HOOKED ON YOU (Paradise Cove) Read Free Page A

selections and the only one enjoying it is us. Pathetic.”
    Juanita got up to remove the plates, and Kayla followed. “Why don’t you two go outside and round up some more people?” Her lilting voice matched the teasing light in her eye.
    Colt stood and offered his hand. “Come on, Tay. Let’s do it. One look at you and the cars will come to a sliding stop.”
    She laughed, looking down at her sleeveless coral blouse and floral print skirt. Wash and wear, with a slight nod to fashion. “You are such an idiot.”
    “And you should take a good look at yourself once in awhile.” He nodded at her matching Sketchers. “Some guy’s going to be a lucky man.”
    Her heart pounded at his intense perusal but she stayed with the jokes. “He better not show up today. I’m too busy!”
    The two-lane highway had a steady stream of traffic, and she held her breath as Colt valiantly jumped onto the road. He put one hand out to stop traffic, and with his other arm outstretched he pointed at her standing next to the sign that read Taylor’s Cafe.
    She lifted her hand and waved at people who honked their horns and then carefully made their way around the mad man standing in the middle of the road—to continue toward their destination.
    After a few minutes, he loped back to her with a silly grin. “Well, you can’t say I didn’t try.”
    “You are something else. I’ll give you that.” Sweet, gorgeous and so not for her. She put a hand on her hip. “Why don’t you bring Jamie around for happy hour? I’ll make him his favorite personal pepperoni pizza.”
    “He’ll love it and so will I. Later, babe.” He went around the café to the back area that connected to Paradise Cove.
    She watched him go and gritted her teeth, hating when he called her that. Taylor could guarantee that she’d never be one of his “babes”.

CHAPTER TWO

    Colt walked through the Paradise Cove cottages on his way to the marina. He could have gone around on the main road, but he liked to say hello to Anna and knew she’d have the chubby-faced Merica with her. The baby was in love with him, and he had a soft spot for her as well. He’d put a few fresh strawberries from the breakfast plates into a napkin, knowing she couldn’t resist the sweet treat.
    The office was set well back from the highway, down a dusty dirt road overgrown with bushes and shrubs, and straggly pines. The twelve guest cottages—all freshly painted—were built around the pool area and nearer the beach, but separated by environmentally protected mangroves. Unfortunately the mangroves were directly blocking the beach and so judicious trimming was a necessary evil.
    “Good morning, Anna!” He called, poking his head into the open office door. “You got any company?”
    A tiny hand gripped his knee. He glanced down at the wobbling one-year-old, dressed in denim rompers. “Me!” She pulled at the hem of his shorts.
    Merica Hernandez had dark curly hair, sparkling eyes, and a pink binkie in her rosy mouth. He reached down and swept her up into his arms, giving her plump cheeks a big smack. “Hey, Meri. How’s my baby this morning? I brought you some strawberries.”
    She pulled the binkie out of her mouth and smiled. “Sawberry.” She reached for his hand. He opened the napkin and she popped one in her mouth. Making a grab for the others, two fell to the floor. She let out a cry, flailing madly in his arms.
    Anna gave him a bright smile as she came around the front desk and scooped up the strawberries. “Morning, Colt. I’ll just give these a quick rinse.” She cleaned the fresh berries in the small bathroom adjoining the office and then returned to hand feed Merica’s eager mouth. “She’s been watching the door, waiting for you. Were you at the cafe?”
    Anna was a petite version of her daughters. Not more than five feet two or three, but full of vitality and verve. A good-looking woman with personality and a big heart. He wished his own mother was like that,