“I’d rather you didn’t, all things considered,” Aiden admitted stoically.
Brynn snickered. “I’m only kidding. Key Largo is one place I never intend to visit again.”
“So, friends?” he asked tentatively, holding out a hand.
With a bit of reluctance, Brynn took it and gave it a slight shake. “How about—acquaintances? I think I could at least deal with that amiably.”
“Great, then, Cat and I will put you on our Christmas card list, and maybe even give you an occasional post card,” said Aiden dryly. Then he turned and shook Art’s hand also. “Shall both names go on them then?”
“We’re—taking things slow,” Art replied.
Aiden nodded and gave him a little wink. “I don’t blame you. Good-bye, you two. I’ve got a few other things on my list today. Taking care of a few things before I head down. I hope your flight back to California is comfortable.”
“Yeah,” Brynn nodded. “See you around.”
“Well, that was strange, as far as conversations go,” said a familiar voice behind him as he watched them go.
“Cat, you’re here?” he chuckled.
“You looked so disappointed about my refusing to go that I caught a flight out here with a couple of other characters you know,” she replied, grinning.
Looking behind her, Aiden saw Kevin and Bob grinning at him.
Bob said, “Well, I would say we should go out on the town to celebrate your freedom, but we can’t very well do that since you’ve conveniently already selected a new ball and chain.”
“Yeah, and I don’t think she’d like it if we got him a stripper either.”
Aiden laughed as he drew Cat to his side. “This one’s no ball and chain, boys. She is my anchor. And she’ll be perfectly willing to celebrate too.”
Cat chuckled. “Two drinks maximum, of course.”
“God, couldn’t you find out about the baby after today?” Kevin complained.
“It is what it is, boys,” she chuckled. “So, look at it this way. After you all get plowed, you’ll have somebody along who is still able to drive home. Including you, my lover, because if you’re going to be drinking, you won’t be able to fly.”
“See what I mean, boys? A complete and total anchor,” Aiden said, winking wryly.
“Be nice!” Cat told him as she took him by the arm and they all started walking. “I’m the mother of your child.”
Aiden brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “For which I will be grateful my entire life. However, since we’re in Miami and intending to imbibe, we need not feel the need to drive anywhere. We’ll all stay the night at the house in town. And while we’re up here this time we may as well shop for your wedding gown.”
Cat chuckled when Kevin rolled his eyes.
“You really don’t like being single, do you, Whitney?” he groused. “So, what’s next then, “Will the two of you elope over the weekend?”
“Certainly not,” Cat scolded. “I’m looking forward to the whole nine yards.”
“Yes, me too,” said Aiden with a dreamy smile. “I can’t wait to get you out of your wedding gown.
“Don’t you think you should get her into it first?” teased Bob.
“You fantasize your way, and I’ll fantasize mine,” said Aiden.
About a week later, Cat and Aiden found time to go down to visit her father and Tilly. They had not told him about their engagement or their baby because Cat wanted to tell him everything in person.
“Girl, I told you the man was a keeper, but I didn’t know you’d be keepin’ him quite so soon,” Tilly teased her. “He must have knocked you up practically as soon as you two met. Mm, mm, mm, but I suppose sometimes that’s just the way it goes. When you find that special someone, it’s always no holds barred.”
Del and Tilly grinned at each other then. “So, we might as well tell you our own news, while we’re on the subject of weddings,” he said then. “I’ve asked Tilly to be my wife, and she has accepted.”
“That’s great, Daddy!”
“Well, now you simply must let me help you get that hotel up and running,” Aiden insisted. “You managed to evade me last time, but since we’re all about to be family, I feel even more inclined to help you out.”
“The assessor already deemed it a total loss, Aiden,” said Del, grimacing. “All we got now is the deed to some land. The whole building’s got to come down.”
“Well great, then,” said Aiden. “Now we can rebuild something really special. Don’t worry about a thing, Dad, together we’ll get you right back on your feet.”
“Dad?” he chuckled, grinning. “Well yes, I suppose so.”
“I hope you two are hungry,” Tilly said then. “I’m cooking up a really big meal. We need to start that baby off right, you know. He’s gonna need to grow and grow and grow. Just like your love, children. It’s a beautiful sight to behold.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
Because Cat didn’t want to wait until the dress they’d picked out wouldn’t fit her anymore, the two of them were married just a few days after Christmas right there at the resort. Her father and Tilly were exited at the prospect, since they were invited to spend a week in the hotel free of charge, and in fact Aiden told them they would be welcome to do so any time there was an available room.
In the meantime, father and prospective son-in-law also hammered out the details of Del’s hotel. A demolition crew has already been set to tear down the ruin, and the process of preparing the lot was well under way. It was a slow process, since the Keys were currently in the rainy season, but at least a bit of progress was being made.
Tilly was absolutely in love with Cat’s dress, wishing she could have something half as pretty to wear at her own wedding. Cat had chosen a mermaid style, white with a bit of blue beading here and there for decoration, and not quite long enough to touch the ground as she walked. She had thought it prudent not to opt for any kind of a train since they’d be out on the beach inside of a specially erected tiki hut.
Many of the guests there were friends of Aiden’s, though Cat did manage to scrounge up a dozen or so of her own. Three of her besties from Marathon were bridesmaids, while Tilly stood up as her matron of honor, and had asked Cat to do the same when her turn came around.
The ceremony itself was short and sweet, with both of them reading vows they’d written themselves. It was the reception that really brought home just how happy the newlyweds were, and how wonderful they expected their future to be.
After the main party, they returned for a time with Del and Tilly in their room, where three of them continued drinking champagne, while the mama to be favored unsweetened ice tea.
“I can’t wait for the sunshine to return, and then this place will be a complete and total madhouse,” said Aiden with a happy smile.
“You want it to be?” asked Del, chuckling.
“Well of course I do,” he said, nodding. “That’s the best time to be in Key Largo. When else do you get to meet wonderful people, go diving all the time, and really have a chance to shine?”
“Yes, just so long as the crocodiles keep to their homes,” Del snickered.
“What are you talking about, old man?” asked Aiden, laughing. “Crocodiles don’t come into population, you know.”
“Not according to this latest tabloid, and not according to my daughter,” Del pointed out. He pulled a rolled up newspaper from his suitcase. “I knew you’d appreciate this, so I just had to bring it along. Take a look at page three.”
Dutifully, Aiden flipped the front page out of his way, and was met with a picture which was not at all surprising. He read the story aloud for Cat’s benefit. “If you’re planning a trip to the Florida Keys this summer, perhaps it would be a good idea to watch out for crocodiles, as they seem to be venturing further south than was previously supposed. One unlucky tourist snapped a picture of this pair cavorting in the swimming pool of a certain unnamed resort only three months ago, and there have been s
cattered reports of more crocodile activities within other portions of the Key Largo area. Great, that ought to scare off half of our crowd right there.”
“And bring in a more adventurous one,” added Del with a smirk. “I wouldn’t worry too much, sir. It’s most likely that article won’t even be remembered by summer time. Tabloid readers are a fickle crowd at best. And besides, there’s plenty enough tourists to keep your rooms booked all year. And now, if you please, it’s time for this old couple to get some sleep.”
“Old, my ass,” Aiden chuckled. “If you want to get lucky tonight to, you don’t have to tell me twice. Come on, wife of mine. I’d like to get started on our honeymoon.”
Cat smiled as she got to her feet, and let Aiden draw her into his arms. They drove out to the condo, where they fully intended to spend at least three days without interruption except to spend time with Cat’s family when they came for a visit on the third day before returning home.
“Well, Aiden, you’ve finally got your wish,” Cat teased him as he parked the SUV. “All of my things are moved over, and Legolas is neatly posted on our bedroom wall. What more could you possibly ask for?”
“Maybe a blindfold,” Aiden chuckled.
“A blindfold?” she scoffed. “What for?”
“Because with the things I have planned to do to you, that poor elf may want to cover his eyes,” said Aiden wickedly, and then he lifted her up, bridal style, and carried her across the threshold.
Bear in Heat
By: Cassidy Rowe
Bear in Heat
© November 2017 – All rights reserved
By Cassidy Rowe,
Published by Passionate Publishing Inc.
This is a work of fiction. All names and characters in this novel are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events is entirely coincidental.
This book is for your personal enjoyment only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher.
Warning
This book is intended for adult readers, 18+ years old. Please close this e-book if you are not comfortable reading adult content.
Chapter One - Roseanne
Jason Crowe was a name I never wanted to cross my lips again. His destructive behavior and the way he looked at me caused me to have some sleepless nights.
I was always independent, going by the beat of my own drum, but I had the misfortune of making the acquaintance of Jason at a party. I had way too many tequila shots to make an informed decision about him. He seemed charming, but there was an ugly side waiting to be unleashed.
I was lamenting over past mistakes. The world was my oyster.
I could feel the effects of the champagne running through my veins. I had splurged and gotten a ticket for a first-class seat. I knew full well it was going to deplete my funds.
I had a place lined up, but the rent was astronomical compared to others in New York City. There was something about it that caught my eye.
My degree in mechanical engineering was on the shelf for the time being. I had to get my head straight before attempting to throw myself into a frustrating and rewarding career with the many perks to go along with the title.
“I don’t know why, but I feel I already know you better than my family,” said the man in the seat next to me. Benjamin was a recent transplant to the Big Apple. I was always quite talkative and getting him to open up was child’s play on the flight to New York City.
“I know you have a wife, but I don’t see any reason why we can’t be friends. I know a lot of people say this, but I really do want us to stay in contact after the flight.” My hands were gripping the seat a little too tightly. I had this anxiety about flying. It was an issue I was trying to cope with all my own without the use of therapy.
He chuckled. “I won’t be the type of guy to ask you to join the mile-high club.” He was rather handsome, but I was gun shy after being with Jason.
The fresh bruises from our last fight were covered by makeup. I could still feel the phantom presence of his hand burning against my skin. I stood up to him and smiled during the entire ordeal.
I had to resort to extreme measures to find a discreet and hasty exit from the situation. Unfortunately, it meant that my knee had made contact with his family jewels. It brought his attack to a screaming halt with a litany of obscenities spewing freely from his lips.
I swallowed the memory and replied, “I have this feeling your wife would have a problem with that. You don’t take me for the kind to cheat without thinking about the consequences. I haven’t known you long, but we have the same small-town values.” My tasteful black skirt went to my knees with a slice up the side to hint at the smoothness of my bare thighs.
The white blouse was nothing compared to the red heels covering my pink-painted toenails. The manicure and pedicure was courtesy of one of my dearest friends in the world. Donna was the only one to know of my problems. She was very supportive and lent a helpful ear. I was going to miss her.
My curly red hair was flowing easily over my shoulders with the faintest whiff of jasmine from my shampoo. I wore nothing but my natural scent. My glasses gave me an intellectual air. I was no more than five foot two and one hundred twenty-five pounds, but I had attitude. At least I did before Jason came into my life like a bad rash that wouldn’t go away.
Benjamin nodded in agreement with my statement. “I have too much to live for. I can’t risk everything I have over a fleeting moment of pleasure. I would have to be pretty damn drunk to do something as stupid as sleep with another woman. If I were tempted, then you would be at the top of the list. The whole package is appealing.” He was dressed to impress. We had briefly mentioned his business in financial holdings. It was boring, but he made it sound interesting by the passion he had for what he did.
“I appreciate the compliment. It’s been a long time since I felt anywhere near attractive or sexy. I see it in the mirror, but I lose sight of myself. I left a lot unresolved back in Montana. I had to find some distance. I’m not ready for anything serious. I’m going to New York to start a new chapter on my own.” I had no interest in finding comfort in the arms of another. I wasn’t opposed to finding my tall, dark, and handsome counterpart. I wanted somebody to be my best friend and lover. It was a tall order.
“You may not know this, but you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. We’ve all at one time or another made some poor choices when it came to matters of the heart.” He had this faraway look in his brown eyes like he was reliving a not-so-pleasant part of his past.
“When you say it, I actually begin to believe it. You might be the boost of courage I needed. I was broken inside when I boarded this plane. You listened without judgment and didn’t try to say anything to fix it. Your wife is very lucky to have you. I never want you to take her for granted.” I looked out the window and I could see the twinkling lights of the city that didn’t sleep. It wouldn’t be long before we were landing on the tarmac. I was nervous, but now I was anxiously excited about the possibilities in my reach. Jason was gone and hopefully soon forgotten. His influence was felt emotionally and physically. People had warned me to steer clear, but I had been determined to prove them wrong.
“I will make sure to remind her by doing something spontaneous and romantic. Showing up with a bouquet of white roses and sending the kids to my parents will show her I’m no longer going to phone it in.” He was losing his hair, but he had made up for it by shaving it to stubble. The weight of the financial world was on his shoulders. I could see how heavy the burden was. His eyes were heavy and wearing the crown of responsibility was getting old quickly. He was working tirelessly to build a company from the ground up with no more than a shoestring budget.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention taking the time to smell the roses. I need to follow my own advice.”
He was located on Manhattan Island and I was going to walk with my head held high into a city without me
rcy. It had the ability to spit someone out who was trying to make it with dreams of success in their eyes. I had heard too many horror stories, but I was determined not to be one of them. A new lease on life was not something I was going to take lightly. It was time to throw off the shackles Jason had metaphorically put on me.
My thoughts kept alternating between flashbacks of Montana and hopes for the future. I almost missed what Benjamin was saying. “I don’t want you to think you have to settle for second best. You never know what is around the next corner. Don’t be blind to love because of Jason.” He spit out the name in disgust. “I can’t even say his name without wanting to wrap my hands around his neck.”
I was finding confession was indeed good for the soul. “I have no idea what I’m doing here. I’m still trying to grasp the fact I left in the dead of night.” I was wired a little too tight.
“I want you to take one of my cards. I really do want to know how things work out for you. I have this feeling this city has no idea it’s about to be hit by a hurricane named Roseanne. I was going to mention a rose by any other name is still a rose. It’s one of my favorite quotes. You have a lot to offer and I suspect somebody will see your worth sooner than later.”
I was going to ask for a job, but he was already struggling to make ends meet. He would feel obligated and I would be taking advantage of his good nature. “I would say you are the brother I never had, but I don’t want to insult you. Be patient. The company you are building sounds promising. I might have to invest when I get some money, to get in on the ground floor.” I wasn’t placating him. I did seriously see the potential. And it would be nice to have some kind of retirement plan in place.
Daddy Plus One: A Single Dad Secret Baby Billionaire Romance Page 34