“Girl, I’m so glad I decided to come on this trip with you guys,” Dawn said when she reached Vivian. She smiled coyly. “Hello, Devin.”
“Dawn,” Devin replied.
Was Dawn flirting with Devin? Vivian looked over at Mariah, who shook her head.
“I’m going to talk to Samantha, Viv,” Mariah said. She shot Devin a look and walked off.
Devin’s jaw tightened.
Vivian knew Mariah had mentioned throwing hostile looks Devin’s way and Vivian had noticed it once or twice, but this seemed like more. She had one friend eying her ex and the other one shooting daggers at him. Sighing, she took a seat and turned to face the water. It was going to be a long evening—much longer than she had planned. Moments later, the boat left the dock. Though anger and worry had a hold on her senses, she couldn’t deny the sheer beauty of the island—crystal clear blue waters with a sky to match, lush greenery and soothing Reggae rhythms being played by the on-board DJ. A short time later, the boat stopped. “Why are we stopping?”
“The cruise includes snorkeling,” Devin said.
Several of the guests peeled off clothing to reveal swimming attire and some were being fitted with the snorkeling equipment. Those staying on the boat were either dancing or taking advantage of the open bar. “Aren’t you going snorkeling?” she asked Devin, hoping he’d say yes.
“No.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Dance with me.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
He angled his head thoughtfully and pulled into his arms. “Neither do I.”
Vivian tried to put some space between them, but he held her tightly. It had been a long time since she’d felt his strong arms surrounding her and wished it could be like this always. His hard body moved sensually against hers and her body reacted on its own volition, answering the call of each subtle grind and sending shivers down her spine.
“I keep telling myself that I should be mad as hell after what you did to us. And I am.”
Vivian lifted her eyes to meet his.
“But being mad doesn’t stop me from wanting you.”
“Please don’t do this here,” she whispered, turning away.
“Don’t worry, Princess,” Devin murmured. “I don’t plan on discussing us tonight. But, after the wedding, I want answers. No more excuses.” He leaned back a fraction and tilted her chin. “You owe me that much, at least.”
She could see the pain in his eyes and hear it in the softly spoken words. She reached up to touch his face, but caught herself and lowered her hand. Everything in her wanted so badly to explain, wanted him to know she hadn’t meant to hurt him. “I’m sorry.”
“There is one thing I need to know right now. Why did you tell your friends I broke up with you and not the other way around?”
“I…I didn’t. I just told them we broke up. I guess they just assumed—”
“They assumed I was to blame,” Devin finished.
Vivian nodded and backed out of his hold. “I’m going to find the bathroom.” Without waiting for a reply, she turned and navigated through the crowd, stopping to ask one of the boating company employees for directions.
Inside the bathroom, she bit back tears and tried to calm her emotions. Devin was right. She did owe him an explanation as to why she’d ended their relationship so abruptly. But, after all this time, she still hadn’t found the right words. She wet a paper towel, blotted her face, touched up her makeup and took several deep breaths. When she felt a measure of control, she went back on deck and sought out her two friends. They still had the dinner to get through and she needed a few minutes away from Devin. Thankfully, he stayed on the other side of the boat. She found Mariah standing off to one side frowning with her arms folded.
“What are you frowning at?” Vivian asked.
“Girl, Dawn.”
She followed the direction where Mariah pointed and saw Dawn dancing with, first one of the older men, then with one of the groomsmen. She tensed when Dawn danced her way over to Devin, moving suggestively in front of him.
“What the hell is she doing?” Mariah asked. “I’m about to go over there and snatch her.”
Vivian wondered the same thing until Dawn moved on to the next man and finally back over to where Vivian and Mariah stood.
“Dawn, what was that?” Mariah lit into her as soon as she was in earshot. “Why were you trying to dance with Devin like that?”
Dawn waved a dismissive hand. “It was just a dance. Everybody is up. And I danced with several guys. Viv was dancing, too. Come on, I’m just having a little fun. It’s supposed to be a party.”
Mariah shook her head. “Not cool, Dawn. Not cool.”
Vivian stayed silent because she didn’t know what to think, and couldn’t have been happier when they headed back to shore.
When the boat docked, they were led to a private courtyard that offered a breathtaking view of the sunset and that had been enhanced with special lighting and hanging lanterns. As a bonus, Mariah had made centerpieces for the dinner and had come early to arrange them on the tables. She’d kept to the purple theme, but had added splashes of tangerine for a more tropical feel. Vivian viewed the beautiful setup and couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. Samantha and Tony had picked the perfect place for their wedding. More guests crowded into the area talking and laughing. There had to be close to fifty people who’d traveled for the wedding.
“It’s time to take our seats, Princess.”
She jumped slightly at Devin’s touch. “Shouldn’t you be sitting with the wedding party?”
“No.” He gently took hold of her arm and led her over to one of the tables.
There were two chairs together at the end of the table, but Vivian hadn’t counted on having to sit next to him. She tried to take the empty chair between two guests who were already seated, but Devin thwarted her efforts by offering the seat to an older woman passing by. Instead, he went directly to those two vacant chairs and pulled one out for her. Just like earlier, he didn’t leave much room for escape. She grit her teeth when her breasts brushed against his chest as she went to take her seat, sending an electric shock straight to her core. A startled gasp slipped past her lips. Their eyes held and, for a brief moment she saw raw desire. Then, just like that it was gone.
Devin folded his tall body in the chair. “Comfortable, Viv?”
She cut him a look. “Just peachy. How long is the dinner?”
He shrugged. “An hour or so.”
An hour. She could make it.
Devin was once again more confused than angry by the time they made it back to dinner. Something wasn’t adding up. He’d always wondered whether their breakup had to do with Vivian seeing another man, but tonight while dancing he sensed that wasn’t the case. Her expression held a mixture of sorrow and nervousness that led him to believe the truth might not be what he originally thought. Yet, even with all the unknowns, he still wanted her with a need that bordered on obsession. He wanted to take her back to his room, peel off that dress and reacquaint himself with the delights of her sexy body.
The server placed glasses of water and tea in front of them and Devin immediately drained the water. Though it was still warm out and he’d been dancing, the sweltering temperatures didn’t come close to the raging inferno inside his body.
“Devin, I’m holding you personally responsible for getting my brother to the altar on time tomorrow,” Tony’s sister, Tina said, taking a seat across the table. “So, you guys better not party all night.”
He chuckled. “Don’t worry. He’ll be there… and sober.”
Vivian leaned over and asked, “You guys are having the bachelor party tonight?”
Devin smiled inwardly at the hopeful gleam in her eyes. “Something like that.” Obviously, she figured she’d be rid of him much earlier.
“If you need to leave early, it’s fine. I hadn’t planned on staying long.”
“I don’t need to leave early. We’re not starting until
later. Relax and enjoy your dinner, Viv.” He gestured to her plate with his fork, and then started on his salad. Halfway through the main course, Tony and Samantha excused themselves.
“The bride and groom are leaving, so I guess that’s our cue,” Vivian said, setting her fork on her plate of half-eaten dinner.
“They’ll be back,” he said mildly and continued to eat. “You still haven’t touched your fish and they haven’t served dessert yet.” Her face crumpled and he felt bad. Devin reached for her hand. “Look, Viv, I know there’s a lot unsettled between us. But, for tonight, let’s put all that aside and just enjoy ourselves. I already told you we won’t discuss anything until after the wedding, and you know I’m a man of my word.”
She visibly relaxed and gave him a soft smile. “I know that, Devin, and I appreciate it.”
Her smile made his insides flip. He had never been able to resist it. Somewhere in the back of his mind, a warning bell reminded him he was dangerously close to crossing the wall he’d tried to build. But at this moment, he didn’t care.
CHAPTER SIX
Devin continued to observe Vivian throughout the remainder of dinner. She had only taken a few more bites when the staff cleared their plates and placed bowls of mango mousse in front of them. A smile blossomed on Vivian’s face and a low moan escaped her lips with the first spoonful. The sound sent blood rushing straight to his groin. Her tongue darted out to lick the back of the spoon and Devin almost lost it. He shoved his chair back and stood. “I’ll be right back.” He went to stand at the edge of the courtyard and stared out at the water in the fading light.
A riot of emotions swirled in his gut. He wasn’t supposed to desire her as much as he did, but he couldn’t stop the rising feelings.
“Looks like you could use this.”
Devin turned slightly and accepted the drink from Jason. “Thanks.” He took a sip of what he recognized as Jack and Coke, and focused his attention on the waves crashing against the shore.
“I’m going to give you a bit of free advice. Sometimes second chances are worth the risk when you’re made for each other. And you two,” Jason lifted his glass in a mock salute, “are definitely made for each other. We’re still meeting in the fitness center a nine-thirty?”
“We are.”
“Good. Don’t be late. Is Tony going to be the only one working out, or do we need to plan a little something for you, too?”
Devin nearly choked on his drink. “Hardly.”
“Whatever you say, man.” Jason chuckled, clapped Devin on the shoulder and sauntered off.
He shook his head and took another sip of the drink. The workout implied that Devin would be planning to get married. And that would not be happening… yet. Sighing heavily, he went back to the table.
Vivian had struck up a conversation with one of Tony’s aunts and two other women seated at the table about her floral business. Devin was impressed by her knowledge and how much she’d accomplished in three short years. The shop had only been open four months when he and Vivian started dating. He remembered how worried she had been about failing. Not only had they survived, the floral shop was flourishing. The fact that she was here attested to their success.
Devin checked his watch. He had an hour before meeting the guys, but wanted to change and relax for a few minutes. He waited until Vivian finished her conversation, then said, “If you’re ready, we can leave.”
“I’m ready.” Vivian turned toward the ladies. “I enjoyed talking to you ladies. See you tomorrow.”
Devin helped her to her feet and said his goodbyes.
As soon as they were out of sight, she said, “I can walk back by myself. You don’t have to escort me to my room.”
“I’m walking you to your door, Vivian.” He ignored the frown on her face and followed her into and through the lobby to the elevator. They rode in silence to her floor and down the hallway. When they stopped at her door, Devin didn’t stop to analyze his actions as he covered her mouth with his in an urgent kiss. Her tongue tangled with his for a brief moment, then she stiffened and pulled away.
“What are we doing, Devin?”
He braced his arm on the wall above her head. “I don’t know. I just know that I want you.”
“We can’t do this. I can’t do this.”
His gaze dropped to her mouth, still moist from their kiss, then back up to her eyes. “You’re probably right.” He pushed off the wall. “Only problem is it’s easier said than done. Sleep well, Princess.”
“Goodnight.”
After she closed her door, he retraced his step to the elevator and went to his room. Vivian was right. What they were doing? He wished he knew. He couldn’t remember the last time he had been so wound up over a woman. Tony might not be the only one working out tonight after all. Devin needed to get rid of this sexual tension one way or another.
Vivian leaned against the door and tried to gain control of her runaway heartbeat. Dancing with Devin on the boat and sitting through dinner had tested her willpower, but that kiss had her ready to surrender to everything he offered. She was glad for Tony’s bachelor party, otherwise they would likely be in her bed right now. If he kept this up, she didn’t see how she could resist. She crossed the room, dropped down on the bed and took off her sandals. Maybe she should give in. At least she would have the memory of one more night in his arms—his gentle touch, fiery kisses and passionate lovemaking. Tears gathered in her eyes and spilled over. Now, she had twenty-four hours to find a way to tell him why she had to let him go and why they would never have a future together. Swiping at the tears, she rose and went out to the balcony. Tonight promised to be a long one.
Vivian woke up the next morning feeling as if she had been in an all-night wrestling match. Her head hurt and her eyes were sore from crying. She glanced over at the clock and breathed a sigh of relief. It was only eight and the wedding didn’t start until four. Thankfully, all the floral arrangements had been completed so she could rest a little longer. She knew Mariah would want to start preparing a couple of hours beforehand, but that still left Vivian plenty of time to get herself together. Just as she turned over to get comfortable, the phone rang. Please don’t let it be Devin. She momentarily considered letting it go to the answering service, but reluctantly picked up the receiver.
“Hello.”
“Are you up yet?” Mariah asked.
“No.”
“You sound weird. Are you okay? Is Devin there?”
“No, Mariah,” she answered and rolled her eyes.
“He’d better not be,” Mariah muttered.
“Riah, my head hurts and I just want to go back to sleep. I’ll be good to go in an hour or two.”
Mariah didn’t reply.
“Mariah?”
“I’m coming over. Open that door.”
Vivian heard a dial tone and groaned. Two minutes later, a knock sounded. She dragged herself out of bed and went to the open the door. Mariah pushed her way into the room with Dawn on her heels. “Well, good morning you, too,” Vivian said, climbing back into bed.
“I told you something happened last night, Dawn.” Mariah sat on the side of the bed and faced Vivian. “You’ve been crying. Your eyes are all puffy.”
Vivian couldn’t deny the truth. “Yesterday was really hard spending time with Devin.” She scooted against the headboard and hugged one of the extra pillows to her chest. “I thought when I saw him again, I’d be okay. That I would be over him.”
“And you’re not?” Dawn asked.
Vivian shook her head.
Mariah jumped to her feet. “After all he put you through, he comes back smiling, flirting and acting all sweet, and you’re a mess. Please, please don’t tell me you’re going to put yourself through this again.”
“Riah has a point, Viv. How many times are you going to let a man tear you apart before you say it’s enough?” Dawn asked.
Devin’s words came rushing back to Vivian along with his pained expression: They assumed
I was to blame. He didn’t deserve all the heat he was taking, not when it was her fault. “Devin didn’t break my heart. I broke his,” she blurted.
Mariah and Dawn’s stunned gazes met Vivian’s guilty one. Mariah narrowed her eyes. “What did you just say?”
Vivian scraped a hand through her hair. “I ended the relationship, not Devin.”
Dawn planted her hands on her hips. “Girl, why did you tell us he broke up with you?”
“I never said anything. You just assumed he did.”
“That’s because you were crying over him for weeks,” Dawn retorted.
Mariah still stood seemingly in shock. She slowly brought her hand up to her mouth and closed her eyes. “Oh, my God. The stuff I said to him,” she whispered.
Vivian scrambled off the bed and grabbed Mariah’s shoulders. “What are you talking about?”
“I ran into Devin at the elevator and…”
“And what?” Vivian asked when Mariah trailed off, her apprehension mounting.
“And I may have said some stuff.”
She dropped her hands and paced the floor. “No, no, no.” She now knew why Devin had asked the question. She stopped in front of Mariah. “What did you say to him?”
Guilt flashed in Mariah’s face. “Well, I got in his face a bit.”
“What?”
Mariah threw up her hands. “I thought he broke my best friend’s heart, and is trying to do it again.”
“Riah, just tell me what you said,” Vivian said wearily.
“I told him I didn’t know what kind of game he was playing, I wasn’t going let him start up with you again because he realized what he’s missed and… and I wouldn’t stand by and watch him break your heart again,” she finished sheepishly.
“Hmph! Girl, you told him,” Dawn said with a laugh.
Vivian slowly lowered herself on the bed and buried her face in her hands. A good man had been ripped to shreds—and she didn’t wish the wrath of Mariah on anyone—all because Vivian was too scared to tell the truth. She felt horrible.
Made to Love You Page 5