She gasped and slapped him, her hand stinging his cheek. “I don’t use the type of language I’d like to yell at you right now.” She whirled and went into the store, slamming the door.
Feeling exactly like the word that had been sprayed onto the hull of his yacht, he mounted his bike and roared down the road. He turned away from the harbor, hoping a fast ride down the highway would erase the sight of the pain that had flickered across Amanda’s eyes.
Rebecca, his former fiancé, had cheated and lied to get her hands on his money. She’d managed to turn his family against him, leading them to believe that Drake had abused her and she’d threatened to go to the papers. Instead of risking the negative publicity, they’d paid her two million dollars to keep her mouth shut. Not only had her actions broken Drake’s heart, but finding out she’d aborted his child all but killed him. He’d sworn off women ever since.
Not easy when they still swarmed around him like honey, despite his attempts to appear as if he had no money other than his salary from the Samson Surf and Sandwiches. Now, a red-haired beauty with eyes the color of the Hawaiian sky kept chipping away at the wall around his heart. It wouldn’t be long before he threw caution to the wind and fell for Amanda. And when he did, he’d fall hard. Drake never took relationships lightly.
It was better for Amanda to want nothing more to do with him, than for either of them to get hurt. Until God chose to heal Drake’s heart, he had nothing to give her.
6
Over the next few weeks, Amanda worked herself and everyone around her into a frenzy. Since romance wasn’t to be a part of her life, then she’d vowed to make the business the best beachside shop on Maui.
“What is wrong with you?” Cassie slammed a folder of invoices on Amanda’s desk while Bethie stood behind her, glaring.
Amanda reached for the folder, withdrew the papers inside, then set the folder in a tray. “I’m busy.”
“Look.” Cassie snapped her fingers to get Amanda to look at her. “If you and Drake like each other so much, stop acting like children and do something about it.”
“Seriously,” Bethie added. “We’re tired of the two of you tiptoeing around each other casting love sick glances when you don’t think the other one is looking. I feel like we’re back in Junior High.”
“You’re imagining things.” She avoided their gazes, suddenly finding the invoices in her hand very interesting. “There is nothing between Drake and me except a professional relationship.”
Cassie snorted.
Bethie laughed. “Ha! You’ve never been a good liar. Your face is as red as your hair.”
“It is not.” Amanda put her hands to her face. Her cheeks were hot. Darn her pale skin.
“Is, too.” Cassie stated. “You need to deal with the situation before Bethie or I step in. We can’t take anymore.” She turned, grabbed Bethie’s arm, and left Amanda to fan her face and wonder how she could keep her sisters from deciphering her true feelings for Drake. Once she figured out what they were, exactly.
Was it only a strong physical attraction or something more? He tried to appear standoffish, but she’d seen him rush to help a customer who couldn’t master snorkeling without leaving that person feeling stupid. While he’d apparently done something to encourage Lilly, he’d tried to push her away without hurting her feelings. That showed he was a caring man.
Amanda could do a lot worse than pursue a man of his caliber. But … Drake made it clear he didn’t want ties in case he pulled up anchor and moved on.
Did she have it in her for an island affair? She shook her head. No. As much as she’d like to think she did, especially after the kisses they’d shared, she didn’t. Amanda was a one man, long-term relation type of girl. That was probably the reason she was still single. Somehow, she needed to stop casting puppy dog looks Drake’s way. Apparently she wasn’t as subtle as she’d thought.
She opened a new window in her internet browser. Since Drake had already been an employee when the Samson’s inherited the shop, she’d never done a background check. The man most likely had plenty of secrets. Maybe she’d uncover something that would explain his reluctance in tying himself to a woman.
After typing in Drake Thomas, she waited while a list of hits popped onto her screen. The top story caught her attention, and she leaned closer to the screen. A business tycoon? His family owned a mansion in Beverly Hills? Why in the world was Drake living on a yacht? The man had more money than Midas.
She leaned back in her chair. Why did he play the part of a beach bum who’d sold all of his possessions to buy the yacht? He could buy ten like the Island Princess and hand them out like candy.
Although he must have a good explanation for his masquerade, she still felt lied to. After more searching, and not finding anything to raise concern about him working for her, she moved from her desk.
The deep rumble of his voice from the front caused her to step back. How could she face him knowing his secret? She wanted to respect his privacy, but also had a million questions. She grabbed her purse and dashed out the back door.
Now what? Amanda had never ditched work a day in her life.
She mentally ran through her list of ‘want to dos’. Neither the volcano or the road to Hana sounded like much fun alone. She could stroll along the beach, but every time she tried, she remembered the kiss she’d shared with Drake. Maybe she could work and get out of the office. But…if she’s working, she’s in the office. Sighing, she contemplated renting bicycles from the shop. Today was a good day to price some cruising bikes.
She climbed in the van and drove across the island to the only bike store she knew about. Drake could have probably shown her a closer one, but she wasn’t talking to him. She parked in front of the store and appraised the rainbow of colors and wide variety of styles. She exited the van and marched forward, running her fingers over a teal bike with a wide seat and purple flowers. She’d had one like it as a child.
“May I help you?” An older gentleman approached, pushing his ball cap back from his face.
“I’m interested in purchasing some bikes for my store. I own Samson’s Surf and Sandwiches and I’m thinking of expanding to bike rentals.”
“Great idea. You want these cruisers at one fifty a piece or the multi-speeds for a hundred more? You should probably get some of both. Some of your customers might be die hard bikers and want the speed variety.”
“Will you deliver?” She tilted her head. She couldn’t get more than two bikes in the van. Dollar signs rang in her head, but with her shop being an ocean front property, folks would rent bikes to ride. She knew it. “I’ll take six of each and this teal one for me.”
“I can recognize a good business woman when I see her. I’m Bill Hopkins, and don’t worry. I’ll get these bikes to you by morning.” He shook her hand. “Knew your uncle. A fine man. Hated to hear about his heart attack.”
“Thank you.” Amanda handed him her credit card. “I hope the shop is making him proud.”
“I’m sure it is.” He peered over her shoulder. “That man with you?”
She turned to see Drake straddling his bike next to the van.
*
Drake needed to talk to Amanda. After a warning phone call from his younger sister that he’d been found out, he set off for the shop to explain to her about his family coming and what she could expect. Instead, he’d found her computer screen lit up with all kinds of information on him. He hadn’t wasted any time following her.
“Making another business decision without consulting your partners?” He asked as she approached the van.
“What are you talking about?” She hitched her purse higher on her shoulders. “I make the overall decisions, Bethie had free reign with the sandwiches, as long as we’re making a profit, and Cassie runs customer service. Besides, who are you to question me? I’m your boss.”
“And a snoopy boss at that.” He held the van door closed so she’d have to talk. “I saw your computer.”
“W
hat were you doing in my office?” Her face reddened.
“Looking for you. If you didn’t want people to see your browsing history, you shouldn’t leave your monitor on.”
“Move. I have work to do.” She shoved him out of the way with her shoulder and climbed behind the steering wheel. “If you absolutely need to talk to me, then meet me at the shop.”
He could have sworn she muttered something along the lines of “so much for avoiding you” before she closed the door. He figured she might be upset after he saw the article she’d read, but since his family covered up the whole ugly incident with Rebecca, the fact he had a lot of money shouldn’t be enough to get her this riled.
He followed her back to the shop and parked his bike in the alley next to the van. He blocked her way when she stepped out of the van. “We can talk here or in there where your sisters can hear.”
“Fine.” She yanked her purse onto her shoulder. “Talk about why you pretend to be penniless when you’re filthy rich. What are you hiding from?”
“Nothing.” Liar. “I didn’t like that lifestyle anymore.”
She crossed her arms and stared. “There’s something you aren’t telling me, but since it’s really none of my business, I’ll get back to work.” She tried to squeeze past him.
He shot out a hand to stop her. “Then why were you researching me?”
“Uncle Luke didn’t have records of any kind of background check, so I figured I needed to know something about you. I didn’t find anything to warrant a deeper search.”
“Do you want to have dinner with me?” If someone were to ask him why he’d asked her out, he wouldn’t have had an answer other than the fact that she looked completely irresistible with a breeze flowing fine strands of hair around her face and her blue eyes searching his.
“Dinner? As in a date?”
“We don’t have to. Not if the idea is that shocking.” He opened the back door to the shop. Amanda Samson had to be the most confusing woman he’d ever met.
He saw the looks she gave him when she thought he wasn’t looking. Looks of hunger and attraction. He noticed the way her cheeks got pinker when he caught her staring. Now, she hesitated over a simple dinner. Maybe it was for the best. Despite his vows not to get involved, he couldn’t help himself when he was around her. Maybe it was time to find a different job.
But then he wouldn’t see Amanda every day, and admitting his feelings or not, he didn’t think he could stay away. “Well?”
She entered the back office first. “I guess so.”
“Great. Wear something nice. I’ll show you the other Drake Thomas.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” He bowed and backed out, letting her fingers trail from his. He needed to call Merriman’s right away and make a reservation for sunset.
His heart raced faster than his bike as he zoomed home. What would Amanda think of him as a millionaire instead of a beach bum? He’d never before been ashamed of the life God gave him, but when he really wanted to impress someone he thought might actually like him for himself, everything changed.
So many things could go wrong. She could hate the old Drake. What if she didn’t care for men in a suit? Drake doubted she didn’t know a salad fork from a dessert fork, but what if she didn’t? If he took her to an expensive restaurant would she think he was bragging? He wasn’t. He wanted to show her she was worthy of any expense.
He was doomed. The night was guaranteed to fail. He was an idiot for asking her.
He locked his bike and trudged to the cabin of his yacht. He still had a few of his expensive brand clothing. Items that hung unused in his closet, waiting in case he should ever be called home. He pulled out a pair of tan pants, a light blue shirt and navy blazer.
After showering, he slicked his hair back, taming the curls, and shaved off three days of stubble from his jaw. He stepped back and studied his reflection in the mirror. A very well dressed chimp. Nothing more.
He moved to the upper deck and watched the lights flicker on across the island. Something moved in the shadows a few feet from the pier. He froze and stared, waiting for whoever it was to move, call out, or come forward. Nothing happened and he started to imagine he was seeing things.
No one had booked a private evening party in weeks. Had Lilly left or had she spread her poison around Maui, telling people he played them like a well-tuned instrument? It didn’t matter. He only ran the tours and threw the parties to have something to do.
A glance at his watch alerted him to the fact it was time to leave. He pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called for a limo.
7
Amanda didn’t have anything to wear. She’d left behind most of her dressy clothes when coming to Maui. Why did a woman need silk and lace when running a surf store? She’d have to ask her sisters for help.
She found them in the living room of their apartment over the store. “I need help.”
They turned to look at her. Bethie turned off the television. “What’s wrong?”
She sighed. “I have a date with Drake.”
Her sisters grinned like fools. “I knew it!” Cassie fist pumped the sky. “You are so transparent. What do you need us for?”
“We’re going somewhere expensive and I don’t have anything to wear.”
“Right.” Cassie leaped to her feet. “Are we aiming for sexy or classy?”
“How about a combination of both? I have just the thing,” Bethie said. “Follow me.”
She led them to her bedroom where she pulled a plastic bag on a hanger from the closet. “I bought this right before leaving Arizona and I’ve never worn it. It’s perfect for you.” She removed the plastic to reveal a silk peacock blue sheath dress. “With Grandma’s pearls and earrings, you’ll fit right in.”
Tears stung Amanda’s eyes. “It’s gorgeous.”
“It will bring out the blue of your eyes,” Cassie added. “I can do your hair in a French braid and Drake’s eyes are going to pop out of his head. Why did you deny liking him?”
“It’s complicated. He wasn’t anything I imagined I wanted in a man, now I find out he’s nothing like what I thought he was.”
“Ugh. I don’t like complicated.” Cassie flopped across her sister’s bed. “That’s why I like hanging out with Drew. He’s simple.”
“Drew being the computer delivery guy?”
“That’s the one. Dreamy looking, nice, and fun, but nothing serious. I’m only twenty-five. What’s the hurry?”
Bethie closed the closet. “Because thirty is here before you know it. Then one day, you wake up and you’re over forty. I would like nothing more than to find a man to settle down with.”
“That won’t happen,” Cassie scoffed. “You go out less than Mandy.”
“Leave her alone.” Amanda draped the dress over her arm. “She’s always been shy. There’s a special man out there for her, and someday, God will drop him in her lap.” She grinned. “Thanks for the dress.”
“You’re welcome,” Bethie said. “Go get dressed. I’ll do your makeup while the brat does your hair.”
An hour later, Amanda stared at herself in front of the full length mirror. Her sisters had worked wonders. She hardly recognized herself. The dress fit as if it were tailored for her. The shade of the dress, the subtle makeup, and the pulled back hair made her eyes pop. She prayed Drake would like what he saw and that she wouldn’t make a fool of herself.
Her heart skipped a beat when someone knocked on the back door. He was here. She took a deep breath and dried her damp hands on a nearby towel. It was now or never.
Waiting a few seconds for one of her sisters to open the door, Amanda sat on the bed and willed her knees to stop trembling. If they didn’t, she wouldn’t have to worry about making a fool of herself at dinner. She’d fall down the stairs and break her neck.
“All I can say,” Bethie whispered on her way up the stairs. “Is Oh. My. Gosh. If you end up throwing that fish back, tell me what kind of bai
t you used.”
Amanda giggled, then clamped her mouth closed before Drake could hear. Goodness, you’d think she’d never been on a date before.
Of course she’d never been on one where they guy looked like Drake. Her legs almost gave out when he moved to the foot of the stairs. He looked like something out of a magazine. Absolutely gorgeous. While he cleaned up nice, Amanda wasn’t positive she didn’t prefer the rumpled version more.
“You’re beautiful.” He offered her his arm. “Breathtaking.”
“You look pretty good yourself.”
Cassie fanned herself behind Drake’s back, causing Amanda to frown at her. She tried to wave her away without Drake seeing.
“What’s wrong?” He turned.
Cassie tried to dive out of sight and tripped over a crate of snorkeling gear. Instead of hiding, she fell to the floor in a fit of giggles, only her legs sticking out from the clutter.
Drake rushed to her side and helped her to her feet. “Are you all right?”
“Yep. Nothing hurt but my pride.” She winked at Amanda. “You two have fun.” She limped past them and up the stairs.
“Your youngest sister is a piece of work, isn’t she?” Drake watched her leave and shook his head.
“You have no idea. Ready?” She forced a smile to her face and prayed her cheeks weren’t as red as a hibiscus. “Where are we going?”
“Merrimans.”
She gulped. “How did you get a reservation on such short notice?”
“I’ve got the cash and I’ve got the name.” He grinned sheepishly and pushed open the door.
Amanda froze at the sight of a black stretch limo.
“I hope you don’t mind. I thought you might as well experience the whole package.”
She glanced at the upstairs windows. Her sisters grinned and waved, pointing at the limo like a couple of goons. Amanda felt a bit like Cinderella must have felt when her prince had arrived to take her to his castle. Except, Amanda was going to eat at a restaurant she’d only heard of and have dinner with a man whose very name brought the best service.
Love Draws Near Page 4
