Summer Escape with the Tycoon

by Donna Alward

  “Don’t worry!” she shouted back, turning around. “I’ve come a long way this week, but not that far.”

  So she still had some fear about the water, then. He let the waves buffet him as he waded out to where she was and took her hand. “You know how to swim, though?”

  She nodded. “Yeah. I just haven’t in a really long time.”

  “You could float on the waves. I’ll hold your hand.”

  “And you’ll pull me up if I get swamped by a wave?”

  “I promise.”

  She looked up at him, her hair blowing around her face. “I trust you, Eric.”

  And with those words, he felt himself fall for her. All the way.

  Damn.

  CHAPTER TEN

  MOLLY EASED HERSELF into the water and then let her feet leave the bottom so that she was floating on the waves. They were out far enough that her body rose and fell with the swell but didn’t get caught in the breakers, and Eric held her hand—he was her lifeline. She did trust him. In fact, she was pretty sure she was falling in love with him. This afternoon had sealed it. He’d seemed too in control and competent during the whole trip, but today he’d been afraid and he’d let her see it. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she were involved with an equal. Someone who knew some of her deepest vulnerabilities and didn’t judge her for them, and who offered the same in return. They’d said they were going to take things day by day, but the trip was nearing its end. Tomorrow was back to Victoria, and then a final free day in the city to sightsee as they pleased. How could she say goodbye with a smile on her face, when her heart was sure to be hurting?

  She was floating on the ocean with the sexiest, strongest man she’d ever met acting as her anchor.

  As she floated, she thought back to her life in Boston, and the charity event that had brought her to this place, and wondered if she could do something in the nonprofit field. Would that be more fulfilling? For starters, she could offer some services pro bono for the opioid clinic. And then look for a position where she’d truly be of use.

  A sense of peace and rightness flowed over her, and she let go of Eric’s hand and flipped over so she was bobbing in the water. His face was blank with surprise, so she grinned and did something she wouldn’t have been able to imagine even two weeks ago: she ducked under the water and swam with strong strokes out into the waves. When she surfaced, she let them carry her back in, where he caught her in his arms. Instead of letting her feet touch the ground, she wrapped her legs around his waist and put her arms around his neck.

  “You amaze me,” he said, leaning back to look her square in the face.

  “I’ve amazed myself. And it’s because of you, Eric. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

  The only problem was figuring out how to say goodbye, because while she’d finally had a kernel of an idea about her professional life, she couldn’t seem to figure out a way for them to work out, and the clock was ticking down.

  * * *

  The city of Victoria was stunning in its own right, situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The tour group was ending, with one last luncheon together before everyone went their separate ways for a self-guided twenty-four hours of sightseeing. Molly and Eric sat together as the group ate a delicious lunch with a view of the harbor, and then said heartfelt goodbyes to their travel mates and guides. She could hardly believe it was all coming to an end.

  After lunch, she popped into a store and bought a cheap pay-as-you-go phone. In a few days she’d be back home, and she was hoping one of her parents could pick her up from the airport. She needed to see them. Needed to be home, in the house where she’d grown up, and get her bearings before broaching the topic of her leaving the firm. She had to make her parents understand that leaving the firm didn’t mean leaving them. They hadn’t been perfect but they’d been good parents. Losing a child had left its mark, but there was no doubt in Molly’s mind that they’d loved her and had mourned Jack terribly.

  She was holding on to the idea of that love carrying them through what she was sure was going to be a disappointment.

  Molly and Eric had planned a late-afternoon trip to Butchart Gardens, so in the meantime she popped up to her room to freshen up and to make a call. Her first one was to Ryan, where she left a voice mail asking him about the opioid center and if he had some contacts there she could speak with. Then she called her mom, who let out a huge sigh of relief at hearing Molly’s voice and immediately agreed to meet her at the airport after her flight.

  She was going home. Leaving tomorrow night and taking the red-eye.

  Away from Eric.

  Tears stung the backs of her eyes and she sniffled, allowing herself the moment of sadness in the privacy of her hotel room. He was a once-in-a-lifetime guy and it sucked that she had to leave him behind. There was no other way to look at it.

  When it was time to meet him downstairs, she dropped her phone into her bag and touched up her makeup; she didn’t want him to see that she’d been crying. Ryan hadn’t called back, so she locked the door behind her and figured future plans could wait. Right now she wanted to spend every last moment she could with Eric.

  He was waiting for her at the doors, and her heart leaped at the sight of him. His smile was just for her, and he kissed her cheek and told her he’d hired a car to take them to the gardens and back.

  The car wasn’t just a car—it was a limousine, and Molly felt slightly conspicuous and very pampered. Once at the gardens, Eric paid their admission and they meandered through the various styles of garden. The Japanese garden was tranquil and serene, with flowing water, Japanese maples, and rhododendrons everywhere. The rose garden was nothing short of absolute splendor, boasting over two hundred varieties of roses and a trellised archway heavy with climbing blooms. The scent was heavenly, and Molly gave a happy sigh at the sensory delight it provided. Eric bought them gelato at the Italian Garden, the sweet and cool treat a perfect choice for the heat of the late afternoon. Molly’s favorite, though, was the Sunken Garden. The paths led around it but the colors were bright and showy and simply stunning. They found a vacant bench and sat for a few minutes, eating their cones of gelato, enjoying the sun.

  “I’m going to miss you,” Eric said, his voice low.

  The words sent a pang through her heart and she lowered her cone. “Oh, Eric, me too. This has been so incredible. I can’t believe it’s over tomorrow...but it is. We can’t freeze time.”

  “Would you? If you could?”

  A lump formed in her throat. “I would. Even though it would hurt more to leave you the longer we’re together. I just... I don’t know. We haven’t talked about what’s next. I don’t think we’ve wanted to, and spoil the moment.”

  “My business is headquartered out of Montreal.”

  “And I’m not licensed to practice in Canada.”

  “And it would be silly to talk about things like...relocating based on a vacation fling.”

  She met his gaze. “This wasn’t just a fling for me. Just so you know.”

  “For me, either.”

  Her heart stuttered. They were laying it all out there now. They genuinely cared for each other. It was in all they said and didn’t say. She got up and took her half-eaten gelato to a trash can; she was no longer hungry. When she came back she sat down and took his hands in hers.

  “We could try the long-distance thing, maybe. Boston and Montreal aren’t that far of a plane ride. Plus you’ve had business in Boston before...”

  His dark eyes plumbed hers. “Could we? Or would it just make things harder?”

  Her chest cramped. “I’m just saying...we could try, if we both wanted to. See how it goes.”

  Tourists milled about, but Molly ignored them as she looked into Eric’s face. “I’ve never felt like this before. I think I want the chance to see what we look like in the real world before I
give up.”

  Eric put his palm against her cheek. “You are the most amazing woman. I arrived here tired and jaded, and now... I can’t even describe it. You’re different from anyone I’ve ever met. I can’t say no to that.”

  Relief washed over her and she slid closer for a hug. “Oh, God, I’m so glad to hear you say that. We can figure out the particulars later. I’m just glad tomorrow isn’t the very last day and I’ll never see you again.”

  “Me too. And we still have tonight.”

  Hand in hand, they meandered over to the carousel house, listening to the tinny chime of the music as it went around in circles, to the delight of the handful of children still at the gardens even though the day was growing shorter. “Look,” she whispered, pointing. “They’re all different animals. Oh, I haven’t been on one of these since I was a little girl, and I went on with Jack.”

  “Then we definitely need a ride,” Eric decreed, and once again he fished out the money to pay. When the carousel stopped, they got on. She perched on one of the larger horses, a classic, and instead of getting on his own pony, Eric stood beside her, his hand on the pole, his gaze glued to hers. And when they were spinning around and around to the music, he said, “I’m falling in love with you, Molly.”

  The impact of those words hit her right in the solar plexus, stealing her breath. No one had ever said those words to her before. They’d liked her, cared about her, had fun with her, but no one had ever used the word love, not even at the height of her most serious relationship. He’d used every word but, and it had eaten away at her confidence. For a long time she’d wondered if perhaps she wasn’t lovable. Or if she didn’t deserve it.

  But Eric had just said it. And she was glad that it hadn’t happened before. Because at this moment it simply felt right.

  “I’m falling in love with you, too, Eric.”

  And when he kissed her she wasn’t sure if she was dizzy from the ride or the kiss or a combination of both.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  MOLLY HAD BOOKED a surprise for the morning. Eric had been so wonderful, paying for romantic dinners, and last night, at the gardens...it had been the most perfect evening. After the carousel, they’d wandered through the gardens, lit up especially for the evening, making it a magical fairyland. They’d put up the privacy screen and necked in the limousine on the way back to the hotel, and the night afterward...well, the perfect evening had definitely turned into the perfect night. The least she could do was surprise him with something amazing.

  He’d gone back to his room for a shower and clean clothes when her phone rang. She rushed to pick it up; only her family and Ryan had her current number.

  “Hey, gorgeous. You rang?”

  She laughed at the teasing note in his voice. “You got my message about the charity?”

  “Sure did, and they’d be glad of the help. I spoke to the executive director this morning. But I have another idea for you. There’s a company here that could use some expertise. It’s not quite up your alley, but I thought of you because it’s something I’ve been really aware of as a doctor. There’s a company here in Massachusetts that’s being bought out by some conglomerate. The thing is, they’re a leading research and manufacturer of prosthetics. The R-and-D side is in great shape, but some mismanagement has put them in the red. They’re working to fight the bid, but this guy has put forward a compelling offer. I’d hate to see that company bought and sold off piece by piece, you know?”

  Hope slammed into her chest. “I know someone with a lot of expertise in this area! Can you email me the details? I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Does this mean you’re getting out of the divorce market?”

  “Unofficially? Yes. But I haven’t talked to my dad yet, so please keep it quiet, okay?”

  “Of course. I’m just glad that I had you for my divorce. Once you get something in your teeth, you’re like a pit bull. You don’t let go.”

  “I think I’ll take that as a compliment?”

  “The highest kind. I’ll send through that info right away. Have a look and see what you think. Again, it’s not exactly in your wheelhouse, but sometimes an outside perspective is a great thing.”

  They hung up and Molly sat down on the edge of the bed, wondering what to do with all her energy. First she needed the info from Ryan before she could ask Eric for advice. But she had that elusive purpose now. Something to take her attention while she figured so many other things out. Battling for an underdog sounded perfect.

  But now she had to check out of her room. Her heart grew heavy as she packed all her things in her cases. The bathing suit from the hot tub and the beach. Yoga pants and long-sleeved shirts from the kayaking trip. The red dress that had knocked his socks off...and the black one that was her particular favorite. All these clothes now had specific memories associated with them, ones that she’d cherish. But it wouldn’t be the same as having Eric with her, making her laugh, taking her breath away.

  Before leaving to check out, she glanced at her phone. Ryan had sent her links to articles surrounding the health of the company and the struggles it would face to recover. She spent twenty minutes going over the material—if she talked to Eric, she wanted to at least brush up on the particulars. According to one source, two companies had been interested in taking over Atlantic Bionics. Now it was down to one. He also left a parting note that if she came on board, she’d have access to more detailed material.

  Tonight she’d be leaving Eric. The idea that she might have something to go home to was a lifeline she latched on to.

  They met in the lobby, both of them leaving their luggage with the concierge before heading to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. It was there, over blissfully strong coffee and eggs Benedict, that Molly told Eric of the morning’s plans.

  “So, I have a surprise for you. I’ve booked us on an aerial tour. I took a chance that your fear of heights doesn’t extend to flying, since you travel so much.”

  “You did?”

  She nodded. “An hour above the island, looking at the coast the way the eagles do.” She reached over and took his hand. “You’ll come?”

  “Of course I will. I just wish...”

  He hesitated and she met his gaze. “You wish what?”

  “I wish we hadn’t had to check out. These are our last hours together. At least...for a while.”

  She thought of Ryan’s phone call and smiled a little. “I might have an idea about that, but it’ll keep. Meanwhile, it looks like I’m going to be doing some work for the rehab place, so I’ve put the wheels in motion. How about you?”

  He reached into his pocket and took out a new phone. “I picked up a new one this morning and got about three hundred emails and at least two dozen voice messages. Which is less than I expected, but the moment I get on the plane this afternoon, it’s back to the real world.”

  The thought put a damper on their earlier fun vibe. “This isn’t going to be easy, is it?”

  He shook his head. “No. So let’s enjoy the morning. What time’s the flight?”

  She grinned, happy again for one last adventure. “In an hour. Let’s wander the harbor first, shall we?”

  They ambled hand in hand along the streets near the harbor, taking in the shops and late-summer flowers. It really was a pretty city, and it was wonderful to wander on their own, without being part of a bigger group. Their own little trip to enjoy and cherish.

  Cherish. That was the second time she’d thought of that word today and it gave her a pang of sadness. It was unfair they had to say goodbye. There were no guarantees it would work out. No matter what happened, after today everything would change. Their little bubble of existence would be popped.

  At the appointed time they were at the dock for the floatplane that would take them on their tour. The single-turbine plane had room for six passengers, but it was only the two of them this morning since
Molly had booked it as a last-minute private charter.

  “Welcome aboard,” the pilot greeted them, and with excitement churning through her belly, Molly got in and buckled her seat belt.

  “This is pretty cool, Molly.” Eric snapped his belt, too, and looked over at her. “I’ve done a lot of things, but I’ve never been in a seaplane.”

  “Me either. I’m a little nervous about the takeoff and landing.”

  “Don’t worry,” the pilot called back as the propeller began to spin and the engine revved to life. “Water’s nice and smooth today and we have perfect flying conditions. Just sit back and enjoy the flight.”

  They held hands as the pilot steered the plane out onto the water and then opened up the throttle, propelling them forward and then into the air. The city appeared below them—the stone buildings and vast trees and the white boats bobbing in a perfect rectangle in the inner harbor. They banked to the left, taking them along the southern end of the island, and Molly let out a breath. She peered out the window and took a few pictures with her new phone, and then glanced back at Eric, who should have been watching the scenery but instead had his eyes on her. She’d fallen for him; that was all there was to it.

  She was just about to say so when her phone buzzed in her hand. She looked down and saw it was a text from Ryan, and she hurriedly opened the message to see what news he had to her follow-up questions.

  You asked about the company with the offer on the table. It’s EPC Industries. Owned by a Canadian, Eric Chambault, out of Montreal. Is there more you need?

  Molly’s gaze snapped over to Eric, who was watching her quizzically. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

  “Just some unexpected news.” She was still trying to digest it all. “I spoke to Ryan this morning—he’s the one I went to the benefit with where I bid on the trip. He’s the one who got me the in at the opioid clinic.”