The Bride's Secret

by Sophia Summers

  He chuckled. “I’m just messing with you. Tell me, what use would my expertise be to you?”

  “It already has, though you offered it for free. I don’t know what I would have done without you. We keep thinking it’s so awkward the way we met, but I’m beginning to think fate designed it that way to save me.” She ran a finger along the side of his face and rubbed her hand on his scruff. “So thank you.”

  He stood and pulled her up in front of him. Then he ran his hands down her arms and pulled her close for a hug. As his arms wrapped around her, his already hot skin warming her own, he said, “this whole trip has been eye opening in every way.” He stepped away and tipped his head down to look into her eyes. “You keep thanking me, and I’ll just make things perfectly clear.” He kissed her cheek.

  She tilted her head up.

  He kissed her other cheek, then her forehead. He ran his lips along her nose and her jawline. By the time he got close to her mouth, her toes were curled in the sand and knees weak. He pressed his lips at the side of her mouth and the other side and then once, he let his lips cover hers.

  Their softness pressed into hers once, again. Then he stepped away. “I’m falling for you Angel Fire.”

  She couldn’t speak.

  He turned and pulled his shorts on.

  So she did the same. They both carried their shirts and shoes and headed toward the path.

  “Wyatt Jackson you’re gonna be the death of me.”

  He chuckled, low, the sound tripping around in her belly. “Am I now?” His eyes flashed. “And what if you’re the death of me first?”

  She skipped ahead and called back over her shoulder. “Then I guess we’ll be in heaven together.”

  He caught up with her and they both sat to put on their shoes. “Here we go for the incline. You up for it?” Wyatt’s concern warmed her, but was totally unnecessary.

  “I’ll be fine, you?” her eyes flashed a challenge.

  “Ho ho. Do I smell a race?”

  “Do you think you can keep up?”

  “Oh little lady. This is gonna be something. You are so on. We’ll take this in pieces. To the first switchback.”

  “The second.”

  He nodded. “Okay, the second.”

  “You’re on!” She hopped up and took off running.

  Wyatt was close at her feet, laughing as he ran. She didn’t think he did anything without full intent behind it. Intentional. That was a great word for Wyatt, one she vowed to be more herself. If she’d moved forward intentionally with Heath instead of just letting the relationship fall down around her, she could have saved herself a lot of headache, heartache and embarrassment.

  They both reached the second switchback at the same time and again, Carisa knew he was pacing himself to tie with her. She didn’t mind. She rested her hands on her thighs and caught her breath for a second. “Ok, two more switchbacks.”

  “These are long. You wouldn’t remember since you rode the whole way…” His teasing face was so adorable she almost kissed him right there but instead she just took off running. “Let me know if you can’t keep up.”

  His feet pounded in the dirt behind her, racing to catch up, and then kept pace with her until they reached the second switchback. It was a killer, and she nearly sat on the dirt to catch her breath.

  They continued all the way to the top and then she clambered up on his back again to walk across the hot lava fields. “I could get used to this.”

  “I think I already have.”

  They were silent the rest of the way, Carisa wondering how she could possibly keep Wyatt in her life.

  Chapter 11

  The next morning, Wyatt got a text from Miss Spagnoli. You haven’t called. Are you free this afternoon?

  He checked to see if Carisa was paying attention and felt guilty about the whole situation. But he argued his guilt away. First of all, Caris and he had no understanding. Second of all, this was a business meeting more than anything as far as he was concerned. But third of all, she had made it obvious that she was interested in other things besides business.

  He responded. You’re on my mind. I’m free. What should we do?

  How about your resort? Just drinks would be fabulous.

  Carisa called from across the room. “I’m going to rent a scooter this afternoon. Do you want to come?”

  “I have to work, but you go ahead and tell me all about it.’

  Perfect. He texted back. Shall I send a car?

  No, I’ll see you there around four. Who knows if drinks will turn into dinner and dancing. See you soon.

  Oh boy. That wouldn’t go over very well with Carisa. He frowned. Or maybe it would be fine. He had no commitment to Carisa. She was not even technically free to date. Perhaps she still was affianced. As far as he could tell she hadn’t broken anything off. Just run from the wedding. He chuckled.

  “What are you laughing about?”

  He flipped his phone over. “Nothing really.”

  “Hmm.” She threw some things in a bag and then headed for the door. “I’m going to the spa this morning and using the scooters this afternoon.” She smiled. And he was reminded how much of the sun she could bring into a room.

  “Okay, I’ll be sitting here, wishing I had someone at the spa rubbing me down and then I’ve got a work meeting with a potential client this afternoon.”

  “Wow, a potential client here? That worked out great.”

  “It did. If this pans out, it could be an amazing success for us.”

  “Well, good luck then.” She hesitated as if she might approach but then shook her head and stepped out the door, feet light almost skipping.

  He breathed out slowly and hoped tonight wouldn’t be a complete disaster.

  His email begged to be sorted and answered so he got started, updated his partner, and did some work for their other clients. Lunch arrived as room service and he worked through the afternoon until it was almost time for Miss Spagnoli to arrive.

  He took a little extra time in the shower, shaving, dressing. If only he had some of his designer suits, but the jacket the hotel had purchased would do. A spritz of cologne and he was off to the bar.

  She waited for him, two drinks to her front.

  “What are we drinking?”

  “I surprised you.”

  He eyed the bartender with a question in his face. The guy nodded, subtle, but Wyatt took that to mean the drink was safe. You never knew and an unwatched drink at a bar was something he would usually never on principle drink. “Then I better taste it.”

  He took a sip. “Mmm. Burbon. Not too strong. Just right.” He nodded. “Very nice.”

  She wore a deep blue dress, one strap across her shoulder. Her skin was lightly tanned, or that was her natural Italian heritage.

  “You look beautiful.” He remembered belatedly he wasn’t supposed to compliment her looks. He watched her.

  Her nod. “Thank you.”

  “That Leilani, she sure likes you.”

  “I’m a regular at that place. Everyone asked me the next day who the new hottie haole was.”

  “Hottie haole?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t usually mix business with pleasure, you know.”

  “So this has moved on from a business meeting.”

  “Yes, though if you want to talk shop for a minute, I will let you know, the board approved our working together. If you send the paperwork, we can begin negotiations.”

  Inside, he fist pumped the air, shouted and did a hip wiggle, but all his face showed was a large smile. “I’m so happy to hear it. I’ll have them send it tomorrow. And perhaps that means we might have the pleasure of your trip to Manhattan?”

  “Perhaps.”

  They finished drinks and talked for another half an hour. Wyatt started to get bored when she said, “Let’s order dinner.”

  He checked his watch. Carisa would be back of course by now. “They have a steakhouse I haven’t tried yet.”

  “Perfect. I’ve
had it. Their fish is delectable.”

  She placed a hand on his arm and he led her to the other side of the hotel toward their five star restaurant. His gaze scanned the lobby until he felt eyes on him. He turned his head, subtly, while Miss Spagnoli admired the specific painter and designer the resort hired to do their work. Apparently he was a local talent.

  Carisa watched them with mouth open. Then she stood taller, waved a half wave and headed for the elevator.

  He would give a lot to know what was going through her mind right now.

  “You know, I never asked if you were here in Hawaii travelling alone.”

  “Not alone no.”

  She stepped back. “Are you married?”

  “No, I’m not that kind of guy. I’m not alone, but I’m not with someone either. It’s more than complicated, believe me.”

  “I have time.”

  “It’s not really my story to tell. But she’s trying to figure out things with someone else.” That was technically true, as far as he knew. His inner lie detector only cringed a little bit.

  “Sounds like an interesting story.”

  “Oh it is, believe me. But I’m free. Not seeing anyone. You?”

  “I’m always free.”

  “How do you work that?”

  “I don’t date exclusively. Not unless I really want to, and so far, no one has motivated me to grant exclusivity.”

  “I can understand.”

  “I expect the same from those I date. As long as the boundaries are mutually understood, I’m comfortable.”

  He nodded. They ate dinner, talking of her childhood and her college years. And then she stood. “Let’s dance. Just a few songs before I have to leave.”

  “After you.” He was ready to head back to the quiet fun of his suite with Carisa. But he stuck it out. This could be the biggest deal of the year for his company. And she was a beautiful woman. He was just not into her right now.

  They entered the hotel’s version of a nightclub and Wyatt felt eyes on them. Of course guys were checking out Miss Spagnoli.

  She leaned closer to shout in his ear over the music. “Every girl in here is checking you out.”

  He laughed. “And the men all have eyes on you. Should we go out in the middle and make enemies of them all?”

  “You’re on.”

  They made their way to the middle of the floor and started dancing. Wyatt relaxed. The night wouldn’t last forever, and he enjoyed dancing. They danced for five fast songs until a slow one began. She folded into his arms and wrapped her hands around his neck. “I’ve had fun, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you called.”

  “It’s nice to have someone different in town. As much as I love the islands, sometimes it’s confining. It’s an island. You can drive around the whole thing and that’s all there is.”

  “Hey look!” Carisa joined them with the sleeze from the airport, Max. He called out to them. “How are you? She said we’re all switching partners tonight. Figured you were game.”

  Miss Spagnoli stiffened. “What’s he talking about?”

  “Here, I’ll introduce you. That’s the woman I mentioned. “Carisa, this is Bellami Spagnoli, and this is Carisa.”

  “And I’m Max.”

  Wyatt shook his hand again. “Yes, thank you.”

  Watching Bellami and Carisa shake hands was like watching Cinderella and Mulan try to play nice.

  They all stopped dancing for a moment to talk in the middle of the floor.

  Bellami sidled up next to Max. “So, is this your fiancé? I hear there’s an interesting story with you two.”

  He looked to Wyatt in alarm. “Oh no, no. She’s married. To him.” His point to Wyatt drew Belami’s eyes, wide and furious. “Pardon me?”

  “Yes, I was confused at first too, but they’re pretty open and social with others. Anyway, would you like to dance?” He held out his hand to take hers, but she snatched it out of reach. “I’ll be going.”

  She didn’t even look at Wyatt as she stormed past him.

  “Oh boy.” He took off after her. “Miss Spagnoli, wait.”

  As soon as they were outside the loud club, she whirled on him. “If you think for one minute I want to do business with a lying cheat, you have another thing coming.”

  “It’s not like that at all.”

  “Seemed pretty like that. If you ask me.”

  “We aren’t married.”

  She raised an eyebrow.

  “No really, we aren’t. I met her at a wedding. She ran away on the day of, instead of getting married, and I escorted her here.”

  Bellami put a hand on her hip.

  “I told you it was complicated. But trust me. I’m not married.”

  “No, you’re just cheating with another man’s fiancé.” She marched away.

  And he didn’t have anything to say to that. So he went the other direction to catch the elevator.

  His shower and bed never looked so good. But he waited because he knew he needed to have words with Carisa as well. He dropped his head in his hands, while he sat on the couch. Hours went by, and she never came. Wyatt eventually tipped to the side and spent the rest of the night on the couch.

  Chapter 12

  Carisa didn’t know what to think or how to feel. A part of her was horrified she’d ruined something for Wyatt. They weren’t married. He would never cheat on his wife like that. He didn’t deserve to be thought of in that way. But then a part of her was almost happy their situation had ruined things with this woman. She was stunning, poised. Perfect for Wyatt. The two of them together could have been on the cover of any magazine as the world’s most beautiful people. Both with thick dark hair, light eyes. Ugh. She had felt supremely frumpy next to her, and unprepared to see them. When she hadn’t found Wyatt anywhere, he hadn’t answered his phone, then she saw him in the lobby with that goddess of a woman, she did what any self-respecting woman would do, got herself a date.

  And went where she didn’t think she’d see Wyatt. Ugh.

  She’d stayed in her hotel room last night and wandered back up to Wyatt’s suite to get her things. Obviously their situation was not working for him. Who knows what Carisa ruined with that woman last night. Maybe nothing. Maybe he explained it all, they laughed at her emotional vulnerability and then she stayed the night. Perhaps Carisa should wait before she went knocking on the door.

  But she wanted her things, her makeup wipes and her lotions, her own toothbrush. She stepped up to the door and was about to use the key to open it when Wyatt pulled the door towards him. His eyes were red, tired, his hair mussed, his gym shorts crooked. He looked like he’d rolled out of bed and opened the door.

  “Hello Wyatt.”

  “You didn’t come home.”

  His voice, his worry, use of the word home, everything about this image was so incredibly homey and sexy at the same time, Carisa wasn’t sure how to respond. So she said, “No, I didn’t know your plans for the room, so I stayed in mine.”

  “My plans for the room?” He ran a hand through his hair muffing it further. “I didn’t have any plans for the room. That woman might never speak to me again.”

  “I’m sorry. I think. Who was she?”

  “A client. First and foremost. A brand new client who will now back out before she even signs.”

  “Oh no, she’s the one?”

  He nodded. “Unless I can get her back. Which I will try to do today. After I work out.” He indicated that’s where he was headed. But before walking down the hall, he stopped right in front of her. She could smell the soap he used on his hands this morning. He looked down into her eyes. “I’m happy you’re all right. I wanted to talk last night, work things out.”

  “You, wanted to talk?” Her face smiled before she could even stop it.

  “Well, of course, didn’t you think last night was worth discussing?” His mouth quirked up in a crooked smile. “At least for the amusement factor?”

  She shook her head.
“No way. I won’t be amused in a long, long time. I ruined something for you. Already you’ve given so much and now our farce might have lost you the biggest client you’ll ever get.”

  He leaned against the door. “Well, not the biggest client we will ever get. There might be bigger ones. Still. To get.” He shrugged and looked so adorable she stepped up to him and leaned her face into his chest. “I’m sorry anyway. MMM. I love being right here.”

  He ran his hands up and down her back.

  “The thing is, Wyatt, I ruined some things for you and I’d like to make it right. What can I do? Should I show up at her office?”

  “I don’t know. Let me try and talk to her today first. It’s a misunderstanding but I don’t know if she’ll be ready to do business. The part that bothers me most is the truth of the story.”

  Carisa stepped back, confused. “Which part?”

  “She is most upset with me right now because I am cheating with another man’s fiancé.” His eyes were pained, his mouth crooked and he almost didn’t look her in the face.

  “Oh, Wyatt, no. I’m not with Heath. I’m not going to be with Heath. I left him long before you came along.”

  “Technically that’s not true.”

  “Well, okay, you left with me, but in my heart… I left him in my heart long before you came along.”

  “I’m not feeling any better right now.”

  She reached up and put both hands on either side of his face. “I’m so sorry you feel this burden. Don’t let it disturb your peace. You’ve been nothing but a hero, and I’ll love you forever for it.”

  Wyatt stood. “The truth though?” He ran his hands up and down Carisa’s arms.

  “What is the truth?”

  “Once I kissed you, I didn’t even care if I was with another man’s fiancé. And that makes me a total tool.”

  “Please don’t say that. It’s not even true. But, let’s go back to a part of that I thought sounded intriguing. Something about once you kissed me…” She reached up his chest with her hands and stood on her toes to try and be closer.

  “You liked that, did you?”