Bennett nodded. “I know your abilities and I’ve seen you in action. I would like to say they won’t be needed here, but we both know that’s not the case. There are still former government and military men here that have not been brought to justice. They still pose a threat. They lost the battle this time, but next time could be different,” he stated. “And since Tabiq is looking at having government officials back in charge again, you’d need to be on a heightened alert.”
“You really think that Jasper guy is ready for the job? I mean if Tabiq is still that unstable, how do you know he can be trusted not to fall to the same pattern of corruption?” I asked.
“We don’t. And that’s why we’re not pulling out. The Hendersons are here for the long term. I’m really hoping you’ll consider taking this job. You’d be an asset to the team and to the Hendersons.”
And hopefully to Tabiq.
I didn’t need to think about it overnight. What would that change? Robin was leaving in the morning. If I wasn’t with her, no place else really held any appeal. Tabiq was just a location. Might as well be where I’m needed if I can’t be where I want to be.
With Robin.
“When are you leaving?” I asked.
Bennett cocked brow. “Is that a yes?”
I nodded.
“Great. We can meet with the rest of the team today.” Bennett got up from behind his desk and tossed me some keys. “Consider this office yours. Effective immediately, you’re in charge. But don’t forget, you still report to me and the Hendersons. I expect to be kept up-to-date with all new developments.”
“Roger that.”
Bennett said, “Why don’t you take off until our meeting with the team.”
“And do what?” I asked.
“Robin is leaving in the morning. I thought you might want to spend the day with her,” he suggested.
“I’ll see her tonight,” I said flatly.
Bennett stared at me. “Not the response I thought I’d get. Maybe I misread it. You two seemed to be getting…close.”
“Like you said, she’s leaving in the morning.” There wasn’t anything more to discuss.
“You don’t seem pleased with that,” he said.
What I wasn’t pleased with was Bennett talking to me about it.
“Facts don’t change. She has her life in Miami and I’m…staying in Tabiq.”
“Would you consider moving to Miami?” Bennett asked.
“Fuck no. The weather is great, but it’s not my style. And what would I do there anyway?” Robin had told me the long hours she worked. I wouldn’t get to see her even if I had been willing to live there.
“That’s too bad. Zoey had nothing but nice things to say about Robin.”
“She is an amazing person.” She just deserves better than me. Someone who can go live that fast paced business world. I’m not him.
“You might not want to throw in the towel with her just yet. Love has a way of getting what it wants when we least expect it,” he said.
“Who the fuck said anything about love?” I snapped.
Bennett laughed. “That would be my wife.”
I shook my head. “Love is just another four letter word.” It had no place in my life.
“So is hope. And I hope you and Robin can work this out. Life is full of changes James. The last year has shown you that.”
“It also showed me that life can feel like a kick in the balls. No need to go looking for it.”
I already knew my answer; there was no point in asking Robin. This was going to be over. “If fate really wants us together, then I guess Robin will decide on vacationing more often in Tabiq, because this is where I’ll be.”
Chapter 19
Robin
I answered the door thinking it had to be James stopping in early. But instead it was Ziva and a man I assumed was her husband, since he had his arm around her back.
“Hello Ziva. Won’t you two come in?”
As they entered Ziva introduced him. “I’m sure you guessed, but this is my husband Alex. He just came out of his writing cave. That’s what he calls it when he’s in a last minute crunch deadline.”
I shook his hand and said, “That’s me the night before court. I swear I can feel my hair turning gray.”
“Good thing you’re blond,” Ziva said.
She must’ve thought I was serious, but sometimes I forget that she married and American, but sometimes our dry humor isn’t understood very well. I hope I never offended her with any of my jokes. If I had, I’m sure Zoey or James would’ve told me.
“Are you two here to send me off?” I asked.
“Off? What do you mean?” Ziva asked.
“Sorry. I’m flying out tomorrow. Heading back to Miami.”
Ziva shook her head. “I thought you would be staying.”
I chuckled. “Unless my vacation was extended and no one told me, my flight is leaving at nine in the morning.”
“I was hoping that maybe things had…developed into something,” she stated.
“What things?” I asked.
Alex interjected. “I think she is talking about you and James. I only know this because Ziva and Zoey were talking on speaker phone the entire ride over here.”
Oh great. Everyone is discussing the love life that I don’t have.
“Sorry to disappoint you, but I have a job to return too.”
Unfortunately it wasn’t the one I wanted any longer. I would still practice law, but not that one. Something about taking on a case because someone could afford to pay us didn’t feel like a good enough reason any longer. Even though I would only take the clients I felt could be innocent, that didn’t mean they were. And being in Tabiq showed me firsthand what cruel and evil people are capable of if not stopped.
“Well Zoey said she got your business proposal that you emailed to her. She was very impressed. It’s going to be presented at the next family meeting. I can’t wait to hear it,” Ziva said.
“You pretty much know it, but I’m glad Zoey liked it. I really appreciate you’re input, it was exactly what I needed.” It hadn’t actually change anything I had typed on the paper, but what I did was keep Lily in mind the entire time I read it. That was what made the difference. They were no longer just words, but someone I cared about. “Is Lily all settled in Boston now?” I asked.
Ziva shook her head. “It’s like many of us when we first leave Tabiq. There is a huge culture shock. The last time I spoke to her she was crying saying that she couldn’t do it. She wanted to come home. Then I reminded her as to why she was there. So when she does return to Tabiq, she can help the sick.”
“I’m sure that’s all the motivation she needed. She’s a sweet girl.” I turned to Alex and said, “I’m so glad your family is helping her.”
“You sound as though you’re fond of this place yourself,” he said.
“I am. Even though I haven’t been allowed off the resort, I hope that one day, when I return, that will have changed.”
Ziva smiled. “So you’re coming back?”
I hadn’t even left yet and already I knew I would. “Every vacation will be spent here.”
“I’m glad to hear that, because we actually stopped in so we could discuss something with you,” Alex said.
“You mean besides the proposal?” I asked.
“Yes and no. There is an amendment we thought should be made,” Alex said.
I thought I had covered everything, but then again, without really knowing the country anymore than what I was told, I may have missed things.
“What change would you like made? I have my laptop in the other room. I can get it if you’d like,” I offered.
“First we should talk, then you can get your laptop,” he said.
“Okay. I’m listening.”
Ziva stated by asking, “How much do you love it here?”
“New Hope is a beautiful resort,” I replied.
She shook her head. “I mean Tabiq as a whole.”
“If you were given the opportunity to see more of the island, would you?” Alex asked.
“Yes, I’d love too. Is that why you’re here? To take me on a tour?” I asked, hardly able to contain my excitement.
“No. Not today at least,” he said.
That sucks. Even though I had plans with James for dinner, I would’ve jumped at the chance for a tour.
“Well I guess I’ll take you up on that offer the next time I visit,” I said.
“We are hoping that won’t be long,” Ziva said.
“I’m cannot make any promises. See, I’ve made a decision. I’m leaving the family law practice.”
Ziva look at Alex in surprise then back to me. “Why?”
I wasn’t going to get into all the nitty-gritty facts but I had to say something. “I’m looking to do something different. But of course that means in the short term, I’ll be…unemployed. I’m not worried, but I won’t be doing any unnecessary spending. That would eliminate travel.”
I knew Ziva would understand that position being from Tabiq. Alex, however, he was born a billionaire and probably never gave money a second thought.
“Unemployed?” Alex said and I nodded.
It wasn’t something I wanted to keep saying, but it was a fact. No matter what my father or uncle said, I was leaving. For once in my life, I was going to make choices based off what made me happy.
“Then I’m glad we decided to stop and speak to you today. How would you feel about not being unemployed?” he asked.
I chuckled. “I hope you’re not going to offer me Lily’s waitress position because I have horrible customer service skills.”
Ziva snickered. “So do I.”
Alex didn’t join in the fun. He had a serious expression. “We’ve done our research. Your skill as an attorney is well known. I do understand the lack of wanting to work for or with family. But it would be a disgrace to waste it.”
“Knowledge is never wasted. And I don’t plan on leaving law completely,” I corrected him.
“If you’re leaving the firm, does that mean you’re willing to relocate?” he asked.
I shrugged. “If the job required it and I found the position to be something that interested me.”
“What are you feelings towards Boston?” he asked.
It’s cold.
“I was just there a few days ago,” I said. You probably know all this from Zoey.
“We could use an attorney on our staff,” he said.
He was offering me a job? I sure in hell didn’t see that one coming. “I’m thrilled that you’d consider me, but I don’t do corporate law.”
“And you wouldn’t. Do you recall my asking for an amendment?”
“I do,” I responded.
“We would like you to oversee that the proposal is implemented as it was presented,” he said.
I waited for someone to crack a smile, but none came. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
Alex nodded. “Yes. Even though you would be based out of Boston, you would be required to travel to Tabiq frequently.”
“I hope you don’t mean to inspect the product because I’m not that person,” I stated.
“No. But they will be signing contracts with foreigners for goods. We need to make sure that no one takes advantage of them,” he said. “You job will be to review each contract and negotiate on their behalf. At least until one day they can do so themselves. That of course might not be for another ten years or so,” Alex said.
“It will happen. Just things take time here. But with people they can trust, it will be so much easier,” Ziva said.
I raised a brow. “Why would they trust me?” I asked.
“Because I do,” Ziva said. “And so does Lily.”
“We understand what we’re asking is a lot. And it will require a lot of traveling as well. You don’t have to give us your answer today,” Alex said.
All I have been doing for the last several days was thinking about my future. This offer was like a prayer answered. “I don’t need time. I’d love to work as the legal liaison.”
Alex smiled and said, “Welcome aboard.”
Ziva had a bit more of an enthusiastic response. She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me so tight I thought she’d break a rib.
“Thank you so much. You have no idea what this means to me, to Tabiq.”
“I’m sure you’d have found someone else,” I said.
“I’m not talking about the job. The teakwood proposal showed us that you truly want the best for Tabiq. Now that you’re staying, I know your vision will come to life as you saw it,” Ziva said.
I smiled. “Nothing would make me happier,” I said.
Now I hope James feels the same way about me staying.
Tonight James and I were supposed to say our goodbyes. He hadn’t asked me to stay or even mentioned coming to visit me in Miami. I knew he was enjoying our time together, but that doesn’t mean he wanted it to go on indefinitely.
Looks like we might be skipping our dessert tonight and talking instead.
No matter what James said, I knew I was taking this job. It’d just be a hell of a lot better if he was as happy about it as me.
Chapter 20
James
I couldn’t believe it what she was telling me. I know it’s her sweet sexy voice, and her lips are moving, but she’s not going back to Miami? She had told me it’s where she always lived.
Granted I was thrilled sitting her on her couch and hearing these words, but I couldn’t help but be concerned as well. What was her motivation? Part of me wanted it to me, but I’d never want her to sacrifice it all for me. I wasn’t worth it.
My life seems settled now, but what I’ve learned this past year is how fucking quickly it all gets ripped away from you. What if Bennett decides I was needed elsewhere.
“Robin, are you sure you want to do this? I mean you didn’t like the cold in Boston,” I reminded her.
She said, “That was because I didn’t have any warm clothes. And besides, I’m going to be spending a lot of time here too meeting with the Tabiqian people.”
That’s what scares me too. Bennett had stressed how dangerous it could be for foreigners. No way in hell was I going to allow her to go tramping out there without me. I smiled to myself. With my role, I guess I’m the one who makes the decision where she can go and with who. That eased my concern slightly.
“You sound like you’ve already made up your mind,” I said.
“I have,” she stated firmly.
“Guess this would be a good time to inform you of my promotion,” I said. “Bennett is leaving for Boston and I have been given the position as head of security here in Tabiq.”
Her beautiful eyes widened and she said, “You’re stay too? Here?” I nodded and she said, “So this isn’t the last time we see each other?”
“No it’s not,” I said. I saw her eyes glisten, then the tears rolled down her cheeks. “What’s the matter?”
“I…have been dreading tonight. It was going to be one of the sadness nights of my life. I was going to have to say goodbye to you. Now I don’t,” she sobbed. “You’ll be here with me.”
She wasn’t the only one who had been burying those emotions. I’ve popped more antacids for my stomach in the past few days than I have all month. The difference is I knew I couldn’t fit in her world, but now she’s staying and I know she fits in mine.
I reached up and brushed her tears away. “I thought you were leaving and it was torture. You have no idea how many times I considered following you to Miami, but I…couldn’t. No matter how much I wanted this to work with us, I know if I was miserable, it would eventually affect our relationship. So I held back and…thought the best thing would be to…let you go. At least if you were happy, that was all that mattered.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked.
I smiled at her. “I’m going to guess f
or the same reason you didn’t come to me. Everything between us is happening so fast. I stop and questioned myself several times, but the answer was always the same. I was falling in love with you. But what I didn’t know, and still don’t, is your feelings,” I said.
“You love me?” Robin said, her bottom lip trembling.
“Yes baby. I love you. Not much scares me in this world, but you’re not answering me, has my gut in a fucking knot,” I said. I thought the feelings were reciprocated, but what the hell do I know. Love is new to me.
“Of course I love you James. How could I not? Who else can listen to me talk for hours on end and never complain?” she smiled.
“If the words are how much you love me, I’ll listen to your for days,” I smiled.
Robin got up on her tippy toes and said, “I love you. I love you. I love you!”
Words that I once avoided at all cost, now were what I sort. I pulled her close and said, “Robin, I have no idea what the future holds for us, but there is one thing I can promise you right now.”
“What is that?” she asked.
“That I’ll love you forever.” Her eye glistened all over again and in my normal way I lightened the mood with a joke. “I’m all yours, well, all except for one kidney.”
Robin chuckled. “That’s okay. I failed to mention I had my appendix out when I was fifteen.”
There was so much more for us to learn about each other, and from what I just heard, there was no rush. This next chapter in our relationship can go at its own pace and I plan on enjoying every damn minute of it.
Teasingly I said, “I don’t remember seeing a scar. Maybe I’ll have to give you a closer inspection later tonight.”
Robin said, “Why wait till after dinner? You know you can have dessert any time of the day that you want.”
I scooped her up into my arms and carried her to her bedroom. “Good. Because with you, I have one hell of a sweet tooth.”
As I kicked the door closed behind us, I no longer felt as though I had lost a past. Instead all I could see is a bright future. One that I wasn’t facing alone.
Eleven Days in Paradise (Barrington Billionaires Book 11) Page 15
