by Lee, Nadia
But would Daniel wait?
She’d remembered how cold and insulting he’d been. He’d said it was nothing personal while at the same time implying that her family business—the legacy of her father and grandfather—was failing and that she was responsible. He must be dying to fire TLD and hire Sterling & Wilson. Thank god Justin had encouraged Daniel to work things out with TLD first.
Meredith texted Kerri about the situation, then added, Do you mind if Eric spends the night there today?
Kerri responded: No prob. Bring him over.
“Mom, here.” Eric put the sandwiches on the counter and sat on a stool.
“Thank you! They look great.” She took a bite. The peanut butter was extra creamy—just the way Eric liked it—and it brought a smile to her lips. “You’re a pretty awesome cook already.”
“Uncle Ethan said he’s going to teach me how to make grilled salmon and pasta.”
“Wow. From your great-grandmother’s recipe?”
His mouth full, Eric nodded.
“That’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.” Meredith hesitated, then sighed. “Eric… I need to be at work early on Monday. So I’m leaving later today.”
The sparkle in his eyes dimmed a little. “Okay.”
His “okay” tore at her. Why couldn’t he act like other ten-year-olds and complain? “Do you mind if you stay one extra night with your uncle and aunt?”
“Nah. They’re cool.”
Meredith managed a smile. Eric was growing so fast, her sweet boy. She didn’t want to lose even a moment with him. She hadn’t realized how much of a commitment it would be when she’d declared in front of her whole family that she’d take over the company and manage it. Her heart welled with resentment at Daniel’s high-handedness…until a little voice reminded her that she had no right.
Don’t forget where Eric came from.
She shoved the thought aside. Look how happy he was, polishing off his sandwich with a glass of milk.
He was better off with her.
Chapter Five
Daniel stared at the view, letting the warm sea air ruffle his hair through the open windows of his car. St. Cecilia was a lesser-known island in Caribbean, not because it wasn’t a tropical paradise—it was one of the most beautiful islands—but because Daniel’s stepmother Ella’s family owned most of it and for decades had shown very little interest in developing the place.
The island was surprisingly big, with pristine beaches and palm trees that reached out to the cloudless blue sky. The water sparkled, the purest aquamarine lapping at white sand. A resort here, one that incorporated the latest and most luxurious facilities, would be the crowning jewel of the numerous properties Aylster Resorts owned.
Daniel parked his car in front of the big white mansion. Its multiple wings, smooth columns and stone walls reminded him of a miniature palace. Ella’s family had been like royalty on this island.
Still…he would have stayed at a hotel. But St. Cecilia didn’t have any.
A slim blonde in her late fifties came out of the house. The flower-patterned dress she was wearing looked good on her, rather than garish and tourist-like. “Welcome, Daniel!” Her blue eyes sparkled. Life had been kind to Ella. Even Dan, unbelievably enough, had been kind to her. “It’s so good of you to come.”
She gave him a hug, and he returned it stiffly. Ella’s overly warm affectations scraped his nerves like sandpaper. He preferred people to act like their true selves. “Thank you for your hospitality,” he said, his voice without inflection.
“It’s too bad about the timing. Ashley came a couple of weeks ago and just left yesterday.”
He murmured some meaningless words of regret, while wondering why she was telling him this. Ashley was the daughter Ella had had with his father, and Ella knew she and Daniel weren’t close.
A staff member came out to carry his bag. Ella noticed and said, “Only one? I thought you said you might stay for a whole week.”
“I prefer to travel light.”
“Right!” She clasped her hands. “Well, if you need anything, you should let me know.”
“Of course.”
“Your secretary mentioned that Meredith Lloyd is going to be visiting too. Is that true?” Ella asked as she led him to one of the numerous guest suites on the upper level of the mansion.
“Yes.”
“My goodness. I haven’t seen her since the hospital in Istanbul.” Ella finally grew somber. “I never even followed up to see how she was doing afterward. I’m sure being in that crash with Judy and surviving it alone must’ve been traumatic for her.”
Traumatic enough to skip Judy’s funeral? He didn’t think so. “She seemed fine when I saw her yesterday.”
“That doesn’t mean she’s fine inside. Some people experience survivor’s guilt.”
“Survivor’s guilt?”
“She might feel bad that she didn’t die with Judy, or that it wasn’t Judy who lived or something.”
“She didn’t look particularly guilt-ridden to me.” That wasn’t technically true. She’d been a bit odd at the Ritz. On the other hand, she might just have thought she was in enough trouble that not even Barron Sterling would be able to bail her out.
“You’re so literal at times.” Ella led him to the end of the hall. “Here’s your suite. I prepared Meredith’s in another wing.”
“Thank you. I know it was short notice.”
She laid a hand on his sleeve. “We’re family. With your father gone now, we only have each other and Ashley.”
He looked at the hand, then gently pulled away and slipped into his room. She was wrong. He’d been alone ever since the day his sister had died.
* * *
Meredith wiped her palms on her jeans. They were clammy for reasons other than the heat in St. Cecilia. The evening air was relatively cool, and the breeze from the ocean was refreshing. It was so different from Virginia air with its sharp bite.
In all those years she’d been friends with Judy, she’d never been to the island. Most of the time, Judy had preferred to hang out with Meredith’s family, and it was no wonder. Judy’s father had been horrible to her even after she’d died.
St. Cecilia was surprisingly beautiful, with sparkling beaches and friendly locals. Judy could’ve had some great times here if it hadn’t been for her father. She would never get a second chance.
“Ma’am?” the driver said, holding the door open for her. “This is the estate.”
“Sorry.” Meredith shook her head. She couldn’t believe she’d spaced out for a moment there. “Thank you.” She got out and automatically started walking up to the doors, then stopped short. This wasn’t a hotel. It was a private residence.
“I’ll take care of your luggage.” Before she could say anything, the driver climbed back in the car and drove off.
Meredith stared at the sprawling two-story mansion. Was this Daniel’s place? If so, it seemed awfully presumptuous of him to think she’d spend the week here.
Before she could go into full-grown outrage mode, Ella came down the stone steps. She was about ten years younger than Meredith’s mom. Her long blonde hair was twisted into some kind of fancy updo with braids, and her eyes twinkled with friendly welcome. There was no sign of Daniel, and Meredith swallowed whatever annoyance she’d felt. None of this was Ella’s fault.
“My gosh, Meredith! How long has it been?” She hugged Meredith. “You look great.”
“Thank you. I’m doing well. How are you?”
“I can’t complain.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Meredith said, squeezing Ella’s hand.
The other woman nodded. “I’m getting used to widowhood. It’s not quite as tragic as people make it sound. How’s your mother doing? And your family? I heard all about Ethan’s wedding. Sorry I had to miss it, but I came down with a horrible stomach virus…”
Ella chatted as she led Meredith into a large foyer with a giant crystal chandelier. Their shoes clacked on the ma
rble floor. “Have you eaten dinner yet? We just started.”
“Oh, that’d be great. I’m famished.”
“I hope you like seafood. It’s amazing here.” Ella kept talking as she took Meredith to the dining room in the back facing the beach. Daniel was already at the table. He looked good in a casual short-sleeve white shirt and pale shorts. He put down his tablet and stood up. “Ladies.”
“Daniel.” She glanced down and saw her reflection in an oversized soup spoon in front of her. It showed a woman who needed a fresh powdering of her nose and a new coat of lipstick. For some reason that really bothered her. She tore her gaze from the silverware. “This is an amazing place. I thought the address you gave me was a hotel.”
“There aren’t any on the island. Not for my lack of trying to build one, of course.”
Her jaw tightened. She forced a smile for Ella’s sake.
Ella said, “This place used to belong to my family, but after my parents passed away, it came to me. I’m the only child. So here we are.” Ella gave a little wave of her hand, which reminded Meredith of a queen, and everyone sat down.
The table was long and rectangular. Ella sat at the head, with Daniel on the opposite end. Meredith’s seat happened to be in the middle. Eight candles burned on the table, and their soft glow should’ve livened up the meal. Instead it highlighted all the things Meredith took for granted at home.
Daniel didn’t speak much, his face a virtually unmoving mask. He didn’t speak unless one of the women addressed him directly, and he rarely volunteered anything. Somehow he did this without being rude or obnoxious. It had to be some kind of mysterious social art that only he had mastered.
Meanwhile, Ella talked constantly, inquiring about this and that to fill the silence. She was an accomplished hostess—or so her reputation said—and she was obviously trying hard to prevent a tomb-like silence from ruining the meal.
How odd. If this dinner had taken place in Stella’s home, it would’ve been noisy. Meredith’s brothers Ethan and Gavin would have been chatting about all sorts of stuff, while her sisters-in-law shared gossip and laughed. Gavin’s baby son Jeremy would be passed around to be cooed at, and Bear would thump his tail on the floor and wait, hoping for something to drop from the table, while the adults gently teased Eric or taught him how to navigate sticky situations. Barron and her mom would have been joking or arguing over something silly like doilies for the end tables in the living room. A somber dinner at the Lloyds’ was a very rare occasion.
Meredith took a few bites. The local fish melted in her mouth, and the mango and papaya sauce sported a surprisingly velvety texture and just the right amount of sweetness. But she couldn’t eat with her usual gusto. Not with so much tension at the table.
On the other hand, it seemed more than a little rude to get up and leave, especially at their first meal. Given how carefully everything had been prepared and presented, this had to be a special dinner.
“So you’re staying here for a week,” Ella said, looking from Daniel to Meredith. Her eyes pleaded with Meredith to respond.
“Yes,” Meredith said. “I’m sorry to impose on you for so long.”
“Not at all. I enjoy the company. It’s not often I see people from the old days.”
Meredith pulled her lips in and nodded. She’d cut all ties with the Aylsters after Judy’s death. She’d had to. Thankfully nobody from her family had questioned her decision. They were just happy she’d survived the accident, even if she had returned with a newborn baby…and no father in sight.
“I think I’m full,” Daniel said, placing his fork on the table. His plate was empty.
“But we have dessert. I asked the chef to make your favorite mango tart,” Ella said.
“Thank you, but I’m rather tired from the trip.”
Meredith stared at him. A sexy five o’clock shadow made him look a bit scruffy compared to his cleanly shaven look at the Ritz, but his gaze was as clear and sharp as ever.
He coolly arched an eyebrow. “Yes?”
“Nothing.”
“In that case…” He rose and gave her a small lopsided smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Excuse me, and enjoy your evening.”
Ella’s shoulders slumped as Daniel slipped out of the dining room. She turned to Meredith. “Would you like some mango tart?”
Meredith wasn’t in the mood for dessert, but she couldn’t bring herself to decline. “I’d love some.”
“You don’t have to. I imagine you’re tired from your trip, too.”
“No, no, I love mangoes. They’re my favorite.”
Ella sighed. “You’re such a nice child. I’ve missed having you around.”
“I’m sorry.” Meredith stared at the half-eaten fish on her plate. “It wasn’t easy. After Istanbul, I mean.”
“I know. You were like a sister to Judy.”
Meredith nodded.
“After we lost her…I felt so adrift. I might not have carried her in my womb, but I loved her so much. She was such a sweetheart.”
Meredith pushed the fish around, then put a small flake in her mouth. The air-conditioned room felt overly stifling and hot all of a sudden. A small ball of resentment rolled through her, and she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to resist it. This was Ella’s home, and as hostess she could express whatever sentiment she wanted. Obviously she wanted to talk about Judy, but her words couldn’t rewrite the past.
Meredith knew the truth. No matter what Ella claimed now, she’d never loved Judy enough to stand up to her husband. Dan the Second had been a nasty piece of work—too smart to abuse Judy physically but too cruel to keep his mouth shut. He’d berated and diminished her until she’d lured Meredith into a “fun-filled trip around Europe for six months or so.” If he had been just a little bit kinder, or if Ella had shielded Judy as well as she’d shielded her own daughter, Ashley, Judy might not have died.
The mango tart arrived and Meredith forced a few bites down her throat, but her stomach hurt too much to continue eating. Every time she thought of Judy she ached. Judy had had so much going on for her. She could’ve been so happy.
After lingering long enough to avoid appearing rude, Meredith made her excuses. A maid took her to her suite through a long, waxed wooden corridor that had delightful little paintings of Caribbean scenery on the walls. “Just call if you need anyt’ing,” the middle-aged woman said in an island lilt and left.
The suite was sumptuously appointed, with a sizable coffee table and an extremely comfortable-looking couch. In the corner was a desk and a chair if she wanted to do some work. A small, stainless steel fridge was fully stocked with fruit, carrot and celery sticks and other healthy snacks and drinks. The bedroom had a king-size four-poster bed carved out of teak. The sheets had been turned down already, and the bath was fully stocked not only with a fluffy white bathrobe and towels for her use but a Jacuzzi as well. This was easily one of the best places she’d ever stayed in.
Meredith went to the balcony. The moon sat low in the sky. It was exceptionally round and bright, making it easy for her to see outside.
The balcony faced a calm beach dotted with several tall palm trees. Small waves lapped placidly at the sand, creating a soothing background murmur, and a few deck chairs lay about. No one was around.
The beach must be part of the mansion grounds, Meredith thought. She was about to go back inside when she saw a shadow move. She held her breath as Daniel appeared. He walked with his head lowered pensively. The water lapped at his bare feet, and he stopped and turned to the sea, his arms stretched out to the sides.
Most people in that pose in a tropical paradise would give off an impression of happiness. Daniel seemed almost crucified. He looked so alone and unapproachable, which made Meredith feel inexplicably sad. She hated being thrust back into his life like this.
“He’s my white knight, my brother,” Judy had said. “Nobody from my family cares about me the way he does.”
Suddenly Daniel dropped his arms and s
pun around. His gaze bore into her, and even with the distance between them, she felt it all the way to her core, as if he was standing right in front of her. A tremor ran through her, and her face heated. She put a hand on her cheek and took a step back.
Daniel didn’t move. Neither did he look away.
Her heart hammered. Then he took a small step forward, and something like panic and longing spiked through her. She rushed back into the suite and slammed the door shut. But it did nothing to slow her heartbeat.
* * *
Daniel returned to his suite. The entire time he felt the weight of Merry’s gaze, even though he knew she couldn’t possibly still be watching him.
The cold air in his room did nothing to cool him off. He felt restless, the surface of his skin tight and throbbing. Backlit, Merry had looked like an angel watching over him, except she wasn’t. No angel would have inspired this kind of desire.
He took a few meditative breaths, trying to force his body to relax. He knew better than to give in to his urges. Wanting her would be foolish. She was cold and uncaring.
Just remember what she did to your sister.
If Merry hadn’t lured Judy into that ridiculous six-month-long jaunt around Europe, he wouldn’t have lost his sister. Simple as that. Judy hadn’t liked to travel. She’d particularly hated flying and avoided it as much as she could.
He shook his head. Dredging up the past didn’t make him want Merry any less. And for that, he hated himself.
Chapter Six
Putting on a dark brown pants suit, Meredith took a deep breath and girded herself for breakfast. Would Daniel say anything? Or would he pretend nothing had happened?
Technically, nothing had happened, at least on the surface. But something had shifted between her and Daniel. And her intuition told her it was dangerous.
The housekeeper from the night before escorted Meredith to a deck overlooking the beach. A round, glass-top table sported three place settings.
Her eyes shielded by large sunglasses, Ella sat in the sun. A pink tank-top and cropped blue shorts made her look like a casual tourist. Daniel had sunglasses too and was finishing his coffee, the ocean breeze ruffling his dark hair. Unlike Ella, he wore a button-down short-sleeve shirt and pale slacks. His plate was polished clean.