Caught Between an Oops and a Hard Body (Caught Between series Book 2) Read online

  Stone dragged his attention back to his assistant. “Order the helicopter.”

  “Already done, sir.” She handed him airline tickets. “Five minutes ago, you sent an e-mail to your mother confirming your arrival at their island estate tomorrow afternoon.”

  He returned to his desk, grabbed his briefcase, and started chucking items into it, trying to be cool and nonchalant while he struggled against the image he’d attempted to block from his memory. Stephanie Goodwin, naked and flat on her back beneath him.

  Could they continue their sexual relationship without any complications like love and marriage?

  He huffed out a sigh. Wedding planner? No way.

  And yet, as the memory of making love to Stephanie flooded his body, he thought, if the sex could be that hot every single night of his life, it might make up for a miserable marriage—

  No, what was he thinking? Marriage was for fools.

  “My luggage?”

  “It’ll be on board the helicopter when you leave.”

  He finally stopped and looked at her. This woman who ran his professional life without so much as a blip in her expression. She was a mystery to him while his life was an open book. “Pack your bags, Wanda. I need you to come with me.”

  She backed up a step and crossed her fingers in front of her chest. “Deal with your family yourself.”

  With a sour look in his direction, she pulled open the door, exited the room, and left Stone alone to contemplate the hellish existence of his family. At this moment, he was sure of only three things.

  That he’d rather book a trip straight to hell than go home.

  That marriage was for never.

  And that when he encountered the wedding planner, he was going to avoid her like the plague.

  If he didn’t screw up and kiss her first.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Stephanie Goodwin had never met a prince who didn’t turn out to be a frog, but she never let her personal feelings about men and relationships interfere with her job as a wedding planner.

  Instead, she focused on giving her clients their dream wedding and never looked back to see how many of those marriages turned to ruins. It wasn’t her job to get personal and give advice. No, it was her job to create a fairytale day the bride could remember forever, a magical moment to get her through the trials and tribulations of the years ahead.

  A priceless memory before everything turned to dust.

  Which was why, on this sunny Tuesday morning as she drove the rental car along Tranquility Drive, the coastal highway that circled Serendipity Island, she felt more like a fairy godmother than a wedding planner.

  Until she’d had to pull over to the side of the road to throw up.

  Afterwards, she drove back onto the highway, one hand on the wheel, the other on her churning stomach, determined that the flu wouldn’t stop her from fulfilling her sacred fairy godmother duty. She had three days to tie up the loose ends of Liz Kincaid’s upcoming wedding…a wedding that would no doubt end in divorce like so many other marriages.

  Maybe it wasn’t her fault that all those marriages ended in a nasty court case, but it made her feel like a marriage jinx anyway.

  Which was why she was never taking the marriage plunge herself.

  With her sister’s map beside her on the seat, she made her way to Mandy’s newly purchased beach house where she climbed out of the car, and headed toward the front door.

  From the outside, the beach house was gorgeous. With a six foot tall stone fence separating the property from the street, it was like a tiny piece of heaven on earth.

  She knocked on the door, the oversize sweater she’d pulled on that morning heavy and sweltering. It wasn’t her usual attire, but had seemed perfect because she was feeling frumpy and bloated and totally un-Stephanie-like.

  Through the clear pane of glass, she saw her mom, Dora Goodwin, emerge and bustle toward the front door. Confused, Stephanie pulled open the door and stepped inside. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

  Dora gave a fake cheerleader jump. “Surprised?”

  “Very.” Stephanie shut the heat outside and toed off her shoes. As the scent of cinnamon drifted along with her mom, she resisted the urge to gag, and leaned in to give the older woman a hug. “What are you doing here?”

  Dora pulled back, her attention fixed on the sweater. “Is that Tom’s sweater? I thought I threw that old thing in the trash.” Dora grabbed hold of the bottom edge of the sweater. “You must be roasting. Pull off that ugly thing before he sees it and wants it back.”

  “I’m fine.” Stephanie pushed the other woman’s hands away. “In fact, I’m a little bit chilly. And yes, it’s Dad’s sweater.”

  A frown of concern settled over her mom’s features and she set the back of her hand against Stephanie’s forehead. “Are you coming down with something? I hate that you’re in the city all alone with no one to care for you.”

  “You don’t need to worry about me, Mom. I’m a big girl.”

  Dora’s blue-on-blue eyes filled with affection. “Mothers are predestined to worry. You’ll find that out one day when you have children of your own.”

  Stephanie decided it was time to change their conversation before her mom zeroed in on her favorite topic. Marriage and babies. Just because she was a wedding planner didn’t mean she ever wanted to get married or have a family. Her sister could take care of those duties. “You didn’t answer my question. Why are you here? It’s not like you’re just popping across the street for a quick visit.” She eyed the guilty flush on her mom’s cheeks and leaned forward. “Does Mandy even know you’re here?”

  “Of course she does.” Dora waved one hand in the air, as though the hours of travel had happened in a blink of an eye. “Well, what am I supposed to do? Sit in a rocker on the front porch and wait for you girls to remember I’m alive? You’re both so busy with your lives, I told your father it’s time we started coming to you instead of always expecting you to come for a visit.”

  “How long are you staying for?”

  Dora tsked, and the frown between her brows deepened. “You look exhausted, honey. What is that woman thinking? How does she expect you pull this wedding together in three days?”

  The other woman may have smoothly changed the subject, but Stephanie was on to her. There was something going on. “It won’t be the first time.” Or no doubt the last.

  “Well, I’ll help, of course, if you want me there. And I know Mandy wants to talk to you about her wedding. Did she tell you I’ve already started baking cakes for her to try? And there’s my birthday party on Saturday. That’s why we’re here. With both of you girls on the island at the same time, we decided to celebrate it here.” Dora’s frown deepened and she brushed a gentle touch over Stephanie’s cheek. “Maybe we should have spread things out. A little here. A little there…”

  Stephanie was getting exhausted just listening to the non-stop chatter, but she couldn’t let on for fear her mother would refuse to let her leave until she’d had a long nap and a belly full of food. “You worry too much. It’ll all work out.”

  “Just don’t try to do it all yourself. Call me when you have something for me to do. You know how I love planning.” Dora gave another tug on the sweater. “I hope you’re not planning to wear this ugly thing to the Kincaid estate.”

  Stephanie indicated the clothes hanging off her arm and gave another smile. “I came prepared, like you always taught me.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t want the bride’s mother to think your mother raised you to be a slob.” Dora tugged at the belly of Stephanie’s sweater. “Now, before you run off, come say hello to your dad.” Her mom raised her voice. “Tom, Stephanie is here, and she’s wearing your favorite sweater.”

  Stephanie let her mom drag her into the kitchen where Tom Goodwin stood at the counter, a bowl tucked under one arm, a whisk in his other hand. He wore an apron covered with tiny wedding gowns and groom’s tuxedos and wedding cakes. No doubt Dora had slipped it on him the mom
ent Mandy announced her engagement.

  His warm gaze swept over her and settled on the sweater with love in his eyes. “I was wondering where that old thing went. Take it off, kiddo. I want it back.”

  Dora let out a big sigh. “No means no.” She crossed the kitchen, and took the bowl and spoon out of his hands. “Go greet your oldest daughter.”

  Tom willingly gave up his possessions and crossed the room, arms outstretched, and pulled Stephanie into his arms. “Hello, stranger. We were beginning to wonder if we’d ever see you again.”

  She hugged him back and, inhaling the familiar scent of his Old Spice cologne, relished the warmth of his hug. As much as she enjoyed her independence in the city, there were times like these when she realized how much she missed family. “Sorry, Dad. I’ve been really busy at work.”

  He pulled away and frowned down at her stomach, and Stephanie followed his gaze. “Have you finally put on some weight? Is that why you’re wearing my sweater?”

  “Only a little.” Before she could change the topic, Dora moved in for the kill—ah, the inspection—and the scent of whatever was in the bowl caused Stephanie’s stomach to churn.

  “Oh, honey, let’s see how much. You know you have to fit into Mandy’s bridesmaid dress. If you gain or lose weight before the wedding, the gown won’t fit.” Dora grabbed the bottom edge of the sweater. “And we have absolutely no idea how good the local seamstress is. I’d do the job myself, but I’m up to my elbows in baking.”

  With a smile and a laugh, Stephanie caught Dora’s wrist, successfully preventing the other woman from lifting the sweater to see what was underneath. She eased back a step. “Don’t worry, Mom. The dress will fit fine and in six months, I promise it’ll fit even better. Does this mean Mandy decided on her colors?”

  The front door banged open and footsteps raced toward the kitchen, giving her the opportunity to shift away from the inspection and the bowl that threatened the contents of her stomach.

  Her sister popped through the door opening, spied Stephanie, and threw her arms around her. “You’re here, finally. And just in time, because I’m one parent away from crazy mode.”

  Tom ruffled his youngest daughter’s hair. “Welcome to my world, squirt.” Then he headed back to the kitchen sink, ready to take his next order.

  While her sister squeezed tight, Stephanie gave her a hug back and met Dora’s gaze. “You need to remember that this is Mandy’s wedding, Mom. No forcing her to have your dream wedding.”

  Dora’s back bristled and she handed the bowl back to her husband. “You’re overreacting. I’m busy preparing for my birthday party right now. I don’t have time to think about her wedding.”

  “She lies,” Mandy whispered in her ear before she stepped back and faced her parents. “So tell Steph how many people you invited to your birthday party.”

  Beneath his breath, Tom grumbled, “The entire island.”

  Then to take the sting from his complaint, he gave his wife an affectionate pat on the butt.

  Stephanie raised her eyebrows. “How can that be? Mandy and Dane just moved here? Isn’t this your first time on the island?”

  Dora blushed. “I can’t help it if people adore me.”

  Mandy nudged her in the arm. “And if they don’t, Mom harasses them till they cry uncle.”

  Dora fixed a determined gaze on Stephanie, and Stephanie thought, Uh oh, here we go. This must be a record. Barely five minutes after the helloes.

  “I’ve heard the bride’s brother is a hot shot lawyer from Spokane. Just think, honey, a lawyer. What a great catch.” With barely a breath, she rattled on. “I wonder what his specialty is? We wouldn’t want one of those smarmy lawyers in the family. A nice environmental lawyer would be perfect. He could help clean up the beaches.”

  “Forget it,” she muttered.

  The hope-filled look on her mom’s face fell. “But honey, you’re not getting any younger.”

  “And I’m not getting married either. One day of joy followed by a lifetime of prison.” She repressed a shudder, then smiled at her dad and crossed her fingers behind her back. “If only I could find a guy like you, Dad, I’d be golden.”

  Dora huffed out a sigh. “You think your father is perfect? He has his frog moments, too, I’ll let you know.”

  Tom raised his eyebrows. “And your mother has her broomstick moments.”

  And this is where it generally started, with the snide comments cloaked by an affectionate tone. Stephanie had seen it happen enough and it was always one step away from divorce court. How her mom and dad had managed to stay married was mind-boggling.

  Before Dora could continue with her favorite subject, Mandy grabbed Stephanie’s hand and tugged her toward the living room. “Come on, I want to talk to you about the wedding plans and Mom’s birthday present.”

  Stephanie followed her out. “We’ll have to talk while I get changed. I have to be at the Kincaid estate today and I don’t want to be late.”

  As they disappeared around the corner, Dora raised her voice. “Really, you two don’t have to get me anything for my birthday.”

  Tom’s grumble followed. “Then why do I?”

  “But if you really want to get me a nice gift, I’d love a grand baby. Not till after you’re married, of course. A pregnant bride is so unseemly. What would the neighbors think? But just to know you girls are thinking about it would give me hope…”

  With a patient sigh, Mandy led the way up the stairs and lowered her voice. “Dane and I want to wait a couple of years before we hear the pitter patter of tiny feet around the house. But once we’re married, I’m afraid Mom will up the pressure. I mean, look. We move to the Caribbean to get some freedom from family, and before we even get settled, they’re knocking at our door unannounced.”

  “I’m glad it’s you, not me.” Stephanie trudged up the stairs after her, tired, nauseous, and wanting nothing more than a bed and a nap. But this might be her only chance to have a private conversation with her sister. She went for the direct approach. “You and Dane…you’re kind of rushing the wedding, aren’t you? Why not wait till next year or the year after? Or just live with him until—”

  “Until what?”

  Until the inevitable split.

  Stephanie took one look at her sister’s expression and pressed her lips together. “Never mind.”

  “Okay, I won’t.” At the end of the hallway, Mandy opened a door and gestured Stephanie inside. “Mom is right. You have a sick view of marriage.”

  Stephanie sighed and gave a tug on the sweater. “Lately, I’ve been working with a lot of unhappy couples. Everything seems to start out great. But then the groom sleeps with the bridesmaids—”

  Amusement deepened the color of Mandy’s eyes. “You’re not planning to sleep with my guy, are you, sis?”

  “No, of course not.” She yanked the sweater up and over her head, and when she could see again, Mandy was staring at her chest with awe.

  “Wow, where did those come from?”

  Stephanie followed her gaze down and frowned. “Pre-period bloat.”

  “Wowzer, I wish I bloated like that.”

  “No you don’t. It’s really bad this time.”

  Mandy glanced down at her own chest, then back at Stephanie’s, and with a shake of her head, refocused on her face. “Okay, well now, this changes things. I told the seamstress you were the same size as me, so that’s what she’s basing the alterations on the bridesmaids gown on.”

  Stripping off her slacks, she yanked the skirt off the bed and bent to pull it on. “After the wedding, maybe I should stop in and see her before I head back to Spokane.”

  “Good idea. I’ll give her a call and give her a heads up.” Mandy watched her struggle with the skirt zipper, then headed around back to help out. “Suck in your stomach so I can do up the button.”

  With a frown down at her waistline, Stephanie did as instructed. The rasp of the zipper was loud in the silent room.

  Mandy patted he
r waist. “There, you can let your breath out now.”

  The moment she did so, the waistband cut into her stomach. “Ouch, that’s uncomfortable. Undo it, will you?”

  “Huh, you really have put on a few pounds.” Mandy undid the button, held out the shirt for Stephanie to slip on, then went to rifle through the dresser drawers. Within seconds, she produced a safety pin. But once again, her gaze zeroed in on Stephanie’s chest. “I wish I had buttons that nearly popped once a month. It looks…sexy.”

  “It doesn’t feel sexy,” Stephanie grumbled. “My breasts are sore and tender, and my bra is too tight.”

  “Yeah, but Dane might really like the variety.”

  Stephanie grabbed her by the shoulders and gave her a shake. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. You’re stuck with him for the rest of your life. He’s stuck with you. What happens when the pre-wedding glow wears off—and trust me, it always does—and you have the next sixty years to spend with the same man?”

  “Comfort and companionship.” Mandy headed around behind Stephanie and lifted the edge of the shirt. “I’m looking forward to settling in with the same guy. So what if the fireworks fade? As long as we love each other, we’ll figure out the rest as we go along.”

  “You’re not going to change your mind, are you?”

  Mandy shook her head. “Nope.”

  Stephanie glanced at her watch. “I better get going or I’ll be late.”

  As they came downstairs, Tom stood in the kitchen doorway. “Do you need your car filled up? How about the oil checked?”

  “You don’t have to worry about me, Dad. I’m not sixteen anymore.”

  He gave her a sheepish grin and a peck on the cheek. “You and Mandy will always be my little girls.”

  Dora elbowed him out of the way, her hands dripping soap and water on the floor, obviously on a mission. “A lawyer, honey. Think about it, will you? For me?”

  Stephanie saw the earnest expression on her face and felt sorry for Mandy. There was no doubt about it, once Mandy and Dane were married, Dora would be after grandchildren.

  “You’re getting the floor wet.” As she watched Dora dry her hands on her apron, she hooked a thumb toward the front door. “I need to get going or I’ll be late.”