Serene remained quiet, not sure what to say.
Aimee turned her face toward her. “I don’t expect you to have any answers either. But it is nice to talk to someone about this.”
“Like I said, I’m always here to listen. You’re part of the family, like a sister to me and Misha. We both just want you to be happy too.” Serene paused, weighing her words carefully. “Even if that happiness is without our brother in your life. Maybe you should think about talking to a professional individually and as a couple.”
“We’ve talked about marriage counseling.” Aimee sighed again. “It’s really up to me, whether or not I’m going to try to move forward. I’d moved out for a few weeks. He asked me to come home, to give him, our marriage another chance and I did, but…”
“But you don’t know if you can.” Serene frowned as Aimee nodded. “Is he pressuring you to make a decision?”
Aimee got up off the couch. “No.” The sadness in her eyes pained Serene. “Kaden told me he wouldn’t push. I think I’m going to tell him we need to separate when we get back. I can’t take the silence in our home between us anymore, the pressure to fix us when it feels like everything we had has been shattered.”
“You said you still love him.”
“I do.” Aimee moved to the window and gazed at the ocean. “But sometimes love isn’t enough.”
“Take the time to figure out what you want for yourself, what you want from him.”
Aimee turned to look at her. “I will. I’m determined to enjoy myself while we’re here. I’ve wanted to visit this place for a long time.”
“Who knows? Maybe you’ll find some answers away from home, here in this tropical paradise.”
“Maybe.” Aimee pulled her cell out of her purse, looked at it and grimaced. “It’s Kaden, informing me he’s going out with Oliver and Cameron’s best friends before we all meet up for dinner tonight. That means I have our bungalow to myself for a while. I’m going to go take a long bath, order some fruity drink and stare at the waves for a bit. Thank you for listening and not ramming advice down my throat.”
Serene chuckled. “I never tolerated advice delivered that way either.” She hugged her sister-in-law before walking her to the door. “Remember I’m always here to listen. Just take care of your heart. I’m convinced you’ll figure out what to do next if you do that.”
“Funny.” Aimee opened the door and a salty breeze whipped around them, fluttering the leaves of the exotic plants close by. “I always thought that was Kaden’s role. See you later, Serene.”
“Bye.” Serene watched her walk out of view then closed the door with a heavy sigh of her own. Deciding to take Aimee’s idea, she headed into the bathroom with a heavy heart to take a bath in the freestanding soaking tub. She was more convinced than ever that her brother’s marriage was over.
* * * *
Serene glanced at her watch and cursed. She hoped Misha’s friends were ready or they were going to be late. Later.
Oh, well, Misha knew how hard it was to round up everyone.
Serene knocked on Ava and Josie’s door then glanced down at her new wedges. She hoped she wouldn’t regret wearing them. She’d bust out the jeweled flip-flops in her bag only if the pinch across her toes got unbearable, because her shoes looked amazing with her white bandeau dress. Serene lifted her gaze from her ice pink manicure when the door swung open. She beamed at Ava. “Good evening, chica.”
“Hey!” Ava whistled as she took in her attire. “Oh, la, la. You are not playing in that dress, mama. I’m loving the shoes.”
Serene grinned. “Thanks. They’re new.” She gestured at Ava’s teal and black sarong dress. “You’re not playing either. Very sexy.”
“I got it just for this trip.” Ava stepped outside and the wind teased her long dark tresses. “Tahiti is even more beautiful than I imagined it to be.”
Serene nodded, glancing around at the illuminated bungalows and flickering tiki torches closer to the beach. “Same here. Photos don’t do this place justice.” She turned her attention back to Ava. “You two better be ready. We are going to be the last ones to arrive. Where’s Josie?”
“I’m right here,” Josie said, stepping outside to join them, a vision in a royal purple strapless sundress and fancy green flip-flops. “I’ve been waiting on Ava for the last half hour.”
“Hey—” Ava pouted. “I was ready in record time.”
Josie snorted as she flounced past. “Please. Let’s go.”
Serene giggled, following her and Ava toward the resort restaurant. “Gorgeous dress, J. Is that new too?”
“Yup. I thought it was perfect for this trip.” Josie exhaled dramatically. “This is the first wedding I’ve been a part of where I’m actually looking forward to wearing the bridesmaid dress.”
Ava nodded. “Your sister did pick out an awesome one for us. I’ll be wearing that pretty little number again.”
“I still can’t believe we’re all here.” Josie pointed ahead. “There’s Misha.”
Serene followed Josie’s line of sight. She smiled when she saw her sister standing outside.
“You guys are late.” Misha huffed as she hugged them all.
Serene linked arms with her sister. “Would you believe it was Josie’s fault?”
“Ha.” Misha wagged her finger at Ava. “I know how many times Ava likes to change her outfits. That one is stunning by the way. You all look fantastic.”
Serene touched Misha’s fuchsia, sarong-style dress. “So do you. Isn’t she glowing, guys?”
Ava and Josie agreed as her sister giggled. “I owe my glow to Cameron.” Misha beckoned them forward. “Come on.”
“And where is that handsome fiancé of yours, anyway?” Josie asked as they walked along the terrace of the resort restaurant.
Misha glanced at them over her shoulder. “He’s with the rest of the guys around back. We’re dining outside. Wait until you see.”
Serene followed her sister and friends around the corner of the building toward a beautifully laid banquet table where Cameron and his friends stood chatting. The moment Cameron saw Misha, he came over and took her into his arms. Serene ignored the small pang of jealousy surging through her blood as they kissed. She was happy her younger sister had found her mate. Misha was cut out for marriage. She, on the other hand, appreciated her carefree lifestyle and the freedom to date and drop whatever man she wanted, whenever things got too complicated. She glanced at Cameron’s three handsome buddies walking over to greet them and noticed that Oliver had yet to arrive.
Ava leaned in toward Serene and Josie. “Yum.”
“Behave.” Josie gave her friend a stern look and Ava dissolved into an agreeable giggle as the men joined them.
Serene smiled at the guys. Yum was right. Cameron had some very attractive friends—each man was dressed to impress and they all appeared to be unmarried.
Cameron gestured toward the gentleman. “Ladies, let me introduce you to my closest friends. Serene, Ava, Josie, meet NJ Tolson.”
NJ stepped forward with an engaging smile. Built like a football player, he had a commanding presence further enhanced by his dark good looks. “Nice to meet you all.”
“And this”—Cameron pointed to the sandy-haired man on his left with chiseled features and intense blue eyes—“is Jax Byer.”
“Tahiti’s beauty is nothing compared to you ladies.” Jax took hold of Ava’s hand and kissed it with flourish before proceeding to do the same to Josie and Serene.
Cameron chuckled. “I knew you’d find a way to hit on all three of them.”
“What? That was a true statement.” Jax tilted his head in the direction of the cute, buff, crew-cut guy to his right. “Wasn’t it, Braeden?”
“It was absolutely a true statement.” Braeden bowed his head in their direction as he flashed them a perfect smile to go along with his all-American look. “I’m delighted to make all of your acquaintances. I’m Braeden Vane.”
Serene shook his hand.
“Likewise.”
“So, how did you all become friends?” Ava asked, moving closer to NJ.
“Cam and I were college roommates for two years.” NJ shook his head. “Two crazy years.”
“No need to talk about the past.” Cameron clapped his hand on NJ shoulder as the men chuckled. “Jax and I connected in culinary school. He’s head chef for my New York restaurant now.”
“Jax rocks,” Misha said, her face alight with happiness. “But I must say all of Cameron’s friends do.”
“Cameron and I go way back.” Braeden whistled. “Boy, did we wreak some havoc during our entire four years of high school.”
“Yes, we did.” Cameron cocked his head in his friend’s direction. “Again, don’t you go sharing any wild stories, either.”
“No way, man.” Braeden winked at the women. “Not until after the wedding, at least.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.” Cameron glanced at his watch. “I’ve introduced you to all of my groomsmen, except for my brother, Oliver.”
Misha frowned. “Where is he?”
“I’m here.”
Oliver’s deep voice came from behind them. Serene pivoted along with Ava and Josie to see him sauntering forward, devilishly handsome in a pair of light linen pants and a muscle-hugging, ice-blue T-shirt.
“Nice of you to show up, little brother,” Cameron said after introductions were made.
Little?
Right. Serene had almost forgotten that Oliver was younger.
Younger than you by how many years?
A hint of a smile teased the sensual line of Oliver’s mouth. “What can I say? The afternoon got away from me.” Oliver’s gaze locked with Serene’s and her heart fluttered as erotic images of just how he’d spent his afternoon flooded her mind. “I’m sorry I’m late. The good news is this party can now officially begin.”
Chapter Two
“Oliver, you were right about Tahiti. This has gotten to be one of the prettiest spots on the planet. I see why this is your favorite place to visit and let off a little steam.”
Oliver nodded at Cameron. “I’ve been trying to get you to come here for several years and you always turned me down.”
“I never had a reason before Misha.”
Oliver scoffed. “You don’t need a reason to come to the islands, brother.”
“Well, I just always envisioned bringing someone extra special to share the experience with.” Cameron shifted his attention over to Misha. “I’m glad I waited.”
“You are truly in love.”
Cameron grinned. “That I am. So, Mr Ladies’ Man, where is Shannon?”
“The flight and an afternoon in the sun must’ve…uh, tired her out.”
“Right. I’m surprised Ms Erby was able to come on such short notice.”
Oliver raised an eyebrow as flashbacks of the limber redhead wrapped around his waist flitted through his mind. “I wasn’t. What woman would turn down Tahiti and me?”
“You are a mess when it comes to women, you know that?”
“Hey, anything else would be boring in my book.”
“You’ve just gotta find the right page turner.” Cameron handed Oliver a beer.
“Maybe.” Oliver took a swig and watched Serene laughing with her sister. “I just want to enjoy tonight. Tomorrow, Mom and Dad arrive, which means I’ll have to rein in my wild side.”
“I think they already know about it.”
Oliver laughed. “True, but knowing about it and seeing it are two very different things. Dad has always seen me as the more responsible one despite being the youngest.”
“That’s hilarious.” Cameron tilted his beer back with a shake of his head. “I don’t think either one of them ever realized you were always more reckless than I was.”
“How could they when you always covered for me?”
Cameron smiled. “True. Honestly, I’m not looking forward to him being here either. If he says anything that rubs me the wrong way…”
Oliver picked up the hard edge in his brother’s voice. “He’ll be on his best behavior, especially with Mom around.”
“We’ll see. He’s still pissed I turned down the gig to host Celeb Chef. Because of me, Shawn Rill pulled out of their deal to use one of our hotels as set for the show.”
“He’ll get over it.”
Cameron raised an eyebrow. “Think so? We both know our dad can hold a grudge.”
“When it comes to business. This is about family.”
Cameron shook his head. “See, that’s why you work for the man.” He tilted his head over by the animated group. “Looks like we are wanted by the banquet now.”
“Good. I’m starved.” Oliver followed his brother over to table. “Cam, don’t let anything or anyone—including our father—mess up this moment for you. Despite what he doesn’t say, I know he’s impressed with what you’ve done with your two restaurants.”
Cameron shrugged. “I no longer care about having his approval, but I will not tolerate his lack of respect anymore.”
“Come on, you two.” Misha waved them over and Cameron went to her side. “Cameron and I are so happy to have our dearest friends and family here. It’s truly a gift to be surrounded by those that love us as we prepare to commit to our love in front of you all in couple of days.” Cheers and whistles erupted from the bunch before Misha continued. “There are place cards for everyone when you’re ready to take your seat. Let’s eat, drink and be very merry!”
“Place cards? What the hell?” NJ murmured as he walked by and Oliver chuckled.
He checked his cell, finding a text from Shannon asking him to bring her back some fresh fruit, and replied that he would with the condition that he fed it to her. Her lightning fast, enthusiastic reply pleased him. Shannon was fun and the things she could do with her legs…
She was the perfect island getaway girl with no strings attached. Well, except for her string bikini, and Oliver couldn’t wait to see her in that. He moved toward the buffet and his stomach growled the instant he saw the sumptuous feast of fresh fruit, seafood and marinated roast chicken.
“Oliver?” Misha touched his arm and Oliver turned to see her and the striking couple standing beside her. “I wanted to introduce you to my brother Kaden and his wife Aimee.”
Oliver shook Kaden’s hand then Aimee’s. “Hello. It’s very nice to meet you both. How long have you two been married?” Oliver thought both Kaden’s and Aimee’s smiles faded a bit.
Kaden briefly glanced at this wife. “Nine years.”
Oliver nodded. “Wow. That’s fantastic. Tahiti is the perfect place for a second honeymoon.”
“Yes, it is.” Misha took hold of Aimee’s arm. “Aimee, I need your opinion on something. Can I steal you away for a moment?”
“Of course.” Aimee turned to Oliver. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Oliver.”
“Likewise,” Oliver said, noticing she barely glanced at her husband before walking off with Misha.
“So, this isn’t your first time to the island?” Kaden asked, his gaze still on his wife.
“No. Tahiti and I are old friends.”
Kaden chuckled. “Ah, the life of a bachelor obviously has its perks.”
“It does. I must say, I admire your commitment to Aimee.”
Kaden cleared his throat and leveled a look Oliver’s way. “Don’t.”
Oliver frowned when Kaden walked off before he could respond. There was definitely something up with that couple. He headed over to the buffet, grabbed a plate, filled it with a little of everything offered then went in search of his name around the candlelight table. He found it at the end right by Serene.
This will be fun.
Oliver moved toward his seat, watching Serene talking to Ava. The two women were engrossed in their conversation, giving Oliver plenty of time to appreciate the luminous white dress Serene wore. She had a lovely toned body, but had managed to maintain her curves. His gaze dropped to her shoes and his cock twitched apprec
iatively.
Damn sexy.
Serene was a beautiful woman, captivating with her lush mocha skin and feminine grace. Oliver loved her short pixie hairstyle and the way it showed off her elegant bone structure. She had a presence and calmness about her Oliver found intriguing.
As if sensing she was being observed, Serene turned her head and met his gaze.
“Good evening, Serene.” Oliver took his seat and scooted closer to the table and Serene. “Did you get a chance to take in any more of sights here on the island?” He couldn’t resist teasing her, wanted to get a reaction out of her like he had earlier. Serene didn’t disappoint him. Her wide brown eyes narrowed as she glared at him. The fire in her eyes matched the intensity he’d heard in her voice when he’d caught her spying on him and Shannon.
“You know what? I saw more than I wanted to see this afternoon.” Serene lifted her goblet of water and Oliver watched her take a careful sip.
“Oh?” Oliver leaned in toward her. “You didn’t want to see? Because from where I was standing—”
“Really?” Serene glanced around as if to see if anyone was paying their conversation any attention. Apparently satisfied, she fixed her hard gaze back on Oliver. “You’re going to talk about this now?”
“I thought it would be better than just pretending I didn’t see you watching me with Shannon.”
“Look,” Serene lowered her voice, “it wasn’t my intention to watch. I don’t, I’m not into that kind of thing. Now we are never going to discuss this again.”
Oliver chuckled. “Fine, but I think you’re wrong.”
A small frown briefly marred Serene’s smooth brow. “Wrong about what?” She sat back in her chair and Oliver smirked, amused by the seemingly blasé expression on her face.
“You are into that kind of thing.”
Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) Page 2
