Death by Jealousy (Caribbean Murder #6)

“You’re gorgeous, sexy, strong,” murmured Vivien.

Vivien was beautiful, sensual, everything anyone could imagine, but as she spoke Mattheus’s thoughts drifted away to Cindy. He didn’t want to hear this from Vivien, it was Cindy he longed for. It was Cindy he wanted to hear these words from, Mattheus suddenly realized. Hell, he hadn’t even told Cindy what he was doing tonight. He’d said he’d be at the office, and here he was having drinks with someone else.

“I’m so happy we’re here together,” Vivien murmured again.

There was no way Mattheus was going to lead Vivien on either, no matter how much information she might have for him.

“Vivien,” Mattheus said gently and firmly. “I’m involved with someone else.”

“That’s silly,” Vivien wouldn’t even consider it.

“It’s true,” said Mattheus said quietly. “There’s someone else I love.” Those words hit him as hard as they hit her, shocking both of them.

“Someone you love?” Vivien refused to take it in. “Are you comparing me to Cindy? She’s older, uptight and totally infatuated with Mac. It’s absolutely obvious to everyone.”

Mattheus came to bitter attention. “Who exactly is it obvious to?”

Vivien tossed her beautiful hair over her shoulders, languorously.

“Do you happen to notice that wherever Mac is, Cindy’s two steps away?” Vivien said.

“Mac’s the one going after Cindy,” Mattheus insisted.

“Not at all,” Vivien exuded certainty. “Mac’s older, he’s rich, he’s a great catch. Plenty of women on the Island have tried to get him, but no one has. No one will. He does what he wants, likes his freedom. Usually he hangs out in the casinos, gambling like hell. He’s only stayed around here so long because of what happened to Allie. That shocked and devastated him and he’s trying to help. Cindy’s got her eye set on the wrong guy. I don’t know how she can do that either, when she has someone as incredible as you around?”

Despite himself, Mattheus felt stick to his stomach.

“But, if you prefer Cindy’s company to mine, go right ahead,” Vivien continued, flippantly.

Mattheus looked at Vivien’s beautiful, carved profile in the fading light. He’d told her he’d spend an hour with her and wasn’t about to run out on his word.

“I said we’d talk for an hour,” Mattheus said quietly. “I’m here. Tell me about you and Tad.”

“Why do we have to spend our time on that?” Vivien said petulantly. “There’s nothing to tell, he’s boring. I mean he’s a great guy, but he’s boring. I’m not leaving him or anything. I just like to wander once in a while. It makes life bearable. Is there something so wrong with that?”

“I don’t know,” Mattheus said, “why not ask Tad?”

*

Cindy waited in the lobby for her sister and brother in law to arrive. She couldn’t wait to see them. These days had passed in a blur and Cindy’s sense of time had been disrupted, going so quickly from one case to the next. Once again, though, she felt as if she were on the case alone. Mattheus’s staying late at the office tonight and not joining her for dinner was particularly upsetting. Normally, it wouldn’t be, thought Cindy. But the way things were between them now, it would have made a huge difference to have him here.

As usual, Ann and Frank were right on time, never leaving Cindy waiting. Ann, looking beautiful as ever, dressed in soft pink, ran over to Cindy and embraced her.

“Such a treat, such a treat,” she murmured.

Cindy felt the same way. It was amazing to have a sister who cared so deeply, to go through the years with. Cindy hugged her brother in law Frank then, and the three of them made their way to the hotel restaurant.

“Mattheus joining us tonight?” Frank asked casually, as they walked through the lobby.

“Not tonight,” said Cindy lightly. She didn’t want to go into everything right away. This was still Ann and Frank’s vacation and Cindy wanted them to relax and enjoy the evening. She wasn’t even sure it was fair of her to tell them anything that was upsetting. Just a lovely dinner together with them would hit the spot.

Cindy had made reservations earlier, and the three of them were led to their table as soon as they arrived at the restaurant.

“Your guest will be here in a few moments,” the Maitre D’ said as they got to their table and he pulled out Cindy’s chair.

“Guest?” asked Ann, curious.

Cindy tried to laugh. “We must have a mystery visitor,” she said, “I don’t recall inviting anyone.”

“It has to be Mattheus surprising you,” Frank said light heartedly. “Now, that’s a romantic thing to do, Cindy. I give the guy credit for that.”

Cindy suddenly wished it were true. She was filled with a wave of desire to see Mattheus, have him join the dinner, become closer to Ann and Frank.