Surprised by Love: A Contemporary Romance (The Armstrongs Book 4)

by Gray, Jessica

  “So, tell me about Nepal,” inquired Ryan.

  “It’s absolutely different from the life we know. The village where I lived is in a valley surrounded by mountains up to twenty-two thousand feet. While the village itself has a hot and humid climate, almost like Kuala Lumpur, the farther you walk up, the colder it gets. Not that I climbed very high though, you know my fear of heights.” He grinned when he said it, but Douglas knew that it bothered him a lot.

  “Sounds interesting. And dangerous.”

  “Not really, it’s exciting though and sometimes gruesome. But it was worth every minute. I got some of the best shots of my life. I’m going to put things together in the next couple of days and send it out to a few of the major publications. I’m pretty confident someone will want to buy it.”

  “You didn’t do any of that over there?”

  Patrick shook his head. “No internet. That was one of the main reasons I needed to come somewhere civilized. Even in the capital, Kathmandu, the internet service is deplorable.”

  “I don’t know how you’ve survived out there without any of the amenities the civilized world has to offer.”

  “I didn’t think I would last that long either, but once I got the hang of it, I actually enjoyed it. The majestic nature makes you humble, and the bad conditions make you appreciate what you have back home.”

  “So are you through now?” Douglas asked.

  “No. I need maybe another month to finish up the story and get my notes straight before I start putting the pieces together.”

  Patrick turned to Ryan, “So mom told me you were commissioned to do some sculpture work for an art gallery?”

  “Yeah, just a few pieces to start. Hopefully, it will grow into more.”

  “Hey guys,” Kendra interjected. “I’m headed to bed.”

  Patrick handed her the room key. “Here you go sugar.”

  “Thanks,” she flashed him a smile and gave Ryan a passionate kiss. Douglas once again echoed his earlier opinion that she was the perfect addition to their family.

  Once Kendra had left, the talk turned to girls. “So Patrick, any hot girls in Nepal?”

  “You’re kidding, right? There aren’t that many Nepalese girls in the highlands, especially for an outsider. Most of them are married off once they turn sixteen.”

  “Sixteen? Gosh, that’s way too young,” Douglas said, being almost twice that old.

  “What about Tricia? The two of you seemed to hit it off tonight?”

  “She is attractive, and …” he gave Ryan a glance, “if you two hadn’t shown up, she and I would now be rumpling my sheets.”

  “Sorry about that.” Ryan tried to make a sorry face.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll get to that another day. It’s nothing more than a hookup anyways. She’s a city girl, through and through, who’d never understand my need to get away and out into nature.”

  Ryan and Douglas both nodded in unison. “Not many people would.”

  Then Ryan turned the questions to Douglas. “So, any hot girls in Kuala Lumpur?”

  Douglas hesitated so long that Patrick finally spoke up, “Well, he kind of likes Toni.”

  Ryan asked, “The girl we met?”

  Douglas nodded. “She’s the loan manager from Asia bank.”

  “Uh-huh, a finance girl. Isn’t that exactly down your line?” Ryan teased.

  “No it isn’t.” Douglas growled. “There’s nothing between us.”

  “It sure didn’t look like nothing when I saw you kissing on the rooftop,” Patrick chipped in.

  Ryan raised his eyebrows. “I guess our arrival ruined your plans for the night, huh?” He grinned salaciously and used his hands in a juvenile gesture indicating sex and before he knew it, Douglas was jumping him.

  Douglas had barely gotten his hands around Ryan’s throat when Patrick pushed his way between them. “Hey guys, let’s not fight.”

  He turned his attention to Douglas and said, “You better get your shit with Toni together. This is the second time today you’ve tried to strangle one of your brothers.”

  Shame poured over Douglas and he backed off, shaking his head. Patrick was right. Douglas usually didn’t fight, especially not with his brothers. But the unreleased sexual tension between Toni and himself had him on the edge. His unfulfilled longing for her already got into his way of properly functioning. Not good. I have to end that one way or the other.

  “I’m sorry, guys. I’m a bit overworked.”

  Both of his brothers gave him a doubtful glance, but kept their mouths shut. He shot them a last warning stare and then pointed his finger at Ryan. “Don’t you dare talk like that about her ever again.”

  Ryan nodded. And as fast as their tempers had risen, the fight was over. This was nothing new, it was as it always had been since they were kids. They fought. They made up. A quarrel never lasted long.

  Ryan touched his shoulder and said, “Sorry Doug, I didn’t know you were serious about her.”

  When Douglas denied it again, both his brothers laughed and he knew he was truly screwed. He had it bad for Toni. Real bad.

  He needed to find a way to cut through her armor of steel. Maybe a chainsaw would work?

  Chapter 17

  Toni woke up the next morning after a night of hot dreams featuring Douglas and their interrupted make out, ready to explode. The sexual tension between them had been rising to unbearable dimensions and she wondered why she hadn’t gone up in flames yet.

  She had tried to relieve herself the night before, but this time it hadn’t worked. Instead of relaxed and satisfied, it had left her even more unfulfilled, wondering about how much more pleasure he could give her. Judging by the way he kissed, she was sure he had some more boiling pleasures hidden behind that businessmen façade.

  Toni wasn’t sure if she should be disappointed or not. She’d probably have ended up sleeping with Douglas if it hadn’t been for the interruptions. But now, she wasn’t sure if that would have been a good idea. Douglas was like a volcano, ready to erupt and tear everything into pieces, including her self-control and her comfort zone.

  It was better to cut him out of her life and heart once and for all. But how should she do that? May be a chainsaw would help?

  Thank god it was Saturday and she didn’t have to face him in the office, her muscles tensed by the sheer thought of confronting him. In her despair, she called Tricia and like always, her friend had the perfect answer. A shopping spree!

  Tricia healed every sorrow with shopping. Kuala Lumpur was one of the best places in the world to go shopping. And of course, Tricia knew all the fanciest places, and got prime service in each one of them.

  They met over brunch in a fantastic new restaurant, chit chatting about nothing and about everything.

  “Spill it. What happened with Douglas? And why do you have a face like the end of the world was near?”

  “We kissed.” Toni blushed as she remembered their heated make out on the rooftop. “I don’t think—”

  “Why are you still thinking?” Tricia asked her. “I say you should go for it. And forget all of the logical reasons you shouldn’t that just popped into your head. It doesn’t have to be forever; it can be just for fun while it lasts.”

  Tricia’s words echoed through her mind and struck a chord, somewhere deep down. But still, she wasn’t sure she could adopt her philosophy that easily. Tricia’s motto when it came to men was – take them, have fun, throw them away. That’s not how I do things.

  But a shadow of doubt had entered her mind, maybe, just maybe her girlfriend was right? Should she consider doing what Tricia and apparently everyone else did? A bit of flirting, a night of pleasure, and never look back. She felt her heart squeeze. No, that was definitely not what she wanted to do, especially with someone she worked with.

  “So, what about Patrick?” Toni asked, deflecting the questioning from herself.

  Tricia laughed. “He’s hot and we’d been planning to spend the night together, but then h
e got that phone call from his brother. I’m not worried though. I know where he lives. I’m sure we’ll make up for it later in the week.”

  “So, you would have a one night stand with him?” Toni asked curiously.

  “Or a one week stand. You know I’m city girl through to the bone. I wouldn’t stand a chance for even one minute out there in the countryside.”

  When Toni laughed, Tricia leaned over to her with a serious face, as if she had some big secret to tell. “You know, nature is dirty.” With an exaggerated gesture she used her perfectly manicured fingernails to flip away some imaginary dust.

  Toni looked at Tricia’s petite frame, perfectly made up face, manicured fingernails, and her immaculate clothes. That woman looked perfect. Like always. Toni couldn’t remember having ever seen her when she wasn’t all put together. Tricia didn’t seem prone to all the mishaps other women had to face like deranged hair, a crinkle in her suit or even a chipped nail. God, it must be amazing to be that perfect all the time!

  After brunch, they spoiled themselves with a visit to the spa. Massage, manicure, pedicure, new haircut. The full program. Compared to prices one would have to pay back in the States, the cost was cheap. Even considering they went one of the fanciest salons in the city. Another great perk to living in Asia.

  The massage finally worked some magic and Toni started to relax. Sipping champagne while having her muscles rubbed didn’t hurt either. Soon, her mind quieted down and by early afternoon they were giggling like teenagers.

  “So, what’s after this project?” Tricia asked.

  “I don’t know. I love my job, but I’m starting to get tired of waking up someplace new every couple of months. You know it would be nice to have a home to go to at the end of the workday, instead of some apartment. To put down roots. Make friends.”

  Tricia said, “I’m your friend.”

  Toni nodded. “Yes, But I only see you every three months, when I’m in Kuala Lumpur. I want a normal life. A home. A garden barbecue on the weekend. Yoga class on Tuesdays. A family.”

  A shocked look spread across Tricia’s face, and Toni covered her mouth with her hand. “Did I really say that?”

  “You did, my dear. You are in trouble up to your nose. You either go all in or all out with your man.”

  “What are you talking about?” Toni asked.

  “You need to get Douglas out of your system, or permanently into your life. And I know the perfect place to give you a little boost in deciding which way to go.”

  “And what would that be?” Toni asked with the suspicion that she wouldn’t like the answer.

  “Allure.”

  Toni raised an eyebrow at that. She had heard of the new upscale luxury boutique, advertising they carried the most daring and provocative underwear. Toni was normally very down to earth and even worse, a practical black or white bras and panties type of girl. Allure lingerie was the exact opposite. Daring. Provocative. She shook her head. “No way. I am not going there.”

  Tricia didn’t insist, and while that fact alone bothered Toni, she was relieved enough not to question it.

  Chapter 18

  Douglas and his brothers had decided last night to travel to the beach for the weekend.

  Before leaving, he hoped to see Toni and maybe a miracle would happen and she’d want to join them. They’d secured a big villa at the beach with three bedrooms, where she’d have her own bedroom.

  But he didn’t find her, she was neither at her apartment, nor up at the gym and pool. Time was running out and he finally decided it wasn’t meant to be and they had to leave without her.

  His first impulse was to leave a message for her in the lobby with the concierge, but then it struck him as a stupid idea. She thought our making out was a mistake. The memory sent an icy chill down his spine. How could she say that? Kissing her had been like a short trip to heaven.

  Seeing everyone waiting on him, he pushed thoughts of Toni from his mind and joined his family. Monday was a holiday, which meant they had three whole days to spend at the beach. The four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur was made easily enough, and the banter between the brothers and Kendra kept his mind from straying too far away.

  When they arrived at the beach house, everyone rushed to take a plunge into the ocean, but soon enough, Douglas found himself alone with his thoughts once again. I wish she was here with me.

  Douglas had finally stopped denying the truth and admitted to himself that Toni was the perfect woman for him. And she’d also be perfect for his company. She’d be the best CFO ever back home in Chicago. I want her. Not only in my bed, but also in my office.

  He argued with himself, if he should even take the risk and ask her. She’s leading such a glitzy life, travelling all over Asia, what he has to offer would probably be boring for her. And he didn’t want her to get bored at his side.

  His thoughts kept going around in circles and at one point, he even considered asking his father if he could relocate to Asia for good. Just the mere thought of relocating had his stomach churning painfully. He would miss his family and friends so much.

  He enjoyed travelling, he really did. But even after two weeks, he was already missing his family. But I would do it to be with Toni. If that’s what it takes. Even as he prepared himself to make such a huge sacrifice, doubts crept in. What if she doesn’t even want me? Then you need to try harder.

  Kendra found him hours later and noticed his confused state of mind. She offered a listening ear, but Douglas wasn’t ready to voice his thoughts.

  She figured it had to do with the young woman she’d met the night before and decided to give him some advice, whether he wanted it or not.

  “Douglas, if this woman is important to you, you need to stop playing games and do whatever it takes to gain her trust and her love. Don’t be an idiot like Ryan and I. We lost ten years of happiness by not talking to each other. Ten years, Douglas! We got a second chance, but most people don’t. This might be your only chance with her. Don’t blow it.”

  When he didn’t answer, she grinned before she took off. “You can thank me later.”

  Douglas couldn’t get Kendra’s words out of his head. He thought about them most of Saturday night, and finally, near dawn he saw the truth. As soon as lunch was over, he announced that he was returning to Kuala Lumpur. His brothers had offered to return with him, but he declined their offer.

  “You guys stay here with Kendra and enjoy the beach. This is just something I have to do. See you Monday night, okay?”

  Kendra shot him a glance of understanding. “You won’t regret it.”

  Then he hurried right back to find Toni and tell her how much he loved her.

  ***

  Toni returned from her shopping spree with Tricia, having mustered up the courage to tell him she wanted to give their relationship a shot. She stopped by Douglas’ apartment, with sweating palms and a pounding heart only to find him gone.

  When he didn’t come home several hours later, she finally gave up and went to bed. Disheartened. First thing Sunday morning, she rushed over to his apartment door, knocking again. This time when he didn’t answer, she went down to the lobby with sagged shoulders to see if the concierge had seen him leave.

  “They left for the weekend, miss. They won’t be back until Monday night.”

  Gone? He’d abandoned her? Gosh, she missed him and before she knew it, tears sprung from her eyes and she hurried up to her apartment to scream out her soul. I should be happy. I wanted to cut him out of my life and my heart.

  But now that she was alone, she was miserable. She even missed the arguments they’d had. They seemed to disagree on almost everything - business wise that is. At first, she had been very annoyed about that, but then found that his disagreements always challenged her to find an even better solution. They made a great team. She had even started to envision what it would be like to work with him always.

  And then there was the kiss on the rooftop. It was fantastic! At least, she had thought
so. But he’d taken off for the weekend without telling her. For him, it probably was just a kiss like any other kiss in the world and he was already off chasing the next woman.

  No, it would be best for everyone involved if I resigned from my job and stayed away from him. Being near him is only going to lead to more heartache.

  Trying not to wallow in self-pity, she dragged herself up to the pool. She loaded a good romance book onto her Kindle and took it up to the rooftop with her. Nothing better than crying about someone else’s story to expel the thoughts about her own misery.

  The book got her thinking about happily ever after, and what that might look like for her. It won’t happen to me. I’m destined to become an old and bitter spinster. It for sure wasn’t going to happen with Douglas. Ever.

  Her life was too busy, constantly travelling, working eighty-hour weeks. He was the kind of guy who needed to be rooted somewhere, and she had no idea how to do that. She hadn’t been in the same place for more than six months since she was twenty-three.

  As she was already bawling, she didn’t have any strength left to control her thoughts. After years of denial, her grief about the death of her parents surfaced. Oh my gosh! She could now see with clarity how stupid she had behaved. She hadn’t wanted to accept the reality and clung to her brother, pretending they were still a family. He’d become her best friend, her supporter, and her source of life. But then he’d kicked her out.

  It still hurt to think about that time of her life. Looking back on it, she acknowledged he’d only been trying to help her, but hadn’t known how.

  He’d told her she needed to get on with her life, but after her parent’s death, she had come to rely on him for everything. It had made her weak and allowed her to avoid confronting her grief. To avoid growing up. She saw all of that now.

  What she had done to him hadn’t been fair. He was just one year older than she was and they had comforted each other and been super-close until her denial to deal with the grief had driven him away.

  She hadn’t spoken to him since that day, and she decided that first thing in the morning, she would call him. It was time. She’d find a way to make amends, but not right now. All of this thinking had given her a tremendous headache.