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    Paradise Island
    Paradise Island
    Paradise Island
    Ebook194 pages2 hours

    Paradise Island

    By Cristina Grenier and Stacey Mills

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Changing a fling into a lifetime is never easy. 

    After her best friend marries a wealthy celebrity, Sierra Williams is constantly invited to their extravagant parties. At Christmas, her friend hosts a lavish party at St. John. For a couple of parties now, a certain guy had caught Sierra's eyes, and she finally makes a move. Not only is Derrick Reeves, a talented and up-and-coming actor, receptive, but sparks positively fly. 

    But Sierra is still a stranger and an outsider to the realm of the rich and famous. Will the glitz and glamour of his world prevent them turning a fling into a lifelong commitment? 

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMonster Media LLC
    Release dateApr 4, 2019
    ISBN9781386835356
    Paradise Island

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      Book preview

      Paradise Island - Cristina Grenier

      Chapter One: The Wedding

      Everything was amazing. The church, the decorations, the flowers, the opulence… It was amazing what money could buy, it really was. Sierra Williams couldn't help being a little star struck by it all. Her best friend Alexis was marrying the love of her life, who just happened to be Cameron Ford, one of the hottest directors in all of Hollywood.

      Having had her peek, she shut the door to the church to focus on Alexis and the bridesmaids. Sierra was the maid of honor, and she was so thankful to be in the wedding party. Even her most fancy dress didn't come close to what the other ladies in attendance were wearing. As a physician assistant working in family practice, Sierra just didn't make enough money to be able to justify dropping hundreds of dollars on her wardrobe.

      I still can't believe this. Alexis fiddled with her tiara. It glittered beautifully, contrasting nicely against her dark skin tone.

      You deserve it, girl. Sierra hugged her.

      Whenever they gave the signal, the wedding would start, but Alexis couldn't keep still. She walked back and forth, pacing.

      Why are you so nervous?

      Because. Alexis stopped suddenly in front of Sierra, her brows creased.

      Relax. You'll ruin your makeup. Sierra glanced over her shoulder at their friends. Can you give us a moment?

      The bridesmaids, all five of them, moved toward the far side of the church's entryway.

      Because why? Sierra prompted softly.

      Her best friend had never looked more beautiful. With her makeup done to make her look like an African queen and a wedding gown that women would kill to be able to fit into, she was amazing. Small wonder she had been able to snag one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors.

      I have to read lines the day we come back from our honeymoon.

      Read lines? You mean it? You finally got a call back?

      Alexis nodded, beaming. Yes! It's for a great romance, the best friend role, but I can't expect leading lady roles right off the bat. And… this is for a movie I applied for before I even met Cameron. He had no role in it, she said gleefully.

      Sierra hugged her again. You'll do perfect. Don't you worry about that now, though. You have a man to tie down first.

      Her best friend giggled. You're right!

      Alexis had Jada open the doors and motion to the organist, and the older woman started to play immediately. Cameron's young niece went first, scattering red, pink, and white rose petals everywhere. Then came the bridesmaids. Most of them were high school and college friends of both Alexis and Sierra, although one was Cameron's sister, a woman Sierra hadn't had the chance to get to know yet.

      Next was Sierra's turn. She walked slowly to the beat of the music. Everyone was staring at her, and she flushed. Alexis had always talked about wanting to be a huge movie star and craved the limelight. Sierra preferred to work hard. They balanced each other out. This huge throng of people, they were Alexis's new people.

      I hope we don't grow apart.

      That thought had never occurred to her, not even during Alexis and Cameron's whirlwind of a courtship. They had met almost by accident, she had been the one to ask him out, and they were together ever since. But Sierra had been the first person Alexis told about their engagement, and Sierra had been the one to plan the bachelorette party and even helped the wedding planner with details about the wedding prep when Alexis was off with Cameron. She had felt included.

      Alexis had been her best friend since the third grade. All of their schooling, they had been inseparable and they even had an apartment after college together for a little while.

      Everything's about to change.

      She tried to keep her eyes straight ahead, but she saw glittering jewels poured over the women, the opulent dresses and gowns, the reek of expensive perfume… and all she wanted to do was run away.

      Everyone stood when she reached the front, and Alexis floated beside her father. It was hard to tell whose happiness was more evident—Alexis's or Cameron's.

      The ceremony was perfect, and the love brimming between the newly wedded couple was truly a sight to see. The slightest pang of jealousy consumed Sierra, but only for a moment. She would either find herself a man or she wouldn't.

      Once the reception was underway and the meal served—all seven courses of it—Sierra had to do her duty and dance with the best man. He was Cameron's brother, a director of short films, married with two kids. They had little to talk about, and as soon as the wedding party dance ended, Sierra headed to the bar for some wine. She drank it all before returning to the dance floor.

      An entire country club had been rented out for them to enjoy, and from the looks of it, it was the grandest one in all of California. Everything was white—the tablecloths, the coverings of the chairs. Huge white flower arrangements centered every table, a single colorful flower in the middle of each one. Mini chandeliers hung over every table, the lighting low and dim, giving the entire room an otherworldly feel.

      Sierra accepted another glass of wine from a waiter. She was just taking a sip—normally she preferred fruity wines, but this red went down so smoothly—when she spied a man who could only be considered gorgeous. Tall, broad shouldered, features carved out of stone to perfection… Unsurprisingly, there was a crowd of women around him. Of course. Derrick Reeves was the hottest name in the acting biz nowadays, a real up and comer.

      Look at him. Flirting with them all. Not ignoring one of them. Could he actually be kind?

      Even the flower girl seemed mesmerized by him. When he spied her, he kneeled down to her level and held out his hand. He walked her to the edge of the dance floor, and Sierra's heart broke at the sight of him dancing with her. The little girl just looked amazing. He said something to her, and they both started to laugh.

      Wow. Her ovaries just might explode.

      After the song ended, he bowed to the flower girl, and she ran away giggling to her mommy. Did you see that? I danced with him!

      Sierra chuckled, and Derrick's gaze met hers. Feeling self conscious and embarrassed for being caught staring, she raised her wine glass in greeting.

      He winked at her.

      She'd been winked at before. It wasn't anything really, to be winked at. But somehow, he made it seem special, like he had never winked before, or as if she deserved every wink there ever was.

      Not nearly confident enough to approach him, she drank more wine to try to bolster her confidence, but before she could work up the courage, he was on the dance floor again, this time dancing with the bride. The man had some serious moves for a white guy, she had to admit. If he could dance that sexily on the floor, what was he like in the sheets?

      No way would she ever find out, but tonight, her vibrator was sure going to get a work out, and she knew just whom she would be fantasizing about.

      Chapter Two: The Going Away Party

      The next night after the reception, Alexis and Cameron hosted another party. So we can see everyone off before our honeymoon, Alexis had gushed when she invited Derrick.

      Cameron wasn't smiling. The man was beaming. He hadn't stopped smiling since his beautiful bride had walked down the aisle.

      This party was at Cameron's, which almost shocked Derrick Reeves. Cameron, for being a huge name in Hollywood, tried to keep some semblance of privacy, the little good that it did him.

      Derrick strolled up the stone pathway to the mansion and waltzed inside. It was huge, filled with furniture that looked too pretty and perfect to be used. No tacky banner at least. Other than various white flower displays throughout the huge living room and the neighboring parlor, the place wasn't that decorated. It didn't need to be. It was state of the art without help.

      Waiters dressed in suits as nice as some of the guests walked around, carrying trays of hors d'oeuvres and wine or other cocktails. He snagged himself a glass of red. Woody, deep, full flavored. It burned pleasantly on the way down. Normally, he opted for gin, but Cameron preferred his wines, and he did know how to pick them.

      He surveyed the crowd. Familiar faces everywhere, including one that belonged to a dark-skinned beauty. Derrick frowned. He couldn't recall her name, and then he remembered where he had seen her. At the reception yesterday. He'd danced with little Kelly and then looked up to see the woman watching him, a slight smile on her lips. She'd raised her glass in greeting but hadn't approached him. By then, the bride had claimed him for a dance. He intended on at least speaking to her today. That she hadn't fawned all over him was refreshing. Not all of Alexis's friends had he met before the wedding, and while some actors appreciated and lived for the fawning, sometimes he just needed a break from it all.

      Why do you look so sad? A swift slap to his back accompanied Cameron's words.

      Derrick turned to one of his oldest friends and smiled. I'm not sad at all. Europe, huh?

      Yes. Alexis has never been anywhere outside of America. Italy and Greece for our first trip. For our one-year anniversary, I'm already planning on England, Ireland, and maybe somewhere else.

      He laughed. She's really dug her claws into you.

      Alexis doesn't have claws. Cameron gestured toward her across the room, surrounded by friends, including the woman Derrick wished to speak to.

      As if she felt his eyes on her, Alexis looked over. She also hadn't stopped smiling since walking down the aisle. The two were almost sickeningly sweet. They were so in love. He had never known a love like that.

      So, how's married life treating you? Derrick asked.

      It's only been a short time. Ask me again in a year or five or ten. Cameron laughed heartily. But you should consider it.

      Marriage? No way. I haven't even come close to finding Mrs. Right.

      Well, what about Ms. Right Now? I know you like to think yourself a horse—

      A horse?

      Sowing your wild oats and whatnot. Cameron laughed again. Believe me. We've both dated around, and while that has perks, when you find that special woman… it changes you. It should change you. That's how you know it's real.

      Gah, you're being so sweet you're gonna give me a cavity. Derrick shook his head.

      Cameron's brother, John, approached, and the two struck up a conversation while Derrick maneuvered away toward a corner to be alone with his thoughts a moment. A wife. Kids. He never really thought about the future. Sure, maybe he'd have a wife and a kid or two down the road, but he always figured that would be later, way later. But he was twenty-eight now. Maybe later should be sooner.

      A tall, willowy blond approached, swaying her hips. Derrick, baby, she cooed.

      He fought back a grimace and swallowed down some wine. Heidi. Hi.

      How have you been? She rubbed a hand on his chest, pretending to smooth out a wrinkle.

      Never better.

      Her overly painted lips tugged downward. You don't mean that, do you? You must miss me. She leaned toward him.

      He sidestepped her so he wouldn't have to touch her to get away. I need another drink.

      But it's half full, she protested.

      Derrick drained the rest. Chugging wine wasn't something he normally did, but if she was here, so were Vanessa and Joy and Charlotte, and he would rather not deal with them. Oh, he'd be pleasant, or try to be, but not one of them had gotten the hint that it was over between them. He'd been blinded by their looks, but their personalities were basically identical: superficial, shallow, and boring, if he was being frank. And to make matters worse, they weren't up for anything wild in the bedroom. Vanilla was fine sometimes, but other times, spice was the way to go.

      He spied the woman standing next to Alexis. She'd been the maid of honor, he realized now. Too bad he hadn't kept the wedding program. At least then he'd know her name.

      Ridiculous. He should just walk over to her and ask her for it. Why he was focusing so hard on her, he couldn't say. Probably because she, besides Alexis and some of their friends, was the only here he hadn't already dated.

      But before he could head over, Charlotte grabbed his arm. Joy latched on to his other arm. He grimaced.

      The woman happened to glance over. At first she looked puzzled, but when he smiled and nodded at her, she grinned back. Her teeth looked amazingly white against her dark skin.

      Joy tugged on him, and he sent a pleading look across the hall.

      Shaking her head so her black curls bounced every which way, she threw back her head and laughed. The room was too loud, filled with conversations and mirth for him to hear it, but she looked so happy.

      At his expense.

      He had to laugh too.

      What's so funny? Charlotte and Joy asked at the same time.

      Derrick ignored them and

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