Marrying the Marine-epub

by Sabrina McAfee

  Marrying the Marine

  The Brides of Hilton Head Island

  Book 1

  A Sensual Romance & Light Suspense

  Sabrina Sims McAfee

  International Bestselling Author

  Marrying the Marine

  The Brides of Hilton Head Island

  Book 1

  Copyright © 2014 by McAfee Publications & Entertainment

  Formatted by Ironhorse Formatting

  Cover Design by Niina Cord

  Editor: Jane Haertel

  Sabrina Sims McAfee can be contacted via her website:

  www.SabrinaSimsMcAfee.com

  As always, a special thank you goes out to my dedicated readers. Thank you so much for your constant support. Because of you, I’m able to do what I LOVE—write. I greatly appreciate each and every one of you.

  Dedication

  For my daughter, Briana.

  God truly blessed me when he gave me you,

  my beautiful and loving daughter.

  You’ll forever have my heart.

  Love you more,

  Mom

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Epilogue

  From the Desk of Sabrina Sims McAfee

  Sabrina’s Other Books

  About the Author

  Chapter One

  Braylon Wexler steered his Hummer along the winding road. Listening to the upbeat tempo streaming through the speakers, he marveled at the small town’s breathtaking country scenery.

  Huge oaks sprouting reddish-orange leaves lined either side of the road. A glistening blue river stretched beyond the grassy mainland to his right. A change in pace was exactly what he needed, he thought, his mind flashing back to the upsetting news he’d received right before leaving his parents’ home in Texas.

  He flicked the blinkers, signaling a left, and as he rounded the corner he felt his face straining tight. Madison Monroe, his ex, had kept him from what could be the best thing in his life—a son. Madison had showed up on his mother’s doorstep right before his departure with a cute three-year-old little boy by her side, claiming Braylon was the father. As far as he was concerned, the precocious kid didn’t resemble him in the least bit. But if the paternity test proved he was Drayton’s father, then he’d do the honorable thing— provide him with a stable home and love him the way all children deserved.

  Braylon rolled the Hummer into the circular driveway of his grandparents’ estate and threw the gearshift into park. Taking in the sight of the crimson brick, two-story mansion centered on acres of thick emerald grass, his lips hitched. He zoned in on the river running serenely behind the main house. It’d been so long since he’d visited the coastal area, way too long. He cut the engine.

  To the left of the main house a big green welcome bow was mounted to the guest cottage’s front door. He guessed that’s where he’d stay until his condo became available. His heart warmed from the kind gesture. Then again, knowing his grandmother, she’d try her hardest to keep him there with her for as long as she could.

  When he stepped out onto the asphalt, a brisk breeze fanned his bearded face, and a peppery scent of fall leaves permeated his nostrils. As he rounded the rear of his SUV, Adam appeared on the front porch. The butler hastened toward him.

  Braylon pressed the button on his key chain to unlock the trunk. As he hooked a hand under the metal to pry open the hatch, a breathless Adam came to a stop beside him. “Mr. Wexler, hold up, sir!” Adam’s voice pitched, causing Braylon to pause. He gave a polite smile. “You finally made it back to the Low Country. Let me get your luggage for you, sir,” he offered politely.

  Braylon smiled. “Adam. My man…it’s good to see you.” He gave him a bear hug.

  “Likewise, sir,” Adam concurred, clapping his back.

  Releasing Adam, Braylon met the butler’s dark gaze. The handsome older gentleman definitely took pride in his job, but Braylon hated when people waited on him. “No offense, Adam, but I’ll get my own bags.” He hefted a medium-sized suitcase from the trunk, then lowered it to the ground.

  Adam grinned. “None taken. Here’s your key to the guest cottage, sir.”

  “Please…call me Braylon.”

  “Will do. Your grandparents should be home in about thirty minutes or so. They decided to take half a day off from the law firm to give you a proper homecoming.”

  A proper homecoming…I hope they don’t make a huge fuss over me like they used to when I came here to visit as a kid. “I have a meeting on Parris Island at one o’ clock, so I hope they get here soon.” Working as an Agent for the Marines Criminal Investigation Division, he loved his job, and couldn’t wait to bust his ass to catch the bad guys.

  “I’ll call your grandmother to let her know about your meeting. She’d be quite disappointed if she didn’t get a chance to see you until evening. I’ll be up at the main house if you need anything.” Adam bowed his head.

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.” Braylon hefted his black suitcase and made his way toward the guest cottage. When he entered, a sweet cinnamon fragrance assailed his nostrils. On the counter sat a plate full of assorted fruits, bagels, and huge cinnamon buns drizzled with white icing. If he didn’t know any better he’d think that his grandmother, Willa Wexler, had enormous plans to spoil him during his stay.

  This place is perfect. The two-bedroom cottage suited him. The family room was centered between the two bedrooms with a magnificent view of the river, and the huge sixty inch television mounted to the wall made him smile. I can’t wait to watch football on that sucker. Too bad it wasn’t winter yet so he could enjoy that Jacuzzi perched on the deck.

  Rolling his luggage behind him, he entered the master bedroom. An office tucked in the corner had its own fireplace which would come in handy on those cold winter nights he had to work until the wee hours of the morning. Hot damn! This is what’s happening.

  After Braylon unpacked, he ate a muffin, then showered. Standing at the foot of the bed buttoning up his dress shirt, he glanced out the window to find a woman out back sitting underneath a huge oak across from his uncle Royce who had Down’s syndrome. Who’s that?

  He crossed the room and drew back the drapes to get a better look at her. As he took in the soft, honey complexion of the woman’s skin, he swallowed. The glow of the sun beamed down on the silky strands of black hair hanging past her shoulders. Such a pretty lady, he thought, heat filling his body. Now this is how a brother likes to return home.

  Braylon turned from the window, walked over to the nightstand, and hefted the phone to call the main house.

  “The Wexlers’ residence,” Adam answered.

  “Hey, Adam. It’s me, Braylon.”

  “How can I help you, sir? Sorry, I meant to say Braylon.”

  “I was just looking out the window and happened to notice Uncle Royce outside with a very pretty woman. Who is she?” Braylon turned back toward the window so he could continue watching her.

  Adam chuckled. “Her name is Sandella Summers. Your grandmother hired her a few years ago to help out with your Uncle Royce while they continue running the law firm. Royce has come a mighty long way ever since she’s been helping him.”

  When his grandmother had mentioned Sandella to Braylon he’d just assumed she was a m
ore mature woman. “So that’s Sandella? I expected her to be older.”

  “There’s nothing old about Sandella.” Adam chortled.

  “Thanks. I hope I didn’t interrupt you.”

  “Not at all. I’ve just finished cooking lunch. I made a big pot of southern seafood gumbo and crab cake sandwiches. When you’re ready to eat, just come on up to the main house and I’ll fix your plate for you.”

  “Thanks, but remember what I said earlier. There’ll be no waiting on me.”

  “If you say so, sir. I mean, Braylon.”

  Braylon chuckled then hung up. He quickly slid his trousers over his hips, zippered them, then shrugged his arms through the sleeves of his blazer. After brushing his hair, he snatched his keys from the dresser, then headed out back to say hello to Royce, and meet the knockout at the same time.

  The scent of recently mowed grass permeated Braylon’s nose as he strode toward Sandella. “Hello there,” he said, coming to a stop behind her.

  Startled, she glanced over her shoulder. She tucked her black, long hair behind her ears, then removed her earplugs. When she tilted her head to look up at him, the gleam of the sun kissed the delicate features of her face, and brightened her caramel-colored eyes.

  Light flutters gathered in his stomach. Her flawless honey, brown skin looked soft as cotton as she peeped up at him over a set of long black lashes. She’s smoking hot.

  His throat felt dry and he cleared it. “I’m sorry if I startled you, but I thought you heard me approaching.”

  Sandella removed the bowl of pecans from her lap, placed it on the ground, then pushed herself up from the white blanket to stand. Her long lashes curled when she blinked. “Yes, you startled me, but it’s okay.” Her voice floated out like a soft caress.

  “That’s good because I wouldn’t want us to get off to a bad start. I’m Braylon,” he announced, extending his hand toward her. She stalled before offering him her sweaty, trembling hand. He’d been known to make women nervous before, but not to this extent, he thought, enjoying the soft feel of her delicate skin.

  “I’m Sandella,” she said, quickly releasing his firm grip. Glancing up at him, she began fidgeting with the pearl necklace draped elegantly around her sexy, slender neck. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Braylon. Your grandparents aren’t home right now, but they’ll be arriving shortly.” She placed the bowl of pecans on her hip, then hastened toward Royce as he sat on the ground circling words in a crossword book over by the dock. Yep, he definitely made her nervous for some reason.

  Braylon followed Sandella to the edge of the lawn in the direction of the river. “Uncle Royce? How have you been?” he asked, coming to a stop right behind Sandella. Not bothering to look up, Royce’s eyes remained planted in his book. Braylon’s loins pulled tight as his eyes traveled over Sandella’s curvaceous buttocks. She’s fine, too.

  When Sandella turned to face him, the first thing he saw was her soft-looking lips. Lips that sexy had to be tasty. “Willa said that you weren’t coming until next week,” she said.

  Raking his eyes over the lush curves of her figure, something indescribable tugged at his heart. “I guess she forgot to tell you my plans had changed.” He’d just met the woman and his lips were dying to mate with hers. “I came a few weeks early so I could get acquainted with the island and Beaufort before reporting to work.”

  “Oh.”

  “My grandmother brags on you all the time. She told me how well you work with Royce. She says he’s even reading now because of you.”

  Her cheeks flushed. “I love working with Royce. He’s very special to me.”

  His eyes lowered to the pecans inside the bowl, then back up to her brown, succulent lips. “Grandma Willa tells me you’re a great cook. From what she says, everyone loves the caramel pecan pies you bake. Is that what the pecans are for?”

  She nodded. “Yes. I make them daily and sell them to the local bakeries, restaurants, and a few hair salons.” Her tongue darted over her bottom lips before she sucked it back in.

  A naughty vision of him thrashing his tongue with hers entered his mind. He grinned. I can’t wait to sample your pie, he thought, thinking the sweet pie between her legs was probably just as sweet as the pies she baked.

  A discerning look developed in her caramel pupils. “What pie are you talking about?” her tone was accusatory.

  My eyes must’ve said it all. Please don’t let her think I’m a jerk, or a pervert. Braylon took pride in honoring and respecting women. After all he had a sister and wouldn’t want any man making her feel uncomfortable. In hopes of making the awkwardness stabbing the air vanish, he sought the right words to say. “I’m sorry if I—”

  She sighed. “Please don’t take this the wrong way,” she touched her chest in an endearing manner, “while I appreciate everything the men and women in the service have done for this country, I have a hard time befriending Marines. So if I ever seem abrupt, please don’t take it personally,” she said.

  Well, damn. Her brutal honesty stunned him, made his heart clench. Her ex-boyfriend must’ve been a Marine and broken her heart. “Why’s that?”

  Shaking her head, the sadness in her eyes grew deeper by the second. Her gaze fell to the ground, then lifted. “I’d rather not talk about it at the moment. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go prepare Royce’s lunch.” She reached for Royce’s hand, and helped him to stand. Walking hand in hand, they slowly made their way across the lawn back toward the main house.

  “I hope you’ll tell me all about it, someday.” He called after her.

  With the hem of her dress blowing around her knees, she glanced back over her shoulder, and gave him a serious stare. Strands of silky black hair brushed against her lips. She turned away.

  Braylon ’s curiosity deepened as he watched her step inside the house and disappear. I don’t know why you feel the way you do about Marines, Sandella. But come hell or high water, I’m going to find out. I’m going to prove to you that not all the Marines here are complete assholes.

  Just as he took a step forward, his grandparents, Drake and Willa, burst through the back door onto the porch. A big smile turned up his grandmother’s lips. “You’re here!” she shouted, waving. “Come a give your grandma a hug!”

  ON MONDAY MORNING, Sandella stood in the doorway of the Wexlers’ mansion waving goodbye to Drake and Willa as they drove off in their silver Bentley, heading for work. Once they were out of sight, she closed the door and headed for the kitchen to make Royce’s breakfast.

  She pulled open the refrigerator and grabbed a carton of eggs. She then hefted a pint of milk, a bag of sharp cheddar cheese, and a deep dish pastry shell. Royce loves my ham, egg, and cheese quiche. Maybe I can offer some to Bray— As soon as the fine specimen Braylon entered her mind, she tried hard to force the extremely gorgeous man right on out. The last thing she needed was to get involved with some man, especially him, a Marine. What did she care anyway? A man like him would never be interested in a plain, inexperienced virgin like her anyhow.

  While whisking the ingredients for the quiche together in a green ceramic bowl, her mind traveled back to her first meeting with Braylon on Friday. Regretting how she’d probably made him feel, she released a soft breath. Why had she been so short with him?

  All weekend long she’d beaten herself up for opening up and practically admitting to him that she didn’t trust the Marines in this area. She’d been a fool, and wrong to say such a thing. Quite honestly, as a whole, she thought very highly of the brave strong men and the courageous women, too.

  The whisk stilled inside the bowl. I made such a fool of myself. Braylon probably thinks I’m discriminatory. Her problem wasn’t with all the Marines, just one in particular—her mother’s rapist and killer. She along with her brothers and father had good reason to believe a Marine had murdered her mother. Unfortunately, till this day, her mother’s killer had never been captured. For all she knew, that horrible man might still live in the area, or be working on tha
t darn base. Maybe someday, once he was brought to justice, she’d be able to put the past behind her.

  They’ll never reopen my mother’s case. Never. The pain of her mother’s brutal assault threatened to make her cry as if it’d just happened yesterday. As she poured the egg mixture in the pie shell her heart squeezed. She lowered the hatch on the oven and slid the breakfast entree inside.

  After pondering over what to do next, she headed to the library to select a heartwarming book to read. Perusing the cherry wood bookshelf inside the antique-filled room, she decided to give a book by Danielle Steel a try. She pulled the hardcover book from the shelf, crossed the room to a window, plopped down on the plush leather couch, and sat reading for nearly an hour.

  At the sound of the kitchen buzzer, she lifted her head from the novel. Her eyes spied the clock on the wall. It’s already been an hour, she thought, heading for the kitchen to remove the breakfast pie from the oven. She’d been so caught up in the book time had flown by.

  The scent of the buttery pastry sailed into her nostrils as she placed the hot quiche on top of the stove. Mmm, Braylon is going to love—

  An image of Braylon’s gorgeous, olive-complexioned face and hazel brown eyes appeared in her mind’s eye. Her nipples pulled tight against the pink cotton shirt she wore. How could she have an immediate attraction to someone she’d just met? Worse...how could she let a Marine make her feel such a thing? Dad would die if he knew of this.

  Her heart flopped as she thought about how her father, Kane, would react if he knew she’d allowed a Marine to make her hot just from merely thinking of him. Her father would kill Braylon if he knew she’d been lusting for him. While she might be leery of the military men surrounding the area, her father downright loathed them.

  All these emotions had her in dire need of a walk along the boat dock. She raised a finger to the intercom to call for Royce when, suddenly, he and Adam entered the kitchen.