CHAPTER 3
Sam, a stylist friend had a couple of bikini suits tucked away. Problem solved in three short hours, I’m packed and ready to go. He offered to drive me to the airport but I declined. My sulk will be officially over when I get back home and officially reporting for duty. Until then,5 days no phone calls even from him.
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Now, I’m here and missing him already. I’m hopeless. Mentally beating myself up for stubbornly leaving my phone. I mean, who does that? Sigh. Me! All I have is this camera and a couple of book.
But this place. Blows. Me. Away. It really is VVIP. I have a butler! “Miss, would you like some tea?” “Yes please and some scones.” Straight out of a Victorian romance pocketbook right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I considered talking with a fake British accent but thought better of it. Heaven forbid, I offend the English sensibilities of the haughty butler, disdain written all over his stony face. Ha! Just kidding! He’s a very warm fellow.
The 360 view from sun up to sundown is breath taking. Second day and I dare to wear a risqué suit. No elegant navy blue swimsuits for me. No sir. I am alone. I feel blessedly alone. The butler will come when I ring the bell.
Okay. This is getting a little bit boring. After putting on a sheer overlay, I'm off to the resort center. Who do I see? Dex!!! All senses on full alert, I nonchalantly walk pass him, hoping the big straw hat is big enough to cover my face.
"Miss... It's you right?"
Maybe, if I ignore him, he'll go away. So I did. But he didn't. I mimed pretending I can't hear him and myself unable to speak. I walked a little faster away from him but his legs that go on forever effortlessly match my pace.
"Let's talk. I came all the way here for you."
I'm not hearing this. How far is the reception lobby? Is it faster if I just went back to my cottage? What if he follows me? And why exactly am I running away? So I stopped. "Yes, it was me at the party. No, I didn't seduce you. And 3, we're done talking." I glanced around, there is no one else. Where's the butler when you need him?
"You looking for Chloe?” I wanted to wipe that smirk off his face.
He continued, “Let's talk. I don't bite. At least not yet."
I stonily stared at him.
"So where's your benefactor, a.k.a Babe? Too busy to play with you? You don't look like it but you do know how to wrap men around your fingers. You must be really good to be worth all this."
I slapped him but he caught my arm and deftly maneuvered me into a back hug rendering me totally speechless.
“Feisty too. I can work with that. It’s this way right?”
And I found myself on my veranda with him ordering smoothies from my butler (the traitor).
“It’s like this. I want you in the carnal sense of the word. I don’t beat around the bush. Whatever babe’s giving you, I can double it. But I am requiring you to be exclusive to me. The arrangement will be over when I decide it’s over. After which you’ll be amply compensated for your efforts. I’m really hoping the answer positive. I don’t take rejections well. I’ll pick you up at 7 for breakfast. I’m a very busy man.” And with that he sauntered off.
“Good morning! For someone who’s on vacation, you don’t look so good. Shall we?” Tucking my hands in his arms we walked toward his cottage.
