Forever (Time for Love Book 1) (10 page)

Zach hoped Marilyn would engage Alix in a conversation, perhaps even flirt with him. She certainly didn't have any problems flirting with Zach—except that Vicky had always been quicker in taking a spot next to Zach, so Marilyn hadn't had much chance. When his brothers boarded the ship in a few days, he'd bet his bottom dollar Marilyn would be more sparky.

As for Vicky, he'd need to speak with her soon about their arrangement. Even though they hadn't slept together in weeks—which should indicate that their casual liaison had run its course—it was time to voice that out loud to Vicky.

"Does Rebecca get migraines often?" Alix asked Sarah.

"Not often, although when she gets it, it's bad."

The only time Zach had heard that Rebecca had suffered from migraine was after she broke up with him that first time. It was supposed to have been her last day looking after Magda, but she hadn't turned up. Sarah had given him silent killer looks back then, too, just like she'd been giving him all night when she wasn't ignoring him.

Hmm. He hadn't explored the possibility of asking Sarah some questions about Rebecca's married boyfriend. Oh, he knew Sarah would stay mum about it, but perhaps he could glean some information from her?

"Sarah," he said, "I didn't know that Bec had moved to Milsons Point. I heard her say the other day to Gran that Gemma lives with her?"

"Yeah," Sarah said, seeming not to want to talk to him further.

"I've visited Milsons Point when I was in Sydney," Alix chimed in. "A friend of a friend has an apartment there. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I imagine it would be spectacular during New Year's Eve."

"Well, Bec's place has a great view of the bridge," Sarah said. "We can't wait for New Year's. We'll be spending it there."

Alix grinned. "Maybe I should plan another visit to Sydney around that time."

Hell, no!
Zach glowered at the man, but it went unnoticed.

"How did she end up in that place?" Alix asked.

"Her brother bought her the apartment. He surprised her with it," Sarah answered.

Zach almost spat out his coffee in surprise. Rebecca's brother bought it for her? Her
brother
?

"Wow. How lucky is she?" Ron gushed. "What does her brother do?"

"He runs a company with his two best friends. They develop business and games apps for mobile devices. In fact, you know that game you were playing on your phone yesterday? They created that. Bec's brother gave her the apartment as a surprise thank-you gift because the idea for their latest release was from a game he and Rebecca invented when they were kids."

"Wow," Ron exclaimed. "I read in the papers that game was bought by another company for millions."

"Yup," Sarah said. "It's actually a funny story how Trey—that's Bec's brother—gave her that apartment. Trey had originally wanted to give Bec cash. But Bec being Bec, she didn't want to take it. She said she had no hand in coding and programming and all those things so she didn't think she deserved anything. So Trey pretended he was buying the apartment as an investment for himself and his wife Kris. Then he made Bec sign these documents, saying they were about their joint power-of-attorney for their grandmother's retirement village. Since Bec trusts Trey with her life, she'd signed without reading them. Little did she know she was signing to be the owner of this new luxury apartment. She got angry at Trey at first for lying to her, but only for a short period. She absolutely loves her place."

Zach felt hot and cold all over, his sight dimming a little from his shock. When Rebecca had told him her brother Trey worked from home as a software developer, he'd simply assumed he was a small operator. He'd had no idea he was so successful.

His heart constricted so much that he felt his eyes moisten. If he were in Rebecca's shoes, and she'd rejected him like he had, he would have been gutted. And he'd done it to her out of mistaken beliefs. Twice.

The magnitude of the hurt he must have caused her hit him just then. God, he really was an absolute moron.

"Are you okay, dear?" Magda asked Zach. "You don't look so well."

"I'm fine. I think I'll head back to my room now. I'm just tired."

"Okay. We'll see you tomorrow."

*

Z
ach walked back to his suite in a daze. After all the heartache and anger and suspicion, it was all so innocent? A big part of him was happy to get confirmation that Rebecca had never lied to him, never cheated on him. And, as he'd always known in his heart, she was never a gold-digger.

But the relief and elation were overshadowed by his shame, guilt and one humongous fear. Would Rebecca ever take him back?

R
ebecca walked toward her favourite swimming pool in the ship with her head held high. From today, she would start acting like the free, single woman that she really was. For so long, she'd considered herself as Zach's, even after they'd broken up. No longer.

Yes, she still hurt, but that was to be expected. What was gone was the prospect of a reconciliation. Admitting that to herself had helped her get out of bed that morning.

She wasn't looking for another boyfriend. It was way too soon for that. But she was on a cruise ship with thousands of people, some of whom were single just like she was. What better way to heal a broken heart and a bruised ego than to have some holiday fun?

Her phone buzzed with a text message. It was from Alix, who wanted to know what her plans were for the day.

She bit her lip as she considered what she wanted to do. Alix had been so sweet last night when he thought she was sick. He was a nice guy. But was he after a relationship? She didn't want to lead him on.

"Hello," Sarah said, catching up with her.

"Hey, finished in the gym?"

"Yup. Ready to relax in the pool now. Has Alix contacted you?"

"Yeah. He just texted, wanting to know what I'm doing today."

"He was really worried about you last night."

Rebecca smiled. "He did call a few times and left messages on my phone."

"So... what do you think?"

"I don't know if I should lead him on, Sarah. I mean, I'm ready to move on, but that doesn't mean I want to jump into a new relationship. I just want to enjoy single life for a while."

"I know. But quite frankly, with his personality, I think he's into fun, too. It's just that out of everyone in this ship, it's you he wants to have fun with."

Rebecca glanced at her phone. When they got to the pool area, she'd made her decision. "I'll ask him to join us," she said, sending Alix a quick message.

"Great."

"What about Ron?"

Sarah made a face. "I'm starting to get bored with him. He talks too much."

Rebecca chuckled. "So you'll be on the lookout for someone else?"

"Yup."

They dumped their towels and belongings on a couple of available deck chairs and headed for the water.

"By the way, I hope you don't mind, but I told everyone last night about how Trey got you your apartment," Sarah said.

"Oh? How did that come up?"

"Actually, Zach started it. He mentioned your move to Milsons Point and I just kinda kept talking."

"Oh." The mention of Zach's name was enough to send her heartbeat racing. But that was just a habitual reaction. In time, that should ease... and she'd stop missing him so.

"Is that your phone ringing?" Sarah asked.

"Oh, yeah. That must be Alix." Rebecca got out of the pool to answer the call. To her surprise, it was Magda.

"Hi Magda."

"Hello, dear. I just want to see if you're feeling any better."

"Yes, thank you. I'm feeling much better." Guilt assailed her. It didn't occur to her that Magda would worry, but she should have said something. She literally took a sick day off work yesterday.

"Good. What are you doing now?"

"Sarah and I are having a swim in our favourite pool. Do you need us for anything?"

"No, but I might join you a little later."

"Yes, come and join us, Magda!"

"I will, after I have my massage. I'll see you soon."

Rebecca smiled. Magda's zest for life inspired her.

*

"H
elloooo!" Alix cried out.

"Hi Alix!"

"Hi beautiful. You're looking well. I'm glad."

"Yes. I'm feeling much better, thanks."

"I was lonely without you last night. I didn't have a date!"

She chuckled, flushing. "I'm sure Sarah wouldn't have minded being your date last night."

"Oh, but that Ron kept her very busy. I couldn't get a word in."

They laughed together, then to her surprise, Alix lifted her up in his arms.

"Alix! What are you doing?"

"Since you are well now, it's time to enjoy the water."

Alix moved to the edge of the pool and Rebecca involuntarily clung to him with her arms around his neck.

"Alix!" she shrieked.

Alix chortled and jumped in the pool with her in his arms.

She pushed him away, laughing, and thrashed as Alix tried to re-capture her. Managing to escape his clutches, she swam away as fast as she could. She reached the other side just as a man slid down into the water right in front of her. She froze for a second before scrambling to stand upright. She'd know that body anywhere.

"Hi," Zach said, his voice low.

"Hi," she squeaked. Unbidden, her eyes roamed his muscular chest. Damn it. She'd seen him naked so many times before. Why on earth did she still want to swoon at the sight of him—glistening... wet... heaving? She forced her gaze back to his face and found him watching her, his face stony and his eyes bleak.

"How are you feeling?" Zach asked softly.

"I'm fine, thanks." She wiped the water off her face, desperately trying to regain equilibrium. "I'm surprised to see you here," she said casually.

"Gran said you're here. I wanted to see you."

Her heart skipped a beat at the emotion in his voice. "Why?"

"I—"

"Hello, Zach," Alix said, turning up at their side. "Not working today?" The coolness in Alix's usually lively tone was evident.

"No. Sometimes there are more important things than work," Zach replied, staring intently at Rebecca.

"Sarah needs some company over there," Alix said, putting an arm around Rebecca's shoulders and trying to steer her back to where Sarah was. "You're welcome to join us, Zach."

Rebecca was rooted to the spot, Zach's pleading gaze holding her in place. Until Sarah appeared.

"Hi Zach. Good to see you relaxing. Come and join us over there if you want. We ordered some drinks."

Rebecca felt Sarah tug at her hand, and she reluctantly followed her friend.

"What are you doing?" Sarah whispered.

Rebecca shook her head. She didn't know what the hell she was doing just staring back at Zach when just that morning, she'd honestly felt she was ready to move on. But there was just something in his eyes...

"Don't forget he made you cry again," Sarah reminded her.

Ah, right. That was the reality. Zach didn't love her. She mustn't forget that. That was why she had to let go. For real, this time. "Thanks, Sarah. I'm getting there."

Sarah squeezed her hand. "I know. And if it's sex you want, Alix is right there."

Rebecca glanced at Alix, who smiled brightly at her. She smiled back. Yes. Alix was a great guy. He had a great body, too. Not as great as Zach's, but good enough. Maybe she'd dip her toe into this casual sex thing. Apparently, she'd been doing it with Zach anyway—she just didn't know then it was just casual.

"Here's your cranberry juice, beautiful," Alix said to Rebecca, holding out a glass. "And here's your glass of wine, Sarah. We didn't get you any, Zach. We didn't know what you want."

"That's fine," Zach answered, looking none too pleased. "Bec, can I have a moment with you?"

"She's relaxing. She wasn't well yesterday. I hope this is not about work," Alix said with a frown.

"No," Zach said in an almost-growl.

Rebecca could feel the animosity radiating out of the two men. She placed a hand on Alix's arm and smiled at him. "It's okay, Alix. I'll make sure we don't take too long."

"Okay," Alix said, smiling back at her.

As she headed for the steps out of the pool, she felt Alix's hand caress her back gently. She was surprised that she stiffened at the touch, and even more surprised that Zach grabbed her hand, almost yanking her to go faster. As she climbed out of the pool, Zach placed an arm around her waist, making her shiver—in delight. Damn him. What the hell was he up to?

She went to pat herself with her towel, and when she'd finished, she unconsciously handed it to Zach to use. He was just standing there waiting for her, dripping. His towel must be on the other side of the perimeter.

"What do you want to talk about, Zach?" she asked, walking toward a quiet corner, away from the prying eyes of Sarah and Alix.

"I want to start resolving our issues," Zach said quietly.

She gasped.
What?
"Why?" she asked out loud.

Zach took a deep breath. "I've been a total asshole, jerk, moron, idiot... whatever you want to call me, Bec. I'm sorry. I want us to try again."

She stared at him, not quite sure if she heard him right. "Do you mean you want us to get back together?"

"Yes. Please."

She looked away, heart pounding. Two days ago, she would have rejoiced at his declaration. But now, even if the attraction was still so much there, she hesitated. Zach had already scarred her heart too much. And the recent wounds from the other day were still fresh.

"I don't know if I want to take another chance," she whispered, unable to look him in the eye.

"Please let me try again, Bec. Let me make it up to you," he pleaded.

"I'm at a place where I know I can walk away, Zach. It took me so long to get there. I don't know if I could trust you not to hurt me again."

"I'll try my very best not to hurt you again, Bec," Zach said, cupping her face and forcing her to look at him. "I'd rather die than hurt you again."

Rebecca stared into Zach's eyes, wanting to believe that what he said was true. Yet she was scared to once again offer her heart to him on a platter.