Bella's Choice (34 page)

She chuckled into the phone, beginning with, “Mr. Herbst―”

He immediately stopped her with a correction.

She chuckled again and then relented. “Okay, then, André. I’m not the kind of woman you are used to.”

“Let me be the judge of that, please, Annie. Just this o
nce. Just a dinner at a very expensive restaurant. Nothing more.”

Silence fell between them, the chatter of women in the background filling the airwaves as he waited. He couldn’t believe he had just said that.
No sex? I must be insane!
He wanted her in the worst way, her backside residing in his mind. Then the blush came to mind, the wide innocent eyes looking back at him, and he realized that this was truly what he wanted.

“All right, André, just dinner, nothing else.”

“Yes, thank you.” He sighed with relief, the smile on his face grew and he brushed his hand through his hair as he rested his head on the headrest.

“Where do you stay?”

“I would prefer meeting you at the restaurant.”

But with this, he was adamant. “No. Sorry, my mother raised me right. I will pick you up at your house.” He heard her laugh in response.
What a beautiful sound,
he thought with a pleased grin.

“Okay, André. I will text my address to you. What is your number?”

“Thank you, Annie, this means a lot to me.” Again he was met with silence. Not sure what to think, he proceed to recite his number.

She thanked him and said goodbye.

“Goodbye, Annie.” The call was disconnected. He smiled brightly and drove away just as her text message came through.

At precisely 7pm, he knocked on her door
―a town house in Brackenfell―and she immediately answered. She looked elegant in her black, off the shoulder dress which hugged her figure perfectly, the hem reaching just below her knees, and silver jewelry adorning her long neck and arms. Black sandals with silver studs complimented her long legs.

With appreciation, he said softly, “You look beautiful.”

Annie blushed under his warm stare. Her blond hair fell in layers over her shoulders, framing her face stunningly. She was a vision.

“Do you want to go immediately?”

“No at all, we can have a drink first.” She stepped to the side, allowing him access to the living area. It wasn’t much bigger than a shoe box, but she was proud of her place.

“You have a lovely home,” he complimented, looking dashing in a black suit, white shirt and matching black tie, his broad shoulders well-defined under the thin material. If there was one good thing that remained from the weekend, it was the fact that his body looked better and he’d kept it up, loving the newfound energy and agility he felt.

“Thanks, André,” she replied as she directed him to a wingback chair in rich, earth colors.

“Wine?”

“Yes, that will be fine.” He sat down in the offered chair and with a keen eye looked at the interior; well decorated with expensive furniture, which would have looked better in a bigger area, but she’d made the best of it by carefully placing them as focal points within the small sitting area. He then got up and followed her as she walked to the counter, selecting a glass from the cupboard to pour him wine. They shared a light conversation while he drank his wine, and when he was done they left for the restaurant nestled at the foot of Table Mountain. From their view point, they could see both the mountain and sea, and in the distance the Castle could be seen.

When they finally went home it was past 1am, and true to his word, he didn’t try anything. This chivalry was a novelty to him but as he found her fascinating, he requested another date at her door and she agreed, this time without hesitation. Ecstatic, he gave her a small peck on the cheek before he returned to his car. The newness of it all was a fresh start for him, and he had to admit that he felt good about the latest turn of events. Deciding to take a stroll on the beach, he turned away from his normal route, taking the time to reflect over things and what it meant.

On Friday morning, Anabella saw Moni first. Her friend was looking wonderful in a short, denim skirt, and red tank top as she stepped from an unfamiliar vehicle. It’d been a while since they had last spoken, so this would be the perfect opportunity to catch up.
That’s a new car,
Anabella thought. She hadn’t seen it before. A tall, black-haired man emerged from the sedan and met her just before she reached the first step. Holding hands, they approached Anabella on the landing where she waited for them.

He is new,
she pondered, smiling brightly at them.

“This is the most beautiful place,” exclaimed Monica, splendidly surprised as she waved her hand over the whole scene.

Anabella knew what she meant, this place was unexpected.

“Look at the beach, I can’t remember the last time I saw white sand like this; and the house…” she sighed in pure wonderment, “…it’s beautiful!” Monica drew her friend closer, giving her a big hug and a kiss on each cheek. “It is good to see you my friend.”

Her genuine words a smoothing balm to Anabella’s ears. She had missed her friend as well and held her tightly, tears flowing from them both.

With a lopsided grin, she stepped away and brushed her hand over her face as she continued. “The kisses are from Mom and Dad,” she explained with a chuckle, and turning to the good-looking man she made the introductions. “Sam Winters meet Anabella Anthony, my best friend.” Her face glowed up at him, looking very petite against the long and lean man. “Anabella meet my boyfriend, Sam.” Her possessiveness didn’t go unnoticed by Anabella and she returned the welcome as he gave her a white, toothy grin.

They greeted each other with a friendly shake; his genuine approach welcoming to her, so she could understand why Monica seemed positively smitten with him. His dark eyes gleamed with naughtiness, the kind that would make sure their visit would be filled with pleasantness and perhaps even mischief.

“Hi, Sam, nice to meet you.”

“Anabella, I’ve heard a great deal about you. You are more beautiful than the photos give you credit for,” he said in a deep voice, his flattering words honest.

She appreciated them for what they were, already liking him a great deal. “Thanks for the compliment, Sam.”

“Pleasure, and thanks for accepting me without even knowing me. This sweet girl said you would be fine with me showing up unannounced.”

“Think nothing of it, a friend of Moni’s is a friend of mine. Were the directions easy to follow?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, hugging Monica with a sweet smile.

“Come in and make yourselves at home. Would you like to unpack first before I give you something to drink?”

“Sounds like a plan. We have the whole weekend to catch up,” said Monica.

“I’ll go and get the bags,” Sam offered, winking on his way out.

Anabella’s gaze followed the young man; tall and lean with calf muscles bulging as he walked. She thought he might be a swimmer or cyclist; his suntanned skin and well-toned body a clear indication that he loved the outdoors. She watched as her friend’s eyes followed him, too, with clear admiration. Out of curiosity, seeing as she couldn’t keep it in anymore, she asked, “Come on, give, why haven’t you mentioned him before?”

“We met at a friend’s house two Saturdays ago. At first I wasn’t sure about him. I mean look at him, totally out of my league.”

“Nonsense, you compliment each other perfectly.”

“You think?”

“I know. So, tell me more.”

“The next day he invited me for coffee and never left, I like him. A lot.” Her friend’s eyes were sparkling. “I cannot get enough of him. He is brilliant, confident, and did I mention handsome?”

They both giggled as they watched the man closing the hood of the car.

“Well, he looks like a keeper,” Anabella quipped.

“I hope you don’t mind that I invited him.”

“No, of course not, there is more than enough room for everyone.” Anabella assured her.

“Let’s go in. I want to see the rest of this stunning place,” Monica suggested the moment Sam joined them, arms laden with luggage. Monica took the smaller bag from him and placed a kiss on his cheek.

They look sweet on each other
, Anabella thought as she turned away.

“Where can I put these bags?”

“Follow me, please.” She took them to two separate bedrooms on the first floor; both were impressed with the house and its fine detail. “These will be your rooms, and in there―she pointed to a closed door at the end of the hallway―“is the bathroom you’ll share.”

Monica giggled, blushing.

“Great,” Sam concluded with a sly smile.

“I will leave you two to unpack, and when you’re done join me downstairs. I will be waiting with som
ething cold to drink.”

“That sounds great. Thanks, Anabella,” Monica gushed.

“Thank you for having a complete stranger in your house. I promise to behave,” said Sam on another wink.

“You’re welcome. When will the others be here?”

“They left about an hour after we did.”

“Great, it gives us plenty of time to visit.” With that, Anabella turned, leaving the couple standing in the room.

“Come here, you tasty little thing,” Sam growled and kissed Monica fiercely, his hands already comfortable on her body as he explored her every curve. From the moment they’d met he had been unstoppable and was addicted to the small blond. Making her his in every possible way had been his motivation from the second he saw her. The instant she gave herself to him completely, he knew he would never leave her, she was his other half. In a short amount of time, he’d become enamored with her and everyone else paled against his sweet girl.

“Your friend seems nice,” he said softly.

“Yes, she is. I told you, you will love her, and she is amiable.”

“Not as much as I love you,” he countered, pulling her closer to him.

Monica laughed. “Come on. We need to finish unpacking. Anabella is waiting for us.”

“Not before you say it.” He nudged her lips with his and she giggled into his hungry mouth.

“I love you, Sam,” she finally relented, and on a groan he took her mouth like a starving man, kissing her until they were both out of breath.