The Paternity Proposition

by Merline Lovelace

  Not that it mattered, she reminded herself. She didn’t know why he’d taken time out of his day to show her around the island, but she doubted he had any personal interest in her.

  She briefly wondered if he’d ever been married, but before she could gather the courage to ask, he turned down a narrow road. Trees and shrubs grew on both sides, their bright green leaves nearly brushing against the sides of the car.

  “The banyan tree is protected by royal decree,” Mazin said as he pulled into an empty parking lot. “It is considered a national treasure.”

  “A tree?”

  “We value that which is unique to our island.” His low voice seemed to brush across her skin.

  Phoebe shivered slightly as she stepped out of his car. She glanced back once, noticing for the first time that he drove a large Mercedes. She recognized the symbol on the hood, but had no idea about the type of car, save that it was big and a silvery gray. Back home she drove a nine-year-old Honda.

  Different worlds, she thought again.

  “Is the park open?” she asked as they headed for a path leading to a covered patio with an information booth at the far end. She glanced both left and right. “There isn’t anyone else around.”

  “This is not our busy season for tourists,” Mazin told her as he lightly touched the back of her arm to guide her up the stairs toward the information booth. “Plus it is early in the day for visitors. However, the park is open.”

  Phoebe studied the plants they passed. She didn’t know any of them on sight. There were brightly colored blossoms everywhere. Lavender star-shaped flowers hung from spindly trees. Spine-covered pods in vivid red reached for the sun. A wild and sultry perfume filled the air as if the flowers conspired to intoxicate her. Even the air brushed against her body like a sensual caress. Lucia-Serrat was like no place she had ever been.

  Mazin reached the information booth. He spoke quietly with the person inside. Phoebe glanced up and saw that the price of admission was three local dollars. She reached for the purse she’d slung over her shoulder, then hesitated. What was she supposed to do? It hadn’t occurred to her that Mazin would pay, but would he be mad if she said anything?

  She had barely fumbled with the zipper on her purse when he turned and looked at her. His dark eyes narrowed.

  “Do not even consider insulting me, my dove.”

  There was steel behind his words. Phoebe nodded and dropped her hands to her side. Then she replayed his sentence, pausing at the very end. My dove. It didn’t mean anything, she told herself as she mentally stumbled over the two words. No man had ever called her by anything other than her name. But it wasn’t significant. He probably used flowery language with everyone.

  She would store this memory away, she told herself. Later, when she was alone, she would pull it out and pretend that he had meant something wonderful. It would be a harmless game, something to hold the loneliness at bay.

  He collected two tickets and they walked through an arch covered with blossoming bougainvillea.

  “People think the pink and red on bougainvillea are the flowers,” Phoebe said inanely before she could stop herself. “Actually those are just leaves. The flowers are very small and often white.”

  “You know horticulture?” Mazin asked.

  “Uh, not really. Just that. I read about it somewhere. I read a lot of things. I guess my head is full of obscure facts. I could probably do well on a game show.”

  She consciously pressed her lips together to keep from talking. Could she sound more stupid? The fact that Mazin made her nervous was of interest to no one save herself. If she continued to act like an idiot, he wasn’t going to want to spend any more time with her.

  The stone path had been worn smooth by years of use. They stepped from bright sun into shade provided by large trees. There were several formal gardens all around them. As they turned a corner, Phoebe caught her breath. In front of them stood the famous Lucia-Serrat banyan tree.

  From where they were standing, they couldn’t see the center of the tree. Branches spread out in all directions, some slender, some as thick around as a man. Sturdy roots grew down from the branches, anchoring the tree to the ground in hundreds of places. The tree itself stretched out for what seemed like miles. A small sign said that the circumference of the aerial roots was nearly ten acres.

  “Is it the biggest in the world?” she asked.

  “No. There is a larger tree in India. There is also a large one in Hawaii, although this one is bigger.”

  The leaves were huge and oval, tapering on each end. She stepped forward, ducking under several branches. There were paths through the aerial root system. She could see where others had walked. Reverently she touched the surprisingly smooth bark. This tree had been alive for hundreds of years.

  “It feels like it’s a living part of the structure of the island,” she said, glancing back at Mazin.

  He shrugged. “There is strength in the tree. Once it gets established, it can survive most any kind of storm. Even if one part is destroyed, the rest survives.”

  “I wouldn’t mind being that strong,” she said as she crouched down and picked up a fallen leaf.

  “Why would you think you are not?”

  She glanced at him. He stood within the shade of the tree. His dark eyes were unreadable. Phoebe suddenly realized she knew nothing about this man, that she was on a strange island and for all she knew, he made a habit of abducting female tourists traveling alone. She should be cautious and wary.

  Yet she didn’t want to be. Whatever had drawn her to Mazin continued to pull her to him today. She was foolish to trust him, and yet trust him she did.

  “Strength requires experience and knowledge,” she said. “I haven’t lived very much. I never made it to college.” She rose to her feet, still clutching the leaf in her hand. “My aunt got sick the summer after I graduated from high school. She wanted me to go live my life, but I stayed home to take care of her.” She rubbed the leaf between her fingers, then dropped it to the ground. “I’m not complaining. I don’t have any regrets. I loved Ayanna and would give up everything to have her with me again. I would rather be with her now than be here or—”

  Phoebe broke off when she realized what she’d said. Embarrassment gripped her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that I wasn’t enjoying your company.”

  Mazin dismissed her apology with a wave of his hand. “It is of no concern. I am not insulted. Your affection for your aunt does you credit.”

  He stared at her as if she were some strange creature he’d never seen before. Phoebe touched her cheek with the back of her hand and hoped the shadows of the tree kept him from seeing how she blushed. No doubt he found her silly and boring.

  “Are you hungry?” he asked abruptly. “There is a café nearby. I thought we could have lunch.”

  Her heart fluttered, her embarrassment fled and it was as if the sun brightened the sky a little more than it had. Mazin held out his hand in invitation. Phoebe hesitated only a second before placing her trembling fingers in his hand.

  Three

  The café sat on the edge of the ocean. Phoebe felt as if she could stretch out her foot and touch the blue water. A soft breeze carried the scent of salt and island flowers, perfuming the air. The sun was hot, yet a large umbrella shielded them so that they felt only pleasantly warm.

  She had the strongest urge to bounce up and down with excitement. She couldn’t believe she was really here, on the island, having lunch with a very handsome man. If this was a dream, she didn’t ever want to wake up.

  Mazin was being so very kind. Her fingers still tingled from his touch when he’d held her hand as they’d walked to his car. She knew he hadn’t intended the gesture to have meaning. There was no way he could have known how the heat from his hand had burned into her skin or made her heart race so delightfully.

  “Have you decided?” he asked.

  She glanced at the menu she held and realized she hadn’t read it. She’d been
too busy admiring the view.

  “Maybe there’s a local dish you would like to recommend,” she said.

  “The fresh fish. The chef here prides himself on his preparation. You won’t be disappointed.”

  As she knew she wouldn’t be able to taste anything, she didn’t doubt that he was right. He could feed her ground-up cardboard and she would be content.

  Their waiter appeared and Mazin gave him their orders. Phoebe picked up her iced tea and took a sip.

  “This is such a beautiful spot,” she said as she put down her glass. “I’m surprised it’s not crowded for lunch.”

  Mazin seemed to hesitate. “Sometimes it is, but we’re a little early.”

  Phoebe glanced at her watch. It was nearly noon, but she wasn’t about to contradict her host. Besides, it might be fashionable to dine late on the island.

  They sat on a patio that held about a dozen tables, all protected by umbrellas. In the distance she could see a grove of trees filled with parrots. Small lizards sunned themselves on the stone wall across from their table.

  “What do you think of my island?” Mazin asked.

  She smiled with contentment. “It’s beautiful. Ayanna always talked about Lucia-Serrat being paradise, but I’m not sure I ever believed her. Everything is so clean. It’s not just the absence of trash on the road, but the fact that plant life grows everywhere. Are there really other people on this island?”

  He smiled. “I assure you, my dove, we are not alone.”

  Too bad, she thought wistfully.

  “There has been much debate about the future of the island. We require certain resources to survive, yet we do not want to destroy the beauty that brightens our world.”

  “There’s a lot of that kind of talk in Florida,” Phoebe said, leaning forward slightly. “Developers want to build apartment buildings and hotels. They impact the infrastructure. Growth is good for the economy, but irresponsible growth can be bad for the land itself. It’s a delicate balance. I worry about things like the rain forest. Part of me wants to come firmly on the side of whatever tree or animal is in need, but I know that people need to eat and heat their homes.”

  “I would have assumed you were a rabid conservationist,” he said, his voice teasing.

  She smiled. “I’m not the rabid type. I care and I do what I can. I don’t think there are any easy answers.”

  “I agree. Here on Lucia-Serrat we seek to find a balance. We live in harmony with nature. Yes, we must dig for oil, but all precautions are taken to protect the sea and those creatures who live there. That adds to the cost. There are those who protest, who want more oil and less worry about the birds and the fish.” His brows drew together. “There are those who would influence policy, but so far I have been—”

  He broke off in midsentence, then shrugged. “So far I have been happy with the choices the prince has made.”

  Phoebe rested her elbows on the table. “Do you know the prince?”

  “I am familiar with the royal family.”

  She turned that over in her mind. It was hard to imagine. “I’ve never even met the mayor where I live,” she said, more to herself than to him. “Don’t you like him?”

  Mazin’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Why do you ask me that?”

  “I don’t know. The way you said you’ve been happy with his choices. There was something in your voice. I thought maybe you didn’t like him.”

  “I assure you, that is not the case.”

  She sipped her iced tea. “Is there a parliament or something to keep the prince in line? I mean, what if he started making unfair rules? Could anyone stop him?”

  “Prince Nasri is a wise and honorable ruler. To answer your questions, there is a form of parliament. They handle much of the government, but the prince is the true leader of the people.”

  “Is he well liked?”

  “I believe so. He is considered just. Two days a month anyone may come to see him and discuss a grievance.”

  “What about you? What do you do?” she asked.

  Mazin leaned back in his chair. “I am in the government. I coordinate oil production.”

  She had no idea what that might involve. If he was in the government and knew the royal family then he had to be a pretty important man. “Is it all right that you’re here with me now?” she asked. “I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble for taking the day off.”

  “Do not worry yourself,” he told her with a slow smile. “I have plenty of vacation days available to me.”

  They walked along the beach after lunch. Mazin couldn’t remember the last time he’d simply gone for a walk by the sea. Although he could see the ocean from nearly every window in his house, the view had ceased to be beautiful. He doubt he even saw it anymore.

  Yet with Phoebe, all was new. She laughed with delight as waves rolled close and lapped at her feet. She’d rolled up the legs of her slacks, exposing her slender ankles. He studied the naked skin, amazed that he felt aroused gazing at her. She was completely dressed except for her bare feet and he wanted her.

  Twenty-three, he reminded himself. She was only twenty-three. No younger than he had suspected, but younger than he had hoped.

  “Is there a coral reef?” Phoebe asked.

  “Not on this side of the island, but on the north end. The area is more protected there. Do you dive?”

  She wrinkled her nose. “I’m assuming you mean skin diving. I’ve never done it. I don’t know that I could. Just the thought of being trapped underwater makes me nervous.”

  As she spoke, she pulled her braid over her shoulder so the length of blond hair lay against her chest. She unfastened the ribbon, then finger-combed her hair so it fluttered loose around her face.

  Sunlight illuminated the side of her face, highlighting her perfect bone structure. If she were any other woman of his acquaintance, he would have assumed she was going for an effect, but with Phoebe, he wasn’t so sure. While he still thought she might be playing a game with him, several hours in her company had made him stop wondering about the sincerity of her innocence. She blushed too easily for someone at home in the world. And if she was as inexperienced as he suspected, then she was in danger of being taken advantage of by someone....

  Someone like himself, he thought grimly. Someone who could easily pluck the flower of her womanhood, savor its sweetness, then discard it.

  He did not consider himself a bad person. Perhaps Phoebe had been sent into his life as a test of that theory. Perhaps he was taking this too seriously. He should simply enjoy her company for the day, return her to her hotel that afternoon and forget he’d ever met her. That would be the wisest course of action.

  “The ocean is very different here,” Phoebe said as they continued to walk along the beach. “I don’t have a lot of experience, but I know the color of the water is different than it is in Florida. Of course, the color is often a reflection of how shallow the water is. Around the gulf coast there are places you can wade out forever. Is it deeper here around the island?”

  “Three sides are deep. The north end of the island is quite shallow.”

  Phoebe sighed softly to herself. Why couldn’t she talk about something more interesting? Here she was strolling along a beautiful beach next to a charming man and she babbled on about ocean depth. Be brilliant, she ordered herself. Unfortunately she didn’t have a lot of experience in the brilliant department.

  “Would you like to have a seat?” he asked when they reached a cluster of rocks sticking out of the white sand.

  She nodded and followed him to a flat rock warm from the sun. She dumped her shoes and purse on the sand, then slid next to him, careful to make sure they didn’t touch. A light breeze teased at her hair and made goose bumps break out on her wet feet.

  “Tell me about your great-aunt,” he said. “What was her life like here on the island?”

  Phoebe drew one knee to her chest and wrapped her arms around her leg. “Her mother owned a beauty shop in town and Ayanna learned t
o be a hairdresser there. When she was eighteen she went to work in the Parrot Bay Inn. Apparently back then it was an international hot spot.”

  Mazin grinned. “I have heard many stories about ‘the old days,’ as my father would call them. When people flew in from all over the world to spend a week or two in the Lucia-Serrat sun.”

  “Ayanna said the same thing. She was young and beautiful, and she wanted a great romantic adventure.”

  “Did she find it?”

  Phoebe hesitated. “Well, sort of. There were several men who wanted to marry her. She became engaged to one or two, always breaking it off. One of the men insisted she keep the ring. It was a lovely ruby ring. She wore it often.” She smiled at the memory.

  “If she broke the engagements, then they weren’t romantic adventures,” he said.

  “You’re right. I know the great love of her life was the crown prince. Apparently they were in love with each other, even though he was married. Eventually people found out and there was a great scandal. In the end, Ayanna had to leave.”

  Mazin gazed out toward the ocean. “I remember hearing something about that. Despite being such an old man, I was not alive then.”

  “You’re not so very old.”

  He nodded regally. “I’m pleased you think so.”

  She wasn’t sure if he was teasing or not. “I don’t think Ayanna ever heard from the prince again. She never admitted anything to me, but I have always suspected that in her heart of hearts she thought he would come find her. So her romance has an unhappy ending.”

  “She lived in your country for many years. Didn’t she marry?”

  Phoebe shook her head. “There were always men who wanted her, right up until she died. But although she enjoyed their company, she never loved any of them.”

  “Did they love her?”

  “Absolutely. She was wonderful. Charming, intelligent, funny and so lovely in every respect.”

  He turned toward her, then placed his index finger under her chin. “I would imagine you look much like her.”