She shrugged. “My brothers are in the spotlight too much. I’m glad I don’t make it into the tabloids. Besides, most of what they write is all…”
“Bullshit?” I added. She nodded. “I understand that. I’m an attorney. Unfortunately, I’m on the news or in the newspaper more than I care to be. And when they say they’re quoting me, I always have to question if they need their hearing checked, because I don’t remember saying half the stuff they say I’ve said.”
“You’re a lawyer? You don’t look like a lawyer. At least not like any lawyers I’ve had to deal with. I think they’re all old grumpy men,” she snickered.
I laughed. “That describes my father and my uncle perfectly. I work for their law firm.”
“Never easy working for family. I know I couldn’t do it. But if you knew my brothers you’d understand why. Too much testosterone for me. There’s a lot of love, and they’d do anything for each other, but they are never wrong, if you know what I mean.”
“That I do. I’m an only child, but I have a bunch of uncles.”
“Give me my piano and my students any day and I am in heaven,” Zoey sighed.
I’ve always wished I could play an instrument. But I have no rhythm at all. Not to sing, not to dance, and certainly not to play an instrument. “You teach?”
“I do when I’m in the States. I’m trying to convince my husband to let me start teaching here as well. The only thing I love more than music is my family,” Zoey said. “What do you like to do when you’re not working?”
Chuckling, I answered, “Would you believe this is my first vacation since I finished law school? You’re right. It is not easy working for family. My father expects me to win every case. And the caseloads are heavy. So I’m not sure what I like to do with my free time. Maybe that’s why I’m having a hard time being here by myself. I keep finding myself in my room with my laptop, working.”
Zoey shook her head. “We can’t have that. Why don’t you have dinner with me and my husband tonight?”
“Oh no, I don’t want to intrude.” I also don’t want to be the third wheel.
“You would be doing me a favor. My husband has a friend/colleague joining us. I have a feeling if it’s just the three of us I will be stuck listening to them tell stories of when they were in the Marines. And if not that, they’ll be talking work. Neither appeal to me tonight. Please say you’ll join me and save me from the torture.”
I laughed. “I’m not sure that’s a great sales pitch, but I’d be honored to join you for dinner.” My father would have my head if I turned down an invitation from a Henderson. They were a multibillion dollar family and very well-connected, not just in Boston, but worldwide.
Zoey grinned. “Excellent! I will let the chef know there will be four. We will be dining in the penthouse suite at seven. Please know it’s casual. The last thing Bennett wants to do is wear a suit any longer than he has to. He’s more of a jeans and T-shirt type of guy.”
I could picture one guy I’d like to see in a pair of jeans, and it wasn’t Bennett. “I look forward to it.”
“I’ll see you at seven.” Zoey headed off and once again I was left sitting there alone. But I actually had something to look forward to today, and that was nice. Even though I didn’t know Zoey or her husband or whoever this friend of his was, it would be nice to have adult conversation. I was starting to talk to myself, and even my own conversation was boring me.
I had a few hours to kill before dinner, and I didn’t want to give Zoey the impression I wasn’t enjoying the resort. So I went up to my room and changed into my swimsuit. The ocean was too beautiful for me not to spend some time in it. Might as well go out paddleboarding. I hadn’t ever done it before, but it looked fun. And at least I’d have something to talk about tonight besides my job.
God knows I don’t wanna be the one giving unsolicited legal advice to a Henderson.
The afternoon flew by, and surprisingly I hadn’t thought of anything besides how to stay upright on the paddleboard. With my terrible sense of balance, I must have fallen off that board every few seconds. And I must have used muscles that I didn’t even know I had, because now I felt like I’d been hit by a truck. Luckily, I had time to soak in a hot tub and relax away some of that ache before heading to the penthouse. I was glad the dress code was casual, too–if I’d had to wear heels tonight, I would’ve had to send a note of regret. My legs were still wobbly. I probably looked like I’d had a few drinks too many, but I hadn’t had even a sip of wine.
I knocked on the door to the penthouse and Zoey answered. “You’re here just in time. James just arrived and Bennett is already talking business. I told him once you arrived they needed to stop. Business and the Marines are two topics we aren’t discussing tonight.”
I’m sure that wouldn’t make me popular with the gentleman, but at least Zoey was thrilled to see me. Bennett joined us and he said, “This also means no talking about your students either.”
Zoey rolled her eyes and replied, “I’m sure Robin will be more entertaining than anything either of you have to say.”
I smiled, but then I saw who the other guest was. It can’t be. “Now I really believe you’re following me.”
James said, “That would be difficult since I arrived before you.”
Zoey looked between the two of us and asked, “Do you know each other?”
I rolled my shoulders. “Our paths have crossed. I would not say we know each other.”
Zoey was beaming. “That’s about to change. No better time to get to know another person than over dinner and over games.”
In unison, James and I said, “Games?” James did not look like the type of man to play games of any sort. And from the expression on his face, he didn’t sound thrilled that Zoey even suggested it. But like myself, he was a guest. Kind of trapped.
Forcing a smile, I replied, “As long as it’s not charades.”
James added, “I swear if you even suggest anything close to that I am out of here.”
I shot him a look and challenged, “I can understand why. You wouldn’t stand a chance at winning.”
He stared at me with a grin and added, “I always win.”
Zoey interjected and said, “This is gonna be the best dinner party we’ve had in a long time. Good thing none of us has to get up early in the morning.”
Bennett replied, “I am not here on vacation.”
James added, “Neither am I.”
I wished I could say the same. It was easy for me to come up with an excuse about having some case I had to review, but I could tell Zoey would’ve been very disappointed if I did. So I would stay and force myself to enjoy the dinner party. It really shouldn’t be that hard because I could already tell Zoey was the type of person I would choose to have as a friend. The difficult part would be ignoring James, the type of arrogant SOB that I usually avoid.
James headed to the dining room table, and I couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of how those jeans emphasized his perfectly sculpted ass.
Damn. It would be a lot easier to ignore him if he wasn’t so freaking hot.
This night was going to be a lot longer than I thought.
Dinner was as I expected. The food was like at any five-star restaurant. But the conversation was the best part. I got to hear about the Henderson family in a way you don’t normally read about. They talked about their children and all their nephews and nieces. The family was a lot bigger than I ever imagined. And it was so nice to see the loving interaction between Zoey and Bennett. There was no doubt he loved his wife. It was beautiful to see. I was blessed to grow up witnessing the same type of affection between my parents. But at thirty, I’ve never even experienced a tenth of that depth of an emotional bond. I wasn’t the only one who seemed to feel that way. James’s expression mirrored my feelings. We don’t belong here.
“Robin, would you like to take a walk on the beach with me?” James asked.
I wasn’t sure if he was asking me so he would have
an excuse to get the heck out of here before the games started, but I wasn’t about to question it. “I would love to.” Then I turned to Zoey and asked, “That is, if you don’t mind us bailing on the games?”
She smiled and said, “I don’t mind at all, as long as you promise to join me for coffee tomorrow morning and tell me all about your walk.” She winked.
This was not going to be a romantic encounter under the moonlight. Most likely we would discuss what he learned about Lily and the stranger. And that’s only if we even made it down to the beach. Once we left this penthouse, I didn’t see any reason to stick together. Of course, that would make for awkward conversation when I met Zoey for coffee tomorrow.
“As long as we don’t make it too early. Remember, I’m on vacation,” I said.
“Of course not. It’s already after midnight, and who knows how late you’ll be up?” Zoey teased.
I rolled my eyes, but ignored her comment. This is the type of teasing I expected from my friends back home. I was glad Zoey was comfortable with me, but I wasn’t that comfortable with James.
James and I said goodbye to our host and hostess and headed to the elevator. Once inside, I turned to him. “Are we really going for a walk on the beach?”
James replied, “I don’t lie.” There was the same dry, dead tone from his interrogation earlier. I knew he didn’t always sound like this, as he had been different over dinner. Guess you save this dry, serious man just for me. I didn’t care.
But that didn’t mean his comment made me feel great. Was he suggesting that I lie? “I was only asking so I could change my shoes. These sandals will not work on the beach.” And I had my answer. I’ll tell little white lies.
“Would you like me to follow you to your room, or do you want to meet in the lobby?”
Even though I didn’t like James personally, I was attracted to him like crazy. No way in hell was I letting him anywhere near my room. The temptation to ignore what my brain was saying and go along with what my body was telling me was too great. I was supposed to be here for a little R&R, not to have hot, steamy sex with Mr. Delicious. A chill ran through me and I said, “I’ll meet you in the lobby.”
James added, “You might want to grab a sweater-you seem cold.”
Actually, I’m the total opposite.
I got off on the third floor and headed to my room. I wasn’t even sure a walk on the beach with him was a wise choice, because with each step toward my room I was regretting him not being with me.
I can’t believe it, but I think it would’ve been a better choice staying playing charades with Zoey and Bennett.
Chapter 5
James
Robin had said she was just going to change her sandals. How long could that take? Here I was, still pacing the lobby thirty minutes later, and it was evident that she really didn’t want to accompany me for a walk. I wasn’t forcing her. She easily could have said no. But she didn’t. She also didn’t strike me as the type of woman who would take the coward’s way out and just blow me off. But she was taking forever.
I knew her room number. This could easily be settled with a quick knock and the chance to ask. Fuck that. I’d never chased after a woman before, and I sure as hell wasn’t going to start now. But it was a nice night, and my body hadn’t quite adjusted to the time difference yet. I wouldn’t be tired for hours. The walk on the beach would have to be one I took alone.
It wasn’t long before I found myself with my sneakers off and my jeans rolled up, wading knee-deep in the cool ocean.
“I would suggest wearing a bathing suit if you’re planning on going for a swim,” Robin’s voice teased from behind me.
So you finally decide to show up.
I turned, and was prepared with a snappy retort, but abruptly changed my mind as I noticed her standing there in a navy blue bikini. Fuck! She’s…fucking gorgeous.
Robin joined me in the water. “I thought you were going to wait for me in the lobby.”
“I did. But it doesn’t take thirty minutes to change shoes.” Obviously, she changed a lot more than just her shoes.
“I’m sorry. When I got to my room I received a call from my office. I thought it would only take a moment. Guess it went longer than I expected. I should’ve called down and let the receptionist inform you that I was running late.”
“No problem.” It wouldn’t have bothered me if she never showed. I didn’t need the complication.
“When I looked out the window in my room, I could see the moon reflecting on the ocean. It was just a shame to think of only going for a walk and not taking a midnight dip. Now here I am in my swimsuit, and you’re not. Looks like I’m going to have to swim by myself,” she said.
So she didn’t put on that bikini for my benefit. Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the view anyway.
She waded out up to her navel, turned back, and said, “The water is a little cooler than I thought. You might be the smart one by not swimming tonight.”
She took a few steps further out and now the waves were crashing just beneath her breasts. There was no way in hell I could allow her to swim in the ocean at night, alone. I took a few steps back onto the beach, undid my belt, and pulled my jeans off. Then I pulled my T-shirt over my head and dropped it onto my jeans on the sand.
But even as I undressed, I noticed Robin watching every move I made. I wasn’t insecure – in fact, I had intentionally taken my time. Let her get a good look. It fucking turned me on the way she watched me, and I was tempted to strip naked. But I knew there were security camera’s all over the resort. I didn’t need to get fired for skinny dipping with a guest.I stopped, leaving my boxers on.
Even as I waded in to meet her, the cold ocean water did nothing to chill the heat running through my veins. I wanted her, and my body wasn’t hiding that fact. It didn’t help any that I hadn’t been with a woman in six months. Not since donating the kidney.
Everything should’ve been smooth, except for one, not so minor, complication. At least it wasn’t minor to me. Even thinking about sex brought me severe testicular discomfort. It was something no one had mentioned prior to my donating a kidney. It wouldn’t have changed anything. Hell, I’d have given my life for Cindy. The only difference, if I’d have known my balls would temporarily double in size, was I might have hesitated a bit. But only a bit.
Right now my cock was throbbing, aching, for entirely different reasons and all I wanted to do was pull Robin into my arms and bury myself deep within her. That’s not what was going to happen, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want it.
“Now, how about that swim?”
She smiled at me and said, “I’m already cold and I want to get out.”
Oh, the hell you are.
I stepped closer and another wave came crashing against her back causing her to be pushed into my arms. I steadied her, but didn’t let go. Instead I wrapped my arm around her back and pulled her up high in my arm so those fully breast pressed against mine. My cock ached to be buried deep into the warmth of her core. Fuck, why am I teasing myself. It can’t happen.
As I looked down into her beautiful blue eyes I asked, “Is this better?”
I felt her shudder her against me, and her bottom lip trembled. Maybe she was cold. Or maybe she’s getting hot.
“Mr. Burke…”
She knows my name, and just trying to provoke me by being so damn formal. No way in hell was I calling her Miss Wellington. “My name is James.”
“James. I am… I… I wasn’t hitting on you,” she said.
I smiled at her. “Too bad because this feels good.”
“I thought cold water didn’t agree with a man’s…privates,” she stated. I pulled her closer proving that wasn’t always the case. “Oh. I guess you shouldn’t believe everything you read.”
“I’d be happy to disprove any more of those types of myths if you need me too,” I offered, still holding her close. I waited for her to push me away, to ask me to release her, but she did neither.
&n
bsp; Robin wrapped her arms around my neck and said, “At least the front of me is warm now.”
Her lips were only inches from mine and I couldn’t stop myself. My lips brushed hers. It was a brief contact, but fuck, I wanted more. I loosened my hold and Robin slipped out of my arms. It felt good holding her. I knew I could have claimed her lips and kissed her senseless, but I’ve never made a move on an unwilling woman. Even though her body was telling me yes, I respected her.
But she didn’t step away. Instead her hands slowly made their way over my shoulders and down my biceps, then stopped. She was still meeting my gaze. Tell me what you want.
“James, I…I…I’m getting cold again,” she said.
I pulled her crashing against my body and claimed her lips. This time it wasn’t gently. My tongue teased her lips until she opened for me. God she tasted sweet. My hands ran down her back and cupped her firm ass. Fuck woman, you feel so damn good.
She clung to me and ground her hips against me. I wanted to slip those bottoms off her and put my hard cock deep inside of her. But another wave, one much bigger than the others, crashed over us both breaking our embrace. I struggled to hold her and keep us from being knocked over.
I felt her tense and even though she didn’t let go of me, her tone wasn’t playful any longer. “I think I should go back to my room.”
Alone. Got it.
“We can still take the walk on the beach,” I suggested. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Although I probably should, because being close to her was physical hell.
She hesitated, unsure. Eventually she said, “Maybe another time. I have a few things I need to finish tonight.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be on vacation?” Why was I asking her questions? I should let her go. Hell, I’d seen plenty of women on the beach earlier. Unfortunately, she was the only one I wanted.
“I am. But it doesn’t mean my caseload has dwindled. My clients still need me to do my job.”
Thinking about her as a lawyer was hopefully enough to put an end to the frustration running through his veins right now. “What type of attorney are you?”
Eleven Days in Paradise (Barrington Billionaires Book 11) Page 4
