It Started in Paradise Read online

  Chapter 2

  Donovan peered across the dim, busy restaurant and spotted his friend. Merengue blared through speakers tucked into the ceiling. The volume elevated to a level that made it difficult for him to hear his own thoughts. Donovan snaked through tables sideways and then weaved through a crowd of dancers yelping and winding their hips to the rhythm pulsating through the restaurant like a collective heartbeat.

  “You made it!” Keenan tapped the stool next to him. “I saved you a seat.” The two shook hands.

  “Great to see you! I think someone touched my behind on the way over here.” Donovan looked back toward the dance floor. A woman in a white ruffled blouse and red flowing skirt winked as she three-stepped from one side to the other. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure that happened.”

  “There’s a good chance that it did in here.” Keenan laughed. “How’s the conference going?”

  “I haven’t done much yet.” Donovan lifted his hand to signal the waiter. “My flight got in early. After settling in, I did a little sightseeing and spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool. I tried to take advantage of what little downtime I have. How’s business coming along?”

  “The deal looks like it’s going to happen.” Keenan took a sip of amber liquid after swirling it in his glass.

  “That’s great!” The waiter arrived and Donovan ordered his drink in Spanish. “I’m glad we were able to get together for a drink before you left.”

  “I know. We’re like two vessels crossing. You come the day before I leave.” Keenan sat back and gave Donovan a pensive look. “The offer still stands.”

  Donovan sighed. “I appreciate it but my plate is full.”

  “I know the resort would do well with you heading up the events department. It’s a great venue for weddings and conferences. I’d like to see you take on a larger role than just being an investor on this project. And the money.” Keenan whistled. “We’re going to make a ton. The seller got into some legal trouble and he’s offloading his properties for ridiculously low prices.”

  “You make an attractive offer, but to be effective I’d have to stay here for extended periods of time. Right now my father’s relying on me to expand our business back home. We’re contemplating renovations, hiring consultants, ramping up our PR efforts and all kinds of stuff. I almost didn’t make it here for this conference, but I worked it out and was able to schedule a few important meetings.” Donovan looked down the bar for the bartender. “You just make sure I have a special suite for when I visit Puerto Rico. Let the staff know they have to treat me well. Ha!”

  “That will certainly be taken care of.”

  The bartender finally arrived, set Donovan’s drink in front of him and napkin beside it. He waited for Donovan’s nod of approval before leaving. “How’s the family?” he asked Keenan.

  “Everyone is great. My parents are moving to Miami. My dad said he’s done with New York winters. Jackson opened a private investigation company and he’s doing extremely well. He didn’t expect all the disgruntled spouses but they pay well.” Keenan’s laugh settled into a wide smile. “I’m getting married.”

  “Wow!” Donovan sat back and patted Keenan’s shoulder. “Congratulations, man! I haven’t seen Adriana since graduation. Is she still in banking?”

  “She runs a brokerage firm now. Miami has been good to her.” Keenan placed his empty glass on the bar top. The waiter held his finger up, questioning if Keenan wanted another. Keenan held his hand up in return, letting the bartender know he was done. “Graduation,” he said reminiscently. “So much has changed since then.”

  “Yeah.” Fond memories of days in their Ivy League graduate program flashed across Donovan’s mind. “All good things.”

  After catching up, they went back to talking business. Keenan shared the renovation plans and reviewed the finances for the resort his company was in the process of purchasing. Even though Donovan’s only role was that of an investor, Keenan gave him a thorough update, promising to keep him informed through the entire process.

  Donovan felt confident about the money he’d invested in the endeavor and looked forward to gaining a robust return. If this went well, there were resorts in other areas of the island they wanted to explore. After that, they’d see about getting property in other tropical cities as well.

  When business had been handled, Keenan stood and Donovan followed his lead.

  “Great seeing you, man,” Donovan said. They hugged.

  “I wish I could hang around longer but I need to head back to the other side of the island since I’m on the first flight out in the morning. Next time we need to coordinate our travel better so we can really hang out. I don’t get to see anyone since I moved to Miami.”

  “Tell Adriana I said hello and good luck with the wedding.”

  “You’re going to come down for it, aren’t you?” Keenan asked.

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  Donovan and Keenan walked out together. Both had drivers waiting to take them back to their respective hotels, where Donovan headed straight to the lobby bar in search of Chloe and Jewel. He checked his watch and then texted the ladies.

  Jewel responded first, letting him know that they were still in their meeting and should be done soon. They agreed to meet up in an hour. That gave Donovan enough time to freshen up and change into casual clothing.

  Donovan walked through the lobby, stepping in time with the rhythm of the music floating from the lobby bar. The day had been productive and he felt good about that. Now it was time to relax and enjoy the evening essence of beautiful Puerto Rico and he looked forward to doing that with the Chandler sisters—especially Chloe.

  Since they were children, he’d always been aware of her. Donovan chuckled. What would his mother think? She would certainly be upset, but as much as he loved his mother, Donovan was his own man. Besides, tonight would be nothing more than an opportunity to unwind with friends—friends that just happen to be quite beautiful despite their familial history.

  In the hotel suite, Donovan got dressed and slipped into a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt before squirting on a few splashes of cologne. This time, he opted for the tiki bar outside of the hotel.

  Salsa mixed with the sounds of the waves offered audible splendor. A cool breeze caressed his arms. Donovan smiled in response. Finding a table that provided the best view of the moonlit ocean, he sat facing the water as he waited for his server. A young man with a long ponytail, untamed facial hair and a floral shirt approached shortly after.

  “I’ll take your best scotch,” Donovan said.

  “Sure.” The waiter scribbled Donovan’s order on a pad.

  “Wait. No.” He thought better of his decision to indulge in his signature selection. He was in the tropics. Why not order accordingly? “What do you recommend?”

  “Rum, of course!” His accent made his words sound like music. “I’ll bring something you’ll like. Trust me?”

  “I’ll go for it.” Donovan nodded in agreement.

  “Be right back.”

  As the waiter walked off, Donovan sat back in his chair, allowing the tropical breeze to soothe him. His mind drifted. What was it going to be like when Jewel and Chloe joined him later?

  Chapter 3

  “Great meetings. I’m really excited about the renovation now. I can’t wait to get back and share this information with Mom,” Chloe said to Jewel as she headed toward her room. She stepped out of her dress and laid it on the bed.

  A few minutes later, Jewel joined Chloe in her room. “Technology is an amazing thing. We’ll be able to produce more pies using the same amount of space. We’ll never have a problem meeting demand now—especially during the holidays.” Posing in the mirror, Jewel checked out the flowing jumpsuit she’d just put on.

  “How’s this?” Chloe presented h
erself to Jewel, twirling in the floral strapless sundress she’d selected for the evening.

  “Oh! Very pretty.” Jewel offered a wide smile. “Donovan’s going to love that,” she teased.

  “I’m not thinking about Donovan.” Chloe waved her off and slipped her feet into a pair of beaded flip-flops.

  “You should be. It’s been months since you’ve dated—about a year, actually.”

  “And I’m fine with that. Who’s counting anyway?” Chloe shrugged.

  “Me! And so should you. It’s time to get back in the game.” Jewel put her hand on the doorknob. “Ready?”

  “Yeah.” Chloe walked through the open door. “Truthfully, Jewel, I’ve been so into work I’ve hardly thought about it. I’m thrilled about taking the restaurant to another level. Chandlers can really become the sought-after venue for events once we start working with this consultant. It’s time to elevate our brand. When you love what you do, it’s easy to be caught up. After my breakup with Alan, the days and months have just rolled right on by.”

  “Mom loved that guy for some reason.”

  “I know. She just knew that he was going to be her son-in-law. At first, I thought that he would be the one, too. He seemed refined, debonair and worldly. He relished living up to the image of what we represented—two successful people with all the appropriate fixings and a glamorous lifestyle. I wanted genuine romance. I didn’t care what we looked like. Warm hugs, kisses, cozy movie nights and long walks are the things that I craved. He wanted to be seen at every major function. We just couldn’t seem to find our middle ground. I’d end up at home while he attended his high-profile parties. Eventually, we just grew apart. As much as it hurt, we both knew it was best to end the relationship. Mom will never get it.”

  They had arrived at the elevator. Jewel pressed the call button and sighed. “I completely understand but I still think it’s time that you get out. I know it’s easy to get so involved in what you’re doing that you forget to have a life and I don’t want to see that happen to you any longer.”

  “You’re right. I can’t remember the last time I had dinner with someone and it wasn’t about business.”

  The elevator doors opened and the two of them stepped on.

  “No better time to start than the present. Let’s go have some fun, girl. Woo!” Jewel raised a fist in the air.

  Chloe shook her head at Jewel’s loud hoot, but laughed. She had to agree, it was time to begin carving a little extracurricular fun into her life. Loving what she did for a living shouldn’t prevent her from enjoying a fuller existence. Perhaps she’d start with a girls’ night out with her sisters and friends when she got back to New York.

  A bustling lobby greeted them when the elevator doors opened. A festive vibe had taken over now that the evening had given way to the night. Music, laughter and jovial conversations in various languages blended like a symphony. Shorts, floral shirts and casual dresses replaced the business attire from earlier in the day.

  Chloe and Jewel snaked through the crowd toward the outdoor bar that Donovan had directed them to via text. Chloe’s stomach clenched when she spotted Donovan’s handsome profile outlined by the glow of the moon. He was seated with his head resting against the back of the chair. He was gorgeous from every angle.

  Chloe looked forward to hanging out with him. Though they’d operated within the same social circles for many years, they’d never spent much time together. Tonight, she’d get to know him a little better.

  Donovan stood as they approached. Kissing both their cheeks, his lips lingered against Chloe’s for just a moment longer. His hand gently pressed against her lower back, causing shivers inside her core. She stepped back and smiled graciously and then turned toward the calming sound of the ocean waves. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply to compose herself rather than to delight in the ambiance.

  “Have a seat.” Donovan pulled out a chair for both. The low timbre of his voice caused her core to react once again.

  “Thanks.” She sat first and then Jewel.

  “It’s beautiful out here,” Jewel acknowledged.

  “There’s something mysterious about the sea at night. It’s frightening, yet intriguing,” Chloe said. When she looked up, Donovan was staring at her. She held his gaze for a moment and cleared her throat. “I’ve always wondered what it must be like to be out there in all that darkness.”

  “It’s pretty cool,” Donovan said.

  “Is it?” Jewel asked. “How so?”

  “It’s peaceful. I took one of those midnight cruises before. We should see if they do those here at this hotel.”

  “Oh. Let’s check into that. Sounds like fun.” Jewel turned to Chloe. “Doesn’t it?”

  “It does.” Chloe sat back, allowing the breeze to relax her. It was almost as satisfying as Donovan’s presence.

  Donovan waved the waiter over. “What are you ladies having?”

  “I had this great drink by the pool earlier. It was fruity with rum in it,” Jewel said.

  “I could use a nice glass of wine,” Chloe added.

  As the waiter approached, Donovan nodded toward the women. “May I?” he asked, requesting their permission to order for them.

  Chloe and Jewel looked at each other. Agreeing with raised brows, Chloe then turned to Donovan and said, “Sure.”

  Donovan ordered wine for Chloe and a rum cocktail for Jewel.

  “What are they doing over there?” Chloe leaned forward, squinting at a few of the bar’s staff members setting up speakers and a large projection screen against the backdrop of the dark ocean.

  Donovan and Jewel turned toward Chloe’s line of sight.

  “Are they showing a movie tonight?” Jewel inquired.

  Donovan shrugged. “Perhaps.”

  “How cool!” Chloe added. The idea of watching a movie under the velvet star-spangled sky charmed her. “How were your meetings today?” she asked Donovan.

  “Pretty good.” Donovan told them about his day and the hotel his friend was renovating. The waiter returned with their drinks. They nodded their approval, which Donovan acknowledged with a confident smile.

  “That sounds amazing! Let us know if he does a grand opening. We could come down to celebrate with you,” Jewel said.

  “That would be great. I’ll make sure you have the best accommodations.” His comment was for both women, but his eyes were on Chloe.

  If she wasn’t mistaken, there was more meaning behind his words that were spoken. His slightly narrowed gaze and the sultry smile that spread across his sexy lips gave her that indication.

  Chloe felt warmth settle around her like a soft blanket. She matched his gaze for a moment before turning and looking out over the water.

  “Just make sure we’re on the opposite side of the hotel from your mother,” she said and the three of them laughed.

  “You’re right about that,” Donovan admitted. “If she knew we were here having a good time together, she’d probably faint.”

  “I know,” Jewel added, releasing a belly laugh. “What’s up with them?”

  Donovan shook his head. “I don’t know. My mother would never tell us.”

  “Neither would ours,” Chloe said.

  “It’s so crazy to me,” Jewel said.

  “Me, too,” Chloe agreed. “Whatever it is, it has been going on for a long time.”

  “That’s one thing I do know.” Donovan took another a sip of his rum and pointed toward the setup the bar staff was working on. “Looks like they’re setting up for karaoke.”

  “Really?” Chloe got excited.

  “Chloe. You should sing,” Jewel said, craning her neck toward the screen. “Donovan, you’ve got to hear her. She has an amazing voice.”

  Donovan looked at Chloe and raised a brow. “Is that so?”


  Chloe waved her hand dismissively and cast her eyes upward. “I don’t sing much. I haven’t done it in years.”

  “She’s totally being modest.” Jewel grabbed Chloe’s hand and pulled her up. “Come on, let’s go pick a song. I’ll be your backup!” she hooted.

  “Jewel!” Chloe pleaded but was ignored as Jewel dragged her over to the table that had been set up for people to sign up.

  “I can’t sing here,” Chloe said, feeling nervous.

  “Of course you can. Didn’t you say you wanted to start having more fun?”

  Chloe groaned. “Let me look over the list.” Jewel squealed and Chloe squinted at her. “I didn’t say I was going to sing. I’m just checking this list out.”

  Jewel handed her the clipboard containing the songs and peered at it over Chloe’s shoulder. “Oh. Do this one.” Jewel pointed to Natural Woman.

  Chloe thought about it for a moment. She loved singing that song but the idea of doing so in front of Donovan would make her feel exposed. She already felt overtly aware of her senses in his presence.

  People used to love listening to her jazzy voice. She’d won several talent competitions but she hadn’t sung in front of anyone besides her sisters since her mother chided her years ago for wasting time at an audition for a performing arts school. According to El, Chloe was going to be a successful businesswoman and the notion of her daughter attending school to sing was a ridiculous misuse of her time and energy. Her days of public crooning had ended then. She was disappointed but wouldn’t disobey her mother.

  “I don’t know, Jewel.” She frowned. “I haven’t sung in a long time.”

  “It’s just for fun.” Jewel pouted. “Please...for me. I love hearing you sing. Come on, Chloe.”

  “What are you going to sing?”

  Chloe spun around at the sound of Donovan’s voice. She hadn’t realized he’d come over to where they were.

  “I’m still trying to convince her,” Jewel said.