Touch of Paradise

It was him. Mr. Beautiful. Mr. Wonderful. The man who’d once been the object of her dreams. Her hero—Aaron Wethers. The man who’d broken her heart ten years ago.

Just like everything else in his life, time seemed to have given him an advantage, broadening his shoulders, refining his impressive physique. The wind and the sun seemed to have ripened the beauty of his brown skin, making his handsome features almost majestic. And her traitorous heart responded to his compelling, golden-brown gaze.

She knew she’d see him again, but she hadn’t planned on a moment like this. She had planned on returning to St. James as a success, so that he could see how much she’d changed. She’d planned to be cool and suave, and hoped to seduce him by showing off her gorgeous figure, casting a glance in his direction then ignoring him. But now her show was in trouble and she’d crashed into him after racing out of her villa with no makeup on, her hair in total disarray and wearing just her bathrobe.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

Goodness, even his voice was better than she remembered. Deep and intoxicating as rum punch, his island lilt made her want to step closer and listen more. “I’m fine,” Rebecca said in a voice that was too high. She gathered her robe close around her and tightened the sash, wishing she’d at least put on her bra and panties, but she hadn’t, and at that moment she felt vulnerable and bare. “Perfectly fine,” she said with a wave of her hand. She tried to brush her hair into place, but it wouldn’t cooperate.

“Fine?” Kelli squealed behind her. “There’s a giant—”

“It’s nothing,” Rebecca said with a light laugh, seeing that all the commotion was attracting an audience. It was then that she saw a miniature version of Aaron looking anxious beside him. The little boy looked up at Aaron, then her, then his gaze dropped to the ground. Rebecca immediately guessed the situation. Her monster was likely his pet. And it had escaped. Rebecca knew how they responded could really hurt Aaron’s image if other guests knew what she and Kelli had found.

Rebecca bent down to the little boy’s level and said in a low voice, “You look worried, but you don’t have to be. It’s okay.”

He lifted his gaze to hers, his big brown eyes hopeful. “You found Trident?”

“I think so,” Rebecca whispered, aware that people were watching them closely. “But you’ll have to check.”

Aaron shook his head. “I’m really so—”

Rebecca straightened and screamed again, this time like a woman arriving at an airport and seeing a long-lost friend. “It’s so good to see you again,” she said, hugging the little boy, even though he looked at her, startled. “You’ve grown so tall!” She turned to Aaron and screamed like a fashionista seeing an outfit she adored, then hugged him, too. “It’s been ages, darling. Kiss, kiss.” She kissed his cheeks, then waved them inside. “Come in, come in.” She glanced at an older couple who watched them with a frown. She winked at them, then turned. Once they were all inside, she closed the door and pointed to the bed. “Trident is under there.”

The little boy looked up at her, curious. “Why did you scream and hug us like that?”

“Because I didn’t want people asking questions.”

He giggled. “You acted really silly. Like one of Aunt Candace’s friends.”

Aaron nudged him. “You shouldn’t be laughing. What should you be saying?”

“Oh, yes. I’m sorry, miss.”

Rebecca nodded. “You’re forgiven.”

“Now go get Trident,” Aaron said.

The little boy rushed forward and lifted the sheets. “Trident, you’re in big trouble.”

“I’m very sorry about this,” Aaron said.

“What is it?” Rebecca asked, once the boy had coaxed the creature from under the bed.

“A giant iguana. He must have snuck in when they were cleaning your villa. The maids keep the door open to air the room,” Aaron said with a note of apology.

“I understand how he got in, but how are you going to get him out of here without anyone noticing? I assume you don’t want anyone to know that Trident escaped.”

Aaron ran a tired hand down his face, then looked around as if considering his options. “You’re right.” He looked at the little boy. “Didn’t I tell you to keep an eye on him?”

“I’m really sorry, Dad.”

Even though she’d guessed that the little boy was his, hearing him call Aaron Dad validated her assumption. Strangely, fatherhood looked good on him. Rebecca mentally shook her head. She didn’t care. She’d come to St. James to show him what a success she had become and what he’d lost. She would remain calm, collected and distant. “I have an idea, but you have to wait. First, I have to change.” Rebecca excused herself, grabbed some clothes from her closet, then disappeared into the bathroom.

“Get a hold of yourself,” Rebecca mumbled to herself as she quickly changed. “It doesn’t matter that he’s still gorgeous or that he has a cute little boy. He doesn’t even remember you. The jerk.” She stared at her reflection. “You are going to help him this one time, and then you’re going to ignore him. You didn’t come here to fall for him all over again. Your career and this fashion show are all that matter.” She pointed at her image. “Are we clear?” She quickly massaged ointment in her hair and put on some lip gloss, then left the bathroom, ready to deal with the issue at hand.

She told Aaron her idea. At first he was skeptical, but then he agreed. He called the maid service and requested they bring a large laundry trolley to the villa. When it arrived, Aaron set Trident inside, then Rebecca and the maid covered the iguana with several sheets and towels. “Now nobody will ever know I had a surprise visitor,” Rebecca said, pleased.

Aaron looked at the maid. “You know what to do. Make it quick. He can’t be under there too long.”

She nodded. “Yes, sir.”

The little boy took Rebecca’s hand. “Come on.”

Aaron grabbed his son’s shoulder. “What are you doing?”

Brandon looked up at his father, affronted. “I’m going to show her where Trident lives.”

“You have to ask permission first.”

“Oh, right,” he said, looking contrite. “Dad, can I take her to show—”

“No, you have to ask her permission.”

The little boy turned to Rebecca. “Can I show you where Trident lives?”

“I’m sorry,” Rebecca said. “But I have a lot to do today. Perhaps another time.”

The little boy looked disappointed but nodded. “Okay. I’ll come back later.”

“No,” Aaron said. “You’ll call and make sure she’s free.”

“But, Dad—”

“We’ll talk about this later. Go.”

The little boy sighed, started to leave, then turned. “I didn’t tell you my name. I’m Brandon Wethers,” he said, holding out his hand.

“I’m Rebecca Cromwell.”

“Do you have any kids?”

“No.”

“Are you married?”

Aaron nudged him toward the door. “That’s enough.”

“My dad’s not married.”

Aaron shoved him a little harder. “Get out of here.”

“I’m just trying to help. Aunt Candace says women always want to know that about you.”

Aaron held up his hand. “One more word, and I will get angry.”

Brandon nodded, then waved. “Bye, Miss Rebecca.”

Rebecca grinned. “Bye.”

Brandon looked at her for a long moment, then tugged on his father’s shirt. Aaron bent down, and the boy whispered something in his ear.

“No,” Aaron said.

Brandon gripped his hands together. “Please.”

“Go home.”

Brandon made a face, then left.

“Your son is a character,” Kelli said, walking up to Aaron. “But he had the right idea. You’ve already met Rebecca, but let me introduce myself. I’m Kelli Davis.” She held out her hand like a canary offering herself to a cat. The red highlights in her black hair caught the light, and she lowered and raised her eyes in a way that made her interest clear. She had taken the time, during all the commotion, to make sure she looked presentable.

He shook her hand. “Aaron Wethers.”

She grinned. “It’s nice to know we have something in common.”

“And what’s that?”

She winked. “I’m not married, either.”

Aaron nodded, making no indication what he thought of her statement, and turned to Rebecca. “There’s no excuse for what just happened. Let me offer you a complimentary dinner and spa treatment at the VIP lounge.”

“That’s really not necessary,” Rebecca said, embarrassed by her assistant’s flirtation.

“Yes, it is. I was just made aware of the other troubles you’ve had since you arrived, and this incident with my son’s pet iguana is unacceptable. I’m looking into what’s going on.” He pulled out his wallet and gave her a card. “Just give them this.”

“You really don’t—”

His cell phone rang, interrupting her. “I have to take this. Excuse me,” he said, then walked outside.

Rebecca nodded and watched him leave.

Kelli snatched the card from her and studied it. “You lucky girl. A free dinner and spa.”

“You can have it.”

Kelli stared at her, surprised. “Why?”

He didn’t remember her. She’d hoped her name would have meant something, but saying it hadn’t triggered a memory. Not even a little. Of course, it had been ten years, but when they had met, it had been such a monumental moment in her life. She had hoped she’d made some impact on him. What was the point of trying to ignore him or show him how successful she’d become when he didn’t even know who she was? “I’ll be too busy to use it,” Rebecca said.

Kelli eagerly tucked the card away, as if she were afraid Rebecca would change her mind. “Well, if you’re sure.”

“I’m positive,” Rebecca said, then reached out and pinched her.

“Ow!” Kelli said, rubbing her arm. “What did you do that for?”

“Because you know I hate when you flirt in front of me. I don’t care what you do on your own time, but when you’re with me I expect you to be a professional.”

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I mean, don’t you think—”

“It doesn’t matter what I think. His family owns this resort and—”

Kelli started to fan herself. “Oh, yes, he’s Candace’s brother. Just my type.”

Yes, Candace’s brother. Candace had tried to bring up the subject of her brother with Rebecca numerous times, since the first day they’d arrived, but she’d always found a way to avoid the topic, preferring to pretend that she’d decided to host her collection at their resort because it was convenient rather than because of their shared past. And with the recent mishaps, it hadn’t been hard for her to focus on something other than him. Now Candace was gone, and Aaron had taken her place. Rebecca couldn’t afford to have anything else go wrong. Worst of all, she didn’t want him to see her as the helpless damsel she’d been all those years ago.

“Find someone else.”

Kelli raised a brow. “Are you interested?”

“No. I just don’t want you distracted. We’re here on business.”

“I’ll be discreet, then.”

“Good.”

Kelli folded her arms, sending Rebecca a significant look. “Are you sure you’re not interested?”

“I don’t have time to be interested in anyone.”

“It’s been two years since your breakup. Don’t you think—”

“I think you have too much time on your hands. I want to take a nap before I meet with the stage director.”

Kelli sighed and left. But Rebecca didn’t take a nap. She couldn’t sleep. Kelli was on the prowl, and Rebecca couldn’t blame her. Aaron was a worthy target. She’d been just as eager to get his attention ten years ago, but for a different reason...

Ten years ago

It was really hard to run in three-inch high heels. Even harder to run on a boat, away from a drunken college sophomore she had only just met that evening, who wanted to bed as many coeds as he could on spring break. “Come on, don’t be like that,” he said. Although his words were slurred, his pace was incredibly steady.

“I said leave me alone!” Rebecca shouted over her shoulder. She could see the lights of the island in the distance. The sun had set an hour ago, but there was still a purple haze that colored the sky. She knew she couldn’t make a swim for it. She wished she hadn’t decided to go on the two-level rental party boat and had stayed in her room with her roommate, Marie, instead.

“I just think we’ll have a good time together,” she had told Marie.

She’d heard the rumors and knew what some of the boys expected. Her two other friends were already giving his buddies “good times” somewhere on the boat, but this wasn’t the kind of holiday she’d been hoping for. She’d wanted to go sailing, laze on the beach, shop in one of the crowded outdoor markets. Instead, she’d found herself getting crushed at a keg party, and now running from a drunken college guy who had arms like an octopus. One of those arms reached her and pulled her to him.

“You know, your little act is getting old.”

Rebecca tried to shove him away. He smelled of stale aftershave and beer. “It’s not an act. I’m not interested.”

He looked her over. “It’s not like you should be picky. There are prettier girls out here.”

“Then find one of them.” She tried hard to push him off her, but he held her even closer.

“Why? I’ve got you right here.” He leaned in to kiss her.

She bit his lip.

He swore and shoved her back, calling her a foul name. “You think that was funny?” he said, touching his lip and seeing blood on his fingers.

“I warned you.” But the look in his eyes let her know that her warning had only enraged him. She started running again, getting enough distance to turn a corner out of sight, but she knew there was no cabin room for her to hide in. So she grabbed the rail and swung herself over the side of the boat, hoping that he would pass her without looking down. She heard his footsteps. Heard him swear and then disappear below deck. She held on a little longer, but soon felt her grip slipping. She started to lift herself back up, glad for the cardio class she’d started to take on campus. She had nearly pulled herself all the way up when the chaser popped up and said, “Gotcha!”

His sudden presence startled her. She lost her grip and started to fall backward. He reached out to grab her, but his attempt was clumsy and had too much force. He managed to grip her sleeve and pulled her forward instead of up, and she hit her head before the soft material of her dress ripped in his fingers and she fell into the water, unconscious.

Chapter 3

Rebecca woke up to the sound of voices. When she opened her eyes, she found she was on a rescue craft, and a young man, dripping wet, leaned over her. “You’re going to be okay. No, don’t sit up,” he said gently, pulling her jacket closer together. Then she remembered she hadn’t been wearing a jacket—especially not a man’s dinner jacket. She looked up at him and saw his white shirt plastered to his muscled chest. She couldn’t really place him. He looked much older than the college crowd. “What happened?”

“I saw you go overboard,” he said in a rich island lilt.

“And you saved me?” she said with awe. “I could have been attacked by a shark, or stung by jellyfish or drowned.”

The corner of his mouth kicked up in a quick grin. “I did what anyone would have done. But you have to be more careful. How much have you had to drink?”

“Nothing.”

“Then what were you doing hanging over the side of the boat?”

“I was trying to get away—” She stiffened and sat up too fast. She held her head as the world started to spin.

He reached out to steady her. “I told you to keep still.”

“But where is he? I made him so angry.”

The man gently pushed her back down. “Relax. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

“He wouldn’t leave me alone.”

“He will now,” he said in a grim tone. “And the next time someone bothers you, you just come to me...” He lifted his brow in a question.

“Becca,” she said.

He nodded. “You have nothing to worry about. You’re safe now.”

“Who are you?”

“Aaron.”

She wanted to ask him more questions, but the boat landed on the island before she could. The EMTs rushed to meet them. Her rescuer spoke to one of the police officers on the scene while one of the EMTs assessed her, taking her vital signs and applying some ointment to the bruise on her forehead. He tried to encourage her to go to the hospital, but she declined. “I just want to go home and go to sleep.”

“You’ve suffered a mild concussion, and going home and sleeping wouldn’t be a good idea,” he said. “Do you have someone who can be with you through the night?”

“No, but—”

“Then it’s best that you come with us.” The EMTs began to lead her to the waiting ambulance.

“Please, please,” she said, starting to panic. “I really don’t want to.”

“What’s going on here?” Aaron asked, joining them.

The EMT told him the situation. Aaron looked at her. “And you really don’t want to go to the hospital? They’ll treat you well.”

“No,” she said. “The last time I saw my mother was in a hospital, and it’s a painful place for me.”

“Okay. I’ll look after her,” he said when the EMT started to protest. He waved her forward. “Come on,” he said, then started walking.

“I’ll really be okay by myself,” Rebecca said. “Besides, I have a roommate. She can watch me.” Rebecca wasn’t sure if Marie would still be in their hotel room, or if she would be out partying in town. But she wasn’t going to share that bit of knowledge with him.

He extended his hand and took hers in his. “I’m not going to take that risk. And you don’t have to worry—you won’t be alone with me. People know me on this island.”

That certainly wasn’t a worry for her. She could tell by the way the EMTs reacted to him that he was a man people respected. She wondered how long he’d lived on the island and why he’d been on the rental boat. Or was he a foreign vacationer like her? He was the complete opposite of the man who’d been chasing her. But no, man was the wrong word. The college drunk had been a boy. Aaron definitely was a man. A gentleman, and that was rare nowadays. He treated her with kindness and made her feel safe. She couldn’t stop looking at him. He was like a designer coat marked down to half price—completely irresistible.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting company,” he said as he walked over to a motorcycle that leaned up against a stone fence and lifted the one helmet he had. “Maybe I should call a taxi for you.”

“No, I’ll be okay.”

He handed her the helmet and helped her close the latch before sitting on the bike. When she didn’t move, he looked at her, concerned. “What’s the matter?”

“I’ve never ridden one of these before.”

Aaron’s face split into a wide grin. “I’m not expecting you to drive it.” He patted the bike with affection. “She hugs the road and purrs like a kitten. I’ve never had a problem with her. You’ll be safe with me.” He raised a brow. “You sure you don’t want me to call a taxi?”

Rebecca closed her hands into fists. She had no reason to be nervous, but suddenly she was. Not because of the bike, but because of the man. On the boat and talking to the EMT, he’d look civilized, but on the bike, with his rakish grin, he had a devilish air. But he’d saved her life, and people knew him. Maybe her imagination was just running wild because of the darkening sky and the warm Caribbean breeze. She took a deep breath, then got on and sat behind him.

“You have to hold on,” he said.

“What?”

He grabbed her arms and wrapped them around his waist. “I want you to hold on tight. I can’t have you falling off the bike now, can I? Ready?”

She could feel the heat of his skin through his wet shirt, and the muscles of his back pressed to her chest. “Yes.”

He revved up the machine, then drove through some of the island’s back roads. She’d never seen some of those places before. Too soon he stopped the motorcycle and shut off the engine.

“We’re here already?” she said, disappointed.

Aaron laughed. “I thought you’d be glad.”

“I was just starting to have fun.” She took off the helmet.

“Maybe I’ll treat you to a longer ride next time,” he said, taking the helmet from her and setting it aside.

Rebecca knew he was saying that just to be nice, but she truly hoped he would. She was about to say so when she looked up and finally saw where they were. A large mansion loomed before her—a mansion with a dark history. “I thought you were taking me back to the hotel.” She raced up to Aaron and grabbed his arm. “Wait, where are you going?”

“I’m going inside.”

“You can’t go inside,” she said in a low hiss.

He looked down at her, confused. “Why not?”

“I read about this place,” she said, casting an uneasy glance at the large structure. “No one on the island comes to this place. It’s owned by this wealthy family who are said to be descendants of the famous pirate Pierre LaCroix.”

Rebecca went on to tell the story she had heard about how in the early 1600s, a free black man from France, Pierre LaCroix, traveled to St. James. He immediately fell in love with both the people and the land. That was before Spain discovered and decided to claim the island as part of its sovereignty. Pierre LaCroix fought along with the people, but when faced with defeat, he escaped and became a pirate instead. He was never captured by the Spanish, who were eventually overrun by the British. “This house belongs to his descendants, who got rich from the gold and jewelry Pierre plundered from Spanish and British ships he and his fellow pirates attacked.”

He rested his hands on his hips, amused. “Really?”

“It’s even been said that the ghost of LaCroix chooses the bride for the eldest male of the family, and if he doesn’t marry the woman selected, he falls to ruin.”

Aaron’s expression changed, and his voice deepened. “If you’re really frightened, it’s not too late to go to the hospital.”

“Why would I do that? I’m not frightened of you, just of this place.”

Aaron blinked and didn’t move. It took her a moment to realize that the pose reminded her of something. Or rather, someone. In her search to find information about the island, she’d seen a picture of the pirate Pierre LaCroix, and Aaron now looked eerily like him. Like a man who could laugh at a hundred-foot ocean wave, handle a knife with ease and seduce a woman with just a look. Her heart dropped to her feet. “Oh, no. You’re one of them, aren’t you?”

He nodded.

“I thought you were here on holiday like me,” she said, quickly trying to cover her mistake. But she couldn’t tell whether she’d made him annoyed or angry. His face held a blank expression, but his golden-brown gaze hadn’t lost its intensity. “What were you doing on the boat?” she asked.

“One of the chaperones fell ill and I stepped in.”

“I see. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean—”

He shrugged. “It’s okay. I’m used to it.” He jerked his thumb to the door. “Are you ready to go in now, or do you want to tell me some more ghost stories?”

Rebecca covered her face, embarrassed. “I’ve had a traumatic experience. I cannot be accountable for anything I say.”

He laughed and took her hand. “Come on.”

A maid greeted them the moment they entered. “Please take her to the TV room,” Aaron said. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

Rebecca followed the woman, in awe of her surroundings, amazed that it wasn’t as foreboding as she’d imagined and feeling even more embarrassed that he felt he had to look after her. She didn’t want to be a bother.

“You brought her here?” she heard a woman say.

“Keep your voice down,” Aaron said. “She could hear you.”

“But why didn’t you just take her back to her room?”

“Because I didn’t think it would be appropriate for me to spend the night in one of the guests’ bedrooms.”

“You could have just asked one of the staff to stay with her. You didn’t have to look after her yourself. You should have convinced her to go to the hospital.”