Wicked Rich

by C. Morgan

“There’s a bed back there?” she asked as I gave her a quick tour.

  I nodded, smirking as I took her hand. “It’s so that people can sleep during longer flights and be ready to hit the ground running for work when they arrive wherever they’re going, but we can use it for other things.”

  She flushed bright red, looking around us for David. “You can’t say things like that.”

  “Why not?” I shrugged. “He’s not even on the plane yet and besides, it won’t bother him.”

  Opening another door instead of replying to me, she peeked into the room and then swung back to me with bigger eyes than ever. “There’s even a shower in the bathroom. I’m going to go ahead and assume you can’t shower on commercial flights?”

  “No, but they also ask for your ID on commercial flights.” I led her over to the small bar counter in the corner. “No one will card us here. Champagne?”

  “We’re on a private plane bound for Hawaii, so heck yes I’ll have some champagne,” she said.

  As I reached for two glasses, I chuckled and motioned for her to take a seat. “Choose where you want to sit. I’d recommend a window seat, though. The views will be incredible on our approach.”

  “I’m pretty sure the views are going to be incredible for the whole flight. You’d have to fight me for the window if you hadn’t suggested I take it.”

  “There’s more than one window, but I’ve seen it before. I’d never have fought you for the seat anyway.”

  She got onto one of the chairs, standing on her knees on the padded seat and resting her arms on the back to watch me while I filled our glasses. “How gallant of you. So, tell me what to expect once we get there. You said it was your mom’s birthday weekend, but you haven’t actually told me what the plans are.”

  Carrying the two glasses to the row she’d chosen, I handed hers over and settled in just as the pilot announced that it was time for us to fasten our seatbelts. We taxied for a few short minutes, and Hadley and I spoke about the weekend until the wheels lifted off.

  She grabbed my hand when we got airborne, her gaze glued to the window and her lips pressed into a firm line. I eased up on the conversation while we took off, watching her instead of the scenery rushing by below us.

  My plan was the last thing on my mind when she finally turned to me again. For the rest of the flight, I enjoyed her company and tried not to focus too much on what was going to come next. When she grabbed my hand and led me to the bathroom to fool around, I fell into her without hesitation.

  No matter what I told myself about my relationship with her, this part right here was real. She did things to me that no one else did, but her body definitely wasn’t the only thing I’d miss. Even if I was going to have to get over it once the next forty-eight hours were done.

  Chapter 26

  HADLEY

  Hawaii, as expected, was breathtaking. Daxton pointed landmarks out to me from the air, but the crystalline water and golden shorelines were what made my heart beat faster before we’d even touched Hawaiian soil.

  “I can’t wait to go swimming in the sea,” I said as we disembarked.

  The humidity slapped me in the face like a wave as soon as we stepped outside, but not even that could ruin the majesty of the moment I took my first breath of the island air. “This place really does look like paradise. I can almost hear the native music playing in my head like it always does in movies when people arrive.”

  “That can be arranged.” Dax grinned, playfully nudging me with his elbow when I stopped on the tarmac to stare at the palm trees swaying even beside the runway. “We need to get in a car before I can get the music on, though. Which means we have to move.”

  “Sure. Yeah. Right.” My voice sounded strange even to myself. It was like I was speaking in a dream. I couldn’t believe I was really here.

  Although I wasn’t usually the type to view the world through a lens, I was reaching for my phone before I could even think about stopping myself. On this trip, I’d make a point of documenting everything. My parents, Julio, and Leah would all get a kick out of receiving these pictures from me.

  After taking a few snaps, I turned my head up toward Dax and smiled. “Okay, I’m ready now. Sorry. I’m just going to need those to remind me this really happened.”

  He snaked an arm around my waist and dropped a quick kiss on my forehead. “If you think this is impressive, wait until we get away from the airfield. You’re going to need extra storage space on your phone.”

  I pursed my lips and moved them to the side, but I couldn’t deny that he was probably right. As he started leading me away from the plane, I realized that there were two cars waiting for us. One was a black car similar to the one they’d picked me up in from the dorms, but the other was a navy blue Jeep with the top down.

  “Who’s is that?” I asked, assuming that ours was the limo-ish one with the roof on. From what I could remember about Dax’s mom, she wasn’t one who’d like to travel with the wind in her hair. “Have I ever told you that a Jeep like that is my dream car? Even that color is exactly what I’d want.”

  His eyebrows rose, but there was also a grin forming on his lips as he glanced at the Jeep. “Yeah? That’s funny because it’s my dream car too. It also just so happens that it’s mine.”

  “Yours?” I gaped at him for what had to be the umpteenth time today. “What’s it doing here?”

  “David had it brought here for us,” he explained, inclining his head toward his assistant, who was walking behind us with staff from the airfield carrying our bags.

  I’d pointed out before we’d even left the plane that I could carry my own, but he’d told me not to worry about it. Dax’s hand tightening on my hip made me look back at him. There was a faraway look in his eyes for a second, but then he blinked it away and let his grin break free.

  “It’s my favorite car,” he said, going back to his explanation. “He must’ve known I’d be missing it, and he was right. Want to drive it off the airfield?”

  My heart sped up in my chest. “Are you serious?”

  “As a heart attack.” He grinned when we got to the car, opening the door for me before reaching in to get the keys out of the glove box. “Here you go. I’ll take over once we get to the main road.”

  He dropped the keys in my hand, but I just stood there, completely immobile as I stared at him. Again. There were just too many things that were happening today that I couldn’t believe could be real.

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “You’ve never even driven with me. How do you know I won’t crash it?”

  “There’s not much for you to crash into around here.” He swept his arm out to indicate the wide open asphalt. “Besides, I trust you to handle my stick. I think I’ve proved that time and time again.”

  “It’s not really the same thing, but sure.” I closed my fingers around the metal and walked around the car. “I’m not about to say no, though. This is yet another dream of mine you’re making come true.”

  There was a flash of dark emotion in his eyes, but then he grinned and hopped into the passenger seat, leaning out to bang on the side of the car. “Let’s go, Sage. Hawaii awaits.”

  I took a beat after I settled in behind the wheel, but then the engine turned over with a purr and I stopped reveling in the moment to actually live it. True to his word, Daxton let me drive us all the way off the rural property where the airstrip was located, only reminding me to stop once we reached a wide public road.

  It was a good thing he took over when he did too, considering that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the landscape. I wouldn’t have been able to focus on driving even if I’d wanted to. The majesty of the island took my breath away, and when we pulled up to Daxton’s family estate just a little over an hour later, the air rushed out of my lungs again.

  “It’s no wonder you guys didn’t want to move back after the trial ended,” I said, my voice hushed as I took in the triple-story, oceanfront property.

  Bright green lawns and palm tree
s surrounded it. There were actual fountains in the driveway, and it looked like something out of a luxurious homes catalog.

  “It was something to get used to at first,” he said. “I’m glad we didn’t end up moving back, though. This place has really grown on me.”

  When we reached the end of the long drive, my mouth dried up at the sight of the couple waiting for us at the top of the steps. Standing in front of wide double doors that had been propped open were Dax’s parents.

  I hadn’t seen them at all since everything happened, and I was more nervous than I’d been wanting to admit to see them again. They caught a glimpse of me through the windshield, then exchanged a glance as they bent their heads together.

  “You did tell them I was coming, didn’t you?” I asked, my voice slightly more squeaky than usual. “It looks like they’re surprised to see someone else in your car.”

  “Nah, they’ll be fine,” he said. “I texted my dad just after we landed. They knew someone was coming with me.”

  My brows jumped up, but before I could question whether he’d told them I was coming for the first time just an hour ago, Dax parked the car. His parents grinned when he climbed out but didn’t come down the stairs to greet us.

  He waited for me to get out, then took my hand and guided me to them. Both of them drew him into hugs, though they didn’t last as long as mine with my parents would’ve after not seeing each other for so long.

  Guess some things haven’t changed.

  “Mom, Dad,” he said once they’d released him. “You remember Hadley Sage, right? She goes to Edgewater now, too.”

  His mother stepped forward first, smiling as she reached out to squeeze my hand. “Of course. We’re happy to see you, Hadley.”

  “Thank you for having me, Mrs. Breyer,” I said softly. “Happy birthday.”

  “Thank you, darling,” she said, stepping away and glancing back at Daxton’s dad.

  Mr. and Mrs. Breyer were the ultimate power couple. They were both beautiful, as fair and blue-eyed as their son. While he dominated in boardrooms, she’d always kept the philanthropy side of the organization going. She’d also belonged to just about every charitable organization and foundation back in Massachusetts, and that was over and above the projects she managed for her husband’s business.

  I’d always thought of her as a beautiful, untouchable queen. Even now, her hair and nails were immaculately done, her clothes couture, and her makeup perfect. And she’d only just stepped out to greet her son.

  Mr. Breyer was a few inches taller than Dax, and it was easy to see where he’d gotten his handsome, strong features from. I got a weird vibe from Daxton’s father, though. He shook my hand too, but there was a strange gleam in his eyes as he glanced between Dax and me.

  “Why don’t I have you shown to your room?” Mrs. Breyer asked. “I’m sure you two would love to settle in and freshen up after the flight. After that, I assume you’ll be going for a swim?”

  She addressed the last question at Dax, who nodded immediately and led me inside. The house was as impressive from the inside as it was outside. Almost the whole front wall seemed to have been made of windows looking out over the ocean, except for panels and pillars placed here and there.

  The floors were polished and gleaming tile, the ceilings were high, and the finishings and decor modern. A housekeeper took me to my room, and Dax rolled his eyes when she shooed him away after he tried to insist that he would do it.

  “I’ll see you soon,” he said as he backed away from us with a smile aimed at me. “Put on your swimsuit, okay? I’ll come get you in a few to go to the beach.”

  We ascended the same staircase he’d disappeared up, and the housekeeper led me to a door on the second story. “This is you. Just let us know if you need anything.”

  She pushed the door open but didn’t follow me inside. I gaped some more at the size of the room, which would’ve fit half my family home, but then quickly stood aside when a man came in with my bag.

  There was en suite bathroom, which I used to change and check my reflection before Dax knocked on the door. I nearly swallowed my tongue when I saw him with a towel around his neck and flowers printed on his blue swimming trunks, but I managed to speak and stay upright when he offered me his hand.

  “Is your dad okay?” I asked quietly as we walked down to the first story, using a door right off one of the living areas to make our way onto the beach.

  “Yeah, he’s fine.” Dax’s bright eyes came down to mine. “Why do you ask?”

  “I just got a standoffish vibe from him,” I said honestly. “I’d like to make amends with him while I’m here if it’s because of the past.”

  “You’re the first person he’s seen that used to go to school with me before. Maybe he hasn’t quite forgiven everyone from there just yet. He was pretty upset about the way I got treated, but he’s happy that you’re here. Trust me.”

  “I’ll speak to him,” I promised. “I owe him an apology anyway.”

  My relationship with Dax was really starting to feel like it was going somewhere. I had butterflies every time he was around. He was all I could think about, and I hoped he felt the same way about me.

  This weekend felt big to me. Like maybe we’d make things official and go back together as a couple. It felt like we were meant to be after we’d come together despite what’d happened in the past.

  If his dad was still harboring a grudge against me, I didn’t blame him but I did want to make things right. My future happiness with his son might depend on it.

  Dax placed a soft kiss on my temple while we walked, waving off my previous statement. “Just give him time, Haddie. He’ll come around.”

  I nodded, but I still vowed to myself I’d speak to him when the time was right. When Dax and I hit the heavenly soft sand and the incredibly warm water, however, all my thoughts about his dad faded away for the moment.

  There would be time for me to make amends. In the meanwhile, all I really wanted to do was to enjoy Dax while we had some time alone.

  Chapter 27

  DAXTON

  After Hadley and I came back to the house from the beach, she went up to her room to shower and unpack. I’d grabbed a quick shower too, but when I’d gone to her room after, she hadn’t been done yet.

  I’d been tempted to join her if she was naked or getting dressed, but I knew it would make her uncomfortable if I went in while my parents were home, so I’d held back. Instead, I’d come back downstairs and poured myself a drink.

  Sipping it out on the deck in the backyard while watching as the sun dipped low over the horizon, I closed my eyes and breathed in deep. As much as I’d missed New England and as glad as I’d been to go back at the start of the semester, it was doing my soul good to be here again. The ocean had become a part of my daily ritual and being near it energized me now. It had been harder than I’d realized being away from it.

  “Why did you bring Hadley Sage here, Dax?” Dad’s voice rang out from behind me.

  When I opened my eyes and looked over my shoulder, it was just in time to see him walking toward me with a drink of his own in his hand. He sat down on the armchair beside mine, a hard glint in his eyes as he turned his head to face me.

  “What game are you playing with her?” he asked in a rumbling, low voice that I recognized as a warning.

  “I’m not playing any games,” I said, tossing back a long sip of my drink and facing forward again. “She’s here because I want her to be. Plain and simple.”

  Dad let out a soft, disbelieving snort. “I don’t buy it, Daxton. You might’ve gotten that naive girl to believe everything you say, but I’m not her. Don’t lie to me. What is she doing here?”

  “She’s here to be my date.” Truth. “We ran into each other on campus, and eventually, we became friends again. We’ve been spending a lot of time together, so I invited her.”

  “You forget that my office has a view over your favorite part of the bay,” he mused. “Or maybe you didn
’t forget. Either way, I saw you making out and doing God knows what else under the water while you were supposedly swimming. Whatever she is to you, it’s more than a friend.”

  “So?” I shot a narrow-eyed stare at him. “What’s it to you?”

  He let out a humorless bark of laughter. “I remember the things you said about her after your falling out. She was your number one enemy after we left Massachusetts and now suddenly, here she is. With you. As your date and your ‘friend.’” He made air quotes on the word “friend” with the fingers on the hand not gripping his drink.

  I didn’t say anything, waiting for him to continue when his tone made it clear that he wasn’t done yet.

  “Your mother has also told me how angry you were because of Haddie when you first arrived here,” he said after a few long seconds of simply sipping his beer. “I know how you felt about her. It seems highly unlikely that you’d have forgiven her so fast after you claimed you never would.”

  I gave a nonchalant shrug. “Things changed. It was a long time ago.”

  “Sure, but I know you,” he said, glancing at me again before heaving a sigh. “You’re not the type to forgive and forget. It serves you well sometimes, but it brings me back to my original question. What is she doing here?”

  “Why are you giving me a hard time about this?” I asked eventually. “It’s my life and I’m the one she hurt. If I’ve chosen to forgive her, who are you to question it?”

  “If I believed you’d forgiven her, I wouldn’t be questioning it.” He sat back in his chair, his gaze on the orange reflection of the sun over the water. “I don’t believe that you’ve forgiven her and she’s a guest in my house. If there’s something more going on, I need to know about it.”

  “Why? It’s not like you’ve taken much of an interest before in anything I do. Why start caring about how I feel now?”

  Instead of taking the bait, he arched a brow at me and nodded slowly. “Becoming defensive? Well, now I know something’s up. What are you doing with this girl, Dax?”