Killer Confections8 Delectable Mysteries(13)

Speaking of the devil, Dave strolled in our direction, deep in discussion with a tall, bronzed male who looked as good striding across land as he did on the deck of his vessel.

My hand involuntarily reached up to fluff my hair, which due to the island humidity, had an annoying tendency to shrivel into tiny corkscrew curls. Too bad the humidity didn’t cause my butt to shrivel up a size or two. I smoothed the skirt of my dress, pleased that I’d chosen a light blue sundress that matched my eyes, instead of a plain tee and shorts.

Dave gave me a quick peck on my cheek before turning to our mother who smothered him with a hug. Steve flashed me a smile so sexy my insides turned to poi.

My mother inspected her first-born child like an appraiser at an antiques road show. “Honey, are you okay?”

Although Dave nodded with an affirmative, the dark puffy circles under his eyes contradicted him. In the last twenty-four hours, it looked like he’d also lost even more ground in his battle of the bald.

My mother greeted Captain Steve then looked around. “Where’s Regan? Isn’t she joining us?”

“She called and said she would try to make it later.” Dave’s voice sounded as bitter as day-old espresso. “As usual, something came up at Koffee Land.”

Mother crossed her arms, looking miffed. “Your wife needs to work on her priorities.”

I, too, was surprised Regan hadn’t appeared and wondered if it was strictly due to her workload. She hadn’t seemed particularly upset about the news of Keiki’s death, but maybe she was merely relieved the beautiful dancer was no longer around to tempt Dave. I needed to find a way to get my brother alone sometime tonight and find out the truth.

Hoping to distract my mother from interrogating Dave in public, I decided to make Steve the subject of my own gentle grilling. “Have you always lived on this island?”

He shook his head. “Nope. I’m a Wall Street dropout. Seven years ago I tossed dozens of designer suits and ties in the garbage and hopped on a plane.”

“That’s impressive. People always complain about their jobs and talk about giving up a high-paced career for a more relaxed existence. You actually did it.”

“Those ties felt like a noose around my neck. Even though I left behind the opportunity to make millions, I’ve never regretted my decision.” He gestured toward the sun setting over the ocean. “You can’t put a price on this beauty.”

I nodded in agreement, although I felt more mesmerized by his gorgeous looks than the beautiful sunset in the background. Steve was not only handsome and charming. There was a depth to him.

“I know you and Dave have been friends for awhile, but how did you two meet?”

My brother smiled for the first time tonight. “C’mon, pal. Share the whole sordid story with my little sis.”

“Believe it or not, we met when I was on vacation on the island. I was here with a, um, friend.”

Dave snorted. “Steve was here with his fiancée.”

My eyebrows rose.

Steve colored under his tan. “We were staying at one of the big resorts. This island had such a strong pull over me, I told her I wanted to chuck my career and move here permanently. We were in love so it never occurred to me she wouldn’t feel the same way.”

“Instead, she dumped the contents of the ice bucket on his head,” Dave chimed in. “Told him to choose between her and the palm trees.”

Steve chuckled. “I headed out to find solace and the first person I met was my friendly hotel bartender.”

Dave smiled broadly. “I served him. Counseled him. After I closed down the bar, I helped him back to his room, worried he’d get an even frostier reception from his fiancée. She had already packed her bags and left for home. We ended up ordering room service and ate and talked all night long. At least until Steve passed out.” He shoved Steve’s shoulder. “You’re kind of a lightweight, pal.”

I could see a deep bond existed between the two men. In the next couple of days, Dave would need all the support he could get. In the distance, I spotted someone hurrying in our direction. Someone who should have been the first person to support my brother in his time of need.

But would she?





Chapter 9





Regan’s long auburn hair flew in the breeze, the expression on her face blacker than the sleeveless top and slacks she wore. She marched up to Dave and poked her index finger in his chest.

“I warned you about that slut. Do you know how hard I’ve worked so you could follow your dream of owning a restaurant?” Regan’s face matched the setting sun in its intensity. The crack of her hand meeting Dave’s cheekbone was more startling than a gunshot.