“Hi, it’s me again. It feels so strange apologizing for calling so much. I never had to do that before. I guess that was something I took for granted when we were married. I thought I’d see how you were handling the R and R. You were never one to really let go. Anyway, I hope you’re not too bored and that you’ve thought about what I said when we were together. It’s very important to me that you be a part of this.”
Jared deleted the voice mail and threw his phone on the nearby hammock.
“The ex-wife has you flustered,” Autumn said from the doorway.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Taylor has that way about her.”
She bit her lip. “You don’t seem like the kind of guy who kept in touch with exes.”
“I normally don’t. Taylor recently paid me a surprise visit. We hadn’t seen each other in a long time. In fact, we’ve only seen each other a couple of times since the divorce was finalized.”
“She dropped by to reminisce?” Autumn folded her arms over her chest.
“Something like that.” He noticed her body language changing. He went over and uncrossed her arms. “There’s something I want to tell you. Since we are part of the same family grapevine, I’m sure you’ll hear about it anyway. Tyler already gave me up to Michelle, and Bo has loose lips after his second glass of wine.”
“OK.” She sat down on the bench.
“Taylor dropped by unexpectedly with the revelation that she wants to have a baby with me.”
“Aren’t you two doing things backward?”
He took a seat too. “That’s my ex-wife. She’s a brilliant doctor and straightforward in every aspect of her life except her relationship with me. She’s decided she wants to be a mom, and her recent prospects haven’t met her high expectations.”
“So this is more of an attempt at a reconciliation?” She furrowed her eyebrows.
“No. We got divorced for really good reasons. I think she just wants a baby with someone she trusts.”
“And you’re the only guy on the planet who can provide the sperm? There are sperm banks. She’s a doctor. I think she knows it. Are you going to do it?”
“I don’t know.”
“You still love her?”
“Not in that way.”
“How are you going to explain this to any potential girlfriends?” She bit her lip again.
“I don’t know.” He wasn’t doing a bang-up job of explaining it to the wonderful woman he’d just spent an amazing night with in paradise. “She sprang it on me. We haven’t worked out any details because this is still just a wild idea.”
“Well you shouldn’t go off half-cocked and do something this serious just because she still has you under her spell.”
“I’m not under any spell. When you really love someone, even if it’s over, you still have a deep connection to them. It’s not something you can just turn off. But I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”
She stood and put her hand on her hip. “Are you insinuating I’ve never had a serious relationship?”
“Have you?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Considering what we did last night, I think it is. I wanted to talk about that today.”
“Think again.”
“Am I wrong? We’re part of the same family. And from what I can piece together, you don’t keep a man around too long. You dated that baseball player Ryan Boggs for what, a couple months then you dumped him? What about the social media magnate? You didn’t last long with him either.”
“Ryan got clingy real quick. I have a corporation to run, and he thought I was supposed to drop everything to come see him practice. He needs to marry a groupie, not a woman with a real career. Mr. Social Media wanted some sort of fake whirlwind romance so we would be some cool celebrity couple that lived our lives in front of the cameras. I’m not even sure he liked women.”
“What about the men before that? I want to know why you won’t give your heart to anyone.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about that.”
“The hell I don’t.” He cupped her face with his hands. He could see the possibilities for the two of them he’d been fantasizing about all morning were slipping away. He didn’t know what to do.
“I suppose for the same reason you’re thinking about having a baby with your ex-wife.”
The sound of the boat drawing near ruined the moment. It was time to go. Autumn broke away from him and took one last look around before grabbing her bag and carefully beginning her trek down to the beach. He wished he could go back to the moment before he retrieved that voice mail from Taylor. He was enjoying this time with her. For a moment he’d thought they were meant for each other.
* * *
As soon as they got back to the dock, Autumn grabbed the first available cab. She glared at Jared, who took the hint that he wouldn’t be sharing the ride. She marched into the hotel and headed for her suite, ignoring the wave Graham had given her from the nearby café. She was too steamed to be social right now.
She was almost at the elevator when Amber stepped in her path. “Ms. Waverly, did you enjoy your time on the island?”
She stopped and took a deep breath. “It was a lovely hideaway, but I’m afraid the family’s scheme didn’t work.”
“I’m not sure I know what you mean,” Amber said.
“Look, I know my sister or maybe one of the Blakes called you and asked you to engineer something that would force Jared and me to spend time together. But we are too different. Some would say we’re planets apart. If you don’t mind, I’d like to spend my last two days enjoying the weather away from Jared Reed. I hope you can respect my wishes.”
“Of course. I’m sorry things didn’t turn out well.”
“C’est la vie.” She shrugged.
She dropped her bag by the door and made a beeline for the couch. She fought the urge to call Summer. But she couldn’t keep running to her sister anymore. She had to figure things out for herself. The kicker was that before Jared had listened to that voice mail she’d been open to so many things. She’d slept with him, for heaven’s sake. She’d never slept with a man that quickly before. He was gorgeous and smart, everything she’d ever heard about him with the exception of being hung-up on his ex-wife. But was he really still in love with her?
Of course, he was. He was thinking about donating his sperm to her.
Autumn looked out at the palm trees swaying to the ocean breeze. She could sit in her room and mope or enjoy the rest of her time here. Maybe she could still do some snorkeling or another activity she’d missed. She was pretty sure Graham would say yes if she asked him to join her. She knew she wouldn’t be running into Jared unless he had a death wish. Everyone at home who’d set this in motion must have been thinking they were having the time of their lives. She dreaded telling them that it fell flat. Because last night she’d been dangerously close to falling for him.
* * *
Jared didn’t know what to do when he got back to the resort. He thought about tracking Autumn down but figured they needed some space. He tried getting into that spy novel again, but images of Autumn having lunch with Graham or some other lothario kept popping into his head. After a restless night, he decided to do something the last day of his vacation to keep from going out of his mind. He wanted to spend it with Autumn. He wanted to tell her that in the short time they’d spent together he’d started developing feelings for her. He planned to talk to her about his growing attraction to her and why he was happy to have finally met her. Nothing else mattered right now other than getting her to listen to him.
He went for his jog on the beach, but couldn’t run off his nervous energy. When he returned to his room, he went to finish packing. He glanced out the window. It would the last time he’d see the beautiful scenery. He went to the gift shop and bought souvenirs, knowing Morgan, Isabelle, and Avery would never forgive him if he didn’t bring them something. He was paying for his things when he looked up and saw that je
rk Graham in the toiletries section. His jaw ticked when the muscle-head picked up a box of condoms and came up to the counter.
“Hey, didn’t I see you the first night at the mixer?” Graham said to him.
“Yeah.”
“It’s my last day, and boy did I have a great time with this sweet thing I’ve been pursuing. She’s been keeping me at bay all week, but I think tonight’s the night.” The jerk waggled his eyebrows and shook the condom box.
“So are you going to see her again after you leave the island?”
“Hell no, this is strictly vacation sex.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little cavalier thing to do?”
“No, Dad, I don’t. Lighten up.” Graham patted him on the back.
“It’s men like you that make women think less of our gender.” Jared got his bag and the change. “Don’t be surprised if she turns you down.”
“I’ve been playing the patient, kind gentleman all week. She won’t.”
Jared was fuming all the way back to his room and then he sat and stewed some more. He should have punched him. That would have deterred him from seeing Autumn. But she was a big girl, and he had no right tell her what to do or assume she needed saving. There was no way she was going to sleep with that guy. But then again, he didn’t know what state she was in after their fight on the island. Maybe she wanted to sleep with Graham. If he barged into her room and told her about Graham’s intentions, she’d surely kick him out.
The knock at the door brought him out of his mania. He raced to it, hoping it was her. But it was Amber instead.
“Hello, Mr. Reed.”
“Hello, Amber.” He ushered her inside.
“I just thought I’d drop by and see how your experience was with the resort. We take customer satisfaction very seriously.”
“Everything was great. I’d recommend it to my family and friends. Sorry I opted out of the ultra-fantasy portion. Role-playing and the whole bit just isn’t my scene.”
“No, I get it. You seem like the kind of man who is only comfortable being himself all the time.”
He smiled. “Exactly.”
“Did you like the small island trip?”
“I loved it. Being there was the best part of my vacation.”
“Did Ms. Waverly have anything to do with that?”
“Ms. Waverly had everything to do with it. But some things transpired, and she’s upset with me. Not that I blame her.”
“Well, lucky for you there’s still one night left to your stay here. Maybe you can change her mind about…things.”
Yeah, she was going to have a big night with Graham. According to Graham anyway.
“I don’t want to ruin her evening.”
“Well, I have on good authority that she made a dinner reservation for seven o’clock. You do plan to eat dinner, correct?” Her smile widened into a grin.
“Yes, I do.” He grinned back at her.
“I really hope you enjoyed your stay at the Executive Desires resort.”
“It’s been eventful. I can honestly say it’s changed my life.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Good luck on your future endeavors.”
“Thanks, Amber.”
* * *
Jared took his time getting dressed for dinner. If he were going to make a scene, which was highly likely, he wanted to look good. He went downstairs around seven-fifteen and was seated by the hostess immediately. He scanned the room and saw Autumn sitting in the corner booth by herself. She looked gorgeous in her blue dress. Maybe her dinner date canceled…
No such luck though. As he stood to go over to her, Graham appeared and put his hand on her shoulder and kissed her on the cheek before he took his seat. Jared sat down, feeling like he’d been punched in the gut.
He ordered when the waitress came, but his eyes stayed fixed on them. Graham was pulling out all the stops, trying to get her to laugh. He pretended she had something on her face and wiped the imaginary dirt away with his linen table napkin. A few minutes later, he brushed a lock of hair from her face. Jared’s jaw ticked when the guy reached across the table and caressed her hand. The final straw was when he invited her on the dance floor and his hand casually slid down from her back to her butt before Autumn moved it.
Jared pushed through the crowd and grabbed Graham. “Get your hands off her!”
Graham pushed him off. “What is it with you?”
“You’re not going anywhere with her, you sleazebag.”
“That’s up to the lady. I have a special evening planned, so if you don’t mind—”
The dancing couples moved to get away from the ruckus. Every eye in the place seemed to be on them. He certainly was making a scene.
Autumn wedged herself between them. “Excuse me, the lady has something to say.”
“Tell this idiot to get lost,” Graham grumbled.
“I think this idiot is just being very overprotective right now.” She wagged a finger at Graham. “Maybe it’s because you’re in super creepy predator mode. You were a gentleman all week and now you’re all handsy thinking you’re going to score tonight. And that’s not going to happen.”
“So, you’re into him instead of me?”
“Good-bye, Graham.” She shook her head.
Jared and Autumn watched as Graham stalked off the dance floor.
Jared grinned. “I guess you told him.”
“You don’t get off so easy.”
“What? Graham Crackers was a self-obsessed, horny jerk. I knew he didn’t stand a chance with you. I just did what you would have done but sooner.”
“But yet, you still decided to intervene. I can take care of myself. But you didn’t trust my judgment because you think you know how flaky I can be about men. Graham was perfect for someone with my inability to commit to anything.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. I owe you an apology. I had no right to say those things to you. I’m not exactly the picture of sanity in the relationship department.” Jared glanced around to see everyone on the dance floor watching them. It was time for some privacy. “Want to watch the last sunset in paradise with me?”
Autumn hesitated…then put her hand in his. “OK.”
He led her out onto the restaurant deck, away from the crowds.
“Have you given any thought to your daddy dilemma?” she asked.
“It’s not the way I planned on becoming a dad. But when I got divorced, I delved into work to avoid relationships because I didn’t want to get hurt again.”
“So your ex-wife has the perfect scenario for you.”
“In a way, yes. But after meeting you and in this brief time together, it reminded me that I could miss out on someone wonderful.”
“Yes, you could.”
“I think you’re beautiful, classy, charming, and funny, Autumn Waverly. If you are open to it, I’d like to see more of you when we return home.”
“Technically your home is in Philadelphia. You visit Texas for work.”
“There will be a few challenges, but I do visit often. A big bulk of my work is at Blake Enterprises. The long-distance thing would mandate that we take things slow.”
“I’d like that, and I like you too.” She grasped the lapels of his shirt. “And one more thing. What’s with the macho display? I thought you brainy guys kept a cool head.”
“I really wanted to hit that guy, especially after I saw him pawing on you.” He kissed her nose.
“What is it with the men in my life? Bo’s designated himself as my protector too.”
“He can pass the job onto me, like he did this vacation. I owe him big time.”
“I guess they were right about us, eh?” She scrunched her nose.
“Yes, they were, and they’re never going to let us live it down.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Autumn gazed out the window of the plane as it taxied along the runway. She was looking for Summer and Bo. When she’d called to remind them she was coming home, she didn’t ex
pect that they would insist on meeting her at the private airport. She wanted more alone time with Jared, who’d agreed to come to Texas with her instead of returning home to Philadelphia. They’d talked the entire plane ride, but there was still so much to say. Luckily he could get some work done while he was in town.
She unclicked the plane seat belt, but she couldn’t bring herself to move out of the chair.
Jared got up from his seat before noticing she hadn’t stood with him. “Autumn. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know why I’m so nervous.” She bit her lip.
“Having second thoughts?”
“No, I just—”
“Feel like once we announce to the family we’re dating there’s going to be a lot of pressure?”
She looked up at him. “Yes.”
“Let’s talk about it.” He sat back down.
“Jared, are you really ready for this? For the distraction of being involved with someone? If we get that far. I think we should do a…relationship checkup from time to time and see if we’re heading in the same direction.”
“If that’s what you need. Sure.”
“Good.” She smiled and stood and headed for the plane door. As she walked down the steps of the plane, she spotted Summer and Bo standing there waving.
Summer ran up to her and gave her a big hug. “Welcome back! You look great!”
“Good to see you too, Sis.” Autumn laughed. “I should go away more often.”
Bo hugged her too. “No, you shouldn’t. Your sister worries when you’re too far away.”
“I see you brought a handsome, six-foot-two souvenir home.” Summer’s eyes widened as Jared descended the steps. “Hi Jared, what a pleasant surprise.”
Stranded in Paradise (The Blake Boys Book 13) Page 8