“Carmen,” she sputtered. “How come you know more about bikinis than I do? Is this all from Bridget?”
“I have Bridget, yes. But I’ve also been out, looking in stores. Watching Oprah and Regis and Kelly, too. You, Señora Greer, have been in hiding.”
It felt that way. For a moment Remy was tempted to take every bit of advice that Carmen had spouted and run to the mall. But then, like an old friend, good old nerves and insecurities caught her again. What if Tyler didn’t like what he saw?
What if she didn’t like what she was showing him?
“I can’t. Not yet.” Picking up the shorts and T-shirt, she said, “I was thinking this would be a good first step. And I will take a bathing suit, just in case.”
“Maybe so. Ah, well, next time, we’ll show more skin.”
“Next time.” That was, if she could survive the first time. “I hope it goes okay. You know, I haven’t been sailing in years. Not since Mark and I were newlyweds.”
“Whatever you do will be okay if the company is good, yes?”
“Yes.” This was why she admired Carmen so much. She had a way about her that was two parts sugar and one part salt and vinegar.
“So, what is he like, this Tyler?”
Young. That’s what she wanted to say. But now that she knew him better, she knew that wasn’t all he was. “He’s handsome and nice. Listen to this. He watched his sister’s baby last weekend because her other daughter had the flu. And he likes movies. I’ve seen him in the movie store twice now.”
“Those are good things.” Looking satisfied, Carmen walked over and picked up her purse and keys. “I made you a salad and some clam chowder for tonight.”
“That sounds great. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You have a good time tomorrow, Señora Greer, and don’t worry so much.”
“I can’t help it.”
Seconds later Remy was enfolded in a generous hug. Patting her just as she probably did her own daughter, Carmen clucked. “Tomorrow night you will be glad you did something fun for a bit. This is called living, right?”
“Right.”
“If you don’t like this Tyler, don’t see him again.” She snapped her fingers for emphasis. “It’s that simple.”
Somehow Remy was afraid that wasn’t going to be the case at all. She was afraid she was going to like him way too much. Way too much.
TYLER DECIDED Ramona’s home looked like something out of In Style magazine. Sleek and modern, the sprawling ranch meshed completely with both the coastline it was situated on and the water it overlooked. Glass and chrome and green tile complemented one another, coaxing the observer’s gaze to flicker from one window to the next.
It was impressive.
Somehow, though, he had thought she’d reside in a place a little more family-friendly. Something a little more relaxed and low-key. Looking around at the expensive landscaping, Tyler winced. Everything was so picture-perfect, it looked as if no one lived there.
He was eager to get Remy out of the office and out on the water. Anywhere they could relax and forget about Carnegie.
Remy opened the door mere seconds after he rang, her hair pulled up in a ponytail. She was dressed in a neat pair of shorts and red T-shirt. “You’re right on time.”
“Punctuality has always been a strong suit of mine,” he murmured as he stepped into her marble entryway. He was teasing, of course—Tyler had never cared about being punctual. No, all he’d been thinking about was seeing her again.
Someplace he could be himself, where she could be herself. Not together as boss and subordinate.
But boy, did he love to flirt with her. Even the tiniest hint of a suggestive comment caused her to get flustered.
Just as she was right now.
Though he was tempted to tease her a bit more, just to see if she’d rub those hands down her thighs one more time, he was sure that wasn’t the way to go. They had a whole day to spend together, and he wanted her to enjoy it as much as he knew he was going to.
Seeking now to put her at ease, he forced his eyes to look beyond her, to the open beauty of the living room and the balcony beyond. He whistled softly. “This place is amazing, Remy. Look at that view.”
She led the way to a pair of white French doors that overlooked a large patio lined with several potted ferns and bougainvillea. “This view is one of my favorite things about the house. Nothing’s more relaxing than gazing at the water.”
“Did you build this place yourself?”
“No. Well, yes. I mean, Mark did.”
“Your husband.”
“Yes.” Still looking out in the distance, she said, “I love this place, but it was the cause of a thousand fights.” Turning to him, she shook her head with a small smile. “I’m more of a small-town gal at heart. At least, I thought I was. I pictured living in a place that had neighborhood barbecues and sidewalks and cul-de-sacs. Not this.”
“But now?”
“Now I appreciate the beauty, and I’m thankful for the privacy.”
“It’s private, all right.” Stepping closer, he playfully leered at her. “If you wanted, you could sunbathe naked all day long. Ever done that?”
“Of course not! I don’t—” Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, stop. I swear, you love to get me going.”
“It’s fun.” When she returned his smile, he said, “You ready?”
“I think so.” She ran her hands down her thighs. “So, is this okay?”
“It’s more than okay. It’s perfect.”
“I wasn’t sure if I needed a bathing suit. I thought I’d bring one.”
“You can do that. Or put it on now. Whatever you want.”
“I’ll just take it. Oh! I cut up some vegetables and fruit.”
“Great. I’ve got beer and soda and water. And there’s a great restaurant nearby. The Silver Pelican.”
“I’ve been there.”
“Let’s go, then, okay?”
Once again she led the way, stopping to lock the doors behind them before going back to the foyer. That’s when he noticed a large canvas bag filled with enough towels and things to spend the weekend on the boat. “You know this is just for the afternoon, right?”
“Did I overpack?”
“Not for a weeklong cruise.” Picking up the bag he gave a little grunt, just for show.
She saw it and frowned. “Sorry. I didn’t know what to bring….” She paused while slipping on a cute pair of white-and-navy deck shoes. “You’re teasing me again.”
“I am. I can’t seem to help myself.”
MOMENTS LATER they were on their way. Remy leaned her head against the headrest and smiled. “I feel more relaxed already.”
To his surprise, Tyler realized that he, too, was relaxing. It came as a shock—he hadn’t realized he had been on edge. But he would have been a fool not to have been.
This date was important to him, as was Remy’s opinion about it. If things crashed and burned, there would never be a second date and he’d be stuck at Carnegie. Condemned to weeks of torture until he could either figure out a new way to win her over…or persuade himself to give up his dream.
In addition, he’d also been unsure about how she was going to act away from the office—and afraid that perhaps he’d just been imagining that there was more to the attractive woman by his side than the ability to look good in just about any style of suit.
He’d been worried she’d be stiff and want to talk only about work, which would have been laughable. He hated that job as much as she reveled in it. But, thankfully, all of his worries had been laid to rest. Instead of being a workaholic, from the moment she’d opened the door she’d acted like a girl. A pretty, endearing, adorable one.
Traffic was light. As they sped down the highway in the short track to the marina, he glanced her way again. Bold oversize sunglasses covered her eyes. Her pretty hands rested lightly on her uncrossed knees, almost as if she was sitting in church.
To him, she looked like an ele
gant woman, and he couldn’t wait to know more about her. “Tell me about your family, Remy.”
“My family? Hmm. Well, I have parents who still live in the same house where I grew up in Indiana and a brother who’s in Kansas City.”
“Are y’all close?”
“We were.” She paused to consider. “Now, I don’t know. I see them all once or twice a year. My brother’s married and has four kids. My parents always prefer to go to his place for Christmas.”
“You don’t go there, too?”
“No. It’s too—” She cut herself off. “I mean, Thanksgiving until New Year’s is Carnegie’s busiest time. I can’t take time off. Imagine a dozen Mrs. Reddings an hour. It’s exhausting.”
It did sound painful. It also sounded like a lie.
There was something she wasn’t telling him. Had she really been spending the past three years alone at Christmas? “What about Mark’s family?”
“Oh, they live pretty close. In Pensacola, just an hour away. I see them some.”
“But not often?”
“I used to.” She paused before continuing. “Actually, not as much anymore. Time passes, you know.”
He did know. The first few holidays without his parents had been especially difficult.
When he didn’t reply right away, Remy continued. “See, seeing one another reminds us all of Mark’s passing. He was our link, of course. Now it’s like there’s always an empty seat around us, though I’m sure they don’t mean to make it seem that way. So, what about you?”
Saved by the parking attendant. “I’ll have to fill you in on me later. We’re here.”
After pulling out her bag and his backpack, he led her across a grassy picnic area and then down to the rows of slips. Finally they stopped in 16C, the home of Cynthia.
“Cynthia, hmm? Who’s she?”
“My sister.”
She smiled. “You named your boat after your sister?”
“I didn’t. My brother-in-law, Keith, did. It’s his boat.” Just to make her smile, he gave her a warning look. “So don’t expect too much, sailingwise. I can sail, but I’m far from a pro.”
To his surprise, Remy looked as if that was the best news, ever. “I’m glad. I was beginning to think there was nothing you couldn’t do.”
“Was that a compliment?”
“Maybe. You’re one of the most confident men I’ve ever met.”
Thinking about how much he wanted to pull her into his arms and claim her lips, he had only one reply. “Believe me, there’s plenty I can’t do. But I’m trying.” After stepping on the deck, he held out a hand to help her in.
But then, on the spur of the moment, he switched strategies and curved his hands around her waist and pulled her up.
“Oh!” Remy’s hands went to his shoulders. And then, because he couldn’t resist, he swung her in a half circle and kissed her cheek when he set her down.
She gripped his shoulders to steady herself. “What was that for?”
“No special reason. I just wanted to say welcome aboard.”
Pull your hands down, Remy cautioned herself. But her arms were in no hurry to listen, as they remained at his shoulders a few moments longer than necessary.
Tyler didn’t look as if he minded, though. Something flashed in his eyes and his own hands curved around her waist a bit more.
Then, before she knew it, he lowered his head and kissed her. Touching her mouth this time instead of her cheek.
And then, before she could analyze that, he kissed her again. This time more softly. More slowly. She couldn’t help but respond in kind. Tilting her head a bit, she kissed him back. Stepped a little closer.
Everything she’d ever imagined about him was true. His lips were firm and gentle, his touch languid and assured.
Tyler Mann was a guy who knew how to kiss.
With a mumble of appreciation, he opened his lips. Remy did the same. And then things just went on and on.
Oh, what a kiss. Maybe it lasted two minutes. Maybe just two seconds, but when he raised his head, Remy knew that she’d be thinking about it now every time she looked at him.
She could admit that she enjoyed looking at him, too. He was handsome, and the way he wore his clothes suggested that he had a stylist or something.
Everything about his look just fit him. Tyler wore flip-flops, long khaki shorts and a stark white T-shirt that set off his tan. His sunglasses were attached to a short cord around his neck, so they hung around his collar. The young clothes fit him, fit his style. Yep, all of him radiated fitness and success and health.
So different from the way Mark had appeared in his last year.
As those painful images threatened, she blinked hard. She wasn’t going to go there. Not today.
“So…what can I do to help?”
He handed her the tote. “Take this belowdeck and then come join me back up here.” He motioned to a coffee cart at the end of the pier. “I didn’t even think about this earlier. Do you want coffee?”
“No. I mean, thank you, but I don’t want coffee.” Just as she said it, his eyes darkened. And, well, she felt a bit of a zip in her body, too. That kiss had inspired a whole lot of feelings she’d carefully locked away for the past few years. After never thinking about kisses or hugs or sex, right at the moment it was all she could think about.
Time seemed to slow down as she glanced at him again. Muscles defined his arms. His legs and feet were tanned and golden-brown. He looked healthy and vibrant and completely attractive.
And he’d been kissing her.
Before she could embarrass herself further, she quickly stepped down into the cabin of the boat, delighted to see a berth big enough to sleep two—that is, if you didn’t mind really snuggling. A few small benches, cabinets with locks and wide drawers for storage.
When she stepped up, Tyler was radioing in their course and untying the lines from the dock. “Hey, Remy,” he said the moment he saw her. “Come have a seat and keep me company.”
Moments later the motor was on and he was guiding them out of the marina, through the channel and finally out into the Gulf. Around them, other small pleasure craft motored and glided through the greenish-blue waters. They passed a school of fish. A few jumped up in their boat’s wake, making Remy smile.
“Ready?” Tyler asked.
“For what?”
“To hoist the sails.” With no small amount of effort, he gripped the lines and raised one of the vibrant white sails, which caught a gust of wind and propelled the boat forward.
Remy gasped and gripped the beautiful teak framing her cushion tighter.
Tyler chuckled as he drew up another sail, then guided the boat farther out to sea. Cynthia seemed to come alive, dancing over the waves with ease.
Above them, seagulls screeched their encouragement, darting suspiciously close a time or two. Obviously they were looking for a midmorning snack. Spray fanned her face, the saltiness of it spurring her senses. Blinking back a few drops of salt water, Remy grinned. She was so glad she’d said yes.
From his position near the front of the boat, he glanced her way. “You doing okay?”
“Better than okay. I’m wonderful!” she called out, pushing her sunglasses back over her head. “Thank you so much for taking me.”
He said nothing for a moment, just stared at her and smiled. At first Remy wondered if she should repeat herself. Maybe he hadn’t heard her?
“You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure.”
There went that jolt again. But this time she knew exactly why she was feeling it. Tyler Mann was incredibly sexy. Even if nothing more ever happened between them. Even if he never kissed her again, she’d always be grateful for this moment.
She was alive. She was alive and living and for once felt optimistic and hopeful about herself and her future. Maybe she was going to be okay after all.
Maybe Mark had been right when he’d warned her not to die with him. Maybe she had been right to finally have listened.
> All she knew was that the day was gorgeously sunny and bright, the man beside her was her only companion for the next several hours and she felt gloriously free. Never again would she take any of those things for granted.
Chapter Eight
“I don’t believe I’ve ever had champagne for lunch,” Remy said once their server at the Silver Pelican popped the cork of the bottle with a flourish, then deftly filled two flutes.
“Then it’s about time you did.” Tyler gently clinked her flute before sipping his icy bubbly drink. “Who knows? Maybe this could become a habit.”
“I sure hope not. I wouldn’t get anything done.”
“I imagine you still would. You just might also enjoy life a bit more.” As he watched her lips press against the crystal rim, he felt a bit protective of her. Since they’d met, he’d seen a few different sides of Remy. In every one she was strong…and alone. Did she not have anyone close who simply cared that she was happy? He hoped there was someone like that in her life. If not, he was ready to sign up for the task.
But instead of smiling at his quip, two lines formed on her forehead. “I enjoy life, Tyler. I may not be sipping champagne every day, but I do all right.”
“That was a poor choice of words. I’m sorry.”
She blinked. “No, I…I overreacted. It’s no big deal.” Looking thoughtful, she opened her menu, which gave Tyler the perfect opportunity to study her a little more.
It wasn’t hard to do.
Truth was, he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Of course, that summed up how he’d been feeling all day. Remy away from the office was an intriguing mixture of naïveté and assuredness. It was as if she’d concentrated so much on her work that she’d forgotten how to relax.
He couldn’t wait to take her out again—to encourage her to smile.
Moments later, after the server took their order and discreetly refilled their glasses, Tyler reached for her hand. As she curved her fingers around his, he said, “I don’t know if you realized it, but we have something to celebrate.”
“And that is?”
“You did a great job sailing today.”
Second Chance Hero Page 5
