Right Man/ Wrong Groom: Paradise Cove Series - Destination Wedding Book 1

by Patrice Wilton

  “I’m glad, Kevin. You make me feel young again.” She put her hand up to pull his mouth down to hers. “Kiss me while we make love.”

  His mouth was sweet with wine, and his kisses were hungry, his tongue mating with hers, stroking her, driving deep inside her throat as he pushed into her body. She wrapped her legs around his and held on as their bodies found a rhythm, giving and taking, reaching higher and higher, deeper and deeper as the friction between them grew. The climax unraveled inside her, and she could not hold on a second longer. Digging her fingers into his fine ass, she arched and said one word. “Now.”

  Kevin shuddered and let go, filling her, prolonging the orgasm that she hadn’t known for so many years. And hadn’t expected to know again. They cuddled after that, still kissing and touching each other, exploring each other’s sensitive spots, getting to know one another. They laughed and talked and finished their glass of wine, before falling asleep in each other’s arms.

  Anna woke up early with Kevin still sleeping soundly beside her. Her eyes dropped to his naked chest, his mouth, his beautiful sleeping face and she felt her heart stir. It had been an amazing night, but she couldn’t let their secret be discovered, or he might not come back to play.

  She kissed him and when that didn’t produce anything, she shook his shoulder. “Kevin,” she whispered softly. “Wake up. You need to leave.”

  His hand reached around her back and pulled her close. “What, honey?”

  “I said it’s morning and you better go before the sun comes up.”

  “Not yet. I was dreaming about you and I want you again.”

  She laughed. “Not now. Later. Tonight. Maybe this afternoon. But right now you should leave before anyone else is awake. Colt usually takes the men out fishing early, and it’s already after five.”

  His eyes opened and he looked at the alarm clock next to the bed. “Damn. It is. Where did the night go? Last thing I remember was being inside you. God, it felt good.”

  “You were pretty darn amazing,” she told him, stroking his cheek. “I can’t wait to do it again. Is that naughty of me?”

  “If it is, it’s naughty for both of us. But hell. There’s a wedding going on. Romance is in the air. I’m feeling it. Aren’t you?”

  “You better believe I am.” Her lips curved in a smile. “I’m so glad you’re the father of the bride.”

  “I’m really glad I am too.” He grinned and sat up. “But let’s not let the bride know what we’re doing. I don’t want to put a damper on her wedding.”

  “Exactly my thinking.” She certainly didn’t want his daughter knowing what she was doing with her dad. Nadine had been cool enough last night. Not that she blamed her, after all she’d just lost her mother. And how sad was that? Not having her mother at her wedding. Poor, poor girl.

  Anna slipped out of bed and put her robe on. “Want coffee?”

  “No. I better head off. Thanks for waking me.” He climbed out of bed and put on his clothes, his back to her. “Maybe the wedding party will be out on the boat all day and we can have the cabin to ourselves. I feel like a horny teenager who can’t get enough of a good thing.”

  “Me too.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him lightly. “Go. Spend time with your daughter. I’ve got things to keep me busy. We can always meet here again tomorrow night. Everyone will be having dinner at Lazy Days. We could stay home, although the food is wonderful there.”

  “The food is wonderful here. Right here. Between your thighs.”

  “Get out of here, and don’t be talking no dirty talk.” She laughed and pushed him out the door. “Later, baby.”

  Once he’d left, she showered, dressed in a comfortable skirt and tee, then made a quick breakfast for herself—a toasted English muffin with a side dish of berries. She had a second cup of coffee and leaned against the counter to enjoy it. She felt like a contented cat and couldn’t keep the smile of her face. She ached in all the right places and it had been a long drought since she’d felt this good. She enjoyed men. She loved love, and life, and having a good time, which included good sex. Nothing wrong with that and she wouldn’t apologize for it either. But she needed to be discreet and not embarrass her kids, or his.

  It was only seven but she decided to go to the Café and see if Taylor could use a hand. Her middle daughter had a lot going on with all the extra catering for the wedding, and by today all the cabins would be full. It was a small wedding, only fifty people, so their cottages could accommodate the families and the outside guests were staying down the road at the Islander, a larger and more upscale place than their own.

  There was a spring in her step as she walked a hundred yards or so down the shell and gravel road to Taylor’s. The back patio of the Café, which served as an overflow for the indoor seating, offered free Internet for travelers and daily breakfast specials. When the area had opened it was built with an attractive thatched roof, which blew off in the first hurricane. Now it had a solid metal roof which could withstand winds of hurricane strength and louvered shutters, now open to give it a breezy outdoor feel, although it could be closed in less than a minute.

  During the short walk from her home and office to the Café, palms and pines trees offered a little shade—although at this time in the morning it wasn’t necessary. Still it was May and as always in the Keys it was hot.

  Anna entered from the back door which led directly into the kitchen. The aroma of something delicious in the oven made her wrinkle her nose in appreciation, and thankful she’d had her muffin and berries so she wouldn’t be tempted. At her age and short stature it was all she could do to keep her figure trim. She’d put on ten pounds in the three years she’d been here, but the extra padding filled out her slender shape.

  “Morning, Taylor.” Her daughter had her back to her, putting the finishing touches on something, but turned with a smile. Like all Anna’s girls, she was tall and slender, and today she had her long, thick hair in a high swinging pony-tail. She wore a pair of denim shorts and a pink Paradise Cove tee, with a tiny stain in the middle that looked like chocolate.

  She used her arm to brush a light dusting of flour from her forehead. “Morning, Mom.”

  “I came by to see if you need any help.” She glanced at the counter top to see what delicious dishes her daughter was preparing today.

  “Oh, you know me. I can always use an extra pair of hands, but Kayla will be showing up in another hour or two. Why don’t you pour us both a cup of coffee?” She glanced at the timer. “I’m just about ready to take out the fruit croissants. I loaded them up this morning with blueberries, raspberries and a crème fraiche.”

  “You are evil,” she told her daughter. “How can you bake such delectable treats and not eat them yourself?”

  “But I do. Guess I’m just working so hard these days that I don’t have to watch what I eat. And I like to be creative. I’ve got low fat, low calorie items on display too.”

  “I don’t want any more coffee, but I’ll pour you one, and grab a bottled water.” She handed Taylor a cup of fresh Mocha Java, adding a little cream the way she liked. Then she took a chilled bottle of water from the industrial-size fridge and hitched her butt on a stool next to the counter. “How’s Jamie? When does he get out of school?”

  “June 6th. He can’t wait.”

  “What will he do all day?”

  “He’s in a lot of sport camps, and will spend a few weeks in Chicago with his mom. Then likely he’ll hang around his dad—you know he loves fishing and boating so much.”

  “He’s a good kid.” Anna sipped from her water, and ran her finger down the condensation, not looking at Taylor when she spoke. “So when are you going to get busy?”

  “Busy doing what?” Taylor took the tray of croissants out of the oven and put them on the counter to cool.

  “To have a family of your own.” Anna put the cap back on her water. “You’re a natural born mother.”

  “Well, why don’t I just pop one out now be
tween the croissants and the crab quiches? No time to lose, right?” Taylor put her hands on her slim hips and shook her head. “Really, Mom? You don’t think I’ve got enough on my plate? We only got married a little more than a year ago.”

  “I know, sweetie. But you’re not getting any younger, and I want lots of grandbabies to love.”

  “Adopt some. Kayla is happy, and so am I. And good luck with Brittany. That’s not likely to happen—at least not for ages.”

  “No, you’re right. She’s enjoying the theater and being the leading lady. And Chase is the dearest man. Nothing he won’t do for her.”

  “Are you saying that Colt doesn’t do the same for me?”

  “No, I’m not implying that, or anything. It’s just that you two are working so hard and doing your best to make ends meet. I wish things could be easier for both of you.”

  “Like having more children right now?”

  “Well, it doesn’t have to be this minute.”

  Taylor rolled her eyes. “That’s good because I’m a little busy with a wedding going on. And Mom?”

  “What, hon?”

  “I am happy. Very happy. This Café is my dream, and Colt has his charter business. We are doing what we want to do, what we love, and we have each other. What more is there?” She smiled and grabbed a plate, adding two of the warm croissants. “Let’s sample these and take a short break.”

  “I’ll have half a one.” Anna cut it into two, and took a bite. The sweet cream and berries exploded in her mouth, nearly as good as the orgasm she had late last night. “Why, this is delicious! You are an incredible cook. And I’m proud of you, my darling.”

  “Thanks Mom.” Taylor bit into her own then dotted the cream off her lip. “Wow, this is really good. I better make more. I’m sure it’ll sell out fast.”

  “Mind if I take a couple down to the bride and groom? And maybe one for her father too?” She liked Nadine, but was not so sure about her future husband. He would certainly not be the man she’d pick for her daughters. But it was none of her business, and for once she needed to keep her mouth shut and her thoughts to herself.

  “Not at all. I’ll bag them for you.” She slid the warm croissants onto a small plate and into plastic bags. “How did your night go? I heard you were out walking with Mr. Thomas after the happy hour was done.” Her hazel eyes twinkled. “You’re not romancing him, I hope?”

  “Moi?” Anna sputtered. “Certainly not. I’m much too old for that. And he’s still a young man. Virile,” she said, flushing at the memory.

  “Oh, no.” Taylor’s eyes widened, and she took a step back. “Oh, no! Tell me it isn’t true?”

  “Is what true?”

  “You’re doing the bride’s father. Please say my mind is in the garbage, and I should wash my mouth out with soap.” She put her hands on her hips, shaking her head at her mother.

  “Why would I say that?” Anna slide off her stool, ready to defend her honor.

  “Well, at least deny it.”

  “Taylor! Tell me this. Would a dashing man like him have eyes for me?” Anna lifted her chin to look at her tall, young daughter, and seeing the look of shock on her face, the color in her cheeks, well, it was too damn funny. She began to laugh.

  “It’s not funny.” Taylor picked up her croissant and tossed it in the bin. “Come on, Mom. The bride is getting married. It’s her day. Don’t spoil it.”

  “I have no intention of spoiling it.” Anna felt a twinge of guilt but swallowed it. She wasn’t going to stay away from Kevin. She’d just be careful, that’s all.

  “Mom.” Taylor wet her lips and lowered her voice. “If she found out her dad was climbing in bed with you, well, it would be upsetting. Very upsetting. If I was the bride, I’d be mad.”

  “Oh, don’t worry your pretty head over it. We just had a moment. A moment. It’s nothing.”

  “Well, there isn’t going to be another moment is there? I mean when you deliver this croissant to him? You’ll just hand it over and leave, right?”

  “I fully intend to,” she said with a happy smile. “Unless he invites me in, and then that would just be plain rude to say no.”

  “Mom? Please behave yourself for once?” She grabbed Anna’s hand, looking into her eyes with an overdose of concern. “Please?”

  “I’ll never do anything to shame any of you. You girls are my life.”

  “Well remember that…and don’t sleep with him.”

  Anna picked up the two bags, and walked to the back door. “Too late,” she said with a saucy wink, and let herself out. She heard a pan hit the wall and chuckled. “That girl will get a hernia if she doesn’t loosen up. Good thing her mother knows how to relax.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Nadine opened the cabin door to Anna standing on the porch. She clutched a bag of something that smelled sweet and way too delicious, wearing a bright smile on her face. She hoped her father hadn’t put it there. “Hi Anna.” She ran a hand threw her tangled hair and grimaced. “Sorry, I’m just getting up.”

  “My mistake. I shouldn’t have come calling so early, but Taylor made these yummy berry and cream croissants and they’re still warm. I thought it would be a nice treat for you and Michael. I have one for your father too.”

  “Michael went fishing about an hour ago. Leave the one for dad. I’ll take it to him once I’m showered and dressed.”

  “Oh, it’ll be cold by then. I’ll just pop it over to him.” She gave her the one bag, but held the other tightly. Nadine got the impression that if she insisted, she’d have to wrestle it out of Anna’s hand.

  Since her mother died, Nadine had seen the parade of women come by the house, bringing casseroles and pies, and promises of nightly bliss. Her father, she hoped, hadn’t fallen for their charms and she truly hoped he’d be immune to Anna as well. After all, it was her wedding, and she didn’t want anyone or anything detracting from it. She had enough problems as it was—with Jeremy here, facing him for the first time since he’d walked out on her. And the job issue. If she continued to fly, and he continued on tour, she’d never see Michael—she didn’t like it now and couldn’t imagine it getting any better.

  “So what are your plans?” Anna asked. “The guys won’t be back until after noon, I expect. It’s a great day for the beach or reading by the pool, but if you’d like, I can arrange for you and the girls to visit Key West. Maybe do a little shopping.”

  “That might be fun.” She wondered what her friends were up to. Still asleep, having breakfast somewhere? “I’ll check with them and see what they’re up to.”

  “Just let Carole know. She’ll be in the office at nine, or knock on my door and I can drive you myself and have someone pick you up at a specified time. Or you could always Uber back.”

  “That would be awfully kind of you.” Nadine relented a little. Wasn’t Anna’s fault that her father was handsome and nice. And single. The thought of her mom sent a pang to her heart, and she tried to harden it against this attractive woman.

  “It’s just one of the services we offer. We want to make our guests happy, and your wedding perfect in every way. This is your dream wedding, so let us know if there is anything special that you would like done.”

  “Your website sold me. The weddings that have taken place here were so beautiful, and I hope mine will be just like that.” When she and Michael started talking about getting married they’d both decided they wanted something small, without any hype. It was hard enough for him to get away for any length of time with his schedule and all, so he let her pick the place and do the planning. All he had to do was show up. Which, thankfully, he had.

  Anna smiled and touched her hand. “Yes, those pictures were from my daughter Kayla’s wedding. Miguel, our miracle worker, went to so much trouble and then just weeks before a hurricane hit and we had to do a major clean up and minor repairs. Taylor’s outdoor patio took a big hit, and with everything else going on Miguel constructed a new roof.”

  “Wow. You’d never know
it from the photos. Your daughters are beautiful. Like you,” she added begrudgingly.

  “Thank you. That is very nice to hear, especially at my age.”

  “It’s true. When did you lose your husband?”

  “It’s been more than four years now. This resort was his retirement plan but he didn’t get to see it. I hope he’s watching us now.” She lifted her eyes to the sky, then stepped back. “But, I won’t keep you. Let us know about Key West. It would be a fun outing for you and your friends. Lots of galleries and interesting shops. Plenty of restaurants and bars, and tourist attractions as well. You could make a whole day of it.”

  “I might like that. We’ll be too close to the wedding after today to take advantage of it. With all the guests arriving this afternoon and tomorrow morning.” She was surprised not to feel more excited. But really, she’d much rather just be alone with Michael. They should have eloped. But then they’d have missed this wonderful place, and it wouldn’t be fair to her father and her friends, or his family. Which made her think of Jeremy.

  “True—well, enjoy your breakfast.”

  Nadine watched Anna head for her dad’s cottage, straight back and cute figure. She had a lot to offer a man, but her dad lived in Baltimore, near her, and she didn’t want him hooked up with a lady from the Keys. No matter how happy it made him, it was too far away from her. That might be selfish, but he was all she had left. Even her brother was gone. Cameron was working now and he’d never return home.

  Pushing sad thoughts away, she called Ashley and told her about Anna’s offer and her friend was all over it. “Let’s do it. It’s only eight now. How about if we leave at nine and they pick us up at three? That should give us plenty of time for lunch and a look around.”

  “Sounds like fun. I’ll let Anna know.” She called the office and left a message, then went in to shower.

  * * *

  Anna knocked on Kevin’s door, and his eyes lit with surprise at the sight of her.

  “You ready for round two?” he asked with a bad boy grin.