Everything he said made sense. Caleb hadn’t cried for his mommy or daddy in his sleep in the last two weeks. That could change in a heartbeat.
She constantly reminded him of David and Shannon. But David and Shannon had wanted Caleb to not be afraid of trying new things, hence why they’d asked her to be his guardian, instead of Shannon’s parents.
Never in a million years did she expect anything would happen to them and she’d have to take Caleb.
The only thing holding her back was, what if Shannon’s parents found out she’d left Caleb for a night while she went out partying? They already thought she was totally irresponsible and didn’t trust her with their grandson.
“I know it’s only for one night, but there’s so much more at stake.”
“What do you mean?”
No one knew the burden she was under. She had no friends. No one she could trust with this information. Since her brother’s death, Sienna hadn’t let anyone close. Besides, in her old world the people she’d called friends really weren’t. They’d only wanted to ride on her coattails.
No way would she trust anyone with her location or what she was going through with Caleb. Anyone other than Aaron.
“Shannon’s parents, particularly Caleb’s grandmother, Glenda, want custody. They don’t think I’m a suitable person to raise him. She’s looking for any excuse to drag me to court and present me as an unfit parent.”
“Is that why you came here? So you’re far away from his grandparents? Is that fair?” Aaron asked, his fingers dancing lightly on her shoulder, totally in contrast with the censure in his tone.
Anger vied with need.
Raging at his assumption that she’d be so petty she’d move far away from Caleb’s grandparents was wrong. It was the total opposite.
She needed to control herself so she didn’t lean into him. She needed to stop herself from turning and wrapping her own arms around him.
Aaron being so close was exactly what she’d always wanted. Why she’d always misbehaved the way she had. After she’d sent her quitting email, the last thing she’d ever thought would happen would be something like sitting at a table with Aaron, sharing cake, and him comforting her.
What am I doing?
Sienna couldn’t give in to this. Her new life was in Mimosa Key. She’d purchased a house. With her earnings, she’d never have to work again.
Her brother and his wife had had insurance policies so Caleb’s education costs and more were all covered. She didn’t need to lean on Aaron.
For the past six months, it had been her and Caleb and they’d found their own way. They didn’t need anyone.
Aaron nudged her shoulder. “Sienna?”
Embarrassment at how she’d lost her thoughts around him suffused her system. Gathering her self control around her like a warm jacket, she pulled away from him. “You don’t get to judge my decisions. And if you must know, Caleb’s grandparents live on Merritt Island, which is only three hours away. I told you I came here because of the privacy, but I also came here so Caleb could be closer to his grandparents.”
“I’m sorry. That was rude of me to make assumptions.”
“So formal, Mr. Madison,” she mocked. “You were always good at making assumptions.”
Tension swirled around them. The easy banter disappeared with a few careless words. She was about to make it worse.
“I haven’t shared the information about Caleb’s grandparents with anyone. I share it with you and you frown upon my decisions by making assertions that couldn’t be further from the truth. I was close to saying yes to going to the wedding with you, but now, not so much.” Sienna made a move to get up, but Aaron’s hand closed over her arm, preventing her from rising.
“Please, Sienna, don’t go. I’m sorry. I truly am. I shouldn’t have said that. My only excuse is I’m still trying to get used to seeing you so different from the person I knew you to be.”
She relaxed back into her chair and shook her head. “This is me, Aaron. The person you’re seeing right now is the real me. The person you thought you knew did what she had to do to make it big.”
“I’m beginning to understand and like the real you,” he said in a soft tone, so soft she questioned what she’d heard.
Their gazes connected and, like in a movie when the camera panned in and all background noise faded to nothing. Sienna’s heart thundered in her ears. Her eyes were drawn to his lips. The same lips she’d imagined touching hers on so many previous occasions.
It wouldn’t take much for her to lean in and close the gap between them, to at last get the chance to taste his mouth.
Would they firm under hers or soft?
Would they taste of the chocolate cake and shakes they’d had?
The sound of laughter permeated their little bubble and she was dragged back to the present.
“Come to the wedding with me, Sienna. Please.”
It was what she wanted. Her agreement lodged in her throat, so she nodded instead.
The smile stretching across Aaron’s face was one she’d never seen before. His blue eyes sparkled like her villa’s pool did when the sun hit it at the right angle.
“And you’ll let Frankie look after Caleb, or would you prefer to bring him?”
Pleasure flowed through her. He’d asked her what she wanted to do with her little boy. Hadn’t assumed anything.
After a couple of deep cleansing breaths, her decision was made. “I’ll get Frankie to watch him. I know he’ll love it. As you said, it’s only one day, and if anything goes wrong I can come and get him.”
Once again he clasped her hand. “He’s going to be fine. I’m certain Frankie will make sure nothing happens to him.”
“I know.” Throwing caution to the wind, and giving into the temptation that’d been riding her harder than a bucking horse, Sienna leaned in and pressed her lips to Aaron’s stubble roughened cheek; his flesh was warm beneath her touch. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He stood, and because he still had hold of her hand, she rose with him. “How about you go pass the news onto Caleb? I’m pretty sure he’s going to be too excited to sleep tonight, knowing he’s going to be with baby animals again.”
“Oh, you have no idea.”
As they walked toward the farm, hand in hand, she hoped she was doing the right thing. It felt right, but there had been times when she’d thought she’d been doing the right thing, but had ended up being the totally wrong one.
It was time her life changed for the positive.
Chapter Seven
Aaron straightened his tie and gave himself one last look in the mirror in the room where he, Tom, and two other groomsmen were getting ready. He’d met Brody and Connor the previous evening when the other two men had arrived at the resort, and the bachelor party had taken off.
He’d enjoyed himself. On too many occasions he cared to count, his mind had drifted to Sienna and what she was doing. Caleb had been over the moon at the opportunity of staying with Frankie for the night and getting to play with the baby goats and chicks while no one was at the petting zoo.
Tom had been pleased when Aaron had informed him Sienna would be joining him at the wedding.
“Getting nervous?” He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
“Nah. It’s a walk in the park.”
“For a guy who spends most of his days covered in construction debris, wearing jeans and flannel, you scrub up nice. I’m sure you’re gonna get lucky tonight.” He winked, and brushed a non-existent speck of lint from his own suit jacket.
Tom had gone with traditional tuxes for the guys. Formal for a beach wedding, but he’d mentioned Caryn was going all out on her dress, so he’d wanted to make sure they looked good in their photos.
Aaron hoped there was a breeze at the ceremony site; otherwise he’d be sweating like a pig. Wouldn’t that be perfect, walking up to Sienna smelling like he’d run a marathon. He reached past Tom, picked up his bottle of aftershave.
“Dude, I know I’m going to get lucky tonight, are you hoping you will, too?” Tom teased.
“You were the one who made us wear these monkey suits instead of open shirts, shorts and flip flops. Just making sure I smell good.”
“You can get changed after the photos if you like. Caryn won’t mind.”
“Nah, I’ll just take my jacket off and roll up my sleeves.”
The door to the room opened, and a blonde woman poked her head in. “Alrighty, gentlemen, show time. Let’s go.”
Aaron bit back a laugh as the color drained from Tom’s face.
Yeah, he wasn’t nervous at all.
The woman he’d been paired up with was one of Caryn’s best friends, Victoria, he think she’d said her name was.
She was pleasant enough to look at, but married so she hadn’t tried to hit on him. A tradition that seemed to be the norm for all bridal attendants at weddings, or so the movies said.
This wedding was the first time he’d been asked to be somebody’s best man. He’d aced the important part—handing the rings to Tom. All he had to get through was the speech at the reception, then he could relax and concentrate his attention on the woman standing alone, nursing a flute of champagne. Her nervousness radiated out to him, and Sienna kept throwing apprehensive looks in the photographer’s direction.
Why’s the wedding photographer so interesting to her?
The man was married to one of the owners of Barefoot Brides, so it definitely wasn’t because she wanted to get to know him better.
“One more photo, then it’ll be the bride and groom only.” The man in question spoke.
He’d have to ask Sienna why she seemed so fascinated with the man.
“Thank goodness,” muttered his partner. “My feet are killing me.”
Aaron glanced down at the strappy gold sandals she was wearing. They looked like pretty torture devices. He was glad he didn’t have to wear them. “At least the sand flows through your shoes, mine collect it.”
“No talking, now smile everyone.”
Five minutes later, he strode over to where Sienna stood. He traced a finger down her arm. “Hey, how you doing?”
“You’re finished with the photos already?”
He went on alert at her tone, the way the pitch of her voice was higher than normal.
What the hell is going on?
Aaron cupped her elbow and led her away from the crowd. “What’s wrong?” he asked, satisfied they weren’t about to be interrupted by a well-meaning wedding guest or wedding planner.
“Nothing.”
He sighed. “Really? You expect me to believe nothing’s wrong? You look like you’re about to do a runner again. I thought you were done with that.”
“Do you know who that photographer is?”
“The one taking the photos?”
Sienna rolled her eyes. “Are there any other photographers around here? Yes, the one taking the photos.”
The whole time he’d been standing with a smile pasted on his face, he hadn’t been paying much attention to the photographer or if he seemed familiar or not. “No, can’t say I do. Should I know?”
“That’s Tom DeMille. One of the best photographers in the world. He takes beautiful photos, and is the photographer to the stars. He’s photographed me.”
The implication of her words sank in. No wonder she was worried. DeMille had the power to blow Sienna’s privacy sky high if he happened to recognize her.
While many of the wedding guests may not know a Hollywood star was in their midst, a savvy photographer with a keen eye could.
“I don’t think he’ll hang around much after the he’s done with the formal photos. He probably won’t even be at the reception.”
“How many weddings have you been to?” she asked, her hands on her hips, drawing his eye to the way her blue dress hugged the slim lines of her body. It was strapless with a neckline that looked like the curves of an ass. It accentuated her breasts, tempting him to trace the edge of fabric.
Even with her blonde hair dyed dark, and her beautiful blue eyes disguised by the green contacts she wore, Sienna was stunning. Breathtaking even. Every inch the superstar she had been.
“I think I should go home.”
Jolted out of his musings, he grabbed one of her hands. “No, I won’t let you leave. I’ll protect you, I promise. I’ll make sure no one here, and especially Tom DeMille, finds out Sienna Fairley is among the guests.”
“That’s going to be impossible. I’ll be sitting with a bunch of strangers and you’ll be sitting with the rest of the bridal party.” She nodded, as though she’d reached a decision. “It was a nice idea to have a night out, but it’s not going to work. I’ll see you around.”
There was no way he was going to let her walk away from him. He tugged on the hand he held, pulling her flush against him. “I don’t want you to go,” he whispered. Aaron lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss that’d been a long time coming.
Chapter Eight
Pull away. Pull away.
No matter how loudly the words sounded in her mind, it was impossible. After dreaming about this moment for so long, she planned to savor it. Sear it into her memory so she could pull it out on the lonely nights her future held.
Aaron’s lips where heaven. Soft and hard at all the same time. His tongue probed Sienna’s mouth and she opened to allow him access.
Her clutch slipped from her fingers and landed on the ground with a muffled thud as she wound one arm around his neck.
The hand Aaron still held was pressed between them. Their fingers entwined as tightly as their mouths.
It’d been so long since she’d experienced a kiss so real. In her career she’d kissed many men women around the world would love to. Not one of them moved her the way Aaron’s kiss did.
Sienna wanted to throw caution to the wind and tell him to take her back to his place or hers, she didn’t care, where they could take this further. If she asked, she had a good idea he wouldn’t object.
A sound, like someone clearing their throat, tried to penetrate the blissful state she was floating in.
Before she had time to register it fully, Aaron had pulled away and turned them so she was hidden from view of the person who’d been trying to get their attention.
An amused feminine voice cleared away the remnants of the desire engulfing her. “Sorry to interrupt, Aaron, but the bride and groom are about to make their entrance and we need the best man.”
“Right. Be right there.”
“You’ve got three minutes. If I have to come searching again, I won’t be happy.”
The reverberation of Aaron’s chuckle rippled through her like the waves from the bay coming up the shore.
After battling through the last six months, dealing with Caleb’s grief and adjustment to living with her, not to mention her own sorrow, she’d had no one to lean on for support.
Being held and kissed by Aaron melted some of the armor she’d put around herself. It was dangerous to let it continue.
She feared he’d have the power to disintegrate it all, leaving her vulnerable, and that emotion was one Sienna couldn’t allow to affect her. “You should go back,” she said pushing at his chest.
“Are you going to come back, too?”
Should she? Up until working out that the photographer was a man who’d taken shots of her and could recognize her, she’d enjoyed having the opportunity to get dressed up.
When Sienna had slipped the dress over her head, it’d been like putting on her old self.
A newer, better version of herself. A version she liked.
Determination pulsed through her, firing her blood. She wanted to enjoy her evening. Caleb was fine. He hadn’t even looked scared when she’d walked away after dropping him off at La Dolce Vita.
What was she going to do?
Sit alone in the dark at the villa.
No.
Besides, she wanted to dance with Aaron.
“Yes, I�
�m coming back, too.”
“That’s my girl.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead and intertwined their fingers, and electricity singed her neurons. “Let’s go.”
Two hours later, with a stomach full of delicious food and a couple of glasses of wine in her, Sienna was relaxed and leaning back in her chair, watching the happy couple dance.
During her time in LA, she hadn’t seen much of Tom Carrington, as his show was filmed in his home city of Philadelphia. The only time she’d seen him was when Aaron had invited his client base to a party at the Beverly Hills hotel.
She cringed when remembered that party. She’d dressed in a provocative dress in the hopes of getting Aaron’s attention.
It’d got attention all right, just the wrong sort. When she dumped a glass of wine on the guy who’d had his hands in places he shouldn’t, the look of disappointment on the object of her desire’s face had cut deep and she’d walked out, humiliated that she’d not only embarrassed herself but her former agent, too.
“How about a dance, pretty lady?”
Goosebumps prickled up both her arms. God, the man had a sexy voice when he lowered it to almost a whisper.
Sienna smiled up at him as he stepped into her line of vision.
He’d removed his jacket and rolled his shirtsleeves up. Holy heck, when had forearms become sexy?
I’m really losing it.
Aaron held his hand out. “So, how about it? Dance? You can’t leave a guy hanging.”
Giggling, she put her hand in his. “I can’t do that, can I? It’d just be cruel.”
His fingers closed around hers, pulling her to a standing position. “No, you can’t. Plus, I requested the next song just for us.”
The pace of the music changed from fast to slow with the start of Unsteady by X Ambassadors.
Aaron closed his arms around her waist and she looped hers behind his neck. He pulled her close and her heart skipped.
Barefoot Bay: Wrong Time for Mr. Right (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 4
