Barefoot Bay: Paradise by Design (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  “Go ahead.” Her voice came back in a whisper. “Sleep. You used to drop off almost as soon as we finished. I doubt that’s changed.”

  “You don’t mind?”

  “I’ll join you. But…thanks.”

  “For what?”

  “For this. For getting me past that moment back at the table. For letting me know we’re still okay.” Her head rose a few inches. “We are okay, aren’t we?”

  Just when he thought she’d given him permission to pass out, she added that question. He wasn’t prepared to answer because he wasn’t sure of the response. Of course, they were okay. But he’d felt more. He wanted more. But he wasn’t ready to ask, lest her reply wouldn’t be what he wanted. Instead, he released a fake snore. Coward.

  Chapter Ten

  Drew slipped off the bed as noiselessly as possible. She cleaned up in the bathroom and grabbed a robe, then made her way to the kitchen seeking something cold to drink.

  She needed time to think before Keegan woke. First, though, she simply wanted to relive their time in bed. She hadn’t abstained from sex since she’d last been with Keegan, but none of her few lovers had been particularly memorable. All he’d had to do was touch her, even before he kissed her, and her tactile memories not only revived, they blossomed. More like sizzled and sparked.

  By the time they’d made it to her bedroom, those memories were screaming for a repeat. Which explained her brazen overtures toward him. She would have torn off his shirt, if he hadn’t been so accommodating. The man was absolutely magnificent. He’d been a stunning physical specimen before, but apparently he now had to be in tip-top shape for his job before the camera. And she’d had total access to that beautiful body. The result? She turned greedy. Still was. She wanted more. Much more.

  Therein lay the reason why she needed her space while he slept. He’d characterized it as one more night together, for old times’ sake. Soon he’d be awake, which meant the inevitable after-sex awkwardness would come if she wasn’t prepared. She knew what she wanted. The minute she saw Keegan the day before, even though she slammed the door on him—probably why she slammed the door on him. But could she follow through? Or would it be a mistake?

  “My snoring keep you awake?” He’d put his briefs back on, but that was all.

  “No, I woke and didn’t want to bother you.”

  “Funny how fast my body adapted to having yours next to it again. It missed you once you’d left the bed. Got room there on that couch? What time is it, after all? Hardly morning.”

  “A little after one.” She scooched further into the couch and patted the vacated section. “Sure, join me. I’d enjoy your company, like I have all evening.”

  He lifted a strand of hair from her face. “Regret reliving old times?”

  She shook her head. “Not at all. There was still something between us. We had to recognize it.”

  “Interesting way of saying we couldn’t help getting naked with each other.”

  Against her side, she felt the muscles of his upper arm twitch. “Sex was always good for us, Keegan. I learned tonight those physical feelings were still there.” She could talk around it, but if they were going to discuss where they went from here, he had to be the one to broach the subject—as much as she wanted to tell him she didn’t want this to end.

  “You’re holding back, Drew. Waiting for me to address the elephant in the room?”

  Damn. He’d put her on the spot she’d hoped to avoid. “I’m the one who closed the door on us. It doesn’t seem fair that I also be the one to reopen it.”

  “Are you suggesting it’s up to me where we go from here?”

  She jumped up and escaped to refill her glass. “Want some water? Milk? Something stronger?”

  “You’re stalling. Answer my question.”

  “I couldn’t sleep because I knew this discussion was inevitable. I didn’t want to put you on the spot, but there’s not much way around it, unless we simply shake hands and walk away. Is that what you’d like to do?”

  He stared at her for several beats, like he couldn’t believe she’d even ask. “No. That’s the one thing clear in my mind. I can’t just walk away. What that means, I don’t know. How about you?”

  She didn’t want to walk away either. In fact, she wanted to walk into his arms and stay there forever. Did she dare tell him? Was he ready to hear? No, their time together on this island might be limited, but she didn’t want to rush him. “I feel the same.” She finished her drink, left the glass in the kitchen, then returned to settle next to him again.

  His eyes swept over her, went dark. “Nice robe.” He grazed the knuckles of one hand over her collarbone then let the hand drift under the fabric.

  So much for progress discussing their future. Now this diversion. He didn’t want to talk about the rest any more than she did. So she’d play along.

  She touched his bare chest. A pec shuddered under her fingers. She could still trigger that response, whether voluntary or not. She liked having that effect on him.

  He spread the sides of her robe to reveal her breasts and his hand quickly covered one. His eyes went dark as he fondled it, his thumb lazily circling the nipple, massaging it.

  Moisture again pooled down low, prompting her to nudge into him like a cat in heat.

  His smoldering gaze signaled her message had been received. “I agree. Once was not enough.” He peeled the robe off her shoulders exposing her nakedness beneath and licked his lips. “I can’t leave you alone.”

  While she reclined against the arm of the couch, he produced another condom from nowhere, and put it on. As he climbed over her, his engorged penis traced a path over the hypersensitive nerve endings of her most private parts. She nearly exploded, but held back, knowing her restraint would be rewarded.

  He assumed a more leisurely pace than earlier as his hands and mouth reacquainted themselves with every inch of her body.

  Drew responded in kind, relishing their lovemaking more than the first time. The months since they’d last been together seemed to melt away. If she’d only known then how their fathers’ futures would unwind, there would have been no separation. They would have been married and maybe even had one or two children by now. But she wouldn’t let herself dwell on what might have been. Not now, not when she should be savoring every moment with this man of her heart.

  That’s what he was: the man of her heart. She’d never stopped loving him, although she’d buried that information deep inside herself in order to live with her decision. There’d never been anyone else, only Keegan.

  If this was all there was to be, a loving send-off for the rest of their lives, then she’d make the most of this brief time together.

  Their lovemaking sent them to places beyond reality. As their bodies connected, it was like they merged metaphysically as well. His thoughts were hers and hers were his. They were one in every possible way. Sex with him was better than before their break-up, the possibility they might never again share this intimacy giving it an added edge.

  When they peaked together, they collapsed in each other’s arms, exhausted but satiated. Within seconds, Keegan slept peacefully at her side. She fell asleep shortly thereafter, feeling complete for the first time in years.

  Several hours later, although it seemed like only a few minutes had passed, a loud banging on her door, reminiscent of her own trek to Keegan’s villa the night before, woke them both with a start.

  Keegan wiped sleep from his eyes. “Who’s that?”

  The pounding continued. “Drew, honey, can you hear me? I don’t have a key.”

  Drew was wide-awake in an instant, reminded of her parents interrupting late night make-out sessions on their sofa when she was a teen. “It’s Dad! Quick, get dressed.”

  Keegan leapt off the couch, grabbed his briefs and started for the bedroom. Halfway there, he stopped. “You okay?”

  “He’ll have to accept what he sees. I’m a grown woman.” She swathed herself in the robe, tied it tight and went
to the door. She was a grown woman, like she’d told Keegan. Now, if she just believed it herself. “You’re back early,” she said as she threw open the door.

  Burgess Honeywell, his head still wrapped, ambled past her. “Sorry to wake you. You must’ve been sleeping soundly.”

  “Uh, yes.” Soundly wrapped in the arms of her lover.

  He paused long enough to deposit a folder on the coffee table. “Release instructions. Couldn’t wait to get out of that place, so I jumped at the first available transportation.”

  She should have anticipated his arrival. The guy was an early riser. “Are you hungry?” she asked to cover her discomfiture. “Should I order breakfast? Or we have cereal here.”

  “Good idea. I’m famished.” Keegan joined them from the direction of her master suite.

  Couldn’t he have remained out of sight a little longer? Maybe she could have persuaded the new arrival to lie down in his room so Keegan could have snuck out unnoticed.

  Honeywell pulled up. “Keegan? Didn’t expect to see you quite so early.”

  “Had a little too much to drink last night for dinner. I, uh, sorta fell asleep here.”

  Technically, Keegan was correct, although he’d left out a few thousand details. But it was enough to satisfy her parent. “Oh. Okay. Glad the two of you got to spend some time together.”

  “I, uh, helped Keegan and his team with their filming yesterday.” She felt compelled to explain, although it wasn’t necessary. “I postponed our project for the day, since you weren’t here to answer my questions.”

  He touched her shoulder. “Good idea. You deserve time off to enjoy yourself.” He continued on toward his room. “In fact, since I’m supposed to lie around all day, maybe you could join the film crew again?”

  “That would be great,” Keegan said. “We could use the extra pair of hands since the storm put us behind.”

  “I’d like to participate, but I can’t leave Dad by himself.”

  “Hello? Dad’s right here. Don’t worry about me. Lacey is sending a day nurse to babysit me today and tomorrow, if necessary. It was my own dumb fault for tripping over that ottoman, and I told her so. But she doesn’t want to take any chances with my recovery.”

  “I agree with her,” Drew said. “But I could do the same thing as a day nurse.”

  He enclosed her in his arms. “I appreciate the thought, kiddo, but the arrangements have already been made and whoever Lacey sends will also have medical training. So…while Keegan is still here, make plans for the day. I’m heading to bed.”

  Once her dad disappeared, Keegan tapped the tip of her nose with his index finger. “Feeling guilty, aren’t you? Because he caught us after we’d obviously spent the night together.”

  She considered. “Actually, the reason I’m feeling guilty is because I’m relieved a day nurse is coming. He or she will be better equipped to monitor Dad’s condition.” Which would allow her to be part of Keegan’s crew again. She’d enjoyed her experience the day before more than she thought she would. They’d treated her like an equal, not just some hanger-on they had to entertain.

  The idea of working alongside Keegan now that they’d spent the night together also appealed. Her heart beat faster, anticipating how that partnership might evolve.

  Keegan went to the fridge and helped himself to some orange juice. “Want some?”

  “I need caffeine.” She headed to the coffeemaker. Though she felt more positive about her life than she had in ages, she was still tired. Parts of her body throbbed with delicious aches.

  “So? Are you taking me up on my offer?”

  She batted her eyes. “Thought I did that last night. Twice.”

  His eyes glowed. “You most certainly did. But what I meant, do you want to tag along with us today?”

  “Sure. What’s on tap?”

  Chapter Eleven

  Since Drew insisted she could handle whatever questions her dad might ask about the previous night, and several shots still remained on Keegan’s list until his flight later in the day, he left the Honeywell villa and made his way to his own. He slipped in unobserved while the other two guys were eating on the patio. Ainsley was nowhere to be found.

  Though he hadn’t slept much the last two nights, he felt like a man reborn. There was a spring in his step, and he caught himself humming in the shower. His world had righted itself, at least it would, as soon he convinced Drew to resume their relationship. It was one thing to have sex again, quite another to put the wedding plans back in play.

  Last night, they’d both been so intent of getting the other naked and enjoying what followed, there hadn’t been an opportunity to tell Drew he still loved her. Because he did. He’d realized it as soon as he saw her. She said she still had feelings for him. Did that mean she still loved him? If so, why hadn’t she come right out and said so? At least they had the rest of the day to see what evolved.

  He stared at the face in the mirror as he slapped on after shave. God, man, you’re acting like a lovesick teen. He had a shoot to wrap and he had to decide whether to sign on for another season of the show, and all he could think about was making her part of his life again. That and anticipating the next time he could make love to that incredible body.

  He forced himself to focus on business by checking the messages on his phone that he’d ignored since last night. His dad wanted to know when he’d be returning to town. Good question. He didn’t see his parents very often, even when he was home. The governorship may have eluded his father, but both parents still stayed active in state politics as well as other social activities. As before he left to do this show, they probably would barely have time for him, if he did return.

  His architectural business was another matter. His partner, Brian, wanted him to call as soon as possible.

  Five minutes to spare. He owed Brian a response. “Can’t talk long, man. We’re about ready to shoot. What’s up?”

  “You won the bid! The Jensen Acres project is yours. How soon can you get here?”

  He won? Out of all those entries, they’d picked his design concept? He sank onto the bed, his knees no longer steady. His heart beat frantically while his stomach clenched.

  “Keegan? Still there? Great news, isn’t it?”

  “Uh, yeah. I’m trying to absorb it.”

  “So? When can you get back to town? They want to meet no later than next Wednesday.”

  “Look, uh, I’m still finishing up this shoot. Hopefully today. My mind’s focused on that right now. I’ll get back to you within twenty-four hours. Promise. Gotta go.” He clicked off before Brian had a chance to pin him down further.

  He remained there on his bed attempting to slow his breathing. Months ago, when he submitted the design concept and rough plans for the new community to be built northwest of Milwaukee, he’d been at a low point on the show. Two projects in a row had come off half-rate because the owners hadn’t followed through on the accessibility they promised. The production company had blamed him.

  Since he continued to design on a limited basis while he worked on the show, he could always return to the firm and take a more active role. That option had become increasingly more appealing recently as his interest in the show waned. Brian would love that. His partner was beside himself with glee right now thinking this project assured Keegan’s return. But Keegan still had to decide. Was he ready to leave the good life for what could be months of round-the-clock work and frustration? The Jensen Acres project was awesome, so awesome it unnerved him. Him, the big-time TV star.

  Brian could handle the project as well as Keegan, maybe better since Brian had stayed involved in the business on a full-time basis. But could Keegan give up his baby? This could be the project of a lifetime.

  But now he’d been with Drew again. Were these few days with her simply a pleasant interlude coupled with a long-time-coming reconciliation and great sex? Or was this his chance to finally get his life on track? He’d been on quite a journey since their break-up, but he’d
been missing the one thing, the one person, who could make things whole.

  He threw his phone on the bed. Damn! Why was this all coming at him at once? He didn’t have time to consider anything right now other than finishing the day’s shoot. Certainly not this new job offer. Not even Drew. He hoped she’d understand.

  The team was in the great room waiting for him when he arrived, this time with Drew in attendance. Ainsley was the first to speak. “We’ve got a problem. The female half of the couple we missed yesterday because they were out sailing now has a royal sunburn.”

  Keegan dropped into a chair. This was more like it. This kind of challenge he could handle. “We’ve dealt with sunburn before. What’s the big deal?”

  “She wants to wear this couture sundress she brought along, but the straps rub against her shoulders.”

  It wasn’t unusual for one of the interviewees to insist on wearing a particular article of clothing for the camera, so Keegan didn’t get the problem. “Then cut off the straps.”

  Ainsley rolled her eyes and nearly came out of her seat. “Didn’t you hear me say it’s couture?”

  Drew sat forward. “Removing the straps might destroy it for future occasions.”

  “You’ve done fashion, Drew. Could you help the woman?” Keegan asked. If she could, that would relieve him of having to work directly with her for a while. Drew could sense his mood like some could detect a change in the wind, and he wasn’t ready to share the Jensen Acres thing with her. He had to focus on this shoot.

  Drew scratched her chin. “I don’t know. Guess I could try.”

  “Great. Ainsley, as soon as we’re done here, you and Drew go see what you can do to appease this woman.”

  Ainsley nodded. “All we have to do today is nail the remaining exterior shots, right?”

  “Plus, Clay Walker promised me an interview. We’ve never been able to get the inside scoop from the person who conceived one of the places we’ve featured. This coup is sure to add a whole new dimension to the show. So I want to save plenty of time to meet with him.”