Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads

by Nicole Morgan

  “I know exactly what I like and how I like it.” Beck ran his gaze over Jami, and he was pleased to see her blush slowly. “What about you? What exactly happened with Eric the Amazing Jilting Lawyer?”

  Jami laughed as he’d intended. “I hate to admit it, but I think I was in love with the idea of getting married.”

  “You didn’t love old Eric?”

  “I had a crush at first. There was something titillating about the high school quarterback falling for me years after school. We had sports in common, and we used to run after work every day. He had a great job and plenty of money-making potential. He took me on fun dates and romantic weekends.”

  “Then what?”

  “I started to gloss over the problems. At first it was dumb things like he’d stiff servers at restaurants when he was mad. But then we started arguing about big things like having children, and how to manage our money once we got married.”

  “That’s not a good sign.”

  “Especially when nothing gets resolved, and one person starts to sulk. Then work late. A lot. And then starts banging half the dancers in Vegas while he’s doing the bachelor party thing.”

  “At least you found out before you got married.”

  “I’m everlastingly glad that he hit me over the head with what a creep he was.” Jami stared at her hands for a moment. “But the worst part is that he made the decision. I was such an idiot that I was going to go through with the wedding despite all of my doubts.”

  “Ouch.”

  “All the invitations had gone out. Presents were arriving. I was in deep.”

  “Was it a big wedding?”

  “Three hundred and fifty guests.”

  “Do you really think you’d have gone through with it if he hadn’t eloped?”

  “I wish I could say I was prepared to call it off, but I wasn’t.” Jami stared up at the sky for a moment, her forehead furrowed. “I’d committed to my course, and I was going to finish that race. Come hell or high water.”

  “You didn’t want to lose face in Barrett Ridge.” Beck made it more of a statement, instead of a question, and Jami bobbed her head in agreement.

  “My dad was pleased to see another child get married, and Eric is a distant cousin of Caitlynne’s, so I think she sort of felt like she’d set up the marriage, and it was up to me to take advantage of such a good match.”

  “That sucks. I’ve spent the last few days envying the closeness of your family, and that you grew up in a small town and had tons of connections.”

  “It’s not as glamorous as it’s cracked up to be.”

  “Ha! Cozy and loving is what came to mind.”

  “Nosy. Gossipy. Laden with peer pressure. That’s what comes to my mind. Are you ready for that if you move to Barrett Ridge?”

  “Are you telling me you think you’ll lose?” Beck leaned across the table and brushed his lips on hers, to lessen any sting from his words.

  “Don’t try to distract me.” Jami pushed him away, but under the table, she was busy running her foot along his inner thigh. “I’m just making sure you’re prepared for all outcomes.”

  “Change will be good for me. Besides, it will be like I have a built-in family already. We’re practically siblings.”

  “Is that how you see me?”

  “Anna, Sam, and Jo. Yes. Austin, Dillon, and Kyle, also a yes. But you?”

  “Well?”

  “I think you’re irritating, competitive, and bossy.”

  “You sure know how to charm the ladies.” She popped the last strawberry into her mouth with a smile.

  “I do. Thank you.” Beck pulled her hand close to his mouth, turned it palm up, and placed a long kiss on her inner wrist. “And you’re funny, charming, and sexy as hell.” Beck moved to her side of the table and pulled her to her feet, then ran a string of kisses along the soft flesh of her inner arm and stopped with his mouth on the delicate skin at the crease of her elbow.

  “That’s better.” Jami leaned her hip into his and cocked her head back.

  “Shush. I’ve got more moves to convince you.”

  “You’ll get no complaints from me.”

  Beck cradled her head in his hands and stroked her cheekbones with his thumbs before he touched his lips to hers. He started with the softest of pressures, but as she trembled, he deepened the kiss until her lips parted and their tongues danced.

  Jami raised her head, breathless, and ruffled her fingers through his hair. Electricity and heat followed the course of her hands, and Beck pressed his hand into the small of her back until her hips pressed into his and her towel fell away, unnoticed.

  BECK PULLED Jami close and she settled into the crook of his shoulder and arm with a delicate sigh, and within minutes, she’d fallen deep into sleep. Through the French doors, the ocean whispered, and moonlight danced along the palm fronds rustling in the breeze.

  Jami rubbed her head against his chest, and her hand curled close to her cheek. It was all oddly perfect. She equaled him in every way. Her passion was as strong.

  She didn’t shrink from teasing him or trying to best him in an argument or in a physical competition. Beck smiled. Whether it was tennis, snorkeling, or a treasure hunt, Jami was a gamer and would give it her all.

  Yet, despite her bold exterior, she tried to protect her feelings. Like her crunchy shell on the outside was a show to shield her tender heart. That jerk of an ex-fiancé must have really done a number on her self-confidence. Not that surprising, he supposed. Beck tried to imagine one of his old girlfriends eloping with a stripper while they’d still been dating. Um, yeah. That would shake the foundations of his self-worth.

  In the pale light, Jami’s dark eyelashes fanned across her cheek, and she seemed fragile, breakable. He stroked her hair with a tender touch, closed his eyes, and drifted into a peaceful slumber.

  CHAPTER 17

  J ami smoothed the filmy layers of her skirt and did a final check on the curling tendrils of hair on her neck. Yep. She looked good. Matter of fact, she looked rather fetching and probably enough to catch Beck’s attention.

  A shiver of memory rippled over her skin. She was ready for the touch of his hands again. It had been three long hours since she’d been wrapped in his arms. It was much too long. Jami stifled a sigh as she glanced at her sister, Sam, who was shimmying into a body shaper in preparation for the bridesmaid’s dress. The wedding ceremony was less than an hour away.

  “You look wonderful in that deep lavender.” Sam looked over her shoulder as she twitched at the fabric of her own dress.

  “It does show off my tan, doesn’t it?”

  “You do have the best figure of all of us.”

  “I’ll keep you around for the moral support.” Jami hugged Sam but was careful not to crush the delicate, lacy fabric.

  “You ready for Anna’s big moment?”

  “Funny, she’s getting married twice before any of the rest of us have even tried it once.”

  “The right man makes all the difference.” Jami almost purred the words. Now, why did Beck’s face pop into her mind when imagining Mr. Right? She smiled, and it must have been a naughty look because Sam narrowed her eyes.

  “What trouble are you getting into?” Sam whisked a blush brush along the sides of her nose and a dab on her chin.

  “Come on, we need to hurry up and get over to Anna’s suite.” Jami turned away to keep her sister from reading her expression. “I bet Jo will be knocking on the door any minute to round us up.”

  Jami’s phone buzzed noisily on the nightstand, and she turned to it in relief. She did not want to divulge any of her midnight adventures to Sam. At least not yet.

  “You go on ahead. I want to check my emails one more time.”

  Sam made a face. “Fine. But leave that stupid phone in your room or locked up in your purse. This is Anna’s wedding. Be present.”

  Jami waved her out the door. “I hear you.”

  Jami snatched up her phone and eagerly combed through her
messages. The county’s decision had been made. The email was nestled between a one-day discount deal on bedding and a real estate investment seminar offer. Her breath caught in her throat, and she pressed the phone against the filmy fabric of her bodice.

  At the moment of truth, she hesitated. She liked this oasis of ignorance. She and Beck were on an even playing field. They each had strengths and weaknesses. She smiled softly. She hated bugs, and he ran from lizards. And they both weren’t too certain about those heights at the waterfalls.

  She quivered. Beck filled her senses. She imagined his tongue dancing circles around her nipples, then down the center crease of her torso until he dipped to taste her honeyed core.

  Yes, they both gave as much pleasure to one another as they took. At least for her, she’d never experienced such intense ecstasy. She wanted more of him, and she had a sinking feeling she might never quite have her fill of him. Ultimate satisfaction made her want more. She flushed. She was greedy.

  A cool breeze shot through the room. The sheers at the window billowed. A note paper lifted up and fluttered to the floor. Jami bit her lip and gazed at the blinking light on her phone.

  She tapped the email message and allowed the awkward legalese to sink in. She read it a second time. Unbelievable. Her knees locked and a knife twisted in her gut. BK Industries had won the zoning change and could proceed with the purchase of the land.

  She’d lost. Austin would shake his head and give her his pity. Caitlynne would declare Jami was depriving her youngest siblings of their inheritance. And Dad. What would he think? He’d know for sure that she was a fake and useless. That she was unworthy of his love or his trust.

  Jami gulped at the knot clogging her throat. It was only real estate, but her life was in ruins. She’d failed her family.

  She scanned the email a third time. What was this about a federal grant for BK Industries? Her shoulders slumped. No wonder the county decided in favor of Beck’s firm. Barrett Logistics couldn’t compete with that. A tight anger swelled in her chest.

  Beck had snuck it past her. No. He definitely failed to mention it at the hearing. He must have amended the paperwork after the fact. Beck had outsmarted her. Jami curved her fingers into fists, and the nails slowly gouged into her palms.

  There was a series of quick raps, and Kyle peered through the cracked door opening. “You decent? Jo sent me to find you.”

  Jami tossed the phone on the bed and lifted her chin. “I’m so ready. Let’s go.”

  WITH MINUTES TO SPARE, Jami lined up amidst her sisters and nieces. Everyone was all smiles while Daphne and Mae giggled and spun in circles to watch their skirts swirl. Anna’s daughters’ heads were close as they whispered to each other, and Rob’s boys stood at rigid attention with the bug eyes of nerves. Jami took it all in as if she were a reporter, all of her emotions walled off inside a solid brick bunker.

  Sam and Jo fluffed Anna’s veil while Mandy and Elaine lined up on each side of Anna and planted kisses on each cheek, and then sashayed down the wooden pier to join the rest of the family.

  Jami’s father and brothers were gathered at the entrance to the gazebo. She caught her father’s eye, and he raised an eyebrow and shook his head. Heat rose in Jami’s cheeks. He knew. She mouthed the words, I’m sorry. Her father pursed his lips and flicked his gaze away from her. Caitlynne briefly smirked before turning to straighten the boutonniere in her husband’s pocket.

  Bile rose in Jami’s throat, and then she spotted Beck. He stood next to the groom under the curling, white wrought iron gazebo roof. He was dressed in snug black slacks with a crisp, deep golden shirt. Sunlight sparked off the crystal of his silver cuff links. She’d last seen him in the luminous glow of moonlight with a rumpled white sheet half sprawled across his nakedness. Her pulse skipped. He was too damn sexy.

  Beck’s expression was questioning. Jami stood taller and inclined her head ever so slightly toward him. There was no point in revealing her devastation. Besides, this was Anna and Rob’s moment, and no one needed to see she was a sore loser. Pathetic wreck was more like it.

  Jami blinked once and pulled her emotions close, like a strangling noose around her neck. The wedding processional music started, and with a little prodding from Sam, the twins marched the length of the pier while artfully pausing every two steps to chuck a handful of flower petals from the straw baskets on their arms.

  Emma and Carl went next, arm in arm. Carl was all seriousness as Emma smiled like a beauty queen, and Jami almost expected her to start the parade float wave. Ryan poked his elbow out at Clara who daintily rested her fingertips on his arm, and they marched along the wooden boardwalk at full speed with pink spots flaring on their cheeks.

  One by one, Jami and her sisters strolled to the gazebo and turned to wait for the bride. The music picked up tempo, and a calypso version of the wedding march danced through the air.

  Anna burst into a joyous smile, shimmied her shoulders, and shook her hips and danced toward the gazebo. Rob let out a whoop and joined her in their dance. As they reached the gazebo steps, Anna performed one last twirl and fell into Rob’s arms. They kissed and stepped up to the altar.

  As the couple exchanged vows, the strong morning sun burned on the back of her bare neck, and a bead of sweat hovered on her upper lip. A seagull squawked, and Jami glared at the miscreant avian. Of course, Beck was cool as a cucumber. His weight was shifted to one hip, and one hand rested on Ryan’s shoulder as the boy fidgeted.

  Beck smiled at her, but Jami blinked once and turned her attention to Anna and Rob as they lit the unity candle. Not a single gust of wind marred the moment, as two flames joined into one. Lucky Anna. Rob was a wonderful guy, and they were beginning their happily ever after.

  A tiny puff of a breeze cooled Jami’s damp skin. She peeked at Beck, and he was standing straight, and his hands had fallen to his sides. The back of his neck was red, but it might have only been from the sun, and not anger. His mouth was pressed into a thin line.

  As Rob and Anna shared their first kiss as husband and wife, Daphne let out a cheer, and both families broke out in applause and laughter. The crystal clear aqua waters glistened in the sunshine, and the sheer white tulle bunting lining the pier and encircling the gazebo bounced with each freshening, warm breeze.

  Jami smiled and clapped with everyone. As the happy couple kissed again, Jami scanned the faces of her family until she caught her father’s eye. His grin faded and his expression hardened. He deliberately looked away.

  A lead weight lodged on her chest, and an ache burned at the back of Jami’s throat.

  AMIDST THE TOASTING and feasting during the plated luncheon, Anna glowed, and Rob smiled from ear to ear as if he was the luckiest man on the planet. Jami made sure she squeezed in her toast to the blessed couple and made double sure she avoided any contact with Beck.

  The first time Beck had approached, Jami had lowered her gaze and darted off to check on the twins at the kid’s table. But the second time had been harder.

  She stood chatting with Dillon, Jo, Elaine and sturdy, young Carl who seemed very grown up with his starched shirt and tie. Her constant Beck-radar spotted him on a low angle approach from the south. His expression was careful, guarded, but his smile was genuine. Beck offered her a glass of champagne.

  “No, thank you.” Jami made sure her tone was distant but polite. “I’ve had enough.”

  “My mistake.” Beck’s gaze narrowed and his nostrils flared for the briefest of moments before he offered the unwanted bubbly to Jo.

  She accepted it and sipped it with a merry sigh. Beck moved to the other side of the circle where Dillon was helping Carl loosen the sporty tie from around his neck. Carl made a face as he dangled the offending tie from one hand before he stuffed it in his pocket. Dillon and Beck roared with laughter. The knot in her belly tightened.

  After the cake cutting, the bridal couple slow danced, and Jami spotted her father and Beck shaking hands. Their heads were bent close, and then her father patt
ed Beck on the back and joined Caitlynne who was sitting by herself. Her father glanced in her direction but skimmed right past her. Perhaps he was looking for something else. Or he was deliberately ignoring her. Jami’s stomach roiled, and a sour taste stuck in her throat.

  The afternoon wore on, and a breeze mercifully kicked up to relieve the midday heat and blow away the threatening storm clouds on the horizon. Jami’s lavender dress clung to her damp, bare legs.

  With a constant eye on Beck’s brown cowlick at the back of his head, she dodged him as if he was carrying the black plague, which was no small feat with only eighteen other people to hide behind. She knew she was being childish, but she couldn’t face him. She was exposed and wounded. Her father couldn’t bear to look at her, and Beck had beaten her.

  She finally sidled up to Fiona on the bet that Beck would rather avoid his mother. Beck stood by the bar with a beer bottle poised at his lips. He shot an inquisitive glance at Jami, but she tossed back a prim smile and turned her attention back to Fiona.

  As the woman droned on about her fourth wedding that had also been at a tropical resort, but in the much superior Maldives, Beck pushed off the railing and made his way to the bar. Jami chewed on her lip as Beck approached Austin and Dillon with three bottles of brew in his hand. He set them on the table, and the three guys shook hands and slapped each other on the back. Beck leaned close to Austin. Jami strained to catch what was being said, but the live band drowned it out.

  Jami wrinkled her nose and tried to pick up the thread as Fiona discussed the merits of prenuptial agreements. Every few seconds, her gaze wandered back to Beck and her brothers. Austin shook his head, shrugged his shoulders, and then clinked bottles with Beck. The men spread around the table with legs stretched out as if they didn’t have a care in the world. The fist in her stomach eased a fraction. At least the whole family didn’t hate her for losing the deal.

  She glanced toward her father, and he met her gaze. He scowled and his mouth screwed up into a tight pucker. He blinked once and then turned his back on her.