by Sheri Lynn
West End Wonder
Sheri Lynn
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Cocky Hero Club
Other Books by Sheri Lynn
Sheri Lynn
COPYRIGHT © 2020 by Sheri Lynn and Cocky Hero Club, Inc
Cover Design by: Glowing Moon Designs
Photography by: Paul Henry Serres
Edited by: Cassie Hess-Dean
Formatted by: Lorelei Sieja
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, or other status is entirely coincidental.
eBooks are not transferrable. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever known, not known or hereafter invented, or stored in any storage or retrieval system, is forbidden and punishable by the fullest extent of the law without written permission of the author.
Chapter 1
Wednesday
Sophia
Scanning the resort space at Sunny Daze, what little of it within her view, Sophia found it simple, comfortable, and not nearly as ostentatious as she preferred. Rather, it appeared basic, probably family-owned and operated. Nothing about it seemed overly appealing. They didn’t have a room ready for her. She made her reservation months ago and called notifying them the day prior she would be delayed and to expect her on that day. How could they not have a room waiting for her when she already paid for one and had it confirmed for the previous day through Sunday? Five days. Why did she ever imagine she would desire to stay five full days? At least she reduced it to four.
“Miss Conrad, I do apologize.” The chubby, smiling woman returned behind the counter. Sophia rolled her eyes. She recognized the unwelcome ‘we made a mistake and wish to make it right’ appeal. The trembling voice of the sweaty messenger continued, “We have a big wedding party present and somehow…someone gave your room to another guest.”
A surge of heat engulfed Sophia. She swore the burning throughout her body resulted from her blood actually boiling. But the perspiration building on her skin and dripping down her back reminded her of the grotesquely unpleasant temperature shrouding the island. Who, who in their assumed right mind, chose to wed in the summer in the Caribbean? Renee, her college roommate, did.
“I am fully aware of the wedding party as I am part of it,” Sophia snapped, instantly regretting it. She watched the woman jump, shuffle back from the counter putting distance between herself and Sophia, and her lips formed and froze in an overly wide ‘o’ shape. “Okay, listen. I know how these colossal mistakes occur on occasion, but no. Not to me. Not now. I can’t begin to explain to you what all I have encountered in just getting here.” And of its own accord, and accompanied with excruciatingly annoying, dramatic flair, her arm rose, pointer finger outstretched, and she shook it with each additional comment she made. “You do not relinquish a confirmed and paid reservation. I acknowledge I am a day late, but I spoke to someone assuring them I would be here.”
An older version of the original desk clerk dashed in from a door to the left. “Yes, yes you did. We will take care of you, Miss Conrad. We are working on it. Unfortunately, it will be a small delay but let me walk you over to the tiki bar. The view and the breeze there are wonderful, and your drinks are on us,” interjected the newcomer taking Sophia’s wrist. The woman guided her down a corridor and out a side entrance and into paradise. Again, simple, but one couldn’t help but take a deep breath and allow the peaceful aura to invade all their senses.
Sophia glimpsed the pristine pool to her left resting in lush and natural landscaping. In front of her, she gazed upon a private beach, palm trees, and a tranquil, vivid blue bay. Undeveloped property on each side of the u-shaped cove gave the entire space a remote ambiance she didn’t realize she appreciated. Beyond the trees and land, the ocean splayed its splendor. Small breakers in the distance identified the location of the popular reef she knew appealed to divers. The island of Roatán, Honduras never hit her radar as a travel destination. But she didn’t dive. She didn’t care for most outdoor activities.
She could however get excited about the man-candy climbing off the small boat at the end of the pier. The scene before her of tanned torsos, wind-dried hair, wetsuits unzipped and hanging at fit waists could make anyone drool. Sliding onto a barstool, she fanned herself, only catching a few words the woman with her said.
‘Something about Miguel. Enjoy yourself. I will be back for you.’ Whatever, Sophia craned her neck to remove the woman from her view and continue ogling the hotties.
The overcompensating and over-apologetic annoying female left, finally. Leaning into the back of the seat, Sophia debated if it labeled her a ‘cougar’ eyeballing the guys as she did. All of them were most likely recent high school graduates. If it did, or not, classify her as one, she argued that thirty-two couldn’t possibly be ‘cougar’ material unless she acted on any of her lustful musings. And eighteen was legal. And regardless, she wouldn’t. She never did. She and her life were regimented and successful. Boring.
An unwelcome hand on top of a napkin slapped on the bar in front of her. “I am Miguel. Rosa has told me to take very good care of you. So, what is it I can bring for you?” A dark-skinned, toothy, smiling guy bounced his boyishly cute face at her.
“I am good. Thank you,” she replied.
Crossing his arms across his chest and shaking his head, he pressed, “Now, now, pretty lady. Certainly, there is something.” Raising a finger, he tapped his chin. “Not cerveza. But I will request you not leave the island without at least sampling our local beer. Wine. Nah, that is your usual. Let me serve you a monkey la la.”
He turned and started pouring alcohol from several bottles into a pitcher. She appreciated his friendliness and gesture, but if she started drinking—just not a good idea. And who would order some monkey drink? Not her.
If taking the drink would get everyone to leave her be so she could focus on the ‘mister older than the others but still too hot for you’ stud at the boat, she would. Mr. Hottie’s actions had her thinking he either frequented the establishment or possibly lived and socialized with the residents. He assisted people leaving the boat. He rinsed equipment. He took control of the entire situation, as if he ran it. He had tattoos on both shoulders and each side of his torso.
She couldn’t peel her eyes off him. He wore his hair longer than her usual type of guy. And it looked amazing on him. Droplets of water haloed his head each time he flipped it in a stupid attempt to get it out of his eyes. She didn’t necessarily like ‘man buns,’ but he had enough hair to pull it off. And nicely. She envisioned.
Pivoting in her direction, he jogged toward her. Or the tiki bar. Twisting and averting her gaze, she noticed the delicious looking drink in front of her. Hearing other women’s voices discussing the gorgeous diver, she leaned forward and put her lips to the straw. Sucking in the liquid, her insides thanked her. It resembled a mudslide, but it wasn’t frozen. At least not as thick.
It went down so smoothly and tasted so damn good.
“Miguel, hand me a six pack for the crew.” A masculine voice requested from her left. It didn’t require her to turn to look where it originated.
Every fiber in her body and her psyche reacted. She recognized the voice. She lunged to her right to escape, but of course, she didn’t manage.
“Slo-phia…well, fuck me. Not literally,” he laughed before whispering, “We’ve been there, done that.” Trevor, forever titled ‘Trevor the Traitor, resumed speaking in his normal, deep tone. “I didn’t think you’d make it.”
She sighed. A huge and unsatisfying one. Rubbing the sweat off her upper lip, she shifted and faced him. “I could say the exact same thing about you. And, gee, I haven’t heard that since--.” The truth started to emerge. Since you. “College,” she added.
His laughter erupted. It banged in her ears and vibrated through her body until she worried, she might disintegrate into a pile of dust.
“Slo-phia, lighten up. I can’t believe you are here. It’s really great to see you. Hang out here for a little bit and I’ll come up and we can share a drink and a memory or two,” he suggested.
Jerking the straw out of her monkey la-la she grabbed the cup and guzzled a few swallows. She glimpsed him take his beer from Miguel and jog off toward the dock. Yeah, been there done that, she thought. How did she not recognize him as the buff bod she moments ago had been lusting over.
As if she would sit there and wait to share a drink with him. And certainly, no memories. All of hers involving him hurt her. She cried herself to sleep over those memories for two years after he left her.
It eventually got easier. As everyone says it will. So, who in their damn right mind would open that vault of pain again? Not her. That’s who.
Taking a few more sips, she licked her lips trying to identify the different tastes of her monkey la la. It definitely had coconut. And banana. Pineapple. She continued drinking the delectable concoction.
“I see I made the right choice,” announced Miguel interrupting her silent assessment of the amazing cocktail. He pointed to her empty cup. “The monkey la la is good? Yes?”
“Very,” she agreed.
“Can I get you another one?” he offered.
Catching another glimpse of Trevor on the pier, she swallowed and elected to have one more. No one had come to escort her to a hopefully comfortable, private space. She enjoyed the drink. Her decision had absolutely nothing to do with Trevor. Nothing.
“I think I will, Miguel. Thank you.” While he made her drink and spoke to the other women at the bar, Sophia played with her straw. She did everything she could to keep her eyes from targeting the dock. Looking at the group of three women sharing the bar, she wondered if they too were with the wedding party. They appeared close in age to her and Renee. The realization hit that she knew no one at the event. She and Renee shared an apartment in college. They kept in touch over the years. Originally, they planned to meet every six months after graduation and for a few years they did. For a few years. And it became once a year after that.
What did Sophia really know about Renee anymore? She never even met her husband-to-be. Miguel put her drink down in front of her. He gave her another wide, overzealous smile. Which she intended to return but failed miserably. She recognized her mocking, pretentious exhibition and regret instantly rushed her. She sighed into his retreating back.
Why did she do those things? She wasn’t that kind of woman. Honestly. Yes, she made big money. Had big clients. Wined and dined with the elite of the elite. Dated—
No. She didn’t date. She engaged in random dinner and drink dates with successful, handsome men and nothing more.
Except great sex. She might not have an active sex life, but she had a satisfying one when she chose to surrender to her carnal cravings. And she had no relationship or real connection with any of them.
Leaning forward, she sucked some of her monkey la dee dah down her throat. “Miguel. Excuse me, I have a question.”
Miguel shuffled his feet and his attention from the three women to her. “You call…lled? He plopped his palms on the bar and leaned forward. “What would you like to ask me, pretty lady? If you wish to know if I’m available I am not. I am happily married with a two-year old son.”
Rolling her eyes and scrunching her lips, she couldn’t help but laugh. She placed her hand over his. “And what a lucky woman she is. And your child. Do you live here at the resort?”
“I do not. My family and I live on the mainland. I do stay here for my shifts in the busy season and when they have special events as they do now,” he stated. Someone across the bar called his name. He patted the back of her hand with his free hand and assured, “Duty calls. I will be back with you in a moment.”
Listening and watching him she determined she needed more employees and contacts like him. She found his enthusiasm and cheerfulness contagious. She sipped her monkey la la savoring the chocolate and fruity deliciousness on her tongue. She closed her eyes and rolled her head in slow motion delighting in the atmosphere and relaxation encompassing her.
“You live in a big city,” Miguel asked.
Opening her eyes, she met his friendly eyes and bright smile. Several answers floated through her mind. But why did they? He asked a question. Why did she think she had to think about it? “I do, but I don’t.” Again, what part of living in a big city hung her up? “I work in the big cities…mostly. I always imagined myself living in a big city, and I did. But I do not live in the city.”
“Not really your thing, after-all? You might find you love it so much here on the island you never want to leave,” Miguel ventured.
Um, no. She wouldn’t. But his comment bordered on her initial inquiry. “Do a lot of vacationers do that? Or return for extended periods?” She really wanted to know if Trevor did. He behaved with the divers and the crew as if he did.
She swore Miguel’s enormous, white toothy smile got bigger. “Yes, they do. More and more take up residence here.” He waved at a couple approaching and returned his focus to her. “The island and all it offers…beckons to those who appreciate and necessitate it.”
What did he just say? Whoa. She wanted to know about the dive boat. Why again? Trevor. Oh no. She didn’t want to know.
“Another monkey la la before I take all these upcoming orders?” asked Miguel.
Gazing at the bottom of her cup, she scanned the bar and noticed all the new customers. “Yes, please.” Waiting for another drink behind all the other orders didn’t appeal to her. Breathing in the fresh air and thinking—about nothing, she really felt great. Her shoulders relaxed. Her neck didn’t ache.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be intrusive but are you Sophia?” questioned a cutesy woman with a severe bob.
Swallowing the gulps, she inhaled out of her fresh drink, Sophia turned and acknowledged the extremely bouncy brunette beside her. “I am.”
“Renee is going to flip the fuck out. She doubted you would come. And then you didn’t show up yesterday, so she dismissed you ever coming.” The brunette bounced onto the empty seat beside Sophia and waved her hands in the air. “Miguel, shots over here.”
Okay. Okay. Sophia repeated. Too much. Too fast.
As if she wouldn’t come to Renee’s wedding. And of all the places to have it, Renee chose some shoddy location and resort. And. And. Trevor. Nothing about the situation pleased Sophia. Nothing.
“Here they are. Thank you, Miguel.” The ‘Friends’ Phoebe-like brunette pushed a small spit cup into Sophia’s hand. “This is some other tropical fruity islandy dream. Bottoms up.” Opening her mouth before she lifted the cup, the brunette poured the contents down her throat and slammed the empty rinse cup on the bar. She nudged Sophia’s elbow until she too lifted hers and drained it.
Yum. Yes. All the pineapple and coconut made her taste buds and her stomach rejoice. Sophia licked her lips. Again. Damn. Could she not stand to lose a single drop of anything Miguel served her?
“Where is Renee?” Sophia asked. All those people, including her, came to celebrate Renee’s blessed union, but she couldn’t make an appearance.
Hands covered her eyes and a squeal she heard too often to forget came. “I am right here! I am so happy you came. I missed you so much,” shrilled Renee.
Renee wrapped her arms around Sophia’s shoulders and shook-hugged her. Sophia hadn’t been shook-hugged since Renee. It felt amazing. Signaling Miguel, Renee ordered more—of something.
A moment of clarity overcame Sophia. She had too much to drink. Saying something she shouldn’t, asking about Trevor, or retreating into total bitch mode because she felt insecure wouldn’t be wise. If she had to spend four days at the resort in the company of Renee, her groom, and their family and friends, she didn’t intend on becoming the topic of gossip after the event.
Why had no one come to get her and take her to a room? Scooting from her barstool intending to march into the lobby and raise hell, the desk attendant ran up handing her a key.
“We can’t apologize enough for the inconvenience. It is not near the pool. Again, sorry. But here are the keys to a one-bedroom, beautiful home on the hill. We put you up in the ‘little dolphin house.’ Here is a pre-programmed cell to call for anything. Housekeeping. The desk. A ride. There are golf-carts available from eight in the morning until midnight to take you anywhere on the grounds.” She panted as if she completed a speed race. Her eyes flitted everywhere except on Sophia’s face. “You can call a cab as well to take you anywhere on the island. Or we can arrange it if you provide a time. We hope you find it satisfactory. You will get a beautiful view of the bay.” The woman paused and inhaled. “Your luggage is there. Along with a complimentary dinner, a stocked fridge, and if you need anything, please let us know.”