Free Rivals in Paradise by Gwyneth Bolton Page A

dive into it, like a cloud or something.”
    He could see diving in all right, and it wasn’t her into his bed but rather him into her.
    He shook his head. “So, we should probably head on out to my mom’s place. I should warn you, it’s not very fancy. But the people are really nice and the food is the best you’ll probably get on the entireisland. There’s a small dance floor, and some nights she even has karaoke.”
    â€œSounds like fun, especially the food part. I’m ready for some Caribbean fare.” She rubbed her virtually nonexistent belly.
    For some reason he held out his hand for her again, and when she took it he felt that electric charge again. As they walked out of his home hand in hand, he knew it was going to be a long week.
    Â 
    As soon as they walked into Chase’s mother’s rum shack, Cicely relaxed. It was jam-packed with people, and everyone was just casually having fun. Some people were at the bar having drinks; others were at tables eating, talking and playing cards. Some people were even on the very small dance floor swaying to the reggae music that wafted from the back corner of the dance floor where a deejay was playing.
    Judging from the fresh paint outside, the beautiful sign that read Margie’s Rum Shack and the artfully decorated interior, Chase’s mom must have let him spend a good bit of money on decorating and upkeep. The place was small but stylish. It wasn’t the typical dive.
    The color scheme and decor were warm and welcoming, with soothing greens and blues making up the bulk of the walls. The space was accented in bold oranges and reds. The tables, chairs and barstools were all a deep cherrywood. The floor wasa bleached-blond plank that made the other colors pop. Pictures of various reggae and calypso singers graced the walls. Some of them were signed, and a woman who must have been Chase’s mom was in some of them with the famous singers.
    â€œWell, look what the cat drug in. I haven’t seen this one since Jesus was a baby. How are you, Chase?” An older gentleman with a shock of gray hair stood up as they entered and walked over. He shook Chase’s hand and they embraced.
    â€œMr. Frank, it’s good to see you, as always. I’m fine. It’s good to be home. This is my friend Cicely.” Chase moved aside so that Cicely could shake Mr. Frank’s hand.
    â€œHold the phone! My son brought a woman home? Get out! Well, I don’t believe it!” A tall, plump woman in a beautiful tropical-colored silk short set came running from behind the counter carrying a white terry cloth towel with her. “San, watch the bar while I go and check this out for myself, because I don’t believe it.”
    â€œMargie, you’re gonna embarrass the boy. No wonder he never brings any girls home for you to see.” Mr. Frank shook his head as he made his way back to his seat at the bar.
    â€œMan…know my place and mind your business! This is my son. If I want to embarrass him from here to the countryside of Dahinda, I can do it. I’m theone who went through a whole day of labor to bring him into this world.” Chase’s mother rolled her eyes at Mr. Frank before turning her attention back to Chase and Cicely.
    Chase pulled his mother into his arms. “Don’t start, Ma. You know Mr. Frank is the only one who can put up with your mood swings. If he gets tired of you, what other man will have you?”
    Margie squeezed Chase in her arms before popping him upside the head with her cloth. “How can you come here with your girlfriend and not give me any warning? You know I have to fix myself up to meet my future daughter-in-law—”
    â€œOhhhhh, nooooo!” Cicely found the correction falling out of her mouth before his mother could even finish what she was saying. “We are just friends…. I mean, we’re not dating or anything like that.” She was shaking