Her dad and Cameron exchanged looks. Her brother hooked an arm around her shoulders and gave her a quick hug. “Sure you do.”
Kevin nodded. “Of course you care. We might not like what he did, but we sure want to see them all found and in good health.” He picked up his fork and resumed eating. “Hurry up, and then maybe we can do a little search of some of these islands ourselves. Colt could maybe take some of you to the areas close by, and I’ll hire a local pilot to have a look too. They are out there somewhere, and we’ll find them, don’t you worry.”
Tired of sitting around doing nothing, the idea of actively participating in the search lifted their spirits. Over breakfast they enthusiastically made plans.
By noon, Colt had found other boat captains eager to engage in the search, and Kevin had hired two pilots, one to focus on the northern Keys as far as Miami, and the other for the southern Keys to Cuba.
Kevin accompanied Nick Holden who flew a twin Cessna to explore north of Islamorada, and Jeremy assisted Pete Wiggins on the southern route.
Anna and Carole made calls from their office to city officials and newspapers to offer a reward for any information that could lead to the golfers’ discovery.
By nightfall, the disheartened group returned empty-handed to the cottages and drowned their sorrows in margaritas and beers.
* * *
“You can have one call.” The big burly cop had given his captives time to digest their dire situation and discuss the cost of freedom. When they’d reached some kind of agreement he’d handed Michael the phone.
Michael yelled out to his buddies, “I’m calling Dan. He’ll get us out of this jam.” Dan Collins was his agent, and he’d be relieved to know that the three of them were safe and well.
“Thank God!” Jay added, “Make sure he calls our agents too. They must be worried as hell.”
“You bet. Boy, I can’t wait to see Dan’s face when he gets here. He’ll freak out at the way we’ve been treated. We should get some photos for Facebook and Twitter fans.”
“Yeah. Sure. Whatever. Just get him here. Today.” Devon asked, “He’ll bail us all out, right?”
“I’ll tell him that, don’t worry.”
He placed the call and Dan picked up right away. “Shit man. We thought you were dead. Where the fuck are you?”
“In a shithole Cuban jail. Me, Jay and Devon. We’re all here. Don’t have our wallets, passports, nothing, man. They’ve been holding us hostage for the past thirty hours.”
“What do you mean hostage? They holding you illegally?”
“Not sure how illegal it is since we crashed a boat on their shore, but they withheld our rights. Treated us like shit. Thought we were peddling drugs, but none were found on the Sea Ray. Hell, it was just some guy’s day boat.” He swore vehemently, remembering being pissed on. “We need you to get your ass down here and bail the three of us out. Jay and Dev want you to call their agents too. The cops wouldn’t give us a phone until now, and we can only make this one call. Told them we’d pay a million bucks for our release. We’ll make good on that.” Split three ways he figured it was worth the price to get the hell out a.s.a.p.
“That’s a heavy fine. But getting your ass out of there alive is worth it. Shit, man. We were all worried.”
“Yeah. We were drunker than skunks and decided to take a cruiser out after the wedding fiasco. Ran it into a pile of rocks. Cuban rocks,” he laughed with relief. This was a story that would get more amusing with every telling. “Hey, can somebody tell me what shithole town we’re in?”
Two guards walked in, bringing the men dinner. It was a small bowl with rice, and chucks of grizzled meat that could have been goat for all he knew. “You expect us to eat that?”
One of the guards gave him a look, then turned the bowl upside down. “Starve for all we care.”
His agent interrupted. “Stay cool. Give me the name where you’re at, and I’ll get there first thing in the morning.”
“Now, man. You can fly in—get us out tonight. Fuck the morning. We’re not spending another night in this fricking cage.”
“I’ll see what I can do. But don’t expect miracles. You were the assholes that got into this fix. Now you want me to jump through hoops to get your skinny asses out. Where are you dimwits?”
“Would someone tell me where we are?” Michael yelled to the guards.
“You’re in a holding cell, waiting for transfer to the Guanabo Metropolitan Detention center. Welcome to MDC, dickhead.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Monday afternoon, Nadine was reading a book at the pool when she heard the sound of a helicopter overhead, the whirling blades becoming louder by the second. It sounded like the plane might be in trouble, making an unprepared landing. She stood up to see just as the helicopter perched down on the sand next to the pier.
She felt a moment’s relief when the aircraft appeared safe and not in immediate danger. Then the door opened and three men stepped out.
Her stomach lurched and her throat clogged. She put a hand to her heart. It wasn’t! It couldn’t be! She flew down the steps from the pool, running beyond the aborted wedding area, through the mangrove bushes and onto the beach. Her heart hammered, and she could barely breathe.
She saw him. He was alive. Michael. His friends. They were alive!
Elation. Joy. And tears of happiness welled up inside of her. The men looked a little worse for wear, but they were back safe and sound. God be praised!
Then she stopped running. Where had they been? Why had they not called? How could they just show up after all this time looking as though they’d only been on a forty-eight hour bender? Not that she wanted them dead or anything, but marooned on an island without food and water, requiring a hospital stay—that would be acceptable after all their worries.
Nadine bit her bottom lip. A part of her wanted to run to him and throw herself into his arms and welcome him back. But a bigger part of her wasn’t as gullible, and not so willing to forgive.
Moving slowly now, she watched Michael’s face as she drew near. He was grinning and running toward her. He looked thrilled to see her, and her emotions spilled over. Her heart began to beat wildly, and her pulse raced. He was the dear, sweet Michael that she’d fallen for. Not the cad that had slept with her bridesmaid and broken her heart.
As soon as he reached her, he opened his arms. She moved in to greet him, raised her hand and smacked his face hard.
“What the hell?” he cried out, holding his red cheek. “That’s my greeting?”
“Where have you been?” She shouted, crying. “We all thought you were dead.” She sniffed, anger and joy warring inside. “And you should be.”
“Is that any way to greet someone back from the dead?” He laughed, and his friends flanked him. They didn’t look any worse than he did. They were grubby, unshaven, clothes torn and bloody but still in one piece. Michael grabbed her hand, probably so she wouldn’t hit him again. “It’s good to see you too.”
She smacked his arm with her free hand. “This isn’t funny. We were sick with worry. Where were you?” A floodgate opened and tears poured down her cheeks. “Michael, Michael, you’re here. I can’t believe you’re safe.” She cried louder.
“Aw, shit,” he said, pulling her in for a hug. Her heart broke all over again.
Devon took pity on her and explained. “Our boat crashed, Nadine. In Cuba. The local police tossed us in jail and wouldn’t let us make a call. Not until last night. Michael called his agent, Dan Collins, and he got us released today.”
“We came right here,” Michael told her. “I’m sorry you all were so worried, but we couldn’t let you know. The bastards confiscated our phones and refused to let us make the call until we negotiated a fee for our release. They kept insisting we were drug dealers, but of course they couldn’t find any drugs. That got them real pissed and they decided to make us barter for our freedom.”
“They can’t do that,” she whispered, shaking her head. “Or m
aybe they can.”
“It’s not the States,” Jay said. “They make the rules as they see fit.”
Michael put his arm around her. “Anyway, we’re back and you and I need to talk.” He grinned. “Hell, I can’t wait. I’ve been practicing what I wanted to say to you, but one look at you and my speech went out of my head.”
“What do we have to say to one another? It’s over.” She stared at the sand in front of her, not wanting to see his face. Her emotions were bouncing all over the place. She was delighted to see him, but she could never love him again. That much she knew. “I’m okay. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“I’m not worried about you. I know that you’ll be fine without me, but I don’t want you to be. That’s the point!” He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “Look, Nadine, I love you. I really do. And I’m hoping like hell that you’ll give me another chance. I’ve had time sitting in the cell to realize what a fucking moron I was, and that I totally don’t deserve you, but I’m hoping that you’ll see it differently.”
She pulled away from him, eyes wide, staring at the man she thought she loved. “Nope. I don’t.” She sighed, wishing things were different. But how could they be? “It’s not about whether or not you deserve me,” she answered quietly, “but that I don’t know if I can ever forgive you. And I sure can’t trust you.”
She started sobbing again, and he took her face into his hands, dropping kisses on her cheeks.
“Looks like we have a welcoming committee,” Jay said, nodding in the direction of the pool. “Not sure if they’re happy to see us, or want to hang us out to dry.”
“Both, I imagine,” Devon said, a grin splitting his face.
The two men left them alone, heading for the pool where a group had gathered.
“Nadine. Don’t say no just yet.” Michael held her arm, his bloodshot eyes searching her face. “Think about it. Take your time. We don’t have to get married today or tomorrow. It can be a month from now, or six months from now. Please, don’t shut me out.”
“I can’t promise you anything. I don’t think it’s possible for me to love or trust you again.” Then she turned to her friends who were running toward them, shouting with relief.
Ashley got to them first. She tossed her arms around Jay and Devon, and kissed both men. “Where the hell have you been? We’ve been out of our minds with worry.”
Jordon was hugging them now too. “Oh, God, oh God. I can’t believe you’re all okay. I never thought I’d see you guys again.” She started to cry. “Come,” she dragged Devon by the hand. “Come, you need to tell everyone where you’ve been.” She added with reproach, “And why you didn’t call.”
“We couldn’t.” Michael had joined them. He kissed her friends, then looked longingly at Nadine, who had marched on ahead. “We’ll explain everything, but just once.” He glanced around. “Where’s Anna? She needs to hear how sorry we are.”
An hour later everyone had heard the story of their wild adventure, and all their questions were answered. Michael told Colt that he’d pay the owner for the wrecked Sea Ray cruiser, and was told the insurance on the boat put the cost at seventy grand. This little escapade had put him in the hole by a million split three ways, and another seventy, bringing his grand total to four hundred thousand smackeroos.
“Good thing I won that tournament back in February, or I’d still be sitting in that lousy jail,” he said, winking at Nadine. “Come over here,” he told her, “and tell me you forgive me. This has been the craziest week of my life. I probably deserved it too, but I’ve been punished enough,” he told her in front of everyone, “and I’m asking you to give me another chance.” When she moved to his side, he pulled her close. “I want you to quit your job as well. And like the crooner Sam Smith said, ‘Stay with me’.” He lifted her chin. “Want me to sing it to you? Would that win a smile?”
The memory of the music, the expectations, the emotions as she walked down the flower-laden path, brought a fresh ache to her heart. She pulled away, and sat just out of reach. “I don’t feel like smiling, Michael. I’m not sure how I feel anymore.”
“I think you do. You’re just giving me some grief, and I understand that.” He turned his most charming grin on Anna. “All the decorations are still up. How about we round up a justice of the peace and say our I dos for real this time?”
Nadine shot a look at Jeremy. He was standing near the bar, close enough that he could hear the conversation, but distancing himself just the same.
She was upset for him, knowing that he hoped she might learn to love him once again, and he resented his brother’s callous behavior. She wanted to go to him, but her legs felt heavy, unwilling to walk that short distance. As angry as she was with Michael, she was overcome with joy that he was here, safe, and still wanted to make her his bride. How that could possibly make her feel good, she didn’t understand. But his public declaration of his love, certainly helped her morale.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen, Michael.” She shrugged, and said softly, “What’s the expression? That ship has sailed.”
Devon and Jay laughed, but her father stood up, his stance that of a papa bear. “I don’t think any of this is amusing. How you can come back here and think you can just slide back into her life after what you did, I have no idea. But it speaks clearly of your character.” He shoved his shoulders back and lifted his strong chin. “Nadine, you’re old enough to make your own decisions, but right now, I sure would like to hear you tell him to go straight to hell.”
She rose stiffly, her entire body cramped, and her brain shut down. “Dad, I don’t know how I feel. I need time to sort this all out.” She glanced at Michael and touched his arm. “I’m overwhelmed right now. But I’m happy you’re back, all of you, and that you’re safe.”
She saw Jeremy pass behind her, noting the tenseness in his muscles, the fury in his face. He was going somewhere to let off steam. And that bothered her too. He’d lashed out at her once, and broken up with her to save her from him. How much had he really changed?
She didn’t know anything right now. Her brain was mush. And her emotions on overload. One day at a time. That’s all she asked. She couldn’t trust either man the way she felt, nor could she trust her decision making.
Jay and Devon had only come back for their belongings. They were heading to Miami to fly off to wherever they came from. Nadine didn’t ask, nor did she care. By now she knew that a golfer’s schedule pretty much had them in a different city nearly every second week. Not the older fellows of course, but the young ones who were lean and hungry, working their way up the leaderboard.
After their planned honeymoon, Michael was scheduled to play at the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, near Jacksonville. He’d already played in six events since his big win in February. It would always be like this. He’d come home for a week or so, then be off to the next big thing. Sleeping in hotel rooms, perhaps not alone. She wasn’t sure if she could or wanted to commit herself to that kind of life. Sure there would be benefits, like a big house and a fancy car, living the life of a celebrity of sorts. But that didn’t float her boat. Being married to a kind man who was home every night would suit her just fine.
The bar was open, and everyone was drinking and enjoying Taylor’s delicious snacks, but Nadine didn’t want a drink or food. She needed to be alone with her thoughts and figure out what she really did want. She got up and headed for the beach, walking in the opposite direction from Jeremy. A few minutes later, Michael had caught up.
He grabbed her hand. “Nadine, I’m serious about what I said. I’m never going to screw around again. I promise.” He shot her a look but she continued walking at a fast pace, eyes straight ahead.
“Come on,” he pleaded. “You’ve tortured me long enough. Let’s get married. We can do it tomorrow morning, and fly off to Costa Rica in the afternoon. We still have a prepaid three-day resort fee available.”
She turned to face him. “I haven’
t tortured you at all. And all I ask is for you to leave me alone. I can’t be persuaded. I need to make my own mind up. When I’m ready.”
“Has this got anything to do with Jeremy?” His jaw set tight.
“No. It has everything to do with Melody and you. Especially you. You didn’t want me to quit my job. You didn’t want me around day and night. Didn’t want babies. It’s easy for me to guess why. You wanted a wife at home, but groupies on the side.”
“That’s not fair.” His eyes glittered. “I’ve changed. Grown up.”
“Oh yeah?” She was breathing hard but she kept going. “What’s to say that after we marry, you might feel like that again? Some pretty girl comes up to you, what’s a poor guy to do?” She flashed him a look that told him exactly what she thought of him now. “A cheater is always a cheater. Can’t change your stripes.”
“I can. And I will.”
“I doubt that. You’d be constantly hit on, and a man like you would be tempted. I can’t live that way.”
“Is that your final decision? Or will you sleep on it?” He gave her a long look, his eyes searching hers. “Better yet—will you sleep with me?”
She didn’t answer for a full moment. She blinked, and blinked again. He thought it would be that easy? He could simply ask and end up back in her bed? It didn’t work that way. Not for her. She wasn’t desperate enough to marry a man who didn’t think she was enough.
“You’re a banquet eater,” she said with heat. “Not a man content with good steak.”
He laughed. “The only banquet I want to eat at is the one between your legs.”
“Save it, and stuff it.” She sucked in a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “I don’t even know how you can ask me to marry you now. And suggest that I sleep with you? Where do you get off asking me this?”
“I made one mistake. You intend to punish me forever?”
Right Man/ Wrong Groom: Paradise Cove Series - Destination Wedding Book 1 Page 15
