Summer Vows (Arabesque) (25 page)

Like most normal women Ana had hoped to fall in love and marry, but not through a marriage of convenience. After all, it was the twenty-first century and they lived in a country where arranged marriages were peculiar to the culture.

Annulment. The word was as stinging as a slap. Once married, no one in her family had ever had an annulment. Nor did they divorce. There was an unspoken adage that Coles marry for life.

A wry smile twisted her mouth. Regardless of the circumstances that brought them together, the only thing standing in their way for a happily ever after was her wealth. It was something she’d accepted and couldn’t change. Either he dealt with it or they could say goodbye. Ana Juanita Jones née Cole intended to end her marriage to Jacob Stephen Jones.

Jacob’s cell phone chimed Diego’s ring tone and he stared at it for several seconds before picking it up off the countertop. “What’s up, buddy?”

“We’ll touch down at eight. Be ready.”

“Copy that.”

He ended the call and made his way to the bathroom. It hadn’t taken a week but three days for Diego to arrange their return. Leaning against the door frame, Jacob stared at his wife as she brushed her hair. He smiled. The chic hairstyle was missing, replaced with black curls that made her look like a fragile doll.

“M’ija?”
She turned on the stool in front of the dressing table. Her golden eyes appeared unusually large and haunted in her small face. It was good they were going home because Ana was disappearing before his eyes. “We’re leaving.”

With wide eyes she continued to stare at him. “Now?”

Jacob smiled. “Yes, now.”

Ana sprang off the stool, launching herself at him. He caught her in midair. “Thank you, darling. Thank you, thank you,” she repeated over and over while kissing his face.

“Slow down, baby. Let’s get ready to blow this nightclub.”

It was Diego who descended the steps to the jet. Casually dressed in a pair of taupe slacks, a short-sleeved shirt and tan woven-leather sandals, he extended his arms to Ana. Smiling, she went into his embrace.
“Hola primo,”
she whispered.

Holding her at arm’s length, he angled his head. “Beautiful tan. A little thin. But none the worse for wear.”

She exhaled an audible sigh. “I have Jacob to thank for that.”

“We have Jacob to thank for a lot of things. Somewhere along the way he’s become the Coles’ guardian angel.” Diego glanced over Ana’s head. Jacob and the limo driver were unloading bags from the trunk. “Let me help with the luggage so we can lift off.” He kissed her forehead. “Go on up and get belted in.”

Ana walked slowly up the stairs and entered the luxurious aircraft. She recognized the flight attendant. Linda Franklin was one of four ColeDiz flight attendants that were a part of the crew for the Gulfstream corporate jet. Linda was in the galley with an onboard chef.

The flight attendant, carrying a travel mug emblazoned with the ColeDiz logo approached her. “Mr. Thomas told me you like your coffee light and sweet.”

“Thank you, Linda.”

The tall, slender redhead nodded. “Congratulations on your recent marriage.”

Ana forced a smile she didn’t feel. “Thank you.” She took a sip of coffee, savoring the rich taste. She recognized the blend. It was Jamaican Blue Mountain, touted as the best coffee in the world. ColeDiz owned coffee plantations in Jamaica, Mexico, Belize and Puerto Rico. The flavor was also served at the Cannamore Cay resort. She’d drunk half when Jacob and Diego entered the aircraft. Light coming through the oval window reflected off the band on Jacob’s hand as he sat opposite, leaving Diego to sit in the adjacent row.

Linda, carrying a tray, handed each man a similar mug. “Breakfast will be served as soon as we’re airborne.”

Ana stared out the window at the stretch of white sand and beyond the vibrant blue-green water. Even though she’d averted her gaze she could feel the intensity of Jacob’s stare. It was over. The make-believe and the fairy-tale marriage would end once they were back in the States.

The fasten-seat-belt sign was illuminated and Ana placed her mug into a holder, then fastened the belt around her waist. Pressing her head against the back of the leather seat, she closed her eyes as the sleek jet taxied down the airstrip, picked up speed, and within minutes they were airborne. She opened her eyes, staring down at the rapidly fading island landscape as the jet increased its altitude. Once they obtained cruising speed, Diego turned his seat to face her and Jacob.

“We’re going to touch down in Miami where Jake has to pick up a few things. Then Henri will drive you to Boca where the two of you will stay until—”

“No, Diego—” Ana interrupted.

Diego held up his hand. “Please let me finish, Ana.”

She gave him a long, penetrating stare. One thing she didn’t want was for her and Jacob to continue cohabitating. With a great deal of reluctance, she said, “Okay.”

“I’m bringing you back to Florida against my better judgment. But knowing you’ll be with Jake belies some of my apprehension. We still haven’t finished our investigation but we’re closer than we were a month ago. I’d like you and Jake to stay at your condo until this is over.”

“Are you saying I can’t leave?”

“Yes. You’re a newlywed, so you’re still on your honeymoon.”

When she glanced at Jacob she was unable to read his expression. “What about visitors?”

“I would limit visitors to members of the family.”

“You bring me out of exile to make me a prisoner in my own home.” The familiar mask of brooding settled on
Diego’s features. “I understand your concern for my wellbeing,” she continued, “but somehow you forget I’m not a child. You, my father, Uncle Martin and Joshua get together, make decisions, and then expect me to follow them without question. I would’ve liked to have known in advance that I was going to get a husband.”

“You never would’ve gone along with it, Ana,” Diego argued softly. “But you have an out. You can annul it.” His gaze shifted from her to Jacob who shot him a lethal stare. “Why do I feel as if I’ve just come down with a case of foot in mouth?
Lo siento,
” he apologized softly.

Ana and Jacob shared a glance. She wanted to tell her cousin that she had fallen in love with her husband, didn’t want to end her marriage, yet dissolution was inevitable. He was willing to share her life but not her wealth.

The awkward moment was shattered when Linda approached with a serving cart. She pushed a button under the burl armrests of the saddle-tan chairs that converted to beds. Activating the retractable tray tables, the attendant covered the trays with damask tablecloths.

Working quickly and efficiently, she set out plates of fluffy mushroom omelets with strips of crisp bacon, crystal goblets with freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly baked scones and cups of coffee. Prerecorded music flowed throughout the cabin during their mile-high breakfast.

Ana managed to eat most of her omelet, while drinking two glasses of orange juice and a cup of coffee. The anxiety that had weighed on her like a lead shield lifted the closer they came to the U.S. coastline. The blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea faded as the colder gray water of the Atlantic Ocean came into view. She recognized the island of Cuba and the Florida Keys as the jet began its descent.

The fasten-seat-belt sign chimed, and Jacob moved across the aisle to sit with Diego, and within minutes all evidence of breakfast disappeared. “Ana and I have a few things we’re going to have to work out before deciding whether we want to stay together, so I’d appreciate it if you don’t get involved in what’s going on between me and
my
wife.” His voice was low, words cold and biting as needle pricks.

Diego went still, his gaze meeting and fusing with Jacob’s. It was the first time in more than twenty years that he felt less than comfortable with his friend. He’d had to pull strings and make promises he hadn’t wanted to make in order to secure the valid marriage license, yet never in his wildest imagination would he have suspected that the two would’ve become that involved with each other.

Diego was also more than aware of Ana’s proclivity for dismissing men from her life for the slightest provocation. Although he counted Jacob as his closest friend and confidant they’d usually avoided talking about the women in their lives. He owed Jacob his life, that of his wife’s and now his cousin’s. Jake was his son’s godfather and legally married to Ana. That made him family.

“I respect you telling me how you feel, and I promise not to interfere. I’m going to say one more thing, then the subject’s moot.”

“What is it?”

“Ana’s father. He was totally opposed to you marrying her, because he wanted that choice to be hers. I managed to convince the others to overrule him when I took that choice away from her. My uncle’s still not talking to me. David can be laid-back and cool, but if you mess with his kids he will take you out.”

It was Jacob’s turn to go completely still. Nothing moved. Not even his eyes. “I fear no man.”

At that moment Diego found himself unable to respond to Jacob’s declaration. Again, this was another side of his friend that was totally foreign to him. He’d always found him to be no-nonsense, honest, loyal and extremely private. “I didn’t tell you about your father-in-law to frighten you but to let you know what you’re going to have to deal with.”

Jacob blinked. “Like I said, Ana and I have a few things to work out. Whatever the outcome it will involve only the two of us.”

Chapter 15

T
he G550 Gulfstream jet landed smoothly on a private airstrip in Miami long enough for Jacob and Ana to deplane, then they would continue on to West Palm Beach. By the time they were cleared by customs, Ana wore one of the stylish straw hats she’d purchased at the gift shop on Cannamore Cay. She doubted if anyone would recognize her with the hat and a pair of cutoffs, baggy tee and flip-flops. A redcap followed them, pushing a cart piled high with their luggage.

Henri was waiting for them along with another man who wore a lightweight black suit, white shirt and black Western-style ostrich-skin boots. With his shaved pate and dark glasses he was Henri’s lighter-hued counterpart.

Diego’s driver and bodyguard nodded to Jacob. “Welcome home, Mr. Jones.”

Jacob shook his hand. “Thanks, Henri. It’s good to be back.”

Henri nodded to Ana. “Welcome back, Mrs. Jones.”

She forced a plastic smile. He was the first one to call her by her married name. “Thank you, Henri. It’s good to be back.”

He motioned to the man standing a short distance away. “This is Caleb. He will be your driver to Boca Raton.” Henri smiled at Ana. “I have to leave now. Mr. Thomas is waiting for me.”

Henri was there, then he was gone. Caleb took over when he said, “I’ll bring the car curbside, then we’ll be on our way.”

Ana felt as if she were in suspended animation after their luggage was loaded into the cargo area of a shiny black Suburban with tinted windows. Jacob assisted her as she sat on the second row of seats, him sitting next to the driver. Knowing her life was not her own to control or dictate, she mentally resigned herself to go along with whatever the men in her family had concocted. None of that mattered because she was home. Closing her eyes, she refused to think about Jacob and their tenuous future.

Ana hadn’t realized she’d dozed off until the SUV stopped. Blinking, she peered through the glass. They were parked outside Jacob’s apartment building. She watched as he disappeared into the salmon-colored stucco building.

Twenty minutes later Jacob reappeared carrying a black duffel bag. He’d exchanged his T-shirt, walking shorts and sandals for one of his favorite Hawaiian shirts, jeans, low-heel boots and a black windbreaker. He motioned to Caleb to open the hatch. After securing the duffel Jacob slipped into the passenger seat and secured his seat belt. He exchanged a knowing glance with the hired bodyguard. “Let’s go,” he ordered softly.

Ana had fallen asleep within minutes of them leaving Miami International and during the drive from the airport to his apartment building while Jacob and Caleb had carried on a whispered conversation. Caleb was similar to Henri where they introduced themselves using only their first names, and worked for an investigative agency that utilized the unique services of former military and law enforcement personnel. Caleb had revealed to Jacob that he was a former active-duty navy SEAL during the Gulf War, and had been recruited by a man known only as Simon after he’d retired from the military.

During the drive to Boca Raton Jacob and Caleb engaged in a lively conversation about sports. The ex-SEAL who was born and raised in California favored the West Coast teams, while Jacob’s loyalties were definitely East Coast. The discussion ended when Caleb, following the navigational map, turned off onto the road leading to Ana’s condo. The beachfront building shimmered like a jewel along Florida’s exquisite Gold Coast, a residence befitting a Cole. But then Jacob reminded himself that Ana was no longer Ana Cole, but Ana Jones. They stopped at the manned gatehouse.

Ana, rolling down the window, removed her hat. “Good afternoon, Louis. It’s me, Ana Cole,” she added when he gave her a puzzled look.

His jaw dropped in surprise. “Ms. Cole, I didn’t recognize you. How have you been?”

“Wonderful,” she half lied. Being away from home had been torture, but falling in love was indeed wonderful. “Can you please let us through?”

The security arm lifted and Caleb drove slowly along the path to where Ana told him to park. Each resident had two reserved parking spaces. “You can pull in next to the sports car with the Serenity plate.”

Shifting on his seat, Jacob lifted questioning eyebrows. “You drive that?”

Caleb whistled under his breath when he maneuvered next to the two-seater. “That is some scary-fast sh...” His words trailed off when he realized what he was about to say.

Ana’s dimples deepened when she flashed a grin. “Zero to sixty in three point five seconds.”

Getting out and coming around to help her down, Jacob’s hands tightened around her waist. “Are you going to tell me you went that fast in three point five seconds?”

She smiled up at him frowning down at her. “Of course. I had to confirm what it said on the sticker.”

Jacob knew the Ferrari to cost more than a quarter of a million dollars but he’d promised himself he would never broach the subject of money with Ana again. It was her money, not his and she could do whatever she wanted with it. If she decided to donate every penny she had to charity, then who was he to say anything?

He angled his head, pressing his mouth to her ear. “It’s as sexy as its owner,” he whispered.

“Once I get the keys back from Daddy you can drive it.”

“Bet,” he said, smiling. “Now it’s time I get you inside.”

“You and Caleb have to come inside with me, then you can go back for the luggage.”

“Wait until I get my duffel.” Punching a button on the fob, Caleb opened the hatch for Jacob to retrieve the bag. Then they made their way to the entrance.

The beauty of the spectacular lobby was jaw-dropping. No expense had been spared with the elegant furnishings. Crystal chandeliers, imported rugs, large Chinese-inspired vases filled with a profusion of fresh flowers and leather seating groupings screamed opulence. A doorman greeted Ana by name.

“I’ve been away and I left my keys with my parents. I need someone to open my apartment, and I’ll also need assistance with my luggage.”

The doorman spoke to the concierge and within seconds a valet and another uniformed young man appeared. Jacob walked half a step behind Ana as she followed the valet to a bank of elevators who inserted a card key in the slot; the doors opened silently. They stepped into the car, it rising quickly and silently after he’d punched in the floor on a remote device. Their footsteps were muffled in the deep pile of the carpet lining the hallway.

“Is there anything else you’re going to need, Ms. Cole?” the valet asked when he opened the door to her apartment.

“Let the concierge know I need a duplicate key. And my driver still has to bring up my luggage.”

“I will let them in.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Carlos.”

He back away and she closed the door. She hadn’t been given enough time to adjust the thermostat and heat slapped at Ana, making it hard for her to breathe. Walking over to a wall in the foyer, she touched a switch and the sound swooshing through the vents was followed by a rush of cooling air that filled the cavernous space.

Jacob caught her arm. “Please stay here while I look around.”

Still gripping the handles to the duffel, he walked into the living room that was large enough to fit his entire apartment. It held a gleaming black baby grand piano and a media area with a wall-mounted flat screen and electronic components. The wall sconces and twin chandeliers appeared to be what his interior decorator mother identified as Art Deco. He made his way through the formal dining room and into a bathroom with a free-standing shower, garden tub and a dressing area. Jacob left the bathroom and made his way along a narrow hallway to the master bedroom with a sitting area and en suite bath comparable to a spa. Ana had revealed she didn’t do housework, yet everything was immaculate. Even the refrigerator was clean and free of leftover foodstuffs.

Now he knew why she’d wanted to return home. Floor-to-ceiling windows dominated every room, bringing the outdoors inside. Her residence was high up enough for ultimate privacy. The stylized furniture and accessories harkened back to a more glamorous era. Somehow he’d thought Ana would favor a more contemporary style, and he wondered just who was the woman who’d become his wife.

He returned, finding her sitting on a chair in the foyer. “Does your cleaning service come even when you’re not here?”

She nodded. “Yes. Someone from management will usually let them in.”

“That’s not going to happen again until we take care of your problem.”

Hunkering down, he leaned in close. “I don’t want you to say anything until I give you the signal. I need you to trust me on this,” he whispered when she opened her mouth. “Nod if you understand.” She nodded. Jacob brushed a kiss over her parted lips. “That’s my baby.”

Opening the door, he stepped outside the apartment, and tapped his cell’s speed dial for the number Caleb had given him. “Where are you?” he asked when Caleb answered.

“I just finished unloading everything. Why?”

“We may have brought back some insects. Do you have anything to get rid of the critters?”

“I think I have something. I’ll bring it up.”

He didn’t have to wait long for Caleb. Jacob gave the bellhop a tip, closing and locking the door behind him after Caleb unloaded the cart. Shrugging out his jacket, Caleb motioned to Ana not to speak.

Ana couldn’t speak even if she wanted to. The decoratively carved handle of a powerful handgun was displayed in the holster strapped to his waist. Caleb wasn’t tall, but he was powerfully built. He took a wand from the jacket’s breast pocket and began a slow, methodical search of every inch of her condo. No object or space was ignored. Not the pantry, refrigerator or trash compactor.

He smiled, tiny lines fanning out his light brown eyes. “It’s clean.”

Jacob shook his hand. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Caleb’s gaze shifted from Jacob to Ana. “I know you two are going to stick close to home, but if you need anything I’m only a phone call away.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Jacob volunteered.

Ana sat in the bedroom’s sitting area, staring out the window and remembering how she got up every morning to swim laps in the fitness center; she then came back to her place to shower, prepare a light breakfast, dress and leave for the office. She did the same thing five days a week with little or no deviation until that fateful day when someone decided she didn’t deserve to live.

When she’d asked Diego about Tyler he told her Tyler, his wife, children, Tyler’s mother and her mother were staying at his Jupiter Island estate until the madness was over. This was one time when she needed her family around her: mother, father, sister and brothers. Tears filled her eyes and Ana brushed them away before they fell. She may have come home, but she still felt estranged.

The telephone rang, startling her. It rang a second time, and she picked up the receiver. “Hello.”

“Hey, baby girl. Diego told me you were home.”

Her pulses were racing when she heard the familiar voice. “Yes. We just got in.”

“When you say
we
I assume you’re talking about your husband.”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Your mama went to Jupiter Island with Parris and Dana.”

“I know. Diego told me.”

“When am I going to see you, baby?”

“Come over tonight. I’ll order dinner—”

“Don’t bother. We’ll bring something.”

“Daddy?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Is Jason coming?”

A soft chuckle came through the earpiece. “Do you actually think I’d come and not bring him?”

Ana felt an emotion of hope welling up inside her. “Daddy, I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“I’ll see you later.”

Jacob walked into the bedroom before she could replace the receiver on its cradle. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. “That was my father. He and my brother are coming over later.”

“Good.”

Ana stared at her husband as if he’d grown a third eye. “Good?”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Jacob angled his head. “Of course. I’m looking forward to sitting down and talking with my father-in-law.”

“When am I going to meet your mother?”

“Soon,
m’ija,
” he drawled.

Pushing off her chair, she closed the space between them. “You plan to introduce me to your mother when we both know this marriage isn’t going to last?”

Resting his hands on Ana’s shoulders, Jacob pulled her close. “It’s not going to last because you don’t want it to.”

“Why are you blaming me?” Ana knew she sounded defensive, but it was Jacob who had issues with her wealth.

His hands went from her shoulders to cradle her face. “Under another set of circumstances if I’d met you I would’ve asked you out, and hopefully dated you long enough to convince you that my intentions were honorable when I asked you to marry me.”

“What about love, Jacob?”

“What about it?” he asked.

“You mention dating me, being honorable, but not once have you mentioned love. People who marry usually declare their love for each other.” His expression changed, his eyes searching her face as if reaching into her thoughts.

“What have we been doing, Ana? What have we been saying to each other? When I call you
mi amor
do you think I was just mouthing the words? When I make love to you I give you all of myself—something I’ve never done with any other woman. And the one time we made love without a condom I selfishly prayed you would become pregnant so I would have something of you to hold on to. When Diego asked if I was enjoying my honeymoon my response was ‘I love my wife.’”

“You told my cousin you love me before telling me?”

“Ana, Ana,
Ana
. You’re not listening to me. How many more ways can I tell you that I love you?”

A single hot tear rolled down her cheek.
“Dígame otra vez, mi amor.”

“No, I’m not going to tell again. What I’m going to do is show you later on tonight.”

“What about my money?”

The deep-set dark eyes in an equally dark face caressed her face. “What about it,
m’ija?
”

“Shouldn’t we talk about it?”

“No. Talking about it will not change anything, and I’m not willing to risk losing you over something that won’t change or which I have no control over.”