by Robyn Neeley
There was a knock at the door. It was probably Miles. He’d have to stay and take care of the cancelled wedding. She flung it open.
Luke stood in the hallway. At least she thought it was him. He had changed into jeans and a dark blue button-down shirt. The same shirt he’d worn the night they had dinner and strolled along the beach.
“I thought New York needed you?”
“It can wait.”
“Well don’t let me stop you. I’m checking out soon.” She pointed to her suitcase.
“You’re leaving?” He stepped in and she closed the door.
“Might as well. There’s no wedding to plan.” She fought back the tears once again and crossed her arms. “What do you want, Luke?”
He walked over to her, standing inches from her. His eyes locked with hers.
“How’s your ankle?”
“Fine.” She challenged his stare. “Shouldn’t you be with your girlfriend?”
“She’s not my girlfriend. I made that up after I saw you kissing Drew.”
“What? Why would you do that?”
“I was jealous.”
Did she hear him correctly? He was jealous? “So you made up a girlfriend to get back at me?”
“Appears so.”
“That is so f’d up, Luke.”
“Not any more than you kissing my brother.”
“I only did that to prove a point.”
“Which was?” His eyes dared her to confess.
She accepted his dare. “This.” She grabbed onto his shirt and attacked the buttons. Reaching the last button, she walked behind him and yanked it off.
No tattoo. She ran her hand up and down his flawless back.
Luke turned around and pushed her gently up against the door, holding her hands over her head. She could feel his breath on her lips.
“I have a plane to catch.” She let her fingers slide into his.
“Not anymore.” His lips came down nearly meeting hers. “Not tonight.”
“You’re really not interested in Olivia?” There was no way she was going to let this go any further if he was.
“No.” He laughed. “Not in the slightest.” He nuzzled her neck. “You’re really not interested in my brother?”
“No,” she giggled. “Not in the slightest.”
His lips landed on hers, and there it was, the kiss that had shot her into another orbit the first and second time she experienced it. There was only one Cannon twin that could do this to her, and she now knew which one it was.
He continued to kiss her and she responded, letting him go deeper. He was the first to break contact, whispering in her ear. “Kate, I’m going to make love to you now.”
She smiled. “Do you always make that declaration?”
“I want my intentions to be clear.” He kissed her neck and then picked her up off of the ground, carrying her over to the bed.
She ran her hands all the way up his body, finally touching his handsome face. She studied it for a few seconds. Her fantasy with the mysterious stranger was about to come true. She kissed him as they sunk into the bed.
Chapter Seventeen
Kate rubbed Luke’s muscular arms that were wrapped tight around her as they spooned. If this was what it was like to feel incredibly happy, she never wanted to let go. “Are you up?”
“Ready if you are,” he whispered into her hair.
She laughed. “That’s not what I meant. Are you awake?” She wiggled her body to face him.
He smiled and stroked her cheek. “Hi.”
“Luke, I’m sorry.”
“For what?” he asked. His voice showed concern.
“All of this. Kissing your brother and ruining his wedding.”
“It’s not your fault. Drew’s had cold feet for quite some time. You were just the catalyst for a conclusion he should have come to a long time ago.”
“Really?”
“Really. That’s why I wasn’t next to you when the plane landed. Drew begged me to sit with him to talk. He told me then he wasn’t sure he could go through with the wedding. I just thought it was cold feet.”
“And now.”
“It’s over.”
“Wow. So there’s no chance that they will make up?”
“No, I don’t think so. At least not anytime soon.”
“Oh.”
He put a finger under her chin and lifted it up. “It will be okay, Kate. You won’t lose your job over this. I’ll make sure of it.”
“I don’t mean to sound like a jerk. If they aren’t meant to be together, then it’s probably a good thing … for both of them. It’s just this wedding was a really big deal to Tie Your Knot. My boss and a ton of paparazzi are arriving tomorrow. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
He chuckled. “We could ask our parents to get married.”
She sat up and looked over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes. “Tell me you’re not serious.”
“Think about it. My dad’s got way more money than the Kincaids and your mom’s already said yes.”
“Not to get married in two days, she didn’t.” She turned her head away and swung her legs over the bed, planting her feet on the ground.
Luke sat up and began massaging her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to upset you. It was a bad idea. Let’s forget about it.”
“No, it’s … well it’s been my mom and me for so long. She hasn’t always made the best decisions in the love department, and now she’s engaged after only a month.”
“Do you think she’s making a mistake with my dad?”
“Yes.” She shook her head. “No … I don’t know. She seems really happy and I do like your father.” She turned and leaned over, giving him a soft kiss. “I know how tough things have been for your family losing your mother. I’m just not sure my mom’s ready to be engaged.” She sighed. “Who am I kidding? I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“My dad’s a great guy.” He lied back on the pillows, and pulled her into his embrace. “He won’t hurt her.”
She wrapped her arms around him. Doing so felt like the most natural thing in the world. “You do realize you would become my stepbrother?”
His eyebrows burrowed. “I forgot about that. Maybe we should encourage them to wait.”
“Agreed,” she murmured and inhaled his delicious scent. They laid in silence for a few minutes. She could feel his heartbeat on her bare chest. It had synchronized with hers.
“Now it’s my turn.” He stroked her hair. She’d never tire of the feel of his hands on her.
“Turn?”
“To say I’m sorry.”
Kate positioned her head and saw the sincere look of regret on his face.
“I never meant to lie to you. You seemed so terrified when we first met. I thought it would be easier to say I was Drew than tell you that you’d freaked my brother out and he begged me to switch seats.”
She laughed. “Is that what happened? Was I really that bad?”
“In a completely adorable way.” He chuckled. “I didn’t plan that kiss. Don’t get me wrong. I’m so glad it happened, but then I find out that you’re my brother’s wedding planner and that you pretty much had the hots for him.”
“Wait, Let’s clarify. I had the hots for you. I only thought those feelings were for Drew.”
“I was being completely stupid. Then when you said Drew’s name in the waterfall … well … I thought that after deceiving you, you’d never be able to fall for me like you had him.”
Kate grinned. “I hope tonight cleared up that misconception.”
“I think it did.”
“Still, if you need more convincing … ” She ran her foot along his muscular leg. Oh, did she hope so.
“I just might.” He sat up. “Wait, I have something for you.”
“You sure do.” She pulled herself up and began rubbing his back, giving his shoulders a squeeze.
He jumped out of the bed and slipped on his boxers. “You’re going to love it.”
&nb
sp; She groaned, laying back down and propping up on her elbow. “Where are you going?”
“To my room. I brought it from headquarters. It’s in my suitcase.”
She loved seeing him so giddy. What on earth could have he brought her from his toy store that he must retrieve now. Oh crap. What if it was toy handcuffs or some other ridiculous fetish? She watched as he dressed. Would this night get a little Fifty Shades?
“I’ll be back before final descent.” He leaned down and gave her a quick, gentle kiss.
She raised an eyebrow. “Is that what guys are calling it these days?”
“No. It’s what I said to you before I left to sit with Drew. You were sound asleep.”
Kate sat up and grabbed Luke’s hand, guiding him back to bed. “You know. I have it on good authority that this time it’s going to be a slow, gradual descent.” She unbuttoned his shirt. He wasn’t going to need it anytime soon. Whatever he wanted to retrieve from his room could wait.
Luke laughed. “Long and slow, huh?” He gave in, letting her undress him.
“Oh, yes.” She peeled his shirt off. Kissing her way up his neck, she whispered in his ear. “Very slow. It could take hours and I’m going to need a co-pilot to land this.”
Chapter Eighteen
Kate stretched out on her bed, letting the sunlight warm her face. Her body ached but in a ‘just had a night of hot sex with the most amazing guy in the world’ kind of way. The best way as far as she was concerned. She reluctantly let Luke leave her bed earlier this morning to check on Drew and then talk to Olivia. He promised that tonight would be exactly like last night; only start much, much earlier.
That was a promise she intended to hold him to. She inhaled his cologne lingering on her pillow. Luke was probably talking to Olivia at this very moment. He assured her that his ex would understand and might find it humorous.
According to Luke, the breakup had been hard, but they were now friends. Still, it couldn’t be easy for Olivia having her former lover be her boss’s son. Kate hoped he was right and there wouldn’t be any awkwardness when Olivia learned that Luke and she were together.
She jumped out of bed and headed for the shower. It was time to get started on her own damage control. First, she needed to meet Miles and come up with a new game plan. Janet’s plane would land this afternoon. Kate regretted her decision not to call her boss yesterday and break the news. Now, what were the odds of Miles and her finding an A-list celebrity couple vacationing in Hawaii and talking them into a quickie wedding that was already planned with paparazzi and all?
It wasn’t a bad idea. She rushed out of the bathroom for her phone. Sending a short text to Miles, she asked him to peruse the online celebrity gossip sites. She set the phone down. Worth a shot.
She thought about Luke’s suggestion that their parents stand in for Drew and Lauren. Over her dead body. She needed more time for the engagement to sink in. She’d rather lose her job than see her mother this weekend in a wedding dress.
She knew it would be inevitable but it certainly wasn’t going to happen tomorrow. Maybe after things settled down, she could invite Jack and her mom to visit her in LA for a long weekend. Assuming her mother would be moving to New York City this fall.
That’s a perfect idea. Then, she could take her time getting to know Jack on her turf. Maybe Luke would join them. She stopped and looked in the bathroom mirror. Luke lived in New York City. That could be a problem.
If this thing between them evolved, they’d have to figure out a way to see each other. Maybe once a month she could travel east or perhaps they could meet in the middle in Kansas City or Indianapolis. She loved the thought of a Midwest rendezvous.
After a quick shower, she decided to go casual in a pretty floral top, slim jeans, and black strappy sandals. Heading out the door to meet Miles, the bright sun smacked her in the face. She was going to miss Hawaii. Now that there wouldn’t be a wedding, perhaps Luke and she could take a couple of days and explore the island. Just the two of them. She’d like that. First, she needed to get through the next twenty-four hours with her job intact.
“Aloha.” She spotted her assistant in the courtyard, seated on the fountain. He was busy scrolling through his phone.
“Aloha back.” He studied her and set his phone to his side, flashing his joker smile. “You had sex last night.”
Kate sat next to him and crossed her legs. The fountain spray tickled the back of her neck. “Honestly, Miles, You shouldn’t say things like that to me. I’m still your boss.” She sighed. “At least for the next few hours, anyway.”
“We’re not getting fired.”
“You sound so confident.”
“Everything always works out.” He turned to face her. “So … was it Luke?”
“Of course it was!”
“How would I know?” He shrugged. “You’re kissing first Drew, then Luke, then Drew. I can barely keep it straight.”
“You’re wrong it was first Luke, then Luke, then Drew.” She smiled and winked. “Then Luke all night long.”
“You little tart.” He slapped her back. “Good for you. Wait. What do you mean ‘first Luke, then Luke?’ I thought Drew was first?”
“Long story. I’ll tell you later. Did you check the celebrity gossip sites?”
He nodded, reaching for his phone. “I went through all of them. No one seems to be in Hawaii this week except for that reality show train wreck who was dumped by the bachelor.”
Kate’s face twitched in disgust. “She was a train wreck. No one will marry her anytime soon. Oh, well. Thanks for checking.”
“Yeah, between that and informing all of the wedding guests that the wedding is off, it’s been a busy morning.”
Kate sighed. “I guess there are worse things than traveling to Hawaii for a wedding that’s called off. Hopefully their guests enjoy exploring the island. Maybe we should send tourist brochures up to their rooms?”
“Kate! Miles! Good morning.”
She looked up to see her mother walking toward them. Accompanying her were Jack and Olivia. “I don’t need this right now,” she mumbled and mustered up a bright smile. “Hello.”
“Kate, have you met Luke’s girlfriend, Olivia?” her mom asked.
Kate gulped. “I have. Good morning, Olivia. This is my assistant, Miles.”
“Nice to meet you.” Miles stood and shook her hand. He turned so only Kate could see him, mouthing the word, ‘girlfriend?’
Kate ignored him.
“I love your blouse,” Olivia said, pointing to Kate.
“Thanks.” Kate noticed that both Olivia and her mom were dressed in similar Hawaiian dresses. Had they gone shopping together? “Where’s Luke?” Kate asked Jack.
Olivia interjected. “I just left him upstairs. You know how men are. Work, work, work.” She laughed and flipped her hair to the side.
“Indeed.” Something was wrong. Luke had been with Olivia this morning, yet she didn’t correct her mom and say she wasn’t his girlfriend. Had Luke not talked to her?
“Kate, I have so many questions for you.” Olivia sat down next to Kate.
“Questions?”
She laughed. “About wedding planning.”
Kate watched her smile up at Jack. Why was Olivia talking about wedding planning and grinning at Luke’s dad? She could feel her stomach churn. Something wasn’t right.
“I know I shouldn’t jump the gun, but we are in Hawaii, the most romantic place on the earth. I hope it’s okay to pick your brain.”
“Sure,” she hesitated. “Sure, it is.” It was so not okay.
“That’s a lovely idea. Maybe we’ll have another engagement to celebrate soon,” Jack piped in and winked at his assistant.
“Oh, Jack. From your lips to your son’s ears.”
Kate sat stunned. Was this conversation happening? Where the hell was Luke to straighten this out? The way Jack and Olivia were talking, Luke and his father’s assistant would be picking out their wedding bands by lunch.
“Kate and Miles, why don’t you join us for breakfast?” Jack asked.
Before Kate could say no, her mother had grabbed her by the hand and led her to the hotel restaurant. Miles decided to forgo breakfast to work. Smart choice. She suspected he wanted to Skype with Lauren and make sure she was all right. Kate made plans to circle back with him in an hour.
Taking a seat that Jack had pulled back for her, she reached for her orange juice. “Jack, I’m really sorry about Drew and Lauren.”
Jack sat down next to her and opened his menu. “Me, too. I’ve always been fond of Lauren. But, if it wasn’t meant to be, I’m glad those kids called it off before it was too late.”
“Have you told Janet?” her mom asked and handed Kate a plate of muffins.
“Thank you.” Kate chose a chocolate chip muffin and handed the basket to Olivia. “No. Not yet. We’re hoping for an eleventh hour miracle.” She plopped half the muffin into her mouth “Know anyone ready to get married?”
Jack put his menu down. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
Kate grimaced. She knew what was coming and needed to stop it quick. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Nonsense. You need a bride and groom and we’ve got one right here.”
Kate set her muffin down. “Um … if it’s all the same Mr. Cannon, I don’t think you should marry my mother tomorrow just to save my job. It’s kind of you to offer but definitely not necessary.”
He laughed. “Heaven’s no, dear. Nessa and I can’t have our wedding here. We want to marry in New York City at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.”
“You do?” The sick feeling in her stomach came back and was much stronger. “Then who did you mean?”
“Why, Luke and Olivia. It’s time they tie the knot. Olivia what do you think?”
Olivia laughed. “Oh, Jack. I think Luke needs to be part of this conversation.”
“Let’s go talk to him right now. I’ve wanted you in this family for years. This is the push Luke needs.”
Push Luke needs. Kate sat speechless. This couldn’t be happening, but indeed it was and she had a front row seat.
Olivia picked up her coffee cup. “Well … I’ve always dreamed of a beach wedding.”