HOOKED ON YOU (Paradise Cove)

by Wilton, Patrice

  And yet, he knew if he did anything that stupid she’d never speak to him again. He almost didn’t care. It would be worth it. The thought of what she might be doing with that man right this very minute tore a hole in his gut.

  He knew she wasn’t his girl. Not officially. But he’d staked a claim on her a year ago when she’d caught his eye strutting down the beach with that sister of hers. They’d stopped and chatted with him as he fished off the pier. Taylor had flirted with him, throwing him teasing glances as they’d walked away. She’d come by herself several times after that. Things heated up between them, but never went all the way. He’d given her fresh fish, she’d paid him with casseroles and happy hour snacks for him and his son.

  They were an item. Sort of. Sure, he dated lots of chicks. Not that it was dating exactly. He’d take them for a few drinks, then back to his boat for a quickie now and then. That wasn’t dating. He didn’t do relationships. Hell, he’d just gotten a divorce, and Jamie wouldn’t like him hanging around with one woman all the time. His son liked Taylor because she fed him and fussed over him. And because she didn’t sleep with his dad.

  “Who was that with Taylor?” Jamie asked. He squinted his eyes to look up at him. “Was that the guy she was talking to the other day at the cafe?”

  “I guess so.” So, his son had noticed, too. “She knows him from her college days.”

  “You think she likes him?”

  “I dunno.” He jammed his hands in his pockets. “Want to go to happy hour today?”

  “Uh. Sure. But maybe she won’t be there. Maybe she’ll be with this other guy.”

  Colt’s mood darkened. “Why do you think that?”

  “Well, Taylor’s real pretty, and she’s always working or hanging with her mom. Just doesn’t seem right.” He shrugged. “She’s old enough to be married. Have kids even.”

  Kids? Babies? The thought blew his mind. “Maybe she doesn’t want them. She’s busy with the cafe.”

  “Yeah.” Jamie snorted. “She cooks all the time. I mean all the time. What kind of life is that?” He glanced back at Rhapsody. “I hope she doesn’t marry him and move away.”

  “She won’t,” he snapped. “No way. She has the resort and her cafe. And her sisters are here.” A hard knot was settling in his throat and he pushed to speak around it. “She wouldn’t go away and leave everything behind.”

  “Maybe not. But who knows? That’s a hot looking car he drives. Maybe he’s got tons of money and can give her everything she wants.”

  “Why do you say that?” Colt asked the question with anger stemming from a place his son didn’t know about. “She’s not like that. Money doesn’t buy happiness. She’s created a good life here. The work she does is not like work at all. When you love doing something, it’s enjoyable and satisfying. Like my charter business. And fishing. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing.”

  “Hmm.” Jamie pondered that. “I’d think a guy like that could show her more enjoyable things to do than cook all day.”

  The boy’s words stung. He sure in hell hoped not. But what if it were true? Maybe he should have done more than stake a claim—he should have moved in on the property.

  “Dad, you could ask her out,” Jamie said, shooting him a bright smile. “Take her fishing. Cook dinner for her on the boat. She might like that.”

  “You know, that’s not a bad idea.” He eyed his kid. “Maybe later if I can catch her alone.”

  “Yeah.” Jamie’s tone lowered. “If the other guy hasn’t asked her first.”

  “Let’s you and I go get cleaned up, then we can come back and swoop her away before she makes a big mistake with the wrong guy.”

  His son grinned. “Race you.”

  They hopped into his decade old Chevy truck and headed south a few miles, then turned onto a dirt road. They bumped along for about two blocks until arriving at their small boating community. He’d chosen the location as it had easy access to the Bay and was a short walk to the seawall. Jamie was happy here—he got a kick out of throwing stale bread to the seagulls and watching them squabble over the pieces. Another favorite past-time was to toss chum to the fish and make them jump.

  Colt didn’t bother to lock up his truck since it wasn’t worth stealing. Their cottage wasn’t grand, but it was affordable and took care of their needs. It had a bright, refurbished kitchen, open floor plan, and three small bedrooms. His ex-wife had put up some curtains on the large picture window, and painted the living area in soft yellow. They had throw rugs on the tiled floors, some local art work on the walls, a comfortable couch for his son and friends, and an easy chair that he claimed as his. A wooden bookshelf took up space on one wall and a fifty-inch flat screen adorned the other. All the comforts of home. Minus the ex-pain in the ass.

  “Take your shower first, Jamie, and don’t forget to wash behind your ears.”

  “My ears don’t get dirty,” he complained. “Why do you always tell me that?”

  “I have no idea,” Colt answered, popping the lid to a Corona light. He sucked on his beer and sat in his favorite chair, trying not to imagine what had taken place in Rhapsody this afternoon. The sound of the shower couldn’t drown out the screaming in his head.

  Had she or hadn’t she? Was that the agenda when they’d slipped into the vacant cabin? He found it hard to believe she’d do such a thing, but hell, what woman wouldn’t? Her ex-boyfriend was a class A stud, and she hadn’t had any in awhile. Sure she’d be tempted. And she knew him, which made it all the easier to do. Taylor wasn’t a tramp. She had principals, even if they were slightly lacking this afternoon.

  Not that he was condemning her or anything. After all, he wasn’t above having a stranger-danger meeting once in awhile. But he was a man. He knew how to protect himself. And a man had certain needs that most women found easy to ignore.

  Did he really think that? Was he that archaic? Crap—he needed to get with the times. Women liked sex…well, that much he knew…it was just Taylor. She hadn’t shown any interest before. And he didn’t want her to now. Unless it was with him. And why not? He was trustworthy. He had an invested interest. And he had a way with women. Enough experience to make her feel pleasure like she’d never known before.

  “Dad?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Your turn to shower. But there isn’t much hot water left.”

  “Just as well.” He took over the bathroom and stripped out of his clothes. The cold shower was exactly what he needed to wake him up and settle down his manhood. Showing up at happy hour with a hard-on for her would not win any brownie points. He could be charming. Maybe even bring out some of his old, almost forgotten habits like wearing a collared shirt tucked into his shorts. Which would require a belt. Did he even own one? What else had he forgotten over the years? Holding a chair out for a woman, folding one leg over another instead of sitting with his knees spread apart. Little things that just might get her notice.

  He had tricks. He’d just forgotten how to use them.

  * * *

  Taylor saw Colt and Jamie the moment they stepped into the pool area. The two of them greeted her mother, said hello to their guests, then stepped up to the table with the drinks and appetizers and helped themselves.

  Her skin burned. How dare he just show up uninvited and help himself as if he were a paying guest? And tonight of all nights! Why hadn’t he come yesterday or the day before? This was so awkward, and so unfair!

  “I have a problem,” she whispered to Jack, who was on his second tumbler of single malt scotch.

  “What is it?” He leaned back in his chair, his arm slung over hers. She felt his fingers caressing the back of her neck and twisted away. “Anything I can help you with?” he asked.

  Taylor could tell that he wasn’t enjoying their happy hour. He’d agreed to come for her sake, and then they were going for dinner at her favorite restaurant—Lazy Days where they could dine right on the beach, feet in the sand, with tiki torches to add to the romantic ambiance. She wante
d tonight to be perfect—and romantic, as she planned to make this a night to remember.

  “It’s the guy over there,” she told Jack, tilting her head in Colt’s direction. “I didn’t invite him but here he is anyway.”

  “Then tell him to get lost. If he’s not a guest, he was no right to be freeloading. Looks like that’s what he’s doing.” Jack had one knee hiked up on the other and tapped his toe. “Does he do this kind of thing often?”

  “Yes. Usually a few times a week. He’s a local fisherman and gives me fresh fish, and does charters for our guests too.”

  “Oh. Then I guess he feels welcome.” His eyes searched her face. “So what’s the problem?”

  “We had a falling out the other day. Just words. It wasn’t nice, and I’m angry with him.” She folded her arms around her middle. “He upset me.”

  “Then tell him so.”

  “I can’t. It would seem weird, and I don’t want to embarrass his son. Jamie’s really sweet.” She smiled at the boy and wiggled her fingers.

  He waved back, then said something to his dad.

  Colt gave her a look that could have turned her to stone.

  Asshole! Taylor stiffened, and then decided to do something that might really get his goat. She put a hand on Jack’s knee, and leaned against his shoulder. She rubbed her cheek against the soft fabric of his expensive shirt.

  Jack put his arm around her and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “That’s right. Forget about him. In another hour we can cut loose from here and go have that romantic dinner you were telling me about. They have the best grouper around?”

  “Yes, but it is lobster season, and they’ll definitely tempt you with that. Can’t go wrong with either one.” She grinned. “I’ve been going a little crazy on the stuff. Last week, Colt brought us about a dozen.” She looked away, feeling a pang of regret. “Guess I won’t be getting anymore.”

  “Have it tonight,” Jack suggested. “We’ll order two of the biggest and the best.”

  “Sounds good. We should start with a dozen raw oysters, and have either lobster or the Grouper Lorenzo. It’s rich though. Has a crab cake stacked on top and béarnaise sauce. To die for.”

  “We better have both and share plates. I know what I want for dessert.”

  She smiled and twisted around to look at him. “You do? You haven’t even seen the selections yet.”

  “I’ve already selected mine.” He waggled his brows and his eyes teased hers.

  She gulped. “We better eat light in that case.”

  Just as the words left her mouth, she felt a presence behind her. She didn’t have to turn her head to know it was Colt. She could feel his heat right through the back of her chair.

  “Taylor. May I have a word with you?” he asked politely, not sounding like the Colt she knew so well.

  “No, you may not. I’m busy right now, and you’re lucky I’m not throwing you out.”

  “You want me to leave?” his voice was cold, angry and for some reason it sent a thrill down her spine. She wanted him mad. It made her happy, and she didn’t have a clue why.

  “Yes. No,” she quickly corrected herself. “Stay and give Jamie something to eat.” She turned around. “You haven’t met Jack. Jack this is Colt Travis. Colt, this is Jack Warner. He’s visiting from New York.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Jack said offering his hand.

  “Likewise,” Colt replied, giving the hand a firm shake.

  Very firm by the look that passed over Jack’s face. He shook his hand after and laughed. “That’s quite a shake you got there.”

  “My father always told me that it’s a measure of a man.”

  “Your father was right,” Jack answered. “So, where did you grow up?”

  “Hamptons.” Colt straightened his shoulders. “Can’t seem to get away from the ocean.”

  “Nice place to grow up.” Jack narrowed his gaze. “What did your dad do? Was he a fisherman too?”

  Taylor knew Jack intended the remark as a putdown, yet Colt laughed. “Hardly. He owned an art gallery in the city.”

  “I didn’t know you came from New York,” Taylor said, her eyes widening in surprise. She gave him a long look, noting his attire for the first time. He was wearing a light blue shirt tucked into white shorts. He was attractive even in his ratty clothes, but this was a better look on him. Nice. “Is that a belt you’re wearing?”

  “Came with the shorts,” he answered, his eyes still on Jack. “So when are you headed home?”

  “That depends on Taylor,” Jack answered. “We’re catching up on old times. I can take a few more days. I haven’t had a real holiday in the past couple of years.”

  “He works for his father’s law firm,” Taylor added, for no particular reason except to piss Colt off.

  “I could have worked for my dad’s art gallery, but this suits me better,” Colt offered in response.

  “How come you never told me about this stuff? You’ve never mentioned your dad.” Taylor gazed at him, wanting to know more.

  “He’s dead. Nothing to tell.”

  Jamie came up and joined them. “Hi, Taylor.” He put out a hand to Jack. “My name’s Jamie.”

  “Jack Warner.” He smiled at the boy. “Your mom didn’t come with you tonight?”

  “No. They’re divorced.” Jamie shrugged. “She’s a nurse in the ER. Dates a doctor, but I don’t like him much.”

  Taylor winced at the boy’s statement. Though she’d lost her dad through death and not divorce, she remembered her mom dating, not always successfully, before Anna had found their step-dad. She reached out for his hand. “Jamie, did you get some of those deep fried fish bites? They’re delicious with the cilantro lime sauce.”

  “No. They musta been all gone.”

  Taylor stood up. “I’ll just run back to the house and bring out another platter,” she said, ignoring Jack’s head-shake. “Gotta take care of our guests,” she said, looking at the two tables who were chatting together. Carole seemed more animated tonight, sitting with the men from the tournament.

  “I’ll help,” Colt said, taking her elbow and leading her away.

  When they were out of hearing distance he turned to her. “Alone at last.”

  She tore her elbow from his grip. “Why did you come tonight? When you didn’t show last night I figured you’d got the message.”

  “What message is that?” His eyes were steady on hers.

  He looked impossibly handsome all of a sudden. Clean-shaven, enticing cologne. A cocky smile on his face. New clothes that made him look different—like a man who wanted the same things she did. Someone who wasn’t content to just drift along without a care in the world.

  “You know.” Her head snapped up. “You stepped out of line. I’m entitled to a life. Matter-of-fact, Jack and I are going to Lazy’s tonight. It should be fun.”

  “Did you sleep with him today? I saw you go into Rhapsody together.” His jaw clenched. “In the middle of the afternoon.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop. “Tell me you didn’t.”

  “It’s none of your business. I won’t answer your question because it’s ridiculous. I was showing him to his cabin. He’s staying tonight and possibly tomorrow.”

  “So you didn’t?” His face relaxed and he let out a long breath. His eyes grew soft as they looked at her. “I could kiss you right now.”

  “You better not.”

  He did anyway. She stood rigid in his arms, not moving and not offering anything back. He didn’t seem to notice, or if he did, he was determined to see how far he could go.

  His hands ran up and down her bare arms. His mouth fit over hers, slanting one way then another, soft one moment, increasing the pressure the next. His lips were warm, moist, tasting sweet as honey. She willed herself not to feel anything. He was not the right man for her. She loved him like a brother. She wouldn’t kiss her brother.

  I’m not enjoying this, she told herself. Then before she could guard against it, his tongue
slid her lips apart and he was in. The jolt of electricity shot right through her. It was like a lightning strike and yet the skies were clear.

  She gasped in shock and frantically pushed him away.

  “I’ve got to go. The fish bites.” Then she dashed off, afraid that if she’d stayed another minute she would want to stay longer.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  During dinner Jack had been his amusing self. She had listened to him talk about people they both once knew, and telling her antics about the fishing trip with Joey had cracked her up. He was the perfect companion, charming, knowledgeable, self-assured. They sucked back a dozen Oysters Moscow with horseradish sauce, topped with caviar. Two shots of iced Russian vodka had helped the oysters go down. Then came the fresh lobster dipped in lemon butter, and the grouper as well.

  Stuffed to the gills, she leaned back in her chair and just looked at Jack and listened to him speak. He was a natural leader, a king among men. He was very adept at keeping a one-way conversation going as she attempted to do her part. Laughed at the right moment, asked the right questions, and stayed present.

  Whatever was the matter with her, she wanted it to go away. She tried. She really did.

  They sipped on their wine and watched the sunset in all its glory. The vivid hues had colored the sky like an artist’s brush, then faded to pink and mauve swirls as the red-tinted sun settled over the ocean. A soft warm breeze stirred the air. It couldn’t have been a more perfect setting. A more perfect night.

  Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She was having the most wonderful dinner with this really great guy, but she had to force her laughter and work up a smile.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yes.” She sighed, misty-eyed. The sunset had moved her as it always did. It made her emotional, feeling vulnerable, a little out of control. It talked to her senses, and overruled her head. “It’s the sunset. Gets me every time.”

  Jack nodded and reached across their chairs to squeeze her hand. “It’s incredible. So beautiful.”

  She wasn’t sure if he meant the sunset or her. Her emotions were all over the place, wanting this, wanting that. Right now she wanted him to kiss her—to know how his kiss would taste and feel.