Beachcombing in the Bahamas (Once Again #11)

Chapter 6

6

T he family was safely aboard the charter plane, and they were three hours into the approximately seven-hour flight to the Caribbean. While Yvette’s girls had been home for a week, the UC Berkeley final exams ended on Friday, and Brock chose the Sunday before Christmas for their departure. Since their destination was a relatively small island, it had no commercial airfield—and thus fewer tourists—they’d have to land on one of the bigger islands. He’d booked a helicopter to take them to their destination.

Brock usually traveled business class so he could work and still be fresh when he arrived, but for this trip, his mother had refused to fly anything less than the highest class. With the number of them, thirteen between family and friends, chartering was about the same as paying for first class.

He’d never bought a company plane. It was a waste of money, in his opinion. And even aside from the purchase price, the cost to keep it was prohibitive. But he’d never needed to charter a plane before. This was the first family vacation they’d all taken together.

He just prayed it would be good.

He’d invited all the girlfriends and boyfriends for the kids. Malcolm, his youngest, brought along Iris, a sweet girl with long blond hair that reminded him of Yvette the first time he’d seen her. Yvette wore hers shoulder length now, and he loved to curl the locks around his fingers when they made love. Ethan had invited Francine, a girl he met his first year at Berkeley, and they’d been together for three years. Brock liked Francine well enough. With her dark hair and green eyes, she was a perfect match for Ethan, the green a pleasant contrast to his blue eyes. Garth had come alone. He’d broken up with his girlfriend after graduation when he came to work for the company and she was accepted to Harvard Law School. Garth had claimed long-distance relationships never worked.

Brock wondered about secret relationships, whether the secrecy would eventually kill the passion. Or heighten it.

Jodi had no boyfriend, but Kacey brought Darryl. Brock didn’t like the kid. There was something off about him, though Brock couldn’t put his finger on exactly what that was. Maybe it was the way he’d walked through the big house, picking up Adeline’s objet d’art as if he were cataloguing and pricing them. Maybe it was the way Darryl acted around Francine, Iris, and Jodi, as if he’d love to feast on each of them. Or all three at once.

But you could never tell a young woman that her boyfriend was bad news. That would only make her cling all the harder. Not that he had daughters of his own. But he’d been around Kacey and Jodi long enough to know how it would go. So kept his mouth shut. He never even talked with Yvette about it. Because what could either of them do?

His mother was napping in the front row, and Brock moved down the aisle to risk sitting next to Yvette. Though he was sure no one would care, he planned to keep the conversation light, even as he steeped himself in her scent and the heat of her body next to him.

“I wanted to let you know about the lodging arrangements.”

He and Yvette had already discussed it, but it was an excuse to be close. “We’ll put Adeline in the largest house, along with Trevor and Lorna. That’s where we’ll all meet up for meals. The cook and maid stay there, and the dining room is big enough to handle all of us. That would be the best place for her.”

“What about the kids?” Yvette asked, playing along perfectly.

“There are two houses in the middle, with several bedrooms each. The boys can sleep in one and the girls in the other. Per my mother’s instructions.”

She took a chance and leaned close, saying, “You think they’ll stay there?”

He laughed, looking at Ethan and Malcolm, who’d turned in his direction as if they knew he was discussing the sleeping arrangements. “They’re adults. There’s nothing we can do to stop them.” Then he added, “There are two cottages at the end. Since we’re both alone, I thought those would work out for each of us. Does that sound okay to you? Even though they’re only studio size? You won’t have anywhere to cook other than a coffee maker and a small refrigerator.”

With a sweet yet sexy smile, she said, “That’ll be perfect for me. As long as I have a bathtub.”

“Definitely. Your own bathroom with a big tub.”

Without words, only a smile and a look, they transmitted how easy it would be to sneak back and forth between the two cottages, no one being the wiser. Oh yeah, it would be perfect. He could stay with her until the dawn since the kids would never be up that early.

With a glance at his sons, he said, “I’m sure the kids will want to go into town for some nightclubbing. Anything special you’d like to do?”

She shrugged. “Just relaxing, taking long walks on the beach, and naps in the afternoon.”

That was another secret message between them. An afternoon nap, when he could join her. Then she asked, “What activities have you investigated?”

She knew very well, because she was the one who’d looked everything up. But it was an excuse for a few more minutes together. “Since it’s a small island, and they want to attract more tourism, they’ve got a ton of things to do. There’s a zip line and horseback riding in the ocean.” He raised his voice so the family could hear. “We can rent a catamaran for some snorkeling.”

She eyed him. “And you know how to pilot the catamaran?”

He shook his head, smiling. “I don’t.”

With a soft laugh, she added, “You’re in shipping, but you don’t know how to sail a catamaran?”

Sailing had never been one of his dreams, and he’d been too busy to learn anyway. Not like Ethan, who’d taken sailing lessons and loved it. “You know what I know how to do even better?” He waited for her to shake her head. “I know how to pay somebody to pilot it for us, and who also knows all the best snorkeling spots around the island.”

She clapped her hands lightly, thankfully not waking up his mother at the front of the plane.

“There are some bat caves we can wander through,” he told her. She hadn’t pointed that out, but he’d noticed.

She shuddered. “Bats?”

“They won’t bother you. And nearby, there’s a series of waterfalls that we can all slide down.” Then he shrugged, just like she had. “We can do everything on separate days.”

She pursed her lips, then said, “I like the idea of the waterfalls, but I’m not sure about the bats.”

He wanted to take her hand, raise it to his lips and kiss her knuckles. What a shock that would give his family. Of course he didn’t. She’d probably scream in horror. “We can also rent some ATVs,” he added.

Darryl, Ethan, and Malcolm punched their fists in the air. “We vote for that one.”

Brock nodded his agreement, then turned back to his lover. “So besides long walks on the beach and long naps in the afternoon, and maybe some waterfalls and snorkeling, what would you like to do?” He almost waggled his eyebrows. Since he’d turned slightly toward her, no one would see.

She bit her bottom lip, something she did when she wanted him. Or when she was close to her climax and didn’t want to cry out.

But while they were here, he’d make her scream.

“I’d like the horseback riding in the ocean. And of course, the waterfalls. And the ATV. Everything but the bats.” Then she laughed, the sweet sound drilling right down into him and breaking something loose inside him.

He laughed to hide the emotion. “You want to do it all.”

She smiled, her light blue eyes suddenly as bright as the sky. “Oh yeah. I want to do it all.”

And he would do everything to her, all the sweet and naughty things he dreamed about when he wasn’t inside her.

It was five o’clock island time as they gathered all their luggage. They still had another half hour to the compound.

Trevor drove Adeline in a comfortable Town Car, along with Lorna, who didn’t want to bounce around in the Jeep, since she was pregnant. Brock had rented three Jeeps to get around the island while they were here. He drove one, Garth and Ethan the other two. Darryl had tried to take the wheel, but Brock was having none of that.

Taking off in a convoy, Trevor driving in the lead, a van followed with all their luggage. Finally, their compound came into sight.

Ancient trees grew like a canopy over the circular gravel drive, lined with shrubs in bloom—azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons. Flowering vines clung to the buildings, and an overhang shaded the massive front porch of the big house. Wide rattan chairs invited them for a cool afternoon drink, and a porch swing hung by the front window. Overhanging trees would reduce the burn of the tropical sun on the roofs.

Seated by Brock in the front seat of the Jeep, Yvette murmured, “This is beautiful.” She looked at him, smiled. “You chose well.”

He reached out, probably to squeeze her hand, but aware of the girls in the back seat, he only said, “We found this together.”

They’d looked through what seemed like a hundred rentals to find it. But this was beyond her expectations.

Climbing out of the Jeep, she let the warm air caress her skin. She’d checked her phone when they arrived; eighty degrees, a perfect temperature, not too hot and not too humid.

Their group followed Adeline into the big house, and the van driver and his helper began unloading suitcases. Yvette headed along a path between the big house and the slightly smaller one next door. There, she kicked off her shoes to wedge her feet into the warm sand.

Then she smelled him beside her. Brock.

“This is so perfect.” She couldn’t keep the awe out of her voice. Under the waning sun, turquoise water lapped against white sand. “Isn’t there supposed to be a setup for volleyball?” she asked. “The kids would love that.”

He nodded. “The compound has every amenity.”

Yvette spied the amenity she wanted. Beneath a palm tree, a large round swing with a teal pillow topping it swayed in a gentle breeze. She pictured herself lying there, soaking up the dappled sun. And she pictured Brock next to her. It was big enough for two.

An irresistible urge made her blood race. She wanted him to make love to her on that swing.

If she said it aloud, he’d make it happen. But they absolutely couldn’t risk it.

“We won’t work while we’re here,” he said softly. “We’ll just relax and enjoy ourselves.”

She was sure he’d had the same thought, making love to her on that swing, its gentle rocking adding to their pleasure.

Smiling, she said, “I’ll hold you to that, Mr. Donnelly.”

His voice low, he echoed her desire. “If they weren’t all in that house and able to see out the back porch, I’d kiss you until you couldn’t breathe. Until you couldn’t even think.”

Just like that, with a look and a few words, he turned her inside out. She was wet. She was ready. And she wanted him so badly she could taste him.

“Wow, Grandmother, you have to see this view. It’s freaking amazing.” Jodi’s voice drifted to them from the screened-in porch.

From her vantage, Yvette saw that all the houses had screened-in porches overlooking the ocean and the white sand. Dense foliage on either side turned their cove into an oasis.

“Mom,” Kacey called. “Isn’t this totally sweet?”

Yvette whispered to Brock. “Oh yeah, it’s totally sweet.”

While she would rather stay here beside him, the warm breeze stroking her skin, she turned to the porch as Kacey said, “You have to see this house. I can’t believe the size of Grandmother’s bedroom. It’s a suite.”

“And Olive is already making dinner for us,” Jodi added. “Can’t you smell it?”

Crossing the sand and slipping back into her sandals, Yvette climbed the porch steps and opened the screen door. “Who’s Olive?”

Kacey rolled her eyes. “Our cook, of course.” Then she flung herself at Brock, hugged him hard. “You are the best, Uncle Brock. This place is ah-mazing.”

Darryl stood in the open French doors behind her. “But there’s only one maid. And there’s five houses to take care of,” he said with a disgusted edge to his voice.

Jodi shot him a look. “I’m sure one person can take care of all of us.” She added in a drawl, “Unless someone is incredibly messy.”

There was no love lost between Jodi and Kacey’s boyfriend, and Yvette stepped between them before a fight broke out. “I’m sure it will all work out. If we pick up after ourselves, that’ll make it easier for everyone.”

Yvette had the feeling the person the maid would have to pick up after was Darryl. And because he’d been challenged, she was sure he’d make a point of being extra messy.

It was safe to say she didn’t like Darryl. But right now, he was Kacey’s choice. Yvette had no say in it. She just hoped her daughter was smart enough to see what kind of person Darryl was before things went too far.

Jodi, excited, dragged her inside.

The living area was massive, with a pool table on one end and a fireplace on the other, which Yvette was sure they’d never use. Sofas and chairs surrounded the hearth, and a huge u-shaped sofa sat before an oversized TV screen. Bookshelves along the walls held paperbacks and hardbacks. A games cabinet offered the likes of Rummikub and Battleship, checkers, chess, and backgammon. Two card tables sat before it, with packs of cards and two round racks of poker chips.

Yvette knew it was a vain hope that they’d all play a few games rather than sitting in front of TV. But then it was whatever the kids wanted to do.

Windows surrounded the open floor plan. She’d noticed hurricane shutters, and thanked God it wasn’t hurricane season. In a large area to the left of the living room sat a massive dining table, enough to seat them all.

“The kitchen’s through there.” Kacey pointed beyond the dining room. “Can’t you just smell it?” She closed her eyes, breathing in.

Yvette caught the scent of something deliciously spicy.

Then Jodi grabbed her hand. “You have to see upstairs.”

The bedrooms were ginormous, two suites on either end, both with a sitting room, bedroom, and an incredible bathroom, each with a tub and a shower. In one suite, the tub was big enough for two.

Adeline sniffed. “I’ve already claimed this room.” Even though she had no need of a two-person tub.

But Trevor and Lorna had obviously agreed. Their room was still amazing, with a balcony opening onto an ocean view. Between the two suites was a smaller bedroom, no less luxurious and also with an en suite bathroom, though this room would go unused.

Until Adeline said, “Yvette, you don’t need a cottage all to yourself. You can take this room here. It’s perfect for you.”

On the second floor, the balcony’s ocean view of the aquamarine water beckoned her. But she smiled at Adeline. “I’d rather have my own cottage, even if it’s smaller than this room. I’d like my privacy.”

Adeline’s eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared, but she wouldn’t win this one.

As the driver brought up bags, Adeline ordered him imperiously into her chosen room. And in that same haughty tone, she said to her family gathered round her, “Dinner will be ready at seven. Don’t be late.”

Lorna shuddered with delight. “It smells so good. And seven gives us time to unpack before dinner.”

She really was sweet. Yvette vowed she’d make time during this trip to have a talk with her about how to handle Adeline. She should have done it long ago.

Jodi and Kacey raced down the stairs. “I want to see our house,” Jodi called.

Brock and Yvette followed at a more sedate pace, the kids eager to see if their accommodations lived up to the main house. Both were identical and on a smaller scale, with a sitting room and small kitchen downstairs, four bedrooms upstairs with Jack and Jill bathrooms. Darryl’s voice rang out, “Jesus Christ, we have to share a bathroom? Why didn’t we get a house with four bathrooms?”

As Brock waited outside, Yvette gave him an eye roll. Darryl was complaining about a free trip when he wasn’t even part of the family.

Coming up on the porch, Brock stood in the doorway, his arm brushing her shoulder as he leaned in. “This is the guys’ house,” he called loudly enough so the kids would hear upstairs. “Next door is for the girls.”

Jodi, followed by Kacey and the two girlfriends, bounded down the stairs and pushed past Brock, Jodi saying, “Thank you, Uncle Brock,” as they all rushed to the next house.

Yvette whispered, “You know they’ll mix and match anyway.”

“Like we plan to mix and match,” he said in a low, husky tone that strummed her nerve endings.

Then he shouted again, “Hey, guys, the drivers have your bags. You better get down here and tell them what goes where.” He turned to the two unhurried men and pointed to the bags belonging to him and Yvette. “These go down to the last two cottages.” Then he peeled off a few bills, handing some to each man. “Thank you.”

Only a few minutes later, Jodi barreled out of the house Brock had deemed the girls’ dorm. Rushing to Yvette, Jodi leaned into her, giggling. “Guess what? We have four bathrooms, one for each of us.” Then she punched Yvette’s arm lightly. “Don’t tell Darryl. He’ll probably try to make us switch with them.”

Yvette zipped her lips. “I won’t say a word. Now I’m going to unpack too.”

Her cottage was a studio, with a big alcove for the bed, a sofa and chairs in the middle, and another alcove for a mini kitchen. She could make a coffee in the morning, and a piece of toast if she wanted. But the best was the screened-in porch along the back. Every morning, she could sit out there and enjoy her coffee. And a cocktail in the evening. Maybe she’d never have to go to the big house and subject herself to Adeline.

The driver rolled in her suitcase and set it on the luggage rack. Thanking him as he left, she unzipped the bag and threw it open. Taking out her toiletries, she headed into the bathroom, sighing with pleasure at the sight of the soaking tub.

When she returned to the main room, Brock stood in the middle of it. “Did you bring any sexy lingerie? Maybe a hot negligee?”

She laughed, pushing him aside. “I prefer to sleep naked.”

“Jesus, you make me crazy.” Then he grabbed her, pressed his lips to hers in a kiss drenched with passion.

When he went for the buttons of her blouse, she shoved him away, laughing. “Go back to your own room,” she whispered. “Jodi could come down here at any moment to see what my room is like. Now get out of here.” She pushed him toward the door, still laughing, but before she let him go, she leaned close to whisper, “You can come back tonight. When everyone’s asleep.”

She couldn’t wait.