by Mia Carson
“And the day keeps getting more and more interesting,” Amy murmured as she caught up to Claire and fluffed her brown hair. It caught on her shoulders and had a nice bounce to it, especially when she flicked her neck ever so lightly. Like she was doing now.
There was no denying the man was devastatingly handsome; his hands were still in his pockets, and as he neared them, she could make out eyes as blue as the ocean. When he was a few feet away, he smiled, boasting two rows of perfectly shaped teeth smack dab between two of the cutest dimples she had ever seen.
“Hi,” he said. His right hand left his pocket as he extended it to the girls.
Claire looked at it like it was a strange thing to do, but Amy quickly took it. “Amy,” she said as she batted her lashes at him.
“And you are?” he asked, looking at Claire.
“Do you personally meet and greet everyone who stops on your island?” Claire asked him.
“It’s the polite thing to do, wouldn’t you say?” he asked her as he held out his hand again. “I’ve already met almost everyone. My name’s Chance.”
“Claire,” she told him, taking his hand. She flinched like she had been burned by his touch and retracted her hand quickly. “So, do you live here?”
“Here and there,” he said casually, like it was a commonplace thing to do.
“Where’s there?” Amy asked him. “Where are we, by the way?”
“In the Caribbean, just below the Bahamas,” he told her. “Like I said, here and there.”
“It seems you have quite a few admirers,” Claire said, gesturing to the girls hanging further back, staring at him.
“I usually do. What can I say? I’m irresistible,” he joked as he turned and waved to the girls staring at him. As he turned to look at her again, he caught her eyes and held her gaze until she felt naked. She lowered her head and blinked several times as she tried to block his hypnosis.
“Well, it was nice of you to let us land on your island,” she told him. “I was looking for my mom, and I found her. I think we should go back.”
“Go back to what? There is nothing to do there. If you like, I could show you around. Play pool or other games?”
It sounded suggestive the way he said it, and though Amy was pushing her to go, she had reservations.
“I’ll pass,” she told him. “I’m not in the mood for dice and cards.”
“Come on, take a chance,” he cajoled. “I noticed you when you took a walk by the house, and I know you’re the kind of girl that likes games.”
Amy laughed, but Claire was trying hard not to be amused or taken with this man. He had a pompous air about him as if he were used to getting his way. She would not give him the satisfaction of conquering her in any way. She wouldn’t even give him the pleasure of her time. Men like him had a wall of fame where they probably kept score of their conquests. She didn’t want to be on that wall.
“I think you have more than enough company,” she commented, nodding her head towards the group. It was evident they were waiting on him to pass.
“Just because they want my company doesn’t mean I want theirs. I am picky,” he said and winked. “You can join me if you like. You know the way.”
Amy rolled her eyes at Claire and shouted after Chance. “Hey, wait up!” She walked backwards, beseeching Claire to go with them. Claire waved her off, and she was forced to go alone. Chance stopped by the group of three girls waiting for him and said something to them. Claire heard them giggling and watched as they followed him. Claire had no feeling of remorse. Chance would get someone tonight, but it wouldn’t be her.
Claire was left on the beach with her thoughts for company. She glanced back towards the house. Chance didn’t seem like such a bad idea. Besides, he couldn’t make her do anything she didn’t want to. But then, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, if she really wanted to do anything.
She removed her shoes and walked down to the edge of the water. The wind was picking up, and her black hair swirled around her face, a welcome feeling. A tangled mess that fell beyond her shoulders, her hair was both her best and worst asset. As she stood there, eyes closed, her toes in the sand and the water tickling her feet each time the waves brought it closer, she felt at peace. She was so caught up in her own world she didn’t see or hear the pilot until he had approached her and cleared his throat to get her attention.
“Oh, sorry,” she said when she opened her eyes and saw him standing there. “I didn’t see you.”
“So I see,” he said and smiled. “The Caribbean is my favorite place to be at any time of the year. It never gets old standing here and looking at the water. I think in another life, I’d be the captain of a ship instead.”
“It’s really nice,” she said and turned to him, “so peaceful.”
“It is,” the captain said.
A few seconds of comfortable silence passed, and Claire looked up to the captain. “So what’s going on with the plane?”
“The good news is the plane is in great condition to get us to St. Lucia. The bad news is the weather is really bad. There’s heavy rainfall blocking our path. We are going to have to sit it out and hope it clears by morning. The Caribbean is very romantic and peaceful but can be unpredictable. At least we have somewhere to sleep.”
“Will all of us fit in that house?” she asked him, gesturing toward the mansion. “I know it’s big, but…”
“No, some of us will stay in the plane, but the owner is allowing the use of his amenities for those who would like to freshen up. There are several bedrooms for those who choose to sleep there, but it won’t fit us all. I’ll remain on the plane with other passengers who prefer staying there.”
“I think I’ll stay on the plane as well,” she told him. She looked up at the house and turned back to the sea. “I don’t want to get too comfortable. I might not want to leave.”
The captain laughed. “I understand what you mean. It is a hell of a house. I bet being inside would compare to a five-star hotel.”
“More like a seven-star hotel,” she laughed. “Were you on your way to the house?”
“No, on my way back to the plane and saw you. Wanted to let you know what our sleeping options are. Have a good night,” he said as he smiled at her.
“Thank you,” Claire said as she smiled at the man. She hadn’t seen her mother return yet. She turned in the direction she had last seen her and started out to find her. Surely she wouldn’t be in the company of the man still. As she rounded the bend, she ran into her.
“Mom, I have been looking for you,” she said sternly, as if their roles had been reversed. “Where have you been, and who was that man?”
“I’m a grown woman, Claire. I can take care of myself,” Willow told her as she pushed past her daughter. She looked light and free and walked with a bounce that unnerved Claire.
“Mom, who was that man?
“Too many questions,” Willow said as she turned to her and grinned. “Now, what shall we have for dinner? I’m starving.”
Claire followed her, and suddenly she felt silly that her mother seemed to be having more fun than she was. She passed the house and looked up. She could see a string of people lining up to go into the house. She looked at the balcony, and her heart stopped when she spotted him standing there like before, looking directly at her.
CHAPTER 5
Chance was unfamiliar with rejection. As a matter of fact, until a few moments ago, he hadn’t known what it felt like. He stood on his balcony looking down at her as she walked along the beach. There was a simple innocence and beauty about her that attracted him. He had been with many women, but as a precautionary measure, he never got too close to anyone. It was easier to remain emotionally unavailable in relationships. And as he got older, he had earned quite the reputation for it, and he cherished being a bad boy. He felt powerful because he could get anything he wanted easily. He grew up a privileged child, and money commanded respect and attention throughout the world.
But
this new game of chasing after a woman who didn’t care about him was not the sort he was familiar with, and it rattled him.
He had been waiting on his balcony all evening, hoping she’d come around to the house or at least get close by for him to see her again. He had seen her when she had looked up, but he wasn’t sure she had seen him. Her friend was already here, so he doubted she would come up alone. Maybe she would choose to stay on the plane overnight. A scowl moved over his face as he lifted the bottle of beer he was holding to his lips. He needed to know more about her, even if it meant asking her friend about her.
“Amy, right?”
She was filling a plate with some warm appetizers his cook had just served. “Hey,” she said as she brushed crumbs from the corners of her mouth. “These are delicious.”
“I’m glad you like them,” he told her. “How would you like to see something more interesting?”
Her eyes flew open as he said the words, and he did his best to stifle a chuckle. He was used to women swooning all over him.
“Where?” she asked.
He held her hand and led her out of the room, doing his best to avoid the pairs of eyes that stared at him as he walked with Amy. He knew most of the women in that room would easily jump into bed with him. Why was her friend immune to his charms?
“What is so interesting about this room?” Amy asked as they stood in front of a door. He had taken her to a small room off the side of the enormous house.
“You’ll see,” he said as he opened the door.
“Nice,” Amy said as she saw his game room. It held a pool table, and Amy could see herself mounted there and Chance sending her to places…
He touched her on the shoulder, and she jumped. “You alright?”
“I’m good,” she replied.
Chance walked over to the mini bar in the corner and took out a beer. “Would you like anything?” he asked her.
“Probably just a soda,” she replied. “Unless you have something more interesting.”
“You’re not a drinker?” he asked and pulled a soda from the fridge.
“Not usually. Claire…” she began.
Chance’s ears pricked when he heard Claire’s name. “Claire?” he asked. “Is that your friend?”
“Yeah,” Amy sighed.
“So what’s her story?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” Amy asked.
“She didn’t want to come with you?”
“No, Claire’s got her own mind,” Amy said and walked over to the pool table. “How do you play?”
“It is complicated; you won’t learn overnight,” he told her. He wanted to get back to the subject of Claire, but he didn’t want it to look too obvious.
“Well, is there anything else we can do that I can be taught overnight?” she asked. She ran her tongue across her lips.
“That depends,” Chance said and set his beer down on the counter. “What would you like to learn?” He leaned against the wall, maintaining his distance.
“I don’t know. You tell me,” Amy said as she swished her hips provocatively as she walked toward him.
“So what do you want to learn?” he asked.
“What do you have to teach?” She could see the gleam in his eyes as he watched her. She touched the golden curls on his chest, which were peeking out of his shirt. She wet her lips and leaned in, but someone pushed the door open.
“Chance.” A man interrupted their discussion.
He looked at her and gave her a devilish grin before moving past her. Amy gritted her teeth and followed him. “What’s going on?” he asked his father.
“Most of the staff is gone for the day, and we need to make some room in here for our guests.”
“Sure,” he said and turned to Amy. “Would you like to help?”
Amy’s disappointment was pronounced as she sighed, “Sure.”
But there wasn’t much to do. In less than five minutes they had moved what little furniture was there and turned the room into an indoor camp site. Amy had just moved the last piece when she saw Claire walk past the door.
“Hey,” Amy called to her.
Claire stopped mid-stride and cocked her head. “Oh, there you are,” she said. She walked into the room, saw Chance, and froze.
“Where are you going?” Amy asked.
“Looking for you. Oh,” she said with shock.
“What?” Amy asked.
She looked from Amy to Chance. “Oooooh,” she said with a knowing smile.
“No,” Chance defended too quickly. “She was just helping me out.”
“I can see that,” Claire said. She folded her hands as she leaned against the door.
“I thought you were staying down there,” Amy said.
“I was, but then Mom decided she preferred a bed tonight, so here I am.” She nodded at Chance and then started to leave the room but he skipped across the room to reach her.
“Do I offend you in some way?” he asked.
“Why would you? I don’t even know you,” she replied.
“Exactly,” he said and folded his arms. “You don’t know me but you already hate me.”
“I don’t hate you, Chance,” she said. “I just don’t know you.”
Amy chose that moment to interrupt them. “I wonder where everyone else is. Let’s go.”
Claire didn’t move. Amy tugged on her hand and she followed her.
Chance ground his teeth as he watched them go. He would have her one way or the other. He watched her as she walked to her mother, and she and her friend sat down to chat. He saw other men looking at her, and he could completely understand why. She was different from everyone else, and devastatingly beautiful. He leaned against the beam, biting his nails and trying to concoct a plan to win her, even if it was only for a night.
***
On the other side of the room, Claire was looking at her mother oddly. “So?”
“What?” Willow asked and blushed.
“I saw you flirting with that man over there,” Claire said, nudging her.
“And what is so wrong with that?” she asked.
“Nothing. Just asking. So, what do you plan to do about him after tomorrow?”
“Who said I have to have plans after tomorrow? I’m just living for today. Maybe you should, too.”
“Way to go,” Amy hooted and laughed.
“It isn’t funny,” Claire said. “She is too old for this.”
“I beg your pardon?” Willow said. “It has been five years since I left your father. I think I’m due for a handsome man.” Claire shook her head. Willow shrugged her shoulders and got up. “As a matter of fact, I believe he is waiting for me.” She straightened her top and fluffed her hair, and without another word she glided across the room and disappeared down a corridor.
“I think I might take her cue,” Amy said and got up, too.
“Where are you going?” Claire asked.
“You said I could take him,” Amy responded.
“Take who?” Claire asked.
“Chance!” Amy said. “Have you changed your mind?”
“Oh, no,” Claire said as she remembered. “He isn’t mine to give, Amy. If you are interested in a one-night stand with some rich billionaire, go ahead. I’ll just stay here and read a book.”
“Everything alright over here?” Chance asked. He had walked up behind them.
“Yes,” Amy said, wheeling around to face him. “I was coming to hang out with you.”
“Oh yeah? Would you like to watch a movie with me in the entertainment room? I think that room is still relatively empty,” he said.
“Sure,” Amy was quick to say.
“You two go ahead,” Claire said. “I’d rather stay here.”
“Where’s here?” Chance asked and looked around the large room where several of the other passengers had gathered and were making themselves comfortable. “Come with me.”
“I told you, I’m not interested,” Claire said. “I just want to read my b
ook in peace.”
“Not interested in a bed? I was going to offer you one of the master bedrooms that is still unoccupied. I thought you would be more comfortable there.”
“Oh,” Claire said. “Sorry. I misunderstood.”
There was a slight blush on her cheek, and Chance smiled at it. “Now, if you would follow me, please,” he said to them.
“Amy, get that,” Claire told her and showed her the duffel resting on the ground. “We grabbed some stuff from the luggage we might need and left the rest on the plane.”
“No problem.” Amy slung the bag over her shoulder and whispered to her friend. “Let’s go. I got a boy to catch.”
Claire shook her head and grabbed her overnight bag. “As always.”
They reached the room more quickly than Claire expected. Chance pushed the door open.
“Make yourselves comfortable.”
“Nice,” Amy said as they walked into a fancy room.
“Not bad,” Claire said, forcing her expression to mimic boredom instead of the excitement she felt.
“Master bath is in there, towels are over there in that cabinet, and you will find other toiletries you might need in the cupboard in the bathroom,” Chance told them, pointing to various locations as he spoke.
“Thank you,” Claire smiled.
“So, how about joining me in the entertainment room when you are settled?” he asked again.
Claire looked at him, then at Amy, then she looked away. “I’ll stay here. I’d love a hot shower,” she smiled. “Thanks for the accommodations. It is a lovely room.”
“Okay. Coming?” he asked Amy.
Amy grinned at Claire and winked. “See you later.”
After they left, Claire remained in the room, admiring the tapestries, art, and woodwork. The bathroom was a delight, and she slipped out of her clothes and stepped into the bath. The warm water flowed over her ivory skin, and she let it massage her tired body. Her head fell back so the water could course through her silken hair. She ran her hand over her face as her mind drifted to a moment not so long ago, when she was in the shower, and Trent had joined her. He had put his arms around her body, lathering soap over her and tickling her.
