The B&B at Tigertail Beach (Marco Island Series Prequel): Marco Island Series

By Jessie Kelley

Julie has been running her bed and breakfast with her brother Hans in Tigertail Beach, Florida for the past three years. Her life has been going perfectly until she lets her friend, Marie, not only talk her into going to a party, but also persuade her into wearing a rather revealing outfit.

Julie realizes she has compromised her values when she looks at herself in the mirror and sees a different woman staring back at her. Her usual conservative mode of dress has always had the effect of keeping rakish types at bay. So, when she meets Marco, a lascivious playboy who won't take no for an answer, she is completely out of her depth.

But fate takes over, and she is soon well and truly in love with the man of her dreams. Jim is everything that a woman like Julie could desire and she trusts him completely. He is a young entrepreneur who has recently started his own winery, and even her brother Hans appears to approve. Unbeknown to Julie, he hasn't been entirely honest with her about his past, but the terrible consequences of that are still very far in the future. Right now, they have everything, and it seems as though their happy ending is within their grasp.

Disaster strikes in the form of Julie's would-be ravager. Marco. He has been lying low and his festering ego has now overtaken his sanity. Driven by vengeance he hatches an evil plan, which could destroy their happiness forever…

Will Julie ever manage to escape from her predator and find peace and love? Will their love survive the twist of fate that brings them to the brink of disaster?

Jump right in, the waters of Marco Island are beckoning. Tag along with Jim and Julie and all the characters, tension, and dramatic twists and turns of the Hart family and their friends, starting with this thrilling prequel to the 5-book series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessie Kelley
• Release date: Jan 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393884859

Book preview

Chapter One

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Julie scanned herself in the mirror, a groan escaping her lips. Are you sure this is all right?

She was clad in a silk black dress that tightened around her hips, accentuating the curves. It hung too low at her chest, showing a little too much cleavage, much to Julie’s discomfort.

Marie threw an arm around her best friend’s shoulder. Trust me, it’s perfect. We need to get you a dashing suitor tonight, Jules, and in that outfit, you look ready to steal the show.

Julie was not even remotely convinced. But she had been complaining for over an hour now, and Marie was getting impatient. She knew her friend only had her best intentions at heart for her. So, finally, she nodded.

Marie beamed at her. Oh, my God, we’re going to have the time of our lives tonight.

It was a lavish night, pervaded by a potent smell of lust. Glimmering blots of amber lights, the delicious hue of golden-brown champagne in frosted-glass goblets, and vivid colors flashed across Julie’s eyes as she made it through the entrance. Marie’s friend had invited them over to a formal bar party, and if it wasn’t obvious already, it was Julie’s very first time attending one.

The sound of music reverberated off the walls. Men and women swarmed the dance floor, bodies swaying in harmony to the catchy beat. While Marie glided through the crowd, Julie repaired to the drinks counter, sinking into the nearest chair.

Bourbon whiskey, please. She waved a hand at the bartender, who wiped out a fresh glass, mixed in the liquid, and slid it across the counter to her.

She took a small sip, the tang hitting her throat. Her tongue revealed in the delicious taste, her senses ripening as a jolt ran down her body. She downed the rest of the glass in a gulp.

Oh, you look quite beautiful. A man with chestnut-brown hair slipped into the narrow space beside her. Julie glanced over to catch him smiling. He raised his glass, marveling at her dress.

You don’t seem too bad, either Julie smiled, very much despite herself. Well, he really did put on a show. He was clad in a deep blue suit, that was complemented by a black bow tie around his neck. The suit fitted him so well, that Julie could see his muscles rippling through the fabric as he moved. He was tall, with broad shoulders and chest, and had one of the most charming smiles that Julie had ever seen.

He shrugged, taking a step closer, his arm brushing against Julie’s, and put his hand forward. I’m Marco.

I’m Julie, she replied, shaking his hand.

Well, Julie, would you care for a dance? He looked at her earnestly, and Julie took his extended hand in hers, as he guided her to the dance floor.

His fingers traveled high up her waist. Julie could sense the energy igniting in him, that ugly desperation as he stuck her body to his, dancing with fervid energy. The sirens in Julie’s head had gone off long ago, but her body made her cling to him, ever tightly. Her fingers clasped around his, while his other hand climbed up her torso until finally his fingers broke free of hers and touched the small of her back. She took in a sharp breath. Marco bent his neck, looking deeply into her eyes. Julie felt she was living a dream. Her heart was beating rapidly in her throat, her mind swirling with impossibility until suddenly she realized that his fingers had ventured dangerously beneath her dress and were swiftly approaching her chest. She tore free of his strong grip, snapping angrily at his hand. But before Julie could head the other way, he had caught her by the elbow, spinning her on her heels, and pressed a kiss on her lips. He tasted of red wine. His tongue clashed to hers, and even though Julie tried breaking free, he held on tight, slamming his mouth to hers. Gathering all her strength and will for not