“Kayla…come have breakfast with me.”
“No. That would really arouse suspicion.”
“This is ridiculous.” He shifted his weight, wanting to touch her, but knowing she’d resent it if he did. He sighed. “Look. No one will know anything. I’m certainly not going to broadcast it, if that’s what you’re worried about. We are two adults and if we want to spend a little time together why should anyone question it?”
“Taylor saw me come in this morning. She already guessed. And now you’re here. That kind of confirms it, doesn’t it?”
“Not in my books. Although I don’t care if it does. We don’t need permission to be friends, with or without benefits. I wasn’t planning to entice you back to bed.” He grinned. “Although I wouldn’t say no.”
“So why did you say you were here again?”
“I came to invite you over for coffee and breakfast, then I thought we could go to the hospital together. I know you wanted to.”
She shook her head and gnawed on her bottom lip. “I don’t think either is a good idea.” She glanced to the left and the right, as if seeking for prying eyes. “Not now.” She folded her arms under her breasts, not realizing how sexy that made her look. Her breasts were lush and full, and looked especially inviting under the thin T-shirt she wore.
He remembered sucking on those nipples and knew how easy it was to make them hard. Clearing his throat, if not his mind, he asked, “What idea? The breakfast part, or plans A and B?”
“Both.” She let out a heavy sigh. “I mean what we did last night was really crazy.” She pushed her hair out of her eyes and looked over his shoulder. “We were a little out of control, and I’m never like that.”
“It was more than a little.” He gave a cocky grin, unable to keep the satisfied look off his face. Damn he felt good. Probably shouldn’t and it was unlikely to last, but he intended to enjoy it. He’d been miserable long enough.
“What’s got into you this morning? I thought you’d be heading for the hills.” She fidgeted as she said it, and glanced at the ground. “Not that I wanted you to, or anything.”
“That’s good, because I think the crazy is still in my system.” He lifted her chin so she’d have to look at him. “Last night was special, but I agree that it’s probably better for both of us if we don’t make a steady diet of it.” He grinned again. “Can’t eat caviar day and night.”
Her pretty eyes widened with surprise. “Nobody’s compared me to caviar before.”
“You’re all that and more.”
She smiled and his heart squeezed. He rubbed it absently, wanting to pull her close and taste her sweet lips. To do all the things he shouldn’t.
“Well, I’m glad you agree about keeping this a secret.”
“For your sake, it’s probably best.”
Her head shot up and her eyes became guarded. “Yes. It’s definitely best. I’m not conceited enough to think last night meant anything special. Like you said. You hadn’t had a woman in close to a year.”
The chill in her voice cut through him. He swallowed hard, wanting her to understand feelings that he didn’t know himself. It was a lot to ask, but he had to try. “Kayla, hold on to your hat. Don’t get all riled up over nothing.” He shifted his weight, wishing he could just grab on to her, and show her instead of using his words. “I came over here not just to invite you for breakfast. That was only an excuse.” He licked his lips nervously. “What I really wanted was to let you know that when I woke up this morning I felt excited to be alive. Thank you, Kayla. Thanks for that.”
Her mouth fell open and her eyes grew big and moist. “Sean…” she said softly.
“That’s all. Just wanted to get that off my chest.” Having said what he’d needed to say, he turned to walk away.
Kayla launched herself at him, and grabbed his arm. “You mean that?” She squeaked. “I helped?” She blushed and stammered, “I mean the sex, or whatever.”
“It wasn’t the sex. Partly, but it was more than that too. My heart felt lighter just being with you. I’ve been buried in a dark, depressing cave ever since Sara died.” He sucked in a breath and released it slowly. “There. I said her name again. And it doesn’t hurt.” He touched his chest. “Well, the pain is more bearable.”
“Oh, Sean.” Her gaze was soft and warm as she looked at him.
He shrugged and tried a smile. “I can think of her and breathe again. Maybe one day I might re-enter the land of the living. You’ve given me hope, Kayla. But for now, I still need to tread carefully, and continue to put one foot ahead of the other.”
She slipped a hand into his and squeezed. “I’m so glad, Sean. Thanks for telling me.”
He winked. “Go back home. I’ll see you tonight. Happy hour.”
* * *
Kayla returned to Passions with a spring in her step. During her shower, she’d given their night of passion plenty of thought, and decided she’d give him a wide berth and lots of breathing room. Play it cool. Pretend it never happened.
Instead he’d come knocking on her door, wanting her to share breakfast and go to the hospital with him. Whatever had happened between them had made a difference, even if it was only a temporary thing. For a few hours it had lifted his spirits and given him peace. She would take that for now. After all, if one night could bring that change in him, anything was possible in the next few weeks.
Sean’s boat, Sara, had led him to Paradise Cove, and she had to believe it was for a reason. He had found the Cuban family, or they’d found him. Both had needed saving—and now they were all here with her, Anna and her sisters.
No one could resist the force of all four women when they collectively wanted something. They were like a friendly, well-meaning cyclone descending upon a person, and not even the strongest could resist their persistent ways.
Kayla turned around and trotted up the stairs to her cabin. Her calf muscles were sore and she wondered if the assault in the midnight water or the aerobics in bed had contributed to this ailment. If so, she wouldn’t complain, because other parts of her body were humming with contentment. Good sex could do that to a woman, and it had been beyond good.
The Ohio family and the honeymooners were leaving today and both cabins had to be cleaned and readied for new guests. Not that they were all booked, but these cabins were well located and desirable and they liked to upgrade families when possible.
She sang a happy tune as she went about her morning chores. Stripping beds, washing floors; nothing could dampen the inner glow that Sean’s words had put there.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Sean drove along the Overseas Highway, heading toward the Lower Keys Medical center. It was half past eight in the morning, and he spotted the Golden Arches straight ahead and decided to pull over. He didn’t know if the Hernandez family had ever enjoyed a McDonald’s breakfast but he figured today was a good time to find out. Besides, he had a big hunger going. All that activity during the night had whet his appetite.
Once at the hospital, he presented his I.D., got a new visitor’s pass and was told their room number. He proceeded down the stark, flawlessly cleans halls to the elevator, and hit the third floor. The nursing station was right in front of him, but no one questioned his appearance so he followed the room signs until he came to 311.
He knocked softly, and then pushed the door ajar. “Good morning,” he said loudly, waving the savory McDonald’s bag high in the air. “American breakfast,” he told them with a friendly grin. “Hope you’re hungry.”
Raul grinned. “Si, si. Me hungry!” His eyes lit up with delight.
Miguel jumped out of his seat, making room for their visitor. “Dr. Sean. Thank you again. You’ve already done so much for us. How can we repay your kindness?”
“No need. Just have a fine baby, that’s all I ask.” Sean patted him on the back and put the McDonald’s bag on the tray next to Juanita’s bed. “How are mother and baby doing?” he asked, taking her hand.
She nodded h
appily. “Good. Very good, thanks to you.”
He could see that for himself. She looked better than he expected, sitting up in bed watching TV—her son lying at her feet. There was an oversized chair on the other side of the bed where Miguel had slept.
The three of them seemed one hundred percent better than they had the previous morning. But considering how close they’d been to death, it couldn’t be otherwise.
“We have egg sandwiches,” he said. “Some with cheese and sausage, others with bacon or plain. Sausage burritos, a dozen pancakes, and oatmeal with fruit.” He handed the wrapped packages to them, and then stood with his back to the window, happy with the healthier choice of fruit and maple oatmeal.
Raul didn’t need any convincing, but Juanita seemed afraid to open hers. “We can’t pay,” she said quietly.
Sean shook his head sadly. “Please help me with all this food. I can’t possibly eat all of this. I’ll blow up like a big balloon, and then go poof!” He waved his hands in the air, making Raul giggle.
The man and son made quick work of their sandwiches and started on a stack of hotcakes loaded with syrup. Juanita picked at her burrito, then seeing how much her men were enjoying their meals she gave in, eating heartily until she was full. She wiped her mouth and sighed. “I love American breakfast,” she said, patting her extended belly. “But it makes me fat.” Then she laughed and they all joined in.
Sean took note of how something so simple made this family happy. Of course, their true happiness was due to the fact that they had survived the journey, and Juanita would be giving birth to their American miracle baby.
“I have good news for you.” Sean cleaned up the wrappers and stuffed them in the now empty bag. “I’m going to take Miguel and Raul home with me until you can join us, Juanita. Kayla and her family are going to let you stay in your own cabin.”
“We must leave?” Miguel asked, with a frightened look toward his wife. “My wife needs us here.” He patted her hand, and bent to kiss her forehead.
“Your wife needs rest, and you two need a place to live while she’s in the hospital,” Sean reassured him. He smiled warmly at Juanita. “The three ladies who own the resort have offered you a cabin in exchange for some light work around the place.”
Tears rolled down Miguel’s cheeks. He hugged his wife. “You are too kind. No need…we are fine here. Or with you. Unless we are too much trouble?”
Sean smiled. “No trouble, but this gives you more room. And privacy.” He shrugged. “Better for me too.”
Miguel straightened up, and was silent for a long moment. Then a big smile engulfed his face. “A home of our own!” he exclaimed. “Only in America.”
Sean had a sinking feeling in his stomach. Did they think they could stay here forever? He had better set things straight. “Only until the baby comes,” he said,” then you can relocate anywhere you want.”
“Here. We stay here.” Miguel bobbed his head. “We can work. I can garden, work with tools. Handyman, yes?”
“Yes. Until the baby comes.” Sean wanted to make that clear—it was a temporary solution to their problem, until the Refugee agency stepped in. “You could help around the place. Spruce it up. Do you paint?”
It didn’t take much more for Sean to convince Miguel and Raul to leave so Juanita might rest. Especially since she and the day nurse practically pushed them out the door.
On the return drive, Miguel chatted about the work he would do, and knowing how important it was to his pride, Sean didn’t object or indicate that perhaps he should give himself some time to heal from the arduous journey. Instead he stopped at Home Goods and let Miguel choose the items he’d need for the jobs he had planned.
While he was there, Sean found some flowered baskets that would look nice on the cottage decks or around the pool. Since he didn’t have any idea of colors that Kayla would paint the cabin exteriors, he bought cans of primer and roller brushes to get the job started.
When they returned, he stopped at the office hoping to catch Kayla, but Anna greeted him instead.
“I have Miguel and Raul with me,” he told her. “Juanita is doing well. I brought them McDonald’s for breakfast.” He made a face. “Not exactly heart healthy I know, but they enjoyed it and needed something to fatten them up.”
Anna smiled. “Absolutely right. I’m so glad you brought them here to stay with us. Do you think Juanita will be released in a few days? The cost of a hospital stay would be exorbitant, and I don’t care who’s paying for it.”
“The Refugee program takes care of medical bills, but I’m sure they don’t want any unnecessary costs either. Once she’s properly stabilized they’ll release her in our care.”
“That’s good, then. The girls have got Smooth Sailing ready for them. Do you need a key?”
“No. Kayla gave me one last night.” He cleared his throat. Talking about Kayla to her mother—after the things he’d done with her last night—well, it was a touch uncomfortable. The sooner he said what he needed to say, the quicker he could get out of here.
He glanced out the window where Miguel and Raul waited in the car. “I wanted you to know that we stopped at Home Goods and ordered some supplies. Should arrive later today. Miguel refuses to stay unless he can work, and I remembered that Kayla mentioned she wanted the cabins painted. So Miguel has offered to do it.”
“Oh my!” Anna gasped and put a hand to her throat. “We certainly did not expect that! He’s in no condition to do manual labor. That poor man—the whole family! We only want them to rest up from their terrible ordeal and build their stamina. They might need it for whatever comes their way. Heaven knows what will happen to them when they leave here.”
She glanced at the Toyota Corolla, and gave a little wave. “Please tell them we appreciate the offer but it’s not necessary.” Then a thought occurred to her. “Unless we can pay them, of course. They will need money, and his wallet was lost at sea. Correct?”
“Yes, but he won’t take your money. Having a roof over their heads and food in their stomach is more than they could expect. You may try, but I don’t think you’ll have any luck. He’s determined to earn his and his family’s keep.”
“I understand. A man has his pride. I’ll ask Kayla to speak with them this afternoon. Perhaps she can sort something out—a light work schedule that won’t tax his strength.”
He almost laughed. Miguel was a wiry little bugger, and would likely outlast him when it came down to physical labor in these hot, humid conditions. He’d put money on it, and the fact that the man would sleep better for it.
“Sounds good.” Conversation over, Sean headed for the door. He didn’t look at Anna as he spoke, “Where is Kayla now? I could order the paint and have it delivered at the same time, if I knew the color scheme she had in mind.”
“She’s sleeping,” her mother said. “She seemed unusually tired after she came back from making up the two cabins. Taylor and Brittany helped a little, but then they both had other jobs they needed to do. Neither of them like grunt work, I’m afraid.” The phone rang and she moved to answer it. “Go ahead and wake her. It’s been a couple of hours and she won’t mind.”
Sean had a hand on the door and didn’t look back. “Let her rest. Just let her know that she doesn’t need a handyman. Miguel and I will get the cabins painted for her.”
Anna smiled. “How nice of you. She’s a stickler when it comes to keeping within a budget, so this will be a big help.” Then she picked up the phone. “Paradise Cove Cottages. How can I assist you today?”
Sean let himself out and drove down the dusty road to Rhapsody. Kayla had told him how embarrassed they all were with some of the names, so as a surprise he’d picked out some wood. Figured he could carve out a nice new nameplate for his cabin too.
Miguel and Raul climbed out of the car just as a new family arrived. There was a boy about the same age as Raul, with a younger sister that looked about four or five. The couple had parked their car in front of the cabin where
the honeymooners had stayed, and were unloading their belongings.
“Can I help them?” Raul asked. “I’m big and strong, and I want to work too.”
Sean laughed. “Why don’t you just relax for a few days? You know how to relax, don’t you?”
The boy looked at his father. “No entiendo.” He looked from one male face to the other. “In America we no work?” He scuffed the ground with his freshly bought sneakers. “Everything is free?”
“No, not free,” Sean hastened to assure him. “But children go to school, and when they come home they help their family with chores. But you are a guest here. Like the other families. So, no work.” He ruffled the boy’s head. “Can you read? Do you like books?”
“I can read a little, and spell and write too. I was taught by a woman in our village. Education is very important,” he said proudly, “but so is work.” With that said, the boy turned and ran off in the direction of the new family. He grabbed the bag out of the lady’s hand, and grinned. “My name is Raul,” he told them. “I’m a guest here too, but I like to work.” He grabbed the little girl’s bag that she was rolling, and headed for the cabin. “I help carry bags.”
Mystified, the family didn’t even try to stop him.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kayla stormed over to Rhapsody, almost glad that she had something to be angry about. It was better to have an emotion to galvanize her, rather than dwell on the subject of Sean and how she was going to handle her feelings for him.
She ran up the stairs, rapped on the door, and took several deep breaths. What had he been thinking? Yes, she needed the work done, but no way in hell would she let Miguel do this without being paid. They had twelve cottages in all, and she’d already budgeted for that expenditure. It wasn’t cheap, but it needed to be done, and done correctly. She knew Miguel’s heart was in the right place and that he felt a certain obligation to repay her and her family for giving them a much needed break, but not like this.
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