Last night, Celeste read her daughter a bedtime story over the phone. Tonight, because of the wedding festivities, Arianna was already asleep when she called.
Celeste’s mother gave her a rundown of Arianna’s day and told her that her ex-husband had called. He promised Arianna he would come get her so she could spend the summer with him in Washington.
“With what money?” Celeste demanded. “Why would he tell her such a thing when he knows he’s not going to do it?”
“I know, honey, but I thought I’d warn you. She’s already excited, and she chattered about it from the minute she hung up the phone. She drew one of her little pictures and hung it on the refrigerator. She said it’s a picture of you, her, and her daddy in Washington.”
Tears pricked behind Celeste’s eyes. “All right,” she said, feeling defeated. “I’ll handle it.”
“Don’t let it bother you too much, honey. How’s your little trip going?”
“It’s going.”
“Is everything okay?”
Celeste almost caved at the worried tone of her mother’s voice. Sadness came over her.
“I’m fine. I have a lot on my mind. Kiss my baby for me, okay?”
She needed to confide in someone, but she couldn’t tell her mother she’d fallen hard for a man who thought she was a cheater and who also thought she was involved with his brother. Even if she’d had any chance of developing a budding romance with him, she’d blown it by making the mistake of coming here under false pretenses. She didn’t dare dream he had stronger feelings for her besides the undeniable physical attraction between them. If she thought for one second he did, she would have a talk with Derrick to end the deception.
When she hit “end” on her cell phone, Celeste plopped onto her back across the bed.
As vacations went, this was not a good one.
She rolled onto her side. One full day to go. She would leave this picturesque location and go back to the stark reality of her life, having to prevent any damage her ex could cause to her daughter by not following through on his promise.
“Jerk!” she said softly, squeezing her eyes against the tears. She would tell him off as soon as she could. She didn’t have the energy right now.
Hours later, Celeste still hadn’t fallen asleep. Her mind raced with thoughts of Roarke, her ex, and her daughter. Feeling restless, she rolled out of bed and slipped on a pair of shorts and an oversized shirt.
Maybe a walk on the beach would help. She could wade into the water, a pleasure she hadn’t indulged in since she’d come here.
Barefoot, Celeste tiptoed down the stairs. The quiet of the house made her move carefully so as not to make a sound and disturb anyone in the household. She eased out the back door and made her way off the porch onto the grass.
Stretching her arms high above her head, she gazed up at the star-filled night. So many stars. An ocean breeze mussed her loose hair and cooled her skin.
Movement at the corner of her eye caused her to turn sharply. Roarke stood there, hidden in the shadows. He wore only a pair of jeans, his broad chest bare, his chocolate skin gleaming in the moonlight. Raw masculinity oozed from every pore.
“I didn’t know anyone was out here. I’ll go—”
“Don’t leave on my account.”
Chapter Ten
“We’re supposed to stay away from each other.” Funny she had to keep reminding him of that. The message wouldn’t register in his brain.
The porch light shone down on her like a spotlight, showing off her bare legs in a pair of shorts and an oversized shirt that hung seductively off one shoulder.
“I think there’s enough space out here to keep us far enough apart from each other. Don’t you?”
If he answered his own question, the answer would be no. The yawning expanse of the Grand Canyon didn’t provide enough space to keep him a safe distance from this woman.