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  Then, reality reared its ugly head.

  Her flight and real life ticked closer, and along with it, her biological clock. How her mother’s voice entered the perfect oasis of Sunny’s B&B, she’d never know, but there it was. “Maddie, Tim is perfect. Your baby-making days are dwindling. I don’t know what you’re holding out for.” Followed by the “tsk” which grated on her nerves. At twenty-six, she knew her mother’s clock was a little off, but the point hit home. A relationship with Sunny would be a constant uphill battle. Not to mention they lived on opposite sides of the country.

  Her fight or flight instinct took hold, but she had no energy to fight. The only solution was to leave and leave now. After a final, lingering glance at her lover’s face, she padded on tiptoes to the guest bedroom.

  ****

  “Chica?”

  Maddie, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, shuffled to the door with her suitcase, a note folded in her hand. “I have to leave. Here—” Her outstretched hand held the note between her finger and thumb. “This explains everything.” Her eyes flicked to meet Sunny’s.

  Sunny, still wrapped in her short gauzy robe, pushed off from where she leaned against the door jam and strode to Maddie. She took the note from Maddie’s fingers and unfolded the paper. Maddie gnawed at her lower lip watching Sunny’s face as she read her words.

  Sunny cleared her throat and refolded the note. “I see.”

  “Sunny. I just can’t.”

  “It was nothing. Really. Don’t make more of it than it was, but I’d rather you stay until the storm passes. It’s supposed to be a bad one, and it’s already blowing pretty fierce out there.”

  “Right, nothing.” Her heart dropped. It meant nothing to her. Maddie lifted her head and set her chin. “Something came up at work and they need me there in the morning,” she lied. “Thank you for the hospitality.” Maddie turned and reached for the door.

  “Maddie.”

  Maddie turned and looked over her shoulder. “Hmm.”

  Sunny’s eyes glanced back and she caught a glimpse of sadness before a smile masked the emotion. “Thanks for keeping me company. Safe travels.”

  She nodded and turned the knob.

  Tucking her purse under her arm she lifted the suitcase and raced to her car. Raindrops drenched her face and hair. She slammed the door. Ugh. Wet jeans. She turned the key and switched her windshield wipers on full power. The wet crunch of her tires along Sunny’s crushed-shell drive and the rhythmic swipes of the wiper blades distracted her from thinking of the woman she’d just left behind. She flipped on the radio to long beeps followed by a barking voice.

  “A storm warning has been issued for Key West. Flooding is expected on most island roads.”

  “Damn,” she muttered. If she could just make it off the Key, she’d stop somewhere and wait out the storm. She had to get off Bella before she turned her car around. Even if she wanted to stay, she was just a passing fling to Sunny. It was clear she’d meant nothing to the woman she left behind.

  Maddie peered through the windshield at puddles converging into small rivers alongside the road. She spotted angry waves swatting at the concrete pilings of the bridge ahead. With the exit in sight, her foot hit the gas pedal. The car fishtailed into the next lane. In a panic, she turned the wheel suddenly, over correcting the skid. She screamed as the convertible crossed the blurred double yellow lines and headed toward a thin palm tree on the other side of the road. Taking her hands off the wheel to cover her eyes, she hit the brake pedal with both feet. The car veered and lunged forward, coming to a sudden stop. Chest heaving against the tight seatbelt, her heart beat an angry tattoo in her eardrums.

  Panic, relief and sadness fought for dominance in her head. She couldn’t stop the sobbing waves crashing through her throat, as strong as the ocean’s battering of the bridge pilings. For a second, she’d hoped a wave would take her away, far into the sea where she didn’t have to deal with newfound emotions, doubts and passion bubbling within her belly.

  Get a grip, girl. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, dabbed her eyes with the bottom of her t-shirt and inhaled a deep breath. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw a flash of headlights blinking back at her. She spun around as a large mass in a purple raincoat approached the car. Knuckles rapped at the driver’s side window as the large form hunched over and peered through the glass.

  “Jules!”

  His eyebrows shot up and he reached for the latch and threw open the door.

  “Maddie! What are you doing out here? Are you hurt?” He shouted as rain poured over his hooded head and down his face.

  Maddie shook her head. “No. I’m okay.”

  “Quick, let’s get you out of here.” He offered her a thick hand, which she gladly accepted. Jules opened his jacket and pulled Maddie in as they sloshed through puddles and wet sand to his Jeep. Jules first helped her into the passenger seat before jogging around the back to climb behind the wheel.

  He blew out a couple of breaths from his puffed and reddened cheeks and placed his hand over his chest. “Jeez, honey. I haven’t had that much excitement since Jimmy Buffett came to town. What in goddess’s name are you doing driving around in this storm? And where’s Sunny? She’s not out there is she?” Pure fright shot across his face as he grabbed the handle of the door, ready to go back into the storm. His concern touched her as she grabbed his rain-slicked shoulder.

  “No, she’s not out there. She’s home safe and sound,” Maddie said quietly.

  Jules shoulder relaxed under her palm. “Whew. That’s a relief. So, where were you going in this storm?” He cocked an eyebrow.

  “I have to get back home.” Maddie averted her gaze to the window.

  “Not today, you’re not. Let’s get you back to the B&B. You can get your car when the storm passes.”

  Maddie nodded. She’d have no choice but to face Sunny and most importantly, herself: wet, raw and searching for answers. She leaned back on the headrest and turned toward Jules. “What are you doing out in the storm, anyway?”

  He met her glance and smiled. “I was coming to see you. I wanted to talk to you about representing Jules Quigley before you left.”

  Maddie sputtered. “Y-your account? We’d love it.”

  “None of this ‘we’ business, Madison. You. I only work with people I trust and even though we just met, Sunny sees something in you, and so do I. I either get you or the deal’s off.”

  “This is a huge deal, Jules.”

  “For both of us, darlin’. For both of us.”

  Jules turned the steering wheel into Casa Bonita’s driveway. Maddie’s heart sank as she looked up at the sunny yellow structure. He came to a stop and shifted into park but kept the motor running.

  “So, is it a deal?” He extended a plump hand.

  “Of course it is!” she squeaked and met his handshake.

  “My lawyers will be in touch with a contract. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other, Maddie. I insist on personal face-to-face meetings and I hardly ever leave Bella Key so M and J will be sending you down to see me often. It’ll be in the contract.” He turned toward the B&B. “Or maybe you can be persuaded to stay here full-time.” He nodded toward the door. “Go to her, Maddie.”

  “Oh, Jules. It’s complicated.”

  “Remember what I said yesterday? Don’t try to fit your feelings into a box. There are no boundaries here on Bella Key. Only acceptance. Go with your feelings, your instincts. Mine have never let me down. Ever.”

  Maddie swallowed hard. “Thank you, Jules Quigley. For everything.” She leaned over and kissed his chubby wet cheek.

  “See you soon. And be ready to work. Lora Matthews’ campaign will look like amateur night compared to mine. World, get ready for Jules Quigley!” He shook his fist.

  “I won’t let you down, sir.” She winked at him before pushing open the door and hopping from the Jeep.

  Rain poured down in sheets from the angry sky. Maddie ran to the front door and took the wooden st
eps two at a time. Turning the doorknob she said a silent prayer. The door was unlocked as she stepped in from the storm. Rain dripped down her face as her gaze found Sunny standing in the doorway of the kitchen wearing a pair of yoga pants and a tank. Maddie shivered.

  “You came back,” Sunny said. “Let me get you a towel.” She turned to leave.

  “No. Wait. I need to get this off my chest now or I’ll lose my nerve. I know you said what happened between us didn’t mean anything. But it did. To me, it did. I don’t know what’s going on with me, but I’m so tired of doing things for other people and running from my feelings.” Maddie paused, took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I’ve never felt so close to another person as I did with you last night.”

  Silence.

  Maddie opened her eyes slowly, focusing on the kitchen doorway. Sunny’s tanned, raspberry-painted toes were still planted firm in the same spot: a promising sign. Her line of vision made a quick trail up Sunny’s body until they met warm brown eyes looking back at her.

  “I feel the same way about you, chica. I told you it didn’t matter because I knew what you were struggling with. I didn’t want to put added pressure on you. I thought it’d be easier for you to leave without knowing how much I’ve grown to care about you over the past couple of days.” She inched forward step by step as she spoke until she was standing directly in front of Maddie.

  Maddie hugged her arms across her chest. Her teeth chattered from the damp clothes and Sunny’s confession.

  “I would draw you a bath but I don’t think it’s wise until the storm dies down. Come with me, we’ll get you warmed up.”

  As if on cue, a crack of thunder boomed through the room, shaking the pictures on the wall. A bright flash of lightning followed the loud clap and the lights flickered once before completely extinguishing.

  Chapter Six

  Sunny took Maddie’s hand into her own and guided her rain-soaked body to the bedroom. She pulled her thick robe out of the closet, the one she reserved for times when guests requested the air conditioning to be brought to a degree too cold for her liking. Maddie stood before her, wide-eyed and trembling. She reminded her of a lost child who was left out in the rain. “Mi carino,” she murmured and pulled the wet shirt over Maddie’s head. Gooseflesh covered Maddie’s arms as she continued to shiver, and her nipples pebbled under the now-translucent bra. Sunny’s fingers ached to warm her, to take her into her arms, caress and make her whole. She stepped back, refusing to push Maddie into something she wasn’t ready for.

  “Sweetheart, take everything off and put this robe on. I’ll be back with something to warm you up.” Thanks to gas burners, which worked without electricity, Sunny soon returned to the bedroom with a steaming mug and a jar of honey on a tray. “One hot toddy coming up.”

  Maddie giggled. “Hot toddy?”

  “Don’t knock it until you try it. Brandy, honey, lemon and tea will have those pretty little toes warm in minutes. I brought some extra honey in case it’s not sweet enough for you.” Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, she patted the spot next to her, which Maddie accepted. Sunny held the mug to her lips.

  Maddie took a sip before taking the mug into her own hands and drinking a larger gulp. She licked her lips. “That’s delicious. Have some.” Tipping the mug to Sunny’s lips, their eyes locked before Maddie’s gaze shifted to Sunny’s mouth on the mug.

  Sunny took the mug from her and placed it on the nightstand before running her fingers through Maddie’s fine hair. “Your hair’s still dripping.” Sunny unfolded the towel she’d brought in and smoothed it over Maddie’s head. Picking up the hairbrush, she swiped the bristles through her straight locks.

  “Mmm, that feels fantastic. You take such good care of me. I want to make you feel like I did last night. Would you help me? I’m afraid I don’t know what I’m doing.”

  Sunny’s glance moved from Maddie’s wet head to the mirror across the room. She smiled as Maddie looked away from their reflection, a pink blush creeping up her neck and cheeks.

  “Are you sure, chica?”

  “I’ve never been more sure about anything.”

  Sunny dropped the towel and brush onto the floor. A muffled thump, followed by Maddie’s soft whimper, filled her ears as she leaned forward and brushed her lips over Maddie’s. Maddie turned and took Sunny’s shoulders into both hands before recapturing her mouth for a deeper exploratory kiss, her tongue sliding between her parted lips. Her mouth tasted of the mingled hot toddy flavors.

  Maddie cupped Sunny’s cheeks as her tongue darted tentatively between the other woman’s parted lips. Sunny opened further, her own tongue welcoming the sweet invasion. Maddie’s delicate fingers trailed a line to Sunny’s waist and hooked under the tank shirt. She broke their kiss and pulled the fabric up and off in a fluid movement. Sunny’s breasts bounced from the force. Maddie made quick work of her bra, her palms instantly cupping Sunny’s flesh as it fell from the cups. Maddie pushed her onto the mattress, her gaze washed over Sunny’s bare skin. “M-may I?”

  Sunny chuckled softly. “You never need to ask.”

  Maddie smiled and licked her lips. She laved one peaked nipple with her tongue before giving the same attention to its mate. Sunny moaned, combing Maddie’s hair through her fingers. Maddie sat up on her heels and followed her tongue’s trail with her fingers, circling the peaks with her hand. Her fingers teased their way down Sunny’s ribcage.

  “Want to know what one of my favorite spots is on your body?”

  Sunny rose up onto her elbows and tilted her head. “Tell me.”

  Maddie’s index finger traced a line at her side, right above her hipbone.

  “When you move, when you dance… even that night I watched you, your skin creases—” She tickled her waist. “—right here. I love that.”

  Sunny sighed as Maddie’s fingers hooked around the waistband of Sunny’s yoga pants and pulled them off along with her panties in one long tug.

  “Just as I suspected. You’re completely bare.”

  Maddie cocked an eyebrow and glanced at the nightstand. “Mmm. I love honey on just about anything,” she said, reaching over Sunny for the honey jar and spoon. Unscrewing the cap, she placed the spoon inside and swirled it around the honey jar. Lifting the honey-covered utensil, she allowed the excess to slide back into the jar before holding the spoon a few inches above Sunny’s chest. She tipped the utensil and thick golden honey drizzled over each of her breasts. Sunny arched off the bed from the cool substance. Maddie spread the glistening honey over both of Sunny’s pebbled nipples before sucking each one clean with her hungry mouth.

  Shots of pleasure electrified her body flooding her sex. Sunny moaned. “Are you sure you haven’t done this before because you’re damn good at it.”

  Maddie grinned and swirled the spoon into the honey jar again. A glistening line of golden honey pooled at her navel. Maddie nudged Sunny’s legs further apart and drew small liquid circles around her mound. Sunny sucked in a breath between her teeth as the thick liquid sugar traveled slowly down her slit. Maddie knelt between Sunny’s legs and hooked her hands under her knees. She guided Sunny’s legs open to accept the drip of honey. Sunny swallowed hard. Like slow moving lava, the honey consumed her folds a millimeter at a time, eliciting a moan from her parted lips.

  Maddie bent down on her elbows and flicked the tip of her tongue along the honeyed slit. Sunny hissed and tilted her hips toward Maddie’s mouth. Wanting more. Needing more. Maddie teased the flesh of Sunny’s inner thighs with her fingertips, spreading her legs even further apart. Her tongue laved the wet folds, easing upward toward her bundle of nerves.

  Sunny’s hand raked through Maddie’s blonde hair as she stared at her glistening mouth kissing and guiding her into oblivion. A finger slipped inside her channel, finding the perfect spot. Her tongue and finger moved in unison and Sunny embraced the climb to what promised to be an exquisite climax. She threw her head back, swearing in her native Spanish.

  Maddi
e stopped. Sunny lifted her head and their gazes met. “I want you to watch me bring you over the edge. I need to see your face,” she whispered.

  Sunny nodded and leaned on her elbows watching every stroke, lick and kiss. The vision took the number one spot in her most incredible turned-on moment list. She couldn’t remember being so connected with her partner, man or woman. Her ragged breath was a reminder she was about to be pushed over the edge. As if reading her thoughts, Maddie took her sensitized button into her mouth and lazily dragged her teeth over it. Sunny used every ounce of strength not to thrash her head back. She maintained eye contact and her inner walls pulsed against Maddie’s delicate finger, pumping her until every ripple of her climax wrung through her core.

  Limp and slick with sweat, Sunny pulled Maddie up and on top of her. She reclaimed her mouth and savored the lingering taste of honey and her own arousal on Maddie’s lips.

  “Was that okay?” Maddie asked in wide-eyed wonder.

  Sunny chuckled. “Oh, chica. That was so much more than okay. How about I show you just how okay it was?”

  Sunny flipped a giggling Maddie onto her back and found the gold bar she loved so much.

  Chapter Seven

  One month later

  Sunny carried a fresh pitcher of iced tea to the patio and refilled Jules’ and Maddie’s glasses.

  “Meeting wrapping up?”

  “That it is, my dear. Madison here has worked wonders in a few short weeks. I’m impressed,” Jules picked up his glass and lifted it toward Maddie.

  “It’s the least I can do. The bigwigs at M and J were so happy with your account, they gave me a huge raise and offered a relocation package for me to move here to handle it exclusively.” Maddie clinked her glass against his.

  “Since we’re setting up Maddie’s office in the guest room she’ll be around to help me run the B&B.” Sunny bent down and kissed Maddie before taking a seat next to her.

  “Just think, this all started because I had to pee.”