The Conflicted Maid of Honor (The Conflicted Love Series Book 2)

by Sharon Sue Thorn

  Sammie had been too busy to notice the seasons changing much before, always flitting from one weekend to the next. She’d tell herself she needed to make sure Jenny got out and had a good time. She’d done a decent job of that, even though too many times Jenny had ended up taking on the role of Sammie’s babysitter.

  Resting her chin in her hand, Sammie sighed. One trip had caused such a chain reaction. She’d paid so little attention to her surroundings on St. Lucia that she’d put herself at risk. What if the taxi driver had been a serial killer? It had taken someone else who was paying attention to put a stop to it. Other bad decisions on the island had made her an easy target, like going out on her own.

  Stupid girl, she thought as she reflected on those experiences. Not anymore, though.

  Chapter 24

  When he arrived at the address in the letter, Dominic stood in front of a building on the beach that read Kaine’s Penthouse & Suites. He tilted his head back to take a good look at the structure. “Impressive.” It had money written all over it.

  When he entered, an older man rushed over to him. “You must be Mr. Dupre.”

  “How did you know?” Dominic grinned.

  “I know everyone who comes through here, and you’re the only visitor on the list so far today. This way, please. I’m Roger, by the way. Would you like something to drink, sir?”

  “No, I’m good. Thank you.” Dominic thought the man appeared much too serious.

  Roger opened a door and motioned for Dominic to enter. He’d barely stepped inside when a blonde woman rushed to embrace him. Surprised, he didn’t reciprocate the hug, and he drew his head back, confused.

  A tall man in the corner of the room laughed. “Sorry, Mr. Dupre.” He turned to the woman. “Jenny, stop. You’re freaking our guest out.”

  Once she had pulled back, Dominic recognized her as the other girl in Sammie’s photo who he had correctly assumed was Jenny. “Thank you, thank you!” Jenny said. “Thank you for keeping my friend safe.”

  The awkward introductions lingered as Jenny explained that she and her husband had just returned from their honeymoon. They’d rushed to be on time for the appointment.

  “Hi, I’m Owen.” The husband stretched his hand past his wife. “Sorry for the strange way we asked you to come here. Jenny really wanted to thank you in person.”

  “No problem,” Dominic said. “It’s nice to get away. From one island to another, it still feels like home.”

  A small dog sat at Owen’s feet, gazing up with pure love in its eyes.

  “That’s kind of you,” Owen said. “St. Lucia is so beautiful. We’ll definitely visit again in the future. Did you manage the driving okay?”

  “It was a little stressful. You really have to t’ink about it. Everyt’ing is in the wrong place.”

  Jenny kept changing the subject to personal questions. Was he single? Did he ever want to get married? Fortunately, Owen thwarted her efforts and gave Dominic several apologetic looks. Dominic could only laugh at her persistence.

  They were kind people, and it was easy to see that the wife loved Sammie dearly. Jenny told him the whole story of the argument that had caused Sammie to head out on her own. The poor girl was still guilt-ridden, taking the blame for Sammie going out alone.

  Dominic asked about Sammie’s wellbeing, and Jenny practically teared up. “We didn’t text during the honeymoon. We didn’t have cell service most of the time. But I’ll be contacting her tonight.”

  “Ah, do me a favor, please.” Dominic cleared his throat. “Don’t mention me.”

  Jenny’s face fell. “You don’t want her to know you’re in the States?”

  “No,” Dominic answered honestly.

  “Look,” Jenny said firmly. “If there’s any part of you that cares for her, then you can’t be a coward. You need to let her know how you feel.”

  Owen winced. “Jenny!” He took a deep breath and looked at Dominic again. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” Dominic held up a hand. “Look,” he said, addressing them both. “I’m figuring t’ings out for myself.”

  “I totally understand,” Owen said.

  “Yeah, I bet you do,” Jenny said smartly.

  Dominic raised a brow but didn’t ask.

  Owen went on, “I’m going to send my CEO, Patty, in to speak with you about a business idea. Please, just hear her out. No pressure. We didn’t bring you out here as a way to sway you, just to thank you. Jenny wanted to do it in person, for obvious reasons.”

  “I appreciate that. Thank you,” Dominic said.

  Owen reached down to pick up the dog. When he did, the dog’s tail whipped back and forth like a pendulum on steroids. They exited, and Patty entered. The short older woman had an authoritative posture as she extended her hand.

  Unsure of what to expect, Dominic shook it. “How do you do?” he said.

  “Better than you, I’m sure, after such a long flight. Did you have any chance to rest before you came here to have your ear talked off?”

  The word ‘rest’ drew a yawn from Dominic that he desperately tried to stifle. Patty was right about the flight—although St. Lucia wasn’t that far from Florida, the trip had taken almost twelve hours. “I’m so sorry.”

  Patty laughed and patted his arm. “You can use the suite on the second floor to get some rest. One of our tenants recently moved out.”

  “Why do I feel like you’re extending the visit?” Dominic smiled at her. “I don’t mind. I came a long way, and I intend to enjoy having a break.”

  “You’re a smart one, I see.” Patty winked.

  Dominic noticed she had evaded answering him.

  The door opened. “Pete!” Patty said. “There you are. Come on in. This is Dominic Dupre, guest of the Kaines. Why don’t you show him to the second floor and give him a short tour so he knows where everything is?”

  Pete put his hands together and grinned. “Certainly. I needed a good reason to stretch my legs.”

  “Thank you both.” Dominic looked at Patty and then at Pete. “I just need to retrieve my bag from the car.”

  “Give Roger the keys and he’ll get it for you.”

  Dominic thought about the older gent in the front and shook his head. It would be rude to send an elder. “No reason to send him to do what I’m perfectly capable of. And it’s only one bag.”

  “Up to you,” Patty said. “It’s part of his job, if that makes you feel any better. He uses tips to make his living.”

  “I see,” Dominic said with raised brows. “Seems like it would be easy to go broke in this very building.”

  “How about allowing me to assist you?” Pete offered. “I can tell you about the area during our walk, and I no longer accept tips.”

  Patty snorted. “Like you need to.”

  Pete shrugged. “I’m a lucky fellow.”

  “Little luck. Lots of brains,” Patty said. “And a perfect attitude for hospitality.”

  Pete’s grin showed his pleasure at Patty’s compliments. Dominic thought it was sweet, but he was ready to rest for a bit. He hadn’t slept more than an hour during the flight. His neck ached, and he felt a headache coming on.

  On the way to get his bag, Pete listed all the nearby eateries and shops, and pointed out the gate that led to the private beach. “If you like to surf, I’m certain Owen will be out there tomorrow.”

  “It’s been a while. I live right near the ocean, but I rarely go to the beach. Maybe because I see it every day?”

  “That’s common of the locals here too. Tragic, really.”

  Dominic glanced at Pete. “Tragic, eh?” He grabbed his bag from the trunk.

  “Is that all?” Pete’s eyebrows came together.

  “I told you I only have one bag.” Dominic laughed at Pete’s confused expression.

  “Oh, yes,” Pete continued. “I grew up in the Midwest. Don’t get me wrong. It has its charms, but it doesn’t have the ocean.”

  “How often do you go to the beach, then?” Do
minic asked out of pure curiosity.

  “Nearly every day, unless work gets in the way, which is rare, but it does happen.” Then Pete asked seriously, “Who can get by with one bag?”

  “I can, easily. So, you go to the beach every day, then?”

  Pete took the bag from Dominic. “At least let me carry it for you. But yes, every day I marvel at the waves, the sky, and whatever sea or beach life decides to appear in my line of sight.”

  “It’s good to be mindful,” Dominic nodded. “The world is a beautiful place.”

  “It most certainly is,” Pete agreed cheerfully. He led Dominic to the elevator and punched in a code. “Do you have a good memory?”

  “I do.”

  “Great! Three-eight-four-six. That’s your code when you’re coming up or going down.”

  “Okay...” Dominic dragged out the word. “I’ve never had my own elevator code before.”

  “First time for everything,” Pete said, holding up his index finger.

  The elevator dinged and came to a stop. Dominic was taken aback when the doors opened onto a massive living room with windows that lined two walls.

  Pete gestured to guide him forward. “We have to get off. If the doors close, we’ll be at the mercy of the next passenger.”

  Kicking his shoes off in the short marble entryway, Dominic gaped. “Is this where I’m resting?”

  “Of course,” Pete answered, setting the bag down. “There’s food and drinks in the fridge. I’m sure you’ll find something you like.”

  He pointed through the open floor plan toward the kitchen. Off to the side was an oak table with a large bowl of fruit in the center. Dominic’s stomach growled at the sight of it. If Pete heard, he pretended not to.

  “Right through here is the master bedroom with an en suite bath. Another wash area in the hall over there. Phone in the corner there. Remote is next to it.” Pete finished and stepped back. “If you have any questions, just dial zero, and Roger will answer. Or whoever is working. A guy named Zachary will relieve Roger at six p.m.”

  “Thank you,” Dominic said. “I’m speechless.”

  Pete chuckled. “No worries. I’m not used to all this, either.”

  “I’m from an island with a lot of luxuries for visitors,” Dominic laughed. “But I’m still impressed.”

  “I’ll leave you to it.” Pete headed toward the elevator. “Oh, yes—if you don’t feel like cooking your own food, just call Roger and tell him what you’d like. He’ll order it for you. On us, of course.”

  “I’m sure I can manage with whatever is here,” Dominic assured him. “Thanks again.”

  Once the elevator doors closed, he exhaled. People really do live this way, eh? The bedroom carpet was so thick, he could feel his feet sink with each step. The room reminded him of an extremely fancy hotel room. It had its own mini-fridge and a microwave. Who needed a microwave in their bedroom?

  The bed was huge. Possibly larger than a king-size.

  He peeked into the fridge and saw bottles of water and burritos. Who lived here? The burrito king?

  Dominic sucked in a breath the moment he stepped into the bathroom. Windows lined the wall over the tub and looked over the tennis courts to the beach. He smiled as he looked at the water, taking a moment to appreciate it. Then he slid open the door to the shower to see the strangest looking shower head, shaped like a pineapple. Whoever lived here had odd taste.

  He opened the mini-fridge and helped himself to a bottle of water. Gulping half the bottle down, he made his way to the kitchen. Every cupboard was filled to the brim with food, but fatigue overtook him, and he settled for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Those items were sitting on the counter in a huddle, so it was an easy choice.

  Three sandwiches, a handful of chips, two cookies, a glass of milk, and a second bottle of water later, Dominic soaked in the fancy spa-like tub with the jets turned on. When he caught himself falling asleep for the second time, he got out of the tub, dried off, pulled on a fresh pair of boxer briefs and lay down on top of the covers.

  He fell asleep instantly.

  Chapter 25

  The phone rang.

  “Betsy’s B&B. This is Sammie. How can I help you?”

  “Do you have any openings for this weekend?” a woman with a thick Southern accent asked.

  “No, actually. We’re full for the next two weeks.” Sammie tapped a pencil as she eyed the calendar.

  “Darn it. Leave it to my mother-in-law to plan an impromptu trip, and I’m the one struggling to find us a nice place to stay. Can you recommend somewhere else?”

  “The closest big city is Topeka. They have quite a few hotels...”

  “We don’t want hotels, dear, we want a B&B. We like socializing with other guests. God forbid I’m left with only my husband and my mother-in-law to converse with.”

  “Hold on one second, please.” Sammie covered the mouthpiece and turned to Betsy. “Is it okay to recommend another B&B in town since we’re full?”

  “Of course,” Betsy said, smiling.

  “Good.” Sammie pulled her phone out of her back pocket to search the area.

  “You don’t have to do all that,” Betsy said. “I have a list in the back of the calendar. I check a couple of times a year to make sure it’s up to date. Give them the phone numbers, but don’t do any other research for them or they’ll keep you on the phone all day.”

  “Got it.” Sammie relayed info for two other B&Bs and tried her best to get the woman off the phone. She managed, but not before she’d endured a story about the nameless mother-in-law’s overbearing ways. “I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you find an opening. Have a wonderful vacation.” She hung up before the woman could go on another rant.

  Betsy chuckled as she filled the printer drawer with more paper. “All kinds call. All kinds come through. Keeps things interesting.”

  After resting the phone back in its cradle, Sammie turned to face Betsy. “How did you manage everything alone before? This place never stops moving.”

  “Well, after the renovations, things really picked up. So, while it’s about the same number of people, there’s usually much more to do. I’m used to being busy, but Owen helped me learn so much. He’s such a good kid.”

  Sammie snickered. “Kid?”

  “You all look like kids to me,” Betsy said with a wink.

  Sammie smiled. “I’ve probably acted like one long enough to convince anyone.”

  Betsy grew serious. “Now, I wasn’t saying all that. I’ll admit I thought you were a wild child to some degree. But you’re a good friend to Jenny. She said you two have always taken care of each other.”

  Sammie shrugged. “I guess I thought I was going to have my bestie to myself forever. But Owen came along and messed it all up. So, what’s next?” Sammie checked her watch. It was only nine-thirty in the morning, but she felt like she’d run a marathon already.

  “Well, I think breakfast gave you a good idea of what this place is like. Dinner won’t be as hectic. You see, breakfast is included with the price of the room, but thanks to Owen, dinner is now an add-on. I charge extra, and it helps cover the costs.”

  Sammie smiled. It was obvious Betsy thought the world of Owen. “What’re we serving tonight?”

  “Pot roast, sweet potato mash, and mashed potatoes. Let them pick both if they’d like. Roasted veggies, pickled red cabbage, salad, and homemade rolls. Do you know how to cook?”

  Uh-oh, Sammie thought. Here goes Betsy’s first disappointment. “No, not really,” she said with a grimace. “I mean, I can fry an egg or a hamburger.”

  “No wonder you’re so thin. I guess I was too when I was your age. Could eat about anything I wanted and not gain an ounce.”

  “You talk like you’re overweight, but you aren’t.”

  “But I would be. I’d be a whale if it weren’t for this place keeping me on my toes. You’ll see. I’ll teach you a bit about cooking. The meals and the rooms are the biggest jobs here, especially n
ow that wedding season has passed. Meals get planned weeks in advance, and the preparations are often started days before. We have two part-time girls who take care of housekeeping, so unless something goes crazy, you won’t ever have to flip a room.”

  Chapter 26

  Dominic woke up disconcerted. It took him a moment to remember he was in Destin, at Kaine’s Penthouse and Suites. The long flight had taken its toll. He checked the clock and grunted when he saw it was after nine a.m. How rude of him to sleep that late!

  Going from the bed to the shower, he noticed a red blinking light on the phone. Pretty sure it hadn’t been blinking the day before, he pushed the flashing button.

  Patty’s voice told him, “Dominic, I’m terribly sorry. An urgent business matter has come up that requires my attention, as well as Owen’s. Should you need anything, please call Jenny. I hope you’ll be okay having the day to yourself. Let’s get together tomorrow morning for our discussion.”

  If Dominic knew anything about women, it was that they all had a special gift for spotting an opportunity. Not that most women used their gift for something bad, but he’d bet his entire business that if he waited around, Jenny would find a way to corner him and make him talk about Sammie. He wasn’t waiting around to find out.

  What if she was waiting in the lobby for him to pass through? He had to take that chance. He scooped up his wallet and laptop, dropped them in his bag and headed toward the elevator. For some reason, his anxiety was up. Something in his bones told him Jenny would intercept him, and he had no clue how he would get away from her if that happened. But if he stayed in the... Whatever this was. None of the words that came to him fit. Condo, flat, or apartment all seemed subpar for this place. Mansion? A bit much. Anyway, he’d be a sitting duck.

  If she came up, would she come out of the elevator uninvited? He certainly hoped not.