Page 6 of The Bride's Secret

She turned away, eyes still closed and murmured, “MMM, HMM.” They made preparations for take-off and then before she could even triple guess her rash choice to run away, the plane was leaving the ground below. “I did it.” She thought her voice too quiet to hear, but Wyatt reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before dropping it again. He was such a good man. Why couldn’t she have fallen for a guy like Wyatt? She’d probably be walking down the aisle right now if he were at the other end of it.

She gasped. She really was loco. She didn’t know anything about him, not really.

After a surprisingly restful flight, she led them to baggage claim and their hotel shuttles. When Wyatt saw where she was leading him, he shook his head. “This is where we part. I’ll get your big bag and take you to these fine people.” He grabbed her phone. “I’ll put my number in here if you need anything, just let me know. Maybe I’ll take you up on that volcano tour.”

She opened her mouth, surprised. She didn’t know why she would be. There was no reason he would be spending her entire vacation with her, but somehow she’d assumed he might at least stay at the same resort. “It’s a beautiful location. Have you looked into staying there” Her voice sounded more desperate and less casual. She clenched her nails into her palms.

“No, I haven’t figured out where I would stay yet.”

“Oh, okay, yeah, I guess Hawaii has all kinds of choices.” Her voice now sounded overly casual, like she was forcing it. What was wrong with her? “Look, Wyatt. Thank you. I’m just pathetic right now. I appreciate all you have done today. You saved me in every sense of the word and I will never forget it. If there’s ever something I can do in return, I’d love to help you.”

He nodded. “You’ve done a hard, brave thing. I think you’ve made the right choice.”

Her breath filled her lungs and exited before she answered, clinging to his assertion. “I hope so. All I know is, right or wrong, I couldn’t do it. I physically could not walk down that aisle with him waiting at the other end.” She shrugged. “I should see someone. Work out whatever my problem is.”

“I don’t know about that, but I do know I was happy to help.” His eyes travelled over the baggage claim area. “And since I don’t have any bags of my own…”

“Oh my word, I didn’t even think about that. What will you do?”

“Probably grab a swimsuit and some other things at a local hangout. I really just need a quiet space to make some phone calls.” He nodded to her. “Thanks again. I won’t forget this adventure, you can be sure of it.” He reached for her bag that had come circling around. Curse the bag. She wanted him to linger, she just couldn’t imagine him walking away. Hawaii had sounded like a great idea for an escape, but now it felt more lonely than anything.

She followed him to the men with the signs. “I’m staying at the Wayview.”

The man gently placed a delicious smelling flower leia around her neck and she turned to smile at Wyatt.

“I’ll be going now. Enjoy.” He waved and then walked away from her, phone already at his ear.

And, as crazy as she was, all she wanted to do was run after him. But instead, she kept her feet in place and followed after the man to her waiting shuttle. Honeymoon for one. That could be fun—maybe.

Chapter 5

Wyatt had tried to act busy, distracted, uncaring as he said goodbye to Carisa. But he forced every foot to move in front of the other. He would not stay and take advantage of such a woman. Of his friend’s bride. She was in no position to even be thinking straight, she’d accept the first help that offered itself, as seen by her ready acceptance of him at her side. Too vulnerable. He couldn’t be confusing things at this point in her life. Even if he found her attractive, more so the longer he was with her.

He had called for a limo. Two men stood beside him deep in conversation. “She’s a regular hottie, and anxious for fun. She gave me her number already, look see, Carisa. Says she’s staying at the Windview.”

Wyatt picked up his ears in alarm. What was she doing? She was more vulnerable than he had even imagined.

“Invited me to take one of her excursions with her. She’ll be fun candy while I’m scoping out the region for our next conference.”

“You always pick ‘em. How did you know she’d even be up for it?”

Their voices lowered and Wyatt strained to hear. “She was with some guy.” Wyatt felt his ears heat as he knew they were both looking at him. “And she watched him walk away like a woman hungry for some action.”

Wyatt felt bile rise in his throat. He clenched his hands into fists. They cat called and wooped and Wyatt’s fists grew tighter. “And so I just stepped in, offered to carry her bag, you know.”

“You always were a charmer. She’ll be purring and following you around before you know it. Find out if she has a friend. That’s about the best I can usually do.”

Wyatt gritted his teeth. This was not his problem. She could take care of herself. He took two breaths. This was not his problem… But he knew it was hopeless, and he gave in. When the limo driver arrived, he gave him the address of Windview. On the way, he called and reserved the presidential suite. The only thing available last minute was also his preference. Then he texted Carisa.Turns out Windview is the perfect resort for my conference calls and long distance business meetings. Save me a spot on all of your excursions.

She texted back immediately.Good timing. I almost gave one spot away.

Satisfied, he pocketed his phone and sat back on the bench in the car with his eyes closed.

As soon as he was all checked in and settled in his room, he pulled out his laptop to check for messages and to establish a good Wi-Fi connection. The more he thought about Carisa’s situation, the more he realized the best thing they could do to protect her, was to keep up their farce and pretend to be honeymooning. He could move her up here to her own room within his suite. And then even if she was off by herself, people should leave her alone, or even if they didn’t, she could keep up their charade as an excuse to say no. He hoped she’d say no. Then, once they left Hawaii, she could begin to piece her life back together.

He called her. And she picked up on the first ring. “Wyatt?” Her happy hopeful tone made him smile.

“So, I’m looking for my wife?”

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