Queen's Island Page 2

  I chuckled over her jealousy. Usually, I was the one jealous of them. They both seemed to have it all together. Tricia worked for a pharmaceutical company. Travel was part of her job, and on top of that, her salary and bonuses put my own annual earnings to shame. Liz didn’t make nearly as much as either of us working at the local humane society, but she had a steady boyfriend with whom to share all of her life experiences. I was the one in the middle, the one kind of lost and drifting according to them. They both felt that I needed to find my special someone, and it never seemed to make a lick of difference when I pointed out that Tricia was single too.

  “Not the same thing. I, at least, go out, meet guys, and get laid. You, on the other hand, might be the one medical case of hymen regrowth in the world. Honestly, Claire, you haven’t been laid in forever. It’s not healthy.” Tricia stood her ground, and Liz backed her up.

  “That’s true. When’s the last time you even shared a dirty detail with us? We’re tired of carrying the load. You need stories. I need to hear new stories! I need to hear about new penis, dammit!”

  Tricia laughed then. “Tired of Jeremy’s already?”

  Liz laughed. “Now and again, but I do love him. I love his penis. It’s a perfect little penis.”

  “Oh, God. Please don’t go into details again!” That’s when I piped in. I’d heard more than enough about Jeremy’s junk. I couldn’t even look him in the eye most of the time without picturing his seven inches of ‘perfect pink smoothness’, as Liz put it.

  Well, maybe this little vacation will help. Getting some rest, pampering, and losing my few extra pounds will make me feel better about myself, after all. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll stop feeling like there’s something wrong with me, something that makes me unworthy of being loved.

  Chapter Two

  Claire

  The taxi ride to the dock was without incident, for which I was thankful, especially considering the language barrier. Even so, I felt like I’d accomplished a huge task by the time I stepped out of the backseat and walked out onto the wooden pier to wait for the ferry. It wasn’t long, and I wasn’t alone. A tall man stood with his back to me, appearing focused on something in his hand. I figured he was checking his phone, but did notice he had broad shoulders, and further perusal down revealed a rather nice behind packed into faded blue jeans. It had been a long time since I’d even noticed a man’s butt. Now, here I was in France, on my way to an island for some rest and physical rehabilitation. I hadn’t showered since yesterday. I was tired, a little cranky, and definitely hungry. My hair was a mess, and I just knew I’d rubbed most of my makeup off by now. I had no business noticing this man’s gluteus maximus no matter how firm it was. Poor guy was probably going to the same place. I mean, how many islands did this ferry run to? I had no idea.

  I pulled my suitcase on wheels to a stop next to a bench, and sat down, unloading my carry-on bag onto the open space beside me. A light breeze blew through my hair, cooling my face. A couple of gulls flew overhead, squawking as they circled and dove into the water below snaring fish. It was peaceful, and I felt myself being lulled into a bit of a stupor. It was nearly mid-afternoon, and I still had a two-hour ferry ride ahead of me. Wake up, Claire! I tried to rally myself, but the gorgeous surroundings, and the warm sun had me ready to stretch out onto the bench for a nap. I rubbed my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. With my legs crossed at the ankles, I blinked once, twice, and it felt good.

  Peace and tranquility flowed through me. The ebb and flow was steady beneath me, and the sound of waves slapping against something solid behind me made me feel…wait. My eyes flew open.

  “Where am I?” I spoke the question aloud, but no one answered. There was no one near. I sat up, looking around. The bench I’d been sitting on was gone, replaced with a lounge chair under an awning that hung out over a windowed wall. I stood, looking inside. It was the wheelhouse of the ferry boat. An old bearded man stood behind the steering wheel. His salt and pepper hair was long and unruly, and when he smiled at me, I noticed he was missing a tooth. He waved. I sat back down. How the hell did I get on the ferry? I don’t even remember walking off the dock. To my left, my luggage sat, lined up neatly. I definitely didn’t remember putting it there. Did the ferry boat captain carry me here? God! I thought about that toothless man picking me up and I felt both repelled and embarrassed. Had he put his hands on me?

  “Holy hell!” I got up and marched to the far railing where I leaned out to catch my breath. Sea spray rained down on my face, helping to clear my head. The very thought of a stranger touching me had me freaking out.

  “Are you going to be sick?”

  A deep voice interrupted my panic. His accent caught my ear. Australian. I looked left and saw the tall blond man’s face for the first time. My jaw dropped. He was gorgeous. Blue eyes fringed in dark lashes stared at me. I wondered if he wore mascara because the combination of blonde hair and dark lashes was so striking, but they looked natural.

  “Miss, are you okay?” he asked a second time.

  “Sorry,” I muttered. “I’m alright.”

  He nodded. “Good. I wondered when you didn’t wake up if you’d lapsed into a coma.” His jaw worked, showing off its rugged shape.

  I could see the beginning of five o’clock shadow forming. It was reddish blond, darker than his hair, but not quite as dark as his lashes. His lips pursed, appearing annoyed.

  Embarrassment swamped me again. I looked away, unable to face this handsome stranger. “My apologies. I don’t know what happened. The last thing I remember is sitting on the dock. I’m just a little freaked out right now is all. I can’t believe the ferry captain had the nerve to just pick me up and carry me onboard. He could’ve just woke me up. He should have. It’s like a serious invasion of my personal space to lay hands on me like that!”

  “He did try to wake you. We both did. And it wasn’t the captain who carried you. It was me. You’re welcome, by the way. Otherwise, you’d still be on that bloody dock until tomorrow. My apologies for invading your personal space, Miss.” With an irritated glare, he walked away.

  I stood there, mouth agape. I had no idea what to say. I was both mortified and angry. How dare he? Did they really try and wake me? I’ve never been a light sleeper, but I was pretty sure that if someone called my name or shook my shoulder I’d wake up. Wouldn’t I?

  I stood at the railing afraid to return to my chair. I could feel the heat in my cheeks, and knew my embarrassment was complete. Even so, I felt his taking me to task like that was out of line. Who did he think he was, anyhow? I kept to myself after that, unwilling to walk around and run into him again.

  In less than an hour, the ferry arrived at the dock on Queen’s Island. My anger dissolved when I beheld the scenic views for the first time. It was lush and green, and filled with every kind of exotic flower imaginable. There was a long, winding wooden ramp that extended off the pier disappearing into the tall canopy of trees. Beyond the tree line were magnificent mountains that appeared to be closer than they obviously were. Somewhere in between was the spa where I’d be staying for the next month. I grabbed my carry-on and reached for the handle on my larger suitcase pulling it behind me. The wheels thumped and bumped over the planks as I exited via the now lowered gangway. It felt strange to once again be on land.

  To my left was a covered seating area for departing guests waiting for the ferry, and to my right, just off the pier, was a deserted stretch of beach. The white sands twinkled in the late afternoon sun like diamond dust, catching the last rays before twilight. It was gorgeous. Even the air was sweeter, perfumed by the sheer quantity of blooms beyond the beach. As I passed the seating area, two people stood and began heading towards the gangway, preparing to depart. One was a man in his early thirties. He had short, dark hair, and wore gold wire-rimmed glasses. The other was an older woman who looked closer to fifty, but fit. Both had decent tans and from where I stood, seemed in good health. They smiled at me, and the woman winked saying, “Yo
u’re going to love it, honey. Love it!”

  I laughed, watching as she caught up to the younger man and began chatting with him. They looked like old friends enjoying a vacation. I hoped I’d be so lucky as to make a friend or two during my stay. A month without someone to pal around with was a long time. I faced forward again, following the sign that pointed me toward the wooden path.

  WELCOME TO QUEEN’S ISLAND SPA. THIS WAY.

  I plodded forward, both excited, and also tired and hungry. I was ready to settle in, unpack, and begin getting the rest Dr. Petit prescribed. The trek to the spa took ten minutes. By the time I arrived, my arms were burning from carrying and pulling my luggage. Sweat trickled down my spine and snuck right into the crack of my butt. It was not a pleasant feeling. That’s when I realized lush island jungles were humid. I feared my hair was frizzed beyond control by the time I finally stepped inside the guest center.

  It was cool indoors. Fans with woven palm blades spun overhead stirring up a most welcomed breeze. The tile floors gleamed, and the view from the floor to ceiling windows was breathtaking. Ahead, a woman stood at a counter, smiling, and waving me in.

  “Come on in. I take it you’re Claire Townsend?” she asked.

  I nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”

  “Wonderful. We’ve been expecting you.” She tapped her long fingernails on the computer keyboard.

  I set my carry-on down and pulled my suitcase to a stop next to me. “Do you need anything?”

  “Just your passport. I need to make a copy. We have everything else thanks to Dr. Petit’s office. Oh, I see she’s ordered you the Queen’s Deluxe.” The woman grinned, showing off white teeth in her tanned face. Her dark hair was cut short and stylish, and her French accent softened her English words, but couldn’t hide the mirth behind them. I had no idea what that meant.

  “I don’t know. All I know is that she said I needed this and sent me along.” I handed over my passport.

  The woman, whose name tag pinned to her shirt said she was Marnie, gave me a mischievous glance. “Hmmn, well then, you are in for a treat.” She looked away, smiling to herself as she made a copy.

  I didn’t know what to say so remained quiet. Marnie finished, and handed me my passport and a room key.

  “Garret will take you to your room. Once you’re unpacked, just pick up the phone at your bedside and let me know. Thierry is expecting you and will be the one to inform you of your schedule.” She nodded at someone standing behind me.

  I turned, and my mouth fell open. A gorgeous man with shoulder-length brown hair and a chiseled jawline stood smiling down at me. He was shirtless, wearing only drawstring white linen slacks and brown sandals. This guy looked like he spent his days inside a gym pumping iron. He had a curious tattoo on his upper, right bicep. It looked like crosshairs, but I was no expert.

  “Welcome, Claire,” he said softly, his deep voice soothing. “I hope your trip was good?”

  I had a hard time finding my tongue. He noticed and tried to suppress a grin before reaching around me for my suitcases. He lifted both without even flinching. I’d been struggling with them since yesterday.

  “Follow me, please.” He tilted his head to a hallway that led out to a courtyard.

  “Okay. Thank you.” I felt dumb. Just plain dumb. Come on, Claire, he’s just a good-looking man. Get a grip!

  In the middle of the courtyard was a large fountain spraying streams of water in arcs from one side to the other. Small wrought iron tables were surrounded by colorful flowering bushes in large ceramic pots creating intimate alcoves. Beneath them were terrazzo tiles, and above, pergolas covered in wild fern. It was shady, lovely, and I knew I wanted to come back later to get a better look.

  Garret kept walking, and I took a moment to appreciate that view from behind as well. His muscles bunched as he navigated through the pathway holding my luggage. Ahead, I saw a line of cottages. As we grew near, he veered towards a white one that sat off on its own. It was surrounded by flowering trees that smelled sweet on the air, and the front porch beckoned, decorated with a two-seater swing. I couldn’t wait to see the inside.

  “This one is yours,” he said as he slid my key into the lock. It clicked, and he pushed the door open, stepping aside and waiting for me to enter.

  “Thank you.” I stepped in, taking in the spacious room with a high vaulted ceiling. In the middle against the back wall was a queen-sized bed covered with a blue and white duvet, and to the left, a small seating area that contained two chairs and a loveseat. The opposite wall had a flat screen television mounted. On my right was a kitchenette with sink, mini-fridge, and a microwave.

  Garret stopped behind me, setting my things down. “The ensuite is there,” he said, pointing at the wall behind my bed. It was open on one side leading to the bathroom. I walked over and peered inside noting the sunken tub, a separate standing shower, a double vanity sink, and the toilet with a bidet. I’d never used one before and found myself chuckling over that fact.

  “This is all mine?” I spoke the words mostly to myself, unaware he’d come up behind me.

  “Oui. While you are here, this is your room. The fridge is stocked, and if there is anything you need, just call the front desk.”

  I turned around, startled that he was so close. “Oh, okay. Good.”

  He smiled. “I will be your personal masseuse while you are here. You must let me know anytime you require my hands.” He wiggled his fingers at me. The size of his hands was intimidating, and the glint in his eyes made my mouth go dry.

  “My own masseuse? You’re kidding, right?” I felt my nerves rise.

  “Not at all. It’s all part of your prescribed treatment. You will receive your full schedule from Thierry. He will be assigning your personal trainer and nutritionist. Along with that comes myself, and an activities director. Doctor’s orders.”

  “Oh my gosh. I had no idea.” I swallowed, stepping around the handsome Garret. His nearness was causing me to feel a bit claustrophobic, not that it wasn’t somewhat pleasant, but I just wasn’t used to anyone being inside my personal space. I had issues about that. It was probably one of the reasons my relationships didn’t work out.

  Garret watched me, smiling. It was a knowing smile. He knew he was making me nervous, but instead of being a dick, he nodded, and made his way to the door. “Don’t forget to contact the desk when you’ve unpacked. Your activities will begin tonight.” He stopped at the threshold. “And remember, call anytime you need me.” He winked.

  I blushed, even as I stumbled forward to close the door. “What the hell?” I leaned on the now closed door, wondering just what the heck I’d gotten myself into. First berated by a gorgeous Aussie, and now brought to blush by a half-naked Frenchman. “And he said my activities begin tonight?” I contemplated just what those activities might entail after the events of the day. I was beginning to worry just a little bit.

  Chapter Three

  Cade

  The room was more than adequate, and fancier than what I was used to, but for six months, it would work.

  “Christ, look at all these damn fluffy pillows! How’s a bloke supposed to sleep with so many?” I took in the multitude piled onto the bed; small square pillows, rectangular pillows, and pillows that looked like rolls of shiny material with tassels hanging off of them. “Tassels, for fuck’s sakes!” There was no way all those damned pillows were going to stay on my bed. One by one, I gathered them up and then stood there, looking around the room. The closet in the corner beckoned. I marched over, threw open the door, and tossed every one of them onto the floor before shutting the door again. When I turned back, I could actually see the bed.

  “There now, that’s better.” I sat down on the edge and stretched out, lying down. The mattress molded around my frame. It felt pretty good after the long trip. Closing my eyes, I relaxed, listening to the sound of the air conditioning unit blowing. An overhead fan spun sending the air down, cooling my skin. Sleep began whispering sweet nothings in my ear, b
ut my mind was having none of it. Instead, it replayed a scene from earlier in the day, one that had annoyed the hell out of me. The woman on the ferry.

  Back at the dock, I’d noticed her sleeping on the bench, had even spent a fair amount of time watching her. Okay, I checked her out! Damn you, conscience. She was cute. That’s what my sharp eyes had noticed first. The wavy bob gave her a pixie look, and since she appeared on the shorter side for a woman, that’s how I’d pegged her; a pixie. For almost forty minutes I’d observed every which way the breeze had blown her shiny tresses while she snoozed on, unaware. It was probably not very polite and might even be considered a rude and invasive action on my part, but no one else was around, and she was vulnerable sitting there with her chin down and arms crossed over her chest. If anyone had come along, she would’ve been an easy target for thieves, so I figured I was doing her a service by keeping watch. So what if I happened to glean a bit of enjoyment from it, right? And then the ferry arrived. I figured she’d wake when it blared its horn, but to my surprise, she slept on.

  The ferry boat captain caught my eye and glanced at her. I shrugged, and he sighed. That’s when he hopped off and walked over.

  “Mademoiselle? Hey!” He addressed her, but still the pixie woman slept on. He looked back at me. That’s when he reached out to shake her. Somehow, that didn’t sit right with me. The man looked a bit unkempt with his long, wild gray hair, and Frenchmen were notoriously handsy.

  “I’ll get her,” I said, and quickly stepped in before the grizzly looking bloke could touch her. He backed away, hands in the air. Smart man for a Frenchie. “Miss?” I called out. She didn’t move. I was beginning to think something was wrong, that she might’ve expired without my realizing it. A soft snore assured me she hadn’t. I chuckled and cleared my throat. “Ma’am?” Still nothing. If she didn’t wake up, she was going to miss the boat, and there wouldn’t be another until the next day. I was sure she was on her way to the island since the ferry didn’t go anywhere else. Whether she was a new employee like myself or a guest, I knew I couldn’t leave her. Without any more thought, I reached out, sliding my arms beneath her back and legs, and picked her up. “Get those, would you, mate?” I sent a pointed stare to her luggage, and the captain picked them up, one eyebrow raised and a slightly disgruntled look on his old puss.