Together, they sat at the small bistro table in the kitchen and enjoyed an egg white, mushroom and spinach omelet with fresh fruit on the side. Brittany regaled them all through breakfast with exciting stories about her new life and the people she’d met and places she’d been.
Their sister was living her dream and the happiness it brought her was undeniable. Going to Miami and joining a traveling dance troupe had been the best thing she could have done for herself.
Taylor was happy for her, but felt something tugging at her inside. It wasn’t jealousy as she would never want to live that vagabond life, but with Kayla living down the road at Key Largo now, things just weren’t the same. She missed the long talks with her sisters, the walks and worries they’d shared. Soon Kayla would be married, a wife and hopefully a mother herself. And Brittany was off and flying. In a super exciting, but dangerous new world.
Taylor’s life dimmed in comparison, yet she wouldn’t trade one minute of it for either of her sisters. But she felt a strange longing inside, as though something might be missing. What could it be? Her life was so full. She had never been more content.
“Great omelet, Taylor,” Brittany said, using her napkin to dab at her mouth. “You’ve always been such a little Suzy Homemaker. And this cafe suits you.”
“Thanks, Brit.” For some reason her words stung. “I do love it.”
“You should. It’s wonderful, and I’m so proud of you.” Brittany glanced at her watch, stood up and stretched. “This has been so much fun. I’ll have to try to get down here more often.” She hugged Juanita, then kissed Kayla’s and Taylor’s cheek. “Good luck with everything, Kayla.” She glanced down at her tummy, and smiled. “I’ll see you all next month. What’s more fun than a wedding?”
Kayla laughed. “Being the bride?”
“Not for me,” Brittany said, tossing her hair off her shoulders. “I’m going to wait until I’m in my thirties like you two. That gives me at least another four years to have fun, fun, fun.”
“Don’t have too much,” Taylor warned, suddenly feeling a rush of concern. Her sister was so beautiful, so carefree and careless. “It’s a big, bad world out there, and I worry about you.”
“Don’t. I’m in good hands. Jose is different than my other boyfriends. Older, more sophisticated. He looks after me.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Taylor held her sister’s hand and looked her in the eye. “You know we are always here for you if you ever need us.”
Miami’s dance scene was a very different world—young pretty girls were prey for danger and drugs, and men who would use them up.
“Not to worry. I always know where home is.” Brittany gave them a last hug then strode to the door. “Love you!” She tossed them a kiss then swept out of the cafe. Gone. Rushing off to Miami and her exciting new life.
More customers showed up and kept Taylor busy for the rest of the afternoon. So busy that she didn’t have time to worry about Brittany. Or Colt. Although when he didn’t show up for happy hour that night, her stomach knotted. She’d had water instead of a cocktail, but that hadn’t helped.
She wasn’t overly concerned, but she did find it odd as another two whole days and nights went by without a Colt Travis sighting. Taylor hadn’t seen him down at the marina. Not out fishing or hanging around with Jamie and Raul. He hadn’t been to see her mother or Merica either.
Had she ticked him off for good? The idea that she might have pushed him away burned a hole in her gut. He was her best friend. Probably her only friend in Paradise Cove, outside of Juanita and their family. Maybe that was what was lacking in her life, keeping her from being one hundred percent content. She didn’t have any real friends. Or time for them if she did.
Taylor had never been a girly-girl who chummed around with a lot of girlfriends. Not even when she’d been young and in school. She’d never felt the need for someone to confide in because she’d always had her sisters. She didn’t lack for female companionship and never would.
But Colt, she missed, and she didn’t like it a bit. Knowing him, he wouldn’t be moping around for her. No sirree! He’d be out finding his pleasure elsewhere. Heartless and uncaring, and darn right stupid. Getting all upset because she’d given her number out to some guy.
Really? The idea was so infuriating that she refused to breathe his name. He could take his friendship elsewhere, and she hoped he caught crabs!
She went to sleep that night—angry, frustrated—at herself more than at him.
She woke up with a headache that was slightly relieved by extra strength pain medication. Business was good, with plenty of customers who kept her occupied. Then Jack called around ten and her spirits lifted. A date with Jack was just what she needed!
Juanita and Kayla eyed her with curiosity as she hitched her fanny on the stool and grinned like a fool. “Hey, Jack,” she greeted him with warm enthusiasm. “How was the tournament? Did you win?”
“I’ll tell you all about it later, if you agree to dinner.”
“I can do dinner,” she said simply. “So was it fun?”
“We had a hellova good time.” He chuckled, and she could picture his dimple flashing. She might even kiss that dimple later—if he’d let her.
“I’m leaving Key West around noon. I’d love to stay the night, if you’ve got a cabin free?”
“Of course!” She didn’t even try to hide her excitement. Why bother? She wanted a good time. He wanted a good time. So why the hell not? They were consenting adults with a history together. Maybe they could make some present day memories to take into the future. The ones she had now were sadly stale.
“Our cabins are virtually empty,” she told him. “We have only two occupied, so we can give you one with a water view.” She had promised herself to start living a little, and tonight was as good a time to start as any.
“That’s great. Last time we talked you were a little standoffish.”
“Oh, that’s because it was opening day and I had a lot on my mind. I wanted everything to be perfect, and then there you were. It threw me off my game a little.”
“Well, I didn’t notice. Glad you’re up to a night out. Seems to me like you’re working too hard.”
“That’s true. I have been. We only took this place over eighteen months ago, and it’s been a little crazy. So yes. I’m looking forward to a night off.”
“Will you be at the cafe for the next few hours? Should I meet you there?”
“Yes, do that. I close at two, but I’ve got prep work to do for tomorrow, so I can hang around if you’re late. Then we have a happy hour here at four.”
“I’ll see you around two, two thirty and you can get me checked in.”
“Looking forward to it.” She hung up, and swung around to see two sets of eyes staring at her. Neither woman was smiling.
“You’re going out with him?” Kayla asked.
“Sure. Why not?” Taylor swept her hair up from off her shoulders and twisted it in a knot. “He’s going to stay the night. We could use the money.”
“And what’s the other reason?” she asked with a teasing glint in her eye.
“No other reason.”
Juanita put her hands on her plump hips. “Where is Colt these days? We haven’t seen him since that fight you two had. He hasn’t called Raul either. Not for two whole days.”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged as if she didn’t care. “I’m not his keeper.” She got up and grabbed a cold water bottle from the fridge and uncapped it, taking a long swallow. “I’m sure he’s busy with Jamie. School starts up in a few weeks. Maybe they’re catching up on a few things.”
“Miguel told Colt that Raul had to work. He said no baseball, but he didn’t mean no baseball anymore. Just not every day.”
“Well you can tell him that when you see him. He should be stopping in soon. Can’t imagine him disappearing for good. Probably misses his free meals.”
Kayla nodded, her eyes searching Taylor’s face. “He might feel bad for
the things he said to you, and doesn’t know how to apologize.” Her brow creased with concern. “When he hears about this date of yours, it’ll send him over the edge.”
“Well, I hope not. I miss having him around as a friend.” She swallowed a lump in her throat. “He’s the only friend I have here, except for the two of you.”
“You will always have us, no matter what,” Kayla said giving her a hug.
Their conversation came to an abrupt stop as the door opened and four fishermen came in. They sat down at a table, took off their caps, and shot a glance at the blackboard menu.
Kayla marched over to them. “Hi boys. We have some great conch chowder, or beef and barley soup, and half a sandwich to go with that. It’s a luncheon special for the bargain price of $5.99.” She gave them a plastic menu which stated the daily specials. “Here’s the list of sandwiches. And we have local beer at $3.99.”
The men glanced at her, and grinned. “You know how to make a sale. What sandwich should I have?”
“You look like a pastrami and rye type of guy.”
He laughed. “You ever been married? You’d make a hellova wife.”
“That’s on my agenda, sir.” She took the rest of their orders and returned to the kitchen with a big smile. “Specials and beers all around.”
By two that afternoon, Taylor was glancing out the window, feeling on pins and needles. She wasn’t all that sure if this date was a good idea, but now that she had agreed, she’d have to go through with it.
Kayla left early, and Taylor told Juanita that she could leave too. She cleaned up in the bathroom the best she could. Brushed her teeth, refreshed her lipstick, used deodorant and a spray of cologne. Too nervous to make dough or do anything constructive she sat down at one of the tables to wait for this prince among men to drive up in his Jag. Even the fact she thought of him in such glowing terms, made her feel ill at ease. Inferior.
The wait didn’t take long, but by the time he arrived, her stomach was in knots and she was doing breathing exercises. She’d locked the door so customers wouldn’t barge in, but she heard his car pull up, and went to open the door.
She watched him get out of his sleek and shiny car, and catching sight of her, he grinned and waved. He was wearing a collared white shirt, sleeves rolled up, and knee length dark blue shorts, with expensive loafers, no socks. His dark, wavy hair was just long enough to caress his perfect ears.
There was not one darn thing about him that a girl couldn’t admire. Jack was long and lean, with a handsome face and a great smile. If he had one flaw, the only one Taylor could see, was that he was too perfect.
Taylor turned on the “closed” sign and pulled the door shut behind her, locking it up. She faced him with a smile.
“Right on time, I see.”
“Didn’t want to keep you waiting.” Jack reached her side and pulled her in for a quick kiss.
She allowed the kiss, but then pulled back a little. “So did you win?”
“Of course we did. You wouldn’t expect us to lose, would you?” He laughed. “It was only a thousand dollar prize, but the side bets made it worthwhile.”
“Do you ever lose at anything?” she asked, wondering why it bothered her. He was the golden boy, and life had picked him.
“Not often,” he admitted, his eyes wore a devilish twinkle. “And not for lack of trying.”
She didn’t know if he included her in that, and was not eager to find out. Taylor flipped her hair back, changing the subject. “Mom dropped off a key to one of our best cottages. We should take your car, as it’s easier to park outside the cabin.”
“Great. How’s your mother doing? Is she happy down here?”
“Sure is. Loves to entertain the guests at our happy hours.” Taylor followed him to his Jag and he opened the passenger door. She slid into the creamy soft leather seat, and glanced at the fancy dashboard. He stepped around to the driver’s side and climbed in—her gaze settled on his long, tanned legs and then traveled upward to his perfect profile. Was that a cleft in his chin? She didn’t remember one, but it added to his charisma.
“What are you smiling about?” he asked with a grin.
“You.” She sat back in her seat and gestured to the car, his hair, to that sexy cleft. “How do you handle it? All this?”
“What?” He tilted his head as if he didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. And he probably didn’t. Jack was confident without being arrogant.
“Your life. You. Everything you have, and are.” They were worlds apart and yet for some strange reason, they kept colliding.
“I can’t change it.” He gave her a funny look. “I don’t have to make excuses either. I have a damn good life, and I’m not complaining.”
Taylor nodded, and her smile disappeared. “Nor should you. And you wear it well—I wasn’t criticizing, Jack.” She leaned against the door and drew in a breath. “I just feel a little overwhelmed when I’m with you.”
“Well, don’t.” He backed out of the lot and headed down the dirt road. She directed him to Rhapsody, the cabin where Sean had stayed for the first few months. The proximity to the beach and marina made it one of their most desirable units. Although it was a two-bedroom she only charged him the minimal fee.
“So this is your Paradise resort,” he said, parking the car behind the cabin. He grabbed his bag out of the rear, and she led him down the path toward the front entrance. All the pathways had recently been redone. They were lined now with white rocks which Miguel had taken the time to do.
“Yup. What do you think?”
He took her hand in his and lifted it, giving it a kiss. “I see why you love it so much. Paradise Cove. It really is, isn’t it? You have the place very well maintained, and I can hear the sound of the ocean, and smell the salt air from right here.” His eyes were warm on her face. “I’m happy for you, Taylor. I really am.”
She squeezed his hand, warmed by his praise. If he was feeding her bullshit just to get into her pants, he was halfway there.
CHAPTER SIX
Colt, cutting through Paradise Cove from the marina with Jamie on his heels, stopped abruptly on the dirt path. Jamie bumped into his back.
“What?” Jamie glanced at the path in front of them, then back up to his dad. “A snake?”
Sort of. “No.” Colt adjusted his sunglasses. “It’s nothing.” It better be nothing, but he had a feeling, as he stared at Rhapsody, that he was too late. That man and Taylor were at the door of the cabin, and then he saw him kiss Taylor’s hand.
It felt like a kick in his gut. His jaw clenched tight as he witnessed Taylor gazing into the bastard’s eyes before going inside with him, hand in hand.
Waves crashed in his ears and his heart thundered.
“Dad?” Jamie nudged him in the side.
“It’s nothing, Jamie.” He put a hand on his son’s shoulder and continued walking up the path. He shot a glance toward the cabin, hoping to catch a glimpse of Taylor through the window. What the hell was going on? Were they sneaking off for a little afternoon aerobics?
His stomach churned like butter. He wanted to pound on the door and tear this asshole off of her. That was his girl and nobody but him could have her! If Jamie hadn’t been with him, he might have done just that.
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.”
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