Rescue Me(11)

"The resort never sleeps." Meredith though that was an odd thing to say. He really was married to his work. Looking closer at him, she noticed the dark circles under his eyes. He looked exhausted.

"You work too hard."

"So you've said," he replied. "And there's more to do. But for the next few hours I'm all yours, so get ready and let's go."

"Wouldn't you much rather just sit here and order breakfast and catch up?" she suggested. She didn't know what he had planned for her, but she was certain she wouldn't be in the mood for it. She felt like she'd been hit by a train and would prefer to climb into her bed and sleep it off.

"No can do. I've already made plans for you with the best water sports instructor this resort has ever seen."

Meredith gaped. Water sports? There was no way she could make it through a day on the water with her hangover, but she couldn't exactly tell her brother she'd gotten drunk the night before. He most definitely would not approve.

"You know, you really don't have to entertain me every hour of my trip." Her goal had now switched to finding a way to ditch his carefully made plans.

He got up and walked over to give her a hug and she realized she was still wearing her red dress. She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping he wouldn't notice.

"I just really want you to make the most of your time off. I said it last night, but you work too hard too. I don't want you to neglect yourself for the sake of your job."

Is that what he was doing? He certainly looked like it, but she'd have to worry about it later. She wasn't getting out of his plans for her, and if she was going to be on the water she needed to get cleaned up and try to get rid of the rat's nest on her head.

"Fine, but only because I love you so much. Let me get a quick shower."

"And some new clothes?" He arched a brow at her. Of course it hadn't escaped his notice.

Meredith forced out a giggle, but it sounded more like a nervous yelp. "I guess I was too tired from dancing to bother changing last night."

She turned and practically ran to the bedroom, avoiding his eyes.

"Okay, but don't take too long. Phillips will be waiting for us at eight."

"Phillips?" What kind of a name was that?

"Yeah, an old college buddy. He's here helping me out for a few weeks."

That should be interesting. Was he sticking her with his friend so he could keep an eye on her? She wouldn't put it past him.

Taking a shower as quickly as possible considering how worn out she felt, Meredith let the water wash away as much of the previous night's memories as she could. She brushed out her hair and left it down to air dry. While she applied sunscreen, she couldn't help but wonder if she would see Cole at any point during the day. For the first time, she thought being out on the water might be a good thing. Less of a chance of running into him.

Without giving much thought to what she should wear, she plucked a shimmery pink bikini from her drawer and tied a sarong around her waist. Throwing a hat, towel and sunscreen into her beach bag, she placed the darkest sunglasses she had over her eyes and headed out to find her brother talking on his phone in an urgent tone.

"Yes, I realize that. I'll take care of it. No, I've got it under control. Just give me half an hour." He ended the call and turned to her with an apologetic smile. "I had planned on staying with you for a bit this morning, but duty calls. I'll walk you down to the marina, but we'll have to wait until this evening to spend some real time together. Don't worry, you'll be in good hands."

Meredith sighed, but knew it was probably for the best. This way she wouldn't have to work so hard to hide her hangover from him.

Brandon led the way down to the marina, but Meredith was barely able to appreciate the beauty of the early morning at the resort. The sun was far too bright and she was distracted by looking around to make sure Cole didn't materialize from nowhere. Just as she thought she was in the clear, Brandon veered down the same path that she'd taken less than an hour before and Cole's villa came into view. She angled her head as they passed the beach front patio, hoping that he wouldn't recognize her if he happened to be looking out. She seemed to be in luck. The doors were closed and curtains drawn shut.

Relaxing slightly as they approached the resort's small marina, she leaned into Brandon and he draped his arm casually over her shoulders, leaning down to kiss her on top of her head.

He turned her chin up to look at her. "I promise I'll spend time with you while you're here. I really am sorry."

He did seem to regret that he hadn't been available for her so far. Meredith smiled softly at him. "It's okay. We have plenty of time." She turned her head up and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Well, here we are. First slip on the left."





CHAPTER FOUR



What the—? Cole shook his head, certain he was seeing things from where he stood on the deck of his boat. But no, there she was, walking toward him, tucked in closely under Brandon's arm. He was sure she'd said she was at the resort alone. Had he been completely taken in by her and bought her lies? It didn't add up. Cole's jaw clenched as Meredith looked adoringly up at Brandon and then—Seriously?—kissed him. He'd been so sure she was different from the women with whom he usually entertained himself. But there she was, and by all indications Brandon's girlfriend.