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“GOOD AFTERNOON, FOLKS. This is Captain Jonas here.” Charlotte opened her eyes and strained to hear the pilot as the entire plane quieted to listen. They’d pulled away from the gate ten minutes ago and then stopped with no explanation before now. From her window seat, she didn’t see any other planes taking off, either. Maybe her flight would be canceled and she could go home. Her heart beat faster until the captain continued speaking.
“There’s a storm hanging out just west of the airport, and no one’s taking off. As soon as we get clearance, I’ll be back to let you know. Until then, sit back and relax.”
“Easy for you to say,” Charlotte mumbled. The noise level rose as passengers complained. She reached under the seat in front of her to pull out her itinerary from her purse. Her flight was supposed to arrive in Fort Lauderdale at three, which gave her two hours before the ferry to Sapodilla Cay left at five. Taking into consideration that she needed to go to baggage claim and then take a taxi for the short drive to Port Everglades, this plane better take off quickly. She’d never been on a trip like this before and had no idea if there would be a security checkpoint that might be backed up.
The older woman sitting in the middle seat next to Charlotte tsked as she continued to crochet something pale pink and tiny. She glanced at Charlotte. “Never fails. I’m always on the flight that’s delayed.” The woman’s bright green eyes were prominant in an oval face lined with faint wrinkles. She peered at Charlotte, waiting for a response.
“You fly often?” she asked politely. She wasn’t in the habit of conversing with strangers, but she reminded herself of her vow to have fun and leave her worries behind.
“Oh yes. Several times a year.” The woman continued crocheting as she spoke, her hands moving rhythmically. “My grandkids live in Rhode Island. I’ve been living in south Florida for about ten years.” She glanced at her hands, then back at Charlotte.
Charlotte checked the sky through her small window. “Looks like it’s clearing over that way.”
When the woman didn’t comment, Charlotte stuffed her itinerary back into her purse, shoved it under the seat in front of her and leaned her head back. Her eyes drifted shut. She hoped her seat neighbor would take the hint.
“Allie?” A woman’s loud voice came from the aisle nearby.
Charlotte didn’t open her eyes, instead regulated her breathing and tried to block out the commotion around her.
“Allie!” The woman was insistent.
The older woman nudged Charlotte with her elbow and said in a whisper, “I think that woman is speaking to you, dear.”
Charlotte’s eyes popped open to see a plump, fifty-something woman with an unruly mop of dark, curly hair and black-rimmed glasses.
“I didn’t know you were on this flight.” The woman’s speech was quick, her silver hoop earrings bouncing randomly. “I’m surprised you’re coming to the conference after the way things turned out at DP. You know, when you left.” She used finger quotes for “left” and never seemed to stop talking long enough to inhale.
“You have me confused with my twin sister, Allie,” Charlotte told her. “My name is Charlotte.”
The woman pointed a finger at her and grinned wickedly. “That’s a good one, Allie. I’m not sure how many people will believe you suddenly have a twin sister, but it’s a nice try. I have to warn you, there are a lot of people at DP who think you knew about Jimmy’s extortion plan. I’m really surprised you’re going to the conference.”
Charlotte opened her mouth to explain about finding Allie fairly recently, but she couldn’t get a word in.
“Too bad we’re not sitting next to each other.” The woman turned her head quickly to look at the surrounding passengers and lowered her voice. “I’m sure you’ve heard all about who’s going to be at the conference. Rumor has it he’s looking to change advertising firms.” She put her finger to her lips. “But you didn’t hear it from me.” The woman pointed to the front of the plane. “I’m up there on the aisle. I hate sitting anywhere else.” She leaned in the row, nearly resting her ample breasts on the man in the aisle seat, to whisper, “You know how my bladder is, and I hate asking people to move. Oh, speaking of that, I need to use the facilities before they make us buckle up. So good to see you. I want to hear all about what you’ve been doing since you left DP. Check you later.” She waved and moved down the aisle before Charlotte could say another word.
The woman obviously knew Allie from her previous job. Charlotte hadn’t considered that people attending the advertising conference might mistake her for Allie. She should have, though, since they were identical twins. From their dark, chin-length hair to their matching feet with high insteps.
“I have to ask,” the older woman next to her said. “Is your name Charlotte or Allie?”
“It’s Charlotte. She didn’t give me a chance to explain. My twin sister backed out of the conference and gave me the hotel room and travel arrangements to use as a vacation.”
The woman nodded. “Sounds like you should do some investigating into this ‘special guest’ that’s coming. I’m guessing your sister might be sorry she missed him.”
The seat belt reminder dinged, and the passengers hurried to their seats to buckle up. Charlotte considered her seatmate’s suggestion as the plane’s engines revved.
“This is your captain again. Looks like things are moving. We’re number eight for takeoff. Shouldn’t be long now.”
That seemed like a long way back in line, but Charlotte wasn’t an expert.
Her mind wandered to what the talkative woman had said about someone important attending the conference. She should definitely call Allie as soon as she was able.
* * *
CHARLOTTE’S ROOM WAS beyond beautiful, as well as being the largest hotel room she’d ever stayed in. The furnishings were luxurious, while the room was light and airy. She crossed the hardwood floor to peer out at the ocean, drawn by the gentle breeze coming from the wall of open floor-to-ceiling French doors. The water was calm, and much to her amazement, she discovered how far out to sea she could still discern the white sandy bottom far from shore.
The first thing she did was call Allie. Her sister had already left her office for the day and her cell phone went right to voice mail. Charlotte left messages both places, but she would have to try again later.
She was about to unpack when she spotted a flyer on the bed. It was an invitation to the welcome reception the desk clerk had mentioned when she’d checked in. He’d said it was for all guests, not just conference attendees.
She checked the clock. The reception had already begun. As much as she wanted to hibernate in her room, she remembered one of the reasons she was here—to push herself beyond her comfort zone. “It sounds like fun.” She spoke aloud as if trying to convince herself.
Charlotte hurried to the bathroom and brushed her teeth and her hair, touched up her makeup and applied lip gloss. She pulled a few things from her luggage, disappointed she hadn’t yet unpacked. Didn’t matter, this was vacation. A little food and a drink actually sounded like heaven.
She donned a long, flowing skirt and a matching floral peasant top. She retrieved her flat tan sandals from the outside pocket of her suitcase and struggled to buckle them in her haste.
She locked her laptop and purse in the room’s safe. There was no need to carry a purse when she had a pocket in her skirt to keep her room key.
Before going out the door, she slipped on her little white shrug with three-quarter sleeves. Even on the hottest summer days, most Newport evenings were cool enough to demand a light sweater or jacket, and this island in October was probably similar in climate.
Charlotte took the beautiful staircase rather than wait for the elevator. She’d noticed on her way up to her room that one elevator was out of service and she’d already taken several minutes getting herself presentable to attend the reception.
Partially hidden behind a palm tree in the lobby, Charlotte took in the gathering. The sight of food and a bar made her stomach growl. She thought she was being inconspicuous when she crossed the lobby to join the party.
“Hey, Allie!” one of the women in the crowd called out.
Just as she’d suspected, other people here knew Allie. Charlotte picked up a plate and reached for the vegetable tongs.
“Allie,” said a man directly behind her. “We were all wondering if you’d be here.”
Charlotte nearly dropped the tongs. She peered over her shoulder at the tall man with light brown hair, neatly trimmed facial hair and hazel eyes, who was probably in his mid-to late-twenties. She didn’t know him, didn’t know what to say. “I’m not—”
“I haven’t seen you since you left DP.” He lowered his voice. “You must be excited about our special guest.”
Did all these DP people talk constantly, not allowing anyone to say a word?
Charlotte merely nodded while she put a few carrots and broccoli florets on her plate and added a small puddle of white dipping sauce. What would it hurt if a few people thought she was Allie? Probably easier than explaining constantly. Every time she told someone about finding her sister, it reopened wounds that were still raw after reading her mother’s letter.
Everyone seemed to be ecstatic about someone special attending the conference. The more she heard, the more she was concerned that Allie wasn’t here.
Not wanting to seem rude, Charlotte turned to face the man whose name she didn’t know. “Yes, I’m very excited about our special—”
“Hi, Allie. Hi, Jared.” A woman joined them before Charlotte could finish her sentence. Great. Another person who thought she was her sister. The petite woman with whitish-blond hair was about the same age as the man Charlotte now knew was named Jared. The woman held an almost empty glass of white wine in her hand.
“Hey, Veronica,” Jared greeted her.
“Hi.” Charlotte pretended to survey the room, figuring she’d just go along with everyone thinking she was Allie for the night. During the day, they’d be at their conference and she’d be luxuriating in the sun on the beach. She’d probably never run into them again. “This is quite a crowd.”
Veronica nodded as she downed the last of her wine and set the glass on a tray with other used dishes.
Charlotte had nothing to talk about with these two. She knew nothing about them and very little about advertising. Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly and dunked her broccoli into the dip on her plate before taking a bite.
“I’m going to take advantage of the open bar,” Jared said. “Can I get either of you ladies anything?”
That sounded like an excellent idea, even if it meant she wasn’t ditching either of them. Better to talk to people who thought she was her sister than stand around awkwardly by herself. “I’ll come with you and see what they have.” Charlotte checked out what others were drinking. A few had little umbrellas in what looked like fruity drinks.
She pointed to someone walking past the bar and told the bartender, “I’ll have one of those.”
“Ooh, me, too!” Veronica had followed them and now she clapped her hands like a five-year-old who’d been promised ice cream. She nudged Charlotte with an elbow. “By the way, love your hair like this. It must be so much easier than curling it.”
“Um, thanks.” She touched her hair. She and Allie had their dark brown hair styled in almost identical chin-length bobs when they’d met. Allie liked hers curled most of the time, but Charlotte couldn’t be bothered since she worked from home and rarely had a need to get dressed up.
There was a lapse in the conversation. A perfect time for Charlotte to tell Jared and Veronica who she was.
Before she could open her mouth, their attention was drawn to a man ringing a brass bell.
* * *
SAM STOOD NEAR the food table and rang the bell to get everyone’s attention. When they quieted and turned in his direction, he put his glass in the air and looked at the expectant faces in the crowd. “I’m the resort manager, Sam Briton, and I’d like to welcome you all to the Grand Peacock Resort on Sapodilla Cay. I hope you’re all having a good time?” The group cheered, and he took a sip of his club soda.
He was about to begin his usual speech about the resort when the people parted. There was a face he recognized. Not a face he ever expected to see. Not one he ever wanted to see again.
Allie Miller.
Or, as he referred to the lying tramp from his past who’d attached herself to a boyfriend with no morals, Alley Cat.
CHAPTER THREE (#ulink_25ed1a06-1da2-575c-9ad6-a1d8d9bea416)
THE MAN SPEAKING to the group stopped. He glared at Charlotte.
Her hand flew to cover her unexpected gasp, drawing more attention to herself. She had never seen this guy before, so why the loathing in his eyes?
Wow. He disliked her. Intensely.
She didn’t know what to do, how to behave. People didn’t usually react negatively to her, especially at first glance. He obviously thought he knew her.
Or her sister.
Her stomach flip-flopped.
The man cleared his throat. His contempt drifted away from her as he bared straight white teeth in a false smile to continue speaking.
Learning his name was Sam Briton didn’t provide any answers. Allie hadn’t mentioned him and he was the resort manager, not an advertising conference attendee. Charlotte watched him carefully, making sure she’d never met him, not even briefly. His deep-set, intense blue eyes would be striking, if not for his blatant animosity. He was average in height, with a strong jaw and short, dark hair. He had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and wore his clothes well— khakis and a navy button-down shirt with the resort logo. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing the forearms of a person who stayed fit. He was definitely a handsome man she was sure she’d not soon forget.
“How do you know him?” Veronica whispered frantically as she tugged at Charlotte’s elbow. “He is one very hot guy. Too bad he so obviously dislikes you.”
Charlotte shrugged and sipped her drink. She’d forgotten Veronica stood next to her. In fact, the woman hadn’t left her side since they’d first spoken. How should she answer Veronica’s question? Charlotte didn’t know this Sam Briton, but obviously Allie did. How did they know each other, and what had Allie done to earn his aversion?
Charlotte knew Allie had a troubled past, but she’d worked hard to move on. Especially since she and Jack had gotten together.
“I hope your stay here will be very rewarding, as well as relaxing,” Sam was saying. “If you have any problems or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or one of the staff. Breakfast is served from seven to nine. Enjoy your evening!” He waved, leaving everyone to talk among themselves.
Whew! This Sam person was leaving. No more caustic stares. She’d be sure to steer clear of him this week.
When he headed straight for her, she nearly inhaled a sip of her drink. She began coughing and someone took her drink from her hand. Instead of making herself invisible, she’d captured everyone’s attention.
“Come with me.” Sam took her by the elbow and roughly guided her away from the group. His grip tightened the farther away they got from the reception.
Unable to voice her opinion of his actions because she was still coughing, she finally jerked her elbow from his grasp. “Ouch!”
“Sorry.” His apology didn’t sound genuine.
He moved his hand to her lower back and his touch was anything but gentle.
They were alone in the middle of the hallway, past the sign that read Employees Only. She stopped and faced him. “Where are you taking me?” She cleared her throat. “I’m fine now. I just need some water.”
He didn’t speak, merely spun her around and continued guiding her to an office. The sign next to the door proclaimed Sam Briton, Resort Manager.
Resort Dictator would be a more suitable title.
She should run away, yell for help, but she had to know why he disliked Allie so much. Or did he actually know Charlotte and she didn’t remember him?
“Sit.” He pointed to the seat closest to the wall and in front of his desk. He closed his office door with more force than necessary. Instead of taking the desk chair, he chose the matching chair next to Charlotte’s. He pulled it several feet away from her and turned it so he could face her.
Charlotte was pretty sure that if steam could truly come out of one’s ears, then this would be the time she’d witness it.
For what seemed like several minutes, he didn’t speak, merely stared at her with narrowed eyes. He leaned forward, hands fisted on his thighs.
“Start talking.” When he finally spoke, his words confused Charlotte.
She shifted in her seat. “What would you like me to say?”
He laughed, a choking sound that lacked humor. He stood quickly and pounded a fist on his desk, making everything on it vibrate. Then he leaned in so close to Charlotte that she could differentiate the dark blue rings surrounding his lighter blue irises.
“We had an agreement.” He spoke slowly through gritted teeth, but his self-control was back.
“An agreement?” Maybe she could get him to elaborate.
“Don’t be coy. We both know you’re too conniving to play the innocent.”
Conniving. No one had ever called Charlotte that. “Maybe you can be more specific.” She kept her tone even, hoping to cajole rather than anger him. For some reason, she refused to blurt out she wasn’t Allie—maybe because the details were really none of his business.
“Specific?” He straightened to his full height and paced in the small space. He stopped behind his desk. “You want specific? I’ll give you specific. We agreed we’d never lay eyes on each other again in this lifetime.” He flattened both hands on his desk when he leaned over it, his eyes venomous. “Is that specific enough for you?”
Tears built behind her eyes. She fought them with every bit of self-control she possessed. No one had ever been this angry at her before. Even if Sam thought she was Allie, at this particular moment, his rage was directed at Charlotte.
“That’s easy to do.” She stood, head held high, smoothed her skirt and turned to leave his office.
“Sit down!” This time he shouted. “I ought to call Security and have them detain you until I can figure out how to get you off this island.”
