by Robyn Neeley
He spun around. Now wasn’t the time to picture Kate half-naked. He concentrated again on the ocean. He was no wedding planning expert but the secluded location seemed perfect. Lauren would love it, and he was pretty sure his brother would dig it, too. He whipped out his phone to take a picture.
Kate came up and snatched it. “What are you doing?”
“Taking a picture to text it to Drew.”
“No! I want this to be a surprise.”
“Okay.”
Kate handed his phone back and turned to the middle-aged woman. “Annie, this is Drew’s twin brother, Luke. Luke, Annie.”
Luke extended his hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
The woman placed her hand in his and smiled. “Aloha. Twin brother? What a handsome groom Drew must be.”
He chuckled. “I’m actually better looking. Right, Kate?”
Kate smiled but didn’t agree. Luke looked down. She couldn’t possibly still have feelings for Drew? Not after the last two days. He regretted that after their perfect day together, work had pulled him away and he couldn’t take her up on the invitation last night for some hula dancing.
Still, he’d had a wonderful time getting to know her. He had a sneaky suspicion she enjoyed his company as well. Many times yesterday, he’d caught her checking him out. That had to be a good sign. Right?
Unless he was just eye candy for her to fantasize about Drew. Nah, that couldn’t be it. He’d like to think he knew when a woman was in to him. Kate definitely displayed some signs.
“So what do you think, Luke?” Annie asked.
Her question snapped him back to the present. “Breathtaking.” He gazed at Kate whose back was to him as she looked out at the ocean.
Kate swung around. “I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a more beautiful backdrop.” She walked around in a circle. “And we could get one hundred guests over here easily?”
“Oh, yes. Especially if you plan on having them stay at the Apolima.”
“We do.”
“Yes, then we can coordinate to bring them over in stretch limos.” Annie pointed to the road. “There’s plenty of parking beyond that ridge.”
“That would be fun,” Kate said. “We could even supply cocktails in the limos. Maybe a signature bride and groom drink.”
Luke laughed. Lauren would be all over that. The guests would be half in the bag before they stepped onto the beach. “Great idea.” He looked down at his watch. His precious time with Kate was winding down. He’d be on a plane for New York City in five hours.
“Annie, this is it.” Kate hugged her. “Lauren and Drew are going to love it.”
“Very well then.” Annie said, checking the time. “I need to run. I have an appointment on the other side of the island this afternoon. Kate, I’ll call you tomorrow and we can start working out the details.”
“Great. Thanks, Annie. Miles and I are excited to work with you.”
“Miles?”
“My assistant.”
She mouthed the word “Oh,” all the while smiling at Luke. “You know. If you have some time, you two should check out the waterfall. It’s through that path over there.” She pointed to an area away from the beach that led into the jungle.
“Waterfall?” Luke raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, it’s a favorite spot.” She winked. “Very private.”
He glanced over at Kate. He was pretty sure he could see a new tint of pink to her cheeks. Did he do that to her? Only one way to find out.
• • •
“Let’s go check it out.”
Kate hesitated, watching as Annie sped off in her Audi. “Um … I don’t know. Maybe we should head to the airport.”
Luke grinned. “We don’t leave until five P.M.; it’s noon. We have time.” He grabbed her hand and led her to the opening of the wooded area. “Did you remember to put your suit on?”
Kate reached inside her bag for her flip-flops. She did. Her favorite purple string bikini was underneath her dress.
They walked down the path, Luke guiding the way with his hand in hers. It fit perfectly in his. He swung her arm. “Annie said the waterfall was just up ahead.”
In a dark jungle. Before she knew it, tropical trees and exotic plants surrounded them. The hairs on the back of her neck were raised but she wasn’t entirely sure if it was because of the terrain or because she was completely alone with Luke. She stopped. “I think I saw this in a scary movie once. Maybe we should turn back.”
“I’ll protect you.”
She smirked. “That’s what the guy always says before he gets axed.”
He squeezed her hand. “No one’s getting hurt.”
“Can you promise me that?”
“Yes.” He turned to her, reaching down and tucking her long bangs behind her ear. Her heart galloped. Somehow she doubted they were still talking about ax murderers.
Kate, do not go down this road. She pulled her hand out of his and went ahead. Curse words were swarming her head. Why couldn’t she give in to this incredible desire she had to kiss him?
Because then she would have kissed both Cannon boys in less than a week. She had a lot of time to think about it last night in her hotel room. It wasn’t going to happen.
The steady rhythm of water invited her to walk a little faster. Within seconds the path had dumped them in front of a small pond leading over to the most beautiful cascading waterfall.
“Wow,” she whispered.
Luke walked past her, stripping off his shirt and pants. “I’m going in.” Before she knew it, his clothes were bunched up next to her and he had dived in, in his dark blue swim trunks. Kate stood motionless, waiting for him to surface. When he did, his muscular chest glistened in tiny water drops.
She grinned. This isn’t happening.
He motioned for her to join him.
Oh, but it was.
“Come on in.”
“No.” She shook her head but flashed him a cute smile.
He floated onto his back, giving her a nice view of his six-pack abs. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”
Oh, I think I do.
“Don’t leave me in here alone, Kate.”
“I can’t swim.” She shrugged her shoulders innocently.
“I bet you’re lying.”
That she was. She was an excellent swimmer, but he didn’t know. Was her heart ready to dive in? That was the real question.
Ready or not, she unzipped her dress, revealing her dark purple bikini. The smile that lit his face was all the encouragement her heart needed. “Fine. I can swim.” She jumped.
Luke was right. The water was refreshing. She could touch the bottom easily with it coming up just past her shoulders. She swam over to the waterfall where the pond was deeper. Inches from him, he lunged and grabbed her, gently leading her to the waterfall ledge. The falling water sprayed her face.
They locked eyes and Kate briefly lost consciousness. Without warning, Luke’s lips crashed into hers. She responded instinctively wrapping her mouth over his. Her hands splayed his chest as she went deeper and deeper into his mouth. The way he kissed her was incredible. Exactly like —
She pulled herself away and stared at him. How could this be? He kissed exactly like Drew. Could twin brothers do this identically? Guess so. She pulled him to her and kissed him again.
Luke reached down and gently picked her up. Her legs latched around his waist as he spun her into the waterfall. She leaned back letting the rushing water soak her hair.
His kisses traveled down the center of her neck. He groaned. “Kate, I want you so bad.”
She pulled her head up and began kissing his neck, nibbling all the way up to his earlobe. “I want you, more, Drew,” she whispered.
All of a sudden her head was submerged under water. Luke had let go of her! He pulled her up and brought her over to the shallow end.
Oh, God. What had she said? He had to know that she meant him, didn’t he? “Luke, stop. I’m so sorry. It
was a mistake.” She stood up and watched him get out of the water and start to dress. She couldn’t move.
“We should get going. Our plane leaves soon.” He zipped up his khaki pants.
Kate emerged from the pond and rung out her hair. Why was he so mad? It was a simple mistake, albeit a really bad one. It wasn’t like he knew about the kiss she shared with Drew. Did he?
He handed her dress, not making eye contact.
“Thanks.” She reached for his arm. “Shouldn’t we talk — ”
He pulled away and slipped on his shirt. “I think we should forget about what just happened. It’s for the better.”
Before she could object, he took off down the path, leaving her holding her dress.
She stared after him, drenched and in disbelief. “Better for whom?”
Chapter Thirteen
Kate took her time getting into the golf cart that Luke had driven them to the cove in earlier.
Without a word, Luke hit the pedal.
“Luke.” Her hand clutched the top of the cart. “Could you slow down?”
“We need to get to the airport,” he said flatly, not taking his eyes off the dirt road.
“Well, we’re not going to get there any faster if you flip this cart over, are we?” Why was he being such a jerk? She took a deep breath. “Luke,” she started, making it a point to say his name. “Can I explain?”
“Nothing to explain. We need to forget it.”
Forget it? Hardly. Was he really not going to let her explain that she didn’t mean to say Drew’s name? She stewed in her seat. Maybe it was for the better. It wasn’t like she was going to say, “So I kissed your brother on the plane to Hawaii, and guess what, you kiss exactly like him.”
Luke pulled up to the hotel, and she jumped out. “I’ll run up and grab my suitcase. Should I meet you here?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes.” He came around to the other side, leaving a healthy distance between them.
Kate held her head high. There was no way she’d let him see she was rattled. She ran her hands through her damp hair. Perhaps after a few minutes to cool down, he’d be ready to talk.
Entering the hotel courtyard, Kate saw Miles barreling over to her. “Kate! Kate!” He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her. “We need to talk. Come with me.”
She yanked free. “Miles, what on earth are you doing here? Is something wrong?”
“Yes. I mean … no. I came with your m — ”
“Kate, my darling!”
Kate turned around. She knew that high-pitched voice as well as her own. “Mom?” Her mother headed toward them, wearing a long red and white floral dress, with a white coral necklace. She was holding hands with an older, grey-haired man — a very handsome man dressed in a pink polo and white shorts.
“Dad?” Luke asked. “What are you doing here?”
Kate whipped her head over at Luke, widening her eyes. “What did you call him?”
Kate felt her mom’s arms around her. “Honey, I have someone very important to introduce you to. This is Jack Cannon. Jack, this is my daughter, Kate.”
“Nice to meet you, Kate. Hi, Son.” He embraced Luke.
Kate’s mouth dropped. “Oh, my God. You’re the “J” in JDL toys?”
He chuckled. “The one and the same.”
Kate turned to her mom. “This is the man you met on the Internet?”
“It’s an online dating service for seniors.” Her mother retorted. “Honestly, I thought we were past this. Jack and I have come here to help you plan Drew’s wedding.”
“What? How did you even know I was in Maui?”
“Drew told us,” Jack said.
Luke interjected, “Dad, this isn’t the best time to take time off. We’ve got a lot to do to announce the merger.”
“I’m letting you take care of it. You’ll be running the show soon enough.” He patted Luke on the back and smiled at Kate. “Nessa wanted to be here for Kate.”
Kate grimaced. Nessa? He called her mom a nickname. Her full name was Vanessa. They were already at the sweet nickname stage? She was going to be sick. “But I’m supposed to fly back to Waikiki.”
“Change of plans. We landed in Waikiki and picked up Miles, Drew, and Lauren,” her mother said. “Honey, where did those two lovebirds go?”
Jack shrugged.
“What about my luggage?” Kate couldn’t believe any of this was happening.
“Already in your room,” Miles said.
Kate looked from her mother to Jack, finally resting her eyes on Luke. His agitated expression mirrored hers. Was it only less than an hour ago that she was in his strong, sexy arms in complete heaven? Now she was pretty sure she’d checked in to hell.
She needed to get out of there and quick. “I’m sorry. You’ll have to excuse Miles and me. We have a very busy afternoon. Maybe we can have dinner.” She grabbed her assistant by the arm and pulled him toward the elevators.
Once the doors closed, Kate brought her fists up in the air. She wanted to punch something. “What the hell is going on?”
Miles shrugged. “I got a call from your mother this morning telling me to get my butt down to the lobby and that we were all flying to Maui.”
“And you didn’t call me?”
“I didn’t know that you weren’t in on it until we were up in the air. I tried calling you when we landed but you didn’t pick up.”
Kate looked away. Most likely because her mouth was exploring Luke’s at that moment.
Kate stepped off the elevator and raced down the hall, feeling Miles fast on her heels. Jamming in her room key, she flung the door open and threw her purse on the floor.
She began to pace, trying to grasp the situation. Her mother was dating Luke’s dad. How was this happening?
Miles picked up her purse. There was a soft knock on the door.
“Don’t open it,” Kate ordered.
He pressed his eye on the peephole. “This ought to be good.”
“Who is it?”
“Nessa.” A giggle escaped his lips.
“Is she alone?”
“Looks like it.”
“Fine. Let her in.” Kate stopped pacing and squared her shoulders. Her mother was going to get a firm talking to. This reckless gallivanting across the globe with this man was unacceptable.
Miles flung open the door. “Hi, Vanessa.”
Kate’s mom entered, looking directly at Kate. “That was incredibly rude down there.”
“I’m sorry, Mom. Come in.”
Her mom walked over to the sofa and took a seat. “Kate, darling — ”
Kate shook her head. “No. no. I’m talking first. So let me see if I understand this correctly. The man that you have been secretly dating for the last month is Jack Cannon, as in multimillionaire Jack Cannon of JDL Toys and father of my client?”
“Isn’t it a crazy coincidence?”
Kate narrowed her eyes. “Drew and Lauren just happen to pick Tie Your Knot to plan their wedding?”
Her mother’s sheepish grin gave it away. “Okay, maybe I mentioned something to Jack. Aren’t you happy to have this account? I’m sure Aubrey and Phillip are paying you a pretty penny. The commission alone is probably more than you make in a year.”
“Yes, but that’s not the point.” She plopped down on the sofa. Her mother’s gardenia perfume circled the air. Normally she loved the familiar scent but right now she wanted to bottle it up and ship it back home with her mother. “Don’t you think you’re moving too fast? You barely know this man.”
“Kate, I know this is a big surprise — ”
“I’ll say.”
“But this is going to be wonderful. Who knows? Maybe by this time next year, you’ll have two new stepbrothers.”
Miles burst into laughter.
Kate put her hand up. “Not now.”
“I think that’s my queue to get us some drinks.” Miles headed to the door. “Vanessa, care for a tropical concoction?”
“Oh, no. I
’m good. You get one for Kate though.” She winked. “I think she could use it.”
Miles disappeared out the door.
“Honey, I don’t see what the problem is. You’re going to fall in love with Jack. I know it.” She smiled. “And you know, Luke is single.”
Kate learned against the couch’s armrest, swinging her feet around. “Let’s get something straight. You are not to play matchmaker, and you’re to be sensitive with this new relationship around Luke. I’m sure this will be hard on him. Do you even know about their mother?”
“Of course I do.”
“Well, then you should know Jack isn’t the only one that had a difficult time letting go. Luke is still hurting.” She added, “You need to give them some time.” She gulped. “They’ve been through a lot.”
“Darling, who said anything about replacing their mother?”
She sat back down and stared at her mom. She really did look happy. “So this thing with Jack Cannon is serious?”
“Very. He is such a sweet man. It was his idea to fly here.”
“Well, Miles and I could certainly use the help if we’re going to plan this fast-tracked wedding.”
Her mother jumped up. “Put us to work. What do you need? Invitations stuffed, tissue paper wedding bells made?”
Kate wrinkled her nose. No wedding she planned would ever involve paper wedding bells. “Why don’t you go unpack and get settled? I wasn’t planning on doing anything today but return to Waikiki. Miles and I will come up with our plan to hit the ground running tomorrow.”
“Splendid!” Her mom clapped her hands. She really was acting like a giddy teenager in love. “Why don’t you and Miles join us for dinner? You can get to know Jack.”
“We’ll see.” Kate kissed her mom on the cheek and watched her leave. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to share a meal with her mother’s new boyfriend who just so happened to be Luke’s father.
Luke. She sighed. He had probably left for the airport by now. In all the commotion, she didn’t even say goodbye.
