by Donna Hill
This time spent with him would go down as some of the best days of her life—at least the most fun and carefree. And reluctantly, when she felt him standing strong by her side, his arm draped easily over her shoulder, rubbing her arm in that endearing, absentminded way he’d taken to doing, she had to admit she was going to miss this. No, she was going to miss him, when all was said and done. A knot twisted in Essie’s belly as the butterflies seemed to bunch up in one corner.
Shit. I’m falling for him.
But as Essie saw the stretch limo waiting for them as they departed, flanked by a female driver and two other beautiful women in short skirts and tight blazers, she couldn’t help but stiffen. Normally, she was more confident. Seeing these women, who looked like versions of every woman she’d seen pictured with him, something in her deflated. It brought to mind the fact that it would all be over in days. But Essie forced herself to shake it off as a tall, slim young man stepped forward and came up to them.
“Good to see you, sir,” he said before sparing Essie a glance. “And good to see you, too, Ms. Bradford.”
Though Essie didn’t know him, he did know her, and he seemed unsurprised by the intimacy of her and Ross’s entwined hands. It raked at her and she stiffened.
“Essie, this is my assistant, Andrew Vaughn.”
Essie gave the younger man a nod. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Vaughn.” She let go of Ross and stuck out her hand.
“You too. I hope your trip went well. Please let me know of any supplies you need for the return, and I’ll be sure to have them brought on board.”
“Thank you. I think I’m pretty good. I do prefer to do my own shopping, but I’d appreciate it if you know Miami or have someone else who does, that could point me in the direction of the freshest markets.”
Andrew nodded.
“Is everything all set and ready?” Ross asked.
“Yes, sir. You’ll see these are the types of cars and drivers with the ladies as concierge that we sent to pick up the clients. They should be arriving at Serenity within the next two hours.”
Essie was intently following along. It was a good thing Andrew was explaining because he wasn’t giving out any introductions to the ladies. Essie thought of introducing herself but the women gave off a sort of aloofness that could tag the part of a gorgeous female spy ring or darned good exclusive club bouncers. A small bus pulled up and two more beautiful women got out, along with two men who were just as model gorgeous. They lined up next to Andrew. “These are Lacey, Ana, Marco, and Louis. Additional staff for guest-stew services.”
Essie didn’t miss the hot look Lacey gave Ross. It was an invite, an openness, as Andrew continued his introductions.
“They will be available for the clients for any and all entertainment while on board. Marco and Louis will help with deckhand services and anything else that is needed.”
Essie couldn’t help but bristle. Serenity was about to become quite the party ship, and she couldn’t help but wonder at what type of services and or entertainment Andrew was referring to. But Essie pushed the thoughts back. She and Chef Scott would have plenty of mouths to feed. Playtime, at least for her, was definitely over. Though Chef Scott was a jerk, she would pitch in and help him with so many passengers coming aboard.
“Well,” she said, looking up at Ross, “I guess I’d better get going with supplies so I can get back to help out Simon. We’re about to get really busy.”
Ross bent and gave her a kiss. “Fine, but Simon can handle the bulk of the cooking. You take this car and get what you want him to prepare. I want you by my side tonight. I’ll stay here with Andrew, making a few calls if you don’t mind.”
Ross’s words about being by his side pulled her up short, but Essie tried not to make too much of them. “Not at all.”
But as Ross pulled away, he gave her a long stare. “Don’t worry, I’ll watch out. No buying stew in dodgy neighborhoods. And I won’t be long. I want to be back”—she looked over the leggy woman eyeing Ross like the last crab leg at the all-you-can-eat buffet—“before things get too wild.”
Chapter Fifteen
Essie made it back on board Serenity at the same time as the clients—a ruckus crew of three couples. Two married—the Cruzes and the Johnsons—and the other, an owner of a basketball team, Jimmy Paul, and his girlfriend, a model named Lola.
Essie tugged on her top and smoothed her disheveled hair as she was introduced to the bejeweled women. She didn’t mean to be late, but while out shopping for supplies, she ran across the sweetest little Christmas shop. Though rushed, she couldn’t help but go in. Once there she picked up an ornament for her mom. Though this one would be late, her mom would still love it. And when she saw they personalized ornaments, Essie couldn’t resist getting a beautiful one with snowmen and palm trees, which she had personalized with the name Serenity. She hoped Ross would use it to both remember her, and to start a new tradition with his daughter when he was ready.
After the awkward introductions, Essie left the gift on her dresser and quickly changed for dinner, which as it turned out would be off board at a Miami hot spot.
Later, sitting on the deck with Mrs. Cruz, who refused an individual tart, as well, Essie noticed, as most of her dinner, Essie made attempts at small talk. There had to be a reason Ross wanted her here. Maybe playing hostess was it. “Though I’m sure you enjoy Miami, tell me, are you looking forward to traveling back to New York?” Essie asked. The woman was silent and had been for the past ten minutes. It was like pulling teeth, getting a word out of her.
“Surprising,” Mrs. Cruz said as she turned and examined her with a critical eye.
“Excuse me?”
“It’s you. You’re surprising.” She looked over at one of the new stews, the pretty Ana, who was serving a drink to Mr. Cruz in the Jacuzzi while showing off her cleavage to its best advantage. “Now that’s more his usual.”
The cutting comment from the woman hit Essie at her core and she felt heat rise in her cheeks. Her instincts were to argue. She had her talents and it was a waste to let insecurities over legs and boobs fill sacred space in her spirit. She was the one that Ross asked to be here. Well, technically, paid to be here. Just like every other female on this ship. Essie let out a low breath as she spotted Ana handing Ross a drink and adding an extra touch to his bared bicep with it. Her argument died in her throat.
Essie tried to shake off her sudden unwelcome uneasiness when Ross turned and gave her a smile that was more head than heart. The tranquil peace of The Serenity was gone. And as Essie lay down that night cradled in Ross’s arms, spent from making love, the waves gently rocking the boat, she didn’t sleep soundly.
* * *
It was morning and they were now under way to head to Ross’s private island, where the resort would be built. It was a short boat ride away, just four hours. Near enough to Miami for party shuttles to go, and far enough for him to create his own secluded oasis.
The butterflies that had befriended her started up again, but this time their fluttering brought the most unwelcome feeling. She was not looking forward to her time with this bunch. And though she’d tried her best to straddle the line of help and hostess, Essie had not received a kind look or gesture since she met any of them. She feared the time back to New York with them would not go well.
As if feeling Essie’s unease, Ross turned her way and gave her a warm smile. The butterflies eased down and she smiled back. She was probably being nutty and should just chill. Essie relaxed and decided to ignore the pinched faced women and enjoy herself, as she had been.
But things didn’t get better on the island. Though the tour was fascinating, and Essie could totally see Ross’s exciting vision, she was once again pulled up short by their arrival to the fanfare of scantily clad women and a few men scattered within. Drinks flowed like water and the promise of all the hedonism imaginable was thick in the air. Essie’s unease grew as she watched Ross seem to swell bigger, louder, and bolder, until he somehow was wea
ring a mask of himself that no longer fit. But maybe this was him and the Ross she got to know when it was just the two of them was a mask he was wearing to woo her into his bed? The thought stopped her short.
By the time the tour was over, and their party on board Serenity readying to head back to Miami, the party had swelled to one with a band and dancing girls, two to each man, in Ross’s case three, as the women seemed to want to be sure their check writer knew exactly who they were. And Ross played it up, sharing cigars all around while being loud and boisterous.
When Ross, at the encouragement of the crowd, took a shot from between the breasts of a curvy brunette in a barely there bikini and turned to Essie suggesting she do the same, she was done. She had a splitting headache and wanted to retreat and go to bed, away from this version of Ross.
“Come on, babe, go for it! This is a party. Why don’t you act like it?”
Essie eyed the way Ross’s hands were grasping the hips of the brunette and wanted to step out of the whole scene. She looked into his slightly unfocused eyes and felt both anger and sadness. Anger for being put in this situation and sadness over what she’d hoped it would be. “This is not my type of party Ross. And I’m tired.”
Ross frowned and looked ready to argue, but Essie got her opening when Mrs. Johnson dropped her makeshift toga and shimmied naked to get under the limbo pole more easily. The crowd cheered and Essie got up and started heading across the room. But Ross saw her heading toward the stairs, and before she knew it, he was there at her side.
“Where you going?”
“Like I said, I’m tired, Ross. I think I’ll leave you to your clients. It’s late and the band is getting to me. I have a headache.”
He leaned in to kiss her and his rum-and-cigar breath had her recoiling.
Ross frowned, his darkening eyes surprising her, but not more than the possessive hand on her arm. “But I want you here with me. Besides, I didn’t say you were off the clock yet.”
Essie heated so fast she felt like she may cause the whole ship to burst into flames. “Screw you, Ross Montgomery. I’m freelance, so I work for myself. You may own everything and everyone else on this boat, but you don’t own me.”
* * *
Ross looked down at his empty hand and closed it into a tight fist. It was all he could do, since all he felt was alone. His first instinct was to go after her. Go after her and pull her back into his arms. Kiss her long and hard with everything he had and let her know how much she meant to him. How he shouldn’t have said what he said.
Ross took a step, then stopped short. But what did she mean to him? Did he even know? They’d made no promises to each other, which was probably a good thing. Sure, they had a good time aboard the ship. Secure in the world of just the two of them, but with just this simple test he could see they were no match for the outside world. He thought he had known with Yasmine. Thought he could play the role of happy-home husband and father, but what did he do? He went and fucked that up in less than a year. And now his ex was married to someone else and, worse, his daughter was being raised by another man. He didn’t want to relive that all over again with Essie. It had already been proven he was his father’s son, and the business was his first and one true love.
But still Essie called to him. If only so he could at least apologize for speaking to her and treating her so harshly. Ross took a step forward and a hand grazed him lightly on his shoulder. He turned to look into the smiling eyes and glossy lips of—what was her name? Lacey?
“Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Paul sent me to retrieve you for a game of Twister. We’re all playing and he said I’m not to take no for an answer.”
As she said those words, the new steward slipped her polo over her head to reveal a white bikini top. Ross frowned and shook his head. “Please tell Mr. Paul I won’t be playing, but to enjoy the game with my compliments.”
She put on what Ross thought was a well-practiced pout. “I’m afraid he won’t be happy, sir.”
Ross suddenly wanted to be anywhere but there. Here he was with everything he thought he wanted: money, women, prestige, and the one thing he really needed was just out of reach. “Tell Mr. Paul to have an enjoyable evening on me,” he said before he turned and headed for the stairs.
* * *
As Essie slammed the door, hot tears burned at her eyes. Shit. Why did I ever get so close? If she hadn’t gotten close, he wouldn’t have affected her. And what was with that Lacey? She didn’t miss her lurking as she waited for her moment—all hair, lips, and boobs at the ready.
Still, Essie took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. She really was tired, and then she thought for a moment of how tired he must be. He’d been tap-dancing for these people all day, trying to get their backing and support, and still he had more dancing to do. Essie’s heart broke a moment for him, and then she saw her bag from the Christmas shop earlier in the day.
She took the ornament out and crossed the hall to leave it on Ross’s pillow. A peace offering of sorts to let him know though she was angry, she still cared. Besides, no matter what happened, his daughter should still have the ornament.
* * *
Essie woke feeling refreshed and hopeful that she and Ross could get back on track. She dressed to go to the galley, and found Chef Scott was up, already preparing a big breakfast. They were docked in Miami and would be there for a few hours before sailing back to New York with the clients to conclude the deal.
She thought of Ross and their argument the night before and how tired he must be today. But today was a new day and she was ready to start over again. Essie reached into the fridge and took out the last tiny chocolate mousse. “I’m going to take this to Ross. I’ll be back in a moment to help you finish up,” she said to Simon.
“He’s not here.”
Essie stilled. “What do you mean?”
“He’s gone. Said he had urgent business and left instructions with the captain about returning the passengers to New York without him.”
Without him? Essie was so confused. Where did he go, and why did he say nothing to her? She went back to her room in a daze and saw a gift bag on her bureau. One she didn’t see before. Essie picked it up and numbly went to her bed to open it. Pulling out the mass of tissue paper, she was surprised to find a snow globe inside with a scene of Miami Beach that when shaken would be covered with snow. Attached was a plane ticket dated today with a Post-it and just the words:
Go home, Ms. Bradford, and get your New York snow.
Thank you for a job well done.
Stay Sweet,
R.M.
Taped to the bottom was Essie’s check with her full fee, plus her agreed-upon ten-thousand-dollar bonus. As Essie packed, she silently cursed her stupid tears. This was only supposed to be a little bit of fun, she told herself. Something to get over the hump so to speak. It was her own fault, opening her heart to a man who was only hiring her for a quick fix, nothing more. She’d done her job and now it was over. That should be enough. But as Essie walked the gangplank and left The Serenity behind, she couldn’t help feeling somehow undone.
* * *
It was indeed snowing, and had been since Essie returned home. She’d received one text from Ross asking if she made it home safely. She guessed that as far as employers went, he didn’t have to do that much. She replied to him with just two words I did.
They had no further communication.
It was now New Year’s Eve and she was with her mom at her apartment. They were sharing a meal of good-luck peas and rice, waiting for the ball to drop on TV. She was sure by 12:15 a.m. it would be lights out. Way to start the New Year. Woo to the freaking hoo.
So when the doorbell rang at 11:30 p.m., they both looked at each other, wide-eyed, New York instincts going on full alert.
Essie went to the door. “Who is it?” she yelled with extra bass in her voice before looking out the peephole.
“It’s me, Essie.”
She knew the voice, but didn’t believe her ears, so
she took a look through the peephole. Damn. It was him. Tall, magnetic, his dark eyes seemed to connect with hers through the peephole, and then he had the nerve to have that smile. How did he even know she’d be here tonight? This had Misha written all over it. She’d kill her.
“What are you doing here?” Essie yelled.
“I’m here to see you. You going to open the door, or does the whole floor have to know your business? I’m fine either way.”
Hesitantly, Essie opened the door a crack before finally gesturing for him to come in. No use letting the neighbors know her business. Her mom stood and looked at him with a strong and well-deserved side eye. “This is my mother.”
Ross reached out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Bradford. I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”
Her mom gave him a hard eye. “Can’t say the same about you.”
Ross looked confused as Essie crossed her arms. “If you’re here to hire me for another job, the answer is no.”
“What are you talking about?”
“What do you mean, what am I talking about? You leave without a word? Just a ticket? You turned out to be the rich jerk I pegged you for in the beginning. Judgy? Me? Hell yeah!”
“You didn’t get my letter with the ticket?”
“What, your Post-it? Classy rich boy.”
“Post-it?” He furrowed his brow; then recognition dawned in his eyes. “No. My letter. I enclosed a letter and told you I was so sorry for the night before. I didn’t want to deal with those clients anymore, and I didn’t want you to, either. I told you that you were right. That the holidays should be spent with the people you love the most. With family. So I went to see my daughter. I wanted to give her the ornament you gave me. And I wanted you to be with your mom at Christmas.”
There was a sharp “oh” as Essie’s mom took in Ross’s speech. Ross grinned as Essie’s mother made a polite exit to the other room. His smile widened when he turned and took in Essie’s stunned expression and slack jaw.
