Bella's Choice (21 page)

Aldrich nodded, the smile spreading over his face, touching his eyes in sparkling sapphires.

“It is.”

Just then the waiter brought their coffees, and they then ordered their favorite breakfast. Omelets filled with bacon, tomato, cheese, and mushrooms accompanied by toast. Promptly, the waiter wrote their order down, repeated it and when they were satisfied, left.

“Anabella is just the right woman for me. I want no one else, and she feels the same, Dad.” He paused to take a sip from his cup before he continued. “From the moment I saw her she captured my heart; she draws out the playful, energetic side from within me out. I enjoy life when I’m with her. My life is meaningful with her in it. She is talented, beautiful, humble and innocent.” He blushed sheepishly, grinning under his father’s watchful stare. “I want to be the one who introduces her to her passionate side.”

Thomas chuckled at his son’s coy way of stating it. From early on in their lives, they had been open with each other, even with the things that were always uncomfortable to talk about in most father and son relationships.

“I understand that, Aldrich. There is nothing in this world that can compare to a unio
n with the right woman.” For a brief second, he thought of his own wife; even after all the years―they had been separated by her death―he still loved her, and no other woman could, or had replaced her.

Aldrich told his father about what happened to Anabell
a in America. For a while, they talked about Aldrich’s concerns and the effects it could have on her, and how he appreciated her willingness to share what took place with him, while it could have been easy to hide it away and deal with it on her own. The trust she displayed toward him had only made him want her more. He told his father what she had conveyed to him about her parents, the lifestyle they lived, and their uncaring attitude toward their children.

It made sense to Thomas that what she’d experienced in
America would be a magnet toward her attracting the same kind of attention, like bees to a honey pot. She was wide open to that kind of attention, as she’d grown up with it. Something this serious would make her choices in life harder than normal. He believed that the only way that she could get free was to break away from that life, finding refuge in the love of the Almighty, and a loving husband. She had shown Aldrich that she was willing to do that, but at what price? What would it mean for them in the long run?

Just then, a man he had only known through business dealings stepped up to them. André Herbst. He didn’t like the man. His cunning rudeness in business deals had made him an unsavory fellow, and Thomas couldn’t stomach that.

“Funny meeting you here,” the man bolstered, causing several heads to turn in their direction before they continued with their own conversations.

“André, how are you?” he asked as politely as he possibly could. He had heard so many stories about his man; not only was he ruthless, but his behavior toward women kept them away, or drew them closer like flies. He was a real womanizer.

“I am well.”

“Let me introduce you to my son, Aldrich Hagin. Aldrich, André Herbst.”

“Pleased to meet you, sir,” Aldrich greeted, extending his hand while studying the man.

“Thank you, young man,” André replied, briefly watching Aldrich with more than a healthy interest, before he turned his gaze back to Thomas.

Thomas frowned at the man’s audacity. Was nothing sacred to him? He had heard the rumors about his tastes in both women and men. Obviously, it had to be true from what he’d just witnessed.

Aldrich couldn’t explain it, but he felt dirty from the look he received, uncomfortable with the stranger’s close proximity.

“Would you like to join us?” Thomas asked.

“No, not today,” he said.

Relieved that his offer had been declined, he sighed inwardly and glanced at Aldrich’s frowning face.

“I have another appointment, but I will come and see you. I have a business partner I want to introduce you to. I know your company would benefit greatly from their expertise.”

This wasn’t the first time André mentioned this business. Frankly, the first time he had mentioned it, his gut had been in knots the entire time. The exact same feeling he’d experienced just now. His gut said to stay away, as far away as possible.

“Will Monday do?” André insisted with glaring eyes, his posture demanding only one answer. Yes.

This riled Thomas, but he kept his peaceful demeanor, asking instead, “In connection with?”

“I mentioned it to you a while back. The partnership could benefit both companies tremendously, and I promised I would link you up. It would be very lucrative for both parties involved.”

“Who are they?” Aldrich asked, having observed his father’s reluctance to give in to the man’s demanding attitude.

“Synergy Import and Export,” he replied. “I know them quite well. It is a family business, run by the father, Jason Anthony.”

Aldrich frowned, the company name did sound familiar, but he knew he’d never dealt with them at business level. But, and this was the puzzle that disturbed him greatly, the owner had the same surname as Anabella.

“In what capacity will they do business with Hagin Contractors?” Aldrich asked the pressing question, which was on Thomas’ mind as well. His father’s business didn’t need anything to be imported or exported. He knew a great deal about his dad’s dealings, had handled all the legal contracts for him in the past, and knew they had nothing in common.

Aggravated, André answered abruptly, “I will discuss it with your father on Monday.”

Aldrich and Thomas raised a brow respectively in question. Thomas knew he would have to give the man an answer, but before he could, the man continued.

“This has to do with moving large equipment, and I believe your company could help them in this.”

Thomas watched him closely; he appeared determined to have his way. “All right.”

Just then, the LCD screen lit up with swimmers, in particular, Anabella. Thomas drew Aldrich’s attention to it as he’d sat with his back to the screen. With a beaming smile, his son turned around and watched the TV with an appraising gaze.

Thomas smiled at his son’s openly smitten stare. He couldn’t fault him; she was beautiful, standing there in her Olympic uniform among the other swimmers as they spoke to the reporter with confidence and poise. The group was in a good mood, it was evident on the youthful faces as they joked into the camera. He hadn’t met her yet, but already he was very proud of the young woman who would be his daughter-in-law soon. A fine young woman, he could understand his son’s infatuation with her.

He turned his attention back to André in order to reply, and was shocked at the man’s expression. He saw a look he didn’t foresee. The man was looking at Anabella with loving admiration. Could it be? André’s gaze swept hungrily over her body, devouring her, making Thomas frown.

Glancing back at his son, he saw how riveted his attention was, noticing nothing else. Was the woman double-crossing his son? It couldn’t be, not according to what he’d understood from Aldrich. He knew nothing about her, really, other than what Aldrich had told him. Besides, this man was much older than she was, so there was no way it could be a match. He tried to be rational about his thought, trying to not jump to any conclusions. He would hate to see his son losing his heart because of a woman’s deception. Unsettled, he watched the two men, neither aware of the other’s reaction. He frowned and drew both of their attentions back to him.

“I will see you at eleven, André,” he confirmed, hoping that this would cause the man to go before Aldrich saw anything.

André looked at him sheepishly, as if he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

His eyes glimmered with delight as he nodded and walked away.

The man was clearly distracted. André Herbst had never acted this way, and Thomas knew enough about him to know that he would always get the last word in. Now, he’d simply walked away. Strange. He was known for his shrewd dealings, and nothing ever distracted him, however, the young woman had definitely unsettled his typically cool appearance. Thomas would love to know why. He knew his son was truly into her, and he trusted that she was being honest with Aldrich. He couldn’t picture the young girl with the much older man, who was visibly interested in her. Things just didn’t add up.

Thomas watched his son who was still fixated on the screen, and only when the presenter came back after some footage was shown did he have his full attention once again. The glimmer of delight and love he saw in the blue depths told him his son was head over heels in love with Anabella Anthony. Thomas frowned, the surname; it was the second time in one day he heard the same surname. Coincidence?

Thomas and Aldrich visited for another hour, enjoying their breakfast, and after paying the bill went their separate ways. When Thomas got home, he went straight to his study, closing the door in order to spend the afternoon in prayer. Seeking answers from the one who knew everything. God.

“This is a beautiful night,” Anabella sighed in contentment. They’d met an hour ago on a secluded beach spot, and had eaten the delightful picnic Aldrich packed for them. She was pleasantly surprised at his selection of food, eating every morsel of the feast he’d chosen. Now they lay on the blanket, her head on his chest where she could hear the soft pounding of his heart in sync with her own, enjoying the starry sky, and the moon filled ocean. The small waves were tranquil, crashing with a peaceful rhythm as they broke onto the shore not too far from them.

“Yes it is. A beautiful night and stunning company,” Aldrich complimented her as he stroked her back gently. Their love had brought them closer as a couple; they were relaxed in each other’s company. They hadn’t spoken much since they’d arrived, but rather allowed their lips their own conversation during the picnic.

She smiled, squeezing his hip in appreciation. She lifted herself on to her elbow, and when she looked down at him, her hair fell, curtaining them in their own private space. The moonlight caressed his handsome features.

Anabella trailed his face with one finger, appreciating every part of its rugged surface. “I have missed you,” she said.

“Me, too. I watched you on TV this morning.”

“You did?”

“I am so proud of you, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Aldrich. Coming from you, it means a great deal,” she admitted with a shy smile.

He cupped her head, his fingers spreading in her hair, bringing her closer to him for another kiss. He wanted her all the time; his body had craved her touch. The closest he allowed himself was to let their mouths melt together. Their lips were speaking their desire.

“You are everything to me,” he murmured.

“I love you, Aldrich Hagin.”

This time he captured her lips with greater hunger, a bigger demand. Her words were echoing his heart’s message. He needed her. Aldrich had a hard time controlling himself with the young pliable woman in his arms, her sweet taste intoxicating to his hungry soul. Soon, he flipped her over on to her back, and rested his full length upon her, pressing into her, as his mouth possessed her.

Her hands were in his hair, keeping his head in position. Soft words of love mingled with her moans created their own language of love, longing and adoration. Both were eager to show the other how much they cared, reacquainting themselves after such a long separation, and confirming their heart’s desire. When their hands started to roam over each other’s bodies, they let go, the temptation too great to ignore, yet both knowing it was for the best. They were breathless. They stared at each other, the outside world forgotten as they panted for breath, not breaking eye contact.

When he touched her cheek, Anabella could feel the tremor in his hands as he held back, and she moaned softly under his touch. She lifted her head and met his lips once again, whispering, “I need you.” She could feel his body reacting with the invitation before he relaxed pushing her back onto the blanket. The slight breeze was playing in his hair, and she again tangled her fingers in the soft tresses. Love shone through every pore on her body for this man.

He captured her hands, kissing each fingertip slowly before he answered her, “I need you, too, sweetheart, but not like this. When we come together, I want us to be married.”

She groaned her displeasure, but smiled anyway. “You are so old-fashioned,” she teased, her mouth drawn in a disappointing pout.