Cody Read online

  Cody showed her how to lean her seat back and reached over to stroke her cheek once she was settled back. He wanted to stay up all night watching her sleep, but he knew he needed to sleep, too. He didn’t want to miss out on the fun on the island because he was being sappy on the plane.

  The stewardess brought pillows and blankets and they all settled down to sleep. Amber looked over at Cody and smiled just before she drifted off. “You’re right. The seats are comfy.”

  Chapter Five

  They all woke as the wheels touched down on the runway in Bora Bora the following morning. By mutual agreement, they decided to have breakfast and do some shopping before they headed to Motu Tane via the boat waiting to take them.

  It was almost noon before they got on the boat to head to the island. Amber couldn’t believe how excited she was. When she was growing up, her parents had taken her on a lot of vacations to beaches, the mountains and every other locale she could think of, but they hadn’t had the kind of money to rent an island for a week with their friends. They’d been well-off, or at least given the appearance of being well-off, but they hadn’t thrown money around lavishly like these men seemed to do on a regular basis.

  She kept her eyes peeled watching for the island to come into view. After spending a few hours on an island the men considered not as good as Motu Tane, she was expecting something incredible. When it finally came into view, she wasn’t disappointed.

  The boat took them straight to a small dock right in front of a large bungalow. The beaches were covered with white sand, and the water was an amazing clear blue. Amber was truly in awe. She knew that places like this existed, but she’d never dreamed she would be coming here.

  Steven and Bailey came out to meet them on the beach. Bailey was holding her niece in her arms as she spoke to Amber and Sarah. The three men were huddled together speaking in low tones about twenty feet away near a copse of palm trees.

  “I’m so glad Cody and Justin both brought dates!” Bailey told them with a grin on her face. She was so excited she was practically bouncing up and down on the beach in her flip flops. She was a petite blue eyed blond who seemed genuinely happy there were other women on the island with her.

  “Oh, no! I’m not Justin’s date. I’m his administrative assistant.” Sarah protested quickly not wanting the other women to get the wrong impression. “I’m Sarah Roberts.”

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m really not a date either. I’m the nanny.” Bailey smiled as she shook the other woman’s hand. “I’m Bailey Borders.” She looked at Amber. “Are you a date?”

  Amber shook her head. “I’m Cody’s riding instructor.” She still couldn’t quite believe he’d talked her into this. “I’m Amber Cassidy.” At least she wasn’t the only one here who wasn’t actually dating one of the men. That made her feel better for some reason.

  “I’m sure he’ll need you for the horse riding portion of the business meeting,” Bailey said with a straight face.

  After their laughter died down, Amber asked, “Would you believe he actually told me if he decided to ride a horse on the beach and he fell off, it would be my fault if I didn’t come with him?” Sarah nodded emphatically, showing she knew it had happened.

  “They’re all crazy!” Bailey looked toward Steven like she was waiting on him to do something, but when he didn’t come over, she squared her shoulders. “I’m sure we can take meals together, or not. Whatever. Steven said they were having their big meeting tomorrow. Do you guys want to hang out on the beach during it? Or we could use the boat for whale watching?” Bailey paused. “Steven said he’d have someone watch the baby if we wanted to go. It seems strange to let him pay for a babysitter so his nanny can go for a ride in a boat, but who am I to argue?”

  “That sounds like fun, but I’m sure Justin will need me during the meeting. I mean, he wouldn’t have brought me along otherwise, right?” Sarah seemed genuinely disappointed she wouldn’t be able to join the other women.

  “I have a feeling the only reason any of us are here is because those men over there thought we should be.” Amber shook her head. “I still can’t figure out why I agreed to come here.” Even as she said the words, she knew why. She was rapidly losing her heart to one of the tall dark men standing across the beach. She glanced over at Cody and saw all three men were watching them.

  “They’re certainly….forceful.” Bailey looked at the men. “They’re all standing there talking to each other, but looking at us.”

  Sarah sighed. “I think maybe we need to go do something just us women. You’re right Bailey! Let them have their meeting alone. They don’t need me there. What do you think we should do? Go out on the boat? Hang on the beach?”

  “I’m open for anything. Steven also said something about how he could have spa treatments arranged. It didn’t sound fun when I was the only girl, but having a spa day could be cool.”

  Amber thought about it for a second and then grinned. “That sounds like fun. Let’s do this. We’ll spend the morning whale watching in the boat, and then come back here for an afternoon of spa treatments. I spend so much time smelling like horses it would be nice to actually have my nails done and look like a girl for a change.” Even though Cody claimed the smell of horse manure was an aphrodisiac, she was sure he’d be thrilled if she smelled good for a change.

  Sarah nodded. “I could do go for that! I’ve never done anything like that. Have you?” Her voice was filled with excitement at the prospect.

  “I did once, when I was a teenager, but not since. I’ve been too busy trying to save my family’s ranch so my kid brother would have the life he’s always thought he’d have.” Amber shrugged. “It’s all been worth it, too.”

  “I’ve been too busy simply struggling to survive. Who can afford a nice spa day?” Bailey smiled down at the baby in her arms. It was obvious she loved the little girl and any sacrifices she made in life were more than worth it to her.

  “What did you girls decide to do tomorrow while we’re in our meeting?” Steven asked as the men joined them. He slipped his arm around Bailey’s shoulders as if he was showing the other men his possession of her. Amber almost laughed out loud. She couldn’t believe three men who were so different in some ways were so much alike in others.

  Sarah looked at Justin. “You don’t need me for the meeting?”

  Justin shook his head. “Have fun with the other ladies.”

  “They’re all three just alike, you know.” Bailey acted as spokesman with Steven. “We want to go whale watching in the morning and then in the afternoon we want a spa.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll make the arrangements. Why don’t you girls tell me what you want included in your spa package, and I’ll make the call?” Steven seemed to take it in stride they wanted to spend his money.

  Amber looked at the others. “So what are we doing for dinner tonight?”

  “Let’s do the Polynesian dancer thing again!” Cody’s eyes were sparkling as they looked into Amber’s. “They’ll do a private show for us right here on the island, and we can have them do a luau-type traditional menu or anything we want, really. What would you like to have for dinner?”

  “Umm….I think the traditional thing could be cool. I’ve never been to a luau before.”

  “My lady wants a luau. You wanna handle it, or should I?” Cody asked Steven, obviously not caring what anyone thought as long as he made Amber happy.

  Steven shrugged. “I’ll just add it to everything else I’m calling about.” He exchanged some whispered words with Bailey before going inside to make the arrangements.

  Cody reached for Amber’s hand and pulled her one way along the beach while Justin took Sarah the other way. “Steven claimed the main bungalow for him and Bailey saying the baby needed the best accommodations. That man is going to milk having a baby for all he’s worth.”

  “What happened to the baby’s mother? And what’s the baby’s name anyway?”

  Cody wrapped his arm around her shoulders to
keep her anchored by his side. “The baby’s name is Faith. Her mother was killed in a car wreck a month or so ago. Steven dated her around the time of her conception, but he swears she’s not his. Bailey thinks he’s the baby’s father. Her sister was Faith’s mother.”

  Amber felt like her head was swimming at the convoluted explanation and decided she’d ask Bailey while they were out. “So if they’ve commandeered the main bungalow, where does that put us? In a tent on the beach?”

  Cody laughed. “Do you really think I’d bring you to paradise and ask you to sleep in a tent?” He pointed to a small building hidden by some palm trees. “This one look good?”

  They wandered over to the small bungalow and went inside. It was a suite with two bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom. One of the bedrooms had a huge king sized bed and the other was smaller with twin beds. “I’ll take the smaller bedroom.” She wondered what had happened to their luggage. She’d seen someone carry it off the boat, but had no idea where it went from there.

  Cody stepped toward her stroking her cheek. “You take the bigger bedroom. I don’t mind sleeping in here.” He leaned down to brush his lips across hers. “And if you decide you’re lonely in there, all you have to do is say so.”

  She felt an involuntary grin cross her face. “You’d be kind enough to sleep with me if I asked?”

  He nodded emphatically. “I’d be happy to!” The anxious little boy expression on his face made her laugh out loud.

  She hugged him quickly, enjoying being with him. She thought about the boyfriends she’d had when she was younger, and she couldn’t think of one whose company she’d truly enjoyed. She’d been attracted to them, sure, but none of them were people she’d just pick to be her friends. Cody was someone she would choose as a friend as well as being more attracted to him than anyone she’d ever met. If only he didn’t have so much money, she might actually consider spending her life with him.

  Cody buried his face in her hair inhaling the scent of her. It was nice to get her away from the ranch so she no longer smelled of horse manure. He hugged her tightly happy she finally felt comfortable touching him. Maybe there was some hope for him yet.

  *****

  After having their luggage delivered, Cody and Amber changed into their bathing suits and wandered down to the main beach. No one else seemed to be around, so they splashed in and out of the waves for a while.

  “What do you think of the island?” Cody asked as they were resting on towels on the beach.

  “It’s amazing. I could come here every year. I wouldn’t want to live here, because I’d miss my horses and my home, but it really is wonderful.” She rolled to her side facing Cody. “Thanks for bringing me here.”

  He reached out and stroked her cheek, his head propped up on one elbow facing her. “Does this mean dates two and three are a success, and you’ll marry me?” He didn’t bother to hide the eagerness in his voice.

  She laughed. “Now that we’ve known each other for almost nine days, I guess it’s time to ask again?”

  He brushed a soft kiss against her lips. “I knew the moment I met you I wanted to spend my life with you. You’re the only woman on this Earth who was meant just for me. I’ll ask at least once a day until you say yes. I know I’ll eventually break you down.”

  “I like you. I genuinely do. I think I could even love you. Honestly? I’m scared. I don’t want anyone controlling my life like my father did to my mother and tried to do to me. You’ve already bought me a truck when I didn’t want you to. Do you think you could just give me some time?”

  He sighed heavily. “As long as I can make out with you on the beach, I’ll probably agree to anything.”

  Amber laughed again. “I guess I can allow that!” Reaching out, she wrapped an arm around his neck. Since they were on the main beach, they couldn’t let it go too far, but that seemed ideal to her. She wasn’t into public displays and doubted he was, so they’d have to control themselves.

  Bringing her mouth to his, she traced the seam of his lips with her tongue. When he opened his mouth, she took the opportunity to move her tongue inside to explore. She pressed herself against him, conscious of his nude torso against her bare stomach and chest. The thin fabric of her bikini left nothing to the imagination as her nipples pebbled against him.

  He wrapped one foot around her ankles and locked her body to his. His hand moved along her side, from her breast to her hip. “You’re so beautiful.”

  “So are you,” she whispered not thinking about how it would sound to him.

  He chuckled softly. “Men aren’t beautiful. They’re ruggedly handsome.”

  She brushed another kiss across his lips. “You’re so ruggedly handsome.” If she kept agreeing with him, would he kiss her again?

  “I like that.” He pulled her closer so they were touching from chests to feet. She could feel every inch of his body pressing against her. Abruptly he stood up and helped her to her feet. He picked up the towels from the beach, and walked back toward their bungalow.

  “What’s wrong?” She half-ran to keep up with him.

  He stopped once they were out of sight of the main beach out of breath. “Steven and Bailey were coming out to the beach with little Faith. I heard the door to the main bungalow opening, and I didn’t want to get caught in the state I’m in.”

  She wrinkled her eyebrows as she thought about that for a moment, and then her eyes widened in understanding. “Oh! I’m sorry.” She forced her eyes to stay on his face and not travel down to look at the bulge in the front of his swimsuit.

  He laughed softly. “You did nothing wrong. Let’s just get back. We should probably shower and get ready for dinner anyway.”

  “Do we need to dress up for dinner?” She hoped not, because she’d only brought one dress and really didn’t want to have to put it on.

  He shook his head. “Not really. Shorts and a shirt are fine, but we probably don’t want to be covered with sand or still have salt clinging to us from the ocean. More for our comfort than for any other reason.”

  When they got back, he opened the door for her. “Do you want to bathe first, or should I?”

  “Is it okay if I do? I want to get my hair washed and it takes forever to dry.” She hadn’t thought to bring a hair dryer and wasn’t sure if they were provided.

  He nodded. “I don’t have a problem with that at all. Mind if I watch?” He watched her face for the blush he knew was coming.

  “Not at all.”

  “Really?” He sounded excited.

  “Why would I mind if you watched my hair dry after I’m fully clothed after my shower?” She deliberately misunderstood his question.

  He made a dramatic show of being disappointed. “Aww, man!”

  She laughed. “Maybe after dinner.” She raised her brows suggestively as she closed the bathroom door in his face and locked it. The look on his face had been priceless.

  Chapter Six

  Amber smiled up at Cody as they walked slowly along the moonlit beach after dinner that night. The traditional Polynesian dinner and dance had been absolutely amazing. The show was so much more than women wiggling around in hula skirts, which was what she’d expected more than anything. The athleticism of the dancers had been remarkable.

  She’d watched the other couples at dinner. No matter how much the other women protested, they were both in very loving relationships. Steven treated Bailey as if she was some sort of princess. Every time she’d smiled, he’d smiled.

  Justin and Sarah had sat with their heads together watching the dance, their fingers entwined. Justin barely watched the show; he was so involved in watching Sarah’s facial expressions. She didn’t know how Sarah didn’t realize just how much Justin cared for her. It was obvious to everyone else there.

  She both envied the other women their relationships, and worried she was just as transparent as they were. Cody did nothing to hide how he felt about her. She was sure if he got ahold of a fog horn he’d be announcing it to all ships that
passed by. Did she want that, though?

  “What are you thinking?” he asked as the rounded a corner on the beach.

  She shrugged. “Just a little confused about us.”

  “Why are you confused? I tell you hourly how much I love you. What’s confusing about that?”

  “I’m more confused about how I’m feeling than anything else.” Was she smart to tell him exactly what she felt and lay it all on the line? Or should she keep it all bottled inside so he wouldn’t get his hopes up for a long-term relationship?

  “Talk to me about it.” He rolled his eyes at his words. How many men would invite a talk with a woman about feelings? He found he needed the words as much as, if not more than, she did, though.

  She debated for a moment about how to say it, and finally said, “Well, to start with, I told myself I wouldn’t start any relationships until the mortgage was paid off and my brother was home from school. So, I’ve broken my word to myself. I also always promised myself I wouldn’t fall for a man who felt like it was his job to take care of me.” She looked at his face in the moonlight. “You know as well as I do you feel the need to take care of me.”

  He sighed. “I’d wrap you in bubble wrap and never let you out of my sight if I thought I could get away with it.”

  “See? That’s the kind of attitude I’m talking about.” She paused and kicked at the sand with her bare feet. She was carrying her sandals in her free hand. “But, I’m so attracted to you when you’re around I can’t think straight. You’re someone I genuinely like to be around. I want to have a relationship with you, but I don’t think there’s any way you’re going to hold off on getting serious until my brother comes home from college in May.”

  He stopped walking and turned to her putting his hands on her shoulders. “What do you mean by a serious relationship? As far as I’m concerned we’re already serious. I’m not seeing anyone but you, and I don’t plan on it.”