Читать книгу A Yuletide Affair - Monica Richardson - Страница 11

Chapter 1

Alyson Talbot hadn’t planned on spending so much time in the Eleuthera Islands, Bahamas. She loved her family and her childhood home, but it was no place she had intentions of ever living again. In fact, she’d made a perfect home in Miami by purchasing a beautiful condo that overlooked the Miami River. Florida was where she needed to be—it was where she was building her clientele. After leaving a booming real estate company, she’d recently decided to branch out on her own, make a name for herself. Alyson Talbot and Associates wasn’t quite where she wanted it to be, but the business was well on its way to making a statement in the industry. Just last year, she’d earned a decent salary, one that supported her comfortable lifestyle. But she was looking for more than just comfort, and her goal was to double those earnings in the coming year. She was certainly on a good track, and well on her way to accomplishing just that. She vowed to never move back to the islands nor help to run her family’s B and B on Harbour Island.

Each of her siblings had vowed the same thing—that they would not be moving back to the Bahamas. Her oldest brother, Edward, was too busy working his political career and had ties to the mayor’s office in Florida. Her brother Nate, who lived in Atlanta, was an artist and had no desire to run a B and B. And conversation around him moving back to the islands had always been a sore spot for him. Problems with a former girlfriend had limited his visits to their childhood home. Whitney was busy teaching small children at her Dallas elementary school and had claimed that she would return long-term, but hadn’t. Their youngest brother, Denny, had already begun his tour of duty in the Bahamian military. He was the family’s rebel, had opted out of attending college. Jasmine had been the only one to sacrifice and move back to the island. She had been instrumental in the Grove’s renovation. But now that the family business was up and running, she needed help. Which was why she had turned to her older sister, Alyson. However, for Alyson, moving home was definitely not in the cards.

What was in the cards was helping to plan her sister’s elaborate Christmas wedding. Without her contribution, Jasmine’s wedding might not be as elegant as it could be. After all, she had connections, and people owed her favors. Not to mention, the Talbots weren’t just an ordinary family anymore. They were more than just a two-parent family with six adult children scattered about the world. As owners of the Grove, the newest and fastest growing beachfront property on the island, the Talbots had quickly been placed in a league of their own. She knew that when the first member of the Talbot clan got married at the Grove, it had to be an event to remember. And it was up to her to make sure that happened—thus, causing her to spend way more time on the islands than she’d ever dreamed she would.

“Turn around and let me see the back,” she told Jasmine, who modeled her seventh ivory dress.

It was a Vera Wang, and her sister looked like a model in it. She truly hoped Jasmine liked this one, because she was quickly running out of patience. She’d tentatively scheduled a meeting with an important client—a meeting that had already been postponed twice. She was committed to the wedding, but also had business in Miami.

“It’s okay, but I don’t get that warm fuzzy feeling about it. Mother said that I would know which dress was the right one. She said it would speak to me.”

“It’s a Vera Wang. What else would you like for it to say, honey?” Alyson asked. “Not only that, but our mother got married at the justice of the peace some thirty-plus years ago. What does she know about picking the perfect wedding dress?”

“That’s just rude,” said Jasmine.

“It’s the truth, Jazzy!”

“Our mother may not have had the wedding of her dreams, but she definitely married the man of her dreams.”

“I can’t argue that.”

Their father, Paul John Talbot, was a man whom both women cherished. Any man that walked into their lives had large shoes to fill.

“I want the dress to feel special,” Jasmine insisted.

Her sister could wear almost any dress she wanted to, yet she made the task of finding a dress almost impossible. Jasmine had the perfect figure. Alyson wasn’t nearly as fit as her sister, who worked out on a daily basis. She had to work hard just to maintain her ample figure. And as much as her patience was running thin, she had to keep reminding herself that this was not her wedding. In fact, she had no intentions of ever getting married. Marriage was overrated, and she hadn’t had one single prospect anyway. She’d had her share of trysts and a few relationships that had lasted a month or two, but nothing serious. Her life was just fine the way it was, though.

“As much as I’d like to spend the day picking out bridal gowns, I think your husband-to-be is expecting us at the Grove pretty soon,” Alyson reminded her sister with a quick glance at her watch. “He wants your input on the Caribbean band that’s auditioning for the reception. I think we should head over there.”

“Okay, just let me get out of this dress.” Jasmine glanced at herself quickly in the mirror one more time and then grabbed hold of the silk train before stepping down from the platform.

“No love between you and that gown, huh?” Alyson asked again.

“Very little.” She grinned and then disappeared into the dressing room.

Dress shopping with her younger sister was like watching paint dry.

* * *

Although it was still early November and Thanksgiving was forthcoming, Christmas had been the focal point at the Grove with Jasmine’s impending wedding. The Clydesdale had already been decorated with gold, red and green lights streamed throughout. In the Grand Room, a huge, fifteen-foot Christmas tree stood tall in the corner of the room, garnished with garland, lights and unique ornaments. It was reminiscent of Alyson’s childhood home in Governor’s Harbour—a place where Christmases were an important part of her life. But more important than Christmas Day was the day after—Boxing Day. Boxing Day was when Junkanoo took place.

The festive street parade with music, dance and unique costumes was what dinner conversations were made of. Inspired by a different theme every year, it was the focal point of the Christmas holidays and the New Year, and it was the highlight of the year in the Bahamas. It took months to prepare for Junkanoo. There were costumes that needed to be made and feasts that needed to be prepared. When Alyson and her siblings were young, their father would take them to Nassau, where the largest Junkanoo parade took place. Although the Junkanoo parade in the Eleuthera was festive, nothing could compare to the one in Nassau. Now with the anticipation of a Christmas wedding, coupled with Junkanoo, the Talbot family were beside themselves with excitement.

* * *

The Caribbean band had set up their instruments in the center of the Grand Room and was playing an old Bob Marley tune. With locks that hung down to the center of his back, the band’s lead singer danced around the room. Jackson, Alyson’s brother-in-law-to-be, was so into the performance, he didn’t even see them walk in. When he spotted them, a wide grin covered his handsome golden face as he bobbed his head to the music. He raised a glass of cognac in the air and motioned for Alyson and Jasmine to join him.

“You’re just in time,” Jackson said. “They’re just getting started.”

“They sound good,” Jasmine said.

Samson, Jackson’s friend, walked up and the two men shook hands. Alyson inconspicuously observed Samson as he chatted with Jackson. Didn’t want him to notice that she was checking him out. She’d labeled him as the mystery man that had shown up on the island, with no real reason for being there. He was renting a room at their family’s B and B for an extended period of time, and he’d been introduced as Jackson’s buddy from college, but her knowledge of him was very limited. The lack of information intrigued her.

“Why don’t you play something?” Jackson asked Samson, and then told everyone in the room, “He’s an accomplished guitarist.”

“I’m an amateur at best,” Samson insisted.

“He’s being modest,” Jackson countered. “Get on up there and give us a little something.”

Reluctantly, Samson joined the band at the center of the room. The band’s guitarist handed over his instrument, and Samson began to play. Alyson tried desperately to peel her eyes from his sexy face, and she’d never intended to focus so intently on the way his lips curved when he was in his zone. She certainly didn’t mean to stare at his muscular arms, or the way the sleeveless shirt hugged his chest. With his tattooed arms and unshaven face, he was definitely not her type. She preferred her men refined and sophisticated. But she couldn’t help but be impressed by the way he played the guitar and how he meshed perfectly with the other members of the band.

Get yourself together, girl, her inner voice whispered. What in the hell is wrong with you?

She didn’t have time to watch this man play a guitar! He wasn’t even in the band—he was a wannabe. And what was he doing in the Bahamas, anyway? The nuptials weren’t taking place for weeks, and he wasn’t even an attendant in the wedding.

“I don’t need to see anymore. I think this is our band for the reception,” announced Jackson. He then turned to Jasmine. “What do you think, babe?”

“Bravo!” Jasmine clapped her hands as each member of the band took a bow. “I agree.”

At least she agreed on something, Alyson thought as she raised an eyebrow at her indecisive sister. “How about deciding on a wedding dress, boo?” She’d said it aloud before realizing the words had actually come out of her mouth.

“Don’t start, Alyson.” Jasmine pointed a finger at her sister.

“No luck finding a dress today?” Jackson asked Jasmine.

“She’s going to be wearing that tablecloth if she doesn’t choose a dress soon,” Alyson teased.

“I really don’t care what my bride-to-be is wearing on that day, just as long as she meets me at the altar and becomes my wife like she promised.” Jackson grabbed Jasmine from behind and gave her a tight squeeze.

The two moved to the sound of the Caribbean music. Although Alyson rolled her eyes, secretly they gave her hope that love actually was attainable. She was happy for her sister and wished her a lifetime of bliss with the man of her dreams. The two sisters had only recently hashed out their differences and gotten over old wounds, and Alyson was grateful that they were able to put the past behind them. And she was happy to be an integral part of her sister’s life and wedding plans.

“What’s the story on your friend over there?” Alyson asked the question that had plagued her since the day Mystery Man had shown up in the Bahamas.

“He’s my college buddy,” Jackson said.

“Old information. I gathered that days ago,” she told him. “I mean, what’s his story?”

Jackson placed an arm around Alyson’s shoulder. “What exactly would you like to know about him?”

She pulled away and exclaimed, “I’m not interested in him, if that’s what you’re insinuating! I’m just curious as to why he’s here. Normal people have careers and families that prevent them from relocating to a tropical island for an extended period of time.”

“He’s just here for a little while. Needed to get away.”

Get away from what? she thought as she gave Samson another quick glance.

“What happened in Chicago?” she asked.

“Maybe you should ask him yourself,” Jackson said as Samson finished the set and walked up.

Samson gave Alyson a dazzling grin and nearly pierced her with those seductive light brown eyes. He gave her a nod of hello.

“You’re far from a novice, boy. You’re a professional.” Jackson grinned and gave Samson a strong handshake. Then he turned to Alyson. “I’d like for you to meet my future sister-in-law, Alyson Talbot. Alyson, this is Samson. I don’t think I’ve had the chance to formally introduce you two.”

“Pleased to meet you, Samson.” She offered her hand.

He took it and gently kissed the back of it. “The pleasure is all mine.”

She quickly retrieved her hand from the man who’d instantly caused her to feel things—strange things—that she shouldn’t feel when meeting someone for the first time. Samson smiled, apparently completely aware of his effect on her. She rolled her eyes. He was trying too hard, and she wanted him to know that he didn’t stand a chance with her. Maybe if she were a twenty-two-year-old groupie, his charms would work. But she wasn’t twenty-two, nor was she one of those desperate women who threw themselves at the feet of charming men, and he needed to know that. She’d always been one to sift through the smoke screen and get to the heart of the matter.

“Talbot women certainly are beautiful,” said Samson.

She noticed the word Toni etched across his left biceps, and asked herself, Who has the names of their ex-or current girlfriends etched into their skin?

“Alyson is a real estate broker,” Jackson offered. “Her company is quickly becoming the go-to for real estate on the island and abroad. You mentioned taking a look at some beach homes while you’re here. Maybe she can show you around.”

Alyson gave Jackson the evil eye and then looked at Samson. “I generally don’t dabble in the competitive market. But I have a lot of connections and would be happy to pair you with one of my associates who could show you around.”

“I think she just told me that I can’t afford any of the properties in her portfolio but she’d pawn me off on someone who can show me some cheaper ones.” Samson smiled, and the entire room seemed to illuminate.

“I think she did,” Jackson agreed.

“What is it that you do for a living, Mister...”

“Steel.”

“You steal for a living?” she asked.

He and Jackson both laughed a hearty laugh.

“My name is Steel. Samson Steel,” he said.

“Oh.” She felt silly, but offered a gentle smile. “The most modest home in my portfolio, Mr. Steel, appraised at half a million dollars last week. We’re asking much more than that.”

“Great! I’d like to see it.”

He was wasting her time! Between helping to plan a wedding and juggling appointments with clients in Miami and the islands, she didn’t have time to play games with Samson Steel. She pulled a business card from her purse and handed it to him. “My website is on there. Why don’t you peruse the homes on my site and see if there’s anything that you’re interested in? Save us both a lot of time and effort.”

He studied the card. Flipped it over. “So I can reach you at this number?”

“If necessary,” she said.

“Is it your personal cell, or will this take me to voice mail?”

“I don’t do voice mail, Mr. Steel. My clientele is way too important for that. I have a personal assistant who handles all of my calls.”

“Ah, I see,” he said thoughtfully. “I’ll give you a call in the morning. Maybe you can fit me in tomorrow afternoon.”

“Can’t tomorrow. Early afternoon, I have an appointment with a client. And then right after that, I’m scheduled to taste wedding cake with my sister.”

“Um, Alyson... I meant to tell you that we’d rescheduled that appointment for Friday,” Jasmine chimed in. “The bakery called this morning.”

“When exactly were you going to tell me?” she attempted to whisper.

“I called Jules and had her check your schedule, and she penciled you in for the tasting on Friday. So it looks like you’re free tomorrow afternoon...to show Samson some properties...” she caught Alyson’s wicked glance “...or not.”

“Call my office tomorrow, and I’ll try to fit you in.” There was no way out of this one.

“I appreciate that, Alyson Talbot.” He smiled widely again. “I’m looking forward to you fitting me in.”

He shouldn’t get it twisted, she thought. This would be strictly business.