“I think she looks charming,” Lucky said gallantly.
“For a backyard picnic, perhaps. I told you it was a dinner dance,” Evelyn said to her.
“I didn’t expect to need anything dressy,” Michelle explained. “It was either this, or pants and a T-shirt.”
“Well, never mind. We’ll go shopping tomorrow and buy you a suitable wardrobe.”
“It’s the middle of winter in New York, Mother! I’m not going to buy a lot of warm weather things that I don’t need. We’ll be going home soon.”
“You will,” Evelyn said pointedly. “I’m thinking about staying longer.”
As Michelle’s face expressed her dismay, Lucky said soothingly, “It won’t hurt to go shopping. You don’t have to buy anything.” Before she could answer, he said to his nephew, “Go to the bar and get Michelle a drink, Jonathan. The service is very slow here tonight.”
“What can I get for you?” Jonathan asked her.
“Something very strong,” she muttered.
Michelle was conscious of being woefully underdressed. She hadn’t realized Shorehaven was such an upscale resort. Most of the guests had on expensive gowns and a lot of jewelry. Even Jonathan’s bingo playing admirers were decked out in their party best.
He touched her hand briefly. “Don’t worry about your outfit. All the women here would like to be as beautiful as you are.”
.It was a nice thing to say—and completely out of character. Michelle gazed at him uncertainly, but his expression wasn’t mocking. She didn’t know what to think.
“Jonathan is right,” Lucky said, saving her from having to reply. “You’d be gorgeous no matter what you were wearing.”
Michelle knew they were buttering her up, but she couldn’t work up any indignation over it.
“You should see her when she’s really dressed,” Evelyn said proudly.
“Even when she isn’t your daughter is enchanting.” Jonathan’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
Michelle’s body warmed as she remembered last night’s embarrassing incident. He was taking great delight in taunting her with it. She should have known better than to think Jonathan had changed his attitude toward her.
“About that drink,” she said pointedly. “I’ll have a martini, straight up.”
His eyebrows climbed, but he merely said, “I’ll be right back with it.”
Michelle could tell that Jonathan thought she was a serious drinker. Well, let him! It fit in with the rest of his image of her. Actually she drank sparingly and didn’t even like martinis. But she was glad now that she’d ordered one, Michelle thought sulkily.
To her surprise, the evening got better from then on. Either Jonathan felt he’d pushed her to the limit, or he was on his good behavior in front of his uncle. For whatever reason, he worked at being excellent company.
Michelle didn’t trust his motives, but it was nice not to have to fence with him, if only for one evening.
After a pleasant cocktail hour, they went into the dining room. It looked very festive, with pink tablecloths, flowers and soft lighting. The tables were all arranged around a portable dance floor, and a small combo was tuning up on a makeshift bandstand.
The dinner was excellent and so was the wine Lucky ordered. When Michelle complimented his taste, he kept refilling her glass, even before it was empty. By the middle of dinner she was her normal, bubbly self rather than the reserved, wary woman she’d been since coming to Shorehaven. Jonathan watched with amusement as she entertained them with funny stories about other vacations she’d been on that weren’t nearly as luxurious.
“I’ll be thoroughly spoiled by the time I get home.”
“It’s nice to see you enjoying yourself,” Evelyn told her fondly. “You needed some relaxation.”
Jonathan exchanged a mischievous glance with his uncle. “I think she’ll sleep well tonight.”
While the waiter was clearing away their dinner plates, Jonathan asked Michelle to dance. She agreed without hesitation and they joined the crowd on the small dance floor.
When Jonathan’s arms closed around her and their bodies merged, she made a small, involuntary sound of contentment. This was different from last night They’d both been taut with anger when he carried her to her room. His embrace was seductive now, bringing a languorous response.
It intensified when his lips brushed lightly across her temple. “You’re very lovely,” he murmured.
She gazed up at him uncertainly. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
He smiled. “You make it very easy.”
“You never felt that way before. What’s different about me tonight?”
“Just about everything. You’re utterly enchanting. I’d like to make love to you until the sun comes up.”
His sensuous voice was compelling. Michelle had a sudden, vivid picture of their naked bodies joined and vibrating with passion. Jonathan would be a superb lover, she was sure. He would arouse her unbearably, then satisfy her completely.
Shaking off the disturbing image, she said lightly, “If that’s a proposition, I’ll have to decline.”
“It wasn’t. I was merely telling you what I’d like to do, but don’t let it trouble you. I never take unfair advantage.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say, I don’t think you have a high tolerance for alcohol.”
“Are you insinuating that I’m drunk?” she demanded.
“Not at all. Just happy and relaxed.” He grinned.
Michelle couldn’t very well get indignant when it was the truth. She never drank this much. “Now that the effects are starting to wear off, I guess I’ll have to admit I did lose some of my inhibitions.”
“Would another martini help?” he asked mischievously.
“That depends on which one of us you expect it to help.”
Her laughter died as their eyes met and Jonathan’s expression changed. His desire was unmistakable, but it only mirrored her own emotions. Michelle’s lips parted as her gaze shifted to his firm mouth, wanting to feel it move over hers.
Jonathan drew in his breath sharply. His embrace tightened for a moment, then he drew back. “Sweet, lovely Michelle, if you don’t sober up soon, I’m going to lose my reputation as an honorable man.”
She glanced away, grateful that he thought she was still a little tipsy. It wasn’t true, but Jonathan mustn’t know her response to him had nothing to do with wine. He had awakened a deep, sensuous tide of feeling she never even knew she was capable of.
“We, uh, we should go back to the table,” she said haltingly.
“In a few minutes.” He smoothed her hair gently. “I might never catch you with your guard down again. Tomorrow- we’ll be back to sniping and snarling at each other.”
“I suppose so.” She sighed unconsciously.
They were unaware of being observed. Lucky and Evelyn had been watching them with interest.
“It seems you were right about the chemistry between them,” he remarked.
“I could tell they were attracted to each other. It was just a matter of time until they admitted it to themselves.”
“It would be nice if something developed between them.”
“I don’t know about that, but they’ll be company for each other while they’re here.”
“And perhaps leave us alone.” Lucky chuckled.
“That would be a pleasant bonus.” Evelyn smiled. “But I wouldn’t count on it. Young people seem to be suspicious of a relationship that runs smoothly. They have to examine every word and gesture until they find something to argue about. It almost makes me glad I’m not young anymore.”
Lucky covered her hand with his. “You’re just the right age. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you.”
Chapter Three
At the end of the evening Jonathan walked Michelle to her room, ignoring her protests that it wasn’t necessary.
“A gentleman always sees a lady to her door,” he said lightly.
She didn’t want to make an issue of it, but she couldn’t help wondering if he intended to kiss her good-night. It seemed likely for a moment. Something flickered in his eyes as they paused outside her room. The moment passed and he said a pleasant good-night and walked away.
Michelle closed her bedroom door, torn between regret and relief. She had no doubt that Jonathan’s kiss would have been enjoyable—perhaps too much so. She’d already had trouble tonight remembering that he was the enemy.
Jonathan’s apparent indifference vanished when he reached his room. He was as disturbed as Michelle by his inexplicable emotions.
Pacing the floor restlessly, he muttered, “Okay, so she’s beautiful, big deal! The world is full of gorgeous women—a lot more glamorous than this one.”
It was true, but Michelle was a natural beauty. She didn’t need cosmetics or fancy clothes. She was incredibly sexy without them. Jonathan’s blood ran hot when he remembered the glimpse he’d had of just how perfect her body was.
All right, he’d admit he was sexually attracted to her. What able-bodied man wouldn’t be? That didn’t mean he should lose sight of why they were both here. Michelle and her mother were unscrupulous women, but he could scarcely blame Lucky for being taken in. Too often tonight, Jonathan had found himself wishing he was wrong about Michelle.
His jaw firmed and he strode to the telephone. When Joe Henderson’s answering machine clicked on, Jonathan left a message. “I need that information I requested as soon as possible. Call me and tell me what you have so far.”
The next morning at breakfast, Jonathan was his usual distant self. Michelle could hardly believe he was the same charming man who’d given her such nice compliments the night before and pretended to be attracted to her.
It shouldn’t surprise her, she thought cynically. Jonathan was an opportunist. He’d try whatever he thought would distract her. She could have told him it wouldn’t work.
In contrast to the young people, Evelyn and Lucky were all smiles. “Wasn’t it a lovely party last night?” she asked, expecting universal agreement.
Lucky was the only one who concurred. “I thought the music was especially good, considering it was such a small combo. Wouldn’t you say so, Jonathan?”
“I suppose.” He handed his menu to the waiter and said, “I’ll just have toast and coffee.”
“You enjoyed the evening, didn’t you, Michelle?” Evelyn asked.
“It was nice,” she answered tepidly. “Just coffee for me,” Michelle told the waiter.
Evelyn and Lucky exchanged a glance. “Well, what does everybody feel like doing today?” she asked brightly.
“Whatever you like.” Michelle’s lack of enthusiasm was evident.
“How about you, Jonathan?” Lucky asked. “Do you have any suggestions?”
He shrugged. “Whatever you say.”
A look of annoyance crossed the older man’s face. “If you really want to know, Evie and I would prefer to be alone. Neither you nor Michelle are a great joy to be around. Sorry, Evie.”
“Don’t apologize, it’s true,” she said. “If Shorehaven isn’t what you expected, perhaps you’d prefer to go home,” Evelyn told her daughter.
Michelle sat up straighter in her chair and forced a smile. “I’m having a lovely time. I guess I had a little too much wine last night and it left me with a slight headache, but I’ll be fine after I have coffee.” She wanted to ask Jonathan what his excuse was, but she managed to resist.
“I’m sorry if I seemed withdrawn,” he said. “I’m afraid I was thinking about an important phone call I’m expecting.”
“Then maybe you should stick around here,” Michelle said sweetly. “Weren’t we going to Pirate’s Cove and then on to the shops?” she asked the others.
“That sounds good to me,” Jonathan said quickly. “The hotel can take a message for me.”
“Then Pirate’s Cove it is,” Lucky said. “Wear your bathing suits under your clothes. It’s supposed to have a beautiful beach.”
The road to Pirate’s Cove was very scenic. It wove through tropical vegetation with occasional views of the ocean sparkling under bright sunshine.
Lucky was driving, with Evelyn beside him and Michelle and Jonathan in the back seat. The younger couple made a great effort to be pleasant to each other, but their conversation was forced.
Their differences were forgotten, however, when Lucky pulled off the highway into a parking area and they all got out of the car. Pirate’s Cove was idyllically beautiful. It was located at the foot of a cliff, protected from the wind by large boulders on both sides. The small strip of white sand between them was lapped by little white-capped wavelets that foamed briefly on the shore before rushing back to sea.
“What a heavenly little beach!” Michelle exclaimed.
“If you could get down there,” Evelyn said doubtfully, gazing at the rocky path.
“I’ll hold onto you,” Lucky said. “It isn’t as steep as it looks.”
“I’m so glad you told us to wear our bathing suits,” Michelle said. “I can’t wait to get in that water.”
“It does look great,” Jonathan agreed.
They scrambled down the path together. When they got to the beach he spread out the large towels he was carrying and began to strip off his T-shirt and jeans. Michelle was wearing a short sundress over her fairly modest bikini.
While Jonathan searched for some rocks to anchor their clothes so they wouldn’t blow away, Michelle glanced around for her mother. She spotted the older couple, still standing at the top of the cliff.
“What are you waiting for?” she called. “It’s fantastic down here.”
“Evie thinks it’s too steep a climb,” Lucky called back. “We’re going to go for a little ride and maybe stop someplace for coffee, but you two can stay here. Take a swim and we’ll come back for you in an hour or so.”
“No, wait!” Michelle shouted. “We’ll come with you.”
“Just give us a minute to put our clothes on,” Jonathan called.
“That would be foolish.” Lucky waved his hand. “Have fun.” Before they could argue further, he and Evelyn got in the car and drove away.
Michelle and Jonathan stared at the top of the bluff in frustration.
Finally he said, “Your mother was very clever at getting rid of us.”
“It was your uncle who left us here!”
“Guess who put the idea in his head. I’ll bet this is what she had planned all along.”
“Unlike you, my mother isn’t devious. I’m sure it was Lucky’s idea to get her alone so he could pitch his fabulous invention to her without my interference. You probably suggested it to him.”
“Knowing I’d be stranded alone on a beach with you?” Jonathan asked derisively. “Think about it.”
Michelle’s temper flared. “It isn’t any great treat for me, either. You’re rude and bad tempered and I dislike you intensely.”
He started to answer, then threw up his hands. “This is pointless. I don’t intend to spend the next hour trading insults with you. Think whatever you like. I’m going swimming.” He loped across the sand and dived into the surf.
She watched moodily as he cut through the water with powerful strokes. How could such a perfect physical specimen be so defective in every other way? After brooding for long minutes, she decided to ignore him. It was foolish to let Jonathan spoil her day.
Michelle’s spirits rose as she frolicked in the lovely lagoon. The water was refreshingly cool and crystal clear. She could see shells on the ocean bottom and darting little tropical fish that made bright streaks in the blue water. Michelle was enchanted by this tropical wonderland. She surface dived for a better look.
Suddenly a long dark shape appeared. Her heart started to pound and she scrambled for the surface. Before she could strike out for shore, Jonathan’s head appeared only a few feet away.
“You scared the life out of me!” she exclaimed. “I thought you were a shark.”
/> He grinned, showing a blaze of even white teeth. “Isn’t that the way you always think?”
She decided to let- that pass. “Isn’t this glorious? It’s like swimming in an aquarium. I just wish I could stay down longer.”
“We should have rented snorkel equipment. Next time we will.”
“That would be nice if I knew how to snorkel. It must be a lot of fun.”
“I can see your education has been sadly neglected.” He smiled. “There are a lot of things I could teach you.” Jonathan had evidently decided to be civil.
Michelle was relieved—it would make the day easier—but she didn’t want any more than that from him. Certainly not a return to seduction. Peering down into the water she said, “Look at those little striped fish. Aren’t they beautiful?”
“They’re very common in these waters, but that small blue one isn’t. Let’s see if we can get a better look.”
Michelle stayed underwater until her lungs were bursting. Then she surfaced for air and went back down. She and Jonathan were like two children at play, completely at ease with each other for the first time.
When they finally got out of the water she said, “That was wonderful. You’re so fortunate to live in Florida where you can swim all year long.”
Jonathan didn’t look up from where he was brushing sand off the beach towels. “Your mother seems to like it here, too,” he remarked casually.
“I was hoping she would. She didn’t want to come on this trip, but I insisted. I was really worried about her. Mother hasn’t taken an interest in anything since Dad died.”
“She doesn’t act like a recent widow.”
Michelle stopped towel-drying her hair and gave him a level look. “Our truce didn’t last long, did it? I should have known.”
“You’re the one who’s looking for an argument. I just made a simple observation.”
“You’d better get rid of the attitude, or the next time they strand us somewhere they won’t come back for us,” Michelle said dryly.
Jonathan grinned unexpectedly. “I have to admire the way they waited until we got down to the beach, knowing we couldn’t get back up in time. That was a Machiavellian touch.”
Lucky In Love (Harlequin Special Edition) Page 5