Everything to Lose (Destination Billionaire Romance)

by Youngblood, Jennifer

  “You’ll love Julie,” Anthony said. “She does all of my design projects and decorates my homes.”

  Yeah, he’d only told her that a million times. She had Julie to thank for the obnoxious floral picture in the bathroom.

  “Aloha!” a shorthaired blonde bellowed as she approached. She was petite and very pretty with her cap of shiny hair and lively eyes.

  Anthony stood. She embraced him warmly and kissed him on each cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late. I got caught behind a tour bus.”

  Samantha stood as Anthony did the introductions. “Julie, this is Samantha, my fiancée. Samantha—the fabulous designer I’ve been telling you about.”

  “Oh, stop,” Julie gushed, touching Anthony’s arm. “I’ve heard so much about you,” she added to Samantha. She had the confident manner of a woman who’d made it in the corporate world. Her voice had a sophisticated huskiness to it, and she drew out her words dramatically, like a diva whose audience was hanging on her every word. She hugged Samantha and air-kissed her on both cheeks.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Samantha said.

  “Oh, Anthony. She’s as lovely as you described,” Julie cooed.

  What was she? A pet? “Thanks,” she mumbled.

  Julie scoped her up and down with the practiced eye of a female who was checking out the competition. It made Samantha terribly self-conscious. Julie was about the same age as Anthony, making her feel like a kid in comparison. Finally, the scrutiny got to be too much, and she met Julie’s eyes. Julie flashed a toothy smile that was so large, it was obviously fake. Maybe she should’ve gone along with her first inclination and stayed at the condo.

  “Let’s go on into the restaurant,” Anthony said. “I made our reservation for eight o’clock.”

  After they got seated and placed their drink orders, Julie pummeled her with questions. “How do you like Hawaii?”

  ”It’s very nice. I love the beach.”

  “The beaches are lovely. Although I’m so busy with work, I hardly have time to enjoy them.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I always wonder what kind of person has the luxury to spend an entire month lounging around on the beach—doing nothing.”

  Samantha’s face fell. The jab was obviously intended for her. Julie was launching a full-scale attack, and they hadn’t even ordered their food yet. It was going to be a long night.

  Julie feigned embarrassment. “I-I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean any disrespect.”

  Yes, that’s exactly what you meant. And the comment stung. Samantha just looked at her with a masked expression.

  “Now tell me, what you do professionally?” Julie said.

  Was this where she was supposed to tuck her tail between her legs and hang her head? Samantha looked her in the eye. “I was at Sacramento State studying to be a teacher before Anthony and I got engaged. After we’re married, I plan on reenrolling.”

  The look of surprise that flitted over Julie’s face was immensely rewarding.

  Anthony gave her a funny look. “Really? We never discussed that.”

  “You never asked,” Samantha countered.

  He frowned. “But I thought you’d be too busy taking care of our home.”

  “What’s there to take care of? Julie decorates all of your homes to the point where you’re afraid to move a single picture. I’m sure she’ll do a fine job with this one too.” She flashed a cheery smile. “Won’t you, Julie?”

  Julie’s eyes went wide, and Anthony coughed like his throat was trying to swallow his tongue.

  As if on cue, the waiter stepped up to the table. “Are you ready to order?”

  “Absolutely,” Samantha said, smiling warmly. “I’m famished.”

  After dinner, Anthony and Julie launched into a technical conversation about work. Samantha zoned out until something Anthony said caught her attention. They were discussing the growing animosity amongst the locals and the date the human skeletons were to be exhumed and relocated. Her heart sank. Finn was right. Anthony was building his development over an ancient burial ground.

  Dizziness wafted over her as she stood. “I’m sorry, I’m not feeling well.”

  Anthony also stood, looking concerned. “Are you okay? Do you need me to come with you?”

  She forced a smile and put a reassuring hand on his arm. “No, I’ll be all right. I just need to get some fresh air. You two go ahead; it seems you have much to discuss.”

  “If you’re sure you’ll be all right.”

  “I promise.”

  She had to force herself to walk out of the restaurant when what she wanted to do was run. It made her sick to know that Anthony had so little regard for human dignity. She should’ve said something—called him on the carpet right then and there. She wondered if there was anything she could say to change his mind. He was always donating to causes. Surely he could understand that preserving a sacred burial spot was one of the most worthy causes of all.

  She wandered through the lobby, out the side doors, and to the path that ran along the back of the hotel. The chill in the humid air intensified in the wind as it whipped through her hair and clothes, making her wish she’d worn a jacket. She could hear the steady rhythm of waves crashing in the distance. The clouds were in motion, battling with the light of the moon. She hugged her arms and looked out at the fathomless ocean. She was in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and she was absolutely miserable.

  “It’s a bit chilly out tonight for a sleeveless dress.”

  She jerked around, startled to see Finn. A dart of warmth shot through her as she smiled. “Hey.”

  He was wearing a dress coat and slacks, but the slacks were rolled up to his ankles and he wore sandals. She chuckled inwardly. He was dressed just as she would’ve imagined. “You look stunning,” he said.

  “Thank you,” she murmured.

  “But you look cold. Here.” He removed his jacket and draped it around her shoulders.

  “Thanks. What’re you doing here?”

  “I met a few friends for dinner and then decided to walk around the grounds. I love it here at night.” He pointed to a nearby tiki torch. “Especially with the fire. Brings out the primitive man in me, reminds me that I live on an island.”

  Panic ripped through her. “You didn’t eat at the restaurant inside, did you?” Had he seen her with Anthony? How could she have been in such close proximity to Finn and not noticed?

  “No, I ate at Lei Lei’s, a local favorite that’s on the front side of the resort.”

  “Oh.” Relief coursed through her.

  “Did you eat at the restaurant inside?”

  “Yeah.”

  “With your brother?”

  She nodded, hating herself for lying.

  “I’d like to meet him.”

  “No,” she blurted. He gave her a funny look. “He’s tied up in a tense business meeting, which is why I came out here.”

  “Okay.” He studied her with perceptive eyes, and she feared he could see right through her. She was about to spill her guts when he jerked his thumb toward the shore. “You wanna go for a walk on the beach?”

  Her reply was automatic. “I would love to.”

  Samantha expected Finn to take her along the bay section of the beach—the one she’d walked back and forth across a hundred times or more since coming to Turtle Bay. She was surprised, however, when he took her in the opposite direction. They walked along the grass, past the vacation cottages, and down to the beach where the land was more rugged and the waves larger. “This is my favorite section of Turtle Bay,” Finn said.

  “No wonder. This is much more beautiful than the bay. I didn’t even realize this existed.”

  “Most people don’t, which is why it’s so wonderful. It’s largely untouched by tourists. It’s too far to go tonight, but there’s a World War Two bunker on up the beach. It marks the western tip of the bay.”

  “Wow, there’s a lot of history here, isn’t there?”

  “Yeah, it’s a unique place
.”

  “I thought the beaches in California were pretty, but they pale in comparison to this.”

  “I know. I love it here.” He paused. “Hold on a sec.”

  Before she could respond, he trotted off. A minute or so later, he returned, carrying a red flower in his hand. He stepped up to her. “For you. A hibiscus.”

  She reached to take it.

  “It’s for your hair,” he explained. Tingles circled down her spine when he brushed back a lock and placed it behind her left ear. He looked into her eyes and smiled. “Beautiful.”

  His simple gesture was as surprising as it was touching. “Thanks.”

  He motioned with his head. “Shall we continue?”

  She nodded. Walking alongside Finn was therapeutic and stimulating at the same time. As if the moon sensed her exuberance, it broke through the clouds, bathing everything in a silvery light. Her heart grew lighter with every step.

  He nudged her. “You did great surfing today.”

  She laughed. “You have to say that.”

  He chuckled. “No, I don’t, but I want to.” He motioned with his head. “Come on. Let’s sit down for a minute… unless you’re worried about getting sand on your dress.”

  She grinned. “Not a chance.”

  They chose a comfortable spot. Samantha knew it was wrong to be out here with Finn, but it felt so right.

  Finn gave her a sidelong glance. “So who is Samantha Fairchild? Tell me all about yourself.”

  Tension crept up her neck. Here’s where the fantasy would crumble. Her mouth went dry. “What do you want to know?”

  He spread his hands to the sky. “Everything!”

  She couldn’t help but laugh. His openness forged a conduit straight into her heart, making her want to share a part of herself with him.

  “Let’s start with something simple. What do you want to be when you grow up?”

  “When I grow up… hmm…” she put a finger to her jaw, feigning thinking. “Who says I want to grow up?”

  He wagged a finger. “Don’t evade the question.”

  “A teacher,” she said decisively.

  He looked impressed. “Really? What kind of teacher?”

  “Elementary School.”

  “That’s awesome. What made you want to teach?”

  No one had ever asked her that before. She wrinkled her nose, formulating her thoughts. “When I was young, I had a hard time learning to read. In kindergarten, I was pushed by the wayside and labeled a slow learner. Consequently, I wanted nothing to do with school. Then I got Mrs. Cutler for my first grade teacher. She took the time to teach me the skills I was lacking, going through the techniques over and over until everything sank in. Even though I insisted that I could never learn to read, she wouldn’t let me give up. She made a difference in my life, and I’d like to pay her kindness forward someday.” She shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed that she was sharing something so private.

  “That’s a neat story. I’m sure you’ll make a fabulous teacher.”

  “Thank you.” She could tell from Finn’s thoughtful expression that he was genuinely interested in what she had to say. “What about you?” A smile flittered over her lips. “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

  “Who says I want to grow up?” he teased.

  She chuckled. “I guess I deserved that.” She sat quietly, waiting for him to answer the question.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “To tell you the truth, I’m not really sure what I want to do. I used to think I knew, but now … I don’t know.”

  That was a strange answer. “Have you always taught surfing?”

  He shifted. “I’ve always loved to surf, but surfing was more of a hobby when I lived on the mainland.”

  “What did you do on the mainland… before moving here?”

  “I dabbled a little in computers… software… that sort of thing.”

  “Oh. It must’ve been quite a change for you when you moved here.”

  “Yeah.” He looked up. “Wow, look at all of the stars that are out tonight.”

  “Yes, they’re incredible.”

  He turned to face her. “They’re not the only thing that’s incredible,” he said, brushing the curve of her cheek with his fingertip.

  Her bones melted. “Finn.” She meant it as a warning, but it came out as a caress.

  He gazed into her eyes. He was so devastatingly handsome she could barely breathe. “We hardly know each other,” he mused, “and yet you’re all I can think about. Tell me, Samantha Fairchild, how is that possible?” A crooked grin lifted the side of his mouth, exposing a dimple.

  She just shook her head.

  “Tell me it’s not just me.”

  Everything was happening so fast that she hardly knew what to think. But she couldn’t deny the attraction between them. She wanted to tell him how her thoughts cleared when he was near, and how he added color to her otherwise black-and-white world. “I can’t.”

  He looked hurt. “I don’t understand.”

  She drew her knees to her chest, hugging her arms, and looked unseeingly into the distance. “My life is complicated. I can’t get involved right now. I wish I could, but I can’t.”

  There was a long pause. “Okay, then tell me why.”

  She bit her lip. “I can’t.” Her gaze turned to him, pleading “I never expected to meet you. I never expected to have these… feelings.” She chuckled humorlessly. “I don’t even understand them. It’s like you said—we don’t know each other.”

  “And yet… here we are.”

  She stood, suddenly angry with herself for leading him on. “I shouldn’t be here.”

  He jumped to his feet. “Now hold on a minute.”

  She folded her arms, her lips pressing into a thin line.

  He studied her for a long moment. “How long are you here?”

  “In Hawaii?”

  He nodded.

  “About three more weeks.”

  “Okay, so we have three weeks to get to know each other.”

  “Finn—”

  He put a finger to her lips to shush her. “I’ll make you a deal.” He removed his finger.

  “What kind of deal?” she asked warily.

  “We won’t ask each other the hard questions. No past. No future. Only the here and now. We’ll keep surfing, then see where we are at the end of three weeks.”

  “But you don’t understand.”

  He gave her an intense look that cut her to the core, and she had the impression that everything her heart could ever desire was sitting right in front of her. “It doesn’t matter what happened in your past or what you think stands in our way. I just want some time with you.” Before she could formulate a response, he grabbed her hand. “Now come on… please?”

  “What’re we doing?”

  “I’ll race you to the waves.”

  Her eyes went wide. “But it’s dark!”

  He wriggled his eyebrows. “I know. That’s what makes it fun!”

  Samantha worried the front door would be locked, but thankfully it was not. Quietly, she opened it, fighting off the shivers that raced through her body. Finn insisted on walking her back to the condo, and she was terrified they would run into Anthony. She padded her way across the living room, but stopped cold when she realized Anthony was sitting in the dark, waiting for her.

  Shadows cloaked his face. “Where’ve you been?”

  Somehow she managed to find her voice. “I went walking on the beach.”

  “I looked for you.”

  “I walked to another section, outside the bay.”

  “Were you alone?”

  Her heart fluttered frantically in her chest like a caged bird. “Yes.”

  “You’re a mess.”

  “Yeah, I got a little wet.”

  “Is there something you want to tell me?”

  “No.” She forced herself to look straight at him, even though she couldn’t see his face.

  Time seemed t
o stand still, neither of them willing to back down. “Good night, then,” Anthony said.

  “Good night.” She scampered to her room.

  8

  “I won’t be home until late tonight, so don’t wait up.”

  “Okay.” Samantha looked across the table at Anthony. His movements were hurried and jerky, making it obvious he was still upset over last night. And he was making her pay for it. As usual, it was up to her to smooth things over. “I’m sorry I left dinner early last night. I started feeling nauseous. I guess the salmon didn’t sit well with me.”

  His jaw tightened. “I was really hoping you and Julie could get to know each other.”

  Why was he so worried about her getting along with Julie? She was starting to wonder if he had a thing for her. It was obvious that Julie had a thing for him. And if the truth were told, they were much better suited for each other than she and Anthony were. “Yeah, I’m sorry. We’ll have to plan another time to get together.”

  This seemed to please him, earning her the slightest hint of a smile. “I’d like that very much.” He stood. “Oh, be sure and check the mailbox. I left the key on the counter. A very important package is arriving.”

  Her wedding ring. The knowledge settled over her like impending doom. “I’ll be sure and check it.”

  Samantha’s cheeks were flushed with excitement as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Finn was due to arrive any minute now, and she could hardly stand it. Surfing had gone well today. Towards the end of the lesson, she managed to get up on her board for one tiny second, before tumbling headfirst into the water. With any luck, next time she’d be able to stay up long enough to ride a wave. She loved the ocean and being immersed in the raw force of nature.

  But most of all, she loved being with Finn. He thrilled her in a way she’d not thought possible, making her realize there was such a thing as a storybook romance. It was too bad hers wouldn’t lead to happily ever after. But she wasn’t going to dwell on that right now. Rather, she was going to sup the marrow out of each moment she spent with Finn, knowing it would have to sustain her for the rest of her life.