They discussed the fishing excursion for a while. Vincent was pointing out the angling technique involved in wrestling a six foot Yellowfin Tuna into submission when Ryan found his gaze drifting annoyingly over to Nicole again.
She was laughing with Sylvia, her blue eyes sparkling vibrantly, her cheeks slightly flushed. He had to admit she was a very attractive woman. Not supermodel beautiful, like some of the girls he’d dated in the past, but unusually pretty with her oval-shaped eyes which flashed intelligence, her purposeful mouth and slender neck and shoulders. She had the kind of looks that grew on one. Ryan found the more he looked at her, the prettier she became.
“I have some unfinished business with a barracuda,” admitted Ryan, shifting his gaze back to Vincent and putting on his most charming smile. “I can’t wait to get back out there.”
Vincent laughed. They finished their drinks as the last smidgeon of sun melted into the horizon.
“Ryan seems very smitten with you,” whispered Sylvia, as they made their way into the dining rom. The dressed tables were positioned around the edge of the circular deck so diners had an uninterrupted view of the beach and lapping ocean only metres away.
“He’s very sweet,” remarked Nicole, struggling to keep from giggling. Smitten indeed. Where on earth had Sylvia got that notion?
“I never thought of Ryan as sweet before,” murmured Sylvia, her eyes roving over Ryan’s back as he walked. “He seems like a different person with you.”
Different to how he was with your daughter? Nicole wanted to ask, but held her tongue. The implication was there. But perhaps sweet was the wrong word. Charming, determined, ambitious yes, but sweet?
Keep it believable, Nicole.
“I don’t know how he was before,” she admitted, purposefully sounding vague, “but he’s always been charming and attentive with me.” She smiled self-consciously. “I adore him.”
Hopefully that wasn’t laying it on too thick.
“I’m very pleased to hear it,” replied Sylvia. “I only hope he doesn’t break your heart, dear.”
Like he broke your daughter’s? No fear of that.
“Oh, well we’re taking it as it comes,” she murmured.
“It’s probably best,” admitted Sylvia. “Ryan is a great guy but he isn’t known for his commitment.”
Nicole thought that was a bit harsh considering the woman hadn’t had any contact with Ryan for the last ten years or so. How did she know he hadn’t changed?
“His business is very important to him,” Nicole pointed out. “He’s pretty committed to that.”
“Now that I can’t deny.” Sylvia smiled. “Perhaps I was mistaken. I knew him a long time ago.”
The woman was very diplomatic.
“It would be nice to see him settled,” she finished. “You seem like the perfect match for him.”
“Really?” Now that was a surprise. He was a multi-millionaire jetsetter and she was a single mum from Pretoria.
A perfect match? I don’t think so.
“Well, intellectually you seem on a par, and physically, well, Ryan can’t seem to keep his eyes off you.”
Nicole blushed. Now she really was talking rubbish. She glanced at Ryan only to find him staring right back at her. Blinking, she looked away.
The table was impeccably decorated with fragrant petals and low-burning candles. Nicole felt Ryan’s warm hand on her bare shoulder as she took her seat. To her embarrassment she got goose bumps. Luckily he didn’t notice. Ryan sat next to her while Vincent and Sylvia sat opposite them.
A nearby waiter immediately produced a wine list. Without looking at it, Vincent ordered a Sauvignon Blanc from Groot Constantia, which Nicole knew cost almost as much as her monthly salary. She caught Ryan’s eye. He smiled and squeezed her thigh under the table. Did that mean things were going well? She hoped so.
They ordered a seafood platter which was piled high with lobster, giant king prawns, mussels, clams, langoustines and small bowls of garlic butter. There was freshly baked bread in wicker baskets on the table and tiny wedges of lemon on side plates. Nicole stared at the veritable feast, unsure of where to start.
“Dig in,” motioned Vincent, piling his plate with a selection from the platter. “The lobster is out of this world.”
Nicole didn’t doubt it. Tentatively she dived in, selecting all her favourites. She ate slowly, savouring every morsel. This was heaven. After a week of eating like this she’d have a hard time going back to fish fingers and ketchup.
The conversation was light and animated. Vincent and Sylvia asked her plenty of questions about her job and family in South Africa. Nicole, buoyed up on Sauvignon Blanc, relaxed and chatted freely.
For main course they ordered the line fish of the day, freshly caught from the waters that surrounded them and grilled to perfection. A second bottle of wine followed, and the conversation flowed easily. Vincent told Nicole all about his eco-oriented venture capitalist organisation and the projects he was involved with. Ryan contributed knowledgably, pointing out the benefits of this and the downfalls of that and by the end of the evening Nicole had learned a hell of a lot more about renewable energy than she ever thought she’d know.
As a scientist she found she had a lot in common with both Vincent and Ryan and many of the techniques and processes they talked about she understood, even though she wasn’t familiar with them. It was a fascinating evening and she felt quite hyper at the end of it.
“I think I’ll sit out on the deck for a bit,” she mentioned to Ryan as they entered their beach chalet. It was still balmy and warm outside, and the sea sparkled darkly against the white sand, which was lit by unobtrusive spotlights hidden amongst the foliage beyond the beach.
“You’re not tired?”
“No. I’m still buzzing from all that expensive wine. I want to unwind for a bit and stare at the sea. It’s so lovely here.”
She kicked off her shoes and flung them on the bed. Walking barefoot onto the wooden deck, Nicole collapsed into a deck chair with a blissful sigh.
Ryan followed her. “Do you want company?” he asked softly.
“Sure, if you’re not too tired. Don’t stay up on my account.”
Ryan sat on the chair next to her. It creaked under his weight. “Me, tired? Please.” He stretched his long legs out in front of him.
They sat in silence listening to the gentle lapping of the ocean and the chirping of the crickets in the dense foliage behind the chalet.
“You played your part perfectly tonight,” said Ryan, turning his head to look at her. “I think Vincent is half-convinced we’re a couple already.”
Nicole sat silently contemplating his words. Played her part. Yes, she was well aware she had a job to do here on Medjumbe. It wasn’t just a vacation. Hearing it put like that made it seem mercenary, somehow. Nicole shrugged it off. Now was not the time to get an attack of conscience. She was doing Ryan a favour. It was for a good cause.
“I’m glad,” she said, keeping her gaze firmly on the horizon. “Sylvia seemed to believe me when I said I adored you.”
“You said that?”
“And that you were sweet and charming and attentive.”
“Really? Are you sure you were talking about me?” He chuckled, looking pleased.
“Actually no, I was just playing a part, remember?” As soon as she’d spoken the words, Nicole regretted it. She bit her lip. Shit. Now he’d think she had a problem with it and she didn’t. Not really. She wanted him to get the contract with Vincent; she didn’t like being treated like a means to an end, that’s all.
Ryan cast a suspicious glance in her direction. “Is something wrong?”
Nicole shook her head. “No. Of course not. Sorry, I don’t know where that came from. I guess I’m not all that comfortable being reminded this is all an act. It goes against my natural inclination. I genuinely like Vincent and Sylvia. Deceiving them seems wrong.”
There, she’d explained herself, kind of. He didn’t need to k
now it was his manner she found coldly disturbing.
Ryan sighed. “I can’t say I’m very happy about it either,” he admitted, to her surprise. “But I can’t see any other way around the problem. Vincent is not going to write me a cheque without being convinced I’d changed my ways.”
“Resorting to subterfuge isn’t going to convince him you’ve changed, though. Is it?”
“Only if he finds out,” acknowledged Ryan, frowning. “And he isn’t going to find out.”
“Not from me,” confirmed Nicole, much to Ryan’s obvious relief. “I’m not happy with the pretence, but I’m not going to blow your good-boy image.” She forced a smile. “I’ll think of it as doing my bit for the environment.”
Ryan laughed, easing the tension. “Thanks, Nicole. This deal really is important to me. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Found someone else to pretend to be your girlfriend, no doubt.
“I’m sure you would have made a plan.” She got to her feet. “You know, I think I’ll turn in now. The fresh air has made me sleepy.”
“Have I sufficiently wound you down?” asked Ryan, his voice steady.
“Something like that.” Nicole leant over and kissed him gently on the cheek. “I do hope this works out for you,” she said. “I’d hate for it all to be for nothing.”
“It’s already working,” said Ryan, quietly confident. “Just keep up the good work.”
Nicole gave him a mock salute. “Yes, sir. See you in the morning.”
With that she padded inside and closed the glass doors behind her, effectively shutting out the sounds of the night – and the presence of the man sitting outside.
Despite what she’d said at dinner the night before, Nicole had spent the morning exploring the tiny island and swimming in the impossibly clear ocean. After a light lunch with Sylvia, Nicole retired to the deck with a jug of lemonade and her book and it was there she spent the rest of the afternoon, only getting up to immerse herself in the plunge pool.
“I hope you’ve got sunscreen on,” called a voice from the beach. Nicole raised her head, shading her eyes with her hand. Ryan was striding towards her, shirt off, naked torso gleaming in the late afternoon sun. His body was so perfectly toned; he looked like he’d been PhotoShopped.
“Same goes for you,” she pointed out.
Ryan laughed and climbed the two wooden steps onto the deck. “I had a rather wet altercation with a giant barracuda,” he said by way of explanation.
“Who won?” teased Nicole, admiring the way the groove either side of his abdominals disappeared into his shorts.
“Who do you think?” asked Ryan, his eyes twinkling.
“Well, you lost a shirt in the battle,” smiled Nicole, tilting her head up to look at him. “Dare I ask how the barracuda fared?”
“Let’s just say he met his match.” Ryan sat down on the deck chair next to her and leaned back with a groan. “But it was hard work. I could definitely use a massage right about now.”
“I’m sure the girls in the spa will be happy to oblige,” remarked Nicole, dryly.
“Does that mean my loving girlfriend isn’t going to offer?” Ryan rubbed his neck, but his eyes were twinkling.
Nicole tried not to drool over his bulging bicep.
“Don’t push it,” she joked, breathlessly. The thought of running her hands over his bronzed skin, taut with muscles, gave her a hot flush. Phew.
“So how was your day?” he asked, getting comfortable on the lounger.
“Good,” said Nicole, putting her book down. “I walked, swam and had lunch with Sylvia. Then I read all afternoon.”
“Sounds relaxing.” Ryan closed his eyes. “We had a great time. I think Vincent is really beginning to warm to me now.”
“Must be your angling ability,” teased Nicole, sitting up to admire her tan. In only one afternoon she’d lost the paleness that signified too many days in the office and was turning nicely golden. In fact she felt good. The sun was melting away her stresses and strains and leaving her feeling tingly and warm all over.
Ryan scoffed. “I actually think it’s because of you. He really likes you, you know. He told me so.”
“I like him, too,” said Nicole, quietly. “They’re nice people.” Ryan’s six-pack was getting to her. She rose from the deck chair and eased herself into the pool.
At the splash Ryan opened his eyes. “They are. Vincent was like a father figure to me.”
“When you were dating his daughter?”
Ryan nodded. “I used to envy her having a father like him.”
Nicole paddled around idly, letting the water cool her overly hot skin. “What about your own father?”
“He didn’t stick around for long. We lost touch over the years.” There was no remorse on his face. No bitterness. Ryan was just stating the facts.
“Sorry,” murmured Nicole. “I didn’t realise....”
“That’s okay. I accepted the fact my father was a loser many years ago.” He shrugged. “It is what it is. No one’s perfect.”
“True....” She couldn’t argue with that. It was strange how accepting Ryan was of his dad. Or perhaps he was acting tough.
“It was a big deal breaking up with Melanie. Despite what Sylvia may have told you, I didn’t make the decision lightly. I gave up far more than a girlfriend when I left her.”
He’d given up a father-figure, his mentor. No wonder this contract was so important to him. Perhaps it wasn’t just about the money.
“I believe you,” whispered Nicole, from her watery sanctuary. She wondered why he was telling her this. It wasn’t as if she needed to know. She wasn’t his real girlfriend, only a stand-in one. In another week she’d be back home in Pretoria, and Ryan Jackson would be a fond but distant memory. “It must have been difficult, walking away.”
“It was. But I couldn’t justify staying with her because of my relationship with her father. It wasn’t fair to Melanie. She deserved better than that. Besides, I needed to focus on my business.”
“I can understand that,” remarked Nicole. It wasn’t her place to judge.
“You know, it’s so easy talking to you,” said Ryan, swinging his legs over the side of the lounger so he could sit up and look at her. “You’re so uncritical. It’s like a breath of fresh air.”
Nicole flipped onto her back. “It’s because I hardly know you, Ryan. It’s not my place to judge your decisions, just like I don’t feel I have to justify anything to you.”
“Yes, I suppose there is freedom in knowing you’re probably never going to see someone again. You can say what you want and not have to worry about what they think of you.”
“Exactly,” Nicole floated for a while, staring at the cobalt blue sky. Out here there was no one to answer to. They were so isolated from the rest of society, they could truly be themselves.
Except they couldn’t. They had to put on this elaborate lie for the Mahlers.
She submerged herself under water and felt the weightlessness engulf her. At least they had a lot of free time so she didn’t have to pretend constantly. The evenings she could handle. In actual fact it was fun dressing up and clinging onto Ryan’s arm, calling him darling and flirting a little bit. But she didn’t want to get too involved in her role. Ryan was one of those guys who grew on you fast and furiously. Already she was feeling the pull of his perfect body, and charming manner. And the small glimpses into his vulnerability were tugging at her heart strings. The boy coming to terms with his loser father.... The man building his business and turning his back on his mentor....
At the moment, Nicole was managing to keep her head above water – just. But she knew she had to be careful. A glamorous, vibrant man like Ryan was not someone she wanted to be pining over when she got back to Pretoria.
Exhaling she rose to the surface and immediately felt the hot sun on her face. Ryan had gone inside. They were due to meet Vincent and Sylvia in an hour. It was time to get into character for the evening�
��s performance.
CHAPTER FIVE
“Allow me to introduce one of my daughter’s friends, Dominic Roth. Dominic was passing by so I invited him to join us for dinner. I hope you don’t mind?”
They were standing at the ornate wooden bar in the main restaurant, overlooking the beach. It was another perfect evening. A local music group were singing and playing djembe drums, creating a vibey African ambiance.
“No, not at all.” Nicole smiled, shaking Dominic’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She had to raise her voice over the throbbing beat of the drums which were reaching a crescendo.
Ryan watched Dominic give Nicole the once over. The man obviously liked what he saw for he broke into a wide grin and held her hand for a fraction longer than necessary.
Frowning, Ryan had to admit Nicole did look stunning tonight. She wore a knee-length black dress with a white collar and a thin gold belt. It was slinky and sexy. Her long legs were smooth and tanned, and made to appear even longer by a pair of black strappy heels. What guy wouldn’t like that?
“How does one pass by an island like this?” enquired Ryan, shaking the man’s hand. “Are you a pilot?”
Dominic laughed. “No, I’m sailing around here on my yacht. It’s moored in the marina.”
“Not alone, surely?” asked Sylvia. “These waters can be dangerous. I’ve heard pirates operate to the north.”
“Much further north,” Dominic told her with an indulgent smile. “We’re quite safe here. And I have my crew on board. I’m sailing with a couple of friends on my forty-nine foot super yacht.”
“Oh.” Nicole looked impressed. Ryan took a step closer to her. The band reached the end of their song and the bar broke into applause.
“You should have bought your friends with you,” scolded Vincent. “It’s quite festive here tonight.” He gestured to the band.
“Oh, they’re a fairly rowdy bunch,” said Dominic with a laugh. “I thought I’d better leave them on board.”
The New Year Resolution Page 5
