Billionaire Bad Boys of Romance Boxed Set (10 Book Bundle) (51 page)

He comes back with a soft, warm and wet towel to clean me off. "Ooh… That's nice. The presidential treatment. Thank you," I whisper teasingly with a smile. A guy like him knows how to pamper and be pampered, I guess. He pulls me into his arms and we sink back into the warm, large and plush bed.

"That was…perfect. Amazing and incredible. I don't think you realize how amazing you are," he grins at me as he holds me tighter. I feel a blush rising on my cheeks.

"Aw, thank you, Ricky. But you’re embarrassing me. I… I never do this," I try to explain. "It's been a really long time. I'm not experienced and I don't date." I feel awkwardly apologetic.

He shoots me a puzzled look. "Belle, you were perfect. You don't have to explain." I smile back at him and just let him hold me tighter. I pull myself up to look at him again. "But Ricky, what you said before. About no expectations. I don't know if I'm ready for anything yet. And I'll have to leave DR soon."

"Hush. I know we eventually have to leave. But let's live in this moment. I want, no
need
to feel you now and here. It's too perfect so I don't want to waste another second with worry. Let's enjoy right now, okay?" He sounds both sincere and sympathetic.
Both strong and vulnerable.

I decide I agree with his rational thinking for right now. The moment is truly too perfect to ruin with overthinking. Suddenly, I can't stop smiling as I cuddle closer into his warm, muscular arms.

* * * *

As I wake up, I quickly realize that I'm not in my bungalow. I look over groggily to an empty space in the huge bed. The air feels cool, tropical and relaxing in the warm sunlight. I look around in the impressive, massive bedroom suite.

I hear faint guitar strumming in the adjacent room. I get up out of bed and throw on one of Ricky’s nearby T-shirts. It feels so soft and smells so divinely of him. I tiptoe across the bedroom towards the music. I slowly peer out, as to not startle anyone. Then my heart stops. There is Ricky, looking devastatingly sexy with no shirt and silky pajama pants, while strumming his guitar.

He looks up suddenly, spots me there and gives me a boyish grin. "Why, hello there. Good morning, beautiful," he croons as he continues soulfully strumming his guitar in perfect rhythm. My heart skips a beat at this picture.

Then Ricky's manager friend enters abruptly from the adjoining room. "Ricky, so what you want to do about this when we get back?" He nonchalantly looks up and stops abruptly. As Edward sees me standing there, he raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Oh sorry, I didn't realize you had company," he mutters quickly to Ricky.

"Edward was just leaving," he says. "And Belle, if you would like to freshen up with the shower, I believe there is a basket of toiletries and essentials in the room."

I smile and mumble my thanks before turning around to head towards the bathroom. I quickly spot the large, beautiful basket. It's almost like a luxury spa gift basket. There are high-end, organic toiletries like shampoo, body wash and the like. More surprisingly, there are a couple beautiful sundresses in my size as well. They’re made of fine materials and are delicately designed but clearly locally crafted by high-end artisans.

Did he get Martin or one of his assistants to go out and create this luxury custom basket just for me? I smile and shake my head. Could he be that sensitive and thoughtful? It seems that he has the abundant resources to keep first-class customer service a priority in his life.

I run into the bathroom with my basket of goodies to take a quick shower. The events of the last few days have my head in a spin. But I actually don't have a lot of time before I go out for the afternoon press trips. It's my last writing-related work event I need to go to.

But more so, I wonder how this morning after will be. Looking at him play the guitar, my heart leaps in my throat and it’s crazy that he has that immediate effect on me. But will he feel the same? Maybe this was all a huge, terrible mistake. Will it be awkward and painful? I guess I will soon find out after the shower.

As I wash myself, my hands glide across my skin and I think of how he touched me last night. I look over and see his soap in the shower, and imagine it sliding around on his perfect tight, hard body. I smile and let out a little sigh. Oh Belle, this can't be good.

I try to get out of the bathroom quickly. I throw on one of the silky sundresses and lightly touchup my hair. Finally, I take a few minutes to put on a little makeup and check myself out in the mirror. It's go time.

Although I feel strangely shy and sheepish, I try to walk out confidently. When I walk outside of the bedroom suite, I'm relieved to see that Edward is gone. And I see the stunningly handsome vision of Ricky sitting at the breakfast dining room table. "Belle baby, come. Join me for some breakfast," he croons at me with a big smile.

I walk towards him and happily comply. There is a simple but bountiful and elegant spread for breakfast. I sit next to him and reach for some toast.

"I hope you slept well?" he asks.

"Oh yes, it was perfect," I purr back. I try to suppress a little giggle as I look at him like a smitten schoolgirl. In the soft sunlight, with no shirt he really does look like a golden Greek God Adonis.

"Will you come with me tonight to the bonfire? It's right here at the beach at this resort," he asks.

"Oh? Another date already?" I tease him as I bat my eyelashes with a smile.

"You gotta know I can't get enough of you. Belle, I love spending time with you. And I want to spend every possible moment with you before you have to leave."

I blush furiously in response. He reaches towards me to grab my hands on the table. "Yes. I'll see you tonight," I smile back. After breakfast, I rush back to my bungalow to prepare for my afternoon work events. Normally, I would be more excited. But for some reason, I've been incredibly distracted. I just want to get back and spend more time with Ricky.

In my bungalow, after I prep for the day I realize I have a little time to chat with Julia. I quickly try to find her on Face Time. A couple seconds later, she answers and her sweet, bubbly face lights up my screen.

"Belle! There you are! I was starting to worry about you again. You having too much fun?" she teases me. "Don't forget to text or call some of us over here. You know, just to let us know you're alive." She chides me but I get her drift.

"I know, I'm sorry Julia. I've just been running from event to event since I got here, but it’s all good things, I promise." I assure her. "And look, before you know it, I'll be back and we can catch up on our roommate things." I try to sound convincingly excited to come back.

I take a few minutes to listen as she catches me up with the latest events in her life and with our friends. It's soothing and comforting to see her smiling face and hear her friendly voice, reminding me of all the creature comforts of home. But there is a twinge of sadness, knowing that this moment and this exciting week would have to be left behind. It felt so far away.

After we say our goodbyes, I rush off to my next press trip. I spend the afternoon touring with another group of writers while the press tour operator explains about the local life, imports and exports and culture of DR. I try to remain focused although all I can think about is him.

I snap a few pictures, jot down some notes, and take a few videos with my phone. Fortunately, I have some time to go back and work on this material before it needs to be written up and submitted to my editor. I struggle to remain present and just collect information for work. But my mind keeps wandering back to him. Every sweet thing he said to me, every smoldering look, every perfect touch.

The afternoon goes by slowly. But finally, we finish with our group dinner and I’m free to return and get ready to meet Ricky for the bonfire. I rush into my bungalow and quickly start getting ready for the night. I know he's not patient and doesn’t like to wait. I want to be ready and look perfect for him when he picks me up. I decide to go with the other casual but silky and elegant sundress he gave me.

There's a knock on my door. I look at the time. He's right on time as usual. After the final quick check in the mirror, I grab my purse and answer the door. Our faces light up when we see each other. I am always amazed by how incredibly handsome he looks.

"Belle, you look so perfect," he whispers. I giggle at his compliment and secretly think that I'm the lucky one.

"Come on, beautiful. It's a quick walk to the beach." he grins. I smile at him, "What, no limo tonight?" I tease.

During our quick walk, we make small talk, giggle and laugh each other’s jokes. Even though he's intimidatingly beautiful, I find him so easy to talk to and fun to be with. When we're together, I don't remember or care to think about anything else in the world. I just want to freeze time somehow, and live in this moment with him.

As we walk on the beach, I can see and hear the chatter and fun sounds coming from the bonfire. There's loud music and laughter, and a big fiery bonfire that’s self-contained with party crowds surrounding it on the beach. People and couples are walking about, dancing, drinking, laughing and just partying on the beach. As we approach, I see a familiar lone figure trotting out to meet us. Oh. It’s Edward.

"Hey! Good to see you here, Ricky. Belle." he smiles with his weasely eyes. "Great timing. Grab some food and drinks. Over there, go help yourself. I'll catch up with you later," Edwards says as he walks off.

I silently roll my eyes as soon as he walks away. I know he's Ricky's manager or friend or whatever, but it’s clear he doesn't like me. And there’s something about him I don’t trust. I brush the thought away.

Ricky takes my hand and pulls me into the crowd. "Come on, let's get some drinks and food. Let's get this party started, shall we?" He winks at me. I smile sweetly back at him. I always have a great time any time I’m with him.

The party atmosphere is light and fun. Ricky and I savor our time together, laughing and enjoying each other over drinks. Occasionally, I look up and see other girls check him out but strangely, he doesn't ever seem to notice or care.

"Belle, want to take a seat by the fire with me?" I allow him to lead me towards the front to take a seat by the warm fire. With a couple drinks in hand we snuggle close to each other. I wish I could capture this moment with him forever.

I'm vaguely aware that the music stops. A guy in the circle was strumming the guitar but stands up. He walks over towards the front, smiles and waves at Ricky before he passes him the guitar as an offering.

Ricky smiles back at him. At first, he tries to politely decline. The guy nicely insists, offering the guitar to Ricky. "Oh Ricky, you should play," I say. "You're not shy, are you?" I tease with a wink.

He freezes and slips me a side stare in a mockingly dramatic fashion. He nods his head slowly at my mock challenge. "Oh…okay. I see. Well, if you're daring me to, then I guess I have to."

He grabs the guy’s guitar. Immediately, he loudly strums a catchy and hypnotic beat. He immediately captures everyone's attention with the first note. I'm surprised, shocked but giggling at his abrupt showmanship. After a dramatic intro riff, he slows it down to a sexy, sultry strumming.

The crowd around the bonfire starts hollering and clapping. I sit back to give him some space but he leans towards me and stares deeply into my eyes as he plays the guitar. He croons a soft melody with heartfelt lyrics to me.

I can't stop looking at him. His eyes lock on to me as he croons that he needs me, serenading me with the sweetest lyrics while everyone’s watching. I don't recognize the song. Maybe it’s a remake or his original writing. But his every word strikes a deep chord in my heart. He stares deep into my eyes as he sings to me. He makes it plainly clear to me that he’s singing and talking directly to me. My heart leaps into my throat. His sincere lyrics and beautiful chorus haunt me.

“I don't want you to go. I just can't get you out of my mind…”

As he strums his final chord and croons his last sweet lyric, the crowd breaks out into wild applause and screaming. He and I laugh as he returns the guitar to its owner.

"Come on, are you ready to get out of here?" he asks. I look around and see that every woman, beautiful or average, is staring at him and watching us. I guess I’d have to get used to that if we were together. He was quite a hot sight to behold. And the musical, sexy talent and smooth voice made him pretty damn irresistible.

"Okay, Ricky. I just need to run to the ladies room first," I slightly slur at him. I've only had a couple drinks but I guess it's starting up and I didn’t eat much earlier. And since I have such a tiny bladder, I'd rather not wait get back to the bungalow.

"There's one right next to the bar. I’ll walk you over," Ricky offers. "I'll wait for you out here."

I try to make it fast as I can. I'm ready to go home. After a few minutes, I exit the ladies room and almost run straight into Edward. "Oh! Sorry, didn't see you there." I mutter.

"Oh no, that's quite alright. I was just in the men's room." He was still standing in my way and continued talking. "So Belle, seems that Ricky has taken quite a liking to you just such a short time."

Over his left shoulder I could see Ricky in the distance waiting for me but talking to some beautiful blonde girl. What were they talking about? And what’s Edward trying to say?