by Lan LLP
“Your pendant is very unique…like you,” he murmurs close to my ear.
“Thank you,” is all I could come up with in my tongue-tied state of mind. His less than innocent touches ignite jolts of need throughout my body. I panic and look to my left, steering away from his mesmerizing green eyes as quickly as possible.
He allows me one quick glance away from him and then turns my chin back to face him again with his index finger. “Don’t be shy, not around me. I want to see your beautiful face.”
Breathe, breathe, breathe…, I coach myself repeatedly. “I…I’m just not used to having a man, I hardly know, give me compliments and share my personal space,” I awkwardly attempt to explain my timid reaction while stuttering. I’m not sure why I feel he needs an explanation—maybe because he’s confident, and I’m a flustered basket case. He smiles kindly, sympathetically.
“Miss Ly, I need to schedule a follow-up appointment. I hear it’s crucial to have a thorough checkup if I want a full recovery.” He continues his magnetic flirting. The feelings trapped inside me are ready to convulse with his playful innuendos. My will to control myself will soon be gone if he breathes or touches me one more time.
I attempt to create a little distance between us by reaching for my water bottle. Damn my trembling hands. My clumsy sip drips down the side of my mouth, to my chin, neck and finally the top of my breast. He leans in closer, wiping the droplets with his thumb and then gingerly presses his lips against the corner of my mouth and along my chin. My eyes close as my neck naturally crooks to one side, welcoming his seduction. Oh geez, is that my heart I’m hearing? It’s beating wildly out of control. I try to restrain it by holding each breath in longer, but it’s no use. As long as this man is in my presence, I have no chance of controlling anything.
“Thanks for quenching my thirst,” he whispers into my ears and then grazes his moistened lower lip along my earlobe. I exhale a long deep breath that’s been begging to be released. The area between my thighs is now incredibly moist and intensely throbbing. No one has ever made my body respond like this until now.
I clear my throat and weakly interrupt, “When would you like your checkup, Mr. Bradley?”
“Now, if it’s okay with you,” he politely answers. Taking my left hand, he places it on top of his chest while keeping his hand securely over mine. His heart is pounding rapidly under my palm, matching my pace. He lowers my body down on the blanket while still holding onto my left hand and never tearing his penetrating green eyes from mine. Facing me, he lays on his right side.
There’s no doubt in my mind that we have an intense physical attraction for each other, but I just can’t…I shouldn’t…and then my thoughts are abandoned when his sweet lips seal over mine. Giving me one irresistible taste, he gently breaks away to gauge my reaction. It’s nothing like my first kiss with Hayden. I liked it, and I want more. When I surprisingly respond by leaning into him, he continues with more tender kisses. His lips are now more assertive. His tongue conquers my surrendering mouth, enslaving it. My lips are insatiable to his kisses, and my carnal needs trump my natural need to breathe.
I feel his hand slowly traveling down my face to my neck and then stops before reaching my breasts. Am I this easy? I want him so badly…it feels right…but you don’t even know him. What if he’s just using you? The left and right sides of my brain battle each other with reasoning. The winner will decide whether I should give in to Mr. Bradley’s seduction or reject it. Meanwhile, I don’t stop him. My needs seem to outweigh any rational thinking at the moment. The right brain will possibly declare victory today.
He slowly unzips the top of my bathing suit cover-up just enough to reveal my thin bikini strap. His hooded eyes are lost with desire. Finding their way back to my face, his lips playfully nibble at my mouth and all along my chin and lateral neck. Goosebumps appear wherever his moist lips touch. The left brain doesn’t stand a chance; it’s definitely being kicked to the curb. I want him like I’ve never wanted anyone, but somehow responsible Lily appears out of nowhere, and I regretfully stop him, “Mr. Bradley, school is my priority. I can’t afford to get sidetracked.” The left brain courageously fights back and wins in the end—unbelievable. I rise up to a sitting position, and he does, too.
He gazes deep into my wavering eyes, perhaps to validate if what I stated is true, and of course, I fail miserably. “Look at me and tell me you don’t feel anything for me. If you can do that, I’ll walk away and leave you to your commitment.” He appears both confident and uncertain as he challenges me to confirm his sentiment.
My brain wants to say ‘No,’ but my heart says ‘Yes’. He offers me his hand and lifts me up to face him directly. What choice do I have, but allow him to validate my feelings for him in my wanting eyes. “I just can’t, not now,” I feebly assert and lower my eyes to the white sand, sliding over my feet, burying them into the warm ground where I wish I could hide.
“Why, Lillian? Why can’t you?” he inquires, demanding an explanation. The persistent look on his face tells me he won’t give up until he gets one.
“I haven’t made time for anyone. No one has affected me until…,” I cut myself off before admitting that he’s been making my heart hammer since I first saw his handsome face.
“Lillian, just say yes. Give us a chance.” He tips my chin up and stares into my eyes, pleading, searching for confirmation. He’s too persuasive and desirable, how can I reject him?
“Yes,” I reply softly. The start of a smile sprouts on his perfect face as he tries his best to keep it from growing. His delight in my answer travels directly into his beautiful green eyes as they gleam with triumph.
“All I need is some of your free time. Can you commit just that much to me?” he persuades with a crooked, sexy smile. Why is he so darn irresistible? How can I possibly pretend I don’t want to spend time with him? How can anyone? I nod my head in response. “How much of this island have you seen besides this beach,” he asks suddenly.
“Not much at all, why do you ask?” I answer him inquisitively.
“I figure you’ve been dedicating most of your time to studying and none to yourself. Am I right?” I nod my head. “Why waste our time getting to know each other over a cup of coffee when we have an entire island to discover together,” he excitedly explains. “If you’re done studying for the day, I’d love to take you zip lining. I hear the view is absolutely breathtaking as you soar above it.”
I’m especially terrified of heights, and he wants me to go zip lining. Is he out of his crazy mind or am I for considering it? But why not, I’ve already broken my rule of no complicated relationships, and besides, I’m too stubborn to let him think I’m a wimp. “Sure, sounds fun,” my voice is quiet and weak. He gathers my books, folds my beach blanket and points me in the direction of his vehicle.
We approach a BMW SUV of some sort. Oh yeah, how did I forget he’s rich? I wonder how expensive this vehicle is if his little gold watch is worth $75,000. I hesitate before crossing over to the passenger side, still wondering what’s gotten into me. “Is something wrong,” he asks. I shake my head, trying not to ruin the moment with my uncalled dislike for his well-to-do background. The door is courteously opened for me, and my belongings are neatly placed in the backseat before he jumps in on his side. What a gentleman, I note. He reaches over to buckle my seatbelt and then his and tells me, “You have no idea what a speed demon I am.” He playfully narrows his eyes at me and then speeds off. The tires spin a white cloud of dust and flying pebbles behind us.
“Should I be nervous?” I half-seriously ask. After all, I know nothing about this man, so why the heck did I agree to get into his SUV? What’s so special about him? I just don’t get it. My left brain is fighting hard to convince me that this is all a big mistake.
“No, not at all,” he answers calmly. I remain focused on the winding road ahead and so does he. His phone rings, cutting through the silence with a male voice that’s amplified through the truck’s sound system.
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“Hello, Mr. Bradley, everything is taken care of. I found the perfect villa for your month’s stay on the island. You’ll be able to move in tomorrow, and the rest of your things will be delivered the following day,” the serious, monotonous voice confirms.
“Great job, Owen,” Mr. Bradley replies with satisfaction.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?” the voice asks.
“No,” he replies and disconnects the call.
Surprisingly, I’m ecstatic to hear that we’ll have an entire month to get acquainted as I eavesdrop on their conversation. “Who’s Owen?” I nosily pry.
“He’s my personal assistant. I work for a sizable corporation, and my list of responsibilities is unreal, so Owen helps me tackle some of the minor ones.”
I’m starting to realize that Mr. Bradley is no ordinary man who works a nine-to-five job. My stomach feels more squeamish, knowing that he might be wealthier than I initially thought. I’d never fit into his snooty world, nor would I want to. It’s not just the money that bothers me. I especially hate the arrogance associated with it. Many rich people, with a few exceptions, can be extremely cruel with their judgment of underprivileged people. I’ve been a recipient of such cruelty going through middle and high school, so I prefer to quarantine my life from all that shallowness whenever possible. I almost appear apathetic as I struggle to suppress my prejudice, but fail miserably.
He addresses my immediate change in mood, “Hello…Miss Ly… are you here? You zoned me out for a few seconds.” He waves his free hand in front of me.
I look into his eyes and question him at point blank, “How are you able to play hooky for a month with all your responsibilities?”
“I’ll work from here when needed, and Owen will handle the rest, but let’s not waste our time together talking about my work. I want to know more about you. Where can I begin?” he inquires sincerely. I’m thrilled to hear him avoid boasting about his work. He’s not self-absorbed, another attribute to offset his wealth, I remind myself and smile appreciatively inside.
“You already know that I’m a medical-resident. I’m irrationally terrified of heights and snakes, love ‘80s music, Italian food and photography. I hate melted ice cream, and can’t swim to save my life or anyone else’s. I’m an only child, but never once suffered from that syndrome. I’m a quarter Chinese and a quarter Vietnamese and the rest is American. I know that’s a little confusing. My mother is half Chinese and Vietnamese and my father is American. Oh, and one last thing, I believe Mr. Happy Ending only exists in movies. That’s it… that’s me in a plain nutshell,” I divulge to him with a docile smile. “What about you?” I counter.
“I’m also an only child and might slightly suffer from that syndrome.” He winks at me. “I enjoy all kinds of sports, music, and food, hate any kind of condiments, and I’m an incredible swimmer, so you’re in good hands if we’re ever shipwrecked together. I’m American with a possible hint of Italian, so my parents tell me. And who in their right mind hates any form of ice cream even when it’s melted?” He disapprovingly shakes his head with a silly wry smile. I shrug my shoulders and proudly raise my left hand.
“Hate condiments? Not even ketchup for french fries?” I ask, shocked by his idiosyncrasy. “Who eats them without that yummy, tangy sauce?”
“Me! I especially hate ketchup and mustard! The smell of it makes me gag,” he reconfirms with a look of disgust, nose and eyes crinkled.
“We’ll touch on the only child syndrome at a later time. This topic will require at least an entire day to discuss.” I narrow my eyes playfully to simulate an austere expression while his is more mischievous.
“Perfect, I’m guaranteed another day with you.” His tone suddenly turns serious, and I’m caught off guard. “Oh, there’s one more thing you need to know about me. I suffer from a chronic illness called workaholism,” he adds.
I can barely contain my chuckling. “Work-a-what? Is that contagious?” I ask him lightheartedly. The earlier tension between us starts to melt away as I loosen up.
“I hear that you can easily catch it from kissing workaholic strangers on a deserted beach,” he counters my teasing. “We’ll have to change our plans for today. I hate to scare you off on our first date…I mean day…together…by forcing you to overcome your fear of heights.” He stumbles over his word after realizing he just slipped and called our adventure a date. “I’ll take a rain check, so you’re not completely off the hook with it,” he smirks and regains his confidence with ease. “We’ll go deep sea fishing instead. You’ll enjoy the clear ocean water. And no need to worry about drowning, you’ll never be out of my sight.”
Just terrific…another sport that I’m incapable of doing, I gripe to myself.
He calls Owen immediately and asks him to book a private fishing boat for us. Good luck with that, I think. It’ll be a miracle to find someone available in fifteen minutes.
It’s unbelievable what money can do. After about fifteen minutes, Carson cautiously pulls up close to a private dock with Owen’s direction, and I see a mid-sized charter boat with a fishing guide waiting for us.
“Hello, I’m Henri,” the guide greets and offers me his hand to step into his boat. He’s tall, over six feet for sure, lean, muscular and has light blonde hair and freckles. His skin is gorgeously golden from the constant sun exposure, I’m speculating. He looks young, maybe mid-twenties and has an adorable, youthful smile. “Mr. Bradley, welcome aboard,” Henri addresses him professionally. Carson shakes his hand firmly. They stand facing each other, eye to eye, being of equal height.
Henri obtains two lifejackets hidden under a cushion bench and offers one to Carson. He proceeds to assist me with mine, but Carson steps territorially in between us. “Henri, I’ll help Miss Ly with hers,” he asserts. My jacket is zipped up the center as he admires my face. I follow his hands with my eyes as he reaches around either side of my waist for the straps and secures them safely around me. Tipping my chin up to face him, he tenderly reassures, “You’ll always be safe with me.” I wonder if he can sense the desire that grows inside me whenever he’s this close to me. I want to reach for his neck and pull him in for a kiss, but I fight the urge. He releases me and safely secures his lifejacket on himself as well.
Henri backs the boat out and navigates far into the deep. I’ve acquired a real appreciation for the scent of salty, ocean water with fresh air after living here for over six months. We’re jostled in the boat for about twenty minutes before Henri declares this area to be a good fishing spot. He kills the engine and goes over a list of safety instructions before handing over the heavy fishing gears to us. Carson takes over and demonstrates the proper angling technique with finesse. It’s impressive to watch him skillfully handle his rod. I swear anyone could easily mistake him for a professional fisherman. “You’re really good at this, Fisherman Bradley,” I compliment him.
“My father loves fishing, so he took me with him every chance he had. He taught me everything I know.” He winks at me. I struggle with my rod while he secures his in place. He sidesteps over and stands closely behind me. His arms wrap around mine and my hands and then he helps me cast my line far out into the water. “And that’s how you do it, Miss Ly,” he instructs and helps me secure my rod.
“It’s easy for you to say. This is my first time fishing in the ocean. I’m a virgin at this.” I turn my head to face him and shyly smile.
He chuckles and pulls my backside snugly against his chest. I crave his closeness, but my left brain keeps telling me it’s too soon. “You seem to offer a lot of virginal opportunities, Miss Ly. I’m anxious to unbridle them all,” he teases and purposely makes it harder for me to resist him with his sultry voice, alluring scent and overwhelming charm. I ignore my left brain and welcome his toned arms around my waist as we stand there, staring out at the entrancing cobalt blue waves. Cool tropical breeze fans against our faces, making my hair fly every which way. He attempts to gather dark strands of flowing hair and hold
s them over to one side of my neck. With his chin resting on my opposite shoulder, I feel his warm, sweet breath along the nape of my neck. Fight the temptation, I encourage myself.
“There’s something about you Miss Ly, something that tells me I need you in my life. I want to know every little detail about you. What makes you happy because I’d do it over and over again just to see your beautiful smile or what makes you shy away because it’s so damn cute when you do it.”
I gasp, hearing the sincerity in his gentle voice. It’s enough to make me blush from head to toe.
“I especially want to know what makes you bite your nails or lower lip because it’s incredibly sexy,” he continues.
How do I respond to something like that? Fortunately for me, my rod shakes aggressively on cue. Carson quickly places his hands over mine and helps me steady my rod. Holy crap, it’s harder to reel this fish in than I expected. I’m grateful for Carson’s strong arms because mine are tiring quickly. We fight it for at least half an hour and then finally see it, a beautiful crescent-shaped swordfish with bluish gray coloring along its dorsal side. I can’t believe what an amazing experience this is, but as I continue to watch it struggle for its life, sadness fills me, making me emotional. I couldn’t stand to watch it hurt anymore, so I plead for its life. “Mr. Bradley, can we please release it? It’s in pain.”
He completely agrees and cuts the line free. “Miss Ly, your compassion is one of the many reasons I’m under your spell.”
“Really, do you have a list for me, Mr. Bradley?” I curiously ask him.
“Yes I do and it’s Carson to you, Miss Ly,” he replies promptly.
“Well then it’s Lil or Lily for me, that’s what my friends and family call me.” His grin grows wide, enjoying the idea that he’s now in my friends and family category instead of stranger. I’m ecstatic to know that he’s as enamored by me as I am of him. The pull between us is obvious. I couldn’t ask for a better beginning with my mystery man who’s slowly becoming less mysterious.
