by Alexia Praks
The three girls from New Zealand didn’t fall for Jeremy White. That was completely new and surprisingly refreshing for him. Sure, it kind of blew his ego a little, but he didn’t think about that too much since he was too busy being smitten by one of the sisters, the eldest one named Chandra.
To say she was pretty was an understatement. She was gorgeous, with long glossy hair and glowing smooth skin, beautiful eyes, and lips he couldn’t stop thinking about. Jeremy knew he wanted to date her the moment he laid eyes on her.
They were sitting around the dining table in the kitchen now, listening to Jeremy’s glowing plan for what was to come in this block of Bay View Avenue. High-rising hotel and resort with five-star service. Luxurious rooms, swimming pools, restaurants, spas, and an exclusive beach for the guests. As for the sisters, they could move out of this tumble-down house, which of course would cost them the earth to renovate, if that was indeed their plan.
“Jeremy, that sounds marvelous,” Chan said politely.
“But we just moved here, you know,” Soriya, the third sister said, staring at the files before them. “I mean, we need time to find new place to move into.”
“Yes. We need at least a couple months before the handover,” Chan said.
Jeremy wasn’t listening. His train of thought was lost as he glanced from one sister to the other and then rested his eyes on Chan. She smiled at him, and Jeremy felt like a little kid who’d just gotten his first ice cream. His chest was bursting with delight. Obviously, he’d already forgotten Soriya was telling him they couldn’t move out of the house until much later than he wanted them to.
“Jeremy?” Chan asked, finally drawing his attention back to the present.
Jeremy chuckled at his own inability to stay focus. He wasn’t usually like this. He’d always been very on the ball when working. Apparently, this was the exception where Chandra Chandler was concern, and he wondered if that was going to be a problem for him.
“Yes, no problem,” he said enthusiastically. “We can certainly extend the takeover date.”
“That’s good,” Chan said. “How about we discuss the dates on Monday? It gives me and my sisters some time to think things over.”
“Sure thing,” Jeremy replied.
Everything sorted, the sisters waited patiently for him to pack up and leave, but Jeremy seemed oblivious to that fact. He was still gazing at Chan when Soriya coughed loudly, to get his attention. Dara tried to hide her laughter but failed and ended up choking on the air she’d just breathed in instead.
It was indeed rare to find a guy so into their sister on first meeting, and Dara and Soriya found it rather amusing. But then again, the sisters had hardly ever met the opposite sex since they’d always kept to themselves. It was safer that way, especially after what they’d been through.
Jeremy still refused to acknowledge the fact that he was supposed to leave. It was then Dara decided to start a conversation.
“You know, it’s going to be troublesome finding a new place to live.” She scrunched her face in distaste. “Every apartment around here costs an arm and a leg. And the ones we can afford I bet are rat holes just like this one.”
Soriya said mildly, “We can always sell your arm and leg if push comes to shove.”
Chan laughed, which drew Jeremy’s attention. He liked her laughter. It was sweet and soft, humble. Yes, he liked her laughter. He liked it a lot.
He cleared his throat and said, “If you girls are having trouble, I’d only be happy to help. I know a really good apartment that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.”
He was lying. This particular one he was thinking of did cost an arm and a leg. It belonged to his cousin Sam Harrington. The place, however, hadn’t been occupied in three years, so he figured it should be all right. Hence, he continued, “It’s a great apartment. Eighth floor. Nice view of the beach and the city.”
“Seriously?” Chan asked, her eyes large. “You’re even going to help us find a new place to live?” She paused and then cocked her head to one side. “Wait. Are you sure you’re not doing this to make sure we don’t change our mind about selling the house?” she teased.
Dara rolled her eyes. Obviously, their sister was blind as a bat. The guy was bending over to help them because he liked her. What with the way he kept gazing at her and smiling. You’d think the guy had never seen a woman before, nor one he was so smitten with either. Jeremy looked to be the type that was on the top of his world, and both Dara and Soriya had no doubt he was.
Soriya said, “I like you, Jeremy.”
“Yeah, me too,” Dara said. “How about you help us find an apartment? That way you get the house that much quicker?”
Jeremy folded his arms across his chest and nodded. “You won’t be disappointed,” he said, vowing to himself he’d get the girls Sam’s apartment come hell or high water. Then he reluctantly left a few minutes later.
Dara and Soriya went about cooking dinner while Chan was in her bedroom, doing some serious thinking.
* * * * *
CHAPTER 6
