Destination Wedding ~ A Novel by Deanna Lynn Sletten Read Free Book Online

Claire, at the very least, would have just made the best of it. This new Claire looked like she was capable of killing him in his sleep.
    Some of the wedding party was already down by the pool drinking colorful, slushy drinks and enjoying the evening ocean breeze. Jim waved at them, then headed to the bar and ordered two Pina Coladas, one regular and one virgin.
    Mandy came over to the bar while Jim waited for his order. "How is Mom doing?" she asked, biting her lip.
    Jim smiled. "She's angry and resentful, but she'll survive. Your mom's a tough woman."
    Mandy grimaced. "She was so looking forward to enjoying this vacation. I hope this won't ruin it for her."
    Jim patted Mandy's arm. "Don't worry, dear. I will do everything I can not to ruin your mom's vacation. I know she'd feel bad if you worried too much and didn't enjoy it yourself."
    When the two drinks came, Mandy frowned at her dad. "Double fisting it, Dad?"
    Jim laughed. "No. I ordered one for your mom. A peace offering of sorts. She should be down in a minute."
    "She doesn't drink alcohol very often," Mandy said.
    "I know. This one is virgin."
    They joined the others at the table by the pool. Craig explained that his parents were still in their room, settling in. Kaylie and Mark were there drinking Margaritas, and Cameron and Angela were drinking beer. Glen and Lisa showed up and soon had frosty drinks in their hands as well.
    A few minutes later when Claire walked over to the table, Jim couldn't help but watch her. She had on a simple outfit of shorts and a tank top, with the swimsuit top under it, he observed with a grin, and she'd pulled her blond hair back into a ponytail. Her legs looked long and toned, and the ribbed tank top accentuated her small waist. He couldn't help but stare, she looked really good.
    Claire's brows rose, directed at him. He quickly stopped staring and picked up the drink he'd ordered for her. "Pina Colada? he asked. When he saw she was about to say no, he added, "It's virgin."
    Claire stared at him a moment, then her face softened. She reached for the drink. "Thanks." Even though she said the word, to Jim it sounded like she wasn't all that appreciative.
    "I'm going for a walk on the beach. Anyone else want to go?" Claire asked. Everyone in the group mumbled a desire to just sit and finish their drinks. Glen, however, stood up.
    "I feel like walking. Honey, do you want to go?" he asked his wife.
    Lisa shook her head. "You two go ahead. I'll just sit awhile."
    Claire set down her drink in front of Jim. "Thanks," she said again, then walked away with her brother toward the beach.
    As Jim watched her walk away, he wondered what it would take to get on Claire's good side. He had a week to find out.
     
    ***
     
    Claire and Glen walked over to the wooden stairs that led down to the beach and jumped off the last step to land in the sugary sand. Evening was approaching, so the tide was coming in and taking up a good chunk of the beach. Claire didn't mind. It was a beautiful, warm day and when the water did hit her feet, it felt good.
    "I heard you had a problem with your room," Glen said after they'd walked a little way down the beach.
    "The room is great," Claire said. "It's the ex-husband sharing it with me that's the problem."
    Glen chuckled. "Yeah, that would be a bit sticky. Lisa and I talked about it, and we'd be okay with having Jim stay at the cottage with us. It's a good size, so we have room for him."
    Claire cocked her head and looked at her older brother. "That's really nice of you both, but I'm not going to let you ruin your vacation by adding another body to your room. Mandy was right, he and I are the only ones here who aren't part of a couple. It only makes sense we share the room."
    Glen shrugged. "Okay. But if you change your mind, the offer's still on the table."
    They walked farther down the strip of beach. The waves coming in had packed down the sand, making it easy to walk on. It amazed Claire that the island resorts were