Ten Brides for Ten Hot Guys

by Donna Fasano

  He swung around, his face an angry cloud. “Now, listen here, young lady, you are not to speak to me like that.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

  I rubbed my arms, feeling the air in the room drop about ten degrees. Hospital rooms are chilly enough, but with the hostility flying around, ice cubes would start forming soon.

  “It’s getting late,” I said, “and I can see this conversation is going nowhere. Come on, Harrison. Drive me to the hotel. I’m exhausted and need a good night’s sleep.” I grabbed my handbag from a side table, and headed toward the door. “We’ll be back in the morning,” I said to Billy. “Try to get some rest.”

  “Thanks for coming,” he mumbled. “And I guess I should tell you that we have another problem,” he said with a shame-faced smile.

  “What’s that?” I turned to face him, knowing his problems were still mine.

  “After the creep stabbed me, he also grabbed my wallet. We have no I.D. No charge cards and no money.”

  “Looks like you’re up a creek without a paddle, doesn’t it?” Harrison snapped, and ran a hand through his magnificent hair.

  “Dad?” Katie drawled it out in two long syllables. “You think we want a hand out? Give us a break! This isn’t our fault. We were robbed, for God’s sake.”

  He gave his daughter a long look, then released a weary sigh. “We’re here to help you, you know that. Hopefully your wallets will be recovered, but we’ll have to make sure the credit cards are cancelled. Can you both make a list?”

  “The police already did that for us.”

  “Okay, that’s good then.” His eyes met mine. “Candy had a good idea. We should all get some rest. We’ll have plenty to do tomorrow. You coming?” he asked his daughter.

  She stood next to the bed, looking down at Billy. “Can I stay here?”

  “There’s only one bed, and it’s kind of small.” He gave her a sweet smile. “I don’t want you sleeping on the chair. Go back with them, and call me later.”

  “I don’t want to leave you.”

  “You need your rest. We’ll make up for this tomorrow, I promise.”

  She took his hand and pressed it to her lips. Then she bent and gave him a loving kiss. “I was proud of you tonight. You’re my hero, and don’t forget it.”

  He gave her a slow smile. “I won’t argue that.” He kissed the tips of his fingers and blew a kiss. “See you in the morning. I think the pain pills are kicking in and I might actually sleep.”

  The three of us left, and I felt so bad for Billy, but I was proud of him too. He cared about Katie very much and would fight to keep her. He’d need his strength to fight because Harrison wasn’t going to give up his control easily.

  I offered Katie the front seat so she could converse with her father, but she jumped in the back, apparently thinking that was a bad idea.

  It was a short drive back to the hotel and none of us were in a talkative mood. The room key had been in her bag, so she had to get a new one from the front desk. Harrison and I had to check in, and she waited while we did. It occurred to me that she might not trust us, and wanted to make damn sure we had separate rooms.

  We got into the elevator together, and she watched us both get off on the sixth floor. “That’s convenient,” she said slyly, as the door was sliding shut.

  Harrison stopped it with his foot. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “You know what it means. You two can sneak around all you like, but you sure have a lot to say about Billy and me wanting to make a life together. It’s just so unfair!”

  “That’s ridiculous. Candy and I are not sneaking around. We are trying to do the right thing for our kids, who can’t see beyond the immediate future. Billy seems like a nice young man, and if you still love him two or three years from now, I’ll be happy to give you my blessing.”

  She looked down at her feet. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Good.”

  I had walked away as they were talking, but slowly enough that I could overhear their remarks. A big heavy stone lifted from my heart. Perhaps Harrison was right after all.

  Maybe his daughter did have common sense.

  Chapter 11

  I found my room and slipped inside before Harrison could catch up with me. The less I saw of him, the better. Whatever happened in the Candy Bar, could stay in the Candy Bar. I didn’t want to blame any magic for my future behavior. I’m an adult and as such I need to take responsibilities for my actions.

  Romance was not on my list of priorities. Whatever I may have been feeling for Harrison could likely be contributed to seeing Jay Chandler humping another woman. The wicked attraction was the by-product of a love gone wrong. Once I got over that hurt, I wouldn’t be so eager to find a replacement lover. That’s all Harrison would have been. He meant nothing to me.

  His life was up north, mine was down south, and never the twain shall meet. Unless the kids marry, and then we will cross paths more often, and we’d see whether there was any heat between us.

  But for now, both Harrison and myself had to put a lid on it.

  It was after two before I got to bed, and although bone weary, I had a poor night’s sleep. I dreamt of being chased down an alley way and every twist and turn led to a new danger. I’m sure a psychologist could make a lot out of it, but I was too tired to play in this maze. I flipped on the TV and watched an old romantic comedy with Doris Day and Rock Hudson. Who in the world ever saw that coming? I mean--Rock?

  Just goes to show. Appearances mean nothing. Harrison might look like all that, but he probably had just as many faults as the rest of us mere mortals. Good thing his life was in Boston and mine was firmly entrenched in Miami, or I might want to dig around and find out what his faults were.

  The phone woke me at 6 a.m. from whatever little sleep I’d managed. I grabbed the receiver next to my bed, rubbed the grit out of my eyes, and said, “Hello?”

  “You up?” It was Harrison.

  “Not likely, since I barely slept.”

  “Me neither. I know Katie’s probably still asleep, so I figured I’d call and see if you want to grab coffee.”

  “I could use a cup or two,” I said and stifled a yawn. “I’ll meet you in the lobby in twenty minutes.”

  “Fine. What do you take in your coffee?”

  “Just cream.” I hung up, and slipped out of the very comfortable bed. I turned on the shower and then brushed my teeth with my finger and the mouth wash from the room. I showered quickly--and since I didn’t have any clothes with me--I had to get back into my dress that I’d worn the night before.

  Once the stores opened up, I’d buy toiletries and something casual to wear, but for now this was the best I could do.

  I spotted Harrison, his back to me, pouring two coffees from a large canister set up in the lobby. When I got closer, I noticed the scruff on his face, his wrinkled dress pants, and knew he hadn’t fared any better than me.

  “Looking good, Har,” I said with a big grin. I batted my eyelashes. “And me. Ala naturelle.”

  “You look beautiful. You don’t need make-up.”

  “Neither do you.” I took the coffee he handed me, and slurped. “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “So what’s your plan? Sabotage the kids--or make like friends?”

  “I think you’re right and we should back off. Hopefully the kids will figure it out on their own.”

  I saluted his coffee cup, spilling some. “What a bright man you are. You should be an attorney.”

  He winked. “What? And give up being a scruffy bum?” He drank his coffee quickly. “I figured you and I could take a little drive this morning to an all night Wal-Mart, and pick up some essentials. We’d be back before Katie wakes up. I left her a message, though, just in case.”

  “See? You are smart.” I chug-a-lugged my coffee. “I need more for the road.”

  We refilled our cups then waited for the valet to retrieve Harrison’s car. Once we were e
n route to the nearest mall, I said, “I called Jake, my bartender and part-time manager, and he’s going to cover for me as long as needed. But we could probably head back tomorrow, if Billy gets out today,” I suggested. “Does that sound right to you?”

  “I left a message with my office too. I explained what happened and told them we needed a few days. Let’s play it by ear. See how receptive the kids are.”

  “Gotcha. Well, considering we will be footing all the bills--including spending money--they might be a little nicer to us.”

  “Especially if we give them some alone time.” He smiled at me, which got my insides humming. “Which means we’d be on our own too.”

  “I should see that bar owner while I’m here. It’s too good of an opportunity to waste.”

  “You don’t trust us alone together, do you?”

  Crap. What was I to say to that? Honesty being my policy I said, “Nope.”

  Luckily, the mall was ahead of us and I could see the big Wal-Mart sign. I only needed to grab a few basics—under-garments, a swim-suit and cover-up, shorts, Capri’s and a couple of tops and sandals. The Florida Keys are casual enough that I wouldn’t need any more than that.

  We separated when we got inside and agreed to meet at the entrance in half an hour. I headed for the women’s department, found what I needed, and didn’t bother to try anything on. I picked up a pair of flip-flops and a decent pair of sandals, went to the make-up department and tossed in some face cream, suntan lotion, and the usual things a girl needs to look pretty.

  I was done in less than half an hour, and found Harrison waiting with a big plastic bag in hand. We hit a café in the mall that offered a quick breakfast, and ate our bacon and eggs with a fresh Starbucks coffee. Life was good.

  On our drive back to the hotel, Katie texted her father saying she’d meet us at the hospital. She had taken my car, so we didn’t need to rush. Once back at the hotel, I went to my room to change into shorts, and Harrison did the same.

  He knocked on my door fifteen minutes later.

  My stomach jumped. The fact his room was on the same floor as my own made it just too damn convenient. It added a temptation neither of us needed. The disciplined/controlled/mother/business owner/ and pain-in-the-ass part of me said I needed to be accountable, and could not satisfy my Harrison craving.

  Like any good parent, the two of us had rushed to our children’s rescue. We couldn’t destroy the trust we were trying to build. I needed to ignore my inner urgings and squash them into submission. After all, I might be a youthful, spirited woman with neglected needs, but foremost I was a concerned parent, and had to behave like one.

  Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. Harrison stood there, all big and handsome and smiling. He was wearing a pink-striped cotton tee and khaki shorts, his long legs were brown and muscular. My pulse revved up a notch.

  I was only five-feet-four in flats, and he towered over me. I stepped backward to put a little distance between us. He stepped forward, closing the gap.

  I was wearing tight fitting jean shorts and a lemon colored top, and considering that I hadn’t tried anything on, they fit me a little too well. I have a voluptuous body. I’d give anything to be tall and slim, but nature hadn’t blessed me that way.

  Harrison looked me up and down. He raised a brow and his eyes smiled. “Wal-Mart becomes you.”

  I laughed. “You did pretty good yourself.”

  He looked at my mouth, and I was afraid that he’d kiss me. I wasn’t sure how strong my resolve was, and didn’t want to find out.

  “Guess we should go,” he said, not moving a muscle.

  “Excellent idea,” I said with relief.

  “You know that we don’t need to rush.” His eyes were still on me.

  “Of course I know that. But because we love our children we will do the right thing.” My pulse was racing and even my deep breathing couldn’t slow it down.

  “I hate it when you’re logical.”

  “And I hate it when you look at me the way you do.”

  “Would one kiss hurt?”

  I shook my head and laughed, but my insides pooled into a warm puddle. “Come on, Har.” I linked arms with him. “Let’s get out of here before we’re both naked and doing things we’d later regret.”

  “I wouldn’t regret it,” he said with a sexy grin. “Promise.”

  “Katie would know. She doesn’t miss a thing.” I stuffed the key into my pocket, and hurried us both down the hall, eager to put as much distance as I could between us and the room’s temptation.

  I have a strong sense of right and wrong, but I hate being tested.

  Chapter 12

  When we stepped into Billy’s hospital room, my son was sitting up—still in that God-awful printed hospital gown--but looking more animated than he had the night before. His handsome face was battered from the scuffle with the thug, but he wore his bruises like badges of honor.

  He grinned when he saw us. “The doctor came in an hour ago, and cleared me to leave. I’m just waiting on the paperwork and then we can go.”

  “That’s great news,” I said and kissed his cheek.

  Harrison nodded at his daughter. “You should have waited for us. We ran out to get a change of clothes and some toiletries. Did you get my message?”

  “I did, but I was awake and didn’t want to leave Billy sitting here by himself.” She glanced at her dad, and then gave me a once-over. “So how long are you guys staying?”

  I cleared my throat, but Harrison answered first. “We figured since we were already here, we’d spend another night or two. Play it by ear.”

  I nodded. “Your room is prepaid, and we’ll give you some money to tide you over, but I thought this might be a good opportunity to get to know each other.”

  Harrison piped in, “We figured you’d like that, if we’re going to be a family.”

  Billy looked hopeful. “Wow. That’s a big change from yesterday.”

  “We haven’t changed our opinion,” Harrison responded. “Both your mother and I thing you’re too young and should wait a few years, but that’s really your decision.”

  Katie opened her mouth, then closed it again. She moved to Billy’s side and took his hand, giving it a kiss. “I thought about it a lot last night. I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t have much else to think about.” She looked into Billy’s eyes. “I think we should keep our engagement to ourselves and not announce it to the world. No one needs to know but us. I don’t want all that extra pressure—you know what I mean?”

  He looked skeptical. “I don’t see why—but we’ll still be engaged, won’t we?”

  “Yes, of course,” she said with a nervous laugh. “I want to marry you, but I’d like to wait until at least next summer before we start planning a wedding date. That gives us a year to make sure that our feelings our real. We’ll only be twenty-two. What’s the rush?”

  I could have kissed her, but I darted a quick look at Harrison instead. He was nodding with approval, and gave her a warm smile.

  She obviously had more common sense then either Harrison or I, because as joyful as this news was, I already regretted all the missed opportunities that would have included her father and me.

  Billy nodded, but I saw him rapidly blink away a few tears. “All right then,” he said, his voice slightly gruff. “We’ll wait a year and see if it’s real. Sounds like a good plan.”

  I stepped forward and took both their hands in my own. “Smart decision. I’m betting on both of you.”

  Just then a nurse came into the room and needed Billy to sign some papers. Harrison and I moved out of the way and stood near the window. His hip lightly touched mine. I didn’t dare look at him, but as the two young people were conversing, I allowed my hand to brush up against his.

  We were both so elated and relieved that our kids were not going to rush into anything stupid that I felt like celebrating.

  It took an interminable amount of time between signing the papers and Billy’s act
ual release. At lunchtime, Harrison and I went down to the cafeteria and returned with cheeseburgers and fries for everyone, and a deck of cards that’s we’d bought at the gift shop.

  We spent a lively hour playing the game of “thirty-one” and put a dollar apiece into the pot, winner take all. Of course, Harrison had footed the bills, and he ended up winning too, but it made the time go a little faster. Eventually around two in the afternoon, a nurse waltzed in with a wheelchair, and Billy was given a ride down to the lobby. He would drive with Katie. Harrison and I were free to leave.

  We agreed to meet them for dinner, and warned Billy not to exert himself too much. What we meant by that was anybody’s guess.

  “So what would you like to do this afternoon?” Harrison said, on the drive back to the hotel.

  “I left a message for Carl Richards, the bar owner I wanted to see. Haven’t heard back from him, so I guess I’m free. How about a siesta at the pool?”

  “Sounds like a great idea. I hope you bought a teeny-weenie bikini.”

  I gave him a teasing smile. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  When I got back into my room to change, I checked my body in my suit, and wished I hadn’t eaten the burger and fries, but I’d have to deny myself a lot more than that to be a desirable size two.

  I had just slipped on a white lacy cover-up over my blue two-piece when Harrison knocked lightly on the door. I grabbed my straw hat, another purchase from our impromptu early-morning shopping spree, and headed out the door before he could give me a reason to stay.

  “You’re always in a rush,” he said, with a knowing smile. “I think you’re scared to be alone with me.”

  “Not scared. Just smart. I know the things you’d like to do to me.”

  He laughed. “I bet you do.”

  I punched the elevator button. “So where should we take the kids for dinner? I want to celebrate. Champagne, music, dancing.”

  “Sounds nice. I could handle that.”

  “Me too.” I squeezed his arm. “I’m just so darn pleased with the maturity the kids showed by making the right decision. Your daughter is something else.”