She’d been proud of him, knowing the other girls were jealous and disliked her for being his favorite. It was a backstabbing world and she had been on guard, knowing any one of them would have slept with him in an instant. Had they? And what had he told everybody about her leaving? She had to call her friends. Claire would be honest. And Janine. They were as friendly as competitive women could be, but their loyalty was nothing like her sisters.
She’d worked hard, pushing herself physically, making sure she was always early to practice and the one last to leave. She had taken good care of herself, and of him, and been friendly with the girls, even knowing they resented her and looked forward to her downfall. They were probably laughing now.
Her cheeks burned as she delivered two seafood quiches to table five. Brittany, knocked up and tossed aside. Jose no doubt had already replaced her in his bed.
“Anything else?” she asked the customers.
“Iced water?”
She got them their water, and chatted for a few minutes.
She was not to be pitied. She would show the world one day what Brittany Holmes was made of. She’d triumph, or fail, but she would never be anyone’s fool again.
At three Taylor locked the front door of the café. “I’ve got clean-up. You get ready for happy hour. You are coming, aren’t you?”
“Of course.” She was not going to stay home and lick her wounds—that wasn’t her style. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
“I’ll get the coconut shrimp prepared and meet you there.” Taylor hugged her. “Thanks for the help today. You are really great with the customers.”
Pleased by her sister’s observation, Brittany left out the back door and went home. She liked being around people, and didn’t mind helping at the café, or in the office. Maybe one day she’d return to show business, once her baby was in school. But for now, she was where she needed to be.
After her shower, she chose a strapless cotton summer dress in a palette of bright colors. Her skin was naturally tanned, thanks to her mom’s Greek heritage. She twisted her heavy hair off her neck and secured it with a tortoiseshell clip. Long strands escaped and fluttered against her cheeks. Opting for simple, her only make-up was a coat of mascara and lip gloss.
When she arrived at the pool, it was obvious she was the last to arrive.
“Hey, everybody!” She pushed through the pool gate and made her way to her family’s table. Her mother looked cool in a long flowing skirt, a white cotton sleeveless top, and round white hat, while Taylor was still in her work clothes. Her cute husband Colt sat next to her, and their son Jamie.
She noticed two other couples sitting on the opposite side of the pool. They were guests from Norway, obviously enjoying the strawberry daiquiris her mother had whipped up and Taylor’s plentiful appetizers. Their voices floated across the pool, but she didn’t understand a word as they spoke in their native language.
They smiled and waved their glasses, and she caught the word, “Cheers.”
“Didn’t our new guest come?” Brittany asked her mom. “Or did I miss him?”
“We haven’t seen him yet.” Taylor winked at her husband, ruffled Jamie’s hair, then stood up. “Come on Brit. Let’s go get him. Happy hour’s mandatory. Did you forget to tell him?”
“Of course not!” Brittany loved how at ease Taylor was as Colt’s wife and Jamie’s stepmom. It hadn’t been an easy courtship, but it was obvious they belonged together.
“Don’t be too long,” Colt replied, helping himself to a coconut shrimp. “Or all this good food will be gone.”
“Don’t you dare eat them all, Colt Travis!” Taylor warned. “We have to impress Mister Ashley Chase.”
“Chase. Just Chase,” a sexy voice said from behind Brittany.
Brittany turned slowly, surprised by the rush of heat that coursed through her body.
Chase nodded at her, but turned his attention to her sister. “You must be Taylor, from the Cafe.” He lifted her sister’s fingers and brushed his mouth over them in greeting, his dimples flashing. “It’s a pleasure meeting you.”
Taylor blushed and tugged her hand back. “And you.”
Colt immediately got to his feet. “I’m her husband. Colt. And this is my son Jamie.”
Chase shook hands, his manners impeccable and very charming. He turned to their mother. “And who is this ravishing lady?”
Anna simpered and rose from her chair. “Anna Jones. Mother to these lovely young ladies. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Chase. Welcome to Paradise Cove.”
“Why thank you, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to be here.”
Taylor’s brown eyes sparkled as she glanced at Brittany and then focused on Chase. “Glad you made our happy hour. It’s the most fun we have around here.” She held Colt’s hand as she smiled at their guest. “You’re a playwright, I hear. Brittany mentioned that you are working on something now.”
“That’s true, although I actually make my living in advertising.” His soft drawl was still distinct, although layered under New York’s quicker way of speaking.
“What kind of play you writing?” Colt asked, slipping a possessive hand around Taylor’s waist.
“Something different than I’m used to. Excuse me if I don’t want to talk about it just yet, but I’m still formulating ideas.”
Chase looked her way, and Brittany’s insides fluttered. The fluttering was like a tickle and she pressed her hands to her belly. Too soon for the baby, she thought, so what was it? Her palms were damp too, but then South Florida in the summer was like a steam bath.
“Hi,” she said. “Glad you made it.”
“Of course I did. Good food. Beautiful women. Now I know why it’s called Paradise Cove.” Chase grinned at the ladies, and her mother sighed audibly.
“Why, you are a charmer,” Anna said. “Won’t you join us and have something to eat?”
“Don’t mind if I do.” He gestured toward the shrimp. “Haven’t eaten all day. Would you mind if I had one?”
Anna laughed kindly, and stood. “Don’t ask. Just grab. We’re not too formal around here.” She gave him a warm smile and patted his arm in passing. “I’ll get you a plate while you pull up a chair.”
Taylor had sat down again, and Colt put a hand on the back of her neck, caressing it with love. Staking his claim, Brit thought with surprise. She glanced over at Chase, who had a slighter build than hunky Colt. His masculinity was more refined, but just as potent.
Jamie jumped out of his white plastic chair. “Mr. Chase. You can take my seat. I’ll grab another.”
“Why, that’s right kind of you.” He nodded at Colt. “You’ve raised a fine young man.”
“Yeah, well it was easy. Got lucky with him.” Colt waited until Chase sat down. “You like to fish at all? I own a fishing charter and I’m always happy to take the PC guests to the best spots.”
“Not much into fishing,” Chase said, darting a swift look at Brittany. “I’m a little burned out with the ad business, and got a big opportunity here. Need to get something fleshed out fast.”
“Why’s that?” Colt asked.
“Friend of mine told me about a producer looking for something specific. It could be a big deal, but there’s a lot of competition out there.” He used his elegant fingers to pick up one of the deep fried shrimp and swallowed it in two quick bites. “All better known, more experienced, playwrights than me. It’s a long shot, but I’ve got to take it. Can’t keep this dream of mine on the back burner forever.”
“Man’s gotta do what he’s gotta do.” Colt made room for Jamie and the chair he was carrying.
“I’ve been doing that for years. Advertising pays the bills, but it drains the soul.”
Anna handed him a drink and a plate with an assortment of stuffed pitas and mini seafood quiche. “I brought you a daiquiri, but I can get you something else if you’d prefer.”
“Not necessary.” He eyed the plate. “This is a feast,” he said. “Thank you.”
“Eat, dr
ink and enjoy. You’ve come to the right place.” Anna spread her hands out. “Listen to the water crashing on the shore. Feel the warm breeze. Enjoy the sunset. It doesn’t get better than that.” She laughed, clearly enjoying herself. Or the drinks. Who knew with her? “At night we listen to the crickets singing a melody. What could be more inspirational than this?”
“Beautifully said.” Chase toasted the others with his drink. “Cheers, and thanks for the hospitality.” He dug in, and the others chatted while he ate.
When his plate was empty, he wiped his mouth, downed his drink, and sat back to watch the sun sinking in the horizon. Brittany watched the sunset too, but from where she sat she could easily see Chase’s profile and the contours of his face. Both were equally attractive, but she’d seen the sunset many times before. And she was a people person—she didn’t need to make excuses to be friendly.
She leaned forward. “How did the writing go today?”
“Good. Wrote ten pages in one afternoon. That’s ten more pages of real writing than I’ve done in a decade.”
“Awesome.” Brittany grinned, seeing his flush of pleasure. The man drove a Lexus, had a great career. He was obviously successful. Ten pages didn’t sound like a lot, but what did she know? If it made him happy, then she was too. “I’m going to grab an iced tea. Anyone need anything?”
Lighthearted, she pranced toward the pitchers on the buffet table. Chase had come at the right time for an innocent flirtation. He would be a distraction to ease her heartache, and then he’d be gone before her body became big and awkward with child. It would be so much easier to have that baby bulge if she had an adoring husband to share in the joy. Not that she had to do this alone. With her mother and sisters, and Juanita fussing over her, she could probably breeze through the next eight months and be pampered to death.
She made a plate of cucumber, baby carrots and broccoli, with a small amount of dip to go with her tea. Like most dancers, she was very body conscious. She weighed herself every day and checked her silhouette in the mirror. When would her flat stomach fill out? And how would she feel when it did?
CHAPTER FOUR
The following day, Brittany got up early. She might not be dancing, and she might be pregnant, but she didn’t want to get fat.
She put on her jogging shorts, sports bra and tee, a pair of Sketchers and did a few lazy bends. Then she stretched her calf muscles before taking off in the pre-morning dawn. The sky had swirls of gray and pink clouds, but it was still dark enough that she had to pick her way through the mangrove bush separating the cottages from the sandy beach. Once through, she took off at a slow run.
Her thoughts were all over the place. She relived last night’s happy hour, and how easily Chase had fit in. Her mother and Taylor had certainly taken to him. Colt, not so much. But he’d kept up with Chase, speaking about his years growing up in Manhattan and summers in the Hamptons. Brittany knew the full story about his father’s death, and treachery, and how Colt had ended up in Florida with his mother and sister, bankrupted and disgraced. That was family information and should remain as such. Still, he knew his mettle and didn’t bow down to anyone.
After watching the sunset together, Colt, Taylor and Jamie went home, and Brittany had called it a night too. She’d wanted to get back to the cottage to call her friends in Miami, and find out the latest scoop. Who had Jose replaced her with, whether she had been the only one who didn’t know he was still married, and what had the scoundrel told the others for the reason she left? She knew he was a liar but did anyone else?
She wanted to set the record straight, and keep her reputation intact. It was not her intention to leave the dance troupe so abruptly, leaving them without their star attraction and without notice. She was a professional and knew better than that. Unfortunately, neither Janine nor Claire had picked up the phone. Were they afraid to talk to her? Excluding her too? Confused, anxious, she’d left a quick message, saying just that a family emergency had made her come home.
After running a mile, she executed a turn then began the distance back. Halfway home, she felt a low pain in her abdomen. Brittany slowed to a walk. Even at a snail’s pace, the pain increased. Worse than menstrual cramps. Different. Something was wrong. Breathing through her mouth, Brit cut across the sand and was almost at the mangroves when a sudden sharp stab brought her to her knees in the cool sand. She let out a cry, holding her stomach, afraid to move in case she caused more harm.
It wasn’t even six in the morning. How long would she lay here before someone found her? Brit sucked in a determined breath—she had to get help for her baby.
A man’s hand on her shoulder startled her, and she turned her head. “Chase?”
He was panting, his t-shirt damp, as if he’d just completed his own run. “Are you alright, Brittany?”
She bit back a sob. “I don’t think so.” Worry made her confess, “I’m pregnant, only six weeks. I’m having terrible cramps.” She bowed her head, terrified that she’d lose the baby. Her fault. Going out jogging in her first trimester. Perhaps she was being punished for not wanting the baby enough. But she did want it. She did! “Not sure if I can make it home.”
He sunk down on his knees beside her, his face edged with concern. “Is it safe to move you?”
She blinked back tears. “I think so. I’m just so afraid.”
“Put your hands around my neck. I’ll carry you back to the cabin.”
“You can’t do that.” She was thin, yes, but six feet tall and he was on the elegant side, even in his running clothes. “I’m too big for you to carry.”
“Nonsense. I’m stronger than I look.” His eyes were strangely moist. “We don’t want to lose this baby.”
He scooped her into his arms as if she weighed nothing. He was maybe a quarter inch taller than she, but his lean body was solid, muscular, a man who was no stranger to a gym. He held her against his chest and took off through the mangroves, past the pool, and down the garden path until he reached Birds of Paradise cottage.
Still holding her as though she were infinitely precious, he knocked sharply on the door.
Anna answered at once. Her mouth opened and slammed shut when she saw Brittany in their guest’s arms. She quickly rushed them both in. “Come this way,” she said, leading him toward Brittany’s bedroom. “What happened?”
“I was out running and then started cramping. Terrible pain, low in my belly. Mom. Mom. The baby…”
“I know, honey. It’s out of our hands.” Brittany knew they were thinking of poor Kayla’s miscarriages. She had lost two babies before carrying Shauna to full term. “You pray, and I’ll call an ambulance.”
Chase, his face pale, began to back away. “I’ll wait at the end of the lane and guide the ambulance here.” He nodded at Brittany. “Hold tight. Be strong.”
“Thank you, Chase,” she murmured, feeling another sharp pain. She bit back a groan, and gently massaged her stomach. Stay, baby, stay.
Her mother returned to her side after making the call. She gripped her hands tight. “Is it worse?”
“I’m not sure.” Terrified that she might lose something she hadn’t been clear she’d wanted, Brit kept her palm splayed over her belly. I will not lose this baby. She’d fight for it, dammit!
Anna left her side and ran to the door. She returned, shaking her head. “No ambulance in sight. What’s taking it so long?”
Brittany sat up a little, still holding her tummy. “I might be okay, Mom.” Stay, baby. “Pain’s receding. I may not need an ambulance after all.”
“Let the doctors check you out, hon. That’s what we pay health care for.” Anna put a cold compress on Brit’s forehead. “I’ll come with you, and have Kayla look after the office today.”
“Thanks.” She gripped her mom’s hand. “I love you, and I don’t say that often enough.”
“I know you do, and I love you too. So very much.” Anna stroked Brit’s cheek. “My baby, my beautiful girl. Always so sensitive. So secretive. Like y
ou were in your own world.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s what makes you, you.” Her mom smiled. “He seems like a nice man, doesn’t he?”
“Who?” Brittany asked, but she knew the answer. Her mother always seemed anxious to marry her daughters off. She had succeeded with two of them, and Brit was the last Holmes standing.
Anna believed that only a man could truly make a woman happy. She’d had two good husbands and both had died too young. Not sixty yet, Anna was still in her prime, and made no bones that she was actively looking for another man to fulfill her life.
“Why, Ashley, of course.”
“Mother. Don’t you dare call him that. He hates it.”
“And yet it’s so charming. So Southern. He is such a gentleman.”
“You like him?” Brit gritted her teeth as another cramp seized her. “Go for it.”
“I was thinking more for you.” She smoothed Brit’s hair back from her forehead.
“I don’t need another guy screwing up my life. Look at where the last one got me.” Her throat ached and she sniffed. “I didn’t want a baby, but now I do.”
“I know, honey.” Anna’s eyes welled with tears too. “We all want the baby.” She held Brittany’s hands in both of hers. “But we are strong enough to handle what comes.” She leaned back and called to the medics who had stepped through the door. “We’re back here. First room on the right.” She gave Brit’s hands a last squeeze before standing out of the way of the two men with the stretcher.
Her mom followed them to the ambulance, talking quietly on her cell phone.
“Kayla—can you take over the office this morning?” Anna lowered her voice. “Brittany is cramping. We’re on our way to the hospital. I’ll call you when we have word.”
Brittany closed her eyes, but the tears squeezed through. She prayed like she hadn’t prayed in years. She’d known loss. Both of her fathers had passed away. She pressed her hands to her stomach. Not another soul to grieve. An unnamed child she might never have a chance to know.
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