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

by Patrice Wilton

  “No, thanks. The view is better right here.” He put his elbow along the bar and looked at her with a grin.

  Her pulse raced. “You are such a big flirt, Colt Travis. Stop it and behave.”

  “Yes, Mother,” he teased. Dressed in a white tee, with CT Charters circled on his left upper chest, sunglasses tucked into the front of his shirt, and baggy cargo shorts that rode low on his slim hips, he shouldn’t be so cute.

  Taking a casual stance, he leaned against the doorframe, crossed his ankles and watched her pour his coffee. “Nobody showed up?” He gave her a solicitous look. “You upset?”

  Hearing the sympathy in his voice made Taylor’s eyes water. She blinked rapidly before handing him his steaming cup of dark roast coffee. “Doesn’t matter. You’re here now, and soon there’ll be plenty of others.”

  Juanita gave Colt a gentle push. “Go on now. There’s no room in the kitchen for everybody. Take a table. I will bring the food.”

  Taylor knew better than to argue. She followed Colt and sat down across from him at the four-person square table she’d painted a glossy yellow. “She’s so bossy,” she whispered jokingly. “I feel like I have a second mother.”

  “You’re lucky.” He slid into the chair, his shoulder to the wall. “I barely have one.”

  Juanita carried cutlery and two plates loaded with Taylor’s orange pecan French toast to their table.

  “Now this is looking mighty fine,” Colt said, unwrapping his silverware from the napkin. “I make French toast at home with Jamie. Great way to use up stale bread.” He cut into it, studying the fluffy layers of bread and nuts. “Got a feeling that yours is a little more special. Not straight out of a frying pan.”

  Juanita brought out another plate for herself and set it on the table next to Taylor. “Who wants confectioner’s sugar or whipped cream?”

  “Whipped cream for me,” Colt answered quickly.

  Taylor sat back in her chair, relaxing for the first time. “This recipe is pretty simple but loaded with yummy stuff,” she told him. “It takes about an hour to make from scratch so the prep has to be done early, even the night before. Then it needs thirty minutes in the oven. I have another one partially made that will reheat in ten.” If they got more customers—no—when they got more customers.

  Juanita arrived with the whipped cream and sat down. She smiled broadly, waiting for Colt to take a bite. “You like?” she asked, and cut a piece with her fork.

  Taylor held her breath in anticipation.

  “Incredible,” Colt mumbled around a mouthful.

  “Okay, tell us the secret.” Juanita speared a piece and swirled it in the zesty sweet sauce.

  “Well, first you pour a mixture of brown sugar, butter and corn syrup into the baking dish, then sprinkle pecans over it all. After that I used thick slices of French bread, baked yesterday, and laid it on top. The topping has to be made first and put over the bread to absorb. I did that part early this morning. Eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, orange juice and zest from the orange. Comes out a nice golden brown and then you can eat it plain or topped with anything you want.”

  Even if nobody else came in, watching Juanita and Colt enjoy her food made her incredibly happy—so happy, she hadn’t had a bite for herself yet.

  The door opened again and her older sister raced in.

  Taylor lifted her hand. “Hey, Kayla! Come join us. Nobody’s here but Colt. My first and only customer.”

  “Oh, no. Sorry to hear that. I rushed like crazy to get here, but the florist called this morning and I had to go see her about the satin ribbon. They ran out of the kind I ordered, and can’t get more in. So, I just picked one that was close enough.” She made a face. “One thing after another.”

  Kayla and Sean were getting married in a month. They’d had to postpone their wedding twice. Now, come hell or high water, the marriage would take place. Especially now that Kayla might be pregnant. Again. Hopefully this time she could carry to full term.

  “No problem. As you can see, nobody showed up.” Taylor patted her hand. “How’s the house coming along?”

  The past year had brought many changes to her sister’s life. Dr. Sean Flannigan had left Boston for good and taken a job at Mount Sinai, and then Kayla moved out of the cottages to live with him in a rented apartment. A few months later, Kayla had been over the moon excited to find out she was pregnant. At eight weeks, she lost the baby. To take her mind off her loss, Sean bought an older home on the Intracoastal Waterway near Key Largo. One that had good bones but needed a complete remodel. It was a two-story place with four bedrooms—room for the children they hoped to have one day.

  “Don’t get me going on the house,” Kayla murmured. “It’s a disaster.” She smiled. “But it will be very beautiful. Eventually. We had the kitchen torn out and a wall removed to create a great room, instead of the smaller family room that had been there before. We have a huge deck out back now, and well, one thing leads to another.”

  “I know it’s a lot of work. I’m surprised you’re here as much as you are.” Taylor was happy that Kayla had the house as a distraction after losing her baby. It had all but broken her heart.

  “Yes, I love the cottages as much as you all do.” She sighed and pushed her hair off her shoulders. “After the wedding, hopefully our home will be ready for us to show it off.”

  She bent to kiss Taylor’s and Juanita’s cheeks, and pat Colt on the shoulder. “Enough about me and my problems. How’s it going? Where’s Jamie?” she asked Colt.

  “Baseball camp with Raul. Just until noon. Then maybe I’ll take the boys fishing.”

  “Sounds like the perfect summer plan. When does school start?”

  “Few more weeks. He’s excited about it, but learning comes easy for him.” Colt gave Kayla a self-deprecating grin and swallowed some coffee. “Smart like his mom.”

  “And he gets his good looks from you,” Kayla answered back. “Jamie’s a lucky kid.” She was the oldest of the three girls, thirty-two, and tall like they all were, with the same olive skin, dark hair and hazel eyes. “What are you guys eating? Sure looks good.”

  Juanita stood up. “I’ll get you a plate. There’s plenty more warming in the oven.”

  “Sit and finish. I can help myself.” Kayla headed toward the kitchen and returned a minute later, digging eagerly into the French toast.

  Suddenly Taylor’s disappointing morning didn’t seem so bad. She had her family and friends and what could possibly be better than that?

  She felt Colt’s eyes on her, and met his steady gaze. She smiled and his dimples flashed. A warm flush spread from the tips of her toes to the roots of her dark hair, and she wondered if he affected every female this way. Considering how many girls had come and gone in the past six months? Probably. Definitely.

  Taylor congratulated herself on giving Colt a pass. Lusting after a guy like him would not only be a waste of good time, it would never be enough. Not for her. When—and if—she was ready for a relationship, she’d not only want to be special, but she’d be looking for someone with the same hopes and dreams. Money didn’t drive her, but being successful did. She wanted the resort and her café to do well enough to support them all. Colt was sweet, but he was the most laid-back man she knew. Fishing and his son were all he cared about. And a cute gal in his bed.

  Kayla kept up a lively conversation with Colt and Juanita, and Taylor sat back to enjoy the moment and drink it all in. It had only been six months ago that Kayla had to face the disappointment of a miscarriage and cancel her wedding plans. Now she was optimistic that she might be pregnant once again. Although it was too soon to tell everyone the good news, her sisters and her mother were in on the secret.

  Colt pushed his empty plate away and wiped some of the whipped cream from his upper lip. His sky-blue eyes looked directly into hers. “You outdid yourself.”

  She looked at his mouth and had a ridiculous urge to lick away the whipped cream. Would he taste sweet, soft, or hot and sexy? Did his kis
s drive all the young women wild? Her ex-boyfriends’ kisses had been nice, but hadn’t set off any explosions. She could barely remember them.

  “Taylor?” Colt tapped the table between them with his tanned forefinger.

  “Hmm?” She blinked and looked away. What had made her mind go there? With Colt? He was a buddy. She liked him. He liked her. They were not into each other. He gave her fresh fish if he had extra from a charter. She gave him free food during Paradise Cove’s happy hour. Not exactly a recipe for romance.

  “You were looking at me strange.” He tilted his head.

  “No, I wasn’t.” No way. Not her. Of course her gaze dropped to his mouth.

  “You have whipped cream on your lip,” Kayla told him, glancing at Taylor’s flushed cheeks. “That probably distracted Taylor.” She gave her a sly wink.

  “Why should it?” she answered hotly.

  “Ask yourself,” Kayla said. “How should I know why you’re staring at Colt’s mouth?”

  Taylor shrugged and scooted back in her chair. “This is ridiculous. Where is everybody? Why won’t they come in? I made some super breakfast selections and the only one enjoying it is us. Pathetic.”

  Juanita got up to remove the plates, and Kayla followed. “Why don’t you two go outside and round up some more people?” Her lilting voice matched the teasing light in her eye.

  Colt stood and offered his hand. “Come on, Tay. Let’s do it. One look at you and the cars will come to a sliding stop.”

  She laughed, looking down at her sleeveless coral blouse and floral print skirt. Wash and wear, with a slight nod to fashion. “You are such an idiot.”

  “And you should take a good look at yourself once in awhile.” He nodded at her matching Sketchers. “Some guy’s going to be a lucky man.”

  Her heart pounded at his intense perusal but she stayed with the jokes. “He better not show up today. I’m too busy!”

  The two-lane highway had a steady stream of traffic, and she held her breath as Colt valiantly jumped onto the road. He put one hand out to stop traffic, and with his other arm outstretched he pointed at her standing next to the sign that read Taylor’s Café.

  She lifted her hand and waved at people who honked their horns and then carefully made their way around the mad man standing in the middle of the road—to continue toward their destination.

  After a few minutes, he loped back to her with a silly grin. “Well, you can’t say I didn’t try.”

  “You are something else. I’ll give you that.” Sweet, gorgeous and so not for her. She put a hand on her hip. “Why don’t you bring Jamie around for happy hour? I’ll make him his favorite personal pepperoni pizza.”

  “He’ll love it and so will I. Later, babe.” He went around the café to the back area that connected to Paradise Cove.

  She watched him go and gritted her teeth, hating when he called her that. Taylor could guarantee that she’d never be one of his “babes”.

  Hooked on You is available now on Amazon

  Excerpt from

  PLAY RIGHT BY ME

  by Patrice Wilton

  Copyright © 2016 Patrice Wilton

  Brittany Holmes, heartbroken and pregnant, leaves the touring dance troupe and the glamorous life she led in Miami for home in Paradise Cove. Her mother and sisters are like a beacon at the end of the road, and their unconditional love and support is what her bruised heart craves.

  Ashley Jordon Chase, New York advertising exec, is in Paradise Cove to pursue his lifetime dream of being a playwright. Family circumstances thwarted his earlier writing ambitions and his lucrative career doesn’t satisfy him.

  When Brittany loses her baby, Chase offers comfort. Having experienced the same tragedy in his first marriage he knows how devastating a miscarriage can be. Brittany hides her insecurities behind a wall, but Chase breaks past it to see her most vulnerable side. Their friendship becomes more, and she trusts that he won’t let her down. Yet a family emergency pulls him away, leaving her alone. Again. Was she a fool to let him into her heart? Or can they turn their brief affair into a lifetime of love?

  CHAPTER ONE

  Brittany Holmes paced her third floor apartment, feeling both nervous and excited at the same time. Tonight would change everything. Forever. Light-headed and slightly nauseas, she made another circuit around the living room.

  “Where are you, Jose?” She spoke aloud, wanting a glass of wine, knowing she shouldn’t. Six-thirty—he was due any second. The champagne was chilled, his dinner simmering on the stove. She’d worked so hard on the paella, on everything, wanting this night to be perfect.

  Just then the buzzer rang, and she squealed as she pressed the intercom. “Come on up. I have something to tell you!”

  “I’m on my way. You’ve been acting strangely all week. Hope it’s good news.”

  “It is. The best.” She touched her tummy, wondering if he had guessed.

  Jose normally took her out for dinner, but tonight she’d wanted him here, alone, so they could celebrate in private. She’d chosen a slinky black dress and silver sandals, and a hint of the expensive perfume he’d bought her. She’d prepared his favorite dish, a paella that would have been much easier to order in, and had planned the evening to the last detail.

  Brittany opened the patio door, so when Jose entered he’d see the table set prettily for two. She’d used a round white cloth to drape over the small outdoor table, good crystal and china. The bottle of champagne sat in an ice bucket to be served with the mouth-watering meal. The scent of saffron, garlic and herbs simmering over a pot heavily laden with fresh seafood drifted from the compact kitchen to where they’d sit and enjoy a toast.

  At his knock she moved quickly to the door, and felt the flutter of butterflies rise in her stomach. She was nervous. She shouldn’t be, but she was.

  With a big smile on her face she opened the door and pulled Jose inside. “Hi, good-looking. You are right on time.” She gave him a light kiss and his mustache tickled her lip.

  He put his hands on her rump, and nuzzled her neck. “Something smells awfully good. Is it you?”

  “No,” she laughed. “It’s the paella I made for you.”

  He pulled away, sniffed the air and spotted the bottle on the outside table.

  “Champagne?” Jose eyed her with curiosity, his dark brown eyes raking over her face. “What’s going on? You’ve been very mysterious about this. Is there a special occasion I should know about? You won the lotto or something?”

  “First the champagne. Then I’ll tell you the good news.” She headed for the patio and he followed. Passing him the bottle she watched as he expertly handled the cork, sending it flying over the balcony with a big pop and a large spray that made her laugh with delight.

  She grabbed one of the elegant long-stemmed flutes and captured the icy cold champagne in both glasses before raising her head. She tossed her long dark hair back from her bare shoulders, and paused with her glass raised.

  “To us,” he said, his eyes searching hers, a sexy smile on his lips.

  “Yes. To us.” They touched glasses and sipped. It gave her a moment to think before blurting out the truth. She needed to remain calm. Confident. After all, she was his lover. Young, beautiful. How many times had he told her that? There was no doubt that he loved her. Had he not whispered that in passion so many times, and in so many ways?

  It was ridiculous to doubt him now. He’d be just as delighted about the baby as she was. Why not? He was twenty years her senior, and didn’t this just prove his masculinity, the fact that he was still youthful and virile?

  He’d probably chuckle with pleasure and brag to all his friends. Jose had four children already, and three ex-wives. Another child would be a gift. She fully expected that he’d sweep her up in his arms with pride and carry her into the bedroom to celebrate their joy. Her new lacy black thong would get him hot, and she might like it too.

  In the wake of their happiness, dinner could wait. She didn’t have much of an appe
tite anyway.

  “What is the matter, my pet?” He placed a hand around her waist, and let it drop to her ass. “The champagne is excellent, and I’m sure your paella will be as well.” He smiled, sipped from his glass, his eyes warm on hers. “So tell me your big secret. I can hardly stand the suspense.”

  Did he know? Had he already guessed? Her heart raced in anticipation, and she relaxed her guard.

  Placing her glass down on the table, she put her arms around his middle. She rested her cheek on his chest, then pulled back so she could look into his eyes as she spoke the words that would unite them, or tear them apart. “I missed my period,” she whispered. “It’s two weeks late.”

  “You what?” His head jerked up and he tossed her hands aside. He moved quickly, bumped into the table, and knocked a chair to the patio floor.

  She clasped her hands before her, stunned.

  “You’re pregnant?” he shouted, his face turning a bright, ugly red. “That’s what this is about? You cooking dinner?” he scoffed. “Champagne. Why, you little slut. How dare you try to trick me like this.”

  “It’s not a trick. Don’t talk to me like that!” Her head spun and her stomach rolled as she processed the loathing for her on his face. “Jose. I’m not even sure. Not yet. And you couldn’t possibly mean what you said. You couldn’t!”

  “Pregnant? Not from me, baby.” He ran a hand over his face. “Impossible.” His eyes darkened, and he made a fist.

  Frightened now, she backed away through the patio doors, into the living area. He followed her, his expression menacing. “It was an accident,” she said in a rush. “But a happy one I’d hoped.”

  “You hoped? You imbecile. I have two ex-wives and a third wife at home. She knows about you, and is accepting of our harmless relationship. But a baby? No. She would not accept that.” He advanced toward her, and Brittany felt a wave of fear. Was Jose capable of hurting her?