Читать книгу Smooth Sailing - Lori Wilde - Страница 7

Forward— Toward the bow

A PEACOCK COULDN’T have strutted more gloriously than Jeb Whitcomb taking the outdoor makeshift stage. A self-satisfied grin graced his tanned handsome face, his blue eyes crinkled seductively at the corners as he joined the governor at the podium. The sleeves of his white work shirt were rolled up to his elbows, revealing powerful forearms dotted with hair a shade darker than the milk-chocolate locks swept rakishly off his forehead.

“In appreciation of your hard work, dedication and monetary contribution to rebuilding the island of St. Michael’s, we are bestowing you with the first Jeb Whitcomb humanitarian award,” Governor Freemont announced and passed the gilded trophy to Whitcomb.

From the audience, Haley French, R.N., rolled her eyes. Whitcomb might have everyone else on the island snowed, but Haley saw through the charming smile and sexy swagger. He hadn’t really come here to help the residents of St. Michael’s; his visit had all been about plumping up his ego. Whenever there was a camera about, Whitcomb was in front of it.

Cameras flashed. Reporters tossed questions. The crowd applauded.

Haley’s best friend, Ahmaya Reddy, poked her in the ribs with her elbow. “Don’t be rude. Clap.”

Halfheartedly, Haley joined in the applause, but she frowned. “He’s grandstanding.”

Whitcomb launched into what was clearly an off-the-cuff speech.

“He’s a bona fide hero,” Ahmaya argued. “St. Michael’s couldn’t have recovered as quickly without him.”

“He’s self-centered.”

“Oh, yes, self-centered people give up a year of their life to rebuild islands they have no connection to.”

“That’s precisely my point. He has no connection to St. Michael’s. Who anointed him our savior? I question his motives. Ever notice how he always has hangers-on following him?”

Ahmaya shrugged. “He’s handsome, rich and fun to be around. Who wouldn’t want to hang on?”

“Rebuilding an entire island wiped out by a hurricane shouldn’t be fun.”

“You’d think not, but somehow he managed to get everyone to pull together. That’s why he’s getting the attention, not to mention the award. His ability to get people to work in harmony.”

“He’s just doing it for the attention. It strokes his ego.”

“So what if he is?” Ahmaya asked. Okay, Haley was being a bit harsh, which was not like her, but Whitcomb seemed to bring out the worst in her. “The results are the same. People have homes again and essential services have been restored because of Jeb’s generosity.”

“He’s impulsive.”

“Oh.” A sly smile crossed Ahmaya’s face. “I get it.”

“Get what?”

“The reason why he rubs you the wrong way.”

Haley crossed her arms over her chest, canted her head. “Care to enlighten me?”

“He doesn’t live up to your expectations.”

“I have no expectations of him.”

“No?”

“He’s nothing to me.”

“I thought you two—”

“We certainly did not.” Haley bristled.

“But almost.”

Haley’s cheeks heated. Yes, she’d almost had sex with Jeb Whitcomb several months back when they’d both served on the hospital rebuilding committee. Thankfully, she had not gone through with it.

“Wait a minute.” Ahmaya snapped her fingers. “It’s not Jeb who didn’t live up to your expectations. It was you. You’re mad at him because you violated your own code of ethics when you—”

“Let’s stop talking about him, okay?” To get Ahmaya to shut up, she purposefully fixed her attention on the stage.

Jeb had a microphone in his hand. He paced the length of the stage, whipping up the audience with his passionate vision of what St. Michael’s could become. Haley knew how dangerous his passion was. He’d had her under his spell, however briefly. He paused in midstride, peered out at the audience and his gaze landed on her.

For one heart-stopping second, their eyes locked and Haley’s throat tightened. Darn it, she could not glance away.

Jeb held her pinned to the spot, his eyelids lowered slightly, and his voice took on a seductive quality. Or maybe she had merely imagined it. “Since this is my last day on St. Michael’s, I’m having a party on my yacht and everyone is invited,” he announced.

A cheer went up from the assembly.

He tossed the microphone to the governor and stalked offstage with a jaunty spring to his step, his entourage of sycophants trailing after him. The crowd gathered around, patting him on the back, trying to shake his hand, but he seemed a man on a mission.

It took Haley a few seconds to realize he was headed toward her. Oh, hell, no.

She spun on her heel. Should be easy enough to disappear in this throng. She rushed forward. Her toe caught on a power cord snaking across the ground and she tripped. Way to watch where you’re going, French. She put out her palms to catch herself and ended up sprawled on the ground. Oh, she hated being vulnerable.

From behind her came a familiar chuckle. He was already upon her. Before she could scramble up, Jeb’s hand went around her waist, his citrusy scent enveloping her as he helped her gently to her feet.

“Easy there, baby,” he crooned, bending down to dust the dirt from the knees of her scrubs.

She wrenched away from him, stepped back, breathless and despising herself for it. Hands off the goods, buster. Worst of all, she couldn’t help meeting his eyes.

There he was standing so close to her in his white shirt, pressed khaki shorts, yachting cap and boat shoes, looking every inch the wealthy windblown yachtsman. Everyone else faded away and it was just the two of them.

His light blue eyes regarded her with a lively sense of humor. It was that sense of humor that had been her undoing. She wasn’t going to fall for it. Not twice. No way. No how. He was finally leaving the island. Yay! She’d never have to see him again.

“You’re coming to my party, right?” His fingers lightly stroked her upper arm.

No way.

“It wouldn’t be a party without you,” he went on.

“I’ve got to wash my hair,” she lied. On second thought, why lie? Maybe she would wash her hair. Wash that man right out of it.

“All you need is to lose a few of these pins.” His fingers went from her shoulder to her hair, which was pulled up into a tight bun. It was far too intimate of a gesture. He plucked bobby pins from her hair, one by one, and the locks fell loosely to her shoulders. “There, much better.”

Haley jerked back, pulse thumping hard. Oh, no. Do not like this. You are not allowed to like this.

The expression in his eyes was one of total amusement. He knew he’d made her uncomfortable and he was enjoying himself.

“I’m a stickler for clean hair. I make it a policy to wash it every day.” She stuck her chin in the air.

“I know,” he murmured, his voice warm and cozy. “You do love your rules.”

Who was he to act as if he knew her? Just because they’d almost—Well, never mind what they’d almost done—she was determined to forget it. What really chafed was that he’d been the one to pull the plug on their encounter.

“Gotta go.” She pointed her feet away from him, but for some unfathomable reason, she did not move.

“I should have known you wouldn’t come to my party,” he said. “Little Miss Straitlaced.”

“Just because I don’t want to attend your bacchanal doesn’t mean I’m straitlaced.”

“Bacchanal?” He sounded amused.

“It’s a word. Look it up.”

“You’re chicken.”

She straightened. “I’m not afraid of a thing.” Watch out. Noses grow when lies are told.

“I disagree. You’re terrified of having a good time.”

She sniffed. “My idea of a good time and your idea of a good time are two very different things.”

“I know. Beating myself up is not my favorite pastime.”

She curled her upper lip, determined not to smile back at him. “Well, have a nice party and a safe trip.” He’d nailed her, but good. Well, not nailed her in the sexual regard. Pegged her—that was better terminology. He’d pegged her. Must hate him for that if nothing else.

“Are you going to miss me when I’m gone?” He leaned down, his grin widening.

All night long. “Not in the least.”

“I suppose I asked for that.”

“You did.”

He batted his eyes at her. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Whatever for?”

“You’re the only one on this island who keeps me on my toes.”

No, sir. She would not let this man turn her into mush. She was better than that. “You want to be on your toes? Wear high heels.”

He threw back his head and laughed heartily. “I also love your sense of humor.”

“I wasn’t trying to be funny.” She folded her arms over her chest.

“You’re also the only one who doesn’t like me, and I can’t figure out why.”

Haley scoffed. “Not everyone has to like you. Why do you care whether I like you or not?”

“Because I like you.”

“You like everyone.”

“True,” he said, taking a step closer. “But not as much as I like you.”

She put up her hand like a stop sign. “You don’t like me. You like a challenge.”

His crystal-blue eyes glittered. “I have to admit, I do enjoy a challenge. The more you resist, the more I want you…” There was a long pause that set her heart to rocking, before he added, “At my party.”

“You can want in one hand and spit in the other and see which fills up first.”

Jeb laughed long and loud, showing off a row of straight white teeth. That was the problem with the man. He was too perfect and every woman wanted him. Just like the blonde who was sidling up to his elbow and fluttering her false eyelashes at him.

“Your adoring public awaits.”

“What?”

She nodded at the woman.

Jeb barely cast the platinum blonde a glance and quickly swung his gaze back to Haley. “Come to my party.”

“I don’t think so. It takes my hair a really long time to dry,” she quipped.

She could not let him know how much he got under her skin. If he knew that he was a major star in her sexual fantasies, she would never hear the end of it. She refused to be like all the other women simpering at his feet.

Yes, he was good-looking. Yes, he was rich. Yes, he had personality and charisma oozing from his pores. Those were exactly the reasons she was not interested. Jeb Whitcomb was a very superficial man.

“It’s the last time you’ll ever see me.” A hangdog expression crawled over his face. “Don’t you want to say goodbye?”

“Goodbye.” She wriggled her fingers at him.

“The party won’t be the same without you.”

“You won’t miss me.”

He canted his head, his eyes drilling into her like lasers. “Ah, see, but that’s where you’re wrong.”

“It’s not going to happen, Whitcomb.”

He shrugged. “A guy can always dream, can’t he?”

“As long as it stays a dream.”

He reached out, touched the back of her hand. A shiver ran straight through the middle of her. “I am going to miss you, Haley.”

“That makes one of us.”

“Ouch.” The grin was back as he clutched a hand to his chest. “You play for keeps.”

“Don’t ever forget it.”

The blonde at his elbow edged closer, cleared her throat. “Mr. Whitcomb, I’m from Metropolitan Magazine and I want to do a story on you.”

Jeb turned to the woman. “Yes?”

With her hand still tingling from his touch, Haley took advantage of his distraction and slipped off into the crowd. Great. She felt like a James Bond martini, shaken and not—Oh, who was she kidding?

She was both shaken and stirred.

HALEY STALKED OFF with a purposeful bounce, her honey-colored hair flowing around her shoulders, those blue scrubs stretching across her sexy rump as she marched away.

Jeb grinned, put a palm to the nape of his neck and licked his lips. Wow, you can park that swing in my backyard anytime. He tilted his head, honed in on her narrow waist and curvy hips.

His pulse pounded and his body stiffened. In spite of the cool ocean breeze swaying the palm trees, a simmering heat moved through him. He chuffed out a breath, struggling to regain his equilibrium. Truth was, he really would miss her. He enjoyed their sparring matches. She was sassy and saucy and didn’t take anything off anyone.

The last person who’d challenged him that same way was his ex-girlfriend, Jackie Birchard. Out of the dozens of girlfriends he’d had, Jackie was the only one to dump him. It made her stand out in the crowd. The one woman he couldn’t charm.

That was, until he met Haley. Too bad they’d never hooked up, although they’d come pretty damn close.

Jeb smiled, remembering. He could have gotten her into bed if he’d wanted. When they’d made out on the beach at sunset a few months back, sparks had ignited unlike anything he’d ever felt before, and that was saying something. Haley had wanted him as much as he’d wanted her, maybe even more so, although chances were good that she would never admit it.

But, surprise, surprise, he’d been the one to put a stop to things before they’d completely lost control.

He’d stopped for two reasons. One, he knew Haley would have regretted it the morning after. She was such a stickler for protocol, held herself and others to high standards. Two, he’d been trying to prove to Jackie that she was wrong about him. He wasn’t a self-absorbed playboy with no depth of character. He could restrain himself.

No matter how difficult it had been to break that kiss and send Haley home with their desires unfulfilled.

Ah, well, you couldn’t win them all, right? It was time to move on. His work on St. Michael’s was done. He’d achieved what he’d set out to achieve. He’d helped rebuild the island. He could return home with his head held high.

“About that interview, Mr. Whitcomb,” said the blond reporter with a smile that sparkled like prisms.

Matching her smile, Jeb turned and led her away, but he couldn’t resist one last glance over his shoulder at Haley.

She paused and looked back.

Their eyes met.

Gotcha! Protest all you want, sweetheart—you do want me. Boldly, he winked.

Her cheeks reddened and her eyes narrowed in a scowl. She ducked her head and flounced from his view, leaving Jeb sorely regretting the night that they’d never had.

HALEY LAY STRETCHED OUT on her twin bed in the one-bedroom bungalow she shared with Ahmaya. She was eating Oreos, twisting the cookies apart and scraping the white filling off with her front teeth before gobbling up the dark cookies. Oreos were her go-to comfort treats when she was stressed or frustrated, and yes, she knew the drawbacks of de-stressing with a sugar fix, but when she was feeling like this, she didn’t care.

The quarters were basic and cramped, but a long sight better than the tent they’d lived in after Hurricane Sylvia. She was trying not to think about Jeb, but he kept popping into her head at the most unwanted times.

Why?

Yes, he was wealthy, handsome and self-confident, but he was also full of himself and far too free with his affections. Imagine! He’d called her baby and took the pins out of her hair, and she’d just stood there and let him. Unexpected goose bumps lifted on her arms and she hugged herself.

Ahmaya stood in front of the mirrored closet door, examining her reflection as she got ready for the party. “What do you think about this skirt?”

“The hem is too short.”

“Perfect,” Ahmaya purred.

“You’re going to wear it anyway?”

“I am. If you think it’s too short that means it’s exactly the right length.”

Haley sat up. “You’re saying I’m a prude?”

“Uh-huh, kinda.” Ahmaya ran her fingers through her straight, glossy black hair.

“I’m not a prude,” she argued against the heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach. Was she? She didn’t mean to be; it was just that she had certain principles and she wasn’t going to compromise.

“Prove it.”

“What?”

“Prove you’re not a prude.”

“I don’t have to prove anything.”

“You don’t curse.”

“So what?”

“Prudes don’t curse.”

“I believe in having a wide vocabulary. Is that so wrong?”

“Prudish.”

“What?” She raised her arms. “I should go around swearing like a sailor to prove I’m not prudish? Okay, then.” Haley let loose with a few descriptive curse words.

Ahmaya looked surprised. “I had no idea you knew those words.”

“I’m a nurse. I’ve heard a lot worse than that. It’s just that cursing seems so crude and uncivilized.”

“Sometimes—” Ahmaya grinned “—it’s fun to be uncivilized.”

“If you say so.”

“Prude.”

“Are we back to that?”

“It’s the truth of your being.”

“I don’t think prude is the right word. Prudent, if you wish, but not prudish.”

“Hmm.” Ahmaya stepped into a pair of mile-high stilettos. “Prove it.”

“I just did.”

“Not by cursing, by coming with me to Jeb’s party. I need a wing woman.”

“You don’t need a wing woman.”

“Everyone needs a wing woman.”

“Call Jessie. I’m sure she’d go.”

“She’s stuck working second shift.”

“Ahmaya, I don’t want to go.”

“But you’re the one with a car.”

“It’s only a half mile. You can ride your bike.”

“In this?” Ahmaya swept a dramatic hand at her sexy outfit. She had a point. Jimmy Choo didn’t pedal well. Her friend dropped on her knees in front of Haley, pressed her palms together. “Please, please, please. I’ll do the crash-cart checks for you all month.”

Haley sighed. “You know parties aren’t my thing.”

“Seriously, it’s great that you’re all into altruistic causes and saving people and everything, but you can’t work or think about work 24/7. You need to lighten up. Let your hair down.”

That remark had Haley remembering how Jeb had pulled the bobby pins from her hair. She suppressed a shiver. He’d kept her bobby pins. It would serve him right if she went to his party and demanded the return of her bobby pins.

“You are the dullest twenty-seven-year-old I know.” Ahmaya pouted.

Ouch! That hurt.

Haley considered self-discipline her strong suit, not a flaw. It was what had gotten her through nursing school with a 4.0 grade-point average. An accomplishment she was very proud of.

“One little bitty party isn’t going to kill you. Everyone is going to be there. Look at it as a networking opportunity.” Ahmaya batted her long, dark lashes. “Pretty please?”

“Oh, all right, but I’m only staying for one drink and then I’m out of there.”

“You’ll drink really slowly, right?”

“An hour. I’ll stay an hour. If you’re ready to go in an hour, you can leave with me. If you’re not, then you’ll have to find your own way home.”

Ahmaya’s face dissolved into a happy smile and she extended her hand. “Deal.”

Huffing out a sigh, Haley shook her hand.

“Now,” Ahmaya said, “we have to find you something sexy to wear.”

“No, we don’t. Jeans and a T-shirt will do just fine.”

Ahmaya looked aghast. “Shut your mouth. This is a par-tay. You’re not going looking like a schlub.”

“I came here with the Red Cross and I stayed to work. I have scrubs and jeans and that’s it.”

“Ah.” Ahmaya’s eyes glistened. “But I have party clothes. My sister sent me a big box of them last month.”

“You wear a size four.”

“You’re not that much bigger than me. I bet we can squeeze you into my blue Ann Taylor Loft spaghetti strap. Ann Taylor sizes run big, and blue is your color.” Ahmaya dug in her closet, found the dress, tossed it to Haley. “The dress is a little bland for my taste anyway. Should be right up your alley.”

“I’m not much for florals. Too girly.”

“No excuses. Try it on.” Ahmaya sank her hands on her hips.

Reluctantly, Haley stripped off her scrubs and put on the dress. It hugged her curves and the hem fell halfway up her thigh. Hello, where’s the burlesque stage? Gypsy Rose Lee is in the house. She tugged at the bottom of the dress, trying to lengthen it. “It’s too short.”

“You’ve got dynamite legs. Why are you so scared to show them?”

“I’m not scared. Just not interested in looking like a hoochie mama.”

“You’re saying I’m a hoochie mama?”

“The dress isn’t snug on you and you’re two inches shorter than I am.”

“Celebrate your curves, Haley. I’m jealous.”

“It’s too tight in the boobs.”

“It’s perfect. That’s the way a sexy dress is supposed to fit.”

“I’ll need a strapless bra.”

Ahmaya’s eyes danced mischievously. “Go braless.”

“My nipples will show.”

“I have Nippies you can wear. No more excuses.”

“What are Nippies?”

“Gawd, do you live under a rock? They’re nipple covers.”

“I live on a hurricane-devastated island. My concerns run more toward basic human necessities than fashion.”

“You can say that again. Can you for once not be a Debbie Downer?”

That startled her. “Am I really a killjoy?”

“Yeah, kinda. Not everyone lives by your work-work-work credo, and you know, sometimes people need something fun to take their minds off the bad things that have happened. Jeb totally gets that.”

Her friend’s comment stopped Haley in her tracks. It wasn’t the first time she’d heard that she was too focused on hard work and doing things by the book. Did everyone think she was a hard-ass? Yes, she was very careful by nature and thorough in forming her opinions, and she had high principles. Why was that a bad thing? Why did she so often feel out of step with others her age?

“Haley, if you’re not perfect every minute of the day, the world won’t come to an end,” Ahmaya said, her voice softening. “Please just try to have fun tonight. Will you promise me that?”

She really did want to fit in. Wanted people to like her. “I’ll try, but the main reason I don’t want to go is that Jeb Whitcomb will be there.”

“Of course he’ll be there. It’s his party.”

“He’s just so cocky. He thinks that all women want to fall at his feet.”

“Most of them do.”

“Not me.”

“Do you really want to make him suffer?”

That intrigued her. “How would I do that?”

“Show up looking gorgeous. Let him see what he’ll never have. Rub it in.”

Hmm. She liked that. Little Miss Sadist. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

“Yay.” Ahmaya clapped. “Now, will you let me do your makeup?”

Haley started to resist—Ahmaya had a tendency to overdo makeup application—but she quickly thought better of it. She was determined to prove she could be a party animal just like everyone else, even if it killed her.

But most of all, she wanted to give Jeb Whitcomb a good-riddance send-off he wouldn’t forget.