Billionaire Bad Boys of Romance Boxed Set (10 Book Bundle) (49 page)

“No, that’s not it at all. I…I’m sorry. Of course, I’d love to see you again,” I drift off.

“But? What’s the problem?” he seems genuinely concerned.

“Ricky, I’m not sure if I’m ready for much. Not now. I just came out of a long-term relationship and it didn’t end well,” I admit quietly. “But I do really enjoy you. And our time together,” I say softly, feeling emboldened again.

He leans towards me and takes my hands into his. My heart leaps as I feel his warm hands in mine and we looked deeply into each other’s eyes.

“Beautiful Belle, I understand. I won’t rush you and I don’t ask for much. All I know, is that I really enjoy being with you. We’re kind of on vacation and want to be happy, right? So why don’t we get rid of the pressure with no expectations? Why don’t we just forget about everything else in the world then, and just enjoy each other for now?”

His strong, warm hands burn in mine as he brings them up to his sexy, soft lips to gently kiss the tips of my hands. I feel my insides burning, on fire, as I fight the urge to wince. He has a crazy physical effect on my body and it’s overwhelming.

“No expectations?” I manage to eke out softly. “None,” he whispers as he leans in for a kiss.

For a moment, I feel like I was going to pass out in excitement, wanting and needing his kiss. Then my inner voice screams inside at me, “NO!” I jump back a little.

He seems a little startled or hurt when I jump back. “Oh, Belle, I’m sorry. I…Uh, are you okay?”

“Yes, yes. I…I’m sorry, Ricky. Maybe we should talk more later about this. I’m not sure if I’m ready right now. But, I do love your ideas. About enjoying each other for now.”

“I don’t want to rush you. I respect you and what you want. Just know that, we can just get away together…this week only. Indulge ourselves, have fun, enjoy each other. Because we deserve it. And that’s it. Then we’ll go our separate ways, and you won’t even have to think about it again if you don’t want to. No pressure or expectations,” he says matter-of-factly and convincingly as he takes a sip of wine.

“Well, you make a strong case and you’re awfully convincing,” I teasingly whisper to him. He makes some good points. I do deserve some fun time, and it could be nice to forget about my cheating ex for a while. Then it’s back to the regular grind in a few days anyway.

“Mm, don’t tease me, you beautiful creature, you,” he growls at me in a sexy tone.

I can’t help but giggle. Me? A beautiful creature? I feign mock offense.

“You…you’re a beautiful creature, you are,” I stutter a little and get fake-annoyed at him as my voice lowers. Damn it! Real slick, my inner voice chides me. I’m not used to getting lavished with such high praise at all, let alone by someone as Greek-god like as him.

He laughs lightly and pulls me closer. “You are gorgeous. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you, the second you walked into my view.”

“Aw, Ricky, you’re sweet but you don’t have to say all that,” I whisper. “I’m sure you can get any girl you want.”

“Shh…what do you mean? You’re gorgeous, Belle. Look at those beautiful eyes. Soft lips. Perfect skin. Irresistible curves. You’re what I want.”

I’m vaguely aware that my cheeks flush crimson as I bite my lower lip and look at him longingly. Oh, I want him, too.

We lean in, even closer to each other slowly. My temperature rises as I start to feel faint.

Then his warm, soft lips are on mine. We wrap our arms around each other and kiss deeper. His lips feel so soft, his kiss so tender yet passionately hot. I gasp in his mouth, feeling so overwhelmed by his hot kiss. It happens so fast that it scares me a little. I reluctantly pull away.

He stares into my eyes, looking puzzled and searching for clues. After a moment of silence, he gently says, “I don’t want to rush you. It’s fine. I should probably go.”

I slowly smile at him and leap into his arms for a big, tight hug. He smells so divine and his body feels rock hard, smooth and toned underneath me.

“Ricky. Thank you so much for everything. For understanding. For today,” I whisper. “Yes, I’d absolutely love to see you again. I agree, we should make the most of our vacation time.”

“Well, let’s continue where we left off and go out tomorrow then,” he grins at me.

“Oh, I have an orientation and press trip tomorrow. But it’s only during the day. I’ll be back right after dinner. I know you’ve mentioned vacation for you, but some of us are here to actually work, you know,” I say teasingly.

“Oh, no problem. I’ll catch you tomorrow night then, my beautiful Belle,” he says with that incredible smile of his, making me melt instantly.

“I can’t wait,” I purr as I walk him to the door.

* * * *

Last night and this morning has my mind in a fog. I have to focus on work details but my mind keeps going back to my handsome mystery man. The way he made me feel was unmistakable.

In just a few hours, I went crazy for him. But yet, I didn’t even know what he does for a living. Every time personal matters came up, he seemed to distract and change the topic. So how well did I really know him anyway?

Yet I didn’t want to push it. I figure he has his reasons. I was intensely personal and private, so I understood. And we were on a getaway trip partly to leave those things behind.

I couldn't stop thinking about him. After getting ready for my day on the boat tour, I have a little extra time for coffee and a quick call to my friend. I pull out my iPad and Face Time Julia. She answers quickly.

"Hey, girl! I was starting to wonder where you've been," exclaims Julia. In my iPad, I can tell she was just getting up.

"Yeah, sorry. It's kind of been a crazy couple of days. But nothing's wrong. I only have a few minutes so thought I'd check in before taking the local boating tour."

"Ooh, fancy," Julia teases. "Well, I hope you're having fun at least. You know you deserve this, don't you? It's time that you take out some time for yourself. Any hot guys down there?"

"Oh my God," I giggle at her. "You know I'm just here to work and get this article done." I don't know why I jump to be so defensive.

"Nobody is questioning their work ethic and professionalism. I'm just saying, it's time to move on. And you deserve some fun." Julia's tone softens as she seems genuinely concerned as a friend. I know she’s talking about that cheater, Mike, of course.

"I know, I know. Thanks, Julia. I'll try to loosen up and have a little fun, too," I smile at her in my tablet screen. She has been such a good friend, helping me so much through the disappointments of my last relationship.

"Oh shoot, I can't be late. How about I text or call you later?" I say to Julia, as I notice the time. "No problem, girl. Enjoy your fancy boat trip. We'll talk soon," she smiles and blows me a kiss before we disconnect.

I'm excited to be in this exotic and beautiful foreign country. As I step outside, the warm sun and tropical, natural smells fill my senses. I rush through the day, trying to pay attention to logistics and interesting facts given by the boat tour operator. I manage to take copious notes and snap a few interesting pictures.

But all day long, thoughts of him permeate my mind. Countless times, I find my mind wandering back to thoughts of him. His beautiful face, toned physique, sweet expressions and things he would say to me. I chide myself, reminding myself that I've only known him for a few hours. In fact, there was so much about him that I didn't know.

Although I manage to get enough notes and pictures from the day, it's hard to keep my mind on work. And I wonder, will he reach out to me tonight, as he said he would? The thought of seeing him again distracts me like no other, breaking any attention I have to the droning tour operator. Good thing I have a voice recorder.

My mind screams at me. It's too early, I'm just not ready! But when I think about seeing him again, feeling his strong hands in mine, his warm, toned body against mine, I shudder and can't stop grinning like an idiot. Maybe we could just have a little fun and enjoy our time together, like he suggested last night. I fight to keep my mind on the day's work. Why was he so distracting?

After a day of touring and talking with the other press tour attendees and guides, it’s finally time to go home. It felt like an extra-long day but at least I got the bulk of my work done, enough to write a few feature articles. I really just want to get home and jump into a shower.

You know what you want, my inside voice taunts me. I admit, I want to know if he's going to reach out to me again. Maybe it was a fluke, I shouldn't get my hopes up for a guy like him. After all, I just wasn't ready and the timing was terrible.

I realize my inner voice is telling me all of these excuses, to protect myself from the certain disappointment I would have if he didn't follow through. I convince myself to be practical about it. I am kind of on vacation, and I should enjoy myself! Perhaps I've had too many drinks, although it was only two, but I refuse to drive myself crazy over some guy I hardly know. I decide that it's time to move on and not be so hard on myself. If it's meant to be, or if it's not, I won't have any expectations.

As I get home to my bungalow, I come in and quickly get ready to shower and relax. But before I get a chance, I see a mysterious and beautiful package on the bed. As I approach, I see it is a gorgeous assortment of flowers and local delicacies with a note.

"Hello beautiful. Thinking about you. I will call you tonight and pick you up for a little local fun in the nearby town. Perhaps another story for your writing? Ricky."

Then I hear a buzz on my phone. I look up a little startled. Taking a look, I don't recognize the number but the text message makes it clear.

"Belle, I'll pick you up in an hour. Wear a sexy dress. Looking forward to it. Ricky."

I grin from ear to ear. But how did he even get my cell phone number? I could have sworn I didn't give it to him last night. Maybe I was mistaken? I shake my head. And he wants a sexy dress, huh? I have the perfect black dress in mind. Although I'm curvy, this dress hugs my curves in all the right places. I'm rather self-conscious with most outfits, but this was a rare and perfect fit.

What did he have in mind for us tonight? Even if it was a quiet night, just sitting next to him and listening to his beautiful voice and looking at his handsome face, it would be a perfect night for me. My inner voices squeal giddily at the exciting thought.

In record time, I shower and get dressed. I apply some makeup and work on my hair a little. And before I know it, there’s a knock on my door.

As I open the door, I can't stop smiling at his handsome face smiling back at me.

"Wow, hello, beautiful Belle," he breathes in sharply, looking me up and down as though he is quite impressed. I flush and look down. He gives a light wolf whistle.

"Stop that, you're embarrassing me," I mutter sheepishly. I'm really not used to that kind of attention, especially from a man like him.

"What, you're absolutely beautiful. No need to be embarrassed," he assures me. "Okay, I don't want to make you feel embarrassed. Shall we?" He offers his arm in a gentlemanly gesture. I lock onto his sculpted arm and let him escort me out into the night.

When we get to the parking lot of the resort, there is a limo awaiting us. A good-looking, muscular and well-presented limo driver is at the door, holding it open for me with a nice smile. I shoot a glance at Ricky with a raised eyebrow. A limo? Where is he taking me?

"You pulled out all the stops, didn't you? Nice limo," I tease him with a smile.

"Oh, you have no idea," he teases me back with a winning grin. I smile but wonder what he means. So much mystery in the night and him, too. What is he hiding?

Within a few minutes of driving, the limo stops. The door opens, as the driver extends his hand to help me out. I look up and see that we are in front of a small local bar or club. It looks nondescript yet lively and popular with the locals.

"I figure since you are working on your travel writing here, that I'd bring you to some local flavor with the nightlife," Ricky explains. As we walk in, it feels like an authentic local club and bar, both with its decor and local Dominican flair. I hope I don't stick out too much as a foreigner. But I know I don't blend in.

The music is loud and pulsating. The sexy, Latin beats go on as he pulls me towards the bar and dance floor. Oh, a dance floor, my inner voice winces. As a kid, I loved to dance. Then as I got older and notably heavier and curvier, I've avoided the dance floor. I tell myself to relax and enjoy the moment.

Ricky turns around with two drinks, offering me one. I take it happily, as I look around the bar scene. It seems to be getting crowded quickly and more people are on the adjacent dance floor. Ricky pulls me off to the side so we have a little space.

"Do you want to dance?" he beams at me with a mischievous look.

"Um, sure," I grudgingly answer. But before I can get the words out, he grabs my hand and pulls me out to an open space on the dance floor. As if on cue, the music changes to a dramatic, pulsating, sexy Latin beat. He dramatically pulls me towards him, grabs my hips and does a sudden sexy move with me. I can't help but stare deeply into his intense eyes. I let my body go and flow with him and the music. Suddenly, I'm unaware of anybody else in the world, in that room, except for us.