As Tess made her way to the gift shop at the Turtle Bay Resort, she tried to make sense of her conflicting feelings. In a few short hours, Ryleigh was getting married. Tess was beyond happy that Ryleigh had found such a great guy. From day one, Tess had been Chas’s biggest advocate. Ryleigh was so happy she practically glowed. Why am I feeling so glum? Even as her mind voiced the question, the answer came like a sharp jab in the gut. She felt like she was losing her older sister.
Ryleigh was Tess’s rock—her capable protector and mother figure all rolled into one. When their mother deserted the family, the sisters had banded together—the two of them against the universe. Now that Chas was in the picture, Tess felt like the third wheel. Her stomach clutched. These feelings weren’t making any sense. She wasn’t losing Ryleigh or Noah, but after today, things would be different. At the end of this trip, Tess would return home to Ft. Worth to an empty house.
Shortly after Ryleigh got divorced from her first husband Joey, Tess moved in with Ryleigh and Noah. Tess spent so much time looking after her eight-year-old nephew, that half the time, she felt like he was her son. The house would be quiet without Noah, silent like the morgue. She shuddered. Maybe she should consider getting a roommate. No, that sounded dreadful. Tess didn’t want to share the house with some stranger. She wanted to be free to lounge around and do things on her own terms.
Ryleigh and Noah were moving into Chas’s house while Tess remained in the old home place. Tess had always paid a portion of the mortgage, but there was no way she could afford to pay the entire payment. Ryleigh assured Tess that she would help make up the difference. As generous as the offer was, Tess didn’t want to be a burden on Ryleigh. Chas had a ton of money, but still, that didn’t mean he was obliged to supplement Ryleigh’s family members. Tess let out a long sigh, pushing aside the despondent thoughts. One thing at a time. It would get easier living on her own. She’d done it before when Ryleigh was married to Joey. She could get used to it again. And if not, she could get a roommate. She scrunched her nose. Not something she wanted to think about right now.
Tess was Ryleigh’s assistant in her personal chef business. They ran the business out of their home. Ryleigh planned to keep the office at the old home, meaning that Ryleigh would spend a lot of time there. That was comforting.
The gift shop was tucked in the back of the resort. Like many places in Hawaii, it was an open-air setting, facing the pool. As Tess stepped into the shop, she caught a whiff of chlorine. She made a beeline over to the fruit bin where she grabbed two bananas and an orange. The breakfast she’d eaten this morning had long since worn off, leaving her famished. Ryleigh often teased Tess, saying she had the appetite of an elephant. Well, at least she was eating something healthy. When she got up to the register, she grabbed a candy bar and pack of bubble gum for Noah and some breath mints for Ryleigh.
The wedding was in two hours. The family was eating lunch together, but that wouldn’t happen until after the wedding. Tess would be passed out from hunger by then. She reached for another candy bar. This one was for her. Better safe than sorry. The package of Reese’s Cups looked good. It was the last one. She grabbed it and a bag of barbecue potato chips. It was good to have lots of options.
When the sales clerk rattled off the total, Tess inserted her credit card into the reader.
A man stepped up beside her. “Stocking up, I see.”
Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to face Caden O’Brien, Chas’s younger brother. Tess had jokingly asked Chas if he had a younger brother he could fix her up with, never dreaming that the younger brother would be the hunky GI Joe standing in front of her. Caden was sporting a snug-fitting, green t-shirt that showcased his rock-hard abs and defined chest. Her mouth went drier than sand as she swallowed. Caden had a strong resemblance to Chas, except he was slightly shorter and more muscular. His copper-brown hair was cut in a short military style, making his lean jaw look razor-sharp. When Tess first met him, she’d thought his eyes were blue-green, but today they were greener, picking up the color of his shirt. It went through her mind that she should say something witty or intelligent, but she couldn’t seem to make her tongue move. She just stood there, gaping at him. This wasn’t her. She was the dating queen. Normally, she played the opposite sex like a fiddle. What in the freak was happening here?!
“You might want to remove that.”
“Huh?”
He motioned to the card reader.
“Oh, yeah.” Her cheeks flamed as she pulled it out and placed it back into her wallet. From the minute Tess laid eyes on Caden, a truckload of fireworks had exploded inside her. She’d done what came most natural and turned on the charm, assuming she’d have Caden eating out of the palm of her hand. Not so. The more flirtatious she became, the more distant Caden grew. That’s what had thrown Tess for a loop. She didn’t know how to handle his disinterest, so she made a point of ignoring him. The crazy part was that everywhere she went Caden was right there, almost as if he were following her. All right. That was a stretch. Wishful thinking, maybe. It was only natural that Caden would be nearby, considering they were in the same wedding party. She was baffled and irritated at the amusement that flashed over his face. “What?” she grumbled.
“The clerk is asking if you’d like a bag.”
Tess looked at the clerk who flicked her wrist impatiently, making a point of looking at the customers waiting in line behind Tess. “Uh, yes. Please,” she added with an apologetic smile. A second later, she reached for the bag and stepped away from the counter. Caden moved with her. A few awkward beats stretched between them. “Aren’t you getting anything?” Tess asked, realizing his hands were empty.
A hint of laughter sparkled in his eyes. “I was gonna get Reese’s Cups, but some ravishing woman nabbed the last one.”
Her eyes flew open wide, a giggle rising in her throat. “I think you meant ravenous.”
He didn’t even blink. “I know what I meant,” he said softly.
Pleasure rippled through her. Had the stone-cold soldier boy just given her a compliment? She forgot that she was supposed to be ignoring him as a smile curved her lips. “Well, there are two in a pack. I suppose I could be persuaded to share,” she said coyly, “if you’ll walk me back to the room.” Maybe Caden was warming up to her. The distance between them shrank as blood pumped through her veins like a jet engine. She traced the outline of his wide shoulders, going down to his tapered waist and long, jean-clad legs. A tendril of hope sprouted in her chest as she awaited his answer. For a split second, he looked as if he might take her up on the offer. Then, something shifted as he stepped back; a tight, impersonal smile fixing over his lips.
“Thanks,” he said offhandedly, “but I have a few things to take care of before the wedding.”
His rejection was a slap in the face. Was she so detestable that he couldn’t even walk with her to the villa? One minute, he was throwing around compliments, and the next, he was turning her down. “Suit yourself,” she harrumphed as she turned on her heel and marched away. She vowed then and there that she was done with Caden O’Brien. She didn’t care how handsome and magnetic the guy was. He was a jerk, plain and simple! “Good riddance,” she muttered under her breath.
The wedding was about to start. Ryleigh and Chas couldn’t have picked a more perfect spot. It was on a grassy area called Kuilima Point, overlooking the ocean. A slight breeze ruffled Tess’s dress, and she caught the taste of salt in the balmy air. Tess felt like a thousand tap dancers were pounding the inside of her stomach. “You’ve got this,” she uttered to Ryleigh whose eyes were moist.
Ryleigh’s hand went to her hair in a self-conscious gesture. “Do I look okay?” She grimaced. “I feel like my hair is a frizz pad.”
Tess chuckled darkly. “Tell me about it. I haven’t been able to do a thing with my hair since we got here.” She shook her head, realizing she was rambling. “You look exquisite, like a princess.”
“Thank you,” Ryleigh chimed, rewarding Tess with a tender smile.
“It’s true.” Ryleigh’s snow-white dress glittered in the sunlight. Her blonde, shiny tresses were pulled into a chic updo. The crowning touch was a necklace made of dainty pearls, arranged in a lace pattern. She wore simple pearl earrings to match. Tears glistened in Tess’s eyes. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you,” Ryleigh said hoarsely. “I love you.”
“Love you too, sis.”
McKenna, the only daughter of the O’Brien clan came up and gave Ryleigh the once-over. “You look beautiful,” she beamed with a gargantuan smile. “My first sister,” she said warmly, touching Ryleigh’s arm
Tess scowled, then caught the grin on Ryleigh’s face. “What?”
Ryleigh only shook her head.
“Welcome to the family,” McKenna said heartily.
“Thank you,” Ryleigh responded.
Tess felt eyes on her. She glanced over to where Caden was standing with his brothers, Colin and Asher. The three of them were Chas’s groomsmen. Most people would quickly look away when caught staring at someone. Not Caden. He met her gaze full on. Electricity spiked through her, irritating the heck out of her. It was idiotic to be this attracted to someone who had no intention of entering into a relationship. Tess arched her eyebrow, giving Caden a questioning look. Seeing the exchange, McKenna grinned like a Cheshire cat. “It looks like my twin brother is infatuated.”
“I highly doubt that,” Tess retorted.
“Oh, yes he is. I can tell,” McKenna stated confidently, her long, red hair bobbing as she dipped her chin. Her light eyes danced with amusement. “It makes sense. Caden has always had a thing for brunettes.”
That was good to know. It restored Tess’s confidence in her intuition. She’d felt like Caden was attracted to her from the get-go, but then second-guessed herself when he acted so wishy washy.
Ryleigh tilted her head in surprise. “You and Caden? I had no idea. When did this happen?”
“Nothing is going on between me and Caden,” Tess countered, her jaw tightening. She shot McKenna a dark look that said Mind your own business. “Caden is a cold fish and has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with me,” she snapped, feeling again the bitter sting of his rejection.
Ryleigh probed Tess with the wise-owl eyes of an older sister who could see right through her. Tess knew with one look that Ryleigh realized that she had a thing for Caden. Had she really just thought that? She had a thing for Caden? It wasn’t a thing. She wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but Caden was messing with her head.
Asher called out to McKenna. “Hey, Red, you got any gum on you?”
McKenna grunted out a laugh as she made a face. “Sure, I’m carrying around a whole pack in the front of this dress.”
“I knew you were stuffing the front of your dress with something,” Asher taunted. “Better gum than toilet tissue.”
McKenna’s face turned as red as her hair. “You’re gonna get it for that,” she threatened as she stalked towards Asher.
“Is something going on between you and Caden?” Ryleigh asked in a low tone when it was just the two of them.
“Of course not,” Tess laughed. She patted Ryleigh’s shoulder. “It’s your wedding day, sis. You don’t need to worry about me and Ice Man over there.” She shot Caden a frosty look.
Ryleigh’s eyes widened. “Oh, my gosh. There is. You like him.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Tess scoffed. The concern on Ryleigh’s face pricked her insides. “Is there something wrong with Caden?”
“No, Caden’s a great guy.”
An unexpected wave of relief rushed over Tess. “That’s good to know.”
Ryleigh wet her lips, her voice lowering to a whisper. “I hope Chas will forgive me for telling you this because none of the rest of the family knows, but Caden has been through a rough time when it comes to relationships. He had some things to happen—” She chewed on her lower lip. “I’m not sure that he would be right for you, Tess.”
Nancy, the woman in charge of facilitating the flow of the wedding, rushed over in a bluster, her platinum cap of hair swinging with her every step. “If anyone needs to make a last-minute run to the restroom, now would be a good time.” She caught hold of Ryleigh’s arm, dragging her away. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need to go over a few last-minute particulars.”
Not right for her? Why not? Tess was burning to get the scoop on Caden, but it was Ryleigh’s wedding day, not the time to make demands. She forced herself to step back and take a chill pill. She stole another glance at Caden who gave her a quirky grin. A ridiculous urge overtook her as she stuck out her tongue. He jerked, then laughed, shaking his head like she was an idiot.
Tess stomped to the restroom, avoiding any further eye contact with him. When she returned, everyone was lined up to go out. Great! Now Tess would have to stand close to Caden. Her traitorous heart thrummed at the prospect. Nancy thrust a bridesmaid bouquet at Tess, then clapped her hands. “All right, everyone, it’s time,” she announced breathlessly.
The music started. Tess felt Caden’s probing gaze on her again and couldn’t resist looking his direction. This time, his eyes were round as saucers. “Enough of this,” she muttered. She stepped up to him, her chin jutting out. “Have you got something to say to me?”
“Y—you’ve got a problem,” he stammered, a wild look in his eyes.
She barked out a hard laugh, her hand going to her hip. “Oh, yeah? What kind of problem do I have, soldier boy?”
He blinked rapidly, motioning with his hand. “Your dress. You need to—”
It took everything in Tess to keep from pummeling him over the head with her bouquet. “Really? My dress?” He started to say something else, but she cut him off short. “Save it!” she barked, glancing at Chas who was standing tall beside the altar, his face radiating joy. Next, she looked at Ryleigh, standing at the back of the wedding line-up. Ryleigh looked nervous but elated. Their eyes connected for one brief moment as Tess gave Ryleigh a thumbs up signal. She turned back to Caden. “I don’t have time for your games. It’s my sister’s wedding day.”
“Let’s go,” Nancy cooed, pushing everyone along. “Walk slowly, purposefully.”
The second before it was Tess’s turn to stride across the grass, McKenna grabbed her arm. “The back of your dress is tucked into your panties,” McKenna said, yanking out the fabric.
Tess’s face burned with humiliation. “Thank you.” It would’ve been disastrous for her to walk out in Ryleigh’s wedding with her panties showing. Of all the moronic things to do. Tess had a knack for getting herself into the most ridiculous situations imaginable. Caden stepped up beside her and linked his arm through hers, sending a jolt of electricity through her. In the practice session, Asher had been her escort. Caden must’ve switched with him.
Tess’s heart did a wild spin as they walked forward. Caden was a pillar of strength and raw muscle beside her, moving in fluid strides. “Why didn’t you just tell me my dress was tucked into my panties?” She stretched a plastic smile over her face for the guests.
Caden let out a low, throaty chuckle that rumbled through her chest. “I was trying to, but you chomped me to bits.”
“You said I had a problem,” she shot back.
“You did. A big problem.” He grinned like a teenager. “Not that the male guests would’ve minded—” he scrunched his nose “—but your pink panties with red hearts were probably not the best attire for a wedding.”
“You’re a jerk,” she hissed. Tess happened to like panties with patterns on them. They made her feel young and daring in a harmless sort of way. Of course, she would pick the heart panties on the day she was stupid enough to get the back of her dress caught up in them.
Caden tightened his hold on her arm, giving her a sidelong glance. “If it’s any consolation, you really do look ravishing. Red suits you.”
Warmth glowed through her. Ryleigh’s wedding colors were red and a dark evergreen. She’d chosen to wear red and McKenna green. Tess was confused by Caden’s compliment. She was both frustrated and exhilarated by his closeness. Everything was brighter and more vivid with Caden by her side. Tess couldn’t remember the last time her senses had been so heightened.
When they took their spot, Caden was supposed to release her arm, but he held onto it a little longer. For a split second, she allowed herself to savor the feel of his arm linked through hers. Then, her good sense took over as she arched an eyebrow. Talk about sending mixed signals! As chummy as Caden was being with her now, she knew that if she uttered one word about them going on a date, he’d run for the hills faster than a scared rabbit. Ryleigh’s words came rushing back, making her wonder what had happened to Caden. Hopefully, Tess would get a moment to ask Ryleigh about it before she left on her honeymoon. Tess’s heart sank, as a disheartening thought occurred to her. Maybe Caden was damaged beyond repair. No, that couldn’t be the case. No one was damaged beyond repair. There was always hope, right? Ryleigh said Caden was a good guy.
The Wedding March song began, sending a hush over the guests. All eyes turned to watch Ryleigh glide down the aisle. There was a look of such pure joy on Ryleigh’s face that Tess had the feeling of witnessing perfection. Tears misted her eyes. Ryleigh deserved all the happiness in the world. She’d found a great guy who loved her with all his heart. A pang shot through Tess. If only she could be so lucky. Too bad Caden wasn’t more like his older brother, Chas. Chas had taken one look at Ryleigh and was smitten. He was the one who pushed the relationship forward despite Ryleigh’s reservations. Caden was the epitome of Mr. Tough with his chiseled muscles and military bad boy aura, but he seemed scared to death about going on a date, much less having a relationship.
As the preacher started the ceremony, Tess realized with a jolt that while everyone else had been watching Ryleigh, Caden was watching her. His expression held the same longing that she’d felt when she first saw him, but it also held something else—a deep sadness that jolted her to the core. She got the feeling that Caden was fighting some inner battle with himself. Then came his forced, polite smile that erected a barrier between them so high she could never scale it.
Forget about him, her good sense cautioned. If only she would listen, but Tess had never been good at heeding the voice of reason, not when her emotions were in such a jumble. Caden O’Brien had gotten under her skin, and she got the feeling that she wouldn’t be able to rest until she discovered the reason behind his reticence.
This time, when he caught her eye, she didn’t scowl. Instead, she gave him a smile sweeter than honey. It had the gratifying effect of causing his checks to slightly redden. Miracle of miracles, he smiled back, causing her entire body to flush with pleasure.
Yep, she was enthralled with Caden O’Brien, more enthralled than she’d been with anyone in a very long time. She silenced the warning bells going off in her head and focused on the wedding. Today was a day for joy and, by golly, Tess was going to enjoy every minute of it!
