No Strings... (5 page)

He caught the sly smile on her lips and knew she was teasing him about their earlier conversation.

Now he had a better understanding of what she meant when she said that the survey was desperate and forced and how she preferred to let a relationship develop organically. But he still believed a quiz could help eliminate potential conflicts between two people before they invested too much time and emotion into the relationship.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know that those women and I had a lot in common, so much as their biological clocks are ticking and they’re anxious to get married and have babies.”

She tipped her head to the side, her body relaxing completely against his. “There must have been
something
in your answers that matched you up to those particular women. Maybe
your
biological clock is ticking?”

He smiled, as always enjoying her sense of humor. “I don’t feel a sense of urgency about it, but sure, I want to get married again someday and have a family. Don’t you?”

“Not anytime soon,” she said with an adamant shake of her head that caused her loose hair to cascade over her bare shoulders. “I’ve got too many career goals I want to achieve, and that kind of focus demands all my time and energy. I’m not willing to give up my aspirations for a relationship that would demand way more than I’m willing to give.”

Okay, yeah, he already knew that about Chloe. Her words reinforced once again why they were wearing different colored bracelets. “What about your lap dogs?” he teased, referring to the men who’d huddled around her, and were still watching her from across the room, waiting for an opportunity to claim her once she was free again. “Any potential suitors in the group?”

“Good Lord, no.” She looked appalled by the mere suggestion. “You know I don’t take all this matchmaking stuff seriously. It’s fun and interesting, and I’m making mental notes for my campaign, but there will be no love match for me. I suppose I’d have a good time hanging out with a couple of those guys for the next few days, but that’s about it.”

That ridiculous bite of jealousy reared its ugly head again and before he could stop himself he splayed his hand at the base of her spine and pulled her lower body tighter against his. “Don’t you feel bad about leading them on?”

“I’m just flirting and having fun,” she said, something that was an inherent part of her personality. “I didn’t say or do anything that would give any of those guys any indication that I’m interested in them on a one-on-one basis.”

“Yet that’s what everyone at this resort is here for,” he pointed out.

“True.” She sighed, a small frown creasing her brows. “I guess I’ll have to be very careful about the things I say and do.”

The song that was playing blended into another slow tune as more couples joined them on the dance floor. Aiden was grateful for yet another low-key ballad because he wasn’t ready to let Chloe go just yet.

“Actually, I feel the same way,” he said, and knew what he was about to propose would easily solve the issue, if she agreed. “I know tonight’s initial meet and greet was important to both of us to see how everyone is matched up, but I’d really like to just concentrate on the business aspect of being at the resort. Since you seem to be in a similar mindset, I have a proposition to offer that would benefit both of us.”

“Really?” she murmured, her eyes alight with sensual interest as her fingers threaded through the hair at the nape of his neck. “You have my undivided attention.”

Her tone was ripe with innuendo. Clearly, Chloe’s mind had gone the playful, naughty route, enticing a grin from him. “It’s nothing indecent.”

She feigned a guileless pout. “Too bad.”

Chloe had always been a shameless flirt and a tease, but after that kiss, everything between them now smoldered with an underlying heat and hunger. He was keenly aware of everything about her, making it impossible to ignore the erotic slide of her thighs against his, the heady scent lingering on her skin, and the delectable lips he wanted to taste again.

Hell, who did he think he was kidding? The impulse to claim her mouth for another deep, drugging kiss was just the tip of the iceberg. He had a list of all sorts of wicked things he wanted to do to her, with her. But mostly, he wanted to be that man to tap into her secret fantasy, to assert a bit of aggression and coax her to completely surrender to the darker side of pleasure.

“So, what’s this proposition of yours?” she asked curiously.

He exhaled a deep breath, which did absolutely nothing to lessen the sexual tension coursing through his body. He was certain nothing short of a cold shower would help at this point. “Since neither one of us is interested in being pursued this week, what do you think about trading in our current wristbands for matching red ones?”

She raised a perfectly arched brow as she contemplated his suggestion. “You want us to be a couple?”

“In wristband only,” he clarified, though the longer he remained pressed up against her, the more his unruly body clamored for the real deal. “If we’re both wearing a red bracelet, which lets everyone know that we’ve found a match and are no longer interested in mingling, then we can give one hundred percent of our attention to what we need to do for our respective presentations. We can attend events together, or separately, without having to worry about other people thinking we’re still single.”

“That’s a great idea,” she said enthusiastically. “It’ll eliminate the problem of having to turn down overtures from men I really have no interest in.”

“Then let’s do it.”

“Right now?” She widened her eyes in scandalized shock as she deliberately chose to put a playful, suggestive twist on his words. “Here? In front of everyone?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, what can I say. Beneath this stuffy suit and tie, I’m really an exhibitionist.”

“Hmm. You and I might be compatible after all.” Her gaze sparkled with laughter. “Now let’s go switch out these wristbands.”

5

C
HLOE
MET
A
IDEN
for a late morning brunch in the dining room, where they enjoyed an elaborate spread of food ranging from health-conscious dishes to rich, gourmet cuisine. There was something for everyone, and so far she was impressed with the resort’s selection of meal options, and the service, too.

She finished off her banana fosters crepe, and the efficient waitstaff promptly cleared her plate and refilled her cup with fresh, steaming coffee before she could even ask. She stirred cream and sugar into the brew and glanced across the table at Aiden, who’d just taken the last bite of his fully loaded omelet.

Today they were wearing matching red wristbands, indicating they were a couple, and so far, the ruse was working. None of the other singles approached them, which allowed both her and Aiden to just relax and do what they’d come to St. Raphael to accomplish.

“What are you in the mood to do today?” she asked him.

A wicked grin tipped up one corner of his mouth. “Is that a trick question?”

No, it wasn’t, but after that heated kiss on the plane and feeling his hard, masculine body moving rhythmically against hers as they’d danced last night, she could think of a dozen different things she’d rather do with him than the various ice-breaker activities the resort had to offer. But those more erotic, get-naked-and-burn-up-the-sheets-together type games weren’t an option for them, despite how much she wished otherwise.

“I was talking about what’s on the list of organized activities scheduled for the afternoon and evening,” she said, passing him the single sheet of paper listing the day’s events. “Is there anything in particular you’d like to check out?”

He leaned back in his chair and looked over their options. “There’s certainly a lot to choose from.”

She agreed. The activity director had covered the gamut of recreational offerings, from the basic getting-to-know-you trivia contests to the more lively, physically interactive games for those who enjoyed a bit more adventure and uninhibited fun. Each event was rated from mild to wild, so there was no confusing the level of sexual content in each activity.

Aiden glanced at his wristwatch. “Looks like there’s a golf tournament starting in half an hour.”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Forget about it. Golf is one of the most boring sports
ever.
”

“How about the wet and wild T-shirt competition?” he suggested, and waggled his brows at her way too lasciviously.

He was such a
guy.
“Only if you’ll agree to learn the cha-cha with me,” she replied just as audaciously.

He visibly cringed at her suggestion, though the laughter in his eyes gave him away. “Okay, I guess
neither
of those things will be happening.”

There were a few activities on the list that no longer applied to them since they were now a couple. There was no need for the speed dating event, or any of the other singles mixers, so Chloe figured they might as well choose something fun and entertaining.

After taking a sip of her coffee, she tossed out the one idea that appealed to her the most. “I was thinking that the risqué charades could be kind of amusing to watch, but that’s not for another two hours.”

“That would give us some time to walk around the resort and check things out now that everything is in full swing.”

She nodded. “That’s a good idea. I also want to talk to Ricardo about setting up a time frame tomorrow for him to take certain pictures for my presentation.”

“I need to do the same thing.” He placed his napkin on his empty plate and stood, looking extremely handsome in a casual gray polo and khaki cargo shorts. The man pulled off the executive look as well as a more casual style with equal aplomb. “Shall we?”

She joined him, and together they walked out of the hotel to the pool and lounge area. The sun was shining, making it a beautiful, cloudless day, perfect for outdoor activities. The area was quickly filling up with singles and couples, and laughter rang out as a nearby drinking game at the underground pool bar turned a bit rowdy. Other men and women were heading down a pathway that led to the beach to enjoy a swim in the ocean, or participate in the ongoing volleyball game on the sand.

Waiters carrying trays of fruity rum drinks aptly named “Love Potion” seemed to be everywhere. Chloe grabbed one for herself and Aiden as they watched a Ping-Pong tournament for a while before moving on to the game of bikini Twister that had them at times cringing and chuckling out loud as nearly naked, oil-slicked bodies vied for space on the overly large Twister mat. Each turn of the spinner had the men and women switching into very interesting and compromising positions that Chloe couldn’t imagine executing in a public place.

“I’d love to see the greenhouse they have here on the island,” Chloe said, ready for something a bit more low-key and quiet. “Want to join me?”

He gave a nonchalant shrug. “Sure. We still have a little bit of time to kill before charades.”

Chloe swapped out her empty glass for a refill of the fruity cocktail, then followed the signs pointing the way toward the botanical garden. The sounds of calypso music faded the farther away they walked from the hotel, while the lush green foliage and bright flowers and shrubbery increased. Most of the plants along the way were labeled with their name, origin and description. The intoxicating scent of jasmine hung in the air, seductive and alluring...as if pulling Chloe toward a magical place.

She sipped on her drink as the narrow pathway eventually gave way to a smaller, more intimate area, with a gazebo and greenhouse filled with beautiful, vivid flowers. Intrigued, Chloe gravitated toward the glass-enclosed nursery, and Aiden followed. As soon as they stepped inside, they were wrapped in humidity and the perfumed scent of flowers.

With no one else around, it was quiet and peaceful, and stunningly beautiful. Chloe wasn’t one to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, but she was completely in awe of all the beauty surrounding her. She and Aiden walked along the rows of floral displays, taking in the dozens of exotic blooms in brilliant hues, and more species of orchids than she realized existed—all labeled with names and descriptions.

Drawn to a unique cluster of fuchsia flowers that looked like a cross between a lily and an orchid, she studied the blossoms, fascinated by the way the inside folds looked similar to a woman’s vulva, with a small nub resembling a clitoris, while the thick stamen gave the impression of a very large, erect penis.

“This one looks like a combination of female and male genitalia,” she murmured in amusement, her thoughts tumbling out of her mouth thanks to the alcohol loosening her tongue.

Aiden moved closer to get a better look, the warmth of his body and the brush of his arm against hers causing her nipples to tighten in awareness. Everything inside this greenhouse—the steamy humidity, the drugging scent in the air, the erotic flowers—made her think of sex.

“The flower definitely has a lot of similarities,” he agreed, his voice low and huskier than normal, as if he, too, was affected by the sensual atmosphere.

Drawn to the bright pink flower, Chloe reached out to caress the protruding yellow stamen—even though she knew better than to touch something so fragile.

“Hello, you two,” a soft female voice said from behind them, causing Chloe to snap out of her weird trance and snatch her hand back before she could make contact with the fuzzy stalk.

Startled by the fact that they weren’t alone as she’d originally thought, both she and Aiden turned around to face the person who’d spoken—an older woman, probably in her sixties, with dark brown skin, warm brown eyes and a kind, welcoming smile. She was wearing a colorful caftan dress with billowing sleeves and her hair was wrapped atop her head in multiple braids entwined with colorful strips of fabric.

“We didn’t realize someone else was here,” Aiden said.

“I’m the greenhouse caretaker,” the other woman explained, spreading her arms wide to encompass the area, her voice filled with pride. “My name is Hattie, but here on the island, they call me the matchmaker.”

“To tie in to the theme here at the resort?” Chloe guessed, curious to know the woman’s angle.

Something mystical twinkled in the older woman’s eyes. “Some would say so, but while the resort has managed to find a way to modernize a love connection between two people, I still prefer to do things the old-fashioned way.”

Chloe wasn’t sure what the woman meant by that, but before she or Aiden could ask, Hattie spoke once again.

“It’s nice to have some visitors. With the resort offering so many activities, not many travel down this path to the greenhouse,” she said, her gaze seemingly scrutinizing the two of them with a discerning amount of insight. “Usually just the couples with a romantic soul.”

Chloe resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She didn’t want to offend the woman. But she couldn’t help but wonder if Hattie was feeding them a line, to make it seem as though the greenhouse possessed some sort of mysterious, enchanting properties. Then again, hadn’t Chloe just been mesmerized by that erotic flower she’d nearly touched?

Hattie glanced at the matching red bands on their wrists, a knowing smile curving the corner of her lips. “I love seeing when two people find their soul mate early on in the week.”

Realizing that the woman thought she and Aiden were a real couple, Chloe shook her head. “Oh, we’re not together that way,” she quickly clarified. “The bracelets are just a distraction. We’re one of the ad agencies here to work on a marketing campaign for the resort. This is just a pretense so we don’t have to mingle like everyone else.”

Hattie moved to a row of plants on a long table and tested the soil with her fingers before plucking away a few wilting leaves. “Trust me, the two of you were meant for one another.”

Hattie’s statement couldn’t have been further from the truth, but there was a calm certainty in her voice that made Chloe’s heart skip a weird beat.

Aiden shifted besides Chloe. “How do you know that the two of us are...uh, soul mates?” he asked.

Chloe frowned at him and his question. Had he really gotten sucked into the woman’s claim that she had the ability to predict a couple’s compatibility? The man was far more intelligent than that, but he appeared truly interested in the woman’s reply.

“The easiest answer is your pheromones,” she said with a shrug. “I can’t give away all my secrets, but I come from a very long line of matchmakers, and I’m rarely, if ever, wrong about my predictions.”

“So, when couples happen into your greenhouse, you can just sense their compatibility?” he asked, a skeptical note in his voice.

“Yes, I just know,” she said with the conviction of a woman who was confident in her abilities. “But everyone always seems to want some sort of tangible proof in order to believe my claim. This very unique hybrid flower, which is native to this island, provides that.” She indicated the bright pink flower that Chloe had nearly touched. “I call it the flower of love. I like to think it represents love and passion, because that’s the results it produces.”

“What does it do?” Chloe asked, curious despite her very practical nature.

Hattie smiled. “When a couple touches the stamen at the same time, it changes color. Sometimes it’s two different colors, which indicates incompatibility. But when the color is the same, well, that’s when the true magic of love happens. Would the two of you like to give it a try?”

Chloe’s heart was suddenly beating hard and fast in her chest, and she wasn’t sure why. She was torn between wanting to scoff at such nonsense, yet she was tempted to see how the whole color-change thing worked. And did she really want to know the results she and Aiden produced?

Aiden made the decision for them. “What the hell,” he said unexpectedly. “Let’s do it.”

Alrighty then.
Chloe exhaled a deep breath, and reached toward the flower the same time that Aiden did. With her thumb and forefinger, she lightly grasped the stamen, right below where Aiden touched. Beneath the pad of their fingers, a deep, dark purple hue saturated the delicate stalk.

“Ahhh,” Hattie said, her voice infused with satisfaction and excitement. “Desire, lust and love. I was right. The two of you are extremely compatible.”

Chloe quickly pulled her hand back, while Aidan did so more casually. She couldn’t dispute the desire simmering between them, but the other emotion Hattie spoke of, well, that she
could
argue. “We’re not in love.”

Hattie tipped her head to the side, her brown eyes gentle yet insistent. “But you have the potential to be, if you open yourselves up to it.”

* * *

A
S
THEY
WALKED
back to the resort a few minutes later, Chloe cast a glance at Aiden, who’d been oddly quiet since the older woman’s spiel. “So, what do you think of Hattie the Matchmaker and her claims?”

“Do I believe she just knows that two people belong together, with or without that flower trick?” He shook his head, clearly a man who thought in pragmatic terms. “No, I don’t. However, I think I just found my marketing angle for my campaign.”

“Really?” No wonder Aiden had asked so many questions, and had so willingly gone along with all of Hattie’s antics. “So, you’re going to spin the fact that St. Raphael has an actual, old-fashioned matchmaker on the island?”

“Absolutely.” He gave her a smug smile. “And I’m going to make it work in a way that’s going to increase the resort’s exposure and gives them an added edge over their competition.” He grabbed her hand and picked up their pace along the walkway. “Come on, we need to hustle or we’re going to be late for the risqué charades.”

Liking the feel of her hand enclosed in his, Chloe tried not to read too much into the gesture, though it did make her feel a little warm and mushy inside. Or maybe that light, pleasant buzz she was experiencing was a result of that second love potion drink. As she looked at Aiden’s face, she could see that his mental gears were already churning out ideas for his presentation, and she had to admit that using Hattie and her traditional methods of matchmaking, beyond standard compatibility quizzes, would provide a unique twist to Aiden’s campaign.