Time to go.
Serene headed outside, locked her bungalow then stuffed her key in the tiny knapsack fastened around her hips. She drew in a deep breath, loving the colorful flowers surrounding her, perfuming the air. It was early, but she didn’t mind. Ava and Josie probably still slept. She had no intentions of squandering such a beautiful morning beneath the covers. A jog by the ocean was just what she needed to calm her senses before the rest of her jam-packed day as maid of honor got under way.
This is my time.
Serene moved away from the bungalows and followed a trail away from the resort down to the beach. She paused for a moment, admiring the sky and the incredible view of the ocean. Serene surveyed the practically deserted area and saw another jogger who’d had the same idea she’d had. She set off jogging along the shore, feeling more in sync and empowered with every step that took her farther away from her bungalow. Sweat trickled down her back as she pushed herself to continue for a few more minutes. She drew strength from the relentless water frothing on the sand so close to her feet. The exotic sounds and scenery added to what was, for her, a Zen-like ambience.
Winded, she stopped and stretched, meditating as she caught her breath. She stared out over the water in complete awe of the spectacular view. Something caught her eye, something or someone bobbing with the waves.
Definitely someone.
Serene stretched her legs, trying not to squint to see the person as they swam closer. She straightened, prepared to jog off when she realized who was coming out of the sea.
Oliver.
And dear God did he look delicious, all wet, tanned and sculpted muscle. Serene felt rooted in place as Oliver waved at her. She gave him a short wave back while willing her legs to propel her forward. It wouldn’t be rude for her to continue on her run, except she hadn’t moved an inch.
Don’t come over here. Don’t come over here.
Oliver made a beeline to where she stood, giving her plenty of time to admire the swim trunks slung low on his hips. The man had a six pack, maybe an eight pack.
Move your eyes upward, Serene.
She lifted her gaze to Oliver’s face and forced a grin as he approached her.
“Hey, Serene.”
“Good morning, Oliver.”
“What a pleasant surprise this is. There’s nothing like a morning run by the water, is there?” Oliver placed one hand on his hip, momentarily drawing Serene’s attention to the rivulets of water coursing down his chest.
“No, there isn’t. I don’t get to do it often back home.” Serene smoothed her hand down the side of her tank top. “I didn’t want to miss the chance while I was here.”
Oliver nodded. “Me either. I jogged first, took a swim second. Nothing beats taking a dip in the ocean after a good hard run. Have you ever tried that?”
Hard… Hard body. Good hard body. The words jumbled in Serene’s head as she blinked and it took all of her concentration to keep her eyes on his face. “I can’t say I have.”
“That’s too bad.” Oliver averted his attention from her to look at the water and Serene flicked a quick glance at his washboard abs when she really wanted to stare. She tried to swallow what felt like dry sand in her throat as he turned to her again. “You should try it now.”
Serene laughed. “I’m not wearing my swimsuit.”
“No”—Oliver looked her over from head to toe—“you’re not, but it doesn’t matter.” He gestured up and down the beach. “There’s no one around. You could strip down to your underwear and no one would care.”
“I would care.”
Oliver studied her. “You know, I think you’re a little uptight to be a Zen mediating spa owner.”
“Excuse me?” Serene crossed her arms under her breasts, her admiration of his body forgotten as she glared at him. “You hardly know me.”
“True, but I still get this sense that it’s tough for you to truly let go. Maybe that’s why you’re so drawn to what you do and teach to others. Tell me, have you ever been skinny dipping?”
“N-no.”
“Didn’t think so.”
“Swimming in the ocean at night is dangerous.”
“Yes, that’s true. I’ve done that once and I wouldn’t do it again. I don’t fancy being shark bait.” He cast a thoughtful glance over her. “I’d bet you wouldn’t do it even under perfect conditions simply because you’d be too afraid of being caught.”
Shocked by his unwanted, if not inaccurate, analysis, Serene frowned as Oliver chuckled.
“Don’t take what I said as an insult, please. I find your contradictions adorable.”
Serene ignored the tiny sliver of pleasure she experienced as a result of Oliver referring to her as ‘adorable’. “Speaking of adorable—where’s Ms Television? Couldn’t rouse her to join you for a dip?”
“I wanted her to rest this morning. She needed it.”
Heat licked Serene’s cheeks at Oliver’s obvious inference. She didn’t doubt the redhead needed to sleep in.
“Shannon will be traveling back home later this afternoon.”
“Oh?”
“Yup. She’s got an interview coming up.”
Serene nodded. “Ah, well, I’ll see you later, Oliver.”
“Yes, you will.” Amusement sparkled in the hazel depths of Oliver’s eyes and the warmth of his gaze seemed to penetrate into her muscles. “We get to walk down the aisle together.”
“Yes, we do.” Serene couldn’t help the smile that played across her lips in the face of Oliver’s effortless charm. “Well, until then.”
Oliver ran his hand through his damp hair, drawing Serene’s gaze to his solid biceps. “Later, Serene.”
The guy could model for fitness magazines.
“Later.” Serene pivoted and took a few steps away.
“Serene?”
She whirled around and met his gaze. “Yes?”
“If you’re feeling daring tonight, I know a place we can skinny dip without having to worry about being shark bait.”
Serene laughed. Surely he wasn’t serious? Who did he think he was? A playboy used to getting his way all the damn time. Serene quietened when he did nothing more than stare at her. “Um, you’re joking, right?”
“No, I’m not. I think the sensory experience would be good for you. In fact, I’m positive.”
Serene’s pulse quickened when he grinned.
“Think about it.”
“Goodbye, Oliver.” Serene turned again and jogged away. She increased her pace and tried to focus on the burn in her protesting muscles as she put more distance between herself and Oliver, but try as she might, she could not stop thinking about his invitation.
* * * *
Serene drew in a deep breath, enjoying the warm breeze wafting through the arched hut the resort used for special occasions. The ocean made the perfect backdrop behind Misha and Cameron and the whoosh of the waves added to the magical air of the incredible place where they would marry tomorrow. Serene blinked back tears, surprised at the flood of emotions coursing through her as she watched her sister and her fiancé practice their vows with the local minister. The wedding rehearsal had been going on for almost two hours, but Serene still found it hard to believe her little sister was getting married.
She glanced at their mom who managed to smile at her while she dabbed her eyes with a tissue, and the lump in Serene’s throat rose a little higher. If their dad was moved by the mock proceedings, he gave nothing away. Serene’s gaze drifted to his finger tapping on his leg and her lips curved upwards. It was the telltale sign that he was not as unaffected as he appeared to be.
The Banner parents sat on the groom’s side and Serene had entertained herself during lull moments of the rehearsal trying to gauge how happy the two were together. They came across as polar opposites. Ann Banner was warm and personable, whereas her husband Stephen had barely cracked a smile since Cameron had introduced them both to everyone.
Misha and Cameron playfully kissed as they w
ould after being formally announced as man and wife, and Serene clapped along with the rest of the bridal party as Nani, her sister’s wedding planner, came forward.
“All right. Next, the bride and groom exits.” Nani winked as good-natured cheers arose. “Yes, this wedding rehearsal is almost over. I think you all know what you’re doing now. The flower girl will be next and I promise you my daughter will be ready to go tomorrow. She’s done this twice for me already this year.”
“Thank you, Nani.” Misha squeezed the woman’s hand as she walked past her, arm in arm with Cameron and giggled when he pulled her close to kiss her again. They waved as the groomsmen whistled before Cameron guided her down the aisle.
Nani touched Serene’s arm. “Now, I need the best man and the maid of honor to link arms again and walk down the aisle.”
Serene looked up at Oliver as he moved forward and offered his arm to her. He looked damned attractive dressed in white linen pants and a light blue, short-sleeved button-down shirt.
Too damned attractive.
Fixing a smile on her face, Serene averted her gaze when he linked his bare arm with hers and wondered if the butterflies in her stomach were a result of what she had to do as Misha’s maid of honor or because being so close to Oliver unnerved her.
“What color is the dress?”
Serene glanced at him as they walked from beneath the wooden canopy, down the aisle and into the brilliant sunlight. She smoothed her free hand over her flirty sundress. “I guess they call this magenta?”
Oliver chuckled. “It’s gorgeous on you, but I was talking about the bridesmaid dress.”
“Oh. It’s a buttery shade of yellow.”
“Nice.” Oliver pointed down to their bare feet in the pale sand when they stopped at their designated spot to wait for the rest of the bridal party to join them. “Were you disappointed to learn you wouldn’t get to wear the perfect pair of heels to match?”
“A little, but not having to wear heels for Misha’s wedding meant I could bring along a different pair.” Serene smiled when Oliver laughed. “You must get your easy-going personality from your mom.”
Oliver nodded. “I do.” He gave cut her a serious look. “What? Are you saying my dad comes across like a hard ass?”
“Um—”
Oliver reached up and touched her arm still linked with his. “I’m teasing you. My father isn’t a people person. My mom is always laughing about something, which is good. She balances out my dad.”
“A true case of opposites attract.” Serene waved at the Aimee walking toward them with Braeden. “Like my parents.”
“Yup. I can see that with your folks too. What about your sister-in-law and your brother? Same thing?”
Serene glanced at Oliver. “You know, I wouldn’t say those two are polar opposites. I think they were drawn to each for the things they had in common.”
“Hmm… I wonder which way works best?”
Serene turned her face from Oliver’s to glimpse at Kaden sitting by her dad. Her brother’s gaze was glued on Aimee as she approached them. “I don’t know if there is any magic combination to love. There just has to be love, along with mutual respect and trust.”
“Yeah. That sounds about right. We can only guess, since we’re both single.”
Serene pulled free from Oliver. “I’m single by choice.”
“Me too. Love seems like too much damn work. Lust is a lot more fun.” Oliver chuckled as she stared at him. “What? You don’t agree?”
At the moment I would.
Sexual need surged through Serene as she shrugged. “Hmm.” Serene tore her gaze from him as the rest of the bridal party joined them, happy when NJ began talking to Oliver and effectively prevented any further conversation on the topic. Serene chatted with the other ladies, conscious of Oliver out of her peripheral interacting with the other men as her brother Kaden talked on his cell.
“Kaden, are you up for a friendly game of volleyball?” Oliver asked.
Serene saw her brother nod and wondered if it bothered him not to officially be part of the bridal party. She was glad he’d agreed to spend some time with the guys because it was clear that Aimee needed space. Serene squeezed Kaden’s arm when he came over.
Kaden nodded his head at the men as he hugged her. “Let’s do this.”
“All right, we’ll catch up with you females later. There’s still time to change your mind. Would any of you rather play a little beach volleyball over going to the spa?” Oliver chuckled when the four women simply stared at him.
Braeden clapped his hands together, drawing attention to his cut arms. “Have fun, ladies.”
“Oh, we will—” Josie shook her head. “More fun than you boys getting all sweaty in the sand.”
“Mmm. On second thought…” Ava eyed the guys as she rubbed her chin then waved her hand. “Nah.” She giggled as the group laughed.
“Serene, you can answer my question later.” Oliver winked at her before walking off with the other groomsmen, already discussing who’d score the first point.
“What’s he talking about?” Josie asked, pushing her blonde hair off her shoulders.
“Nothing. Oliver can be a tad obnoxious.” Serene snorted. “Funny that word—just like his name, starts with an O too.”
And so does orgasm. Serene cleared her throat, annoyed by the seemingly unrelenting flashbacks of Oliver slamming into Shannon outside.
Josie giggled. “He’s also very charming and gorgeous.”
“Just like Cameron…” Ava leaned in closer to them. “I was about to say charm runs in the family, but, no. Not for Papi.”
“He probably just needs to unwind. They just got here.” Serene watched her mom chat with Oliver’s mother. The two women were laughing while their husbands appeared to be struggling to make conversation. “Jet lag can make anyone grumpy.”
“Jet lag is worth all of this.” Aimee waved her hand at the sparkling sea. “Your sister saved herself a lot of headaches by having a destination wedding. Fewer guests, no mess and look at this damn view.”
“I know, right?” Ava swirled the sand with her toe. “I think I’ll do a destination wedding too.”
Serene pulled her sunglasses off the bodice of her dress and put them on. “Looks like you’ve hit it off with NJ.”
Ava turned to face the women. “Good Lord, I hope so. He’s so yum.”
Josie giggled. “I’ve gotta say, all of the men in this bridal party are delish, but the moment I saw NJ I knew Ava would want him.”
“Mmm,” Ava purred. “What’s not to want?”
“So you’re getting those good vibes then with him?” Serene asked as the ladies chuckled.
Ava flipped her dark tresses over her shoulder with a careless shrug. “It’s too soon to tell, but I’m not getting any negative vibes about him and let me just say it’s been a long time since that’s happened.”
“I think this place inspires romance.” Josie lifted her face in the sunlight. “There’s something about this island sun.”
“Ha! Let’s hope so.” Ava sashayed to an unheard rhythm. “I don’t know about you gals, but I plan to enjoy the heat, chicas!”
Josie looked at Ava. “Just don’t get burned.”
Ava nodded. “Not to worry, ladies, not to worry. Okay, so, we all have mani-pedi appointments before the rehearsal dinner—who’s in for a round of margaritas beforehand?”
“I’ll meet you guys at the spa.” Serene glanced at her watch. “I’m supposed to meet Misha to discuss some last minute details first.”
“All right, we’ll see you there.” Ava squealed. “The health resort we’re about to visit has the best reviews. I can’t wait for a little pampering.”
Aimee sighed. “I could sure use some. I hope this place serves champagne.”
“They do, and all kinds of other exotic fruit drinks.” Josie linked her arm with Aimee’s. “You look like you need one of those mango Martinis right now.”
“Let’s do it. We�
��ve got time.” Ava gestured behind her. “Aww, look at those two.”
Serene turned with the other women to see her parents sharing a slow kiss and grinned. “They do that all the time.”
“That’s so sweet.” Josie touched her heart. “That’s what I want, right there.”
Serene glanced at Aimee, noticed the tears glistening in her eyes, and knew that had been her sister-in-law’s dream for her marriage too.
“Let’s go have some fun, girls.” Ava wagged her finger at Serene. “Don’t be late or there’ll be no Martinis left for you.”
“I’ll be there. Go.” Serene waved at the women as they left then turned to face the water. Drawing in a deep breath, she closed her eyes and listened to the lulling sound of the waves breaking along the shoreline. She tried to envision herself marrying the man of her dreams and wondered if such a man existed.
“Feeling stressed again?”
Serene whipped around to see Oliver approaching her with a sardonic grin on his face. “What are you doing back here?” Her pulse quickened at the sight of him. He’d unbuttoned his shirt and it flapped at his sides in the breeze, offering a tantalizing glimpse of his chest. Determined not to stare, Serene quickly lifted her eyes to his face.
Oliver moved past her to grab a pair of sunglasses on one of the chairs. “I forgot my shades. Can’t play beach volleyball without them.” He came back over to her, forcing her to meet his steady gaze.
“Right.” Serene pulled her shades off. “Well, you better hurry.”
Oliver glanced at his watch. “I’ve got a few minutes. The fellas all wanted to change first, which gives you a chance to answer my earlier question.”
Damn. She’d hoped he’d forget about her not answering.
“So, Serene, tell me… Are you single because you agree lust is more fun?”
Chapter Four
Oliver slipped the arm of his sunglasses into the loop on his pants, intrigued by the way Serene’s beautiful eyes widened for a few seconds before she shuttered her true emotions from him and gave him another careless shrug.
“I’d say both love and lust can be tricky. Lust can be easy. All-consuming passion with none of the real work that comes along with the other ‘L’ word.” Serene briefly dropped her gaze from his to silence her chiming phone. “At least with lust you can usually end things without any lasting emotional scars.”
Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) Page 4
