Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads

by Nicole Morgan

  She’d been in for a swim earlier when it had been calmer and had taken the bicycle to go snorkeling. It wasn’t quite the same without Matt, but until his hand healed, he probably wouldn’t want to risk an infection. She didn’t mind going on her own. The world under the water was silent and peaceful. The vibrant colors, the huge schools and variety of fish, the different coral, and the fact that she could get so close to it all was breathtaking. It was an easy way to fill her day.

  She saw Matt stride toward her and jumped up to greet him with a hug and a kiss. “Hi.”

  “Hi to you. Nice set-up here.”

  Brianna smiled. “It was too nice to be indoors waiting for you.”

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  “Oh, no problem. I totally understand. Were you busy?”

  “It wasn’t too bad. A big group at noon, but it tapered off. How was your day?”

  “Awesome. Went swimming and snorkeling and had lots of time to read and master the hammock.”

  Matt laughed. “The hammock’s not as easy as it looks. Are you still interested in going to see Tarpon Lake?”

  “Yes.” She folded up her beach chair. Matt offered to carry it, and they walked back to her villa.

  She brushed the sand off her feet and slipped on running shoes. They donned their helmets and headed east along the coastal road. After fifteen minutes of leisurely cycling, they were at the edge of the lake. They parked the bicycles and followed a boardwalk. A fisherman on a pier reeled in a huge silver fish and they stopped to watch.

  “How did a fish that big ever end up in a small lake like this?” Brianna asked.

  “They believe the fish got caught up in a storm surge. We’re not too far inland. The surprising thing is that they thrived here. Became food for herons and a catch for sports fishermen.”

  “Is it good to eat?”

  “Nah, it’s caught and released, generally. Too many small bones.”

  “It has a beautiful silver shimmer to it.”

  “It does. When you’re out on the water, the light reflects off of it when it swims by.”

  They walked hand in hand until the sun started to go down, and then cycled back to Matt’s house. “You’ll stay for dinner?”

  “I’d like to, but would you rather go out? You cooked last night, too.”

  “No, I enjoy cooking.” He held up his left hand. “Not that this is any indication, but I’m usually pretty handy with a knife.”

  Brianna took his hand and kissed it. “Well, I appreciate you cooking for me.”

  They spent the evening together. Brianna loved watching Matt cook – the muscles of his arms rippling as he moved, his pleasure in creating a new recipe, and the sultry look in his eyes when he offered her a taste. He asked about her favorite foods and promised to introduce her to new ones. He was charming, sweet, thoughtful, and fun. And Brianna knew she had lost her heart to him.

  TWO WEEKS LATER, Brianna sat on a barstool at Matt’s counter watching him fillet a tilapia. They had spent every day together, exploring the island in the late afternoon, cooking dinner together in the evening, and making love each night. Matt’s hand had healed beautifully, and Brianna had removed the sutures. That was the only medical thing she’d done on her holiday. She felt refreshed and excited to begin the climb to her exams, except that it meant the end of her island paradise, and leaving Matt.

  “Tomorrow’s my last day. My flight is at ten in the morning,” she murmured, twirling the wine in her glass. She was almost afraid to talk about it. They hadn’t really discussed it, and she wasn’t even sure Matt was aware. “I don’t want to leave.”

  Matt looked her in the eye. “So don’t.” He shrugged. “Stay.”

  Brianna snorted a laugh. “Right.”

  He set the knife down and washed his hands. “I’m serious.” He dried his hands on a towel. “We have something special together, Brianna. Something that’s hard to find.” He ran his hand through his hair and she stared.

  He’s nervous. He’s never nervous. Her own stomach twisted in knots.

  “Just a minute.” He turned on his heel and disappeared down the hallway.

  She set down her wine and pushed it away. It wasn’t sitting well in her belly.

  Matt returned and held out his hand. “Come outside with me.” Brianna’s hand shook when she placed it in his. He led her into the garden and sat with her on a bench. The moon was low in the sky, and the reflection shimmered on the water. The waves quietly lapped onto the shore. The smell of jasmine filled the air, and a warm breeze tugged at her hair.

  Matt took her hands in his and kissed her softly. “Brianna, the last three weeks I’ve spent with you have been the happiest of my life.”

  Brianna’s heart pounded.

  “I love your laugh, your joy in life. You’re down to earth and always look for the good in everyone and everything. I can relax with you, and yet I’m excited to be with you. You’re always in my thoughts, and you’ve found your way into my heart.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a box. “You know, I never really understood what it meant or how it felt when someone said they’d found the person they wanted to spend the rest of their life with. Until I met you.” He opened the lid and held it out to her. “I love you, Brianna, with all of my heart. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

  Brianna felt lightheaded and had an urge to drop her head between her knees. “Matt.”

  The ring was stunning. She was no expert on diamonds, but that little baby was a doozy. Oh my god. He looked so hopeful, so in love. She blinked away tears.

  “Matt, I love you, too.” Of that, she was sure. He blew out a breath, and a grin spread across his face.

  “But …” She didn’t even know where to begin. She set the box on the bench between them and linked her fingers with his. “The last three weeks have been amazing.” She bit her lip. Her chest tightened and she focused on breathing. “It’s been like a fantasy, how I dreamed I’d get swept off my feet and fall in love.” She squeezed his hands as tears gathered in her eyes. “But that’s the problem. It doesn’t seem real.”

  Matt shook his head. “It feels real to me. I’ve never felt this way with anyone before.” He smiled sadly. “It may seem too fast to you, but I’ve never been more sure of anything else in my life.”

  Brianna looked down. “But what about my life back in Rivermede? I’m three months away from finishing my residency. I’ve worked ten years toward earning a medical degree. How does that all factor in?”

  “You could go back and finish it.” He shrugged. “Or not.”

  “How could I not? I have to earn a living.”

  “I could support you. Money isn’t an issue, Brie. If you didn’t want to work, you wouldn’t need to.”

  She blinked. “Give it all up when I’m so close to the end? I’ve worked hard to be a doctor, and I can’t wait to get out there and use my degree.”

  “Then finish it and come back here. Could you live on the island?”

  She looked out at the ocean and thought about the past three weeks. “It seems surreal to think about it. Could the island support two physicians?”

  He shrugged. “I think so.”

  “Oh Matt, this is all so complicated. It’s like a dream, except tomorrow I’m going to wake up on a plane back to Rivermede, and on Monday I’ll be back in the clinic, working and studying and wondering if it really happened.” She picked up the ring and handed it back to him. “I can’t accept this, Matt.” She brushed a tear away from her cheek impatiently. “I love you. But it would never work.”

  “Brianna, don’t.”

  “I’m sorry, Matt, I truly am.” She swallowed and then stood. “I should go.”

  She made it to the kitchen door.

  “Brianna. Don’t go.”

  “Matt, I don’t want to hurt you. I’m really sorry.”

  “I know.” He put his arms around her. “I’m sorry too, but don’t leave.” He turned her to face him and hugged her. “Stay for dinner. If
you don’t want to stay the night, I’ll walk you home later. But stay for dinner.” He kissed her softly. “Please.”

  She rested her head against his chest. “Are you sure? The good-bye won’t be any easier later.”

  “I know, but it can’t get any harder either.” His chest rose and fell as he sighed.

  She brushed a tear from her cheek. “You just want me to peel the carrots, right?”

  He smiled sadly and rubbed her back. “Yeah. You know it’s my least favorite job.”

  Brianna’s heart twisted. “Okay, put me to work.”

  CHAPTER 13

  When they made love that night, it was tender and slow. Matt was reverent, touching her like he wanted to memorize her features and the curves of her body. Brianna kissed him hungrily and pushed away the image of her saying good-bye.

  Matt slid the ring on a gold chain and clasped it around her neck. “If you won’t wear it on your finger, wear it next to your heart. And think of me.”

  After they made love, she snuggled next to him and listened to his deep, even breathing. Was she doing the right thing? She fingered the ring. What if he was her one true love, the one sent just for her? Cupid had had to work hard to get them together. Should she be walking away?

  She sighed. All that training, all that work, all those sleepless nights. She couldn’t just blow that off. Being a doctor and helping others was part of who she was, a gift she’d been given that she had to use.

  She’d meant what she’d said. This was a fantasy, a dream. Her real life was hectic and unpredictable and she wasn’t always relaxed and carefree. At times she was cranky and selfish. Would he love her then? If he saw the real her, would he still be offering her the ring? She sighed. Probably not. Who wanted to live with irritable and chaotic when they could have paradise and sunshine?

  Pain gripped her chest. It was too hard. She pressed her cheek against Matt’s warm skin.

  Altruism one. Love zero.

  Her parents would be proud.

  But it really sucked.

  “BRIANNA?” Matt whispered.

  She opened one eye. The room was dark.

  “I have to head out. There’s a diver in trouble.” He kissed her forehead. “I shouldn’t be too long. I’ll be back to take you to airport in the morning.”

  “’Kay, love you.”

  “Love you, too.” He kissed her lips. “Sweet dreams.”

  She smiled sleepily and closed her eyes.

  The alarm woke her at seven. The space beside her on the bed was cold, and the house was quiet.

  She made a coffee and grabbed a shower. She used Matt’s shampoo so his scent would be close to her all day. After she dressed, she went to the kitchen to leave a note. There wasn’t much time left if she wanted to make her flight. It was the first time in three weeks she regretted not having her cell phone with her. They hadn’t even exchanged numbers. Where are you, Matt? She sighed and found a pen and paper.

  Miss you already. She drew a heart and wrote her name beside it.

  A knock on the door had her skipping over. He made it back.

  When she pulled open the door, Kirk winced at her sigh. “Sorry, you were probably hoping for Matt. He sent me to drive you to the airport. He had to take a patient over to Cayman Brac to use the hyperbaric chamber. A young diver developed decompression sickness during the night and was in rough shape. Matt thought he’d be able to get away, but there’s no one else to run the show.”

  “Oh, sounds serious.” She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.

  “Yeah. I know I’m second best, but I’m at your disposal.”

  Brianna gave a crooked smile. “Thanks. I appreciate it. My luggage is over at the villa. I’d like to say good-bye to Jerome and Maria, and then I’ll be ready to go.”

  He held the door open. “Lead the way.”

  “Oh, just a sec.” She dashed back into the kitchen and added her cell phone number to the note. She sighed and looked at what she’d written.

  What was she doing? She’d said no to his proposal and couldn’t see living in this fantasy life. It was time to get back to the real world … and let him go. She tore her number off the bottom. A wave of regret washed over her.

  “We should get going, Brianna,” Kirk called from the front door.

  She turned on her heel and headed out. At the villa, she made one quick look around to make sure she hadn’t left anything behind and then stopped at the reception.

  Brianna hugged Maria and Jerome, her heart squeezing at their good-bye.

  “Don’t be a stranger,” Maria said. “Now that you know where we are, you come visit us often.”

  Brianna sniffled. “I will.” Unlikely. Tears blurred her vision. “Thank you for a wonderful holiday.”

  “It’s not us you should be thanking,” Jerome said.

  Maria nudged him with a shake of her head. “Of course. Our pleasure. You have a safe trip home.”

  “Thanks, Maria. Bye, Jerome.” With a wave, she joined Kirk in the car. Traffic was light as they made their way to the airport. “Thanks for driving me. I really do appreciate it.”

  “No problem. I’m happy to be Matt’s wingman.” He pulled up to the entrance and helped Brianna with her suitcase.

  Brianna gave him a quick hug. “Thanks. Say good-bye to Matt for me.”

  “Will do. Would you like me to pass along a kiss for him, too?” He puckered his lips.

  “Ah, tempting, but no.”

  Kirk laughed, held out his hand, and grasped hers between his. “Matt’s a lucky guy. Safe journey.”

  Was Matt lucky? Brianna smiled weakly, blinking back tears. She picked up her luggage and walked into the terminal. What was harder – having to say good-bye to Matt or not being able to?

  CHAPTER 14

  What would Matt be doing now? The elderly woman sitting across from Brianna stopped speaking and looked at her expectantly. Brianna looked at the blank chart in front of her and winced.

  The woman clucked. “You’re obviously not interested in my problem.”

  Brianna sighed. She really needed to pull it together, or she wouldn’t pass this rotation. “I’m really sorry, Mrs. Irving. I’m distracted, and that’s not fair to you. I do want to get to the bottom of this. How long does the stiffness in your joints last in the morning?”

  Mrs. Irving was happy to spend another twenty minutes describing her aches and pains. Brianna did a thorough physical examination and then suggested a management plan that had Mrs. Irving nodding in approval.

  When the patient left, Brianna sat back in her chair and stared out the window. It was a beautiful spring day – a little warm for mid-April, but no one was complaining. The sunshine put everyone in a good mood … except her. She fingered the necklace around her neck and tried to shake the melancholy.

  She’d been home for six weeks and had another six to go before her exam. It was time to start making some decisions about her future.

  Scary to think she’d be done in June. She’d been wading through molasses for the last eighteen months, and now, when she could have used an extra five hours each day, she was racing down a waterslide.

  Sooner or later, preferably sooner, she had to nail down where she wanted to work. She’d had an offer to join a family practice here in Rivermede and received a letter from Mitchell Alexander inviting her to Strathaven, a smaller town farther north. That opportunity sounded interesting.

  She sighed. It should have sounded interesting, but it really didn’t. That was the problem. She was having trouble drumming up enthusiasm for any of it.

  Even more pressing, she needed to make arrangements for her last rotation coming up in two weeks. Her rotation with the Riverview Family Health Team was finishing, and her plan to work with a dermatologist had fallen through at the last minute. He’d decided to take holidays. Probably going some place exotic and hot … to fall in love and get his heart broken.

  A chickadee flew to a branch on a tree outside the window and chirped.
Not a care in the world. And no regrets.

  Brianna shifted restlessly. She hadn’t heard from Matt. Not surprising, really, but she’d hoped. His ring hung around her neck. That was probably wrong too, but she couldn’t help it. She should’ve left it behind, had actually intended to, but on the plane halfway home, she’d realized she still had it on. Every time she tried to take it off, she couldn’t do it. It left her feeling … bereft. Like his love had been taken away.

  She breathed deeply and blinked away tears. Not the time or place for this. Her next patient was waiting. She counted to ten and exhaled.

  Tonight she’d sit down with a bottle of wine, one that her father recommended, and sort out her future. She’d pick a rotation, accept a job offer, and mail the ring back to Matt. It was time to take control and make concrete plans. She stood up, resolved.

  And then caught the reflection of the ring in the mirror over the sink. Who was she kidding? She’d dig into the tub of chocolate caramel ice cream in her freezer and procrastinate for another day.

  AT FIVE P.M., Brianna knew she’d had enough for the day when she couldn’t care less about the patient’s problem. She hoped her facial expression didn’t reflect the “You think that’s bad, you should hear what I’m dealing with” thought that ran through her head.

  She suppressed her inner grouch and found some patience. “How long have you had the lower back pain?”

  “Off and on for two years now.” Liam, an older looking thirty-three-year-old, rubbed his back.

  “What made you decide to come today about it?”

  “I was next door buying some soda and decided to stop by to see if there was an appointment available. I guess there was a cancellation. Lucky for me.”

  And unlucky for me. Stop. Be nice. “Has the pain changed?”

  “It comes and goes. Started when I moved a whopping son-of-a … gun television set for a friend. Never should’ve done it. Sometimes I don’t feel the pain at all, and other times it’s nagging all day.”