Barefoot Bay: Castle in the Sand (Kindle Worlds Novella) (7 page)

For whatever reason, that’s when it all hit her. The stress of seeing him again, coupled with the fear she’d felt this afternoon while out in the stormy water, rushed up and consumed her. Her breath hitched, and when he looked up, tears burned her eyes.

“Josie?” His voice, husky and warm, reminded her of long nights they’d spent wrapped around each other.

No amount of self-control was going to help her then. Once she thought about what used to be, all the memories, coupled with the stress of the day, everything came crashing down around her. To her horror and relief, Tony didn’t hesitate to do something about it. As soon as he saw she was upset, he was off the couch and pulling her into the safety of his arms.

“
Mon ange,”
he whispered into her hair.
My angel
. If she hadn’t been missing him, that again would have done it. Her heart ached for him, now more than ever. “What’s wrong? Please don’t cry. If I did anything, I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t. I just… I don’t know why I feel this way. I’m falling apart.”

“I’m sure it’s because of what happened with the dog earlier. That had to be draining. You need sleep.”

“I can’t. My brain keeps running it over and over,” she said. “God, Tony, I was so scared I wasn’t going to make it.”

“What? Oh, Josie.”

“The surf and the currents were horrible. I kept getting pulled out. If you hadn’t been there, I’d have drowned. I was so damn over-confident.”

Tilting her face to his, Tony’s hand came to her cheek, cupping it gently. “But I was there, and you made it out, along with our little friend. You amaze me, Josephine. You always have.”

He said her name like she was a princess. It sounded more like
Jozephine
, so elegant, so not her. All Josie wanted was to be with him, but she knew they never could be. She wasn’t ever going to fit in his world. She wasn’t a princess. She was a woman who saved stray dogs and taught school.

“You never think about yourself. That’s why you went in the water. All you could think about was Lucky.” He nodded toward the dog, who had fallen asleep on the kitchen floor. “The past three years I’ve thought about you every day. Missed you every day.”

“Then why did you leave? Why didn’t you fight for me?”

Stroking the hair from her face, Tony pressed his lips to her forehead and she allowed herself to lean into him, loving the feel of his mouth on her skin. “I don’t know. My life has always been about duty, about my country. I never saw my life as my own. Part of me didn’t want to subject you to it. At the time, I thought it would ruin you. Crush your spirit.”

Ruin her? How? By having to follow the royal rules or by being in the public eye? It didn’t make sense. He never even gave her the choice. “Losing you destroyed me. And I know that I shouldn’t say that. But I believed in you. In us. I think we would have had a chance if you’d believed in us too.”

“I wanted to.”

Josie wanted to say they had the chance to make things right, but she wasn’t sure if they could. “You should have trusted me. Instead, you let me down.”

“I can’t imagine how you’ve felt with me being here. I should have left the first day.”

There was no good way to respond to him. So she went from the heart. “It’s been a blessing and a curse,” she sniffled. “I love having you close again. I love hearing your voice, seeing you in the mornings. I love the smell of you when you’ve first showered…”

He smiled. “Seeing you when you’re first up, staggering for the coffee pot, makes my day.”

Slipping her arms around his waist, Josie rested her head on Tony’s chest and the world felt right. For the first time in three years, she was home, but it wasn’t going to last. “It’s funny how the little things are what we miss.”

“It’s true.” He was holding her head against his chest, allowing her to hear the steady beat of his heart. “I miss a thousand little things about you, Josie.”

They settled into silence, a quiet, thoughtful moment that required no words, but allowed their feelings to settle and the words to sink in.

“I should go to bed. Try to sleep.”

“I’m glad we talked,” he said quietly, releasing her. “You can always talk to me.”

Josie stared into Tony’s fathomless blue eyes, and wondered how he would react if she kissed him. Obligations, broken hearts, none of it mattered. She just wanted to feel her lips on his. Soft, firm, loving. “Do you want to hear why you’re a curse?” she asked.

“What?” It seemed to take him a second to realize what she was asking, and then he shook his head. “I don’t know—”

“I
ache
for you. My body, my soul. Everything. Having to see you again just makes me more aware of it.”

He closed his eyes, and she could see her words had hit a nerve. Good or bad, he felt something for her. The feelings hadn’t died. But just like all those years when the two of them denied their feelings because he was her brother’s best friend, they would deny them now.

When Tony opened his eyes, Josie sucked in a breath. No longer sweet and tender, Anton’s gaze had caught fire. “Don’t hate me for this, Josie. Please.”

Before she could say a word, he claimed her mouth with his. His lips moved over hers with urgency, desperation. This kiss was about loss, about the years apart, about missing each other so desperately that one touch ignited them both.

He sat on the couch, pulling her into his lap, and the two of them dove into the kiss with the passion only lost lovers could know.

His hands slid into her hair, holding her head steady as he continued his assault on her mouth. She could feel his arousal, his need, and she was burning up inside. No one had ever made her burn like Anton. Her prince in all the ways that mattered.

“This isn’t going to last, is it?” she whispered in his ear as he trailed kisses down her neck.

“I don’t know.”

It wasn’t the answer she wanted to hear, but he’d given her the honesty she’d asked for. Being with her meant changing his whole life, his whole existence. Anton used the word
duty
. That’s who he was, what he was all about. Duty. To his family and his country.

Now it was time for Josie to think about what she wanted. Was she willing to take the risk? They might only have a few weeks together, but now that she knew the stakes, knew their time was finite, was it worth the emptiness after he was gone?

“What if I told you that I’d rather have these few weeks with you than try to keep my distance?” she said, as his teeth grazed her earlobe. “That I just want to be with you. Even if you leave, I want this to end without any regrets. Without the hurt. I know where I stand now.”

He kissed her with new enthusiasm, and the longing Josie felt pooling low in her belly intensified with each touch. He owned her, body and soul.

“I would say I don’t deserve you.”

“Take me to bed, Anton.”

“Josie, it’s too soon. And you had a harrowing experience today.”

“I miss you.”

“
Mon Dieu.
You’re tempting, but I’ve been here just a week. You were angry with me for a long time, and today has been emotional.” She rested her head on his shoulder, hating how he made sense. “I want you more than you can know, but I need you to go into this with a clear head.”

“Pssht. You’re so damn honorable.”

“If I weren’t, you’d have nothing to do with me. Today, when I said you weren’t a convenience, I meant it.”

“I’m sorry I said that.”

“Don’t be sorry, there had to be something behind it. And I made so many mistakes with you. I’m not making them again.”

As he lifted her into his arms, Josie could see he was still at odds with himself. His heart was warring with his head, and this time Josie was hoping his heart won the battle.

But in spite of his hesitation, Anton carried her to her bed, setting her gently on the soft mattress. Josie heard her own sigh when he stretched out next to her, pulled her close, and drew the coverlet over them.

“Are you staying?”

“At least until you’re asleep.”

There was safety with him. Strange, since he was such a risk to Josie’s heart, but she felt safe nonetheless. “I missed this,” she murmured. “Falling asleep with you.”

“I have, too. We have a couple of weeks together, if we want them.”

“I do.” Snuggling in, Josie relaxed against his warm, strong body. It didn’t take long for the fuzzy feel of sleep to settle over her. This was how it always was with him. She was content, her mind quiet.

For the moment, as long as it lasted, Josie would take it.

Chapter Six

Tony woke with a raging erection. If he had any chance of keeping his promise to himself, and give Josie some space, he had to get out of bed. Put some distance between himself and the woman who put him in this condition.

Bright sun streamed in the windows, allowing him to see the beach, which was calm and quiet. Very different from the scene yesterday. Lucky was lying at the end of the bed, watching his every move as he scooted a little closer to Josie’s feet. She and the little dog had formed a quick bond, probably because they were both scared to death during the rescue.

He hadn’t been able to get Josie’s recounting of the events out of his head. The only thing that helped him sleep after hearing her say she was truly frightened she might not make it back to the beach, was to hold onto her all night. Which is exactly what he did.

Once she was settled in her bed, Tony wrapped his arms around her, allowing her scent to calm him. It was the only way. The thought of losing her chilled him to the bone.

And it made him think about every single decision he’d made regarding her.

Talk about a wake-up call. All he wanted to do was protect her, keep her safe. He had the stupid idea of chartering a jet and taking her someplace where they could be completely alone. Of course, that would more than likely piss her off and get him a one-way ticket back to Europe. No, Josie didn’t need him to control her life; she needed someone who would love her, stand by her.

That was all.

Leaning over, Tony dropped a kiss on her soft cheek. “I’m going out for a run,” he whispered.

She nodded and murmured something incoherent, but it was the smile that teased at her lips that made him realize he could get used to seeing that little grin every day for the rest of his life.

Heading out of the house, he looked up and down the beach. There were a few neighbors out picking up debris, including an elegant older lady at the house next door. Leena Vandenburg. He’d heard all about her. Her house was similar in design to Josie’s, but it had a more ornate lanai and lush landscaping with tropical flowers everywhere. She turned when she caught sight of him, and the look on her face was half smirk, half glare. This was a woman with questions. And he wasn’t going to get out of answering them.

Time to turn on the charm. “Good morning!” Tony waved cheerfully. “That was quite a storm last night, did you have any damage?”

“No, thankfully. None. You’re a new face. I saw you come in with Josie’s brother last week, but I thought you must have left with him too.”

Approaching the woman, who was wearing a slim tan skirt and a blue t-shirt, Tony extended his hand. “I’m Tony Granville, a friend of Nick and Josie’s.”

Cocking her blonde head to the side, the woman smiled. “Leena Vandenberg, and based on how pretty you talk, you are not from around here,” she said, noting his accent.

“No, dear lady, I’m…Belgian, and it’s my first time in Florida.” That was a lie. He’d spent quite a bit of time in Miami and the Keys, and Belgium wasn’t true either, but it was close enough. “I went fishing last week, and I’m looking forward to exploring a bit more.”

“You’re staying here with Josie? Hmm. And this is the first time I’ve talked to you?”

“I apologize for the lapse in my manners.”

This lady was quite astute. Leena was most definitely curious about him, and she was no one’s fool.

“So, how long did Nick stay? A day?”

“He made it just about twelve hours before he hopped on a plane,” Tony informed her.

“That boy does not stay still. His grandmother used to say he was born with wheels.”

“I think that’s an excellent description,” he chuckled.

“How did you and Josie fare during the storm?”

“All right. Had a little excitement when Josie went after a little black dog that got himself swept into the water. All is well, thankfully.”

Leena froze, her smile dropping. “She did what? She could have gotten herself killed.”

“She was feeling it last night. Realized how dangerous it was after she’d done it.”

“That girl. Always thinking with her heart, rather than her head. It’s going to be the end of her someday.”

Tony thought about those words, and Josie’s words last night, and his stomach lurched.
I would have drowned.

I. Would. Have. Drowned.

“Are you all right?” Leena’s hand touched his forearm, but all he could think was that he and Josie both could have drowned, because he would have gone in after her if she’d needed help. He wouldn’t have thought twice.

“Yes,” he lied again. “Yes. Fine. Just relieved today is quieter.”

“Of course. So what is Josie going to do with a dog?”

“We’re going to head out to pick up some provisions for the pup. We’ll need some food and a leash until we can find his owner.”

“Hmpf. Good luck with that. Probably abandoned.”

“Abandoned?”

Leena frowned. “Every now and then, some idiot motors up in a boat and lets a dog loose on the beach. Happens a few times a year, best we can tell. They know there’s a humane shelter here, and a lot of big hearted people.”

“The person should be strung up,” Tony muttered.

“What do you need?” Leena asked. “I have an old leash and collar you can borrow for now. You could pick up a couple cans of dog food at the Super Min. They won’t have any of that fancy gluten free, organic, chicken only food, but it will do until you can get off the island and into Naples.”

“The Super Min?”

“Our local convenience store. It’s at the gas station right as you come off the causeway from Naples.”

“You’ve lost me.”

“Josie has been neglecting her duties as host if she hasn’t taken you to meet the
Sisters of the Holy Super Min
, Charity and Patti. I
know
they’ll want to meet you.”

He was going to make a point to ask Josie about the Super Min and the alleged
Holy Sisters
. Leena was proving to be a fountain of information.

“That will have to go on my list. Can I get the leash on my way back from my run?”

“I’m heading to town, but I’ll leave it on the table in the corner there.” Leena extended a long finger toward a small round table holding a pot of large pink flowers.

“Thank you,” he said. “Lucky will appreciate it.”

“Lucky?” she asked.

“The dog.” Bowing his head ever so slightly, Tony smiled. “It was wonderful meeting you, Leena, and I’m sure we’ll bump into each other again. Thank you for the leash.”

“Have a lovely day…Tony.”

Waving as he left Leena behind, Tony had to smile. It was just his luck Josie would have a nosy neighbor. He would bet the
holy sisters
would know all about Josie’s Belgian visitor before he ever set foot in their market.

Josie awoke to the enthusiastic licks and kisses of one very affectionate puppy. Reaching out, she wondered where Tony had gone for just a split second, and then she remembered his gentle kiss before telling her he was going out for a run.

Wrapping herself in the memory of his kisses and warm embrace, she went about her morning routine, fed the dog some scrambled eggs, and made a list of what they might need from the pet store. There was a big box store in Naples, which could be a pain to get to, but they would have everything she needed for the dog.

She was also going to check with the shelter to see if anyone had reported a lost dog. Josie hoped that he was a stray who needed a home, because she really wanted to keep him. She and the dog had bonded over their harrowing experience in the water yesterday, but more than that, she liked the idea of having some company.

Tony wasn’t forever, no matter how much her inner voice wished it. He was wonderful, sexy, and sweet, but he’d be out of her life in few weeks, and she could move on knowing this time they’d ended things well. He wanted so many things for them, but she wasn’t going to fit into his life.

His very royal life.

Lucky started dancing around letting out little yips and yaps at the back door, then progressed to full-fledged barking and leaping when Tony walked into the room. His skin was coated with a sheen of sweat, his breathing was heavy, and he’d removed his T-shirt to mop his brow.

“Damn. It’s getting hot,” he said.

Josie licked her lips. “No kidding.”

There wasn’t a breathing woman in the world that wouldn’t have wanted this man. Holy hell. What a way to start her day.

Tony squatted down to pet the dog, but kept his eyes trained on her. He knew what she was thinking, and his stare melted her from the inside out. “You are a trouble maker, Miss DeMarco. Stop it.”

“Who, me?”

Standing, he plucked a grape from the fruit bowl and popped it in his mouth. “Yes, you.”

Rolling her eyes with mock attitude, Josie took in the gorgeous man standing in her kitchen. “Did you have a good run?”

“Yes. Oh, here.” He held out his hand, passing her a leash and collar. “From Leena.”

“Leena? You met her?”

“Yes. Finally. Lovely lady, quite curious about our arrangement. Said you’d been remiss about not taking me to some market. The Super something.”

“The Super Min? Oh, hell to the no.”

“What?” He followed her as she hung the dog leash on a hook by the door. “Why? She said there were two ladies there I should meet. Sisters.”

“Charity and Patti. Yup. Gossips. They live to tell stories about other people. You’re trying to stay out of sight? I’m not taking you there.”

“I have a car, you know?” His words slid out like a challenge.

“You wouldn’t, would you? You’d go there yourself?”

“Sure.” His grin was quick and cheesy. “I believe in living dangerously. This whole hiding out thing isn’t in my nature.”

“It’s a good thing I don’t.” As soon as she said it, she regretted it. Now she was going to get an earful.

“Are you bloody serious?” he said with total disbelief. “After what happened yesterday, how can you say that? I’m talking about meeting a couple of local gossips. You risked your life.”

“You’re right. But I knew what I was doing.”

“Really? You apparently have a very short memory, because you fell apart last night you were so terrified. Do you remember that?”

His Highness was making his point all too well. “Okay, I get it. You can stop now.”

“I can? Are you certain? Because I wonder if you don’t need another reminder. While I was on my run, I came across quite a few people, including Clay. Is that his name, the guy who runs the Casa Blanca resort? Nice chap. Told me two people drowned yesterday in that surf.”

“Tony, stop! You don’t need to treat me like a child.”

“Maybe not, but please promise me you won’t do anything like that again. God, Josie.”

Pulling her into his arms, Josie felt how tense he was when he banded his arms around her. “
Promise me.
”

“I promise,” she said. “Don’t worry.”

“Okay. Good.”

“You had some run. Met a lot of people, it sounds like.”

He smiled now that he’d calmed down. “It was nice. The coast is beautiful and that resort is spectacular. I think we should have dinner there before I leave.” He grabbed a glass from the cabinet and poured some water from the pitcher in the fridge. He was relaxed and at home.

But this wasn’t his home. Josie tried not to internalize the words, but just hearing him say the word
leave
, pricked at her heart. But he wasn’t staying, and this wasn’t news to her. He had a different life. One that was governed by rules and traditions. One that didn’t include her.

“Let me put on a little makeup and we’ll go the Super Min.”

“You changed your mind?”

“You want to meet the sisters, let’s go for it. Then we can go to the pet store in Naples.”

“I’ll jump in the shower. Is there a place we can grab some breakfast? I’m famished.”

“Sure, we’ll find someplace.” How many more breakfasts would they have together?

He started to make his way out of the kitchen when he turned, his blue eyes questioning. “Are you all right?”

“Of course. I’m fine. Go shower.”

“Josie? I mean it. Is something wrong?”

“No,” she snapped. “Go shower so we can leave. Now that you mentioned food I’m starving.”

He nodded, his expression confused, but she had no intention of telling him that the thought of him leaving was turning her inside out. It was her problem.

Several hours later, with the dog riding happily in his new car seat, Josie and Tony pulled into the Super Min. He was excited to take on the queens of Mimosa Key, and Josie had no idea why.

“Are you sure about this? Deep down they’re sweet women, sort of, and they love the town, but you are going to be talked about to every single person who passes through here for the next few weeks. Maybe longer if they find out who you are.”