Engaging the Enemy

by Reese Ryan

  “Everything. I’ve tried them all.” Kira had flashed her broad smile and then excused herself to join Theo and his family.

  There hadn’t been another opportunity to speak to Kira alone, and all night Kayleigh couldn’t help wondering what other motive Kira had for making her a part of her wedding.

  Since Parker was sound asleep, Kayleigh slipped out of bed and put on shorts, a tank top and running shoes. She headed out to the beach for a long run and didn’t stop until she got to the end of the stretch of white sand. Then she turned around and jogged back to their villa.

  “Kayleigh Jemison. My God, how long has it been?” Aidan Brennan called as she reached the top of the stairs that led up from the beach.

  He’d grown his red hair out past his ears, and his beard was longer than she’d ever seen it. There were lines around his vibrant blue eyes.

  “It’s been a long time, Aidan.” Kayleigh turned to face him as he approached. “Seven years, at least.”

  The day before, she’d been picture perfect. But of course she would run into Aidan while she was drenched with perspiration, her hair was pulled up in a messy topknot and she smelled like sweat and sand.

  “It’s been too long.” He pulled her into a hug, his ginger beard scraping her shoulder. Aidan released her and sighed as he took a step back and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I hear you’re engaged now.”

  “I am.” She dropped her gaze from his, then forced a smile. “And I hear you’re an old married man with two beautiful children.”

  “I am the father of two handsome boys.” Aidan frowned and ran a hand through his longish hair, which rustled with the gentle breeze and covered one eye. “But I’ve been divorced for the past two years. The boys live in Ireland with their mother and her new beau. I try to see them as often as I can...which is why I didn’t arrive until today. I’d hoped to bring them back with me, but my ex-wife wouldn’t permit it. She’s afraid if I bring the boys stateside, I won’t bring them back.”

  “Aidan, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize—”

  He waved a hand. “You couldn’t have known.”

  Kayleigh breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t wanted to hurt Aidan then, and she surely didn’t want to hurt him now. They stood together in awkward silence. Neither of them seemed to know what to say.

  “Aidan, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened between you two? By all accounts, you were a perfect pair.”

  “On the surface, I s’pose you’re right. But once we had the boys and I was consumed by my growing role in our family business...things changed. After that initial fiery passion died down, there just wasn’t enough to sustain the relationship.” He lowered his voice. “She and I were never as well-suited as you and I were.”

  Kayleigh’s cheeks stung.

  Was this what Kira was trying to tell her? That Aidan was single again and she’d wanted to give them a second chance?

  Her chest ached and her head suddenly felt light. Fate had conspired to give her and Aidan a second chance at love, and she’d countered it with a fake-fiancé scheme.

  Maybe the day Kira had made that call, she would’ve jumped at the chance to try again with Aidan. To tell him the truth about what his mother had done. But the past three months with Parker had changed everything.

  She’d loved Aidan very much back then, but that was ancient history. She’d developed deep feelings for Parker. And after the wedding was over, she planned to tell him just that.

  “I’d invite you in for a cup of coffee, but my fiancé is still asleep. I don’t want to wake him.”

  Kayleigh tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “But I guess I’ll see you at lunch later.”

  He gave her a sad smile. “Count on it.”

  Kayleigh heaved a sigh as Aidan walked away. Then she turned up the path toward the villa she shared with Parker.

  Eighteen

  Parker stared out the window of the villa at Kayleigh, who was obviously distressed about her interaction with her ex. He’d been tempted to rush out to her side and finally meet the esteemed Aidan Brennan. But it didn’t seem prudent to admit that he’d been anxiously awaiting her return like some sad little puppy and eavesdropping on the entire conversation.

  He divided a split of champagne between two flutes and then poured a little freshly squeezed orange juice in both.

  “Hey.” Kayleigh seemed surprised to find him up and among the living after the way he’d crashed last night.

  “Good morning.” He handed her a mimosa.

  Kayleigh looked at the open bottle of champagne on the bar. “It’s a little early to start drinking, isn’t it?”

  “Thought you might need it after running into your ex.”

  “You heard that, huh?” She sipped the mimosa.

  “I just happened to be near the window and heard him call your name.” So much for keeping his eavesdropping to himself. “He seems like a nice enough guy.”

  “I never said he wasn’t.” Her tone was sharp.

  He’d evidently irritated Kayleigh, though he wasn’t sure why. It seemed best to move on to a different topic.

  “You’re probably hungry after your run. I’ll order breakfast whenever you’re ready.” He walked toward the patio.

  “Parker, look, I’m sorry.” Kayleigh set down her glass. “I guess I’m just feeling... I don’t know what I’m feeling.” She settled onto the barstool.

  “Maybe you’re wondering if you’ve thwarted fate by setting up this charade? Or if Aidan might’ve been your best shot at happiness?” Parker asked tentatively, hoping Kayleigh would deny it.

  She shrugged instead. “Something like that. Mostly I regret not telling Aidan the truth about his precious mother. It’s like you said—I took away his choice because I was afraid he wouldn’t choose me.”

  “I can understand why you might have some regrets.” He certainly did. Why hadn’t he kept his observations to himself?

  “I’m sorry if I was short with you earlier. Seeing Aidan again after all these years was more intense than I thought it would be.” Kayleigh downed the remainder of her mimosa and stood. “Why don’t you go ahead and order breakfast? I’m gonna hit the shower. I promise to be in a much better mood when I get out.” She forced a smile and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek before ducking into the bedroom.

  Parker sank onto the sofa and sighed, his gaze still fixed on the door she’d just closed behind her.

  During the past few weeks, he’d discovered that beneath the mangled wreckage of his and Kayleigh’s friendship lay strong feelings that ran true and deep.

  But as strongly as he felt for her, it seemed she didn’t feel the same. Hearing her regrets about Aidan was like a cannon ball being launched into his chest.

  It was Aidan Brennan she truly wanted. Parker had only been a convenient substitute.

  He finished his mimosa and set the glass down hard on a nearby table. He wanted to be with Kayleigh. Not as a sham relationship or just for sex. He wanted it to be genuine. Because he loved her.

  He’d picked one hell of a time to have that realization.

  Parker paced the floor. The memories of that day in middle school were still as fresh as the day they’d happened. He hadn’t initially set out to make fun of Kayleigh’s father. But he’d mentioned a fact about the man in passing and several of his popular classmates laughed hysterically. The kids who didn’t normally give him and Kayleigh the time of day.

  They’d wanted to hear more about her father’s escapades, so he’d obliged. For once, he was the one telling the joke, rather than the joke being on him.

  But he hadn’t had long to relish his status with the popular kids. He could still see the heartbreak in Kayleigh’s eyes and the tears staining her cheeks when she’d overheard him telling an especially embarrassing story about her father and the chorus of laughter that rang
out in that hallway.

  He’d selfishly ruined their relationship by putting his best interest ahead of their friendship, and he’d lost her. Now that they’d rekindled that friendship, he couldn’t risk losing it again. Even if it meant sacrificing his desire for something more with her. Because more than anything, he wanted Kayleigh to finally have some of the happiness that had eluded her for most of her life.

  If Kayleigh wanted a life with Aidan Brennan, he loved her enough to want that for her, too.

  But Aidan’s belief that he and Kayleigh were engaged had ruined the prospect of the two of them finding their way back to each other.

  It was a monumental dilemma, but Parker would do whatever it took for her to be happy.

  * * *

  Kayleigh stood on the terrace overlooking the Caribbean, watching the waves crash against the shore. They’d had another lovely dinner, and the evening was winding down.

  Parker had been incredibly supportive. He’d gone out of his way to be personable with Kira, Theo and their wedding guests. He’d even taken a liking to Aidan. She’d initially found it unsettling. But Aidan seemed grateful for the break from his overprotective mother and prying aunts and cousins.

  “Hey, you. What are you doing out here all by yourself?” Kira slipped her arm through Kayleigh’s and laid her head on her shoulder.

  “Just enjoying the view.” Kayleigh leaned her head against Kira’s. “Why aren’t you in there with your incredibly handsome husband-to-be?”

  Kira sighed softly. “I just needed a little break, I guess. I swear, if one more of our relatives asks when we’re going to start having babies, I’m going to scream.” Kira lifted her head and turned to Kayleigh. “Is it terrible that I don’t want kids right away? That I’d like to bask in being the center of Theo’s attention for now?”

  “Of course not.” Kayleigh turned to Kira and squeezed her hand. “And don’t let anyone tell you differently. It’s up to you and Theo to decide what you want. Everyone else can take a flying leap.”

  “Thank you.” Kira nodded and turned to look at the water, too. They were both quiet for a moment before she spoke again. “So, you’ve probably figured out the other reason I wanted you to be here.”

  “Aidan.” Kayleigh said his name softly as she turned to her friend. “You were trying to fix what your mother had done.”

  “He’s never stopped regretting the day he stood by and let you walk away without a fight. I thought that once you saw each other...” Kira sighed heavily. “I know what you’re thinking.”

  “How very Parent Trap of you?”

  “Something like that,” Kira said.

  “But you knew that I was bringing my fiancé.” Kayleigh shoved Kira lightly with her shoulder.

  “Honestly? I figured he was some random guy you were bringing to make my brother jealous.” Kira shook her head. “But then I met him and got to see you two together. There’s no mistaking that look in both of your eyes. He’s obviously in love with you, and you love him, too. So despite my little scheme backfiring, I’m really happy for you, Kayleigh.”

  Kira leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’d better get back to the party before—”

  “Kira! Kira, darling, what are you doing out here?” Colleen Brennan peeked out of the French doors that led to the terrace. Her thin lips pressed into a harsh line and her nostrils flared.

  Kira exchanged a look with Kayleigh, then sighed. “Coming, Mother.”

  Kayleigh sat in a nearby seat, her heart racing as Kira’s words turned over in her head.

  He’s obviously in love with you, and you love him, too.

  Kayleigh swallowed hard and tears stung her eyes. Her feelings for Parker had been building so gradually over the past few months. There’d been a growing affection between them for sure, and a passion that sent tingles up her spine whenever she thought of him. But love?

  She’d convinced herself that Parker Abbott wasn’t capable of truly loving anyone whose last name wasn’t Abbott from birth. Even then, she’d suspected he only tolerated them. But seeing the interactions between Parker and his family up close...there was no doubt about the love between them. And he’d gone out of his way to fulfill his duties as her fake fiancé. She couldn’t have asked for anything more.

  Was it because he honestly did feel something for her?

  “Kayleigh, there you are.” Parker joined her on the terrace and sat beside her. “I have some work to do tonight, so I’m going to head back to the villa. But Aidan promised to see you back safely.”

  “If you need to leave, I’ll come with you.” She started to get up.

  Parker halted her with a hand pressed firmly to her arm. “Don’t feel you need to leave on my account. Besides, I could use the alone time to get some work done.”

  “Oh. Sure.” She tried her hardest not to sound as hurt as she felt. It wasn’t just that night. Parker’s mood had changed. The first day and night they’d spent there on the island, they’d made love every chance they got. But in the past couple of nights, he seemed to be slowly pulling away...physically and emotionally. Her gaze met his. “Parker, have I done something to upset you?”

  “No, of course not.” He kissed the back of her hand and gave her what felt like a forced smile. “It’s nothing like that.”

  “Then it is something.” She echoed his words to her that day at the cabin.

  “I’ve got things to do—that’s all. Will you be all right?”

  She nodded in silence and he leaned in and kissed her cheek.

  As she watched him walk away, it was clear that there was more to the story. But he obviously didn’t trust her enough to share. Just as he hadn’t been willing to share with her exactly why he’d wanted to purchase her building and what their plans for it were.

  Kayleigh turned back to stare out onto the water. Kira was only half right. She had fallen for Parker, but he clearly didn’t feel the same way about her.

  * * *

  Parker paced on the terrace, his palms damp and his pulse jumping in his temple. The wedding party was winding down with the rehearsal, and the rehearsal dinner would start soon. Tonight was the night.

  It’s now or never, Park.

  His eyes drifted closed and he sighed heavily. He’d spent the week getting to know Aidan Brennan. He needed to be sure that he was truly worthy of Kayleigh.

  By all accounts, Aidan was a good and decent man. Despite the unfortunate circumstances with his ex-wife, he was doing his best to remain in the lives of his children. And he’d proven himself to be a savvy businessman, expanding the family’s company’s reach considerably since he’d taken the reins over from his father, who’d died many years before.

  Parker had watched Aidan’s interaction with Kayleigh. He still adored her. Even Parker could see that. Kayleigh obviously still cared deeply for Aidan, too.

  He reflected on the pain and loneliness in Kayleigh’s voice and the hurt in her eyes after she’d first encountered Aidan. It was a look he’d never forget. He’d been the cause of that pain before. In a way, he was the cause of it now.

  He loved Kayleigh and he wanted her to be happy. For the briefest moment, he’d believed she could be happy with him. But the truth was that the man he’d been with her these past three months wasn’t the person he’d been most of his life.

  He wasn’t fun-loving and spontaneous. Wasn’t outdoorsy or a dancer. Wasn’t adored by pets or small kids. He wasn’t the kind of man who cuddled and spent the night or who spent his days daydreaming about anyone.

  But for her, he had been.

  Shouldn’t that have set off alarm bells in his head? They both deserved to be with someone who loved them just the way they were. Not someone who’d force them to become someone else.

  Parker sighed.

  Kayleigh hadn’t pressured him to be someone else. She’d simply introduced him to life o
utside of his comfort zone. And as much as he hated to admit it, he’d found enjoyment in activities he’d never thought he would. Just as she seemed to appreciate the new, more organized processes he’d introduced her to when he’d helped her organize her storeroom cabinet and switch to a user-friendly accounting software she’d actually use.

  Maybe each of them simply made the other better.

  “Parker.” Aidan had stepped out onto the balcony. “Kayleigh asked me to tell you that she and the other bridesmaids are in a last-minute meeting with my sister. They’ll return before dinner.”

  Parker stared at the man, his heart racing.

  “Everything okay? You don’t look well.” Aidan came closer.

  “I’m fine. I just wondered if we could talk for a minute.” He would never get a more ideal moment than right now.

  “Sure.” Aidan shrugged. He leaned against the railing. “You’ve been quiet today. Is something wrong?”

  “When we first met, you said that I was lucky to be with Kayleigh, and that you envied our happiness.” Parker walked over and stood beside Aidan. “Was that a platitude, or were you being sincere?”

  Aidan cocked his head and folded his arms over his chest. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at or that I like the direction of this conversation.”

  “I understand, but I really need to know how you feel about Kayleigh. She’s an incredible woman and she deserves to be happy. I’ll do whatever I have to do to make that happen.”

  “Whoa!” Aidan held up his hands as he backed away. “I don’t know what you and Kayleigh are into, but—”

  “Relax, man. What I’m trying to say is that I think Kayleigh regrets walking away from you, too. That given the chance to do it again...maybe she’d have stayed and fought for you.”

  “She’s your fiancée, and she seems quite taken with you. So why are you telling me all of this?”

  Once he crossed this line, he couldn’t go back. There was no way to put the genie back into the bottle. Most important, he’d be risking the plans they’d worked so hard on.