Her Secret: A Billionaire Romance Read online

  “We can be bad together.” It was tempting…Oh god…how it was tempting.

  “I’m not going to jeopardize the possibility of being kicked out of here for doing something against the rules. It would be good for you to do the same thing.” We could both agree therapy was necessary. We were on our way to a long and fruitful recovery.

  “There’s no reason to limit our interaction to hot chocolate and coffee. There’s always a plethora of food available during meal times. It would be nice to have some companionship.”

  “I’m not going to sleep with you.” I was exercising my discipline to the max. I could smell his desperation.

  “It doesn’t have to result in doing the beast with two backs.” It was an interesting analogy.

  Plainly he was trying to impress me by quoting Shakespeare’s Othello.

  “I see you’re not exactly averse to pleading your case. A man like you could have anyone. It puzzles me the reason why you have targeted me.”

  “Do I really have to answer that? I would think it was obvious.” His shirt was open and looking away wasn’t an option.

  “I know we have chemistry, but we need more than that to build on.”

  “I thought we had more than that.” I wasn’t expecting to feel this comfortable with him.

  “We do seem to have a few things in common including what our favorite movie is. Who knew that we could both be Die Hard fans?” I had all of the movies and the first one was the best.

  “I’ve never met another woman alive who was a fan of Bruce Willis’s work. He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. His quips are undeniably timeless.” He certainly had a knack of smoothly steering the conversation.

  I was gauging him and trying to figure out if this was a ploy to get me naked on top of him.

  “There are not a lot of women who enjoy action movies. I consider myself a part of the minority.”

  “I sometimes wonder what kind of love life I would have without the money.” He wanted me to say something about him not related to his wealth.

  “If you were rich, then you would have missed out on all these beautiful models and actresses chasing after you.” I couldn’t help but to tease him. “But in all seriousness, I find you quite compelling and easy to talk to.”

  I had seen him during other parts of the day, but I tried to stay clear of him as much as possible.

  He had become an unfulfilled fantasy. Oh how I wished he would become a reality. A girl could dream.

  It would have been easy for him to make me submit me to his every whim. I had already imagined myself in various positions. The late nights were spent staring at the ceiling and thinking about him.

  I had walked down the beach several times at midnight to lie underneath the stars in one of the overhead hammocks. It was peaceful without the practically naked bodies for a distraction.

  “I think you’re afraid of what would happen if we became closer.”

  “We don’t exactly scream compatible.” This was getting interesting.

  “We might come from different worlds, but we still put our pants on one leg at a time. I would happily back off if you were serious, but I don’t think that you could muster the words to convince me.” It didn’t help for him to be wearing form-fitting cargo pants leaving little to the imagination.

  “I’m very rarely afraid of anything. I find your tone somewhat belittling like I don’t have a will of my own to resist someone with your natural charm and charisma.”

  “Let’s stop doing this dance.” He was touching my arm.

  “I’m going to make this painfully clear. I hope you don’t take it the wrong way. Sleeping with you is better left in my imagination where there are no limits. The real thing will pale in comparison.” I had no choice but to reject him.

  There were too many in a vast array of ex-lovers who didn’t measure up to my expectations.

  “I hate to be obvious, but there’s really only one way to find out.” His intention was clear.

  “We have only known each other for a few days. Is that really enough to jump into the deep end? I don’t think so.” Dr. Evans and Jessica would have been proud of me if they were here. He was making me want to fall off the wagon of sexual celibacy. I must stand strong and stick with the recovery process.

  “I’m not proposing for us to go back to your room and give your mattress a workout of a lifetime. I certainly wouldn’t object, but I have a bit more class than that.” He was making me think he was one of the good ones.

  Most guys were quite transparent when it came to their sexual intentions.

  “If you’re not suggesting a strictly physical relationship then what else do we have? I could be a best friend. We are able to talk for hours. I do enjoy the time we spend together.” I wondered how he felt now that I put him in the ‘friend’ zone. I found myself laughing for no good reason.

  He was quite comical and someone comfortable in his own skin.

  “I’m relieved to see that your funny bone wasn’t tickled by me dropping my pants. I would hope the reaction to exposing myself in public would be more of quiet awe with your mouth wide open in surprise.” The waves were getting closer and we had to walk backward in an effort to escape getting wet.

  “I hope you’re not the kind of girl that worries about getting her hair wet. I’m going for a swim and I would love for have you join me. I promise I won’t touch you without your direct permission.” It wasn’t going to take much to get me in the mood to have his hand slide down into my bikini.

  It was virginal white and could easily be extracted from my frame by pulling on the two thin threads on either side. I would do it myself, but I was consciously aware of Dr. Evans and her words of encouragement to keep myself free of temptation.

  “I’m trying to get rid of my tan lines. You always find a way to interrupt me making it necessary to cover up in your presence.”

  “I’m not stopping you from getting naked.” He was traveling his eyes up and down my frame.

  No doubt he was undressing me with his eyes. It wasn’t like much was in his way.

  “I know you probably wouldn’t mind, but I would hate to make you yearn for something you can’t have.” He looked around nervously and I heard the telltale sign of his zipper being pulled down.

  He couldn’t possibly be thinking what I thought he was thinking.

  “I’m through making excuses for my behavior. I find you irresistible and I’m not sure we will ever see each other again after we leave here.”

  “I’m not taking anything off.” I was standing on the shaky ground of my less convincing words.

  “I think what you need is some kind of incentive and I have just what it takes.” He lowered his pants to his ankles, and threw his shirt off.

  I made an involuntary gasp at seeing the full Moon.

  He slapped those cheeks and ran into the water diving for the cover of the waves to hide his dignity and shame.

  “I can’t believe you just did that. I should be appalled, but I did enjoy the full Monty.” His body was sculpted into a Greek God.

  “I dare you to take a chance. What do you have to lose?” Tyler was quite the charmer.

  “Alright, fine!” I reached behind and pulled on the string of my neck dropping the top into my hands.

  He was watching with intense interest to see the rest of my body become uncovered to his hungry and eager looking eyes.

  “Don’t stop now and we’ve only just begun to peel back the layers of trust between us. I want you to hit me with your best shot. Everybody has that one thing about their bodies they are proud of.” I modestly pulled on the first string and held it together with two fingers.

  I did the same to the other side. The only thing preventing him from seeing me was taking my hands away to let the tiny piece of cloth disappear from my grasp.

  “I don’t know if I should give you what you want. It would be so much better to dangle you on the st
ring for a little while longer.” I was purposely teasing with the hot sun searing my skin from above.

  The only place I didn’t put any sunscreen was where the fabric was going to uncover.

  “We can either do this the easy way or the hard way. Let your hands go or I will come out there and drag you in here by bodily force if necessary. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can tease me incessantly without consequences to your actions.” I was a little embarrassed by how far I was willing to go for a cheap thrill. But this was too much fun for me.

  It didn’t stop me from taking my hands away and showing him the recent shear job I had done with my mound.

  “I do believe this is the first time I’ve found you speechless. Don’t you have some witty comeback? I’ve always taken you for the strong and not so silent type.” I posed with my legs open enough to show him the split down the middle.

  “I don’t have the right words to convey what I feel deep down inside. There’s not one adjective that is strong enough to describe what I am seeing with my own eyes. Come over here closer so I can get a better look.” I took a few unstable steps before finding my good sense.

  “I’m still not sure about this.” I needed him to coax me into his capable and strong arms.

  “You don’t have to come in if you don’t want to, but I’m sure I can find some way to warm you up.” I took a few tentative steps closer with the warm water tickling my toes.

  “I’m starting to think this is a bad idea. I’m not some kind of cock tease. You are beginning to tax my resolve.” I looked around frantically for my bikini.

  It was right where I had left it lying in the sand. I put it back on knowing full well he was watching my every move from within the surf.

  “I never thought I would get so aroused by seeing someone put their clothes back on.” He was purposely playing on my vanity.

  It was working.

  “It molds to your body to keep the good parts under wraps. Dinner will be our way of testing ourselves without going too far.” He was wading back in and trying to keep his balance with the waves threatening to knock him over.

  I could hear him splashing on his return.

  I dashed from the scene of the crime. I stopped a few yards away from him to pull my bikini tightly between my cheeks. I smiled over my shoulder with my tongue wiggling out of my mouth. He pointed at me and then moved his finger back and forth like I had committed some unforgivable sin.

  I wasn’t expecting to see him until dinner and even then I wasn’t sure it was a good idea for me to sit down with him. It was only asking for trouble to encourage his behavior any further than I had already.

  CHAPTER 10

  Tyler

  Sitting there and waiting for her to arrive was the worst kind of Chinese torture. I felt nervous for the first time in my life. She was out of my league. I didn’t think any woman could outshine my personality. I was known to be quite boisterous and the life of the party.

  I saw her in her red dress and it was quite evident she wasn’t wearing any underwear. There were times when she was standing in a certain light where I could see her entire body without having to wonder.

  “I see from your tongue dragging on the floor that you have noticed my dress.” She certainly knew how to make a memorable entrance.

  “I guess we both had the same idea.” I was dressed to impress.

  “I don’t mind saying you do have a way of wearing a suit. It’s nice to see you dressed up for the occasion even though we never discussed it.” Those around us were casual when we were putting on a show for one another.

  There was a small stage outdoors and they were setting up some kind of performance during dinner. It was a grueling day of searching for the answers. Deep meditation and breathing exercises came in handy to get rid of those frustrations.

  “I see you like making lasting impressions. I’m not complaining and I’m sure the other guys trying not to stare have a few choice words. If you wanted to get my attention then you have.” She was an awesome representation of what girls should do to make their man stand up and take notice.

  “I was going to get myself a plate, but you have appeared to have thought two steps ahead. This will be the first test to see if you are listening to me. I’ve been quite vocal about those things I have enjoyed about the buffet and others that didn’t capture my fancy.” Amazingly, I was a good listener when I felt like the woman I was with was saying something important enough to garner my attention.

  “You’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by my selections. There might even be a few delicacies I’ve chosen specifically because of your lack of imagination.” I wanted to live vicariously through her eyes.

  “I don’t know about the oysters.” Her nose crinkled at the very thought of putting one in her mouth.

  “One bad experience shouldn’t poison you on something that is an aphrodisiac in most countries.” I was taking a risk by offering her oysters on the half shell.

  I had a few and was feeling the serendipitous itch. I was hoping she was going to scratch it for me.

  “I dare say you are trying to seduce me with food. I’ve never been a big fan, but I will try them this one time to appease you.” She took a few and let them slide right down.

  I was thinking of how good that would feel wrapped around my hot flesh.

  The lobster was freshly cooked right from the ocean. Its appearance was a little different from stateside.

  The taste was amplified by the warm garlic butter waiting for dipping. There was also the turf portion of the meal in the form of a 12 oz steak. I had stood in line making sure to order to her specifications. There was just the hint of pink on the inside. It reminded me of what I would find if I were to spread her open.

  “I don’t say this often, but I’m impressed by your ability to listen. So far I liked everything you picked out and the steak was just perfectly cooked. I’m still not entirely sold on the oysters, but they are growing on me.” The vegetables were local from the region and the butter slathered on top of it was a nice touch.

  I kicked a chair across from me in an invitation, but then I remembered to get up and pull out her chair. She fanned herself amusingly like some southern Belle feeling faint.

  “You are a kind stranger and I must say you have pulled out all the stops. I don’t know what you have up your sleeve for this evening, but I’m curious enough to stick around to find out.” Dessert was going to be plantains soaking in liquor and then the liquor would be burned off by a flame.

  The show was enough to make people laugh which wasn’t necessarily a good thing when we were trying to eat. It was a knee-slapping good time. They were trying to confuse us by making it look like an accident every time they fell down. It was orchestrated and choreographed with timing being the most important thing.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re proud to be performing for you this evening for your entertainment. We do require a few volunteers for the amateur dance contest. There will be a prize yet unnamed for the winner. I can assure you the prize is well worth the risk of humiliation.” A few ventured down to the stage. I felt a foot nudging me from under the table.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” She had this devilish smile on her face.

  “Oh come on, it would really make my day to see you act like a fool in front of all these people.”

  “It’s going to take a lot more than you kicking me in the shins to get me to go down there.” I wanted more than her applause.

  “We have a negotiator here…what kind of incentive?”

  “A soft and lasting kiss from you.” I could’ve easily made a case for her to slip underneath the table without being noticed. I wasn’t sure what her reaction would be to such a comment.

  “I thought for sure you were going to ask for something else. I was actually tempted to give in for the possibility of seeing you dance like a monkey. I will give you the kiss, but under the condition, you don’t take
it any further than that. Take it or leave it.” I wasn’t about to turn down the feel of her lips touching mine.

  The taste of her tongue sliding into my mouth and igniting all the nerves at the top of my palate would be a prelude to better things to come. There was no liquor and what they were using for the dessert was going to be burned off with only the faint touch making its way on our lips.

  “One kiss is nothing in this game of chess we are playing with one another. Each move is carefully considered before making it. You protect your queen, but I have rendered most of your pawns obsolete. I hope this display will be more than enough to topple the regime to your virtue.” I got up and made my way down to the stage with the other contestants.

  The only thing I could think about was the kiss. I was soon breaking out some of my dance moves from college.

  The applause was deafening when I made myself look like a robot to the beat of the music in the background. I practiced endlessly in front of a mirror, but this was my first show outside of my bedroom. I added a few components from when I was in college, but they were mostly filler.

  Most were enthralled and sitting on the edge of their seat including Erin. Her eyes were wide and shining bright with admiration for the courage it took for me to jump into the thick of things.

  The unanimous decision was given in my favor. The head of the performance artists whispered into my ear and handed me a piece of paper to hide from the others.

  “This man showed us white men can dance. He was quite forthcoming with his performance. We suspect there was someone he was trying to impress. I hope he enjoys the spoils of his victory.” The next act was a juggling team and they took it into the audience barely missing those still trying to consume their meal. Laughter was the best medicine.

  “Alright a deal is a deal.” I lifted her from the table and dipped her down until she was fanning the floor with the hair on her head.

  I kissed her with the same applause coming from our audience. The voyeuristic nature of what I was doing was making me more than a little aroused.