The Proposal (A Billionaire Romance)

by Nikki Wild

  Over the course of the next several weeks the three of them implemented and orchestrated the plan to bring Shane Tanner (and thereby Tanner International) into the good graces of the Hawaiian people. The wealthy gallant suitor would woo the honorable island daughter in high style while Margie tipped off the press for continuous coverage and photo-ops. Their public courtship became regular fodder for the newspaper’s society section and Dani quickly adjusted to the commonplace occurrence of photographers jumping out at her from behind bushes. When the timing seemed right, Danielle moved into Shane’s hilltop house with him and Margie took up residence at Dani’s place, where she immediately began sowing friendship seeds with Auntie May, in an attempt to further bolster Shane’s reputation with the Hawaiian community.

  To everyone’s surprise, in no time at all Dani seemed completely adjusted to the extravagant lifestyle of the rich and famous. Shane gave her a practically limitless credit card for shopping and even an Aston Martin of her own to drive. She was living it up in true grand fashion and fitting seamlessly into his wealthy world.

  Eventually Shane and Dani decided on a date to formally announce their engagement. That’s when Shane realized that his pretend bride-to-be was starting to run off the rails. He began to find dozens of brochures around the house: Cartier and Tiffany & Co., around-the-world cruises, and luxury automobiles. He was starting to wonder if his sweet unpretentious island girl was turning into a bona fide celebutante.

  He wasn’t exactly sure what to do about it, however. He was leery of rocking the boat with her because she was doing such an awesome job of creatively spinning Tanner’s environmental practices into “eco-friendly” innovations. He never would have guessed she was so good at public relations. She even persuaded the Hawaiian Conservation Alliance to abort a planned protest of a proposed Tanner land acquisition on the island of Lanai. Shane was impressed by her apparent company dedication and loyalty but taken aback just the same. He had to admit he wasn’t totally thrilled with the new changes in her character.

  Eventually Danielle and Shane agreed it was time to formally announce their engagement and the fundraising luau at the Tanner Kaanapali Kai Saturday night seemed like the perfect place to do it. Dani was on cloud nine as she got ready for what she knew would be one of the biggest nights of her life. All eyes were sure to be on her when Shane announced their impending marriage. Of course there would be some people in attendance who were already privy to that information, but that was neither here nor there. Soon she was going to be Mrs. Shane Tanner the billionaire’s wife, and even though she realized their union would most likely be very short-lived, she would be tied to him for life through their child. Although it was far from ideal, she had decided she could live with those terms.

  “Mmm you sure look fine tonight Shane and you smell delicious too,” Dani smiled up at him as she tied his tuxedo tie. “You’re so quiet honey. Are you feeling okay?”

  “Yes I’m fine. Just a bit tired I guess.”

  “What do you think of my new dress? It’s a Vera Wang original. Don’t you just love it?”

  Daniel giggled with delight and twirled around in her designer gown.

  Shane mustered up a smile and kissed her hand. “You look stunning as always Danielle. Shall we go? The limo is waiting for us.”

  “I’m ready, my handsome prince. Oh I can’t wait to see everyone’s face when you announce our engagement. I’m so excited. Do you have the ring? We mustn’t forget that.”

  “Don’t worry, it’s right here.” Shane patted his breast pocket.

  “Okay let’s go then,” she said as she grabbed her clutch bag and wrap.

  At the Kai, the formal luau was taking place on the tropical grounds of the resort. Danielle surveyed the approximately 300 people who were enjoying the $200 a plate event and proudly proclaimed it a definite success. It was being held to raise funds for the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, specifically benefiting Allyssa Caswell’s Maui coral reef research.

  Allyssa came running up to Dani and gave her a giant thank you hug.

  “This is so fantastic Dani. Thank you so much. You look gorgeous. That dress is out of this world!”

  “You look gorgeous yourself girlfriend. It’s nice to see you in something besides scientist clothes. But no need to thank me for this, I’m just glad I can help.”

  Dani didn’t want to tell her friend that helping her wasn’t her sole motivation for organizing the event. She also did it to ease her conscience about derailing the HCA protest on Lanai. But first and foremost it was to bolster Tanner’s credibility as a company committed to the environment.

  “So where’s that incredibly handsome man of yours? I am so jealous.”

  “I guess I should go find him. We haven’t had any of that marvelous food yet. I’ll see you a little later Allyssa.”

  Danielle found Shane at the bar drinking a martini with Paolo.

  “Hey you two. Paolo where’s Max? Don’t tell me he couldn’t make it again?”

  “No, he’s around here somewhere. Wow Dani, that dress is divine. You look like a million bucks,” he said as he gave her a knowing wink.

  “Thanks Paolo.” Danielle grabbed Shane by the elbow and pulled him away toward the buffet.

  “Please can we eat now so I can finally get to wear that ring?” she whispered to him.

  Once the couple was finished feasting from the luau banquet, Shane waltzed Danielle around the dance floor for a showy display of their love. Danielle couldn’t help but notice that Shane was still not quite himself, but she chalked it up to perhaps a case of the jitters about proposing in public. Finally it came time for Shane to take the podium to announce the silent auction that was also to benefit the cause.

  “Before we begin the auction, I have another announcement I’d like to make,” Shane began. “As most of you know since coming to this beautiful island of Maui there has been one very special woman in my life…..”

  With that, Margie shouted out in jest from her banquet table, “Aw Shane stop! You’re embarrassing me!”

  The crowd exploded in applause and laughter. Once they quieted down Shane resumed his speech.

  “Yes you’re very special to me also Margie. For those of you don’t know, that is my very efficient and very tipsy secretary Ms. Marguarite Grummond. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

  The guests applauded again and Danielle leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  “As I was saying, this island has brought me great fortune in that I have finally found the woman of my dreams. The woman I want to settle down with. I never thought such a woman existed but she does and her name is Danielle Kane. She has done me the honor of accepting my marriage proposal and in doing so has made me the happiest man on the planet. Danielle will you stand up?”

  The crowd burst into applause again and Dani’s eyes filled with tears as she stood up in acknowledgement. Shane added one more thing before leaving the podium and heading back to the table.

  “I haven’t given her the ring yet because I was having it custom made but now I’d like to put it on her very lovely finger…… if you’d all indulge me for a minute.”

  While Dani was still standing Shane got down on one knee and took her left hand in his. “Danielle Kane, I love you and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you,” he said as he slipped the spectacular 5-karat, marquis diamond ring on her finger.

  Tears streamed down her face as she replied, “I love you Shane Tanner, and I can’t wait to be your wife.”

  The newly betrothed couple kissed passionately to a final round of applause and then Margie stood up to lead the guests in a toast to their happiness.

  “To the future Mr. and Mrs. Shane Tanner and to a long and happy marriage.”

  Twenty

  “Oh my god this ring is so beautiful. How many karats is this diamond?” She said while admiring it on her finger. “It must have cost a fortune…”

  Shane had a splitting headache and couldn’t w
ait to go to bed, but he had one nagging question rolling around in his mind that would not allow him any mental peace; Since his engagement and marriage to Danielle was for business purposes and all for show anyway, why did he care how she was acting? As long as she was publicly convincing, why was he so bothered by it? In fact he should’ve been thrilled by the Academy Award winning performance she had just given, but instead he felt disappointed, confused and hurt.

  As soon as they got inside the house, Danielle tried to initiate sex with him, but he just wasn’t feeling it tonight.

  “Shane what is going on with you? And don’t tell me you’re just tired. I’m not stupid. You’ve been acting weird for days now…… I deserve an honest answer.”

  Shane took off his tuxedo jacket and undid his tie and threw them on the bed. Then he sighed and plopped down in an overstuffed chair in the corner.

  “I just don’t know about this whole thing anymore Danielle,” he said staring blankly into space.

  “Shane what are you saying? You don’t want to marry me now? What about the contract?”

  “I’ll still pay you your money. You’ve earned it. God knows an actress should be paid for her work. You can even keep the ring. I just don’t think this is working out very well.” He couldn’t hide the resignation in his voice.

  Dani started to cry. “Why didn’t you say something before tonight? Before you just publicly announced our engagement? Do you know how cruel and humiliating this is?” She yanked the ring off her finger and slammed it down on the nightstand.

  “We can tell everyone you dumped me. I just think we’re making a mistake that’s all.”

  “Where is all this coming from anyway? What did I do wrong? I did everything you asked professionally and socially. What more do you want from me?”

  Shane looked deeply into her eyes with profound sadness.

  “I honestly don’t know who you are anymore, Danielle. You’ve changed so much. You used to be the most unpretentious person I knew. I loved that about you; the fact that you were so genuine and real. But now it seems like you’re the exact opposite.”

  “Well Shane why don’t you tell me exactly how I’m supposed to remain unpretentious and real when every day I have to PRETEND to be somebody I’m not. I have to pretend to be a social butterfly on your arm, I have to pretend to be a lying unethical asshole at work, I even have to pretend to myself that a loveless phony marriage is good enough for me. Shall I go on?”

  Shane tried to explain further. “It’s just that I can no longer discern what’s real in our relationship and what’s an act. What’s true and what’s a lie? And what do you mean loveless?”

  “Well how do you think I feel with you saying all those beautiful heartfelt things to me tonight; how you love me and can’t wait to spend the rest of your life with me……but all the while I know your words are as good as hollow.”

  “And what did you say to me? ‘I love you Shane Tanner and I can’t wait to be your wife.’”

  “Didn’t you hear what I said Shane? I had to pretend that your money and lifestyle were enough for me when I knew I was selling myself short. I even convinced myself it was an acceptable substitute for love when I knew that wasn’t true. I betrayed my own self just to be with you…. just to make you happy. And I don’t know… I’m trying to be the woman you wanted. You’re the one who made this all about money. I thought maybe I could fake it long enough that I could be happy. I loved you once, and I wanted to love you again Shane.”

  Danielle’s emotional pain came flowing out in full force at that point as she sat on the bed awash in her tears.

  Shane came over and sat on the bed next to her. He pulled her into him and enveloped her tenderly in his arms.

  “But Danielle I do love you. Don’t you see? I’ve loved you for years. It was my fucking father who made me leave you last time; he said I had to put our business first. I made the business my priority and now I’m losing you all over again. I thought I could make this a business arrangement, but I’m hurting even worse than before. The woman I wanted so desperately is hiding behind a mask, and it’s all my fault.”

  “You know you would have saved us both a lot of trouble and heartache if you talked to me sooner. The truth is, I never got over you. Not in all these years. It’s always been you.”

  Shane kissed Dani’s tears away as they both realized that they had always loved each other but somehow they let their insecurities get in the way of showing their true feelings. Shane went to the nightstand and picked up the ring. Then he got down on one knee and proposed to Danielle again.

  “Danielle Kane will you marry me……for real?”

  “Yes Shane Tanner. And it’s about damn time you asked me.”

  He slid the ring on her finger as they fell onto the bed together in a passionate kiss.

  “I love you Danielle,” Shane said as he unzipped her designer gown.

  “I love you too Shane,” Dani said as she stroked his cock through his tuxedo pants.

  “I think I’m feeling a little better,” Shane smiled mischievously.

  “Lucky for him,” Dani replied as she removed the rest of his clothes.

  As Shane slid her slinky designer dress slowly down the curves of her body it became obvious that she had purposely forgotten her undergarments again.

  “Fuckin’A, you little minx. You were commando all evening and I didn’t even take advantage of it?”

  “Whose fault is that Mr. Clueless?”

  Shane didn’t waste any more time as he plunged his face between her splayed legs and pleasured her to ecstasy before she even knew what hit her. And before she could fully regain her breath and strength Shane peeled her legs back to her ears and drove his cock into her engorged and still throbbing pink opening.

  “Now Danielle, I’m just asking to double check.…..are you sure you want to marry me?” he said as he fucked her slowly and teasingly.

  “Yes I’m sure I want to marry you,” she laughed. “Yes….yes….yes!” she cried out as he drove it home with a vengeance.

  And so without any further pretense, Shane and Danielle were officially engaged to be married…..for real.

  Twenty-One

  The following morning the newly betrothed lovebirds woke up in each other’s arms, each of them more blissfully happy than they could ever have imagined.

  “What would you like to do today lover?” Shane asked as he lightly stroked Dani’s hair.

  “I guess it depends on how much business you have to take care of today. What’s on your agenda?”

  Shane smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “Nothing. No business today. I was hoping we could spend our whole Sunday together, unless of course you’ve already made plans?”

  “That would be so great Shane. I have no plans. We can do anything you want.”

  “You know what I’d really like to do? I’d like to really check out this island. I’ve hardly seen any of Maui since I’ve been here. Other than the interiors of restaurants and clubs that is.”

  “Oh I’d love to show it to you. It’s an incredible island. Why don’t we do the Hana Highway today? We could pack a picnic lunch.”

  “What do you mean by ‘do the Hana highway’? I thought Hana was a town on the other side of the island?”

  “It is but it’s the drive over there that’s so much fun. The road to Hana is only 52 miles long but it takes around three hours to drive it. There’s like fifty-some bridges and over six hundred turns. It’s a very narrow twisting mountain road but the scenery is breathtaking. You don’t get car sick do you? ”

  “Of course not. I drive high-performance race cars as a hobby. It sounds great. Let’s go.”

  After they ate breakfast and had shower sex, they got dressed and packed for their driving adventure.

  Dani packed a picnic basket with various cheeses, fruits, and chicken sandwiches and placed a bottle of Pinot Grigio in the wine chiller. Shane threw their swimsuits and snorkel gear in a duffle bag and loaded everything
into the trunk of his car. Then he lowered the convertible roof and the two of them were on their way.

  Shane was immediately in awe of the spectacular island. He had been all over the world in his business travels and considered himself to be somewhat jaded. It took a lot to impress him but everything about Maui was amazing. The road to Hana was just like Danielle described. The journey itself was actually the destination so they took their time in order to fully appreciate the pure unspoiled natural beauty of the island. They made dozens of stops along the way and took hundreds of photos.

  They swam in the warm surf, snorkeled in the colorful reef with sea turtles and picnicked on a black sand beach. They investigated sea caves and collapsed lava tubes and hiked around the Seven Sacred Pools and the surrounding waterfalls. Every time they were about to head back to Kaanapali, Shane found something else he wanted to explore. Dani adored that wide-eyed little boy quality in him. By the end of the day Shane had gained new insight into Dani’s unfaltering conservation principles and why she fought so fiercely to protect her beloved island of Maui. Eventually it got so late they decided to just spend the night in Hana.

  “We’re going to have to get up awfully early in the morning to get to work on time from here,” warned Dani.

  “No we’re not,” laughed Shane. “Because we’re not going in tomorrow.”

  Danielle was giddy. “Are you serious? We’re just going to blow off work?”

  “Yep. That’s right. I’ll notify Margie. Let’s check into our room and get some dinner shall we?”

  After their romantic candlelight dinner at Hana’s premiere five-star restaurant, Shane and Dani took a leisurely stroll around the quaint shops in the Hawaiian town. Shane bought an orchid lei for her and draped it around her neck.

  “Aloha my island princess.” He said before kissing her sweetly on the lips.

  While they were out and about they bought some fresh clothes for the morning as well as a couple of toothbrushes. Danielle also picked out a bottle of lilac scented foaming bath oils and a couple of vanilla candles.