The Honeymoon Prize (6 page)

Adrenaline sent him out of the hammock and to his feet in one fluid movement. Every muscle tensed, on alert and ready to act.

He scanned the periphery, looking for anything threatening or out of the ordinary. Nothing in close range.

On the water, a pontoon boat motored. The driver wore the blue and white resort uniform. A couple, his passengers, wore swimsuits and laughed, their arms linked around each other’s waists.

No threat. Nick’s pulse slowed.

Vacation. Time to relax, not work. But his job was protecting those around him. Turning off those instincts didn’t just happen when he felt responsible for Addie.

Something rustled behind him.

He spun.

Mama Lani stood in the doorway to the
bure.
“Addie is finished, Mr. Nick.”

He swiped his empty beer bottle from the ground, then went inside. Quiet, except for the fan. He didn’t see Addie. The hair at the back of his neck stiffened. “Where is she?”

“Off being pampered.”

“Addie needs to be spoiled while she’s on Starfish Island.”

Mama Lani eyed him warily. “Your bride deserves to be spoiled no matter where she is, including home.”

“That’s what I plan to do,” he said quickly, feeling defensive. If asked to pick sides, Mama Lani had Team Addie written all over her. “But we’re here now.”

“Towels are in the bathroom along with a robe and an outfit to complement Addie’s dress.”

Starfish Island was known for their service and so far he wasn’t disappointed. He’d never been one for lounging outside the bedroom, but he could get used to this. “Thanks. I appreciate you taking such good care of us, especially Addie. She’s been through a rough time.”

“Then it’s good she has both of us.”

Nick nodded, but unease coiled in his gut. He’d been out of the country when Addie’s grandmother died, and her life fell apart. She hadn’t contacted him right away, or he would have paid the funeral expenses and given her a place to stay. At least he could help her now. An image of Addie asleep on the plane formed. So sweet and vulnerable. He would make sure no one took advantage or hurt her again.

“Once you’re ready, go to the dock on the right side of the
bure
. That’s where dinner will be served.” Mischief gleamed in Mama Lani’s dark eyes. “I have something special for your first meal together in paradise.”

“Can’t wait. I’m starving.”

She grinned wryly. “I promise tonight will more than satisfy your appetite.”

Nick showered, then put on a tropical print button down and linen tan pants. He stared at the clothes hanging in the armoire—polo shirts, T-shirts, button downs, shorts, pants, a lightweight cotton sports coat—giving kudos to whoever purchased his wardrobe. High-quality and stylish resort clothes.

By the time he arrived at the dock, the sun was sinking into the horizon. Streaks of blue, pink and purple painted the sky. The temperature had dropped a few degrees.

Lanterns illuminated the way. At the end of the dock, flames from three torches reflected in the water. More lanterns, sitting on the dock between the poles, provided a soft glow of light for a table set for two. Tropical flowers filled a vase placed on a white linen cloth. Flickering candlelight danced. Waves rolled against the dock with a soothing, rhythmic sound.

So romantic. Exactly what a newlywed couple would enjoy. Especially a blushing bride like Addie.

Nick tugged on the neckline of his shirt. Not the time to get caught up in the trappings of hearts, flowers, and violins. He knew better. A fake marriage with Addie had a better chance of succeeding than a real one like his parents’.

Heels clicked against the dock.

He glanced toward the shore.

A woman walked toward him with flowers braided in her long, curly brown hair.

His mouth went dry. Stunning was the only word to describe her.

She wore a sexy light pink dress. The strapless bodice showed off firm, round breasts and a trim waist. The skirt clung to her hips then flared, flowing around her thighs and falling well above her knees. Strappy silver sandals accentuated long, slim legs.

He took a closer look at her face, did a double take, choked on a breath, coughed. “Addie?”

“Mama Lani went all out tonight.”

Hot damn. “Look at you. Smokin’.”

She spun around, sending her skirt flying up. A peek of her pink lace panties sent his temperature soaring as if a solar flare had exploded inside him.

“You like?” she asked.

“Very much.”

Addie smoothed the sexy dress. “The style is different from what I usually wear.”

“Suits you. Let’s you shine.”

But the dress was only part of the package. She wore make-up. Eye shadow and mascara, a touch of blush, nothing crazy. Her pink glossy lips looked full and kissable. He wanted to know if she tasted as good as she—

“Nick?”

“Enjoying the view.”

Her cheeks reddened, but her gaze didn’t waver. She struck a pose, one that raised the hem of her skirt. “Look all you want.”

Sassy. He liked that. “I plan to.”

“Mama Lani’s friends helped me get ready, showed me make-up tricks and new styles for my hair.”

Her excitement bubbled over. About time her eyes twinkled again. “Sounds like fun.”

“It was.” She shimmied her shoulders, giving a bounce to her breasts and making him wonder what they would look like free and in the palms of his hands. “The ladies made me feel like Cinderella getting ready for the ball.”

“You look like a princess.”

She beamed. Her million-dollar smile made the long flight and whatever they had to put up with from the film crew worth the trouble. Might as well make the best of their evening while they were here.

“Thanks,” she said.

“Thank you.” He motioned for her to spin again. She did, but not fast enough to make her skirt fly up. Damn. He’d wanted another peek. “Looks like I’ve gone and married myself a trophy wife.”

“Yeah, right.” She winked. Her playfulness made him want to skip dinner and go straight to dessert . . . between the sheets. “You look handsome yourself.”

Anticipation prickled. She’d never called him that.

“Love the shirt,” she added.

The shirt had pastel tropical flowers with larger tan ones in the foreground. The pink ones matched her dress. “Mama Lani said we’d coordinate.”

Addie nodded, her hair swaying. “We do. Like real honeymooners.”

A real honeymoon with his wife sounded perfect. A wedding night in a tropical paradise deserved a night of hot sex.

Crap, what was he thinking? This was Addie. Sex wasn’t part of their agreement. But that didn’t change the fact he wanted her.

Whoa. Time to slow down.

Nick looked around. Where was the waiter? He needed a drink. Whiskey. Straight.

She shifted her weight between her feet.

His gaze dropped to the pair of sexy, strappy silver heels she wore. Her toenail color matched her dress. “Love the shoes.”

“I practiced walking. I’m not used to heels.” She pointed her toe, showing off her toned calf muscle. “Most people go barefoot around here, but Mama Lani said I should wear the shoes because you would like them.”

“I do.” More than he should, but he couldn’t help himself. Her eagerness appealed to him at a gut level. She’d been locked away for the past nine years, and Mama Lani had used her key. Or maybe the island had. He liked thinking he might have given the door a shove. “If your feet hurt, tell me. You can take off your shoes, and I’ll carry you back to the
bure
.”

Holding her would be sweet torture, but he was willing and able. Who was he kidding? Nick would gladly take off her shoes, her dress, her panties.

He swallowed. Thoughts like that would get him into trouble. Addie was his wife in name only. She’d never treated him as anything other than her friend, good old Nick.

They’d never crossed the line though he’d been tempted once or twice. Any romantic interest was in the past. He had to be careful, not impose on Addie, but let her know how special she was. “Carrying you won’t be a problem. You deserve VIP treatment. Very important princesses do.”

“That’s so sweet of you.” The sincerity in her voice matched the smile on her face. “But I can walk barefoot if my feet hurt. Crossing fingers they don’t.”

“You had a French manicure.” He reached for her fingers, raised them to his mouth, kissed the top of her hand then let go. “You smell different.”

Her cheeks deepened two shades of pink. She stared at her hands. “That’s the lotion Mama Lani gave me. Lotus something or other. Made my skin tingle.”

“Nice scent.” Everything about Addie was nice. He pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit. “A seat for the beautiful princess to keep her feet from hurting.”

She curtsied, then sat. “Everything is so lovely. I wonder what’s on the menu tonight.”

“I’d say fish.”

A boring reply, but Nick had forced himself not to make a flirty reply about wanting her. He joked with Addie via text and email. She had a great sense of humor and didn’t mind his off-color jokes or military-inspired humor. But letting the sexual innuendos fly tonight might get him into trouble.

Her appearance wasn’t the only attraction. Seeing her relax and have fun was sexy, too. The
V
above her nose wasn’t as deep. She hadn’t reached the carefree stage, but she was closer than she’d been in a long while. That pleased Nick. He sat across from her.

A waiter arrived with champagne and two flutes.

Finally. Nick would prefer whiskey or a beer, but he wasn’t going to turn down a bottle of bubbly.

The waiter handed Addie a glass, his gaze lingering on her longer than Nick liked. “Compliments of Brad.”

She flashed Nick a closed-mouthed smile. So beautiful.

“At least the guy’s good for something,” Nick muttered, taking his glass from the waiter and wishing the man would leave them alone. He wasn’t jealous. No way. But he was protective. Yeah, that was it. Protective over his friend. Make that his
wife
.

A memory rushed back. When he was younger, his friends had called him Addie’s husband. They joked about him being in love with her. He countered he’d needed to protect her because she was like a sister. Except as they went through high school, his feelings toward her weren’t brotherly.

They weren’t now, either.

She didn’t seem to notice the attention from the waiter or Nick. She focused on her surroundings. He didn’t blame her. This might be an all-inclusive resort, but Mama Lani deserved a special tip for setting the romantic atmosphere with this meal and helping Addie get ready.

“I’ll be back with a platter of appetizers and to tell you about the dinner choices.” The waiter placed the champagne bottle in an ice bucket, then walked down the dock toward the beach.

“To new adventures.” She raised her glass, a twinkle in her eyes. “May our ten days turn out better than we expect.”

Damn. Nick rubbed his fingers against the flute. “About the ten days. I was thinking we’d make an excuse—I have eight to choose from—then catch the first flight off the island tomorrow morning.”

Her face fell. She lowered her champagne. “Oh, okay.”

Only two words, but the disappointment in her voice clawed at his chest. “The reality show . . .”

“Not a good idea with your job. I get it.”

“No, but . . .” He studied her face, noting the smile and twinkle had vanished. The
V
deepened again. He hadn’t expected this reaction. “You want to stay with a film crew on our tails?”

She glanced around, her gaze lingering on the beach. “It may sound crazy, but I like this place. Mama Lani is so nice. I understand if we have to go. Your job is the whole reason we got married.”

“We got married to help you, too.” Nick didn’t want her to think they’d married only for him. “Emily’s couch was fine in the beginning, but you couldn’t stay there forever and it’s time you went back to college.”

“I know, but the reality show doesn’t affect me the way it will you.”

He didn’t understand why she wanted to stay. “The film crew made you nervous.”

“They did, but I’m not sure they’ll ruin paradise for me. The island is spectacular.”

“Yes, but reality TV is a misnomer. The crew is going to tell us what to do and how to act, then edit the show how they want. Nothing on the show will be real.”

She raised her glass toward her lips. “Nothing about our marriage is real.”

“True.” Addie needed time to relax and find the person she’d once been, but going home was the easy and safe choice. The list of reasons for leaving outweighed those for staying. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

“I’m uncomfortable lying about our marriage. That’s going to be the case whether we’re here or in San Diego.”

Her words surprised him. “You’ve thought about this.”

“I’m thinking it out now.”

“You want to stay.”

“Only if you do.”

Nick should be happy she’d left the choice to him, but he didn’t want to disappoint her. If she wanted to stay, he would figure out a way to make this work for Addie and for him. “Okay. We’re staying.”

She leaned forward. “Are you sure?”

He would talk to his boss, determine out what could be said about his job and what couldn’t. No last names used or anything about him working in personal security. He’d limit the information about his military career. No one needed to know he’d been on an ODA team, better known to the public as an A-Team. Special Forces would be good enough, the U.S. Army better.

Nick tapped his glass against hers. The chime hung in the air, a perfect pitch to match their perfect evening. “I’m positive.”

L
ight hit Addie’s face. Morning already? Last night, she’d put on a frilly white nightie and climbed into bed. She didn’t remember anything else. No doubt sleep had come hard and fast. Being a princess for the evening was tiring work, especially combined with jetlag, excitement, worry, and champagne.

She blinked open her eyes, raised her head slightly, looking at the hand-woven ceiling and the sheer white curtains hanging on sides of the bed. The muted sound of a ceiling fan was all she could hear.