The Wedding Adventure
Melissa McClone
For nearly two weeks they were trapped together on a tropical island, forced to endure Surv/vor-like challenges in order to win a grand prize. But for the normally business-minded Cade Armstrong Waters, the toughest part became resisting his pampered-princess-turned-worthy-teammate, Cynthia Sterling.Cynthia's grit and determination, not to mention her golden locks and shining eyes, made Cade ache to hold her as they shared close quarters in a makeshift tent. But although his hardened heart had slowly begun to heal in her presence, Cade had no desire to surrender his bachelor status. Which only proved that walking away could be his biggest challenge of all!
“This bed is big enough for the two of us.”
Cynthia bit her bottom lip. “We’re just friends, right?”
Cade smiled. “Right.” But after kissing her… “You know what, you can have the bed. I’ll sleep on the ground.”
“Take the bed. I don’t mind the floor.”
“This is ridiculous,” Cade said. “We’re both adults.”
“That’s true.” Cynthia didn’t sound so confident. “It’s just a b-bed.”
“Exactly. Besides, I’m tired,” he pointed out.
“Good, we’ll both sleep.” Her cheeks reddened. “I mean—”
“I know what you mean.” If they were both tired, they would simply sleep. But part of him prayed that wasn’t true.
Dear Reader,
We’ve been busy here at Silhouette Romance cooking up the next batch of tender, emotion-filled romances to add extra sizzle to your day.
First on the menu is Laurey Bright’s modern-day Sleeping Beauty story, With His Kiss (#1660). Next, Melissa McClone whips up a sensuous, Survivor-like tale when total opposites must survive two weeks on an island, in The Wedding Adventure (#1661). Then bite into the next juicy SOULMATES series addition, The Knight’s Kiss (#1663) by Nicole Burnham, about a cursed knight and the modern-day princess who has the power to unlock his hardened heart.
We hope you have room for more, because we have three other treats in store for you. First, popular Silhouette Romance author Susan Meier turns on the heat in The Nanny Solution (#1662), the third in her DAYCARE DADS miniseries about single fathers who learn the ABCs of love. Then, in Jill Limber’s Captivating a Cowboy (#1664), are a city girl and a dyed-in-the-wool cowboy a recipe for disaster…or romance? Finally, Lissa Manley dishes out the laughs with The Bachelor Chronicles (#1665), in which a sassy journalist is assigned to get the city’s most eligible—and stubborn—bachelor to go on a blind date!
I guarantee these heartwarming stories will keep you satisfied until next month when we serve up our list of great summer reads.
Happy reading!
Mary-Theresa Hussey
Senior Editor
The Wedding Adventure
Melissa McClone
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
To the Goalies for their friendship, support and love.
Books by Melissa McClone
Silhouette Romance
If the Ring Fits… #1431
The Wedding Lullaby #1485
His Band of Gold #1537
In Deep Waters #1608
The Wedding Adventure #1661
Yours Truly
Fiancé for the Night
MELISSA McCLONE
With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, the last thing Melissa McClone ever thought she would be doing is writing romance novels, but analyzing engines for a major U.S. airline just couldn’t compete with her “happily-ever-afters.”
When she isn’t writing, caring for her two young children or doing laundry, Melissa loves to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea, her cats and a good book. She is also a big fan of The X-Files and enjoys watching home decorating shows to get ideas for her house—a 1939 cottage that is slowly being renovated.
Melissa lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon, with her own real-life hero husband, daughter, son, two lovable but oh-so-spoiled indoor cats and a no-longer stray outdoor kitty who decided to call the garage home. Melissa loves to hear from readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 63, Lake Oswego, OR 97034.
Contents
Prologue (#u1a3c293c-139f-590a-9052-43c3883c8680)
Chapter One (#uceb58c63-885c-550d-84aa-7c3529a18643)
Chapter Two (#ub86b821b-d674-5e7b-b855-8f8f8085017d)
Chapter Three (#u8ccdc81d-6790-5b7b-b42e-30c78532c60d)
Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)
Prologue
The house was too quiet.
Sitting in his library, Henry Davenport tapped his Mont Blanc pen against the top of his mahogany desk, but the floor-to-ceiling bookcases absorbed the sound. He dropped the pen and glanced around the room looking for something to do.
Dickens, Hawking, Clancy, Gardner… He wasn’t in the mood to read any of the books on the shelves. His housekeeper had placed all his magazines in the recycling bin. A fire hazard was what she’d called the stack he kept by the library door.
TV wasn’t an option. He’d surfed through all the cable channels and over 500 more on his three different satellite dishes. He had no shows left on his TiVo to watch. He was all caught up. And he’d already seen all his DVDs and videos.
Music. That would do the trick. He touched the play button on the CD remote. The jazzy strains of a trumpet filled the air.
Nice, but Henry wasn’t in the mood for jazz. He hit another button. Vivaldi. Classical wouldn’t do. Easy listening. Forget about it. Blues. Not today. Hard rock, folk, alternative, country. He made his way through the one hundred CDs stored in his player. Not one would do.
Tomorrow he’d have to buy a hundred different ones. Obviously his musical tastes had changed.
But what about now?
His Portland, Oregon, estate was deserted due to the annual retreat he sponsored for his staff. The silence had never affected Henry before, but tonight…
The quiet was a problem. He needed…something.
One phone call and he could fill the house or a club with more friends than he knew what to do with. But that wasn’t what he wanted, either. It had to be something else.
The plans for his upcoming birthday party were nearly completed. All that remained was the escrow closing on the private island he’d purchased. So why did he feel as if something were missing? Something important.
Henry stared at the neat stacks of files in front of him. The invitations, the party arrangements, even the adventure. He opened the top file and studied the guest list. He’d checked and double-checked who would be joining him for an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii to attend his birthday bash on April Fools’ Day. No one had been left off. He’d made certain.
The next file was about the party itself. From the catering to the live entertainment, no detail had been ignored. This year’s traditional luau/tropical paradise party at one of Hawaii’s most exclusive resorts was several steps up from last year’s tacky wedding theme in Reno, Nevada.
Tacky or not, that party had been his best. It would be difficult if not impossible to top Reno’s success. But Henry had to try.
Each year, he threw himself a birthday party and sent two of his guests on an adventure. Every year got better, more elaborate, more fun. He thought the participants enjoyed it, too.
Maybe that was the problem. He didn’t want to let his guests down. They’d come to expect certain things from him. Though none had expected him to act like Cupid.
Last year, he’d tried something new and played matchmaker with the adventure participants. The result—two of his best friends, Brett Matthews and Laurel Worthington, had fallen in love and married for real. Henry was now godfather to their almost three-month-old beautiful baby daughter, Noelle.
He stared at the half dozen pictures of Noelle on his desk and warmth surrounded his heart. He still couldn’t believe someone so tiny could fill him with so much love. He couldn’t wait to watch her grow, to be a part of all the milestones in her life. He already had a roomful of presents waiting for her. Everything from a life-size rocking horse to a strand of Mikamoto pearls. Bringing Noelle’s parents together had been the right thing. Not only for Brett and Laurel, but Henry, too.
And that’s when it hit him.
Something was wrong with this year’s party and adventure. Something enormous. He couldn’t go back to his old way of allowing fate to pick the participants. He might not be one for marriage, but he’d seen how happy Brett and Laurel were together. Henry wanted all his friends to experience the same happiness. And if he ended up with more godchildren, he wouldn’t complain. Not one bit.
Excitement rushed through him. This was the feeling that had been missing. With a grin, Henry picked up his pen and studied the names on his guest list.
Who would be the next two to live happily ever after?
Chapter One
“Why did you drag me away from Travis?” Cynthia Sterling was not happy with Henry Davenport and could care less if today was his thirty-fourth birthday. “We were having such a good time.”
“A good time?” Henry, wearing a green and white Hawaiian shirt and shorts, led her through the grand ballroom at one of Hawaii’s top resorts. His April Fools’ Day Bacchanalian birthday parties were legendary. This year’s Polynesian paradise theme, complete with tiki torches illuminating the path from the tastefully decorated ballroom to the beach and luau, was no exception. Henry’s customary style and taste were everywhere, not to mention the added touches—such as the beautiful and talented hula dancers—that provided local flavor. But his ever-present smile had all but disappeared. “Travis was about to drool.”
She hadn’t imagined that. Cynthia wet her lips. “So?”
“The man’s obsessed with you, darling.”
“Obsessed is such a strong word. I prefer infatuated.”
“How about pathetic?” Henry suggested with a tilt of his beachcomber hat. “No matter, he’ll get over it.”
“Not if I can help it.” Travis had the qualities she wanted in a husband. He hung on her every word, thought she could do no wrong and wanted to give her the world. “He’s perfect.”
“You can do better than Travis Drummond.”
“What if I don’t want to do better?”
“He’s already jilted one bride at the altar.”
“He told me,” Cynthia admitted. “It wasn’t his fault.”
“It never is,” Henry muttered.
She ignored him, glanced back and spotted a frowning Travis among the other guests. She wouldn’t call him classically handsome like Henry and several of the other men in her social circle, but Travis Drummond was cute with a farm boy sort of charm, a sweet grin and a mind-boggling net worth. Like her, he was an only child. He had mentioned feeling lonely, how he wanted to settle down with the right woman and start a family. Cynthia had used every ounce of willpower to keep herself from hauling him off to a judge right then. She felt the same way. Except about finding the right woman. She needed the right man to be her husband and the father of her children.
Travis could be the one. He adored her. She liked him. What more could she want in a marriage?
His gaze met hers. He stared at her as if she were the only woman in the crowded room. In his eyes, she was and a rush of feminine power surged through her. All of her close friends were either married or engaged. She wanted the same comfort and security they had found.
Cynthia mouthed “later.” Travis smiled. Maybe feeling lonely was going to be a thing of the past…for both of them.
She adjusted the hibiscus in her hair and looked up at Henry. “Travis thinks I’m the best thing he’s ever come across.”
“You are.” Henry sounded sincere, but he always said the right words. His reputation as a playboy and heart-breaker was well-earned. He oozed charm, but Cynthia was immune. He was a good friend, the closest thing she had to a big brother. She’d met him when she was a debutante and they had become fast friends despite the difference in their ages. Dating him wasn’t an option. They’d tried once five years ago right after she’d turned twenty-one. It felt weird, uncomfortable, wrong. They were destined to be nothing more than friends. Both were happy with that. “But before you settle on becoming Mrs. Travis Drummond, there’s someone else I want you to meet first.”
“Who?”
“Cade Waters.”
“Waters.” The name didn’t sound familiar. She knew most of the families of the rich and the eligible. “Should I know him?”
“His full name is Cade Armstrong Waters.”
She stopped walking. “Armstrong International?”
Henry nodded. “He’s one of the nephews.”
Nephew, cousin, distant relative. It didn’t matter. The Armstrongs were so wealthy they made Travis Drummond’s net worth seem like milk money. But even better was the family itself, something Travis couldn’t give her.
The Armstrongs were a large, extended family of movers and shakers who made millions and headlines. And royalty since Christina Armstrong had married His Serene Highness Prince Richard De Thierry of San Montico. A princess for a cousin-in-law. Now that would make family get-togethers interesting. Oh, family get-togethers…
Cynthia dreamed about being part of a big, loving family. She hated not having any siblings. In theory, she was part of a family. Reality, however, was another thing.
“Why haven’t I heard about Cade Armstrong?” she asked.
“Cade Armstrong Waters,” Henry corrected. “He keeps a low profile. Avoids the press. Some call him the black sheep of the family, but you won’t meet a more perfect man.”
“I thought you were the only perfect man?”
“If only.” Henry laughed and waved to a mutual friend. “Cade’s sister got married on Valentine’s Day. You may have heard of her. Kelsey Armstrong Waters Addison.”
“Addison? As in Addison Resorts and…” Cynthia grabbed Henry’s shoulder. “She’s the wedding consultant to the stars.”
His eyes gleamed with amusement. “Could come in handy if something developed between you and her brother?”
If something developed… The Armstrongs probably had a big Christmas gathering with a huge tree covered with lights and ornaments and a formal sit-down dinner with all the family in attendance. She could almost smell the scents of pine, vanilla and cinnamon. Almost hear the sounds of conversations, laughter and singing. A warm glow flowed through her. With Cade and the Armstrongs, she would never have to spend Christmas alone while her parents took yet another “second” honeymoon.
Cynthia’s heart pounded. She wanted to surround herself with love, cocoon herself in a family. The Armstrongs were a ready-made one with lots of aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews and cousins. They were also rich. She would never have to worry about being poor again. This was everything she’d ever wanted and it sounded too good to be true. “Does Cade have any ex-wives, clinging ex-girlfriends or children I should know about?”
“None of the above.”
Excited, she glanced around. “So where is Cade?”
“Over by the waterfall.”
A buff blonde, wearing only a Speedo, stood next to the cascading water. His wide, overdeveloped shoulders would look silly in a suit or tuxedo, but that didn’t seem to bother the bevy of beauties hanging on his every word. Cynthia gulped.
Immediately, she felt guilty. She knew better than to judge a man by his appearance. That’s all anyone had ever done with her. Still… “The blonde?”
“I’m not sure who that is.” Henry led her to the other side of the waterfall. A man with wet, dark hair slicked back from his high forehead stood alone. A pineapple cup hid his face. “That’s Cade Armstrong Waters.”
He was tall. Over six feet. He wore a white T-shirt and green-and-blue plaid swim trunks. He didn’t have the other man’s muscles, but Cade looked solid and strong.
He lowered the pineapple, and Cynthia breathed a sigh of relief. Cade was good-looking in a geekish sort of way. His small wire-rimmed glasses made him look smart, like a professor. Or a husband. And a father.
He was not a man she would lose herself in. Thank goodness. Cynthia wanted to be a better parent than either of hers had been. Her children would always know they were loved.
On second glance she realized he really wasn’t a geek at all. His hair was too long to call him clean-cut and the angles of his face made him look rugged, more than a little dangerous. She swallowed. Hard.
“Like what you see?” Henry asked.
All she could do was nod. That scared her a little. Cynthia remembered Cade came with all those other Armstrongs, and she didn’t feel as bad.
Henry laughed. “Better than Travis?”
“Maybe.” She forced the word from her dry mouth and adjusted the hibiscus in her hair. “Let’s go. I’m ready for Cade to fall in love with me.”
Cade Waters stirred his drink with the multi colored paper umbrella. He was getting another headache and wanted to call it a night. Nothing about this party interested him. Not the gourmet food, the open bar or the women. Okay, he didn’t mind the sarongs or the bikinis, but these women usually wore a lot more clothing and coordinating accessories. Not to mention a pound or two of makeup so they could look “natural.”
This wasn’t his scene. It had been once, a long time ago, but never again. He was a different person now. Money—Armstrong money—had not only destroyed his parents’ marriage, but had also ruined Cade’s chance for happiness.
Yet here he was.
Cade glanced at the pool on the other side of the waterfall. He’d already swum more laps than he could count which explained why he was so thirsty and hungry, but he preferred being in the water to air-kissing and socializing with people he didn’t like, much less respect.
For years, he’d declined Henry’s party invitations, much to the dismay of his cousins who loved partying with the generous billionaire. Cade had struggled to move beyond being just another one of the Armstrong cousins. People expected Armstrongs to succeed, and Cade would. He would succeed on his own terms without the help of the Armstrong name or money.
Unfortunately this year he wasn’t in a position to say no to Henry Davenport. Call it blackmail, call it desperation. Henry had waved a sizeable donation to Cade’s Smiling Moon Foundation with one stipulation—Cade had to attend the birthday party. If he came, did not solicit any of the other guests for donations and stayed until the end of the festivities, Henry would give him a check for one hundred thousand dollars.
Cade had had no choice but to attend. His foundation needed the money. Running a nonprofit agency was more difficult and more expensive than he had imagined. He’d been struggling to make ends meet and if he wasn’t careful Smiling Moon might become Frowning Moon and bankrupt if he didn’t get a couple of big donors like Henry Davenport.
His parents wanted him to walk away from the foundation and start over with a new venture. Or better yet, return to law. But Cade couldn’t. He wouldn’t do what his many times divorced parents did when things got tough—leave. He wasn’t like that. He wasn’t like them. Whether they knew or cared, the kids helped by Smiling Moon would have one adult who didn’t abandon them. He would stick it out until the end. And if he had any say in the matter, there wouldn’t be an end.
Cade was willing to do anything to keep the foundation going and make it a success even if that meant spending a weekend with a bunch of social climbing, money-burning, socially irresponsible partygoers, a few of whom he was related to on his mother’s side. He would overlook Henry’s obscene display of wealth. Cade almost passed on taking one of the expensively filled goodie bags each guest received until he realized he could auction it off at his summer fundraising dinner. Provided they survived until the summer. But the designer backpack containing a handheld GPS locator, Swiss Army knife, a dive watch and oyster shells containing pearl earrings or cufflinks depending on a guest’s gender would bring a good price.
Henry approached with a wide grin. “Having fun?”
Cade chose his words carefully. Henry had enough money to make a real difference to the foundation. And if the billionaire birthday boy decided to become a full-fledged patron… Cade smiled at the thought, his first smile in the past forty-eight hours. Or was that forty-eight days? “It’s been…interesting.”
“Happy to hear it.” Henry motioned to an attractive blonde. “There’s someone I want you to meet.”
Not another one of Henry’s women. Cade sipped his rum and coconut concoction and grimaced at the sweet aftertaste. Give him a shot of whiskey or a beer. Can or bottle. Not a froufrou umbrella drink served in a hollowed out pineapple.
“This is Cynthia Sterling, a close friend of mine. Cynthia this is Cade Arm—”
“Cade Waters.” He glanced over his pineapple at Henry’s latest “friend.” Cade knew what to expect and he wasn’t disappointed. Perfectly cut, dyed and styled blond hair fell past her bare shoulders in gentle waves. Flawless ivory skin, made so by the skilled hand applying her makeup and/or the numerous spa treatments—wraps, peels, facials—she no doubt received regularly, glowed beneath the ballroom lighting. Generous, full lips painted red and able to pout on cue. A deep maroon sarong gave a tantalizing glimpse of the curves underneath and begged to be removed. Cade summed her up in three words—a total nightmare. “Nice to meet you.”
She extended her arm and batted her eyes. The hazel-green color with gold flecks looked natural, but could be a high-tech pair of contact lenses. “The pleasure’s all mine.”
The words flowed from her collagen-injected lips like honey. Warm, slow, seductive. Cade managed not to laugh. He’d known too many women like Cynthia Sterling. Trophy-wife wannabes. Gold diggers. Nothing beneath the perfect outer package. His cousins had married and divorced women like her. Hell, some of his Armstrong cousins were this type of woman.
But Cynthia Sterling was as far from Cade’s type as they came. He knew what he wanted in a woman. Exactly what he wanted. Exactly who he wanted.
Maggie.
But she’ll never be yours, a little voice mocked him. You screwed up. Cade took another sip of his drink.
“I’ll leave you two to get acquainted,” Henry said.
Before Cade could say a word, like no, Henry disappeared into the crowded ballroom. Just when Cade thought the party couldn’t get any worse…
“So,” Cynthia said. “Have you known Henry long?”
Maybe if Cade didn’t answer she would go away. He didn’t want to be rude, but he wanted to be left alone. Thinking about his ex-fiancée always put him in a rotten mood. He pressed his lips together.
“Henry and I go way back.”
A day? A week? Knowing Henry she met him last night. “How long have you been dating?”
“What? Us?” Her laugh, deeper and richer than he expected, surprised him. At least she didn’t have an annoying high-pitched squeal. Though that would be the perfect finishing touch for her. Cynthia tilted her chin. “We’re just friends. I know better than to date Henry Davenport.”
So she was smarter than she looked. Cade had to give her points for that. He stirred what remained of his drink with the umbrella-on-a-tropical-fruit-skewered-stick.
“What about you?” she asked.
“I know better than to date Henry, too.”
The smile disappeared from her face and her eyes clouded. “You’re gay? I’m going to kill Henry.” Before Cade could speak, she continued on. “That’s okay. I mean it’s great you’re gay. All the good ones seem to be,” she muttered. “One of life’s ironies. I’m sure you have to beat the men off with a stick or a larger umbrella.”
He lowered his pineapple glass. Of course she had no sense of humor. What had he expected? “I’m not gay.”
She furrowed her perfectly arched brows. “But you said—”
“I was making a joke.”
It took a couple of seconds, and the smile returned to her face. “Oh, I get it now.”
Okay, so she wasn’t that smart after all. Henry must see something else in her. Her pretty face, intriguing eyes, incredible body?
Forget about her. Cade was only here to pick up the donation. Once he had Henry’s check in hand, Cade was on the next plane home. He glanced into his pineapple. It was empty. “I need another drink. Want one?”
“Please.” She smiled, a dazzling smile she’d probably spent hours perfecting in front of a mirror. “And could you get me one with a pink parasol and a cherry?”
A pink parasol and a cherry? She was the worst possible combination—high-maintenance and high society. Cade held back a sigh. “I’ll do what I can.”
Happy Birthday to me.
Henry Davenport hummed the tune. The party was an overwhelming success and was only going to get better. Time for two guests to partake in his “adventure.” He climbed on stage and the band stopped playing. “Line up for your chance at the adventure of a lifetime,” he announced to the crowd.
Tropically and scantily clad, hard-bodied waiters and waitresses passed out drinks to guests who stood in line. No one knew what was in store for the lucky participants. No one cared. People’s willingness to participate in his adventures was the only birthday present Henry wanted. Besides, everyone knew they’d get a nice reward from him when they finished. The more difficult the adventure, the bigger the reward. This year’s would be a doozy.
Henry cupped a pair of dice in his hands. This adventure would be his finest triumph. Until next year.
Guests waited for their chance to walk on stage and roll the dice. Cynthia Sterling’s turn arrived. She made her way up with a sensual sway of her hips. She was attractive, stunning really, with beautiful hair she had colored every three weeks to give it a natural blond look, and a figure any Sports Illustrated model would die for. A brilliant smile lit up her face. Things must be going well with Cade.
Good for her.
Cynthia would never be called sweet or innocent or nice. Truth be told, she was a pain in the butt. But he loved her like a sister and underneath all her makeup, designer clothes and pouty facade lay a good heart.
She was the quintessential poor little rich girl. Her parents were so in love, they barely noticed they’d had a child and she’d grown into a woman. Cynthia deserved to be happy, deserved to be loved. Henry still couldn’t believe her parents hadn’t remembered her birthday last year. She had shrugged it off. The same way she shrugged off holidays spent alone.
He almost believed she only cared about marrying well, but he’d seen a longing in her eyes the first time she held Noelle. He heard the envy in Cynthia’s voice when commenting how perfect Laurel and Brett were together and how lucky they were to have found each other. Cynthia claimed she had no luck finding her Mr. Right. Henry knew she was trying too hard. She was only twenty-six and in a rush to get to the altar. He didn’t want her to settle for less than she deserved.
But Cynthia’s luck with men was about to change….
She stepped up to the platform and kissed his cheek. “Happy Birthday, Henry.”
“Thank you, darling.” With a sleight of hand learned from a Reno magician last year, Henry gave her a special pair of dice, different ones than the others had used. “Good luck.”
She rubbed the dice between her hands and rolled. Double sixes. High rollers participated in the adventure. One man and one woman. A momentary deer-in-the-headlights expression flashed across her features.
“Don’t worry,” Henry assured her. “You’ll do fine.”
Her gaze met his. “I’d better or you’ll be the one worrying.” Her voice was low, but filled with a threat. He expected no less from her.
Cynthia wasn’t meek and mild. She went after what she wanted. The next two weeks weren’t going to be easy for her, but they would be good for her. Henry wanted her to be happy. His job was to show Cynthia what she wanted—no, needed. And he’d finally figured out the right man for her.
Cade Waters stepped onstage and took the dice. He wasn’t thrilled to be here, but he would get over it and come to appreciate what Henry had planned not only for Cade’s foundation, but his heart, too.
Cade rolled. Double sixes. He grimaced. Cynthia’s full lips broke into a wide smile.
Other guests needed to roll, but Henry couldn’t wait for the adventure to begin. This was going to be so much fun. He rubbed his palms together.
The way the adventure would take advantage of Cade’s strengths had been a stroke of luck. Henry knew fate had been helping him out. By the time the pair returned from the island adventure, Cynthia would see Cade Waters as her knight in shining khaki, the Indiana Jones of the new millennium, the man of her dreams. Henry tried not to grin too widely. But he had to smile. Life was too good not to have a smile on his face.
Before giving the next guest the dice, Henry discreetly switched them back to the original pair. Once everyone had rolled, he stood at a microphone. “We have our winners. Cynthia Sterling and Cade Armstrong Waters.”
The other guests cheered.
“This year, I’m paying homage to the pop-culture phenomena television show Survivor. Cade and Cynthia will spend two weeks on a deserted island together.”
“Two weeks?” Cade’s jaw hardened. “I have responsibilities.”
“You’ll have time to make arrangements for your absence,” Henry said. “You also have the option of paying a penalty fee and not going on the adventure if you choose.”
The penalty fee consisted of a ten thousand dollar donation to one of Henry’s favorite charities. So far, no one had opted out of an adventure. Along with paying the penalty, one could never attend another one of his birthday parties. He knew Cade was a lawyer and the penalty fee would never stand up in a court of law. But Cade was also counting on a donation to his foundation. Offending the host wouldn’t be in his best interest.
Blackmail?
Perhaps, but Henry was only doing what needed to be done. The Smiling Moon Foundation would get a hefty chunk of change no matter how the adventure turned out for Cynthia and Cade. Henry’s soft spot for kids had intensified since Noelle’s birth.
“I’m in,” Cade said with the bravado Henry expected.
“Me, too,” Cynthia added.
Of course she was. Two weeks alone with Cade was a dream come true for her. Knowing Cynthia, she was already planning their wedding. The Plaza? The Rainbow Room? And her honeymoon. St. Barts? Turks and Caicos?
“Great.” Henry handed them each a backpack. “Pack your toiletries and clothes in these. The rest of the items will be provided when we reach our location.”
Holding on to the backpack, Cynthia peered inside. “You want me to pack for two weeks with only this?”
“You don’t need much except a swimsuit.” At her frown, Henry winked. “Smile, darling. Frowning will give you wrinkles.”
She narrowed her eyes. He’d better not push it.
“What about time to make arrangements?” Cade asked. “Two weeks is a long—”
“It’s a long trip to our destination,” Henry explained. “You’ll have time to make calls and get to know each other.”
Cade tensed. “Great.”
Cynthia’s eyes sparkled. “I can’t wait.”
Neither could Henry.
Chapter Two
Cynthia lounged in a chaise on the deck of Henry’s yacht. As she sipped Cristal from a Baccarat flute, the bubbles tickled her nose. She set the glass on a table, and a steward dressed in a white shirt and matching shorts refilled her glass.
This was the life.
Ever since stepping aboard Henry’s floating palace last night, she’d been pampered and spoiled by his attentive staff. Who needed a genie in a bottle with Henry around? If her time on the island were anything like the past fourteen hours, she would be living a dream. Too bad Cade wanted no part of it.
She raised her sunglasses and stared at him. He’d barely spoken to her. Not a good sign. She wanted to be noticed, not ignored. “You didn’t tell me he was a workaholic.”
Henry adjusted his small pillow. “Cade is committed.”
“Committed or obsessed?” Cynthia asked. “I don’t think he slept last night.”
“He’s dedicated to his work.”
She had to admit his dedication appealed to her. Her father had neglected the family business in order to spend time with her mother until they ended up penniless and homeless when she was twelve. Those four months had been a living hell. It was the only time she had heard her parents argue. Thank goodness her grandfather had come to their rescue once he figured her father had learned his lesson.
But Cynthia hadn’t forgotten the uncertainty, the insecurity, the fear. She vowed never to be poor again and planned to marry well so money would never be an issue.
Which brought her back to Cade. He was an Armstrong so he had money. Lots of it. But he also had a job. What a novel idea. She’d never had a job. Nor had Henry. She wondered why Cade had one. “What does he do?”
“He has a law degree.” Henry bit into a slice of mango.
Cade must be one of the Armstrong family’s personal counsel. Corporate, perhaps? No matter, he must make a bundle or he would simply live off his inheritance.
A lawyer.
Maybe Cade wanted to go into politics like a few of his more visible cousins. Cynthia didn’t consider herself political, but she took her right to vote seriously. Politics could be interesting if Cade leaned in that direction. She could be the wife of a governor, a senator, the president.
First Lady.
All that attention and adoration. People would love her. Delight shivered through Cynthia. She would like to be First Lady. She would be a good First Lady. No, a great one. She would be perfect to set fashion and hair trends. She’d usher in a style and sophistication level not seen since the Kennedy era.
Of course that would be years away. Cade was much too young to be elected president but not too young for Congress.
“So Cade is a lawyer.” And the future leader of this great nation. Cynthia lowered her sunglasses. She would stand by his side and together they would go down in the history books. The country would love her. The world would love her. Most importantly, Cade would love her.
Henry dabbed his mouth with a napkin. “Let Cade tell you what he does.”
“I want him to tell me a lot of things.”
Henry laughed. “You’ll have plenty of time for that.”
“Not if Cade spends the entire time working.”
“No phones, Palm Pilots or laptops allowed on the island.”
“Good. Very good.” She settled back in her lounge chair. “I only wish Cade would stop working now and join us. How is he going to fall in love with me without knowing me?”
“Patience, darling.” Henry held up his glass, and the steward added more champagne. “Once you get to the island, Cade is all yours.”
“All mine.”
Henry nodded. “In two weeks time, the two of you will be inseparable.”
That sounded good to her. She wanted Cade to fall head over heels in love with her. Two weeks together would allow that to happen. By the time they left the island he wouldn’t want her out of his sight. “Cynthia Armstrong.”
“Cynthia Waters,” Henry corrected.
A warm feeling settled around her heart. “It still has a nice ring to it.”
“That it does, darling.” Henry raised his glass. “That it does.”
After a long morning spent working inside, Cade stepped on deck, squinted in the bright sunlight and walked to the rail. As the ship cut a path through the waves, a refreshing breeze blew. The scent of saltwater permeated the air. A sea of blue stretched all the way to the horizon.
He allowed himself a moment to enjoy the peacefulness and the beauty. A minute passed. Then another.
Okay, long enough. Cade wasn’t here for R&R. He was here because of a donor’s whim. No way could he enjoy himself.
His forehead throbbed. He didn’t have two weeks to waste out in the middle of the Pacific. Vacations were a luxury. One he could live without. He had too many responsibilities, commitments, work. Sure, he took a day off here and there and even attended his sister’s impromptu wedding in Lake Tahoe on Valentine’s Day. But he hadn’t had a real vacation in over three years. Or was it five? He couldn’t remember.
But this wasn’t a vacation. This was for the survival of Smiling Moon and all the kids the foundation helped.
And what about his family? They needed him, too. His dad acted happy enough with wife number six, but Cade’s mother was between marriages again and his sister, Kelsey, was a newlywed. His brother-in-law, Will, seemed like a good guy, but what if a problem arose and Cade was unable to help?
The throbbing turned into a full-blown headache. He massaged his temples.
Henry joined him at the railing. “Did you finish making your arrangements?”
Cade nodded.
“I know this is more than you agreed to.”
He nodded again. Cade didn’t trust what words might come out of his mouth. Damn, he hated the walking-on-eggshells-kissing-up part of donor wooing.
“Are you going to stay for the entire two weeks?”
Cade nearly laughed. “Do I have a choice?”
Henry’s carefree smile contradicted the slyness in his eyes. “You always have a choice.”
Not always. “I finish what I start.” Cade would make it to the end of the adventure. He’d only walked away from one thing in his life. And he’d lived to regret it.
“Good, because if you do I’ll increase my donation…significantly.”
Leave it to Henry to dangle the right carrot. “What about—”
“Cynthia?”
Cade nodded. “She doesn’t look like the outdoors type.”
“There’s more to her than meets the eye,” Henry said. “I hope you give her a chance.”
“We won’t have a problem.” As long as she stays out of the way. Cade could survive whatever Henry threw at him. Surviving Cynthia Sterling, however, was another story.
The more Cade saw of her, the more he realized his first impression had been correct. She was the polar opposite of Maggie, and the kind of woman Cade avoided like the plague.
He realized Cynthia’s last name fit her better than her first name. She was Sterling—sterling silver to be exact. She needed to be taken care of, polished and buffed or she would tarnish. He hoped she could do it herself for the next two weeks because he didn’t have the time.
“I forgot one thing.” Henry’s gaze met his. “Cynthia has to make it to the end with you or you won’t get any donation.”
“What?”
“Both you and Cynthia have to remain on the island for two weeks. Or you lose. Everything.”
Cade’s heart plummeted to his feet. The socialite wouldn’t last two hours, let alone two weeks. “That’s not fair.”
Henry shrugged.
“She’ll never make it.”
“You’ll have to see that she does.”
“That’s—”
“My prerogative,” Henry interrupted. “My birthday, my adventure, my rules.”
Your money.
Cade had no options. What could he do? Sue Henry for the original donation? That wasn’t going to happen because he only had an oral agreement. They hadn’t shook on it, either. This wasn’t looking good. Until Cade got an idea. “Fine, we’ll both make it to the end, but I not only want a significant donation, I want you to agree to become a patron of the Smiling Moon foundation and make an annual pledge. And I want it all in writing before I step foot off this ship.”
Henry drew his brows together. “Five.”
“Five what?”
“Five million a year. And I will put it in writing. Though we won’t be able to have it notarized.” Henry looked at Cade. “Will that do?”
He stood speechless and swallowed around a lump the size of Fort Knox lodged in his throat. “That’ll do.”
Cade spoke calmly, more rationally than he thought possible, given the way he fought not to pump his fists, jump up and down and yell. Hell, he wanted to hug Henry.
Five million dollars a year exceeded Cade’s wildest dreams, every expectation he’d had. His foundation operated on a shoestring budget thanks to his Uncle Alan curtailing Cade’s access to his trust fund so he couldn’t give all his money away. But the foundation had survived. And with Henry’s donation, would thrive. The taste of sweet success filled Cade.
“Just remember Cynthia has to be there at the end.”
Nothing, especially a pampered socialite, would keep the foundation from receiving the bigger donation. “She will be.”
Cade was going to make sure of it.
Time was running out for Cade. The stakes for winning the adventure had gone way up. He had to find Sterling and make plans while they had the chance.
As Henry prepared for their arrival at the island down in his cabin, Cade made his way to the stern. She had to be here somewhere. Sunlight gleamed off the pool water, but she wasn’t there. All the lounge chairs were empty. She couldn’t have fallen overboard. He didn’t have that kind of luck.
He found her lying under the protective shade of a giant umbrella. No doubt she wanted to keep her fair skin away from the tropical sun. Or maybe she was just lounging around. He gritted his teeth.
An omen of things to come? Cade hoped not, but he wouldn’t be surprised if she expected him to do all the work. And that might not be so bad. He had experience backpacking in wilderness areas and knew what needed to be done. She didn’t. It might be easier this way. Too bad he couldn’t vote her off the island, but he knew Henry wouldn’t go for that suggestion.
Cade walked toward her. She wore a white cap-sleeve blouse that buttoned up the front and pink Capri pants with a pair of the most uncomfortable looking sandals he’d ever seen. No wonder she was lying down. Those shoes with the narrow straps and high heels must be murder on the feet.
She wore sunglasses even in the shade. She probably wore a silky eye mask when she slept, too. He didn’t know if she was asleep or awake now, but he didn’t care. They needed to talk without Henry around.
“Are you awake?” Cade wasn’t sure what their upcoming adventure entailed, but the key to survival and success was preparation. He didn’t expect much from Sterling, but a little help was better than nothing. And for better or worse, they were in this together.
No answer.
He nudged the chaise with his foot. “Sterling?”
No movement.
“You need to wake up.” He touched her knee. “Now.”
Raising her hands above her head, she stretched slowly like a cat waking from an afternoon nap. Cade watched with a mixture of fascination and horror. He felt like a peeping Tom yet he couldn’t look away as the bottom of her shirt rose. Above her pants, above her belly button, above the bottom of her rib cage. Sweat dripped down his back.
Damn, the sun was hot in the tropics.
He brushed his hand through his hair and adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
She sat up. “Hello, Cade.”
Her voice sounded deeper, almost husky. Especially when she said his name. Cade wondered why he noticed the difference. He also wondered why he missed the sight of her bare midriff.
No matter. They had more important issues to worry about. “We need to talk.”
She scooted over and patted the small space next to her. “Why don’t you join me?”
The collar of his T-shirt seemed to tighten. “I’ll stand.”
She removed her sunglasses. “What did you have on your mind?”
You. “Henry’s adventure.”
Her smile widened. “It’s going to be fun.”
“Fun?” Cade stared into her eyes. She had nice eyes. And he really liked all those little gold flecks.
“Yes, fun,” she said. “What more could you ask for? Two whole weeks on a deserted island. Just the two of us for fourteen days.”
“Fourteen days,” he echoed.
She nodded with an intriguing—suggestive?—glint in her eyes. “Fourteen days and nights.”
The nights might turn out to be the best part. He smiled.
What the hell am I doing? Cade looked away. The sun was getting to him. He’d have to drink more water. Or wear a hat. “Have you ever watched Survivor?”
“Once or twice at a party, but I didn’t pay too much attention. The people were so dirty and starving.” She wrinkled her nose. “How much fun is that?”
“Exactly.” This wasn’t going to be as bad as he thought. At least she knew what they were up against. “I don’t know what Henry has in mind, but I’m assuming it will be similar to the show. He’ll stick us on a deserted island and make us compete against each other for rewards.”
“Henry would never pit us against each other.” Confidence laced each of her words. “There’s no way that would happen.”
“Maybe not, but, we need to be prepared. Come on.”
Cade walked toward the lounge. The click of her ridiculous heels on the wooden deck told him she was following.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“To raid the galley. We have to be ready for whatever Henry throws at us such as not giving us any rations.” At her blank stare, Cade clarified it. “Food. He might not give us any food.”
She pursed her lips. “Henry wouldn’t do that to us.”
Cade wished he had her confidence. “What if he does?”
“He won’t.”
She had so much trust in her friendship with Henry. Cade couldn’t afford such blind loyalty again. He headed down the stairs to the galley. Fortunately none of the crew milled about. “Without food we’ll have to eat bugs and worms and snakes and a whole lot of other nasty stuff.”
“Henry will give us food.” Certainty filled her voice. “I’ve never swatted a fly. How could he expect me to eat one?”
Cade didn’t have time to change her mind. “Fine, we’ll have food, but let’s bring a few extra things to eat.”
“You mean snacks?”
“Snacks, food, whatever we can fit in our backpacks.”
“My backpack’s full.”
“You’ll have to make room.” He struggled to keep his voice low and calm. Losing his temper would solve nothing and only bring attention to their whereabouts. “We don’t have much time. I can do this on my own, but I’d rather we did it together. Are you in, Sterling?”
She grinned. “I’m in, Armstrong.”
He hated that name, hated everything associated with it. “It’s Waters.”
“I’m sorry.”
He handed her a plastic bag and kept one for himself. “You stand guard first, while I go in. Then we switch. Got it?”
She nodded. “We’re going to make a good team, Cade.”
He doubted that, but as long as they survived until the end he didn’t care. “Let me know if someone is coming.”
“Will it work if I whistle?” She put her lips together and blew. It looked as if she was waiting for a kiss.
“A whistle is—” he dragged his eyes away from her puckered lips “—fine.”
More than fine coming from her lips, but he wasn’t going there. Not today, tomorrow or any time in the next two weeks.
“The two weeks are going to fly by,” Henry said to her and Cade as they rode to shore in a small boat. He motioned to the cove in front of them. “What do you think of your new home?”
Cynthia stared at the picture postcard island paradise. A movie set couldn’t have captured the lagoon with clear blue water, towering palm trees and a crescent of sparkling white sand any more perfectly. “It’s breathtaking.”
“Lucky us,” Cade said. “Our own Gilligan’s Island.”
“I get to be Ginger,” Cynthia said.
The boat stopped twenty-five feet from shore. Crew members unloaded two wooden crates and carried them to shore. As soon as they reached the beach, music played. Drums, chanting, an eerie flutelike instrument.
Cynthia looked around for the mysterious source. She noticed a boom box sitting near Henry’s feet and immediately felt better. For a minute she thought they were arriving at Fantasy Island. At least that would explain why Henry wore an all white suit like Mr. Roarke.
Henry rose. “Your adventure begins now. For the next two weeks, you will live on this island. There’s a radio for emergencies, but otherwise you are on your own. Basic provisions have been provided. The rest you will need to find, make or win. I’ll stop by on a regular basis to check up on you and play a few games.”
“What kind of games?” Cynthia asked.
“Games to challenge your ability to survive on the island,” Henry explained. “And you win prizes by playing.”
Cynthia clapped. “I love prizes.”
“That’s the spirit.” He grinned. “Ready to go ashore?”
Cade removed his shoes, slung his backpack over his shoulder and hopped out of the boat. As he waded to shore, he passed the crewmen on their way back.
“Go on,” Henry urged.
“I’ll get wet.” The beach wasn’t far, but her stomach knotted and she thought she might be sick at the idea of getting in the water. “I don’t want to get wet.”
“The water’s nice and warm,” Cade yelled.
“No.” Fear paralyzed her. She’d been caught in a riptide when she was eight. Since then she hadn’t been in the water except for sitting in a bathtub or a Jacuzzi. No one noticed she never swam. “The saltwater will ruin my clothes.”
“Come on, Sterling.”
Ever since their successful raids on the galley, Cade had called her Sterling. Cynthia worried he might have forgotten her first name. At this point her name didn’t matter, but she would ask Henry a million questions if it kept her out of the water. “Why does Cade keep calling me by my last name?”
“Men often call each other by their last names.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Do I look like a man?”
Henry gave her the once-over. “Not in the slightest.”
“Thank you.”
“Get in the water, Cynthia,” Henry said.
So much for stalling. Think, think… “Have him carry me to shore,” she whispered.
“Brilliant idea. One I should have thought of.” Henry beamed. “Cade, carry her to shore.”
“What?” he asked.
“Carry Cynthia to shore,” Henry suggested. “That’s what a gentleman would do.”
Cade mumbled something about not being a gentleman, but Cynthia couldn’t hear his exact words. Still he dropped his backpack on the beach and waded back to the boat.
“Thanks,” she mouthed to Henry.
“I’ve done my part. The rest is up to you.”
By the time Cade reached the boat, he’d drawn his lips into a thin line. “The water isn’t deep.”
Cynthia had learned deep was a relative term. She forced a smile and batted her eyelashes. “Please?”
A beat passed. He nodded once.
“Thanks.” This time her smile was genuine. Not only had she maneuvered her way out of getting in the water, she was going to end up in Cade’s arms. It would be like the scene in Gone with the Wind when Rhett carried Scarlett up the stairs. Yes, a brilliant idea. Her first of many during the next fourteen days.
As Cade grabbed her backpack, she rose. Anticipation filled her. His hands clasped around her waist. A bevy of butterflies attacked her stomach. She waited for him to lift her into his arms. He slung her over his left shoulder like a Prada bag instead.
Staring at the water, she pushed herself up his back. “What—”
“You’re not as light as you look.” His hand clamped on the back of her thigh. “Stop wiggling or I’m going to drop you.”
She didn’t move a muscle; she didn’t blink. She couldn’t. The heat from his hands radiated through the fabric of her capris. Hot. Burning. Okay, so this wasn’t the romantic scene she’d envisioned, but talk about a turn-on.
This was not a good thing. In fact, it was a very bad thing. She wanted to feel comfortable with Cade, chummy and cuddly like she had with Travis. Not all hot and bothered wondering if Cade would move his hand up a couple more inches. The goal was for him to get lost in her, not the other way around. She wasn’t going to repeat her parents’ mistake.
He dropped her unceremoniously on the sand. “Next time, you’re getting wet.”
No next time. No water. No touching.
Cade handed her the backpack. “Thanks,” she said.
No “you’re welcome” or “not a problem.” Simply nothing. She didn’t understand. Most men wanted her gratitude.
The horn from the boat sliced through the silence. Henry waved. “I’ll be back tomorrow. Have fun tonight.”
Cynthia blew him a kiss and waved. She turned and faced a tense-looking Cade. Maybe he was jealous of Henry. She didn’t want to start out on the wrong foot. Not when she wanted Cade to like her. “Want a kiss, too?”
“Only if it’s chocolate.”
Now he was talking. She moistened her lips. “Those are my second favorite kind.”
Chapter Three
What had he done to deserve Sterling?
They were on an island and she didn’t want to get wet. She was more pampered than a Persian show cat. Forget about being here at the end of the two weeks. She’d be lucky to survive tonight.
Cade watched her pick up her backpack, ease the strap onto her shoulder and straighten it. No doubt years of cruising malls and boutiques with shopping bags and a large purse had trained her well. Only her shopping expertise was worthless here. So were those high-heeled sandals. The thin straps made her ankles look so delicate. The heels accentuated her toned calves. At least they were good for something. They weren’t designed for walking or comfort or anything remotely practical. “You might want to take off your shoes,” he suggested.
“The sand is hot.” She took a wobbly step in the hourglass-fine sand. And another. It was like watching a train wreck.
One more step and her ankle gave way. She stumbled and plopped onto the sand with a delicate exclamation. A heap of legs, arms and backpack. She brushed the sand from her hands with a bit of impatience.
He walked toward her. “You okay?”
“Yes.” Frustration laced her words. As she undid the strap circling her thin ankle, she fumbled with the catches. Finally she removed the sandals. “I should have listened to you.”
“The sand is hot.” Cade wanted to be charitable if not nice. No matter what he might think of Sterling, he was going to be the picture of restraint and politeness. That was the only way they would survive this ordeal together. Fourteen days with her? The thought made him grit his teeth. “Want a hand?”
“Please.”
He extended his arm, and his hand engulfed hers. Her skin felt soft and smooth against his. Warm, too. Her hand was so small, but she was no wispy flower about to wilt in the sun. He’d found that out when he carried her to shore. She was soft, but well toned. No doubt she worked out.
As Cade pulled Sterling to her feet, he caught a whiff of her perfume. No light and airy fragrance for her, either. Her scent was exotic, yet subtle. The kind of perfume that left an imprint and made him want another smell. But that wasn’t an option. She wasn’t one, either.
He let go of her hand. “I hope you brought other shoes.”
“Of course, I did. They are the most beautiful pair of Manolo…” Her smile disappeared. “They have heels, too. No matter, I’ll simply buy another pair.”
Cade glanced around. Palm trees, sand, shrubbery. Not a shoe store in sight. “Where?”
“At the resort.”
“What resort?”
She stared at him as if he’d asked the stupidest question in the world. “The one we’re staying at for our adventure.”
Uh-oh. Cade looked out to sea. A small dot sailed toward the horizon. He had one word for Henry. Chicken. Cade actually had several more, but he’d joined the kids at Smiling Moon’s challenge to stop swearing. Until now, he’d forgotten, but he needed to make an effort for the kids’ sake.
“What’s wrong?” Sterling asked.
Might as well tell her the truth. She’d figure it out for herself soon enough. “We’re on a deserted island, Sterling. There is no resort.”
“There has to be a resort.”
“Sorry.” He didn’t know what else to say.
“If there’s no resort, where will we sleep?” She tilted her chin with an inquisitive look in her eyes. “A hotel?”
He dug the toe of his shoe into the sand. “Right here.”
Her forehead creased, but she still didn’t seem to get it.
“Out here on the beach,” he added. “Or maybe back by the trees. We’ll have to scout out a good campsite. Among the trees would be the best.”
Her eyes widened. “You mean we’ll sleep outside like…camping in a t-tent?”
He nodded. “A tent would be a luxury. Remember this is a survival adventure. Henry wants us to use survival skills.”
“Put me in a motel with poly-cotton blend sheets and no room service and I’ll show you survival skills. This…this is inhumane.” Her words held an edge of panic. She glanced around. “Where are the…facilities?”
“Do you mean bathrooms?”
She nodded.
“Wherever you want them to be.”
Her mouth gaped open. “You mean…in the wild?”
The horror in her voice almost made Cade feel sorry for her. “This isn’t exactly the wild, but the answer is yes.”
She pursed her lips. Yes, she had the perfect pout down pat. He was surprised she didn’t stomp her feet or toss her shoes to the ground. No doubt that’s what she would do next.
“How could Henry do this to us? To me?” Her eyes glistened and Cade thought she might cry. “Henry’s supposed to be my friend. He’s like a brother to me.”
Cade took a step toward her and stopped. He didn’t know what to do. Hug her? He didn’t want to give her the wrong idea. She wasn’t his friend. She was his responsibility for the next two weeks. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Henry said this would be a fun adventure. I’m usually up for anything, but this…” She blinked. “What was he thinking? Henry knows I’ve never been camping.”
Cade understood Sterling’s frustration. He didn’t want to be here any more than she did, but he could imagine this was a lot worse for her than him. She probably didn’t use public restrooms or know what a latrine was. “It’ll be okay.”
“No, it won’t.” Her gaze, full of fear, locked on Cade. “I don’t want to die in the wild.”
“No one is going to die.” Like her or not, he would have to cut her some slack. He squeezed her hand. “I’ve spent lots of time outdoors. Hiking, backpacking, climbing, camping.”
“So you know what to do?”
“I know what to do,” he assured her. “I’ll—we’ll be fine.”
Her brilliant smile made him feel like her hero. A superhero to Henry’s treacherous villain? No, Cade wouldn’t go that far, but he enjoyed spending time outdoors and knew what he was doing. He’d chaperoned a group of kids backpacking on the Pacific Coast Trail and another group on a climb up Mount Shasta. If he could handle a bunch of kids from broken homes with chips on their shoulders the size of Asia, he could manage Sterling. Sure she didn’t come from a broken home and her chip was diamond, but the principle was the same. He just needed a softer touch.
Soft like her skin.
He was still holding her hand. He let go as if it were a stick of dynamite about to blow. Touching her again seemed like a really bad idea. Almost as bad as agreeing to the adventure. He motioned to the wooden crates. “Let’s see what’s inside.”
Cade pried open the lid and removed the contents: toilet paper, cloth napkins, one blanket, a ball of string, a canvas cloth, a plastic tarp, two towels and washcloths, eating and serving utensils, two pots, two mugs, two plates, a plastic bag filled with matches, two rain ponchos, two flashlights and a first aid kit. “No food.”
“It’ll be in the other box.” Sterling’s voice lacked her earlier confidence.
He opened the second crate and pulled out the contents: a battery-operated radio and microphone, sunscreen, lip balm, a container of rice, another of coffee, a bottle of multivitamins, salt and pepper, two buckets and two canteens. He found a handwritten letter at the bottom of the crate.
To my lucky participants,
Welcome to the Isle of Davenport. I purchased it specifically for your adventure so enjoy all this beautiful island has to offer. The crates contain basic supplies to get you started. The rest is up to you to find, make or win during one of my games. You will face a series of tests and challenges. Whoever wins gets a prize. You’ll find a water tank beyond the trees. Enclosed is a map to a fresh water source. I recommend boiling the water before drinking it. I can’t think of anything else to write except it does rain so get a shelter built ASAP. Have fun, my friends, and see you tomorrow.
All my best,
H.
Egomaniac. Cade clenched his jaw. “Henry needs to be sent on his own adventure. The bast—uh, bashful guy.”
Sterling looked dumbfounded. “He didn’t leave us any food except some rice. How much rice can one person eat? White rice isn’t food. It doesn’t even make a good side dish.”
“Don’t forget, we brought our own food.” Cade didn’t want her to worry. Or cry. He opened his pack and pulled out an orange, a bag of crackers, a jar of peanut butter, two cans of tomatoes and three cans of beans. “At least we won’t be eating tree bark or other nasty stuff.”
He expected a smile; he didn’t get one. Uh-oh. The chef had interrupted them so Cade hadn’t seen what Sterling had taken from the galley. “You packed food, right?”
“I—I did.” She clutched her backpack. “But I was thinking more along the lines of snacks and…”
“And what? Show me what you brought.” She looked like a rabbit snared in a trap and guilt surged through him. He hadn’t meant to raise his voice, but he was feeling the pressure. Cade took a deep breath. Like it or not, he was going to have to make sure they both got through the next two weeks. “Whatever you packed will be fine.”
She pulled a small jar of stuffed olives from a side pocket of her backpack. Olives wouldn’t have been his first choice, but it could have been a lot worse.
He smiled. “Good job.”
Next she removed a clear bottle from the main compartment.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Gin.” Pride filled her eyes. “We can make martinis.”
Martinis? Cade’s blood pressure soared off the charts. It was all he could do not to lose it. He wasn’t sure how, but he managed to keep smiling. Even as he calculated the number of cans of beans she could have packed in the same space. “I would have never thought of that.”
“Did you think about dessert?” She pulled three Go-diva chocolate bars from the backpack’s front pocket. “I can’t live without chocolate.”
Cade blew out a puff of air. They had all they needed for hangovers and cavities. Not that it mattered since they were going to starve to death. At least they would go in style—drunk and on a sugar high.
She removed a small can of mandarin oranges, four granola bars and a pear. “The pear’s not ripe, but I thought that would be better since it would last longer.”
Okay, she was redeeming herself for the martinis. “Great.”
“And my pièce de résistance…” She removed a small can from the other side pocket.
Excitement rushed through him. “Tuna.”
“No, it’s caviar. Not Beluga, but it will do.”
Cade would have preferred Starkist. A can of Spam would have been more useful than caviar. Oh, well… “Let’s put all the food in here.”
She frowned. “You’re disappointed in me.”
Cade grabbed one of the empty crates. “I’m not.”
“You are.” She fiddled with one of the zippers on her pack. “I can see it in your face.”
“You aren’t seeing anything on my face.”
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