Charmed by the Enemy: The Trouble with Weddings, #4

CHAPTER 1

Summer

Istared out the airplane window with childlike wonder, my nose literally pressed against the glass as I watched us get closer to the teardrop-shaped island that was our destination. When we left New York hours ago, we were surrounded by white, fluffy clouds. But now, it was all blue sky around us and endless water below. I could see everything for miles and miles.

I’d never been to a tropical island before, and the excitement made me giddy as the pilot announced our approach, telling us to lift up our table trays and buckle our seatbelts. My mother was sitting next to me, with my father on her other side. Mom was a nervous flyer, so she’d had three drinks during the flight, but the Chardonnay wasn’t enough to keep her from tensing up as the plane started its descent.

Summer, close the window, Dad said, grabbing her hand.

She held onto him so tightly that her knuckles turned white. I pulled down the window covering, even though I liked the view. I figured I’d get the chance to take in plenty of breathtaking sights over the next week, anyway.

We weren’t here just for a vacation. My brother, Michael, was getting married on Pompeo Island this weekend. We’d be here for seven days, participating in parties and group activities leading up to the wedding on Saturday afternoon. I was thrilled for him. He was committing to the love of his life, and I was gaining a sister, which I’d always wanted.

After getting off the plane, we went through the mundane process of collecting our luggage and picking up the rental car that my dad had reserved in advance. Before long, we were on the road, heading for the hotel where the friends and family here for the wedding would be staying all week.

I once again found myself staring out the window, looking at the ocean, the palm trees, and all the tourists on the sand. It turned out that the hotel was located right on the beach and I couldn’t wait to explore the area. My dad had booked our rooms, so he took care of checking us in while Mom and I waited nearby.

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind and I was lifted into the air and spun around. I let out a squeal and slapped my brother’s hands, knowing that it could only be him. When I was back on my feet, I turned to face Michael, who was smiling ear-to-ear.

How was your flight, Short Stuff?

You know I hate when you call me that, I replied, ducking away from him as he attempted to ruffle my hair. Don’t think you can get away with it just because this is your big week.

It’s not my fault that you’re fun-sized.

I glared at him. I was at least a foot shorter than Michael at five feet, three inches, and he’d teased me about our height difference since we were kids. But he also didn’t let anyone else get away with it. He was a protective big brother, despite also being a pain in my ass.

Okay, knock it off, you two, Dad said as he walked over with the room keys in his hand. You’re thirty years old, don’t act like kids.

"Hey, he’s thirty, I pointed out. I’m still in my prime."

An amused smile flitted across Dad’s face. Our bickering was light-hearted, not like when we were kids and used to have big blowout fights over just about everything. These days, Michael and I had a close relationship, which probably had something to do with the fact that we were only two years apart in age.

Where’s my future daughter-in-law? Mom asked, glancing around the lobby.

Running herself ragged, Michael said, shaking his head. But you know, she loves it. Organizing and planning, making lists, she enjoys all that stuff. So, this week-long wedding celebration is right up her alley.

Well, I’ll see if she needs any help with the welcoming party tonight, Mom said as the four of us headed toward the elevator, hauling our suitcases along with us. Do you want to come with me, Summer?

If we have time before the party, I think I’d rather just explore a bit. Maybe take a walk on the beach.

By yourself?

I couldn’t resist rolling my eyes at my mother. She was always overprotective of me. I didn’t know if it was because I was the youngest in the family or maybe because I was a girl, but I’d always hated it.

I’m an adult, Mom, I reminded her, pressing the elevator button for the eighth floor. You don’t need to worry about me.

A mother always worries, Mom replied. William, why don’t you go with her?

I opened my mouth to protest, but my dad beat me to it.

Leave the girl alone, Emma. She’ll be fine. Besides, I can’t go. I need to make a conference call to check in with Zach on the progress of the business plan.

No one said anything in response to that. Even my mom decided to let the subject drop, choosing to let me go off on my own without further protest. Dad’s new business venture was a sensitive subject. Not because any of us disapproved. On the contrary, it was a huge deal that he was back to work after three years of depression over the loss of his last business.

He’d owned a successful chain of restaurants with his business partner, Harold. It was his passion. The pair of them built the business from the ground up over the course of nearly three decades until Harold betrayed dad three years ago, forcing him out of the business over a stupid disagreement.

It was a devastating blow for our whole family, and I was still furious about it. Hell, we all were. I grew up thinking of Harold as an uncle. His son, Levi, had been my best friend.

But things changed.

Now, Dad had finally found something to feel excited about again. He was in the process of starting up a new business with a brand new partner. But this time, he was being cautious, keeping the man at arm’s length. He definitely wasn’t looking to become close friends with the man like he did with Harold. That lesson had been learned the hard way.

The elevator stopped on the eighth floor, and we all stepped out into the hallway. My parents room was right next to mine, and it turned out that Michael and Faith were on the other side of me. I opened my door and lugged my suitcase inside, hefting it onto the king-sized bed.

It was a typical hotel room with a flat screen TV mounted on the wall above a small dresser and desk in the corner. There was a mini refrigerator under a counter where a small coffee pot was sitting. I was sure that if I looked in the closet I’d find a safe. But I didn’t waste time with that. Instead, I unzipped my suitcase and grabbed the swimsuit sitting right on top.

I’d bought it specifically for this trip, a blue one-piece with the sides cut out and a low neckline. It was revealing, but I liked the way it showed off my curves. Maybe I would get lucky and meet someone interesting on this tropical island. It had been way too long since I was with a man.

I gathered my long, dark hair into a ponytail and slipped on my sunglasses. Finally, I covered my pale skin with sunscreen. As I walked back out into the hallway, Mom did as well.

I’m meeting Faith downstairs in the banquet hall, she told me. That’s where the party will be tonight.

Is Dad having his meeting with Zach? I asked.

Yeah, she sighed. I hope he learns to trust the kid. If he doesn’t, the business will never succeed.

Zach isn’t a kid, I said with a laugh. He’s in his mid-thirties.

Sure, she waved her hand dismissively. "I suppose that age doesn’t matter much, anyway. Harold was certainly old enough to know better than to do what he did."

She sneered as she said his name, her lips pursing together in displeasure and her eyes narrowing. I wasn’t the only one still carrying around a lot of anger over what happened. My whole family had been affected by the other man’s betrayal.

We parted ways in the lobby, with her heading to the banquet room while I followed the signs to the outdoor pool area behind the hotel. I passed by the hotel’s restaurant along the way, making a mental note to check it out later as the smell of something garlicky and probably delicious reached me.

Once outside, I bypassed the pool area, crossing the dunes until I reached the beach. I kicked off my sandals and carried them, allowing my bare toes to sink into the fine white sand. It was mid-afternoon and there were lots of people around, but I felt like I was in my own little world as I strolled along the shoreline.

It was so peaceful here, with the