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Tempted By Her Island Millionaire
Nina Singh


A vacation with the millionaire… A tropical temptation!Rita Paul has escaped to Maui for her best friend’s wedding and she’s intrigued by the bride’s bachelor brother, Clint Fallon. A week on the exotic island tempts Rita and Clint closer together. But will they break their no-commitment rules?







A vacation with the millionaire...!

A tropical temptation!

After escaping her stifling marriage, Rita Paul is on beautiful Maui for her best friend’s wedding and her first adventure as a single woman! Rita isn’t looking to settle down again, but she’s still intrigued by the bride’s brother, eternal bachelor Clint Fallon. A week on the exotic island tempts Rita and Clint closer together. But back in the real world, will they break their no-commitment rules?


NINA SINGH lives just outside of Boston, USA, with her husband, children, and a very rumbunctious Yorkie. After several years in the corporate world she finally followed the advice of family and friends to ‘give the writing a go, already’. She’s oh-so-happy she did. When not at her keyboard she likes to spend time on the tennis court or golf course. Or immersed in a good read.


Also by Nina Singh (#ulink_8d2000c4-8c11-5681-b0e1-71115236f3f7)

Miss Prim and the Maverick Millionaire

The Marriage of Inconvenience

Snowed in with the Reluctant Tycoon

Reunited with Her Italian Billionaire

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk. (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


Tempted by Her Island Millionaire

Nina Singh






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


ISBN: 978-1-474-07788-0

TEMPTED BY HER ISLAND MILLIONAIRE

© 2018 Nilay Nina Singh

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


For my dear husband.

That was quite an impressive anniversary gift, hon.

And for my children.

Thank you for enduring bitter cold atop a volcano, waiting for a sunrise with me.


Contents

Cover (#ud0754e24-3696-51b8-8353-f96266455548)

Back Cover Text (#u81fff1b5-1edd-561b-af93-f2376d6ba20a)

About the Author (#u21f01eb6-cb4a-5fcd-87c2-37b89a8d5de8)

Booklist (#ulink_51ae2e11-2b21-576f-8f68-8d68c5704960)

Title Page (#ue5215f0c-0336-5d16-b821-771dc933abdc)

Copyright (#ub73d04d8-77bc-53d0-a7d9-b9d23ade5711)

Dedication (#u392c6b3d-ab1c-58fc-9c6a-4481bfaca550)

CHAPTER ONE (#u6331611d-b470-5225-af40-1aa8ed339903)

CHAPTER TWO (#ua42ece2f-aa0b-5a24-b8bf-6e14c5bb6f54)

CHAPTER THREE (#u0d90200c-b5dd-5c2e-ab7e-55a25be9e66f)

CHAPTER FOUR (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

EPILOGUE (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)


CHAPTER ONE (#ulink_bb665c15-809c-5955-b8ec-f27690113fe3)

HIS SISTER WAS starting to get on his nerves.

He loved her more than anyone else on this earth, but she had been pushing the boundaries of that love ever since she’d gotten engaged.

Clint held the cell phone to his ear, only partially listening to her latest panic-stricken rant. He knew better than to try and say anything to calm her down. The last time he’d tried that, he’d gotten an earful of colorful curse words streamed through the line that would have made his construction contractors blush.

He understood, or he was trying hard to anyway. She had a lot on her mind with the wedding fast approaching. In fact, his town car was dropping him off at the airport at this very moment on his way to sunny Maui where Lizzie and her fiancé would be tying the knot in a few short days. Only now she had some sort of pressing issue with a last-minute change, something to do with the catering. An issue she seemed to be taking way out of proportion. He’d simply learn who he had to pay to fix it once he got there. What was one more expense when it came to this wedding?

He’d be sure to take care of it after arrival. Again, he wasn’t going to tell her that. Right now, Lizzie just needed to vent.

His sister had always been a bit overly dramatic. But this wedding was taking that penchant to a whole new level and making him wonder, for that matter, exactly how many women had been put on this earth simply to irritate him?

“Anyway, how are you doing? Anything new?” Lizzie surprised him by asking. Rant over somehow. Not that he wasn’t grateful.

Did he dare tell her? That he was unexpectedly attending her wedding solo since the huge fallout with Maxine the other day. After she’d finally made one ultimatum too many.

He decided not to risk it. Lizzie would no doubt want the distraction and try to probe for all the details. Not something he wanted to get into right now. He’d tell her once he arrived at the resort.

“I’m doing fine,” he answered honestly. In truth, it was a relief to have finally severed the relationship with the up-and-coming actress. Maxine had grown increasingly demanding and pouty over the past several months. The only frustration now was that he’d already paid for all her flights, excursions and accommodations. Not to mention a hefty spa-and-beauty package at the resort. Shameful waste. Though part of him couldn’t help but wonder if it was worth it. “About to go check in for my flight as a matter of fact.”

“I’ll let you go then, big brother.” She paused but didn’t hang up. He knew what was coming and he appreciated it. But it still made him uneasy every time she did it. “And you know how much it means that you’re doing all this for me,” she said, her voice nearly breaking. “I mean it. Thank you.”

So unnecessary. She was the only family he had. He’d been solely responsible for her since they were both barely teens, so of course, he would take care of her wedding. And anything else that would make up for the unfair lot they’d been dealt growing up. She didn’t need to thank him for that. The wedding was just one more thing he considered his duty.

Unfortunately, so was having to listen to her mini breakdowns every time a snag occurred.

“You’re welcome, Lizzie,” he answered simply, then disconnected.

The morning didn’t get any better after he’d checked in for his flight. With precision, he’d arrived with just enough time to answer any urgent emails and go over a new bid, then comfortably board without having to rush. The airline announced a delay before he’d even gotten a chance to pull his tablet out and log on to his company intranet.

Clint cursed under his breath. An hour, at least. As luck would have it, his private jet was being serviced. The timing was beyond inconvenient. Well, he wasn’t going to sit here in this loud, crowded gate area. He’d go kill the time at the private executive suite the airport provided for certain clientele. Maybe he’d even get a chance to read a paper in some peace and quiet.

He swiped his card to get past the secure glass door to the exclusive suite and realized quickly that peace and quiet were not in the equation this morning.

* * *

This was, without question, one of the most embarrassing experiences of her whole life. Rita wanted to sink into the ground as she stammered to answer the airport employee who was very politely and professionally interrogating her. Not only had the other three people in the suite started to stare, she noticed from the corner of her vision that someone else had just walked in—a tall dark man with a leather briefcase. Wonderful. Yet one more person to witness her abject humiliation.

“I’m terribly sorry, miss. But there’s no record of anyone sponsoring you to be in this room,” the well-heeled, highly polished attendant repeated. Sheila, according to the gold name tag on her uniform. “I’m afraid you’ll have to pay for your breakfast and then leave.”

“Oh, um... I don’t understand... I was told by my friend who’s a member that I’d be allowed to hang out here if I wanted, and the flight was delayed. I just thought—” Her words were an incoherent mess. She’d never been good under pressure. And this haughty woman was making her feel like a piece of mud she was trying to brush off her Louboutins.

The attendant remained silent. Rita couldn’t detect one iota of sympathy in her eyes.

Oh, what the hell. The mushroom omelet and mimosa weren’t worth the trouble. Though it had to be the most delicious breakfast she’d ever been served.

“Fine, what do I owe you for the breakfast?” She reached for her wallet.

“With the drink, it will be seventy-five dollars.”

She nearly dropped her purse when she heard the figure. “Seventy-five dollars?” How could that be? Had they personally flown in the mushrooms straight from Japan and had a master chef prepare the meal?

Sheila merely nodded in such a superior way that Rita knew she wasn’t imagining her satisfied smirk of a smile. Satisfaction at her discomfort.

Currently between jobs, Rita had been trying hard to maintain a certain budget. A tight one. The loss of that kind of money had tears springing into her eyes. With shaky fingers, she reached for her credit card, which was already perilously close to the limit as she was about to spend a week in Hawaii. Most of her expenses were taken care of by the wedding party, but she’d still need money for extra meals or souvenirs. Why had she ever walked in here?

Suddenly, a wall in the form of a navy-blue silk shirt appeared in her vision. Someone had stepped between her and the employee, his back to Rita. The newcomer who’d walked in about thirty seconds ago. “Excuse me to interrupt, here. But I’d like to sponsor the young lady as my guest. Please put her breakfast charges on my account.”

What?

Great. Now she was getting pity charity from strangers who wanted to pay for her breakfast. “That won’t be necessary,” she argued to the man’s back. Lord, he was broad shouldered. She could see his toned muscles outlined under the finely tailored shirt. It was difficult to get around him to address the attendant.

“I insist,” the stranger said to her over his shoulder.

“Certainly, sir. How nice to see you again,” the attendant said to him. Rita dared a peek over his shoulder to look at her. It appeared that now Sheila was the one who looked somewhat uncomfortable, she noted with no small degree of satisfaction herself.

Still, she couldn’t have random strangers pay for her breakfast. “I said that won’t be necessary.” She tried to step around him once more.

The man actually stretched his arm out to block her!

Of all the nerve. Granted, he was trying to do something incredibly nice for her but to actually stop her from having any say in the matter was a bit much. Nice or not, he had no right. It wasn’t like she really needed his help. The amount would cause a dent in her bank account but she did have the means to pay it.

But it was too late. Sheila flashed him a bright smile, the smirk entirely gone. “I’ll take care of it right away, Mr. Fallon.”

Mr. Fallon. He turned to her as the attendant walked away. Rita blinked and did a double take as his deep brown eyes met hers. Recognition dawned with a sinking sensation as she realized exactly who he was—the dark hair, the familiar coloring and features.

“I didn’t mean to insult you,” he told her. “It’s just that I happened to have witnessed that particular employee’s pettiness before. I might have to initiate some sort of formal complaint about her with the airport actually.”

Oh, no. That wasn’t what she wanted at all. “Please don’t do that. I don’t want to think about someone losing their job because of me.”

He quirked an eyebrow in question. “No matter how badly they had it coming?”

She shook her head. “And it’s not that I feel insulted.”

“No?”

“No, not really.” She blew out a breath. “I’m just a bit embarrassed. I wish I’d never walked in here in the first place.”

His eyes narrowed on her. Rita couldn’t quite read the expression on his face. “I’m actually really glad you did.”

A small sensation tingled at the base of her spine. Was he trying to flirt with her now? Yep, definitely the most mortifying thing to ever happen to her. To make the whole thing so much worse, Clinton Fallon had no clue who she was. He didn’t even remember her.

* * *

Clint wanted to tell the young lady he could relate. It hadn’t been that long ago that people like Sheila had talked down to him in the same manner he’d just witnessed her being subjected to. Her embarrassed expression and obviously flustered state when he’d walked in had touched a nerve within him that he’d long since thought was dormant. Apparently, the universe decided he was due for a periodic reminder.

He was glad for it, as he’d just told her. He didn’t want to get too complacent or take anything for granted.

“I guess I owe you a thank-you,” she was saying.

Guessed? “Uh...you’re welcome.”

She reached for her carry-on. “I think I’ll leave.”

Clint stepped in front of her before she got far. Was she confused? He’d just taken care of the matter so that she could stay. “You no longer have to.”

Something flashed behind her eyes. It didn’t strike him as gratitude. Far from it. He had offended her. Well, what was he supposed to have done? Let her get tossed out on her behind?

“Nevertheless. I’m not sure I want to stay in here any longer.”

“You mentioned your flight was delayed. At least finish your breakfast.”

“I’m sure it’s cold now,” she muttered, then blew out a breath. “I’m sorry. It’s just—I’ve really been looking forward to this trip. And so far it hasn’t exactly started off on the most positive note.”

“I understand,” he told her, a feeling of empathy settling deep within his chest. He did understand. More than she knew.

* * *

Rita adjusted her collar and tried to quell the shaking in her stomach. Clinton Fallon was standing before her without any clue as to who she was. Apparently, she hadn’t made much of an impression on him all those years ago when she’d been at university with his sister. First, he’d witnessed her abject humiliation by the suite attendant. And now she was going to have to find a way to introduce herself.

Or reintroduce herself as the case may be. By contrast, she couldn’t count the number of times she’d thought about him over the years. As if she hadn’t felt silly enough about that small fact until this encounter.

She was trying to figure out a way to tell him exactly who she was when he extended his hand. “I’m Clinton—”

“I know who you are,” she blurted out without really thinking.

He blinked. “You do?”

A small lump of disappointment settled in her gut. He really had no inkling, no recollection whatsoever. Why was she surprised? Or even disappointed? People like him didn’t take much note of ladies like her.

And exactly what kind of lady was she now? How would she begin to describe herself? Perhaps she could use the term recent divorcée. Or unemployed veterinarian. Or failed daughter. Unfortunately, any one of those could apply.

“Here. Let’s give this a try.” She removed a hair band from her wrist and quickly tied her thick dark hair in a loose ponytail. Then she removed a pair of thick glasses from her pocket and perched them on her nose.

Clint’s only response was a completely blank look. Still nothing.

Rita sighed. Now she was just humiliating herself even more. He had no idea who she was. How often had she thought about him over the years? How often had she wondered where he was and what he was doing?

While he hadn’t even given her a second thought, it seemed.

“I went to school with Lizzie,” she told him. “You and I met in passing a few times at various school-sponsored family events.” She extended her hand. “Rita Paul. I’m actually on my way to your sister’s wedding myself.”

His smile grew wide as he took it. “I’m sorry. I’m just so bad with faces.”

“No need to apologize.” Though she did appreciate the effort. An awkward moment passed as they limply shook hands. As if neither could decide who should let go first. Why was she behaving so loopily around this man? Finally, Rita pulled out of his grasp.

“It should have occurred to me that at least one or two of Lizzie’s friends would be on this flight,” Clint continued. “I’m not used to flying with the airlines. My private aircraft is undergoing some repairs.”

“Did you really just say that your jet is in the shop?”

He gave her an embarrassed smile. “I guess I did.”

He’d certainly come far. Though again, she wasn’t surprised. The man she’d met all those years ago was clearly driven and talented. “You were just starting out in the construction business back when Lizzie and I were in school.”

He nodded. “That’s correct.”

“You’ve just acquired a company, I believe.”

“Correct again. The man I worked for was ready to retire. Said he trusted me more than anyone else to take over. Gave me quite a deal when he sold me the business.”

“A deal you clearly made the most of then took to new astronomical heights.”

He studied her. “I guess you could say that. Along with some well-placed investments, things have gone pretty well.”

What an understatement. The man owned a private jet. She knew he’d single-handedly put his sister through school. No doubt, he was the one paying for this lavish destination wedding.

Clint Fallon represented the epitome of a self-made success story. She’d followed his life for a while in the local papers and news sites after graduating from school. Everyone was fascinated by a self-made man. But then her own life had gone completely awry. Unlike Clint and his string of successes, she’d only managed to accumulate one failure after another. Though heaven knew he’d been handed a much worse set of circumstances.

Well, this was her chance to get away from all that and try to forget. For the next few days anyway. This trip was all about Lizzie and her future husband and the love they shared.

She was trying to come up with a response when the airline announced they were finally boarding. “I should head out to the lobby,” she told him. “I’m seated toward the back. I’ll be one of the first they call.”

But he reached for her arm to stop her from leaving. “Wait. I happen to know the seat next to me is free.”

“But I thought this was a full flight. They were asking for volunteers to give up their spots.”

“Fairly recent development. I didn’t get a chance to update the airline. I was supposed to be, ah...traveling with someone. Their plans fell through at the last minute.”

Understanding dawned. Pictures of Clint always showed him with a female companion. Always someone very glamorous and beautiful. None seemed to last for more than a few news cycles. The timing of his latest breakup appeared fairly inconvenient. He was going stag to his own sister’s wedding.

“You can sit with me up in first class.”

She had to decline. He’d already done more than enough by paying for her breakfast and vouching for her to stay in the lounge. “I appreciate that. But it’s not necessary.”

He blinked at her. “I could use the company,” he countered, then pulled his phone out of his pocket. “It’ll just take me a second.”

Before she knew what he was up to, he was quickly on the phone with the airlines. Clearly, he had some kind of executive direct line that reached an employee right away.

Clint wasn’t terribly good at reading her frustrated vibe.

He was already ending the call before she could protest any further. “You’re all set. We can board together.”

Rita clamped down on her annoyance. If she said anything further she would merely sound petulant and ungrateful. Never mind that she was trying to feel more in charge of herself, more in control of her life. This flight had literally been the first travel ticket she’d purchased for herself, paid for completely on her own. And Clint Fallon had just given it away and upgraded her to first class.

She knew it was illogical of her to be angry or to feel slighted. Clint had no idea of her circumstances. Or the silly symbolic meaning she’d put behind the whole trip.

Rita herself had only actually just now realized how much it meant to her.

* * *

It appeared Rita had not taken him seriously when he’d said he could use some company on the flight. Despite sitting right next to him, she’d barely spoken two words. The complete opposite of what he knew would have happened with Maxie. She would have no doubt talked his ear off about everything from her latest gig to the spa treatment she’d been scheduled for.

Something between the two extremes would have been nice.

He should have taken the opportunity to get some work done. But he’d found himself distracted by the delicate rose scent of her perfume. Her jet-black hair brushed against his shoulder when she shifted in her seat and he’d had to resist the urge to ask her if he could run his fingers through the thick silky strands.

How uncharacteristic of him.

Now, several hours later, she was just as quiet. They were finally approaching the Grande Maui resort in Kaanapali. And he was experiencing yet another silent ride. The woman had no interest in speaking to him.

The vehicle finally came to a stop and they both exited, then waited as the young driver pulled their bags out of the rear trunk.

He heard Lizzie’s excited voice from behind before he could even reach for his luggage.

“You’re here!” his sister shouted, her voice breathy with excitement. He found himself bear-hugged in her skinny arms a short second later. She noticed Rita standing next to them when she finally let go. “You’re here too.” Lizzie glanced at the town car. “You two came together?”

She didn’t wait for an answer as she took Rita in her arms next. Clint watched as the two women also embraced, Rita’s dark hair and olive skin a complete contrast to his sister’s red coloring and fair complexion. There was true affection in their tight hug.

“I ran into Rita at the airport,” he answered his sister over their heads.

“Oh, how fortunate,” Lizzie exclaimed as they finally pulled apart.

“Yes. Very lucky for me,” Rita began. “He paid for my breakfast, saved me from a very embarrassing situation at the executive lounge, then upgraded me to first class.”

If she actually felt lucky about any of that, her tone distinctly said otherwise. Was she mad at him? Whatever for? The thought tugged at him. Usually, the women in his life made it more than clear whatever his transgressions against them might be. Maybe he was interpreting her tiredness after a long flight for sarcasm. Or perhaps he was hearing things; the large gushing stone fountain behind them was pretty loud after all.

“You’ll both have to tell me exactly how you ran into each other,” Lizzie said and peeked inside the still-waiting car. “But where’s Maxie?”

Both ladies turned to him, awaiting his answer. He bit back a curse. This wasn’t something he wanted to get into in front of Rita Paul. Though he’d be hard-pressed to say why that was so.

“Change of plans. I’ll be unaccompanied on this trip,” he told his sister, hoping beyond any real expectation that she’d let the matter drop.

She didn’t. Lizzie’s eyes grew wide and a huge grin spread across her lips. “I heard nothing of this change.”

“Things didn’t work out.” And that’s all he wanted to say on the matter.

His sister’s smile grew wider. “You don’t say!”

She’d never really taken to Maxie. Not that there’d been anyone he’d been with so far that she’d approved of. His sister kept telling him the women he dated were far too shallow.

Little did Lizzie know, at this point in his life, he wanted shallow. Particularly now, when he was no longer solely responsible for his sister.

Rita glanced from one of them to the other. Suddenly, Lizzie clamped a hand over her mouth; the smile completely disintegrated. “Oh, Rita, I don’t mean to be insensitive. I’m so sorry things didn’t work out between you and Jay.”

A flash of regret seemed to pass through Rita’s eyes, but it was gone in an instant. “It wasn’t meant to be. Let’s just focus on celebrating you and Jonathon.”

“I missed you.” The two women linked arms, then slowly started to walk toward the front desk. Clint hovered behind, tipping the bell steward who loaded their luggage onto a cart. His gaze remained on Rita as she walked away. He didn’t know the woman from a passing acquaintance but he felt... He couldn’t even describe what he felt.

He’d met her years ago and had somehow forgotten her. Which seemed unbelievable given his reaction to her now.

She was one of his sister’s close friends. A bridesmaid in her wedding. Based on their conversation just now, she’d clearly just come out of what sounded like a serious relationship.

The last thing he wanted was any kind of meaningful relationship himself. Not for several years. He’d done all he could for his sister. She was a grown, educated, about-to-be-married woman. He intended this next period of his life to be all about his growing business and doing all the things he hadn’t been able to do after he and Lizzie had been orphaned when he was merely sixteen. His sister had only been fourteen.

Lizzie turned and gave him a questioning look. He read it as “Hurry up, already.” For the younger sibling, she could certainly be quite bossy, Clint thought as he strolled to where they now stood by the check-in desk.

“This is the man whose credit card is covering all these charges,” Lizzie told the desk clerk as she pointed at him. “Including the expanded catering menu we discussed earlier.”

The gentleman handed him a key card. “Mr. Fallon. Welcome. Your suite is ready and waiting for you. You’ll find a chilled bottle of champagne and a basket of fruit.”

Lizzie clapped her hands and turned to him. “Excellent, Rita and I will be snagging that champagne from you, big brother.”

“Is that so? And why should I relinquish it to you two?”

Lizzie huffed with impatience, as if the answer should be obvious. “Because us girls are celebrating. More than just my upcoming nuptials.”

“Fine. Consider it yours.” He knew he could be too indulgent with her sometimes. But this was her wedding. “What else will you two be celebrating then?”

She draped her arm around Rita’s shoulders. “We are also celebrating this young lady’s newly found freedom.”

Rita’s eyes flickered downward. She looked far from celebratory at the moment.

Clint signed the paperwork he’d been handed and watched as the two women slowly made their way down the hall.

So who exactly was Jay? And was there any chance Rita was still hung up on him?

But there was no denying the real, much bigger question—why did Clint want to know so badly?


CHAPTER TWO (#ulink_82eb3821-f324-5a38-9b7e-94638d7bcc03)

HER DIVORCE WAS hardly a cause for celebration.

Rita was just getting used to the idea that she was single again. The breakup had been her idea. She’d been the one who wanted out of her marriage. Still, it wasn’t something she wanted to party over. Jay hadn’t been a bad person. He hadn’t even been a bad husband. In fact, he’d make someone else a fitting spouse one day. Just not her.

But Lizzie’s heart was in the right place. So Rita figured she’d drink Clint’s champagne with her. Speaking of, she hadn’t missed Clint’s curious glance in her direction when Lizzie had spoken of her breakup. Now, as they passed through the open-air lobby on the way to his suite, she could feel his intense gaze on her back. The knowledge sent a tingle of awareness along the surface of her skin.

Cut it out.

She was simply reacting to seeing her crush again after all these years. And that’s all Clint had ever been: a crush.

“And it all starts tonight!” Lizzie chimed with excitement.

Rita was paying just enough attention to know Lizzie was rambling on about the various sightseeing tours and excursions planned for the wedding party. Apparently, it all kicked off with a traditional Hawaiian luau this evening.

Good thing one of them was talking; God bless her old friend for never being at a loss for words, as Rita wasn’t feeling particularly chatty. Heaven knew she hadn’t said much to Clint on the plane ride over. But what would she have talked about? Her stalled career? Her failed marriage? And she certainly didn’t want to get into her currently very strained relationship with her parents.

At least she wasn’t the only one here alone. Clint was also without a plus-one. Looked like they both were leaving some part of their pasts behind.

They finally reached his door and Clint used his card to let them in. Rita had to bite down a gasp as she stepped inside. His suite was the size of a small apartment. A wall of glass stood opposite them, the view a spectacular one of the ocean and the island mountain in the distance. Pity the woman who was supposed to be here and was now missing out on all this.

Among the other things she was missing out on.

Rita couldn’t help but study Clint as he walked to the veranda and pulled the sliding door open. She’d certainly had good taste all those years ago when she’d first started crushing on the man. Tall and lean, he seemed to be quite fit. And he had the most striking facial features. Where his sister was fair with a patrician nose, Clint had more the look of a well-mixed genealogy. Lizzie had mentioned once that there was some Asian blood in their family ancestry. Though those genes hadn’t found his sister, Clint clearly had what would be described as such characteristics. Overall, it made for a dashing, exotic look that definitely made him stand out in a crowd.

“They gave you the good stuff,” Lizzie said as she pulled a green glass bottle out of the ice bucket.

“And I’m giving it to you two,” Clint replied.

“I suppose we can let you have a glass. Not a big one though.” Lizzie pinched her fingers in a demonstration of how much his pour would be. “We probably shouldn’t have too much right now anyway. There’ll be plenty of food and drink at the luau later this evening,” she said, then glanced at Rita as if looking for agreement.

“Right.”

“By the way—” Lizzie addressed her brother “—Tessa Campbell has been asking about you since she arrived. She happens to be your roommate, Rita.”

Clint gave her a distracted nod as he stood staring at the majestic view in front of them. “Which one was she again?”

Lizzie gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes in Rita’s direction, the effect so comical it made her giggle. “How can you not remember?” she asked her brother as she gave him the bottle to uncork. “She’s been hitting on you since the tenth grade. Wait till she finds out you’re here alone.”

He actually groaned. “Now I remember. What are the chances I’ll be able to avoid her?”

“Slim to none,” his sister replied. “She is a member of the wedding party after all.”

“Great.”

Clint’s tone held every hint of resignation. He was a man used to such attention. She wasn’t surprised. It was all merely an annoyance for him. He deftly uncorked the bottle with a pop and grabbed two flutes off the serving table then began pouring. Tiny florescent bubbles floated through the air. He handed each of them a glass.

Lizzie suddenly let out a laugh that had her snorting bubbly champagne through her nose. The sight, in turn, made Rita laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Clint wanted to know.

Lizzie rubbed the tip of her nose. “I just had an image of you ducking behind palm trees during the luau when you saw Tessa approaching.”

Rita laughed harder at the visual that invoked. Clint glanced from one to the other, a resigned expression on his face. “I’m glad you two find this so amusing.”

“I’m sorry,” Rita told him but she couldn’t seem to stop one last giggle. When was the last time she’d really laughed? The past few months had been an emotional hailstorm. She was so glad to be here, finally able to get away. To have it be for such a happy occasion was just icing on the cake. This chance to step back from her troubles for a while was exactly what she needed right now.

But then Clint focused those dark chestnut-brown eyes on her, his lips curved into a smile. She had to suck in a breath just as her stomach did a dive straight to her toes. Perhaps she’d found trouble yet again.

* * *

Clint’s intention to get some rest before the luau with a quick nap was not going well. Every time he started to drift off, a set of dark brown eyes framed by silky jet-black hair sprang into his mind’s eye and jolted him awake. What was wrong with him?

He was simply here to see his sister married off and to give her away. Not to explore a wayward attraction to a friend of hers.

A glance at the wall clock across the room told him the shuttle to take them into town for tonight’s festivities would be arriving right about now. He had to get going. Lizzie didn’t tolerate lateness. Not even from the big brother who was paying for this whole shindig. He didn’t mind. Somehow his sister had escaped the cynicism spouted by their grandmother all those years. Bless her for it.

Maybe Lizzie would prove him and his grandmother wrong and make her marriage work. Maybe she’d be the one to break the Fallon chain of doomed relationships.

Lord knew, he wasn’t going to be the one to try.

If that made him cynical, so be it. At least Lizzie had found love. Or what she thought was love. But then she’d always been the dreamer. While he’d had to be the responsible, serious one. He’d had no choice. With both parents gone and only an elderly, bitter matron in charge of them, the burden of responsibility had fallen solely on his shoulders.

He figured he’d done okay. They both had, he and his sister. Hokey as it sounded, he’d have to say he was proud of the woman his sister had become. And happy for her that she’d found someone. Jonathon was a good man. He’d make Lizzie a good husband. Someday, he’d make a good father.

Not that Clint was in any kind of hurry to become an uncle, he mused as he walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower. It would have to be a short one. Officially, Clint was the main host of this wedding. He couldn’t be missing shuttles and ending up running late to the events. That also meant he had to be very cordial and very polite to every one of their guests.

So it galled him that there was only one in particular he was thinking of right now, wondering if they’d be seated anywhere near each other. Or maybe even together. He didn’t know the full wedding party details; he had left Lizzie and Jonathon pretty much to their own devices when it came to planning.

Now he wished he’d been more involved. It might have avoided the whole fiasco at the airport when he couldn’t even remember who Rita was. That had been wildly embarrassing. Had he apologized to her? He couldn’t recall. If he didn’t run into her tonight, he’d have to make it a point to find her and do so.

Right. And that would be the only reason for him to want to seek her out.

Damn it. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?

Shutting off the water and toweling off, Clint realized he barely had time to make it downstairs in time for the shuttle bus. Throwing on a pair of khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, he didn’t bother to button it as he ran toward the hallway stairs that led to the lobby. Waiting for the elevator would be too risky.

In his hurry, Clint realized too late that someone else was on the stairway making their way down. The crash was unavoidable. Unable to stop himself at the speed he was going, he collided hard with an unsuspecting, soft body. He just barely managed to catch her in his arms and avoid what was sure to be a harrowing tumble down several sets of steps.

Turned out he wouldn’t have to go looking for Rita after all.

“Oh, my—” Her words cut off as chocolate-brown eyes blinked at him with shock. Her gaze drooped down to his bare chest for a split second before snapping back up to his face.

“I’m so sorry,” he began. “Are you all right?”

She blinked once more. “You’re not even dressed.”

Clint made himself release her in order to pull his shirt together. He began hastily buttoning. “Yeah, part of the reason for my rush. I’m running a little late.”

“I guess running would be the operative word.”

“And colliding. Don’t forget colliding. You never answered my question.”

“Question?”

“Are you all right? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“I’m fine, just a little startled.” She adjusted the hem of her sundress, which had shifted somewhat as a result of their collision. And what a pretty dress it was, a shiny number with thin straps that rested delicately on her toned shoulders. The navy blue of the fabric brought out the deep, rich hue of her silky, smooth skin.

Had he ever noticed a woman’s dress before? Or how it brought out the color of her skin?

“I’m really sorry, Rita.” To think, he’d intended earlier to apologize to her for something completely different: forgetting who she was. His mea culpas when it came to her were accumulating.

“Why are you taking the stairs?” he asked her. “Aren’t you on a much higher floor?”

She shrugged. “I always take the stairs. It’s better for you.”

Well, she certainly was fit. And that dress made no bare bones about it. It showed off her long, toned legs and narrow waist.

This was getting ridiculous. He’d nearly caused her to wipe out down the stairs for heaven’s sake. Not to mention he’d hauled her against his bare chest to keep her from falling. And now he couldn’t stop ogling her. In a deserted stairway, no less.

“We should probably get down there,” he said and motioned for her to go ahead down the final flight of steps. As he followed, he forced himself not to look at her shapely, rounded behind. Though it wasn’t easy.

* * *

There was a whole pig twisting around on a spit. Head and hooves and all. Rita couldn’t bear to look at the sight another second. She wasn’t a strict vegetarian by any means. But her profession as a veterinarian made such a scene difficult to watch. In fact, she felt a bit queasy.

The rest of the crowd stood next to the open fire pit, oohing and aahing at the large animal about to be served as their dinner. A crowd that included the entire wedding party. She walked toward the water, away from the buffet area where the rest of the feast was being set up.

The party faced the sea, with a majestic view of the mountains on one side and crystal-blue water as far as the eye could see on the other. Banana-leaf-covered cabanas surrounded a large stage area in the center. Tables and tables of various dishes were already being set up.

Clint Fallon had spared no expense for his sister’s wedding. Rita nudged the sand at her feet with her sandaled toe. She glanced over to where he stood with the rest of the crowd. Lizzie had been right about Tessa Campbell wanting to corner him. The woman had made a beeline to Clint’s side as soon as they’d exited the shuttle bus. She’d been within two feet of him ever since. Several times, when Rita had ventured to look their way, Tessa had her hand on his arm or his shoulder. She’d definitely dominated his full attention so far.

Though Rita got the distinct feeling Clint was merely being polite. Actually, Clint looked somewhat uncomfortable with the constant touching.

Not that it would bother her if there was anything more than that developing between them. And the frustration she felt at that thought wasn’t something she was going to dwell on. She thought of their near disaster on the stairs earlier. Like she’d fallen against a hard wall of pure male. She rubbed her cheek where it had landed against his bare chest when he’d barreled into her. Lord, he’d felt solid.

“Thought you’d taken off.” A masculine voice sounded behind her and made her jump. Clint. Rita turned to find him no more than a few feet behind her, as if her thoughts had conjured him.

“Just wanted to admire the water for a bit.”

He came to stand beside her, both of them facing the coastline. “You find it a much more palatable view than the one back there over by the fire pit.”

He was an observant one. “Yes, well, there’s that too.” He must have been watching her. So maybe Tessa didn’t have so much of his attention after all. “Was it that obvious?”

He smiled. “Your disdain was clear.”

Oh, no. She hoped she wasn’t coming off in that way. As if she were turning her nose up at the chosen venue or choice of entertainment. Sometimes her shyness was known to come off as a haughtiness. It had gotten her into trouble more than once. “It’s just that when you spend your days taking care of animals, seeing one spinning above a fire pit that way is a little off-putting.”

Something shifted behind Clint’s eyes. Then he actually thwacked himself in the forehead with the palm of his hand. “It’s you!”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Sarita. With the neon purple hair. Lizzie’s roommate off and on during her school days. You were studying to be a veterinarian.”

Ah, so now he was finally remembering. Took him long enough. “Wow, that didn’t take you long at all,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

He had the decency to duck his head as if chagrined. “I’ve been meaning to apologize for that.” He spread his hands. “But you gotta cut me some slack. You never looked the same those few times I saw you. I mean, was your hair ever the same color?”

She had to give him that. Her puny attempts at college-girl rebellion centered around changing her hair constantly. Her father absolutely hated it. Which was the point, wasn’t it? Still, Clint could have registered some recognition before now.

“And Rita’s not your name,” he declared. “That threw me off too.”

“It’s a shortened version of my name. As is yours.”

He pursed his lips, as if that thought hadn’t occurred to him. “I suppose you’re right.”

He supposed? Of course, she was right. Clint was short for Clinton. How was that any different than shortening Sarita to Rita? She didn’t get a chance to ask as they were interrupted.

“There you are! I lost track of you.” Tessa ran up to Clint and wagged her finger at him.

Clint actually groaned out loud. Tessa didn’t notice. Or she didn’t really care. Then he shocked her by placing both his hands around Rita’s waist. That Tessa definitely noticed. Her eyes grew wide with shock. And annoyance.

“I was just looking for Sarita. We ran into each other at the airport and I’ve been meaning to catch up with her ever since.”

He was? Or was he just trying to use her to deflect Tessa’s attentions? She wasn’t sure how she felt about that last possibility. But when she glanced his way, his eyes implored her to go along.

His expression was so desperate, she almost felt sorry for him for a split second. “Yes, I’m hoping to hear about what Clint’s been up to all these years since we’ve last seen each other.”

Tessa would not be deterred. She crooked her hand into Clint’s elbow. “Well, we can’t have you two off by yourselves. This is a party after all.”

“You know, you’re absolutely right,” Clint agreed with a wide smile that almost seemed genuine, even as he gently pulled his arm free. “We’ll just be another minute.”

Tessa’s face fell. It was the first time Rita had actually observed such a physical embodiment of that expression. Tessa cleared her throat. “All right then. Don’t take too long,” she added before walking away.

“Very smooth, Mr. Fallon.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean the way you dismissed her while somehow agreeing with her. Very, very smooth.”

“I told her the truth. I really do want to hear more about you. What better time than tonight? In this wonderful setting?”

She couldn’t read too much into that comment. “Now that you finally remember who I am?”

He started to object but then apparently thought better of it. “And yes, I could use a break from Tessa, sweet as she is. Just stay by my side throughout the night and maybe she’ll leave me alone.”

“So I’m supposed to let you utilize our newly rediscovered friendship to allow you to avoid a potential suitor?”

He grabbed his chest in mock outrage. “That’s only the secondary motive, remember?”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why would I agree to do that?”

He quirked an eyebrow. “Because you can’t resist my charm?”

Rita gave him a thumbs-down. “Try again.”

“Because you’ve taken pity on me?”

This time she shook her head.

“Come on,” he pleaded. “Just for tonight. So that I can maybe relax and enjoy this amazing dinner and the traditional performance.”

She supposed he did at least have a right to that. Given that it was his sister’s wedding they were all here for. Besides, she’d been thankful to Clint so many times in the past. Like when he’d bought his sister the car they’d both used to get from their off-campus dorm to their classes in the dead of winter. Or during junior year when their preferred choice of housing had fallen through and he’d pulled all sorts of strings to get them a place to stay.

Just admit that the prospect of spending the evening with him isn’t exactly a turnoff.

She gave him a nonchalant shrug. “Why not?”

Somehow, against her better judgment, she’d just agreed to spend the evening close by Clint’s side.

* * *

“I take it you won’t be indulging in the main course,” Clint said as he escorted Rita toward the numerous buffet tables laden with island food. So far, she was being a good sport about their earlier agreement to help him keep Tessa at bay. She’d stayed by his side and made sure to keep the conversation going between the two of them. Just generally staying in his company which he was enjoying way more than he should.

Truth be told, he hadn’t been expecting to get much pleasure out of this evening. He wasn’t exactly a luau type. Thanks to Rita, however, the evening was so far turning out quite differently than he’d imagined. In a very pleasant way.

The way the other woman was shooting daggers at him from across the serving area made it clear she’d noticed the camaraderie between them.

“You would be correct,” Rita responded as they reached the first table.

Sarita. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her. He could hardly be faulted for not realizing at first glance that she was the bespectacled, purple-haired, shy girl he’d see occasionally when he visited Lizzie at school. Hard to believe this was the same woman standing before him now.

“It’s not like I’ll go hungry,” she added, breaking into his thoughts and motioning to the massive number of dishes laid out before them. He didn’t even recognize half the plates. Tropical fruit, various pulled meats, grilled vegetables. In the center of every table sat a bowling-ball-sized bowl of some kind of pinkish pudding-like substance.

“Any idea what that is?” he asked her.

“I believe it’s what’s known as poi.”

“Pa—what, now?”

She laughed as she handed him an empty plate, then grabbed one for herself. “Based on some reading I’ve done, it’s made from some kind of native plant. It’s supposed to be full of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s supposed to be very good for you. Particularly for—” she paused midsentence “—um... Never mind.”

Judging by the way she suddenly ducked her head, something had clearly made her uncomfortable.

“What were you going to say?”

“Nothing. Just an article I read.”

“I’m a little hurt that you aren’t willing to educate me. Perfectly okay that I’ll remain woefully ignorant about whatever this pwah is.”

She granted him a small laugh. “Poi. It’s just very popular with the men in particular.”

“Yeah, why’s that?”

They both reached for the same serving spoon and the brush of her fingers against his sent a spark of awareness down to his center. Suddenly, he realized what she was referring to. The poi must be considered to lend some kind of boost to male performance.

She quickly pulled her hand away.

“I think I figured it out.” He reached for the next item. “Not that someone like me would be concerned about that.”

Why the hell had he just said that?

Damn it, now the air between them was awkward and strained. When they’d been having such a relaxed conversation earlier.

“That was just a joke,” he said by way of explanation.

“Does that mean it’s not true? That you could perhaps use the poi?”

“What? No! I mean, yes. I mean, of course it’s true.” Saints above. It was like he didn’t even know how to speak around this woman.

She popped a pineapple chunk into her mouth and winked at him with bemusement. He had to remind himself to breathe.

“Ha, ha.”

Just to be funny, he scooped a ridiculous amount of the poi and dropped it in the center of his plate.

The show was just starting as they took their seats. He stole a glance at Rita next to him as she watched. She seemed thoroughly entranced by the story the performers were enacting on the stage. Tales about native islanders leaving their home to find more hospitable islands. Kings and queens leading their people to new lands, the culture and customs that they brought with them and how they mixed with inhabitants already living there.

Rita looked like she could be one of those queens. Or a regal princess adjusting to life on a new island. Her sundress swayed softly in the breeze. The glow of the lit torches brought out the dark golden specks of her eyes. Rather than wearing the flower lei they’d received upon arrival around her neck, she’d loosely wrapped it around the crown of her head. The overall effect was mesmerizing.

So much so that Clint barely noticed when the story depiction part of the show was over and the hula dancing had begun. Rhythmic drums filled the air as the dancers bounced to the music, their hips moving in ways that seemed to defy anatomical possibility. The dancers then formed a circle around the tables. Lizzie and Jonathon sat at the table next to them. The woman onstage spoke into her microphone. “I understand there are a bride and groom here celebrating with us.”

One of the dancers extended a hand to Lizzie, who took it and then stood from the table. Jonathon stood as well with another dancer leading him by the elbow. All four started making their way toward the stage. Various other couples in the dining area were similarly led.

“Please come participate with us in a traditional celebratory dance,” the woman said into the mic.

On her way to the stage, Lizzie suddenly stopped behind him. “Come on, big brother. I don’t want you to miss out on this.” She grabbed him by the crook of the elbow and pulled.

“Oh, no, you don’t. I am not a dancer.”

“Tonight you are.” She tugged on his arm until he had no choice but to stand.

His sister wanted him to dance. Onstage. A traditional Hawaiian hula. Well, he wasn’t going down alone.

“Rita? Care to join us?”

Her jaw fell. “Uh... I’ll sit this one out.”

“Come on. Don’t make me suffer this alone.” Before he could finish the sentence, the female dancer behind him took Rita by the hand and made her stand. Essentially making the decision for her. Clint decided he’d be forever indebted to the woman. They made their way toward the stage.

Once there, he found himself thrust in Rita’s direction as everyone coupled up to dance, the women in front of the men. A dancer in the front led them, instructing how to move the hips just so. Rita did as instructed. And she seemed to have quite a knack for it. Her hips moved in swift circles in front of him and he thought perhaps his lungs would stop functioning.

Sweet heavens, perhaps he shouldn’t have had any of the poi. Not that it would have made any kind of difference.

* * *

The early-morning jog along the beach was supposed to clear his head. But images from the previous evening kept invading Clint’s mind as he ran at a punishing pace along the water. Rita’s smile as she was teasing him about the local delicacy. The way she’d tried to avoid looking at the main dish.

How her hips had moved as she danced in front of him.

So he thought he must have been imaging it when he looked toward the horizon and saw her in the water climbing onto a surfboard, assisted by a tan, blond man. She appeared to be taking a surfing lesson. The man grabbed her about the waist as he held her steady on the waves.

How many times last night had his fingers itched to do the same thing? He couldn’t count the number of times he’d awoken after midnight from a dream that prominently featured a dark-haired beauty with a flower lei adorning her head.

He watched her laugh as she toppled off the board and splashed in the water once more. The instructor immediately grabbed her and assisted her back on. Clint suddenly felt an irrationally intense dislike for the man.

This had to stop. He couldn’t be having these thoughts. About her or anyone else. He didn’t need any kind of disruption in his life right now. Didn’t have time for it. He certainly didn’t have the time or the inclination for a serious relationship with anyone, let alone a woman like Rita. She deserved nothing less than total commitment. Something he wasn’t sure he’d ever be willing to give.

Good thing there were no group activities planned for today. He could use the time to clear his head. The next outing on the agenda wasn’t until after midnight tonight, when they’d be picked up to go to Haleakala to see the sunrise atop the volcanic crater. He’d be sure to steer clear of her then.

You Fallon men have no idea how to fall in love without completely sacrificing your souls.

His grandmother was right. Not that he had any kind of notion that he was falling for Rita. It was simply the romantic mood of this wedding and the sensuous setting of the tropical island. Still, he would have to make sure not to let silly whims get the better of him from now on. Asking Rita to pretend they were interested in getting to know each other better had been a mistake. He would have been better off just dodging Tessa’s advances.

Much better off than what he was feeling now.


CHAPTER THREE (#ulink_06e14f75-330b-5f5f-920a-134866a86aed)

IF HER TEETH chattered any harder, Rita was sure to crack a molar. Given that they were supposed to be in one of the warmest climes on the planet, she hadn’t expected it to be this chilly at any point during this trip. But being on top of one of the world’s tallest volcanos, it made sense if one thought about it. Especially at about four thirty in the morning. Well, that particular bit of wisdom wasn’t doing her any good at the moment.

Their tour bus driver said they had to get here this early or all the viewing spots would completely fill up. If she’d known about the biting chill, she might have argued to take the risk. People around her were bundled up in coats and scarves. A few had thick, plush blankets. Even members of the wedding party had somehow come prepared. Had they received some kind of memo she hadn’t?

Probably not, Rita thought and hugged her sweatshirt tighter around herself. They had just somehow planned better than she had. Story of her life. It wasn’t even a terribly thick sweatshirt.

She heard a shuffling behind her and turned to find Clint approaching. She knew it was him, though it was somewhat hard to see in the predawn darkness. He had a thick leather jacket on. Yet another person better prepared than she.

“You’re shivering,” he stated, noting the obvious.

“Ye-e-es. I—I a-a-am.” Okay, so the stutter was a bit exaggerated. But not by much. Her lips were practically flapping together from the cold.

He started shrugging off his coat. “Here, take this.”

She stopped him with a hand to his chest. “No way. I am not that s-selfish.” The cold stutter made the word sound like she’d said shellfish and she had to stifle a laugh.

“I don’t know you very well, but that’s the last term I would use to describe you.”

The words took her aback. In fact, she’d heard herself described that way countless times over the last several months. By people she cared for the most. When all she’d wanted to do was find her own way and discover what made her happy. Correction, she’d wanted to discover what made her feel.

Though she didn’t want to examine exactly what it was she was feeling right now. Neither did she want to admit that she’d been hoping Clint would find her at some point on top of this mountain.

“I can’t take your coat,” she insisted through the chattering.

“Well, I can’t take watching you succumb to frostbite.”

Before she knew what he was up to, he’d stepped behind her and enveloped her in his embrace, the coat wrapped around them both. “Here. In the interest of compromise.”

A cocoon of heat suddenly surrounded her, along with his woodsy masculine scent. In her desire for warmth, she didn’t bother to stop him or step away. Right. Like that was the only desire driving her at the moment.

“This is supposed to be one of the most spectacular sunrises on the earth. You don’t want to turn into a frozen popsicle before you get to see it, do you?”

“I suppose not.” She resisted the urge to snuggle her back closer to his chest. “Thank you.”

He shrugged against her. “It’s the least I can do. After the way you helped me the other night.”

“Ah, you mean your evasion mission.”

“It seems to have worked. Ms. Campbell seems to be wrapped around one of the other groomsmen at this very moment.”

The way he was wrapped around her. “I’m sure she’s simply trying to stay warm too.”

“No doubt.”

“She wasn’t terribly happy with me that night after the luau when she came in,” she told him, remembering the slamming of the suite door as she was brushing her teeth. Rita had felt somewhat guilty. She had nothing against Tessa; they’d actually been study partners for some core subjects back in school. “I got a bit of the silent treatment before we both retired for the night.”

“I think she may forgive you pretty soon. If she hasn’t already. Judging by how she’s moved on and all.”

“I hope so. She did say one thing that night though.”

She felt his warm breath against her cheek when he responded. “What’s that?”

“She mentioned being surprised you were alone to begin with.”

“So you guys were talking about me.”

Uh-oh. “I won’t deny it. Tessa said there had to be a story to explain why you were here stag at your own sister’s wedding.”

“Not really. Just one argument too many. Considering it wasn’t a serious relationship, this seemed as good a time as any to end things. Rather than pretend during an island wedding full of activities. Some things simply aren’t meant to be.”

“I see. So it was mutual?” Rita wanted to bite her tongue as soon as the words left her mouth. She was giving Clint every indication that she was interested in his personal life. When she had absolutely no reason to be. No logical reason. She had to be careful. It would behoove her to be more guarded about such things, now that she was single again. “I’m sorry. It’s not really any of my concern.”

He remained silent at that. A strong gust of wind suddenly whipped through the air and she reflexively nestled closer against him.

Mistake.

A current of electricity shot through her core. She was no prude; she’d been a married woman for heaven’s sake. But being in Clint’s arms was triggering a reaction she hadn’t been expecting. One she couldn’t relate to anything else.

She’d loved Jay. She really had. But she couldn’t recall feeling an electric jolt in the pit of her stomach when he held her. Not like she was feeling this very moment.

“What about you?” Clint surprised her by asking.

“Me?”

“If I recall, Lizzie mentioned a couple of years back attending a traditional Indian wedding. I believe you were the bride.”

“You would be correct.”

“But you’re here alone.”

“It’s like you said, some things simply aren’t meant to be.”

He was silent for a moment, then she heard him take a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

“For?”

She felt his arms tighten around her. Sympathy? She certainly hoped not. “It’s one thing when a short-term, frivolous relationship ends. A marriage failing is a bit more life altering.”

He had no idea. The end of her marriage was only part of it. Someone like Clint would never understand. He could never grasp how someone like her had never truly felt untethered. She was a daughter first. Then a wife. Her identity had always been tied to someone else.

She’d never felt like just Rita. Just herself.

No, she wouldn’t even bother to explain. There would be no point.

“Was it one particular thing?” he asked above her head. “That led to your split, I mean.”

His question wasn’t as simple as it appeared on the surface. There were so many particular smaller issues. And one major underlying one. “Yes. And no.” It was the most honest answer she could give.

“So you’re saying it’s complicated.”

She could repeat her answer and be correct once again. “Only in that we wanted different things.” Things she was in no way ready for. While Jay wanted them more than anything. Things like a family, children, a house. Things she wouldn’t be able to walk away from and then it would be too late, making her stay for all the wrong reasons. “So yes, in that way it was complicated.”

She couldn’t get into any more than that, despite Clint’s charm and the effect he was having on her when he held her this way. How could she explain something that she hadn’t fully grasped herself yet?

And what about him? What exactly was his story? The way he’d talked earlier about his relationships sounded as if he expected them all to come with predetermined expiration dates.

She was trying to come up with a way to ask when a small sliver of reddish-orange light broke through the surface of the clouds in the distance. The sun was finally beginning to rise. A collective hush suddenly fell over the murmuring crowd. In slow motion they all watched as more and more streaks of breathtaking hues of red broke over the sky.

The scene took her breath away. Any hint of her earlier cold or discomfort was completely forgotten. This view, this image would stay with her forever.

As would the thought that she was unexplainably happy that she’d been able to share it with Clint. While he held her in his arms.

* * *

The woman pulled at him like a magnet. Clint had fully intended to stay away from her on this trip. He really had. But then he’d seen her shivering in the dark with nothing but a flimsy, hooded sweatshirt and some type of thin fleece headband. The windchill up here had to be below freezing at the least. How was he supposed to walk away?

He wasn’t made of stone after all.

Now he was beyond happy that he’d ignored the warnings in his head and gone to her. He couldn’t imagine taking in this scene any other way. Tomorrow he might think differently. But right now, watching the brilliant colors slowly explode across the dawn sky above the crater, he was more content than he could ever remember.

Spiritual. It was the one word that came to mind. The most spiritual thing he’d experienced in all his years. And he had the pleasure of doing so with the extraordinary woman who happened to be in his arms.

A few feet away, an elderly gentleman with long white hair dressed in traditional native garb began chanting.

“It’s a prayer and salutation to the sun,” Rita whispered below his ear. The chanter’s deep, rich voice added yet another magical element to the extraordinary moment. Clint allowed himself to simply relax, to simply take in the majesty surrounding him. Rita was breathing steadily and deeply against his chest.

They remained that way several moments even after the sacred chant ended.

“That was amazing.” Rita finally broke the silence but made no effort to move out of his embrace. And he couldn’t remember when he’d ever felt so at peace, so serene.

The sound of someone clearing their throat behind them made them both jump. Clint turned to see his sister and her groom both staring with their mouths agape. Reluctantly, he pulled his arms away and let Rita go.

“I was really cold,” Rita offered by way of explanation.

Lizzie blinked, then focused her intense gaze on her brother’s face.

“She was shivering.”

“Right” was Lizzie’s only response but she dragged out the word so long it was almost comical. His soon-to-be brother-in-law made a dramatic gesture of coughing into his hand in order to hide his laugh.

Rita adjusted her top and stepped away. “That was quite an amazing sight to behold.”

Clint had to tighten his fists to keep from reaching for her again. As silly as that notion was under their current circumstances. But he couldn’t deny that his fingers itched to do that very thing.

“Uh-huh. Sure was.” Lizzie’s double meaning was as clear as the new dawn sky behind them. He’d have to set the record straight with her at some point. Explain to her that he had no long-term sights on her school friend.

She really should know him better than that.

“So anyway,” Jonathon finally said, “there’s some hot chocolate and coffee waiting on the tour bus. The van with all the bikes is up here now. We’ll be heading out shortly to ride.” He tugged on his fiancée’s hand. Lizzie finally moved and they both walked away.

Though Lizzie shot one more questioning look at him as they left.

“I’d almost forgotten,” Rita said, not meeting his gaze. “About the biking.”

Part of this excursion was to be a group bike ride back down the mountain. Apparently, it was the thing to do when you came up here.

“All part of the adventure.”

Rita bit down on her lip and glanced up at the road ahead. “I might have to skip that part of the experience.”

That took him aback. “Whatever for? Can you ride?”

She nodded. “Yes, of course. But I’ve never actually ridden down a high, rugged mountain before.”

He shrugged. “I’m guessing very few of us have.”

She didn’t respond.

“What will you do instead?” he asked her, suddenly beyond disappointed that she wouldn’t be participating.

“I’ll just ride down with the driver in the van.”

He gave her a shrug. “I’m going to skip riding too then. I’ll just drive down in the van with you.”

“What? No. Why would you do that?”

“Well, I’m certainly not going to let you sit by yourself in the back of a van following the rest of us down as we ride. It’s just not in my nature.”

Her eyes clouded with concern. “I don’t want to be the reason you miss out on this, Clint.”

“Then reconsider. Come on, it will be fun.”

Rita glanced at the road once more, apprehension clear in her expression.

“We’ll go nice and slow.”

She let out a deep sigh and rubbed her forehead. “All right. If you insist.”

Clint couldn’t help his smile of relief. He really hadn’t been looking forward to the idea of being stuck in a van as everybody else got to enjoy the outdoor weather and mountainside sights. Not to mention, he figured he could use the physical exertion right about now.

* * *

Clint seemed to be exerting himself far more than the rest of them. Rita glanced behind her to check him once again. He was barely keeping up with the group. She was glad he’d talked her into going. She wasn’t even sure why she had hesitated back there. Bike riding wasn’t a new experience for her. And she’d always been pretty adventurous. Though something had changed within her since the divorce, something that made her second-guess her decisions as well as her abilities. She’d have to work on that.

Now there was no denying that the fresh air and the physical activity were serving to clear her head and invigorate her spirit.

But Clint seemed to be struggling behind her. Despite pedaling furiously and clearly straining, he seemed to consistently lag behind them all.

That made no sense whatsoever; the man was clearly fit. He appeared that way. Though, she’d have to admit, she’d seen more than her fair share of large muscular dogs like pit bulls and Dobermans who lacked stamina and energy.

Great. Now she was comparing the man to various breeds of canine.

Still, it was quite surprising. Especially considering they were going downhill and all. He didn’t strike her as the type to fall behind when it came to anything. Let alone a physical activity. But hey, looks are deceiving. She knew that firsthand.

He’d certainly felt lean and muscular earlier this morning. Her mind darted back to the feeling of being held in his arms, snuggled against his chest. Stop it.




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