Made to Love You

by Sheryl Lister

  They shared a smile and continued working. Minutes later, Vivian spritzed the flowers the way Mariah taught her, took pictures to add to their portfolio and put them into the large refrigerator. She waited while Mariah placed the bouquets into vases with just enough water to cover the unwrapped portion of the stems, being careful not to get the ribbons wet. She helped carry them to the refrigerator then flexed her fingers to ease the stiffness.

  “I bet they’re going to have all kinds of delicious food tonight, so I think I’ll just get something light,” Mariah said as they entered one of the casual restaurants.

  Vivian planned to eat light, as well, but for a different reason. The knots in her stomach got tighter and tighter with the possibility that she’d have to go through with this date after all. After perusing the menu, they settled on sharing a variety of appetizers.

  “Oh, this is so good, “Mariah said, an expression of pure delight on her face.

  Vivian forked up a portion of the pan-seared scallops with bacon. She moaned with the first taste. “Oh, my goodness, this is amazing. Before we leave, I’m going to see if I can get this recipe and find a good cookbook.”

  “As long as you invite me over whenever you try out the recipe, we’ll remain friends.”

  Her mouth gaped.

  “What? You may not know flowers, but you do know your way around the kitchen.”

  “I can’t believe that’s the only reason you’ve been my friend all these years.” They laughed again. Vivian learned to cook when she was around eight or nine. She’d had to if she wanted to eat. With her dad in and out of jail, and her mother being too depressed about his absence to care for her children, Vivian took on the responsibility of preparing meals for herself and her older brother. Back then, the meals weren’t fancy, but they didn’t go hungry. She’d learned how to make the small amount of money she got from her mom stretch as far as the ocean in front of her she could see. She had worked hard to leave the craziness of her upbringing behind her. Yet, somehow, it always managed to catch up to her. “I wonder what Dawn is doing.”

  “She probably found some fine man to take her around the island. I don’t know how she always does that. Girl’s got a gift.”

  “Hmm.” Immediately Vivian recalled Dawn’s comments about Devin and she wondered… No. She wouldn’t do that, Vivian chastised herself. They were friends.

  Mariah pushed her chair back and stood. “All right, let’s get back to work. I want to finish by three-thirty or four, so I’ll have at least an hour to relax before dinner.”

  Vivian slowly rose to her feet and groaned inwardly. Tonight. She didn’t see any way to dodge that dinner. And she still couldn’t imagine why Devin agreed to escort her. Maybe he was just being polite and didn’t want to offend Samantha. Vivian was positive he wouldn’t want to spend too much time with her, knowing what she’d done. An idea came to her. She would propose they arrive together, mingle as a couple long enough to appease the bride, and then go their separate ways. She smiled to herself, feeling confident Devin would go along with her plan.

  Back in the workroom, she picked up where she left off while Mariah started gathering the flowers she’d use for the centerpieces. It took Vivian another two hours to complete her tasks.

  “Viv, do you see the white ribbon in the bag with your stuff?”

  She searched the bag. “It’s not in here. Didn’t you put it in the blue tote you had?”

  Mariah sighed heavily. “I thought so, but it’s not here. Maybe I left it in the room when I was moving stuff between bags. Can you go up to my room and check? I don’t want to stop working.”

  “Sure. Give me your key.”

  She gestured to the tote. “It’s in the small outside pocket. Oh, and would you mind stopping at the bar and bringing me some water or juice?”

  Vivian nodded. “I’ll be back in a few.” She took the elevator to their floor and stopped in her room first to put her hair up. She’d started growing her hair out from its usual chin length a couple of years ago and liked the new look, but it kept falling in her face while she worked and was getting on her nerves. Securing it with a headband, she decided to get the front trimmed a little when she returned home. She retraced her steps and went next door to find the ribbon.

  “Oh, hey Dawn,” Vivian said, surprised to see her. “We figured you’d be touring the island with some fine hunk by now.”

  Dawn laughed. “Yeah. So did I. I did have drinks with one nice guy last night, but the only brother who wanted to give me a tour looked like he was old enough to be my father. I just came up to cool off. How are the flowers coming?”

  “Good. Riah’s starting on the bride’s bouquet, which is why I’m up here.” She searched through the two other bags, but didn’t find the ribbon. “She can’t find the white ribbon she needs.”

  “You mean that white ribbon sitting on the dresser behind you?”

  Vivian whirled around. “Yep. That would be it. Don’t know how I missed this huge roll staring at me.” She shook her head and grabbed it. “I’ll see you in a little while. Are you coming with us to the party tonight?”

  “You’d better believe it. There’s bound to be a few single men there. Hopefully, one of the guys in the wedding party is single. As fine as Devin and the groom are, I can’t see the other guys being ugly. Fine men usually run in packs.”

  She burst out laughing. “Girl, you are a hot mess. Bye.” She closed the door behind her still chuckling.

  Vivian was halfway through the lobby when she remembered the drinks. Taking a slight detour, she went outside to the bar located on the beach. It seemed like more people had arrived at the hotel and were taking advantage of the sun. Several people stood with drinks in hand talking and drinking. She found a small opening and squeezed in. It took a moment for the bartender to come her way.

  “What can I get for the pretty lady?” he asked in heavily accented English.

  She surveyed the list of non-alcoholic beverages and settled on a fruity concoction of passion fruit, orange, pineapple and lemon juices.

  “Hello, Princess.”

  Vivian went still upon hearing the warm baritone behind her. She turned slowly and met a solid wall of smooth chocolate. Devin. Shirtless. And his body still as well defined as she remembered. He towered over her five-foot five frame so she stood at eye level with the elaborately scrolled tattoo that covered the right side of his chest, shoulder and upper arm. She recalled the many times she used her fingers and tongue to trace over every inch, driving him to the brink—

  “Are you and Mariah done with the flowers?”

  His voice broke into her lustful thoughts. Her head popped up and a rush of heat stung her cheeks. “Um…not yet. I just came to get us something to drink.”

  He gestured toward the crowded bar. “I guess we all had the same idea. So, how’ve you been?” His gaze drifted down her body and back up to her face. “You’re looking as beautiful as ever.” He lifted his hand and fingered the strands of her hair. “And I really like what you’ve done with your hair.”

  Although it shouldn’t have, his praise warmed her heart. “Fine and thank you.”

  Devin paused a beat then said, “I’ve missed you, Viv.” He moved closer, leaving a mere inch between them. “Did you miss me as much as I’ve missed you?”

  Those deep brown eyes locked on hers, heating her insides. “I… not really,” she lied.

  His brow lifted. “Are you sure? Because your eyes are saying something else entirely. We were good together, Princess. What happened?”

  “Devin, I…” she trailed off as he braced both hands on the bar, effectively trapping her. Vivian’s pulse spiked. His eyes held hers for a long moment, dropped to her mouth and back to her eyes. Oh, God! He’s not thinking what I think he is. Is he? She was barely holding on to her distant attitude. And if he… He bent and gently touched his mouth to hers, cutting off her mental tirade.

  “As sweet as I remember.”

  “Devin, I don’t thi
nk—”

  “Miss, your drinks,” the waiter said behind her.

  She spun around and picked up the two glasses. Her hands shook so bad, she spilled a little from both glasses.

  “Two drinks?” Devin asked, desire still evident in his eyes.

  “One… one is for Mariah,” she stammered. “I have to go.”

  “Aren’t you forgetting something?” he asked with amusement.

  She followed his gaze to the spool of ribbon sitting on the bar. Vivian sat one glass down, tucked the ribbon under her arm and retrieved the glass.

  “Do you need some help?”

  “No,” she answered quickly. She glanced down at his arm still blocking her exit. He dropped his arm and stepped back slightly, ensuring that their bodies would have to touch when she passed. She steeled herself for the contact and brushed past him.

  “I’ll see you tonight. Four forty-five sharp,” Devin called after her.

  She didn’t stop or respond. And she wasn’t staying at that party one second longer than necessary.

  Devin ordered a Coke and watched Vivian’s swaying hips until they were out of sight. He scrubbed a hand down his face. What the hell was he doing? And what possessed him to kiss her? He was only supposed to be friendly enough to get answers, not kiss her, but the moment he saw her standing there in the thin-strapped sundress that hit her mid thigh, all he could think about was getting closer to her. And when she turned those beautiful brown eyes on him and did that little lip-biting thing—something she did when she was nervous—his common sense fled. The next he knew his lips were on hers.

  Soon, the bartender placed the drink in front of him and he slid onto a recently vacated stool. While idly sipping the cold drink, he continued to mull over the encounter. The kiss just reaffirmed what he already knew—she wasn’t out of his system and likely never would be. With what happened before he’d be a fool to start up anything with her again. Was she worth the risk? He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but inwardly he knew she was.

  “Hey, stranger,” a female voice said and placed her hand on his shoulder.

  He turned slightly to see one of the bridesmaids—the one Tony mentioned being interested in Devin—standing next to him in a bikini that left nothing to the imagination and smiling flirtatiously. “Hey, Lora. Where are the other ladies?”

  “Everybody’s doing their own thing for the next couple of hours before dinner. Are you and the guys relaxing on the beach?”

  “I saw Marcel and his wife heading in that direction on my way here, but I don’t know where the other guys are.”

  Lora’s smile widened. “So you’re all alone?”

  Devin took another sip of his drink before answering. “For the moment.”

  Her hand moved across his shoulder. “That’s a shame. No one should be alone in such a beautiful place. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. Sometimes being alone is a good thing.”

  “I bet I can change your mind.”

  With that comment, Devin knew it was time for him to leave. He didn’t want her to think he was interested in any kind of relationship outside of their roles in Tony and Sam’s wedding. Especially with his unresolved feelings for Vivian. He downed the remainder of his drink and stood. “Thanks, but I think I’m going to head back to my room for a while. I’ll see you tonight.”

  The woman wasn’t deterred. “How about an escort to the rehearsal dinner?”

  “I’m already escorting someone.” Devin slid past her, being careful not to touch any part of her body—a serious challenge because she obviously had no intentions of moving.

  “Let me know if you change your mind. I promise you won’t regret it,” she called after him in a sultry tone.

  Devin had planned to hang out on the beach for a while, but figured he’d be better off in his room. He entered the lobby and noticed Mariah waiting for the elevator. “Hello, Mariah.”

  Instead of responding to his greeting, she glared at him and went off on a tirade. “You know what? You have a lot of nerve smiling and flirting with Vivian after what you did to her. How could you break her heart that way?”

  “Excuse—”

  Mariah stepped closer and pointed a finger in his face. “I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, but she’s suffered enough. I’ll be damned if I stand by and watch you start something up because you’ve finally realized you’re missing what you let go of and now you want her back. Let me make this clear: You. Will. Not. Break. Her. Heart. Again,” she gritted out.

  He was so stunned by her comments he couldn’t utter a word. Break her heart? What the hell? The elevator doors opened and people exited. Devin stepped on and held the door.

  Mariah folded her arms and continued to glare at him. “I think I’ll wait for the next one.”

  The doors swooshed closed and he tried to make sense of what just happened. Why would Mariah accuse him of breaking Vivian’s heart? He wasn’t the one who ended the relationship. Vivian did. What had Vivian told her friends? By the time he made it to his room, he was beyond angry. It dawned on him that the only explanation for Mariah’s outburst was that Vivian had told her he’d broken off the relationship. But why would she do that? And what was she hiding? Devin reached for the door he had just closed, tempted to find Vivian and confront her. He stood there for several seconds debating what to do. Finally, he dropped his hand. He didn’t want to do anything to ruin Tony and Sam’s wedding. But, tomorrow night all bets were off.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Vivian paced her room nervously and checked her watch for the fiftieth time. She stopped in front of the mirror and smoothed a hand down the front of her dress. It had taken her a full thirty minutes of discarding outfits to settle on the navy blue and white striped sleeveless dress with an overlapping cutout in the back and her red wedge-heeled sandals. “I can do this,” she muttered. “Just remember the plan—mingle and get out.” A knock on the door startled her. Show time. She took a deep breath and went to open the door. Anything she had planned to say went right out of her head when she saw Devin. He stood there in all his fineness wearing navy trousers that hung low on his trim waist and a white silk pullover that outlined every single muscle in his upper body. Once she stopped staring, she realized they were wearing the same color. She groaned inwardly.

  “You look beautiful. Are you ready?” Devin asked.

  Get it together, Vivian! “Oh. Yes. Thank you. I just need to grab my purse.” She retrieved it from the bed, dropped in the room key and preceded him out the door. They walked silently down the hallway and she studied him out of her periphery. Something about his demeanor had changed. His expression held an edge that wasn’t there earlier. While they waited for the elevator, she decided it was a good time to bring up her idea. “Devin?”

  He glanced down at her.

  “I know you were trying not to hurt Samantha’s feelings by escorting me, so I’d like to propose something. To make this easier on both of us, I think we should agree to a time limit.”

  The elevator arrived and he gestured for her to go first. “Is that right?” Devin leaned against the wall and folded his arms, staring intently at her and waiting.

  “Yes,” Vivian said, pushing the button for the first floor. “We arrive together, eat dinner and mingle for about thirty minutes. Then I’ll leave and you can be free to enjoy yourself. That should be enough time to appease the bride.”

  He didn’t comment until they exited the elevator. Placing his hand in the small of her back and guiding her through the lobby, he leaned close to her ear and whispered, “You’re not getting off that easy, Viv.”

  She stared up at his unsmiling face and a sense of unease crept up her spine. “Devin—”

  “Hey. Here’s my best man,” Tony interrupted, pulling Devin into a one-arm hug. He turned to Vivian and extended his hand. “Vivian, it’s been a long time. Good to see you again.”

  She shook his hand. “It’s nice to see you again too, Tony. Congratulatio
ns.”

  “Thanks. And thank you and Mariah for flying over to do the flowers. You’ve made my baby a very happy woman.”

  Vivian smiled. “It’s our pleasure.” She caught Devin’s attention and started to mouth that she needed to talk to him, but was interrupted again when other members of the wedding party and their guests joined them. She sighed inwardly. What did Devin mean by her not getting off easy? And why was he glaring at her? She didn’t have time to evaluate it further as the group proceeded out toward the beach. She gazed up at him questioningly, however his features were unreadable. “I thought they were having a rehearsal dinner.”

  “They are. After the cruise around Montego Bay.”

  Vivian panicked. “Cruise? What cruise? You never said anything about a cruise.”

  The corner of Devin’s mouth tilted in a slight smile. “It’s part of the wedding package. I thought you knew. Pre-party… remember?”

  No she didn’t know. “How long is the cruise?”

  “Two hours.”

  Her eyes widened and her stomach lurched. Two hours? Two hours trapped on a boat. She couldn’t handle this. “Devin, how about I just meet you here around seven, after the cruise?”

  Samantha materialized next to Vivian. “Oh, good, you’re here. Where’s Mariah and your other friend?”

  “They said they’d be here.” Vivian did a quick survey of the area, but didn’t see them. Another wave of panic hit her. She needed the buffer of her friends to help survive this fiasco.

  “Well, I wouldn’t worry about it. The boat doesn’t leave for another five minutes. You guys may as well board. See you in a minute.” Samantha hurried off to where her fiancé stood waving.

  Devin reached down and grasped her hand. “I know you don’t get sea sick, so what’s the problem?”

  In order to answer his question, she would have to tell him everything. And she couldn’t do that. “I’m fine. Let’s go.” As soon as they were on board, she spotted Dawn and Mariah heading toward the boat. She gave up a silent prayer of thanks.