‘You want me to?’
‘I don’t want to be away from you. Not for long, anyway.’
He wanted her front and centre in his life. Not hidden in the wings. Not with him under sufferance. Not unseen.
‘Would you like that?’ he asked after a moment. ‘Your choice, Merle. I want you to have and do what you want.’
She smiled at him even as tears sprang forth all over again. ‘I’d like that very much.’
They were cuddled close on the deck and Merle followed the direction of his gaze, up to the house. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t find anything of your mother’s.’
‘But you did.’ He kissed her gently. ‘You found the games. They brought us together.’
Her heart lifted as she saw the warmth and acceptance in his eyes. So they had.
‘Are you still going to sell the house?’ she asked.
Beneath her cheek his chest rose as he drew in a difficult breath. ‘Actually, I was thinking you were right about it being a shame that more people don’t get to come here and enjoy it. I thought we could offer it as a holiday home for cardiac patients and their families. For during their recovery or as an escape or something...’ He cleared his throat. ‘There might be a charity that could help us arrange that. If there isn’t, we can establish one.’ He paused. ‘What do you think?’
She sat up to lean over him and look directly into his beautiful eyes, seeing the flash of vulnerability there. ‘I think that sounds amazing. I think you’re amazing.’
That smile broke across his face. ‘Shall we go for a swim, sweetheart? And then maybe play another round of snakes and ladders?’
A bubble of pure happiness fizzed from deep within her, culminating in a satisfied giggle. That simple invitation was the most special of her life. She was with him now—included—and together they made laughter and love.
Ash Castle had opened up in the most gorgeous way and given her everything she ever could have dreamed of.
‘That’ll be just perfect.’
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
One year later
MERLE DECIDED THIS summer on Waiheke Island was particularly stunning. Every day had been highlighted by a brilliant sun, cloudless bright skies and views of that calm, endless sea. Today her floaty fabric jumpsuit was vibrant and cool. She loved the silky feel of it as Ash firmly gripped her hand and led her down the balcony stairs.
‘What are you doing?’ She giggled at his determined pace. ‘Where are you taking me in such a rush?’
‘To my secret underground lair.’ He glanced back with a suggestive waggle of his eyebrows. ‘Where else?’
‘The bunker?’ She’d not been down there in ages. Most of the time she forgot it even existed. ‘Why?’
He didn’t answer. There was just another playfully suggestive smile.
They were almost a week into their month-long holiday here. They’d made Ash’s old bedroom their suite, mostly so they could indulge in a decadent bubble bath most nights. During the days they pitted wits over the selection of board games. They’d taken their favourite, most precious ones back to their home in Sydney, but they’d bolstered the collection here so that the families who stayed could enjoy them. His idea of a respite holiday home had been embraced and now the house was used every weekend, even through the heart of winter.
They swiftly descended the steep stairs down into the bunker. Merle looked around, taking in the changes that had occurred since the first time she’d been in here. Ash had obviously been down here earlier because on the counter there was a bottle of champagne on ice and a selection of fresh cut fruit on a platter, together with her favourite crackers.
‘What have you planned?’ She shot him a laughing glance.
He paused, his head cocked at a distinct rumbling sound. ‘I think the hatch just closed. I’m afraid we’re locked in. Oh! No!’
Amused at his theatrical ‘distress’, she rose on her toes and leaned towards him. ‘Are we, now?’
‘Mmm. Maybe we can find a way out. I think... Is that a clue?’ He peered in exaggerated fashion at the fruit platter.
She looked and saw there was something scratched on the edge of the plate. Numbers.
‘Oh, yes!’ She turned back to face him in mock-amazement. ‘I think it might be.’
Merle knew the bunker was often used by the children who came to stay. Ash had contracted a games designer to work out an ‘escape room’ challenge for the guests to enjoy as part of their holiday. It was a thoughtful touch that had melted Merle’s heart when he’d run it past her, but she’d not given the challenge a go herself yet. But according to the messages left in the guest book in the main house, it was one of the most popular activities.
‘But this isn’t fair if you know the answers to the challenges.’ She laughed as he handed her a glass of champagne.
‘But I don’t know them.’ He winked. ‘We’ll have to work it out together.’
A series of challenges took them through the bunker—one puzzle led to another, from the living area, to the kitchen, to the corridor... Working out an anagram gave them a code to unlock the bedroom at the end, and once they had made it in there they found a tiny key. Merle was entranced and fascinated, and realised that, indeed, Ash had no clue about most of the answers. It fired up the competitive nature that he’d brought out in her. She was delighted to be the one to discover a small projector that made a hologram appear. It gave them another clue to search one of the storage cupboards. When that finally unlocked, it revealed a miniature treasure chest inside.
‘Do you think the key will fit?’ Ash waggled his brows.
‘I wonder,’ she joked.
‘I guess the code from the hatch will be inside,’ he muttered.
Merle unlocked the little chest and lifted the lid. Then stilled.
There was no code. No next clue. There was a midnight-blue velvet cushion and carefully placed on it was a stunning solitaire.
‘Merle?’
There was no denying what kind of ring that was. Her eyes were instantly watering but she glanced up at him anyway. She couldn’t not. He compelled everything from her. ‘Ash.’
He was wickedly gorgeous and that smile—the one that melted her—now spread across his face. He knew her answer already, just as she knew the question. She loved his playfulness. She loved his effort. She loved him.
But he spoke so seriously. ‘I love you. Please will you marry me, Merle?’
Even though he knew her answer already, she heard the rough edge of vulnerability. Emotion, truth, throbbed. She knew that for him, too, nothing else mattered.
‘Yes,’ she answered swiftly and simply as tears warred with her smiles. ‘There’s nothing I’d like more.’
He lifted the ring from the treasure chest.
‘It’s beautiful,’ she whispered.
Relief lit his eyes. ‘There’s a code in the engraving.’
‘Meaning?’
‘You’ll have to work it out.’ Holding it carefully, he angled it so she saw the stunning, intricate pattern engraved along the band and a small black stone set right inside it.
‘It has a secret stone in there?’ She was amazed.
‘An ash-coloured diamond.’ He glanced at her a little sheepishly. ‘My heart.’
It was both traditional and modern, serious and playful with a hidden heart—his. Of course there was. Because Ash knew her love for symbolism, for tying memory and emotion to little treasures. So he’d made sure this ring had it all for her.
‘Do you like it?’
‘It’s such a precious thing,’ she breathed. ‘You’ve put so much thought into it. It’s perfect, Ash.’
So unique, so intentional. She adored it, but most of all she adored him. She held out her hand urgently, half-laughing as she saw how her fingers trembled. He slid the ring home.
‘I’m
never taking it off,’ she vowed.
His smile flashed and he tugged on her hand to pull her against his body. ‘What if we take everything else off?’
‘Yes, please.’ She could say nothing but yes to Ash Castle.
He helped her out of her pink jumpsuit, chuckling at the emerald bikini beneath it. Colour was now Merle’s friend. She loved exploring all kinds of combinations, all kinds of everything, with Ash alongside her for the ride. And now, as she gazed into his eyes, her heart burst, overflowing at the hope and love she saw. In his delight at their future together. They’d both finally found love. For ever.
Coming next month
HIS BILLION-DOLLAR TAKEOVER TEMPTATION
Emmy Grayson
“Mr. Cabrera?”
The husky feminine voice slid over his senses and sent a flash of heat over his skin. He took another deliberate sip of his wine before turning his attention to the second woman who had invaded his space this evening.
Her.
The blonde woman he’d locked eyes with before Alejandro’s arrival now stood before him. The neckline of her dark blue gown plunged down in a V to the silver ribbon wrapped around her slender waist. From there the dress flowed into a long, billowing skirt that reminded Adrian of the waters of the Mediterranean before a storm.
His eyes drifted back up to her face in a slow, deliberate perusal. Lush silver-blonde curls enhanced her delicate features. Violet eyes stared back at him, and her caramel-colored lips were set in a firm line.
“Yes,” he finally responded, his voice cool, showing that, despite the unusually intense effect she was having on him, he was still in control.
She stepped forward and held out her hand, bare except for a simple silver band on her wrist. Adrian grasped her fingers, pleasantly surprised by her firm grip.
“My name is Everleigh Bradford. Congratulations on your Merlot. It’s exquisite.”
“Thank you.” He arched a brow. “While your compliments are appreciated, was it necessary for you to ignore the ‘Balcony Closed’ sign and invade my privacy?”
Everleigh’s chin came up and her eyes flashed with stubborn fire. “Yes.”
Intriguing… There were plenty of men who would have cringed at the slightest hint of his disapproval. But not this woman. She stood her ground, shoulders thrown back, lips now set in a determined line.
“You’re a busy man, Mr. Cabrera. I need to speak with you on an urgent matter. I’m sorry for breaking the rules, but it was necessary for me to have a moment alone with you.”
Her honesty was refreshing. A night with someone as bold and beautiful as Everleigh would more than make up for his past few months of celibacy.dpg!
He infused his smile with sensuality as he raked his gaze up and down her slim form once more, this time letting his appreciation for her body show. “I would greatly enjoy a moment alone with you.”
Everleigh’s cheeks flushed pink. The blush caught Adrian unawares. Was she an innocent or just playing a role? Much as it would disappoint him, she wouldn’t be the first to go to such lengths to catch his attention.
“This has nothing to do with sex, Mr. Cabrera.”
“Adrian.”
Her lips parted. “I… Excuse me?”
“Please call me Adrian.”
Those beautifully shaded violet eyes narrowed. “This is a business discussion, Mr. Cabrera. First names are for friends and family.”
“We could become friends, Everleigh.”
What was wrong with him? He never teased a woman like this. He complimented, touched, seduced… But with this woman he just couldn’t help himself.
Perhaps it was the blush. Yes, that had to be it. The delicate coloring that even now crept down her throat toward the rising slopes of her breasts…
“We will never be friends, Mr. Cabrera,” Everleigh snapped. “I’m here to discuss your proposed purchase of Fox Vineyards.”
“Then let’s talk.”
Continue reading
HIS BILLION-DOLLAR TAKEOVER TEMPTATION
Emmy Grayson
Available next month
Copyright ©2021 by Emmy Grayson
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Stranded For One Scandalous Week (Mills & Boon Modern) (Rebels, Brothers, Billionaires Book 1) Page 18
