“Leonora is my mom,” Nate said taking a sip himself.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“No, no offence taken. Although I don’t know what you mean by ‘all my dates’. I’ve not been on a date since I got ‘married’” He air quoted with his free hand. “My mom is everything my dad isn’t. Yet she now has no idea who I am. Life is so unfair isn’t it?”
“Dementia?”
Nate nodded.
“Here’s to our moms,” Liberty toasted, clinking her glass against Nate’s. They drank in comfortable silence, listening to the gentle waves and watching the gulls wheel and dance overhead.
“Can I try out the hammock?” Liberty said after a moment.
“Of course. Have you ever been in one?”
“Not since I was a kid. I do remember them being a little difficult to manage though.”
She padded across the sand to the trees and the waiting hammock. Nate didn’t want to help her unless she asked this time, so he stood back and refilled their glasses, watching her. She was adept at this, just like everything else he’d watched her do. She jumped in and swung her legs around in one swift movement, lying there as the hammock rocked her gently.
“You’re such a liar,” Nate said. “There’s no way you haven’t done that since you were a kid. You should have seen me! It took me about five hours to get in without spinning around like a piñata or falling right out the other side.”
He walked over and handed her back her champagne, which she sipped without spilling a drop.
“You’re a hammock natural.”
“If that was a thing then I’d put it on my resume,” Liberty said, sighing. “Goodness knows I’m going to need a good one by the time I get back out of Little Norwich.”
“Won’t they hold your job until you know what’s going to happen to your dad and the motel?” Nate asked, sipping the champagne and feeling the bubbles pop against his tongue.
“Probably not. I only just graduated and started the job. It’s not like I’m an integral part of the team.”
“Don’t do yourself a disservice,” he said. “I’m sure they’re struggling without you.”
Nate looked around for a place to sit. He pulled the edge of the picnic blanket over so he could sit in the sun and speak to Liberty without straining his neck. He pulled off his shirt and stripped down to his swimming shorts, hoping that Liberty wouldn’t mind. It was just too hot for clothes.
“Why don’t you join me?” Liberty said just as Nate was about to take a seat on the blanket.
“Did you not just hear me tell you about my hammock failures?” he said, laughing.
“Well, yeah, but surely it’s easier when there’s someone else to weigh it down?”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said, digging his glass into the sand to stop it tumbling over.
Nate placed his bottom on the hammock and very carefully inched his way towards Liberty. It was hard enough getting into a hammock on a normal day, but being this close to Liberty was making him feel giddy and breathless. He gently lifted one leg, positioning it next to Liberty’s and trying not to think about how soft her skin was against his. The next leg was a bit harder, he tentatively lifted it but the whole hammock started to tip, so he hung on tight to the sides and swung it up the way he’d seen Liberty do it earlier.
It worked. The only problem was that his momentum swung his whole body over, and he landed right on top of her.
“Oh!” he exclaimed, trying not to laugh, and trying not to think about how wonderful it was to be lying with her like this. “I’m so sorry.”
He could feel her body shaking under his and saw that she too was in fits of giggles.
“Smooth moves, Parker.” Her laughter vibrated under the weight of his body.
He rolled over and lay next to her, both of them laughing so much that they were in danger of rolling out of the hammock completely. It was perfect. She felt so right next to him, as if the hammock was designed for their bodies alone. As if she was designed for him, alone.
Nate bit his tongue to stop him from saying the words out loud. He didn’t want to scare her, not when the day was going so well. Instead he took her glass and had a sip of her Champagne.
“Hey!”
“It was either that, or I reach down and get mine,” he said, jokingly. “I wouldn’t want to risk us rolling out and landing on top of each other again.”
They both knew that would be a disaster, in more ways than one.
24
They lay there together while the sun made its way across the sky.
They talked and laughed like old friends, exchanging stories of childhood, school grades, moaning about their parents’ tight reins when they were younger, and sadness at their freedom from them now. Liberty relished the feeling of Nate’s skin against hers, his arm warm and muscular, his leg occasionally resting on hers. They’d snacked on fruit and breads and cheeses—although Nate had nearly tipped them both out when he’d tried to leave the hammock to fetch it.
Now, as the sun was saying its last goodbyes beyond the water, Liberty felt Nate stir from the snooze they’d both allowed themselves to fall into.
“Would you mind if I had a quick dip before we head back to the Leonora?” he said sleepily. “I feel like I need to check this isn’t all a dream.”
He looked at her, his eyelids heavy. Liberty felt the same, as if this was all some wonderful dream that she might have to wake up from. She didn’t want the day to end. She didn’t ever want it to end. She felt as though she could quite happily spend the rest of her life right here on the beach, hidden from the world. A thought flashed through her mind like a lightning bolt and she sat up. Nate, caught unaware by the sudden movement, fell face first into the space Liberty had just left and, in trying to right himself, fell backwards onto the sand with Liberty not far behind him. They laughed and laughed until Liberty felt her sides hurting.
“What… what did you …do that…for?” Nate panted through the laughter.
Liberty held onto her sides, crossing her arms over her body, squeezing them together to try and ease the cramping, but it was no good, nothing could stop her laughing. In that moment she felt as though everything would be okay. Everything that was wrong in her life would somehow work out for the best.
Nate looked at her with a wrinkled brow and a huge grin. He had to wipe the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand.
“I just had a thought,” Liberty spluttered through giggles.
“Okay. Do these sudden movements happen every time you have an idea?” Nate joked. “A warning would be good.”
She whacked him gently on the arm.
“No, listen.” She sat up, looking directly at him. He must have sensed the change in mood because he sat up too, deadly serious.
“What?” he asked. “Tell me.”
Liberty took a big breath.
“I just had a thought, as I was lying here. It kind of filled my brain with so much happiness that I had to sit up to stop it from spinning.”
She paused, wondering if she should continue. Nate was watching her with such care in his eyes that she did, the words gushing out of her like fizzing champagne.
“I have had… am having… the most wonderful day with you today. I can talk to you like I’ve known you for years. We have so much in common. I’ve never felt so comfortable being around someone I barely know. I was apprehensive because of your past and how this would work in the future. But, you know what? Who cares? I want to try, and I think this could work.”
She stopped talking and looked expectantly at Nate. He didn’t reply, or move, or really give away anything. Liberty felt suddenly awkward, the sand cold and uncomfortable beneath her. She was conscious of the way her leg was twisted awkwardly under her body, but she didn’t want to move for fear of drawing more attention to herself. She tried to focus on her breathing, just so she didn’t stop doing it for fear that Nate had changed his mind about her. Why had
she said all that? What had possessed her? She’d scared him off. Breathe, Liberty! In and out. In and out. In and…
“I used to loathe this island,” he said, after what felt like a lifetime. “I bought it because I needed some land that was technically part of Little Norwich, or near enough. We thought it would help convince people that my wife came from here. It was all to do with tax, things I don’t really get involved in, I just do what I’m told to do. Anyway, you’re an accountant, you probably know more about it than I do.”
He laughed, sifting the sand through his fingers. Liberty’s heart had pretty much stopped beating.
“We did a photo shoot here, you know. Me and the model they used in all the publicity photographs.” He sighed, looking at the palm trees. “It was for an article about how to live the best marriage. I felt like such a fraud, but it was all for the company. It was all for Forevercom. I used to think of this place as wasted land, a place I didn’t want to go to because it represented all that was wrong in my life.”
Liberty groaned inwardly, and her face crumpled. Was he going to tell her that she was something wrong in his life too? Nate grabbed a handful of sand and held it, studying the tiny grains like the answers to all his problems could be found there.
“Now,” he said, dropping the sand and looking at Liberty. “I think it must just be the most special place I have even been. You’ve made me see this island in a new light. Liberty, you make me see the world in a new light.”
He whooped and jumped to his feet, twirling wildly, his arms outstretched. He ran to the edge of the island and plunged into the water, not stopping until he was waist deep. Then he dived into the ocean as gracefully as a seal, disappearing. Liberty walked to the ocean’s edge, staying a stone’s throw from the lapping water. Nate’s head popped up and he swam, his powerful shoulders and long arms pulling him effortlessly through the water. He did a lap of the island in what had to be Olympic-record-breaking time, seemingly powered by sheer excitement. Liberty watched breathlessly as he swam back to shore, as he waded through the shallows, water dripping from his toned, muscular chest and dripping down the ridges of his stomach. As he walked toward her his face went from cheesy grin to deadly serious, and by the time he was in front of her Liberty couldn’t hold herself back.
She reached for him, and he grabbed her around the waist, his cold hands on her skin making her squeal for the second or so until he covered her mouth with his. He tasted of salt water and champagne, and Liberty kissed him back, gently at first, then with more passion. She lost herself to him. It was as if time had stopped.
“I think I may have just fallen in love with you, Liberty Reynolds,” he said as they both came up for air. “Come on, let’s get back to the boat before it gets too dark to row.”
He scooped her up again. By now they were both soaking wet and Liberty had started to shiver, although the cold water wasn’t entirely to blame. She was lost for words. It was as though she was still dreaming.
She just hoped she would never have to wake up.
The smell of food greeted them as they returned to the yacht. Nate jumped up first and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around Liberty’s shoulders as she stepped unsteadily from the dinghy.
“We’ve got about half an hour before Tom starts moaning that I’ve ruined his food,” Nate said, rubbing her to try and stop the shivering. “Do you want to jump in the shower and warm up before we eat?”
“Yes, please,” she replied through her chattering teeth.
“You can use the master bathroom, if you don’t mind?”
Liberty shook her head.
“I think I’d better stay here though,” he said, nodding toward the master suite. “I’m not sure us being alone together through there is a good idea.”
Liberty nodded, her tongue well and truly lost. Nate cupped her face in his hands and kissed her gently.
“Shout if you need anything.”
She nodded again before padding through the living room, into the bedroom and the waiting bathroom. It was only when the door was shut, and the room was quiet, that Liberty threw off the towel and squealed at herself in the mirror. It was unbelievable. She was onboard a yacht that was bigger than her house, with a man who owned an island, who owned his own business, who was very easy on the eye, but who most of all was kind and generous and caring. And he liked her. He actually liked her.
Liberty did a little dance around the bathroom, watching herself in the mirror. She was a different person to the one she had been this morning. Her cheeks looked flushed, her eyes sparkled. She turned on the shower and stood under the scalding water for as long as her skin allowed it. Stepping out into the steamy bathroom, she saw her new gray dress hanging from the hooks by the door. She dried herself with the softest, snuggliest towel known to womankind, and slipped into the dress.
It fit her like it was made for her. That Tilly must be a miracle worker. It shimmered as she walked, like a waterfall running down her body. So simple yet so beautiful. Liberty scrunched up her soaking wet curls in the towel until they’d stopped dripping down her shoulders. There was no way she’d want to get anything on the dress, she didn’t dare in case it was dry clean only, which no doubt something this silky would be.
The scent of lightly roasted meat filled the whole suite as Liberty opened the bathroom door. Nate stood in the bedroom, dressed in a black suit and a crisp white shirt. His bowtie a wonderful finishing touch. The sight of him made Liberty stop in her tracks.
“You look stunning,” he said, walking over and kissing her cheek. “Absolutely stunning. I’m a lucky man.”
Liberty giggled again.
“I am. You had so many reasons to not be here with me today. I wouldn’t have blamed you. But here you are.” His face beamed. “Let’s go eat.”
They walked up to the fly-deck. Fairy lights twinkled delicately over the table, candles flickering around plates piled with starters.
“You’ve fed me like a queen all day today,” Liberty said, sitting at the table. “My perfect date, a day of wonderful food. And company, of course,” she added quickly.
“I see. I’ve been outdone by the food have I?”
Nate started pouring the wine as they tucked into their scallops. They ate in relaxed silence, enjoying the food and the slow movement of the yacht as they made their way back to Little Norwich. Liberty didn’t want the day to end, but at least she had the wonderful feeling of knowing this could be the first of many dates. To know she would get to spend many more wonderful days with Nate made her heart soar.
It was only as they neared the land, their dessert plates clean, that Liberty started thinking of what she was returning to. The worry of her dad rushed back into her mind like a cold, dark tide.
“What’s up?” Nate asked, taking her hand over the table.
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to look sad. I’ve had the most perfect day today. I was just thinking about dad.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” he said tenderly. “I know the most amazing doctor, cutting edge research. Let me fly him over here.”
Liberty shook her head.
“Not everything can be fixed by throwing cash at it,” she said, more sharply than she’d meant to. Nate looked down as if she’d physically slapped him.
“Of course, sorry. That’s not what I was trying to do.”
Liberty’s phone started beeping from her handbag as the yacht turned to reverse into the cove. She excused herself from the table and rummaged around to find it. When she did, her heart dropped through the boat into the ocean.
“Oh no,” she said into her hand, the barrage of texts and missed calls staring back at her. “I need to get home.”
25
“What’s happened? Is dad okay?”
Liberty was practically yelling as she burst through the door of Pebble Cove Motel. She’d jumped out of the car before Nate had even brought it to a standstill. The lobby was quiet and dark. There was no sign of anyone around. Liberty tried he
r phone again. Calling first Fred then Ginger, but just like during the painfully slow car journey back to the motel, neither of them was picking up. Liberty checked the time. Midnight had long gone, she wasn’t surprised they weren’t answering. But that didn’t make it any easier.
She tried the hospital again, and this time she managed to get through.
“Greater Norwich General,” the receptionist answered in a sleepy voice. “How may I direct your call?”
Liberty couldn’t get her words out, she was so anxious about the news that would be waiting for her. She fired a garbled sentence at the poor receptionist, who quickly connected Liberty to the Acute Stroke Unit. The phone rang and rang. Liberty paced the length of the lobby, her free hand up at her mouth as she chewed at her thumbnail. The need to keep moving was innate, an instinct driving her into fight or flight mode. Still the phone rang and rang.
“Come on, come on!” she shouted into the darkness.
The line clicked.
“Thank goodness, please can someone tell me…”
But the line had clicked dead.
Liberty wasted no time in ducking behind the front desk and grabbing her own car keys. She’d make it to the hospital in less time than it would take for someone to answer the phone. As she was running toward the door two figures appeared from the dining room, Fred and Ginger. Liberty did a double take and turned toward them.
“Oh, guys. Did you not hear me come in?” Liberty ran to them, wide eyed. “What’s going on? What’s happening? I saw all your calls but I had no reception on the island.”
They glanced at each other and then back at Liberty. Fred raised an eyebrow in annoyance, but Ginger nudged him and spoke quietly.
“Your dad is fine,” she said. “In fact he woke up this morning.”
Liberty dropped to her knees, her face drained of color. The relief was a powerful wave crashing inside her chest.
My Bereaved Billionaire: A Clean Billionaire Romance (My Billionaire A-Z Book 2) Page 12
