Shipwrecked (Happy Endings Book 2) Read online

  Shipwrecked

  L. Nicole

  Synopsis

  Rachel Berenger despises her new stepbrother. He’s cocky, stubborn and entirely too obsessed with himself.

  You know what they say—

  It’s a thin line between love and hate.

  Rachel’s mother has fallen in love.

  It’s a whirlwind courtship and the stuff that dreams and feel-good stories on the six o’clock news are made of.

  Rachel’s okay with it, namely because her mother deserves some happiness.

  It doesn’t hurt that she gets to live in a house on the hill and not worry about the bills for a change.

  Everything is fairy tale perfect, or so it would seem.

  But, as with every bedtime story, Rachel has to contend with an evil ogre—

  Or in this case, her new stepbrother Lucas.

  Lucas is insufferable and right away Rachel knows they will never be friends.

  She vows to just ignore him and stay out of his way.

  It would be a great plan, except for one small thing…

  They’re stranded on a desert island together.

  All alone and nowhere to hide, Rachel is forced to spend all of her time with Lucas.

  When she isn’t thinking about strangling her new stepbrother, she’s remembering what a great kisser he is—

  And wondering just what else he’s great at.

  Contents

  1. Rachel

  2. Lucas

  3. Rachel

  4. Lucas

  5. Rachel

  6. Rachel

  7. Rachel

  8. Lucas

  9. Rachel

  10. Rachel

  11. Lucas

  12. Lucas

  13. Rachel

  14. Lucas

  15. Lucas

  16. Rachel

  17. Rachel

  18. Lucas

  Epilogue

  Coming Soon

  About the Author

  Also by L. Nicole

  1

  Rachel

  “Brat,” my soon to be stepbrother calls out as I rush past him on the stairs to retrieve my mother’s earrings. I ignore his pathetic attempt to get a rise out of me and continue on my mission. I don’t know what I ever did to him to warrant his dislike of me, but he has made it obvious he hates me. I always thought it could be cool having an older brother, someone to look out for you and beat up crappy boyfriends, but I had to get stuck with Lucas.

  Lucas Packard is a spoiled rich boy who is used to getting his way. He was raised thinking he can buy anything and anyone. His father owns over half the town we live in. Packard Shipping is responsible for supplying seventy percent of the jobs in our community.

  The company is how our parents met.

  I’d never given much thought to the possibility of my mother remarrying. It had always been the two of us. She was a widow with a newborn when she was only twenty. My father was in the military and was killed overseas, in the line of duty. Despite all the obstacles she had to overcome, she raised me on her own, without help from anyone.

  When my old friends from high school found out my mom was dating Nigel Packard, they wouldn’t leave me alone about Lucas. They wanted to know every detail about him. The problem was, I didn’t know anything about him other than I didn’t like him.

  He is older than me, so most of what I know is only secondhand gossip anyway. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and I was born with a plastic one. We come from different sides of the tracks so to speak. I grew up in public housing and Lucas grew up in the mansion on the mountain that overlooks our sleepy town. He’s been living somewhere in Europe and has returned home to take over the family business. Me? I’m just trying to survive.

  How our parents ever fell in love, I will never know. Somehow they did, however, and here we are pretending to be one big happy family.

  Today is the big day.

  The day my mother marries his father. Then, after the honeymoon we are boarding Mr. Packard’s private yacht and setting sail for our first family vacation which happens to fall the week of my twenty-first birthday. Yeah, that’s right, they are forcing Lucas and me both to tag go on a family vacation right after their honeymoon.

  How creepy is that?

  They said we need to get to know each other; that we’re siblings now. They want us all to be one big happy family.

  Yeah, that will be the day.

  Lucas doesn’t like my mom or me. Maybe thinks we are out to steal his family fortune and inheritance or something. I can’t think of any other reason he would dislike us so much. It’s not like he’s taken the time to get to know me and we sure haven’t done anything to him.

  I don’t care about his father’s money. I’ve went my whole life without money, I only want my mom to be happy. And her happiness just happens to rest in Nigel Packard’s heart. So, two weeks ago my mother and I moved into the mansion on the mountain. It’s more beautiful than I ever imagined. Packard Manor looks like the White House. That’s what everyone calls it. My best friend, Kellis says that Lucas’s dad has more money than God and after seeing how the other side lives, I agree.

  The first week in this enormous house I had the entire third floor to myself. I could survive for days on end and not go anywhere else. There’s a small private kitchen, that once upon a time belonged to the servants of the house and my new stepfather keeps it fully stocked. It was dusty when I moved in, but I managed to make it my own. The last time it was used was as a wing for the nanny and a nursery for Lucas.

  Anyway, my stepfather made sure the small kitchen was stocked with all my favorites when we moved in. I have to admit, that made me feel good. I was relaxing and even enjoyed myself. I had one week of quiet then Lucas came home and took over. His room is on the opposite end of the hall from mine, but you would never know it due to how loud he cranks his stereo.

  I try to shake off thoughts of Lucas. I don’t want to think of him at all today.

  I make my way into the master suite on the second floor. I go to my mother’s closet, to her dressing table to retrieve her pearl earrings that had belonged to her mother, my grandmother. Did I mention her closet is bigger than our old apartment was? I am fairly certain half the town could move in and there would still be room. I don’t know why one family would need such a large house.

  Then again, Nigel has been spoiling her, both of us really. Her closet is filled with more shoes and clothes than she could ever possibly wear. My own is beginning to look the same. It does no good to refuse the lavish gifts from Nigel, he refuses to take no for an answer.

  I tried and when I mentioned to my mother that I needed to return all of the gifts he was showering with, she smiled, stroking my cheek. “Rachel, Nigel has more money than he knows what to do with. He’s always wanted a daughter and he loves me. He wants to take care of us. Let the man do what he wants.”

  “He could donate to charity,” I grumbled, because honestly, it makes me feel weird, but again she just shook her head.

  “Nigel gives millions. He’s a good man, Rach. Give him a chance.” And when she hugged me with that smile on her face, I caved. There was nothing else I could do. I’ve never seen my mom so happy. Not once has she smiled and lit up like she does for Nigel.

  I don’t really know Nigel all that well. He’s always working and when he isn’t working, he’s got my mom locked up in their bedroom. I don’t even want to imagine what they are doing in there. I am extremely grateful my room is on a separate floor, for that reason alone

  The only thing, I’m not extremely crazy about is Nigel can be a tad… domineering. For instance, I graduated from college a few weeks ago and my plan was t
o get my own place, and start spreading my wings. Nigel made me promise him that I would at least spend the summer with them and he more or less guilted me into it, telling me it would make my mom happy. Mom gave up so much to raise me, I’d do anything for her and I’m sure Nigel realizes that.

  So here I am, fingering through Mom’s jewelry box, as I comb through trying to locate the pearls.

  “What are you doing?” Lucas snaps from behind me.

  “None of your business.” I palm the earrings and turn to leave.

  “What’s in your hand, princess?” His dark gaze pins me in place.

  “What’s it to you?”

  “Don’t forget, brat, that this home is my father’s and mine. It’s not yours. So, I’m going to ask you again.” He steps into my space, his hard chest pushing against mine, towering over me and making me feel petite and vulnerable. “What are you doing in here?”

  His cool mint breath fans over my lips. I swallow hard, hating how much the bastard intimidates me. “Getting my mother’s earrings. Have you got a problem with that?”

  “Whatever.” He rolls his eyes and walks away.

  Ugh. I curse him under my breath, reminding myself that I just have to survive the summer and then I’ll be free of Lucas for the most part.

  I rush to take the pearls to the guest house where my mom is getting ready for her nuptials. Nigel spared no expense. The backyard is overflowing with pink roses; my mom’s favorite. A white tent, large enough to host a circus, is set up on the far side of the pool. Inside it looks like a ballroom of a fancy hotel—or at least I imagine it does. It’s not like I’ve truly been inside one. Chandeliers, candles, silver balloons and accents are everywhere. It’s all so beautiful, reminding me of something you would see in a storybook.

  Nigel wanted to give my mom her dream wedding and he delivered. I can’t wait to see her face when she lays her eyes on all of this. She hasn’t been allowed to see any of it because Nigel wanted to make this day as special as possible. He wants it to be a surprise. Connie Berenger will be surprised all right. I hope the woman doing her makeup uses waterproof mascara because she will surely cry. Nigel flew in some fancy salon from New York to take care of my mother’s—and mine—beauty needs today, so I’m sure they have her covered.

  I push open the door to the guest house which looks like a regular house if you ask me, but what do I know?

  If I had been Lucas, I would have moved into it instead of his old room, but he insisted on reclaiming it instead. Probably to make sure I didn’t steal anything. Lord knows he watches me like a hawk.

  Have I mentioned that I really hate him?

  I’m careful not to let my mother catch a glimpse of the decor that awaits her in just under an hour. People are huddled around her primping her hair and touching up her lipstick. It seems she has had another glass of champagne. She must be nervous. She’s really not much of a drinker. My Aunt, Nadine, is drinking straight from the bottle. So classy. I roll my eyes and push my way through the throngs of people to deliver the cherished earrings.

  “Thank you, baby.” She smiles at me. Her heavily made up eyes shine with unshed tears.

  “Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your gorgeous makeup, not that you need it.”

  She doesn't need it. My mother is a classic beauty, reminding me of one of the greats from way before my time. She’s a Greta Garbo, or maybe Grace Kelly.

  I hand over the pearls and she eagerly puts them on, taking a moment to look over her reflection in the mirror being held up for her. Nadine takes another swig from her bottle and sloshes some out as she turns away with tears burning in her eyes for a different reason entirely. She’s jealous. My Nan always loved my mother best or so Nadine says. I am so grateful for always being an only child during episodes such as these.

  No sibling rivalry.

  The thought gives me an aha moment. Is that what Lucas’s issue with me is? Does he think I want to steal his daddy away?

  I don’t get a moment to think any further on it. Next thing I know my mother is out of the chair and I am being shoved into it for my turn to be primped and dolled up.

  My hair is taken down of the up-do I worked hard to perfect. A brush rakes through my red tendrils and someone removes the makeup I spent thirty minutes applying. Rude much? I don’t fight it though. I know it would be pointless. I do want to look good. I’m not conceited, but there will be several photographs of this day and I plan on looking decent for them. Poor Nadine is a helpless cause. She spent thirty days in a detox facility for all the good it did her. She’s a mess and sometimes I wonder why my mom bothers with her. I guess blood is thicker than water because I know Nigel didn’t want her here today. I overheard him and my mom arguing about it this morning over breakfast.

  Once my hair is braided and secured, a halo of flowers is placed upon my head. The small flowers are a shade of pale pink and purple. I’m a glorified flower girl because Nadine is the maid of honor. My dress is a snug green satin that I have to admit looks great with my hair.

  My mother looks like royalty. A photographer comes in and snaps photos of the bridal party and I put on a happy face so that when my mom looks back on this day it will hold nothing but good memories.

  I won’t let on to the fact that I can’t stop thinking about Lucas and his ruggedly handsome good looks and his jerk attitude that has thrown me off kilter. He is nothing like I had built up in my head. He is an ass, and it really annoys me—and maybe hurts a little—that he treats me with such dislike.

  I mean, he hasn’t even taken the time to get to know me. I’ve tried to him, but he doesn’t give me much opportunity. He’s different than I imagined, however. I thought he would be all preppy and while he does have a refined upbringing, he has a certain sex appeal that screams rough around the edges. My mind drifts to seeing him swimming a few days ago. The guy is definitely in shape. When he isn’t driving me nuts with his stereo, he’s doing something physical. I took him for the type to lay around on his wealthy ass while everyone waited on him hand and foot. He’s not that way at all. From everything I’ve seen, he seems content to do things for himself.

  Before I know it, the orchestra is playing. Yes, the orchestra. It’s time. I can do this. I go to take my place. I’m being escorted down the aisle by Nigel’s nephew, Landon. He’s old enough to be my father. I take his offered arm and give him a smile. Him and his wife were over for dinner a few nights ago and he’s a chill guy. He resembles an older more mature Lucas. Speaking of, I don’t see him anywhere now. He should be standing behind me to escort Nadine but he’s MIA. Nadine is bitching albeit drunkenly behind me.

  “Where is that Lucas?” She huffs and staggers to the side.

  “Maybe I should just walk by myself. You can escort my Aunt,” I suggest, unable to keep my embarrassment and disgust from my voice. I can’t stand when Nadine gets like this. I wish Nigel had convinced my mother to keep her away today. I just pray she doesn’t do anything that might ruin Mom’s big day.

  Landon takes one look at her as she sways once more, and then hiccups. “Perhaps that would be best.” His lips form a tight line as he excuses himself to offer his arm to her.

  “Now, my my my, aren't you a gentleman,” she coos, and I want to throw up. She is so desperate it’s quite sad. I do love her, but her drinking has been out of control for years now. The only thing detox did was make her drink more when she got out.

  I begin walking down the pink carpet to the alter when Lucas steps up and takes my arm unexpectedly.

  He doesn’t speak, and I don’t dare look up at him. He’d probably snarl at me if I do, and I only want to make it through the ceremony without my ankles giving out. I’m not used to walking in such high heels. I stare straight ahead with the biggest smile I can muster stretched across my face. I can hear hushed mumblings as we walk, but I can’t make out a word over the music. The photographer steps up and snaps our picture. She winks at us and we part ways. I take my spot and soon after Nadine is standing next to me
.

  The tempo changes and the wedding march filters through the tent. I look to Nigel and watch him as my mother makes her grand entrance. He smiles proudly, and I sneak a glance at Lucas whose expression I can’t read. I wince when his eyes catch mine. They appear so wounded…so tortured. I can’t figure him out and I don’t know why. I can’t pull my gaze away from him, I want to figure him out, even if I shouldn’t. The preacher begins speaking and I am mad at myself for missing my mother’s walk down the aisle.

  Stupid Lucas, taking up my thoughts. Why should I care about his thoughts or feelings? The short time I have known him he hasn’t had any regard for mine.

  Nigel’s deep voice breaks me from thoughts. My Mom and Nigel opted for traditional vows but that doesn’t make them any less meaningful or heartfelt. The emotion and devotion behind their words echoes in their voices as they promise through sickness and health and say I do. Their kiss is tasteful and sweet, lips meeting briefly and eagerly.

  Today is everything I can hope to someday find for myself.

  While the guests receive their hors d'oeuvre and cocktails the wedding party is needed for more photographs minus Lucas. I don’t know how he was able to sneak away. If Nigel is surprised or disappointed, he doesn’t show it, and no one comments on his absence. It’s so not fair. If I have to suffer through this whole ordeal, then he should have to as well. After a few poses with my mom and Nigel I am excused, thank God. I’m starving. I spot my bestie, Kellis at a table in the back and rush to join her.

  “I’m so happy to see you.” I hug her briefly and steal some shrimp from her plate. She’s so pretty with her blonde curls and smoky gray eyes. Dressed in a pale purple slip of a dress, she cleans up quite nice, outside of her usual leggings and basic tees.