had been a long time, and she hadn’t healed. He talked to her regularly, encouraging her to accept a part in a film or TV series, but she always claimed she was happy and fulfilled, living in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, selling her paintings at local markets, away from the craziness of Hollywood. She almost convinced him, but he knew how much she had loved acting. Between Colt’s betrayal and the stalker who was still on the loose, the only way he knew to help Kim was to make sure she had Sutton Smith in charge of her security and to keep her location secret.
Holden was lying on a bench, pushing through a set of chest flies when the gym door swung open. Glancing to the side, Holden saw the most beautiful form encased in a tank top and shorts. He rolled up to a seated position, set the weights down, and stood. Navy wavered in the door, obviously not expecting him to be there.
“Welcome,” he said.
She arched her eyebrows and tossed her long, blonde hair. “It’s not your gym. I have every right to be here.”
Whew, she was feisty, and despite himself and all the garbage between them, he loved her spice. He walked toward her. To her credit she stood as straight and tall as her five-four frame could allow and glared up at him. He stopped, far too close to her. She smelled like lemon candy—tart, sweet, and irresistible. It fit her perfectly.
“I just meant you’re welcome anywhere I am.”
She harrumphed. “Too bad for you I don’t want to be anywhere you are.” She stomped around him, tossing over her shoulder. “Just stay on your side of the gym, pretty boy.”
Holden laughed. Navy always had a tinge of sarcasm to her, but she’d been very respectful of him, until now. He hated that she’d quit as his sponsor tonight and that she seemed to loathe him, but he liked this sassy side of her. They were both mature adults. Maybe they could get past the deal with Colt and Kim.
“I think you’re the only pretty one in here,” he threw back at her.
“I’ve thumped men for comments less obnoxious than that,” she said.
“I’d like to see you try,” Holden returned, following her across the gym. He didn’t get too close again, in case she decided to punch him. He hadn’t so much as grunted on the beach, but her little fists were hard, and she was tough.
Navy simply glared up at him. “I’ve got five brothers, two are professional football players and two have been elite military men. Yes, Kaleb is a wussy singer, but his wife could take you down easily, and they’ve all taught me how to defend myself. You think I can’t best you?”
He smiled. Their relationship had gone completely off track today, but for some reason this interaction—that they could still banter and might have a chance at talking things through—made him almost as happy as kissing her had. Almost. Nothing could be as good as kissing this fireball.
He took a step forward and then he made the mistake of brushing her long hair over her shoulder, his fingers lingering on her smooth skin. She let out a small gasp that made his stomach fill with warmth. “I think you’re one of the toughest and bravest women I know, but I was a professional hockey player. I’d take on a football player any day.”
She smirked at him. “You hockey players are so padded up you can’t even feel the hits.”
He laughed. “I could show you all my scars from fighting to prove how hard those hits are.”
Her blue eyes turned smoky and he had no clue how he was going to resist grabbing her and kissing her again. Would she hit him, slap him, tell him she wasn’t staying even the week? Or was there any hope she would kiss him back?
She swallowed and he watched that lovely neck as it bobbed. “Please don’t show me any scars.”
Holden rested his hand on the treadmill behind her. His arm brushed hers and the desire for her only grew. “What do you want me to show you?” he asked, his voice going all deep and husky.
Navy stared at him. She was so soft and appealing that he couldn’t resist wrapping an arm around her waist. Something had broken in him when he’d kissed her by the ocean and now that she’d quit he wasn’t her boss anymore. The only thing between them was Colt and Kim. It was a big something but he knew Navy was a smart, reasonable woman. If they talked through what had happened he was sure she could see that her brother was in the wrong and Holden had only been trying to protect his vulnerable cousin.
“I don’t think you’d better show me anything,” she said, but her voice wasn’t sarcastic and tough like usual. It was soft … for him.
“What if I showed you how to kiss?”
Navy let out a cute little gasp and then she ran her hands up his chest to his shoulders. Holden was panting for air. Maybe her quitting was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
“I already know how to kiss,” she flung back at him.
Holden smiled and wrapped both hands around her lower back, pulling her up closer to him as he bent down lower. “Yes, you do.”
A brief smile flickered across her face.
“Would you show me how to kiss?” Holden prayed she could forget about all the disputes between them and give him another chance.
“Since I’m a generous person, maybe I could give you some tips.”
Holden ran his hands along her smooth back, half expecting her to punch him in the gut, but it would be worth a little pain to kiss her again. “I’d appreciate that.”
She smiled. “So what are you waiting for?”
“I have no idea.” Holden crossed the short distance and their lips connected. It was even more powerful than on the beach. They were both choosing this kiss, choosing to take their relationship to the next level, despite their concerns. His only question at the moment was … why had he waited all these years to hold her in his arms? She was the perfect fit, even though she was small, she was tough, and their bodies bonded together.
The house seemed to tremble with him. Holden felt like his insides were as turbulent and stirred up as the storm outside. He loved the feeling—excitement, danger, and fulfillment all rolled together as he made Navy his. He deepened the kiss, and knew no matter how feisty she was, or even if she punched him again, he was going to talk everything through with her. When they stopped kissing … in a few hours.
“Mr. Jennings.” Ollie banged through the workout room door. “Oh, sorry, sir.”
Holden released Navy from the kiss and smiled down
at her. “To be continued,” he murmured.
Navy pulled from his arms. “I don’t think so,” she muttered. “I keep having these moments of insanity with you.”
Holden didn’t like the sound of that, but he would talk it through with her later, when they were alone, and they could kiss some more. “I like you insane then.”
She stuck out her tongue at him and he laughed.
“Mr. Jennings?” Ollie sounded panicked, and though he had a large camera in his even larger hands, he wasn’t filming with it. That was a first.
“Yes?” Holden forced himself to focus on the young man. “What can I help you with, Ollie?”
“Sir, the storm. The windows are rattling and the waves are huge! Are we going to be okay?”
Holden took a deep breath. Ollie had interrupted that kiss, for a little wind and waves? He’d go check his email and make sure the storm was nothing to worry about … after he kissed Navy for a few hours. “We’ll be fine. This house was built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane; every window and door is watertight. There’s even a waterproof fully-equipped storm shelter under the theater if we need.”
Ollie nodded but didn’t look reassured. “Come look, please.”
It was disconcerting to see such a big and usually laidback guy acting like a little baby.
“Of course,” Holden agreed.
He rested his hand on Navy’s lower back and guided her after Ollie. She glanced up at him. “I think you’re taking my insanity a little too far.”
“Am I making you insane then?” he bent down and whispered in her ear.
“Yes! And I need you to ease off. I’m ticked at you.”
“Maybe I can make you un-ticked?”
“I highly doubt it, Mr. Jennings.”
Holden chuckled, following Ollie down the hallway. She was mad at him about the deal with her brother and his cousin, but they could talk that out. It had been years. Surely Colt had moved on. If Navy knew what the cheating incident had done to Kim, she’d think Holden should be the upset one. But he couldn’t blame Navy for her brother’s actions and he wanted to be with her far more than he wanted to hold a grudge.
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