by Ellen Hutton
Scarlet tried not to scoff as she realized the woman must have thought she liked Lucas which was why she had asked so many questions. She would have to do better at being discrete from now on.
She felt as if she had been placed here on this earth for this specific reason. She lay her head on the back of the seat as the plane took off. She was going to make it as hard as possible for Lucas to acquire her company and she would have fun doing it.
Chapter 6
Lucas watched Scarlet with a keen eye as they walked into the resort. She had made quick friends with Elizabeth and he was pleased. Scarlet had always been great at making friends. It was a trait he had always envied because it revealed quite often that the only reason people had allowed him into their company was because of his father’s money. She had been a gem in his life. He shook his head to banish the thoughts of the past; it would do him no good to settle there. If he wanted to win her over and get control of her company, he would have to win her over once again and show her that he was a changed man. He was no longer the little boy that had lost his way.
“We should go get settled in your room,” Angela said tugging at his hand
He lowered his head to whisper something in her ear but when he looked up, he noticed Scarlet looking up at him with a curious expression. He righted himself and decided it would be best to deal with Angela where she wasn’t watching.
“Yeah, we need to talk.” He said
He waited until all his guests received their keys before accepting his. His room was the on the top floor and so he approached the elevator that would take him directly there. He noticed Scarlet walking towards the same elevator and realized she must have also gotten a room on the top floor because of his last minute booking.
She stepped into the elevator and Angela clung to him more closely.
“I loved the party you threw the other night,” Angela said flashing her usual fake smile.
As she stood next to Scarlet he suddenly had no idea why he had even fallen for a woman like Angela. She was beautiful that was sure, but she was as interesting as a stack of plain flour.
“Thank you,” Scarlet said without turning to look at them.
“So how do you know Lucas?” she asked
They were both silent and he held his breath wondering if she would reveal their history. He was hoping she would keep it to herself for the sake of sparing him the workplace gossip.
“We were childhood friends.” She replied with a slight smile,
At least he knew she didn’t completely hate him if she was able to smile. If he thought about their childhood, he would smile too.
“Oh wow, I’ve never met any of his childhood friends.” Angela said looking at him suspiciously, “he’s very private with his past.”
Once again he held his breath hoping she wouldn’t expose him.
“He didn’t have many friends.” She replied jokingly, “that must be it.”
Lucas smiled at the thought. She was right, he hadn’t had many friends and she had been a best friend to him ever since he was old enough to know himself. She had been his very best friend.
“You two lost touch,” Angela asked prolonging the uncomfortable conversation. He looked up at the floor numbers and plead with them to increase faster as they made their way to the top.
“You could say that.” Scarlet replied, “we, lost touch.”
She said the last part as if it was something that finally made sense.
“Well it’s great that you guys can catch up again,” Angela said, “maybe you guys can pick up where you left off.”
She let out a light laugh that sounded like the Scarlet he knew. She looked over at Angela with a mischievous smile and then her eyes rose to meet his. There was something indistinguishable in them and he wished he knew how to read her.
“We should pick up where we left off.” She said forcefully
Before he could say anything else, the elevator bell rung, and the doors opened. She didn’t wait for them to step out but made her way out of the elevator and walked away leaving him to stare after her. There was something strange about the way she had looked at him and even stranger was the way she had proposed they catch up where they had left off. He knew she didn’t mean it, but he wondered why she would say it.
“She’s interesting.” Angela said, “never told me you guys dated.”
He didn’t reply, instead, he turned and made his way to his room. He knew Angela would follow and so he didn’t check to see if she would be behind him.
When they got to his room, he closed the door behind them. She walked across the room putting her bags down and making light comments about the décor. He didn’t know exactly how he would do this, but he knew it had to be done. Seeing Scarlet had shown him just how meaningless his relationship with Angela was.
“Angela, we need to talk.” He said, “we both know this relationship has run its course.”
He looked over at her and the usual smile she offered him was suddenly replaced with a scowl.
“Are you kidding me?” she asked, “what’s gotten into you?”
“What do you mean?” he asked
“You’ve been acting so different since you saw that woman at the party.” she said, “what’s the deal with you two?”
“There’s nothing between us.” He replied, “I’ve been wanting to have this conversation for weeks. You should go.”
“I knew this would be a waste of time.” She seethed, “you’re no different from your father.”
The words bit into him and felt like poison burning his blood. He was nothing like his father and he knew she only said that to irritate him. Lucky for her, it had worked.
“I can schedule a flight off the island.” He said, “but you won’t be remaining here for the weekend.”
“Keep it.” She replied, “I know my way out.”
She marched towards the door but then turned to look at him.
“You will always, never be man enough.” She said, “I think Scarlet feels the same too.”
He was so shocked at her words that he stood there for a moment wondering where they had come from. It was the cruelty beneath them that surprised him, but then again, he couldn’t blame her. He was her cash cow and he had just sent her away. It was always like this with women like Angela who only wanted him because of his money. He had yet to meet a woman who wasn’t like that. The thought struck him like a dash of cold water; he had met a woman like that, and then he had lost her. Lucas walked over to the balcony and looked out at the water. There was something so peaceful in their depths, yet he knew they held wonders. It reminded him of Scarlet; she was the one that got away.
Chapter 7
Scarlet pulled her hair from her ponytail and let it drape down her shoulders as she stood by the pool. She had changed into her orange bikini and had made her way down to catch some of the sunlight before it grew dark. When she got there, she realized that Elizabeth also had that same idea. The woman was spread out on a towel with across a lounging chair.
“Dear Lord” Elizabeth said when she looked up and saw her, “you are stunning.”
Scarlet blushed and lowered herself unto one of the chairs.
“Thank you” she replied, “you don’t look so bad yourself.”
“Oh, poor me, I can hardly get to the gym and I love my food.” Elizabeth said with a smile, “regardless, the children love the extra cushion you know.”
Scarlet laughed and lay back allowing the sun to kiss her skin. She closed her eyes and listened to the different sounds all around her, there was the sound of the sea, other people had begun gathering at the pool and not long after, it was a noisy commotion of voices.
“Here comes Lucas.” Elizabeth said beside her, “he’s heading straight towards us.”
Scarlet didn’t open her eyes, she only let out a mumble of acknowledgment and continued to sunbathe. The truth was, she didn’t know what to think of Lucas seeing her like this. She didn’t carry a noticeable mark on h
er stomach of her pregnancy and she had been exercising four times a week to keep up with work and her five-year-old. The only problem was that she was feeling a bit vulnerable at the thought of his scrutiny and she didn’t know why.
“Hi ladies,” she heard him say
She opened her eyes and looked up and she could hardly recognize the man. She had half imagined he would be the same lanky boy from her pas,t or at least a pudgy older version but he proved her wrong. He sported well-toned abs, arms that rippled with muscle and legs that looked to be carved out of stone.
“Hi,” she replied feeling a sudden heat on her face that had nothing to do with the sun.
“Wow, Lucas,” Elizabeth said ogling him, “have you been working out?”
Lucas laughed and smiled at her.
“When I can find the time” He admitted, “I’m always working.”
Elizabeth whistled and looked over at Scarlet,
“I really shouldn’t be sitting so close to two of the most perfect people here.” She said standing and picking up her towel.
“Where are you going?” Scarlet asked
“I’m going to get some food.” Elizabeth said with a smile, “at least I can eat without much shame.”
Scarlet looked up at Lucas and then away towards the sea. She had no idea what to say now that she was left alone with him. He came around to sit in the vacated chair Elizabeth had left just moments ago.
“So,” he said, “are you enjoying yourself yet?”
“I like it here,” she said taking in the view.
“You always wanted to visit.” He replied, “it was sort of my encouragement to book the trip here.
“Oh,” she replied, “it’s nice.”
In her mind, it was as if the scenery and the beauty were suddenly tainted.
“You look nice.” He said,
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She replied
They were silent for another minute.
“We don’t have to make this so hard you know.” He said, “we should be able to have normal conversations.”
She scoffed.
“Sure, let’s have a normal conversation.” She said
“Tell me about your company.” He said, “after all that’s why we’re here.”
“You’re right.” She replied, “it was a risk. Ethan and I were out of university and we didn’t want to work for anyone. I had made a few connections during college and they gave me the job of organizing a few events for them. I did it so well they commissioned me to do all their events. From there, we just grew.”
“Do you like it?” he asked
She thought about it for a moment. She loved working, loved the thrill of making people’s dreams come true but she didn’t like the pressure that had begun building lately. The market was dying, yet their business had expanded beyond their abilities to fully control it. She hadn’t given much thought to whether she even liked party planning, she had needed something, anything, to work for her and her son.
“I’m not sure.” She admitted, “I’ve never given it much thought. It’s become a bit more tedious of late but I guess all jobs are like that.”
“I remember you always wanted to be a teacher.” He said
She smiled at the memory. She had been in love with all her teachers and had decided to become one at a very young age. She was surprised he even remembered that.
“I couldn’t deal with that.” She said, “it would be too much pressure.”
“You did a great job,” he said, “it’s a really good business. I’m happy for you and Ethan.”
“Thank you.” She replied noting the way he said Ethan’s name.
She was a bit pleased to hear the hint of jealousy mixed in with his compliment. Knowing he thought she had a relationship with Ethan and that he was jealous would work well for her.
“Why do you want this company?” she asked
I, ugh, I think it’s going to be a good addition to the group of companies I own.” He replied, “’it will be good for our expansion.”
“I see.” She replied
She was disappointed that he felt the need to lie to her.
“And what would you do with it once you got it?” she asked, “should I expect the company to remain the same or will you be parting it out for what it’s worth.”
Her questions clearly surprised him.
“I’m not sure just yet.” He replied, “I have to talk it over with my board of directors, but I know they’ll agree to whatever it takes to acquire the company. The quicker the better.”
She nodded and lay back on the chair.
“Is something wrong?” he asked
“Nothing,” she replied
She suddenly felt too hot. She needed to take a swim. Standing and walking away from the man who had once so thoughtlessly trampled her heart, she made her way over to the pool and dived in. There was a brief moment when she hung in the air and then she was below water. Down there, all her problems were gone. When she resurfaced, she saw Lucas looking over at her and she knew suddenly that there was nothing she could ever do to stop his eyes from making her feel flushed and hot. All she could do now was make it through this weekend and the next few months before she was able to get him out of her life, out of their life.
Chapter 8
Lucas looked around the room and felt pleasure that he had managed to once again throw a good party for his top-level execs and workers. They were all milling around the room laughing and chatting and he knew that the vacation must have been a welcome distraction as they underwent drastic changes within the company. His eyes didn’t stop however, they began to search for the person he really wanted to see. Earlier today, he had been so stunned to see her that he had choked on his drink. She stood so tall and graceful in nothing but the skimpy bathing suit she wore and it took all his strength to not punch his chief accountant and friend who made some snide remark about taking her to his bed. She had been a vision, but she was still not his biggest fan. When he decided to take up the initiative and pull her into a conversation, she remained aloof. He wondered if he was the only one who felt what he felt. She was so cold now; she was hardly the bright vibrant redhead that he remembered from their past.
He looked around the room once again and spied Scarlet smiling and talking to Melvin. He strode over to where they stood and cleared his throat.
“Lucas!” Melvin said as he walked over, “glad to see you finally made it. Have you met the lovely Scarlet?”
Lucas ignored the introduction and looked over at Scarlet who was wearing a short white dress that contrasted against her nicely tanned skin. It hung from her shoulders just a bit while revealing a slip of cleavage that made his mouth water ever so slightly.
“Scarlet is an old friend.” He said trying to step between his friend and Scarlet. Melvin was the greatest playboy he ever met. There wasn’t a woman he had in his sights that he couldn’t get; he didn’t want him anywhere near Scarlet.
“Ah, she said something to that effect, but I thought she was just joking.” Melvin said, “after all, I don’t think you have any friends.”
He shook his head and ignored Melvin. He didn’t need to worry about his friend and Scarlet right now, he needed to win her over and get control of her company.
“That’s the second time I’ve heard that today.” Scarlet said, “it must be true.”
Lucas could see this going the wrong way and so he tried to change the topic.
“Is everything to your liking?” he asked
“Yup sure is.” Melvin interjected, “although I was wondering where Angela had wandered off to, we had made a bet to see which of us could get you drunk.”
“Lucas drunk?” Scarlet said, “that would be something to see. He barely drinks enough to dull his mind.”
“Never been drunk!” Melvin exclaimed, “he hasn’t lived.”
“I agree” she replied
For a moment he wondered if she had ever gotten drunk and why. He had missed five
years of her life and it seemed as if she was a completely new person. She had changed so much, he could only imagine what remained the same.
“No drinks for me.” He said, “you’re free to drink if you like Melvin.” He replied
“Already on my second.” Melvin replied holding up a small glass of champagne, “you know I turn up. You two have something in common though. How interesting.”
“What’s that?” Lucas asked
“Neither of you have ever been drunk.” Melvin replied, “you two are far too young to be so responsible.”
Lucas smiled to think that maybe some things hadn’t changed.
“I’m going to leave you two to talk,” Melvin said, “seems like there’s something here.”
Without another word, he walked away leaving them alone. He cursed himself for being so transparent but then again, Melvin was the closest friend he had.
“So,” he said inching closer to her, “never been drunk huh.”
“Not for lack of trying.” She replied, “I have no space in my life for drunkenness.”
“I agree.” He replied, “I feel the same,”
“You look beautiful tonight by the way,” he said, “is t alright if I tell you that.”
She didn’t say anything, but he saw the slight smile that touched her lips and he knew he was in safe territory.
“So, Angela’s gone,” she said changing the topic,
“Yes, we had some differences.” He replied,
“That’s interesting,” she replied, “like what? Seemed like you two had very much in common.”
“She doesn’t seem like the type of girl who would have left on her own.” He replied, “you must have been very, convincing.”
He smiled.
“I didn’t feel for her what she felt for me.” He replied, “we had to part ways.”
“What was that?” she asked looking him deep in the eyes.
“Need” he replied, “she was never everything but a sad mistake for me.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me” she replied, “in fact, I really shouldn’t be questioning you this way.”
