PARADISE COVE - 3 BOOK SET: PARADISE COVE SERIES

by Patrice Wilton

  She followed him down, her eyes wide as saucers, then she shot up for air. She blew the water out of her snorkel and removed it from her mouth so she could speak. “My God, it is incredible. The colors are amazing. The pretty yellow striped fish, and some are so blue it takes my breath away. And pink, and oh my! I’m gushing, but there’s so many different species of fish I feel like I’m in an aquarium.” She grinned. “Thank you for this.”

  “You’re very welcome. And I’m pleased to see that you’re an accomplished swimmer and snorkeler. Want to go again?”

  In answer, she led the dive. He loaned her an underwater camera and for the next half hour her fears were forgotten. Behind a wall of pinkish sea sponge, she snapped pictures as fish flashed before her eyes. A sunken boat was home to a school of parrot fish, and he pointed out a sea turtle the size of a round table swimming an arm’s length away. A barracuda with snaggle-teeth came around a coral reef and her eyes widened behind the clear snorkel mask before she dropped the camera and swam for the surface.

  Chuckling to himself, Colt retrieved the camera from the sandy ocean floor and then popped up beside her.

  “Oh, my God! What was that thing? It was huge!”

  “A barracuda. They can be pretty ugly.” They swam back to the boat, and he helped her up.

  “Are they dangerous?”

  “Not usually. They prefer fish to humans.”

  She shivered. “Sorry I dropped the camera, but it just about gave me a heart attack.”

  He laughed and handed her a clean towel from the supply he kept on board. “You’ll be a big hit at happy hour tonight. Wait ’til they see your pictures.”

  “Will you come?” She wrapped the towel around her thin body. “I haven’t seen you in days.”

  So, Taylor hadn’t been talking to anybody about why he wasn’t welcome? He shook the water from his hair, letting the sun dry his skin. “No. I won’t be able to make it tonight—I’ve got to pick up my son from his mother’s.”

  “Oh. That’s too bad.” She glanced at him with speculative interest before patting at her damp swimsuit.

  Was that disappointment? His flirtatious nature sometimes sent the wrong message, so he tried to set the record straight without offending her.

  “I may have overstayed my welcome the other night.” He referred to the last time he was there, when Taylor had not been happy to see him. He didn’t mention the way he’d sneaked Taylor away from her guests for a stolen kiss, or how he’d had to save her from a jackass who thought his money could buy anything or anybody he wanted. Nor did he bring up the fact that she’d left him on the beach because he had nothing of substance to offer her. “Thought I’d give Taylor some space,” he said in explanation.

  Carole leaned over to dry her foot, showing off her long legs. “I doubt she’d want that.”

  “She knows my number if she doesn’t.” Colt put an end to the conversation by lifting the anchor and turning on the engine. “There are sandwiches in the fridge. Help yourself. Should take about a half hour to get back.”

  She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “Sounds good. Thanks.”

  The last thing he needed was another complication. Letting Carole know his interest was elsewhere was the kindest thing he could do, though he empathized with her. Going through a divorce wasn’t easy.

  He liked to think of himself as a nice guy, yet disappointing women seemed to be his fatal flaw.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Taylor balanced a tray of mushroom and artichoke flatbread, pausing at each table to offer a snack, when she heard Carole regaling the other guests about her snorkeling trip.

  “Colt saw me snorkeling next to the pier, and scooped me up like I was a mermaid or something,” she said with a laugh. “He took me to Alligator Reef and I’ve never seen so many fish in my life! Look at some of these photos.” She had a captive audience, so interested or not, she showed everyone her pictures. “Colt let me borrow his underwater camera.”

  Taylor heard the oohs and ahhs—even the men from the Panhandle seemed impressed. She tried to get a grip on her emotions, but it wasn’t easy. While she’d been at the cafe working, Carole was out boating with Colt, and enjoying every damn minute of it by the excited look on her face.

  She refused to be jealous of any woman, and especially not Carole. She was happy that their guest had such a good time today. Colt took care of all their guests, and they used him solely for their charter needs. It was probably all above board, and yet by the flush in Carole’s cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes, Taylor had a sinking feeling that it was not.

  Her hands shook, and it was all she could do not to drop the plate and make a complete fool of herself. Her skin prickled and she knew she was fifty shades of purple. Had he been hitting on Carole? Their guest?

  What kind of a man would do such a thing? First her, and every other female under fifty in town. Carole was their one and only single woman under their roof, besides herself of course. Had he come on to her as well? Impossible. He wouldn’t…would he?

  “Can I see the pictures?” she asked, putting the tray of flatbreads on the table. “Help yourselves to something to eat,” she told the three men.

  Carole’s mother, Joan, stopped chatting with Anna long enough to fill her plate. “These are so delicious, Taylor. I must get your recipe.”

  “Of course. I’ll be happy to give it to you.” She forced a smile although her teeth hurt.

  Carole handed her the camera and she clicked through the vibrant images of sea life, hoping she wouldn’t find any evidence to support her fears. She didn’t want to see his treachery, to know she was wasting her time mourning the loss of him.

  She’d been half-tempted to do what Kayla had suggested. Open her heart to him and see what happened. But how could she when he was such a womanizer? If he was lonely and lusting after her, that would be one thing—but when he continually chased anyone in a skirt, well, that was another.

  She came to the end of the shots. “There’s only fish on here.” Taylor lifted the camera, relief warring with confusion. “Didn’t Colt dive with you?”

  “He did, but I accidentally deleted a couple of pictures.”

  Taylor swallowed a lump in her throat. What had she deleted? And why? Had he done something she didn’t want to show?

  Carole pointed to a picture of a giant fish with blue and yellow coloring. “Do you know what that is?”

  “Haven’t a clue.” Had Carole erased an underwater picture of her with Colt? Her stomach clenched and throat felt tight. “I don’t fish.”

  “It’s a French angelfish. See that barracuda, behind it? Darn thing swished right by me, and scared me half to death. I dropped the camera and Colt dove back down for it. He’s quite a guy, isn’t he?” Her astute gaze took in Taylor’s flushed face.

  “Oh, he’s something, all right!” Taylor heard the rising tones in her voice and breathed deep in order to calm down. He and Carole hadn’t done anything wrong. Why didn’t she believe that? “He’s not planning on coming here tonight, is he?”

  “No.” Carole shook her head. “He said he had to pick up his son.”

  Good! Taylor knew she couldn’t face him tonight. She might accuse him unjustly and say things that couldn’t be undone. She had always trusted him before, what had changed that? Carole’s obvious admiration? The way Jack behaved? Or the fact Colt had given up on her so easily?

  Either way, he wasn’t welcome here. Not tonight, and not for some time. And if it meant that she’d be sending him into some other woman’s bed, so be it. Oh, but she didn’t mean that. She couldn’t bear the thought of Colt naked, loving another woman.

  “Oh, here’s one of us on the fly bridge,” Carole said, showing a picture of herself with her arm around Colt’s back, smiling into the camera.

  “Nice.” Taylor’s nails bit into the palms of her hands. “Is that his shirt?” she asked. What was Carole wearing underneath that big, long tee? Anything?

  “Hmm. It is. We had such
a fun afternoon.” Then she laughed and poked Taylor on the shoulder. “Oh, Taylor, you really should see your face. You wear your heart on your sleeve. In this case, on your face.”

  “My heart’s got nothing to do with it,” she snapped. “God, sorry.” It wasn’t Carole’s fault that she was a mess over Colt. “You should be enjoying yourself while you’re here.”

  “I am, and I should apologize to you. It’s obvious you care about him, and he about you.” She sighed and touched Taylor’s arm. “When I asked if he was coming here tonight, he said he’d worn out his welcome. That he wanted to give you some space.”

  “He said that?” She looked into Carole’s sincere blue eyes. “Will you be seeing him again?”

  “Not unless I run into him in town. To be honest, I wanted to know if you cared.” She gave Taylor a hug. “You do. Good luck. He’s worth it.”

  In her heart she knew Carole was right, but she also knew that Colt had some issues to work out before he was ready to commit again. “He might be in the long run,” she agreed. “As you know, divorce can do a head trip on anybody, and I think he’s still figuring some things out.” Taylor grinned at her. “Let me grab us a fresh drink then we can talk some more. Sorry if I sounded like a shrew.”

  “You didn’t!”

  Taylor returned with two full glasses of iced sangria and a plate of nachos. Sitting next to Carole, she said, “You know that job offer is still open. We will be hiring this winter so if you get back home and find your situation has changed, please give us a call.”

  “I will. I promise.” Carole sipped on her tall glass of fruity wine. “I see why you love it. It’s super hot this time of the year, but there’s always a nice breeze by the shore. And your mom said that you learn to adapt. Stay inside with the air conditioning during the mid-day—if you can—and don’t go anywhere without your 50 plus sunscreen. Right now it’s perfect. I hear waves breaking on the shore, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. To watch the sun set each night over the ocean? It’s tempting, I must admit.”

  “Stay as long as you like. The cottages aren’t booked until next month, and that’s only for a week. Kayla’s wedding. All the out-of-towners will be staying with us, or at the Islander resort. Mostly Sean’s guests will be there. The hotel is much bigger than we are, and the property is gorgeous. Have a great restaurant too.”

  “So do you.” Carole took a nacho chip, balancing a sliced black olive. “And bigger doesn’t always mean better. I love your cottages—they’re sweet.” She held up her sangria glass as if featuring the treats. “I bet they don’t have happy hours like this. Free drinks and wonderful appetizers every night.” She sipped. “I feel half-looped already.”

  “Eat more,” Taylor answered with a nod at the loaded chip. “A day in the sun can make you light-headed.”

  Especially when spent with a fun, gorgeous guy named Colt. She kept that thought to herself, wishing she didn’t think of him quite so often. She really did need a boyfriend—if only to get Colt out of her head.

  * * *

  Colt walked by Taylor’s Cafe each day as he parked his truck next door. He avoided looking into the window, as one sight of Taylor might weaken his resolve. The dirt parking lot was usually full, a sure sign her business was doing well. She didn’t need him. Taylor was living her dream—a steady stream of customers, a combination of locals and visitors to the area.

  When he cut through her property to reach the marina he noticed that her outdoor deck was busy too. Miguel had included a long high-top table against the main wall where folks could plug in their devices and work while seated on wicker stools.

  This morning he kept his head low, his hands in his pockets as he walked past the covered area. The sky was dark with thunder clouds, and Colt had no plans to be on the water. With Jamie and Raul at baseball practice, he’d use the free time to do a maintenance check on the Hatteras.

  Colt didn’t see Taylor until he heard her laugh, then he looked up, his gaze zeroing in on her chatting with someone he didn’t recognize. Not a local—the dude was dressed too well for that. Nice shorts, a Tommy Bahamas short-sleeved shirt, with light brown hair trimmed around his ears. Not Jack. Another guy just passing through.

  The stranger was on his laptop, drinking her coffee, and smiling at her like she was really something. Well, she was. They had that much in common. Difference was, Taylor had stopped smiling Colt’s way.

  Taylor handed the guy a plate of something that smelled delicious—eggs, sausage and onion—better than his own burned bagel he’d had for breakfast, that’s for sure. He missed her breakfasts. And her lunches. Especially her happy hours. He missed her smiles, the sound of her laughter, the pretty crinkles around her eyes when she squinted up at him. He missed teasing her and seeing her blush.

  Dammit, if she wasn’t blushing right now! That meant only one thing. This city guy, whoever he was, must be flirting with her. Colt’s ears fired up with jealous heat. The tightness in his chest had nothing to do with a clogged artery.

  He unclenched his fingers, wanting to put a fist into the guys’ face, even though they’d never met. What was wrong with him these days? He was not a violent man. He was a peace-loving, easy-going son-of-a-bitch who wanted the one girl he couldn’t have.

  His boat shoes scuffed the gravel as he stopped moving, staring at her. The bob of her ponytail down her back, the peep of calf below her sundress. She looked up. Saw him standing there like an idiot. She froze too. Then she did something totally unexpected—Taylor walked over to him with a warm smile that got his heart pumping big time.

  “Hi Colt. You haven’t been around lately. I’ve missed you and Jamie. How’s he doing?”

  “Uh. Fine.” Was this a trick? Was he dreaming? “He’s got a sailfish tournament coming up in a couple of weeks. Pretty excited about that. And school starts the following Monday.”

  “Good for him. He’s probably ready to get back. Summers around here can be a little long.” She looked at him with dark brown eyes that could sparkle like diamonds one minute, or flash with warning the next. She was mellow and nice most of the time, but she could be fiery as hell too.

  Today her eyes were welcoming, and brightened the gloomy day. She wore a pretty flowered sundress in a pale blue that left her lovely arms bare, and hugged her curves just right.

  He wanted to hug her curves just right.

  “So,” she tilted her head as she looked at him. “What have you been up to? You know that Carole and her mother are leaving this Sunday?”

  “No. I didn’t know.” He shifted his feet, wondering if she was mad at him for taking Carole snorkeling. Couldn’t figure the woman out. Any woman for that matter.

  “It might be nice for you to drop in before she leaves. She enjoyed the reef and got some great pictures.” Taylor’s small white teeth flashed in her tanned face. “Thanks for taking her out.”

  “No problem.” That was more like it. He’d done something nice for one of her guests and she wasn’t going to give him shit for it.

  “Why don’t you come around tonight or tomorrow? Happy hour. Bring Jamie. We miss him too.”

  What did she mean by too? Did that include him in that too? Had to, right?

  His hopes grew and he lifted his eyes to hers. “Sounds good. Want some fresh fish? You haven’t had any from me lately.”

  “That would be nice. Not necessary. But if you have some, great.” She looked up at the sky. “You’re not going out today, I hope. Weather looks nasty.”

  “I wouldn’t give you day-old fish.”

  “Then forget it today. Next time you go out, drop one off.”

  Ah. Next time. Things were definitely looking up.

  “Will do.” He grinned, and ran a hand through his shaggy blond hair. Maybe it was time to get it cut. Around the ears like that other guy.

  “How’s your mom?” he asked for no reason except to prolong the conversation.

  “Good. Getting excited about the wedding. It’s in three weeks you kn
ow.”

  “Really? That soon.”

  “Yup. September 14th. You’re coming, aren’t you?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  “Miguel has some special plans for staging the wedding. He wants to go over them with us this weekend.”

  “Now he’s a wedding planner?” Colt joked. “A jack of all trades.”

  “Don’t mention that name to me,” she said with a pretend shudder. “Still haven’t thanked you properly for being around that night.”

  “Sure you did. Unless you have a more special thank you in mind,” he said with a teasing wink.

  She laughed. “You wish.”

  “I do.” And yet he’d been right on the beach the other night. He didn’t have jack shit to offer her.

  Her smile faded. “Yeah. We should talk about that sometime.”

  “Why bother?” he asked, ignoring the sheer misery he’d been suffering without her the past few days. “Just let me know if you change your mind.”

  “Sure.” She tilted her head. “And you let me know if you ever get tired of one-night stands.”

  Touche! Strike one for Taylor. He stuck his hands in his front pockets. She was an amazing woman—a dynamite combination of wit and compassion. What if I am pushing away the chance at something great, just because the timing isn’t right? “How about tonight?” he countered.

  “Didn’t Carole see you in Lorelei’s the other night? Buxom blonde clinging to your arm. Ring any bells?”

  God. She had spies everywhere. Explaining the blonde wouldn’t help, so he shrugged. “That was the other night. In the past.”

  “And today is the future?” She tapped her sneakered toe.

  “Future has to start sometime, doesn’t it? Beginning precisely at 4 o’clock PM. Set your watch by it.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.” She gestured toward the back patio. “Got to get back to work. Enjoy the present Colt. It’s all we’ve got.”

  He winked. “Will do.” He strolled away with just one quick backward glance. She was talking to that guy again. But it didn’t matter. The stranger would be leaving soon, and Colt had a new future that looked much brighter.