She stared up at him, her heart pounding. “You can’t love someone if they’re not here to love, Drake. You have a business and a life in the Keys. Mine is here. There’s nothing else to say.”
“Do you love me? If you do, we’re not going to give up on us,” he breathed against her lips.
She tucked her head and rested it against his abs.
“Twila?” He rolled to his side and kissed her forehead. “Do you want to give up on us? It’s a simple question.”
“No, it’s not.”
He didn’t chase her for an answer. Curling his arms around her waist, he drew her tight. They didn’t normally sleep together, but he wasn’t leaving. He held her in his thick arms, fending off the chill of the air, but not from her soul.
“I don’t care how far apart we are,” he said, his chin brushing her hair. “Five months or five hundred miles won’t change my feelings. I’m in love with you, Twila Carlisle,” were the words she fell asleep to.
* * * *
“What is it?” he asked, seeing Twila in front of the TV watching the news intently.
“Another tropical storm,” she said.
The meteorologist pointed at the recognizable blob of white out in the Atlantic spinning its way toward them.
“It’s still a tropical storm. Could dissipate.”
Nodding her head in agreement, she said, “Breakfast is ready.”
“What is this?” he asked, taking another delicious bite.
“It’s an omelette, Drake. I’m pretty sure you’ve had one before.”
“Yeah, but what’s in it? It’s fantastic.” She put some kind of salsa over the top and the middle was filled with spicy flavors.
“Can’t tell ya, old southern family recipe.”
He put his fork down. “You love my family and me.”
“Drake.” She sighed. “Do you really want to talk about this? You should be spending time with your parents.”
He rose to get the coffee pot and filled her cup first. “Yes, I do want to talk about this. I want to know why you’re torturing me.”
“That wasn’t my intention,” she answered quickly and leaned forward to grab the milk. “We had a great time.”
Oh shit. That’s what he started out saying each time he dumped someone. He wasn’t old fashioned, at least not to the point of wanting to keep her barefoot in the kitchen, just naked in the kitchen and the thought hardened him.
“You’re going to make me work hard for this aren’t you?”
She cocked her head. “I’m not making you work for anything. Now finish up and get going.”
“Your day ends at four today.”
“I promised—”
“Don’t—” He raised his hand. “I’m part of this park, temporarily at least. I need you too, and I’m not being pushed to the back of the line this time.”
A surf of regret washed through him when she resisted. They’d shared stolen moments on a sea of turbulent kisses and thrashing passion. In his heart, he knew in the end, Twila would stay in her world. He would return to his and Heather would be waiting. Their time together was over.
Chapter Nineteen
The click of high heels echoing off the auditorium walls drew both their eyes upward. No elderly person wore those types of shoes. Heather, in a body-hugging-barely-covering-her-sex, red leather skirt, swayed her model hips in an over exaggerated way as she approached.
“Hey,” Heather said in a soft voice, putting her attention on him and ignoring Twila.
He straightened. “What’s up, Heather?”
“I’ll just step out,” Twila said and slipped away from him, before he could stop her.
He watched her quick-footed retreat.
“I haven’t heard from you.” Heather drew a blood red fingernail around the compass rose. “I know we had a bit of a tiff, but I thought you’d call me,” she said steering her deep blue eyes to his. “I wanted to apologize.”
He crossed his arms, prepared for this to get ugly. “To Twila? If so, she went that way. I don’t need an apology.”
A flick of temper crossed her expression, but Heather dowsed it. “My father has arranged a get-together, and everyone whose coming is in the market for a new yacht. It’s a great opportunity.”
He shook his head. Heather was a class-act manipulator. She’d talked her father into reaching out to his wealthy friends. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“What?” Her brows shot up in surprise. “You can’t. Drake, I know you’re mad at me. I deserve it for being such a bitch and not trusting you, but don’t shoot yourself in the foot because of me. You’re a business man, and you have people out there who can afford your workmanship. You’ll get ten contracts from this party, if not more. Please, don’t reject this. Dad loves his yacht, and he tells everyone who made it, and how skilled you are.”
Drake stepped back because he didn’t trust her. “Heather, I’m not interested in pursuing anything that has to do with you and me together in the future. Thank your father, but I decline.”
Heather quickly stepped around the table and gripped his arm. “Listen to me. I get it. You think I’m a spoiled brat, and you got scared when I mentioned love. So I won’t mention it again.”
“Heather,” he said, leaning over so he could get the message across. “I’m not scared of love.”
She blinked her long, fake eyelashes. “I’m relieved you didn’t say because you love Twila.”
No, he learned from his mistakes pretty damn fast. He wouldn’t voice it to the she-wolf, but that’s exactly who he was talking about, and telling her that would set Heather on the warpath again. “I’m heading home soon, and it’s back to fourteen hour days.”
“Will you at least let me take you out for dinner? Tonight,” she added. “We haven’t talked. I think it would help.”
If he went with her, she’d try to maneuver them into bed, which he had no desire to happen. Twila didn’t play mind games. She loved what he loved. They talked for hours and then made love all night. They’d sailed on the Rebecca, stopping along the coast for romantic dinners, and to watch the sun go down, wrapped in each other’s arms. He was in fucking heaven, and there was no way he was going to walk into the burning fires of hell with Heather. “We never talked. We fucked. Got each other off. That’s about how deep we went.”
“How can you say that, Drake? We spent time together with friends and my family. We went to parties. Everyone is asking where you are. We are a couple, Drake. The only reason we didn’t spend more time talking is because we spent it showing our desire for each other. The honeymoon stage.”
“Sorry, I can’t. Promised the folks a trip out tonight.”
Heather’s catlike eyes strayed to the charts. “Teaching Twila how to navigate so she can be your cabin girl?”
“Conversation is over. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll call your father and explain.”
“No,” she said, stepping in his way. “Please give us another chance. At least talk to me, and let me fix what I can fix.” She reached up and brushed his bangs. “I miss our time together.”
He gripped her wrist and pulled it away. “Heather, I know you usually get what you ask for, but what we had is past tense.”
Heather ripped her wrist from his grip. “Haven’t you had your fun on the wrong side of the tracks? Fine, fool yourself for a while longer, but you belong in my world, not the low income help that cleans our homes. That’s what Twila is.” She twirled around and strode with angry steps to the door. She gripped the handle and said, “My father’s offer is genuine. I wouldn’t piss him off if I were you. He has the power to turn everyone away from you. You’d have to move to another country to ever sell another yacht.”
The door clanged closed, and he pursed his lips. How the hell did he end up with a self-centered viper like that in his life? He pulled his cell and called her father. He, unlike his daughter, was a reasonable man. At least when it came to business.
Her father picked up on the second
ring. “Hi Dennis, it’s Drake Addison.”
“Drake, son, how’re you doing? Haven’t seen you in a while. I guess my little girl was by to tell you the news.”
“She was, and I appreciate all the customers you’ve sent my way, Dennis.”
“Happy to do it, son.”
He took a breath and hoped like hell Dennis would understand. “I think before the luncheon you need to know that Heather and I aren’t seeing each other anymore. We haven’t been for a while. The truth is Heather’s not taking it too well. I’m committed to my business and Heather and I want different things. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I’m not going to string her along either. Nor you.”
The phone went silent for a bit. “Drake, I know my girl is a little spoiled. I don’t know if she ever told you that Helen and I lost three babies before she came. Ever since I gazed into those baby blues that look so much like mine, I found my soft spot, and saying no to her was hard to do.”
“I understand.”
“Not yet, you don’t, but maybe someday you will, when you have your own. I sincerely wish it were different for you and Heather. I wouldn’t have minded having you as my son-in-law. In fact, I had high hopes.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I appreciate the honesty, and…I still believe you make the best yacht out there. If you’re still willing, I’d like to go ahead with the business luncheon. It’ll be here at the estate.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll be there.”
“You’re sure your future with my daughter is off the table?”
He smiled, grateful Dennis was as much of a shrewd business man as he was a level-headed guy. “I’m sure. You know I don’t come from money, and I don’t see Heather being happy with the future I have planned.”
A sigh resonated from the other end of the line. “Guess I’ll break it to Helen. She’ll be upset too, but I’m sure she’ll understand.”
“Appreciate it.”
* * * *
Twila sat in her Florida room with her legs tucked up under her, listening to the sounds of the night, trying not to flounder on Heather and Drake making amends.
“May I come in?”
Twila’s blood chilled. She nodded and waited until Heather sat down across from her. She didn’t offer her anything. Whatever conversation Heather had planned it would no doubt be one sided. Heather twined her hands and sat in a model perfect pose. “I’m not here to rail at you, Twila,” Heather began.
She waited, but wasn’t going to say a word until she had to.
“I can’t blame you for falling in love with Drake, but I honestly don’t want to see you hurt either. I know I can be a little jealous. Being in love with Drake and knowing how much he really loves me can make me a little crazy.”
Psychotic would about sum it up.
Heather crossed her legs and relaxed in the chair. Hopefully, this wasn’t going to take too long. Twila’s heart thumped waiting for the bait line sure to come.
“I’m sorry you’ve been caught in the middle of our rough patch. In the end, I know you and I both want what’s best for him.”
Heather’s glistening black hair fell over her shoulder with a beautiful sweep as she leaned closer. “Drake will be a very wealthy man, and I come from a very wealthy family that can help him fulfill his dreams. I’m not taking credit for his abilities, just his opportunities. You can’t provide that for him and eventually he’s going to resent it and leave you.”
She had already dwelled on the very same points. “Maybe.”
“Not maybe, Twila. For certain. My father has arranged a luncheon for Drake and some of the richest men in the state are coming. Daddy did this for both of us because he knows our future counts on it. If my father finds out Drake has strayed from me, he’ll be angry, and he could ruin Drake just with a few phone calls. Even if I wanted to stop him, I couldn’t.”
Twila could well imagine in the world of the well-to-do that was possible. Word of mouth counted in making or breaking a business. If Heather’s father was as vindictive as she was, Twila didn’t doubt he’d do his damnedest to hurt Drake.
“You’re happy here.” Heather waved her hand. “You belong here helping out the old folks, and they need you,” she said as if she were trying to soothe Twila’s feelings. “But Drake needs me and I need him. We’ve always had a fiery relationship, especially in bed, but when he told me he loved me, I knew Drake would be the man I would spend the rest of my life with.”
Twila nearly yelped with anger and then a deep sadness held her heart hostage. He’d lied to her? He said he’d never told anyone that. Damn, stupid. She’d believed him.
A cat-like smile crossed Heather’s expression. “He’s nervous about taking the last step with me and I suppose sowing a few wild oats. Even though he’s taking some time to consider things, I understand he needs to be sure.”
Twila swallowed deeply, still not prepared to speak.
“The right thing to do would be to let him go, so he can be the success he’s meant to be. Don’t hold him back, Twila. Hanging on to him won’t end well.”
Twila picked up her glass of iced tea and even though her hand shook with anger, fear and misgivings mixed an evil brew in her emotions. “It’s Drake’s decision, Heather. I never wanted to be caught up in your relationship. If he loves you, I’m sure you’ll find a way to be together.”
“I know, honey, and the best way to deal with it is to back away. Drake needs to go to that luncheon. If he doesn’t, my father will certainly ruin his future.” Heather seamed her lips. “This must sound horrible to you, but it’s how people like us deal with things.”
People like us? She really thought she was something special. Heather rose to her nearly six-foot stance. “I’m glad you understand. I know you’re not a bad woman. Not really sure what Drake sees in you, but if he needed you for a while, who am I to begrudge him that.”
Twila sizzled with anger, but she wasn’t going to show it. Heather would never give up on Drake. All she had to do was jump on her daddy’s jet and visit him any time she wanted. “Good bye, Heather.”
Heather gazed at her with a winning smile. “You’re a sensible woman. I know you’ll do the right thing for Drake.”
Twila watched her smooth gait as she walked down the driveway. A few seconds later she heard her Vet start.
* * * *
When he’d finished the call, Drake headed for Twila’s. As he rounded the corner he saw Heather jump into her car and drive off. Shit. He jogged the rest of the way and spotted Twila sitting in her Florida room. She didn’t look at him when he opened the screen door.
“Whatever she said, it’s bullshit.”
Twila gave him a meager smile. “It’s fine, really.”
He knelt in front of her. The warmth in her eyes gone. “Are you going to tell me?”
She shook her head and reached for her glass, taking a long drink. Twila’s pulse beat wildly against his hand. He wouldn’t press her, but he wasn’t going to let her hide herself in this trailer, which held all the memories of her parents, and nothing of the intelligent, vibrant woman that had begun to step into the world again. “The folks are coming with us tonight. Are you ready?”
“Mr. Gibbons—”
He lifted his hand to fend off her excuse. “Twila, I will call Mr. Gibbons and tell him you’re not available after four o’clock.”
She swayed her head and turned her eyes on him. “I need a break from us, Drake.”
“Bullshit,” he said, vaulting to his feet. “What the hell did she say to you? She’s one hell of a good manipulator. Let me guess. Her father would ruin me if you didn’t step away.”
Twila gazed at the road. “It doesn’t matter what she said. You live in the Keys. I live here.” She pressed her lips into a tight smile and looked at him with a furrowed brow. Hesitant at first, she reached for his hand and forked their fingers together. “I loved the time we spent together. I don’t begrudge any of it.”
Fuck he wanted to ki
ll that scheming bitch.
“Don’t look like that, Drake, or you’ll ruin everything.”
“Nothing is ruined. I called Heather’s father and told him Heather is hanging on to something that doesn’t exist between us. He understands.”
Twila swallowed and said, “That’s good. I’m glad to hear it. I mean about talking to her father, but maybe you should reconsider your relationship with Heather.”
His heart squeezed tight with hurt. Clutching her elbows, he drew her to his chest. “There is nothing to reconsider. She can keep coming back once a week for the next fifty years and my feelings won’t change.”
“Drake, Heather has the means to be your partner. She’s a good match for you. She knows the right people. People who will buy your yachts. That in itself is a good enough reason, but there’s one thing I can’t stand, and it’s the reason you and I are done!” Her voice rose with anger.
“Done? Why, because I suggested you get on with your life. Maybe I pushed it too hard, but…”
Her gaze narrowed. “You lied to me Drake.”
“What? I’ve never lied to you.”
She swallowed heavily and pointed at him. “You stood in the middle of the street in Freeport and told me you’ve never told another woman you loved her. You looked me straight in the eyes and lied to me.”
“I see,” he said, staring down at her. “This, I suppose, is based on Heather’s believability. She told you I told her the same thing, and you believe that?”
For a moment Twila showed him how angry she was, but she couldn’t hold the course. Her eyes welled with tears, and she buried her face to hide them.
He wrapped her as tightly as he could in his arms. “Please, Twila, tell me you know me enough that I would never do that to you.” Heather hadn’t attacked Twila with her claws, she’d done worse. She’d used reason and lies to shake Twila’s trust in him. “You and I have some geographical hurdles to work on, but it’s not a roadblock we can’t get past.”
“They’re enormous,” she said, backing out of his arms.
“Would you be mad at me for going to the luncheon?”
Twila's Tempest Page 20
