Key West Wild (The Florida Keys Series) by Cyndi Raye Page B

of hopelessness and wanted to know today how he felt. Sara worked too long and spent too many years being a hot mess to jump in to another relationship blind. The way he kissed proved that he wanted her and she was going to find out how much.
    Sara wasn’t going to be made a fool of ever again. She gave herself one last look and blew the mirror a kiss, kicking up her heel a bit and made her way to the kitchen.
    <>
    Wine and beer flowed free as a few couples mingled in the gardens during the meet and greet. Sara wandered around, meeting her guests and introducing herself. There were four young couples, two older couples and a few single men who showed up. She filled her wine glass with sparkling water and a lemon wedge dangling on the edge. Sara doubted she could handle another hangover so soon. Just the smell of alcohol made her stomach churn.
    “Thank you for choosing The Inn With No Name,” she said to the two older couples who were relaxing on the wrought iron furniture. “How is your stay so far?” Sara tried to pay attention as they talked away, but her eyes kept drifting towards the French doors for a sign of Josh. She wondered if maybe he wasn’t planning to show up at all.
    Twenty minutes later, Sara’s smile became pasted on her face. Her eyes darted back and forth looking for Josh, but he never made an appearance. It seemed pretty obvious, he was avoiding her. He told Jake that he would help her and now he was leaving her hang all because of a kiss.
    It was good to know before she became involved. He promised to be reliable and he couldn’t even keep his word.
    Art Shepherd, one of the single men staying at the Inn, approached Sara. “Afternoon, Miss Kelley. Can I get you another drink,” he offered.
    She looked at her empty wine glass and shrugged. “Sure. Why not.” What made her say that, she wondered. She had no intention of drinking again, but when Art brought her a fresh glass filled with dark liquid, she accepted the wine. He picked up her other hand, his fingers splayed and turned it upwards, planting a soft kiss on her palm.
    She pulled back her hand because he seemed kind of creepy.
    He frowned. “I apologize if I overstepped my bounds. Would you like to take a stroll around this gorgeous property?”
    Sara had a feeling he wasn’t sorry at all. She shook her head. “Sorry, I can’t because I’m the hostess and should mingle with everyone.”
    “I know you are the new Inn keeper, I’m just trying to be friendly,” he chirped. His dark hair, long and parted at the side, fell down over his right brow. The man wore dark horn-rimmed glasses and even though they were trendy, Sara just couldn’t get past them. He reminded her of a bookworm at the local library. He wore light yellow pants, along with a white button down polyester shirt and sandals. Who still wore polyester?
    Every time she walked away and started a conversation with someone else, Art followed her, interrupting so no one could get a word in but him. He even put his arm around Sara’s waist at one point. She stared him down and he removed it right away.
    The guy seemed to be stalking her! She needed a break. Excusing herself, she walked up the path and in to the kitchen, hoping that he would stay put. She was just about to set the untouched glass of wine on to the table when Josh came through the door.
    Startled at first, she let her eyes drift down over his body. He wore a casual tight t-shirt with a pair of cut off jeans that hung just right and tight as far as she was concerned. Josh began to grin. His brow rose as he leaned against the door frame. “Do I pass?” he asked her, amused.
    “Josh, we need to talk.”
    “Yes, we do,” he agreed. “I’m sorry I’m late. I had some thinking to do.” He pushed himself away from the door and strolled across the room to her.
    “I’m concerned because you promised your friend Jake that you would be here to help and then I couldn’t find you anywhere. About what happened