HOOKED ON YOU (Paradise Cove)

by Wilton, Patrice

  “Just curious. I’m feeling a little impulsive right now. If the family wasn’t outside this room I might want to try for a fifth. Bet I could score a home run.”

  “Now you’re the one being a jerk.”

  “Taylor. I’m serious about giving up other women. Just because I don’t plan on getting married anytime soon, doesn’t mean I can’t date one steady girl, does it?”

  She didn’t answer. Being Colt’s steady girl had never occurred to her. Neither had making love to him all night long. She had enjoyed the second part—a lot—but what would being his steady girl mean? How often would they be doing what they did? Two or three times a week? After all, he had his son the other nights, so weekends then. Hmmm. Possibly doable. Certainly exciting. She’d have to think more on that.

  “Did you fall asleep or are you going to answer?” He sounded annoyed.

  “I’m thinking.” She closed her eyes, trying to imagine her life with Colt as a lover instead of a friend. She couldn’t. She had so much going on with the cafe and the resort that the idea of making love as a steady diet sounded—well, exhilarating but equally exhausting. When would she ever get any rest? Or alone time? She’d be with customers and people all day long. She’d never be alone again.

  Colt was still beside her, but no longer touching. She wasn’t sure what to make of that, so she pretended to sleep.

  What seemed a lifetime later, the awful noises and shuddering of the walls began to subside. The storm had done its worst and moved away.

  Colt sat up. “It’s over, Taylor. At least for now. I’ve seen a hurricane change direction and come back, but I don’t expect this one will.”

  She lifted her face and looked at him. “Thank you for being here. I don’t think I could have handled it, if not for you.”

  “Sure you could.” He kissed her lips softly. “You’re one of the strongest, bravest women I know.” He kissed her again. Gentle, warm, friendly. He was wise enough to know that this was the time for comfort, not passion. “I hope my suggestion didn’t frighten you off.” He caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand. “I’ll always be here for you. As long as you want me.”

  She gave him a small smile, her heart fluttering. “I want you.”

  He sat up in bed, and pulled her with him. “Let’s go check on the others.”

  Everyone was gathered in the great room, Meri in her mother’s lap, Raul glued to his father. When Colt and Taylor returned, their worried looks turned to smiles.

  “You both okay?” Anna asked.

  “We are now,” Colt answered, holding Taylor’s hand.

  “Si. Storm is gone. Life is good,” Miguel said, and nodded at Colt, accepting their relationship for whatever it was. “How about you and I go take a look around?”

  “I’ll get us some flashlights. Hold on a minute.” Sean took off and returned with wet gear for the three of them and lanterns. “We won’t be long,” he said to the others. “Probably won’t see much anyway.”

  “I’ll make coffee, and open some wine,” Kayla said, then her face brightened. “Sean, mind if I tell them?”

  “Not if you feel ready.” Sean moved forward to put a supporting hand around his wife’s waist.

  “Well, since we are all family here, I think it’s time to let Miguel and Juanita in on our little secret.” She glanced at Sean’s face, then reached out for Juanita’s hand. “I’m expecting again.”

  The announcement brought a round of cheers, hugs and good wishes. A bottle of champagne was opened when the men returned with further good news that they’d only lost one tree out front, and a few shingles from the garage roof.

  The night became a celebration instead of a night of despair.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Taylor slept in a room with her mother that night, but lying in her own twin bed all she could think of was the question Colt had asked. Did she want their relationship to explode into a full blown affair? Could she handle it if it did? On the other hand, now that they knew each other intimately, and liked each other so much, how could they not?

  “What are you thinking about?” her mother asked, turning on the small lamp next to her bed.

  “I’m sorry, did I keep you awake?”

  “I probably wouldn’t sleep anyway. Anxious about seeing our cottages in the morning.”

  “Me too, Mom. I have a lot on my mind. The cafe. The resort. Colt.”

  “Why don’t you just admit you love him, and live happily ever after? Then we could all get some sleep.”

  Taylor laughed. “Wish it were that simple. Our feelings are not in dispute. But nothing has changed. Colt doesn’t want a wife, and I’m not ready to be one.”

  “What is ready? When the time comes it just happens. Doesn’t matter if you’re ready or not. Now try and get some sleep. It’s almost two in the morning and we will have a full day ahead of us tomorrow. Or today,” she corrected herself. “Rest my dear. I love you.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”

  She must have fallen asleep because the next thing she knew the sun was shining through the window, and the smell of coffee had her taste buds watering. She sat up, and saw her mother was already gone.

  She dressed quickly and joined the others in the kitchen. Bacon was frying, and Kayla was stirring scrambled eggs in a large frying pan. Raul was in charge of buttering the toast.

  Taylor slipped up behind Colt and gave him a hug. “Good morning everyone. It’s so great to see all these smiling faces.”

  “We have a lot of be thankful for,” Anna said, handing Meri a slice of banana. “Brittany called, and she’s fine. They didn’t get anything where she lived except a lot of rain and heavy winds.” Her mom glanced around the table. “Seems like we survived another storm together.”

  “Amen to that.” Taylor poured herself a cup of coffee and hitched her butt on one of the stools next to the speckled granite island they’d recently installed. The kitchen had plenty of tall white cabinets and gleaming counters, and windows and light. But what made it so special were the people and the love they felt for each other. The rest was just material.

  After a hearty breakfast, they all took their leave. Kayla stayed with Sean, and Miguel drove his family home, saying he’d get them settled first, then come around to check on the cottages. Anna had her own car, and was going to stay with Kayla and help her clean up, then would meet them back at Paradise Cove in a few hours.

  Colt drove Taylor home, wanting to stay until Miguel arrived. She was glad for his company, knowing he must be worried about his boat and his own home too.

  “Doesn’t look too bad,” he said as they first entered the grounds.

  They stopped at her cafe which was still standing but her heart sank when she realized that the thatched roof was gone, the picnic tables destroyed, and a second tree had fallen, barely missing the cafe’s tin roof.

  “Didn’t need that tree anyway,” Colt said, wrapping his arm around her. He rested his chin on her head and held her close. “We’ll put out heads together and figure out a different plan for this outside area. A roof that won’t blow down and to get rid of a few more trees.”

  “Yes. I was the stubborn one and wanted this thatched roof, and Miguel told me it wouldn’t last.” She gave a short laugh. “Wrong again.” She snuggled into him. “One thing I wasn’t wrong about is you.”

  He kissed her gently. “I’m glad you came to your senses.”

  “Well, about some things.” She still didn’t know if she wanted to be a lover or a friend, but right now they had more important issues at hand.

  They got back in the car and drove down to her cabin, and she let out a sigh of relief to find it untouched. “It looks perfect,” she whispered. “My little home.” She touched her heart. “Oh, I do love it here. This place.” You.

  “Come on.” He raced to the front door. “Let’s get some of these boards down, and let a little light in. Then we’ll check the rest of the place out.”

  “Okay.” She used her key and
pushed the door open. It was dark and uninviting after being at Kayla’s bright home overnight. “Looks like a bat’s cave,” she said, going into a cupboard and grabbing a hammer. “Let’s knock those boards down.” Gleefully, they ripped most of them off, then left the ones beyond their reach until Miguel could assist.

  Together, they toured the property and assessed the damage. Other than a few shingles missing and some tiles from the roof, the cottages held up under the cat one force. The grounds were a mess, with a few trees down, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed.

  When they reached the pool she was able to see the beach. The palm trees had taken one hell of a beating, and the area was ravaged, but the high tide had been stopped by the mangroves. She hugged Colt, and broke down sobbing.

  Colt put an arm around her and let her cry it out. When she peeked at him, she could see his eyes were wet too. Her emotions were so full right now, that she knew she couldn’t trust them. Especially with Colt. She felt almost an embarrassing rush of love and gratitude, and a mixture of so many things that she needed to be alone to absorb them all.

  She squeezed his hand and then let go. “I need to be alone right now. I’m going to take a short stroll down the beach and try to get my head on straight.”

  “Sure. I get it.” He didn’t look offended. “I’ve got to check on my own property too.”

  “Why don’t you come back later? Tonight. Join us for dinner.”

  “I’ll try. Can’t promise anything until I see how my place held up. With any luck it fared as well as yours.”

  “Give me a call and let me know.”

  “I will.” He turned and left, and Taylor saw Miguel standing not far away. He waved, and she walked over to greet him.

  “How’s your place? Okay?”

  “It’s fine. Glad to see all the cottages still standing.” He took his cap off his head, and wiped perspiration from his brow. “This place is well built. Strong. Like you it can weather any storm.” He glanced at Colt’s retreating back. “You good?”

  “Couldn’t be better.”

  “Okay. I go to work now.” And off he went.

  Smiling, she realized how lucky she was to have such solid people around her. No matter what happened, or what decision she made, Colt would remain her friend and staunch supporter. And Miguel was worth his weight in gold. He always knew what needed to be done before she did herself.

  Taylor picked her way over the mangroves and walked half a mile down the length of the beach. There wasn’t much left of it. It had been washed away, but hopefully it would be presentable again for Kayla’s wedding.

  When she returned to her cabin, she called both sisters to let them know that the cottages had survived and that their Paradise Cove would soon be back in business. Next, Taylor cancelled the few reservations they had up and coming. They’d already been in touch so the customers were happy to change their plans and come at a better time.

  Anna returned, and got straight to work—taking out the pool’s lawn furniture, and flowered pots. She helped Miguel with the light work, obviously enjoying the outdoors after being cooped inside. Taylor couldn’t wait to join the two of them, and was heading out the door when Colt called.

  She ran back into the cabin to answer. “Hey. How’s things?” she asked, her heart racing just at the sound of his voice.

  “I’m sorry, Tay, but I won’t be able to make dinner. Yard’s a mess, and I want to get the place straightened around before Jamie gets back. His mother is bringing him home now.”

  “No problem. Say “hi” to Jamie for me. Come by any day this week for happy hour. And breakfast when I reopen.”

  “You bet I will.” He cleared his throat. “A lot happened this weekend, didn’t it?”

  “You can say that again.” Taylor wasn’t sure if he was having second thoughts. Perhaps he regretted his comments about being exclusive. Now that they were back on familiar ground, he might want to distance himself—or give her some space. She didn’t know what to think, but one thing was for sure. Sex changed things. Their relationship would never be completely the same. Understandably, he was probably as confused as she was.

  That day and the next flew by, and Taylor’s emotions continued to sway like a tropical breeze. One minute she’d remember every detail of her night with Colt and cling to that memory, and then the next she’d try to hide from it—and bury it in work.

  There was plenty of that. With her family back, and Miguel chomping at the bit, they all dug in to restore the resort to its pristine best. At the weeks’ end, the grounds were greatly improved, but it would take time for some of the beautiful Palms to return to their former glory. Many branches had been clipped, and a few had only a branch or two remaining.

  The following weeks flew by. Miguel hired a crew to assist him in clearing away the debris and restoring the beach in front of the resort. Colt and Jamie would join in every few days for happy hour, and he’d pop in once in awhile for a quick breakfast. Fast and friendly. He didn’t seek her company alone, and she didn’t know what to think about that. She never saw him with any other girl, but yet he’d backed away from her too. It was worse than it was before.

  Pre-hurricane, they could lust after each other, but had plenty of good reasons to keep apart. The flirtation had been fun, and playful. Not for her anymore. She yearned, and yet she couldn’t have, so she buried the confusion and the hurt deep inside.

  Kayla’s wedding was approaching fast, and the extra work involved helped her maintain focus. This was not the time for her to worry about what was or what might have been with buddy, Colt. This was her sister’s time, family time, and the happiest day was just ahead.

  All the arrangements were made, and the guests were flying in from all over. Their friends were staying at their place and Sean’s guests were down the road at The Islander, a much larger resort with beautiful grounds, a full scale restaurant next to the pool and the beach, and a warm and friendly staff.

  Taylor and her mom had insisted that Kayla stay away for the last two days. With Miguel’s help, a beautiful atmosphere for the wedding had been created, and they wanted it to be a surprise.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The day of the wedding, Taylor was up early, too excited to sleep. Her head was spinning with all the last minute details that had yet to be done. She slipped on an old tee and a pair of shorts and Sketchers, then headed down to the beach. All night she’d been dreaming about today, imagining the joy and wonder that would light up Kayla’s face when she saw what had been done.

  Rows of tiki torches were set up to enclose the wedding area just beyond the pool but before the mangroves and the beach. Six pillars with pink and white ribbons stood eighteen feet high—three on each side. Miguel and his crew had attached billowing sheer drapes from the pillars that floated like soft clouds over the rows of plastic white chairs. The palm trees were strung with fairy lights, and tables were set up amongst the trees for their guests to dine under the starry night and the twinkling lights.

  Tears came to Taylor’s eyes when she saw all this in the first light of day. She sat in the one of the chairs, too moved to go any further. What Miguel had done was nothing short of brilliant. He’d discussed it with her and her mom, but until yesterday it was only a drawing. It had taken a team of men to erect the pillars while Colt helped Miguel wind pink and white ribbons around each one. Anna, Taylor and their wedding guests had watched from the pool where they were having a champagne happy hour in honor of the wedding, and a big cheer had gone up when the sheers were attached. The breeze made the sheers flop around and the men had some trouble, but once it was complete, it was the most romantic thing Taylor had ever seen.

  She couldn’t imagine a more perfect wedding. Tears slid down her cheeks, and she swiped them away. Weddings made everyone emotional, and she was not exempt.

  She stood up, feeling a little foolish. Here she was with so much to do, sitting and crying over this lovely setting. She and her mother had been responsible for the sm
all path that separated the guest seating—a make shift aisle which Kayla and Sean would walk toward the arched altar to say their wedding vows.

  Taylor’s last minute chore was to lay out the pots of flowers along the path as they couldn’t be done yesterday, getting in the way of the men constructing the pillars and sheers. While that was being done she’d made the pots herself, as her mother manned the office and Brittany drove their guests around. Cooking was her thing, not flower arrangements, but joyfully she had embraced the task.

  She picked up a pot of pink hibiscus and placed it on the right side of the aisle, then went back for the second pot. There were thirty in all. Fifteen per side, and then a dozen smaller ones for the individual tables. It was hard and tedious work, but when she was done, Taylor stepped back to inspect her handiwork. She smiled with satisfaction.

  “Hey, Taylor. Looking good,” Colt called out to her.

  Shading her eyes she watched him arrive. He’d been down at his boat, and his tanned chest was bare, a t-shirt slung over his broad muscular shoulder. He wore baggy cargo shorts that rode low on his hips, sun glasses, and a sexy smile.

  “Hey, Colt.” She waved her hand toward the potted plants. “Do you think I did the right thing by having one pot pink, then the next one white, or should I have made mixed pots?”

  “Not mixed. It’s perfect, just as it is.” He gave her a quick once over and she wasn’t sure if he was still talking plants.

  “Thanks.” She dropped her eyes, and seeing his half naked body made her mouth water. She wanted to touch him so badly, wanted his kisses so much. Why was he keeping his distance? Didn’t he want her anymore?

  His eyes when he looked at her told a different story.

  They never discussed the proposition he’d made while comforting her in bed. She didn’t know if he still wanted her as his one and only sex partner, or if he regretted the impulsive offer. Perhaps he was waiting for her to make the first move.

  It was odd how he’d taken to walking around shirtless the past couple of weeks. She didn’t think he was working on his tan. Did he hope to entice her with those great abs of his? Really? If he wanted to sleep with her, why wouldn’t he just ask? One thing for sure. He was hanging around a lot lately. Helping Miguel with all the wedding stuff. Jamie was back in school, and tourist season wasn’t in full swing, so Colt had free time on his hands.