The Teacher's Billionaire (7 page)

She was turning him down again? If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was playing hard to get.

Slightly exasperated, Dylan placed a hand on her shoulder. “Unless you want me to address you as Miss Taylor all the time, you need to stop calling me Mr. Talbot.”

A faint blush crept up her cheeks making Callie appear much younger than her thirty-one years. “I'm familiar with the area, so I should be fine, Dylan.”

It was the first time since they’d meet that she’d said his name. The sound of it on her lips made his heart skip a beat.

“
You probably have things you want to do today. I promise not to get lost.”

Dylan took a few steps closer into her personal space. He could tell she felt a little uncomfortable, and knew that he should keep more distance between them. Still he didn’t move. Instead he searched her face for some hint of what she was really thinking. Perhaps she sensed his intentions because she quickly looked away when he made eye contact with her. Though not before Dylan saw the brief flash of desire in her eyes.

Maybe you haven't completely lost your touch, Talbot.

Using two fingers he gently nudged her head up so that she was looking him directly in the eye. “Trust me. If I didn’t want to be here, I wouldn’t be. I can’t remember the last time I relaxed and enjoyed Newport. And I’d like to do that with you.”

He should move his hand. The part of his brain still functioning properly kept telling him that. Yet he didn’t do it. Instead he allowed it to linger as his thumb moved slowly along her jaw. Her skin was smooth and flawless. Just as he thought it would be.

The corner of his mouth lifted in a lopsided smile. “Say you’ll come.” When was the last time he’d wanted to spend time with a woman so badly?

Never.

But there was something about Callie that was different. Something which made him crave her company. Maybe it was because she didn't seem to want anything from him like so many women did. And he wasn’t the only one who felt the chemistry between them. Dylan was sure of it. He’d even bet a good portion of his fortune that she felt something as well.

“
As long as you're up for some sightseeing before an hour or two at the beach?” Callie’s voice was once again light and friendly.

He didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. Grabbing the bag she’d put in the trunk, he gave her a full blown smile. “I came prepared for anything.” Slamming closed the empty trunk of her car, he took her by the hand and led her to his car.

“
Your chariot awaits.” He opened the Aston Martin's passenger door for her.

The morning proceeded so smoothly that Callie almost forget who she was with and why she was in Newport. The first stop on Dylan's itinerary was Fort Adams. Now a popular tourist attraction, the fort had been built in the late 1700’s. She’d always wanted to visit the fort and the state park which surrounded it but never had the opportunity for one reason or another.

Though the fort offered a guided tour Dylan suggested that they skip it, insisting it wasn’t necessary. Initially Callie was disappointed. She’d been looking forward to hearing about the structure's centuries of history. However, her disappointment quickly vanished when Dylan awed her with his knowledge of the fort and its role in defending the city. During dinner he mentioned he enjoyed history too, but she hadn't realized just how serious he was until now.

Newport's beaches were well-known. In fact a person didn’t need to travel far to find one. That was precisely where Callie planned to spend a few hours that day, and where she assumed they were heading now.

Since leaving the parking area at the restaurant where they'd eaten lunch she’d had trouble keeping her eyes off Dylan. She was rapidly learning that he wasn’t only good looking but also friendly and easy to be around. Being with him wasn’t any more difficult than being with any other man she knew. Well, except for the fact that being around him set her heart racing and sent every rational thought from her brain.

He’s not like any other man,
Callie reminded herself as she pretended to focus on the scenery outside.
He's filthy rich and only wants to keep me company until Warren arrives. He just playing the role of host again. Lucky him.

She didn’t believe for one minute that he wanted to spend time with her for any other reason.

For the first time since getting in the car, Callie really took note of the landscape they were passing. “I thought we were going to the beach?” She kept looking for a familiar landmark to tell her where they were. When her grandparents lived in the area, they’d taken her to the beach every summer. However, nothing around them jogged any memories.

“
We’re going to a tiny beach near Black Point,” Dylan answered, referring to a private and very exclusive beach club. “It isn’t part of the club. I don’t think anybody ever goes there. I stumbled on it accidentally one day.”

After parking in an empty corner of the Black Point lot, Dylan got out and opened Callie’s door as he had the night before. Unable to do anything else, she accepted his out stretched hand.

After a short argument over whether or not she could carry her own things to the beach, an argument which she lost, they lapsed into silence.

Breaking through a natural barrier of tall grass and reeds, Dylan stopped and looked over his shoulder. “What do you think? Will it do?”

Although no larger than the postage stamp sized backyard she had growing up, Callie loved the beach. The sand was smooth and free of any debris. Dense overgrown grass and reeds provided ample privacy from the parking lot, and the view of the water was fantastic.

“
Absolutely.”

After spreading out a large blanket on the ground, Callie removed the denim shorts and t-shirt she’d worn over her bathing suit. Grabbing a bottle of sunscreen from her bag, she quickly covered her arms, legs, face and as much of her back as she could reach.

She’d been about to ask Dylan if he wanted to borrow some sunscreen when he pulled his t-shirt off. The second his shirt hit the sand she made a valiant effort not to stare and ogle. She honestly did. But how could she not. Any woman in her position would. She just hoped her tongue wasn't hanging out.

She’d already known he was in good shape. She could tell by the way his clothes fit him. Still, she hadn’t been prepared for the view she had now.

Obviously Mr. CEO doesn’t spend all his time in the office.
Callie just couldn't look away.

Dylan’s shoulders were wide, but his torso narrowed to a lean waist. With an incredibly developed chest and six pack, she could imagine him doing underwear ads. A set of powerful legs completed the package.

After spreading a blanket alongside hers, Dylan dropped down next to her. “Mind if I borrow some of that?” he asked pointing to the bottle of sunscreen.

“
I thought you said you came prepared for anything?” Callie teased him before handing him the bottle.

“
Don’t tell anyone. It would ruin my image.”

“
My lips are sealed.”

Though she knew that she should pull out her book and read, Callie watched as he spread sunscreen across his skin. And she couldn't help but wish her hands were the ones moving across his shoulders and chest. At one point she even had to catch her self from asking him if he wanted her to do his back for him. Luckily her common sense stepped in right on time.

What the heck is wrong with me, she wondered burying her nose in her book. Did I really almost ask him if he needed help putting on sunscreen?

She hardly knew him. How could she even consider doing something so personal for a stranger?

“
Did you get your back?” he asked as if reading her mind.

“
Uh...not completely. But it's good enough.”

Dylan moved a little closer. “Lean forward. I'll get it for you.” Without waiting for a response he squeezed sunscreen into his hand. “Don't want you to get burned.”

I'd rather get burned by the sun than you.
Callie wasn't sure her body could handle having his hands on it. “Really it's no big...”

“
I think you like arguing with me.” Dylan positioned himself behind her. “Do you really want a sunburn? I promise I won't bite.”

Reluctantly, Callie leaned forward so that he would have easy access to her back and shoulders. The minute his hands glided across her skin, it felt as if it was on fire. His hands were much rougher than she'd expected. She could actually feel a few callouses.

Wonder how he got those
. Not from sitting behind his desk all day. Perhaps at the gym, he obviously spent plenty of time there.

Slowly his hands moved from her shoulders and down her spine. The intimate contact was sweet torture. She found herself longing for a quick dip in the ocean to cool her skin. She could just picture herself jumping in and steam rising up around her like it did when a blacksmith dropped a piece of red hot iron in cold water to cool it. The image made her laugh before she could stop herself.

“
What's so funny?” Dylan asked. His voice contained a hint of amusement and his accent sounded more pronounced than usual.

“
Nothing. You just hit a ticklish spot,” she answered thinking fast. She couldn't take his hands on her anymore. “Thanks. I'm good now.” Callie pulled away putting some much needed space between them. Picking up her book again, she tried to find the page she had left off on since the bookmark she normally used was gone.

Dylan leaned back and used his arms to prop himself up. “What are you reading?”

“
Emma.” Callie shrugged. “It's one of my favorites.”

“
I could never get into Jane Austin. Prefer Dickens myself.”

For some reason she couldn't picture Dylan reading anything but the Wall Street journal or some other business related publication.

Don't prejudge, Callie reminded herself. She'd been the victim of that enough times to know how unfair it could be. “I like some of his stories, but I'll take a copy of Pride and Prejudice first any day. Austin is probably my favorite classical author.”

“
My mother really likes Austin too.” Dylan slipped on a pair of dark sunglasses. “She has a few first editions of her work.”

Though she had yet to met the woman, she couldn't imagine having anything in common with Elizabeth Sherbrooke. From the little she'd read about the woman she knew Elizabeth was the epitome of elegance and wealth. In fact if Callie looked the word elegance up in a dictionary she wouldn't be shocked to see a picture of Elizabeth Sherbrooke there smiling back up at her. Callie was more likely to find a picture of herself near the words unsophisticated and working middle class.

“
What other authors do you like to read?” Dylan asked.

Although she’d been reluctant to spend the day with Dylan, Callie wasn’t eager for their time together to end. Yet, when he walked her back to her motel room later that evening, she knew that was it. Tomorrow her father would arrive and Dylan would no longer feel obligated to play host.

And that’s what he’s been doing all day, Callie reminded herself. It might have seemed like a date, but it wasn’t. He was only standing in as host for her father. Nothing more.

Pulling her room card out of her purse, she waited for Dylan to say goodnight and leave. They’d already finalized what time she would arrive at Cliff House the next morning so there wasn’t really anything left for them to say except goodnight. Regardless, neither of them moved.

“
Thanks again. I had a lot fun today,” Callie said to fill the silence between them. It wasn’t necessarily a bad silence. Rather it felt like the awkward stage at the end of a first date when you’re trying to decide if a goodnight kiss would be appropriate. Although it would’ve been unlike her, she might have made the first move and kissed him if it had been a date. Since it wasn’t she remained rooted in place.

“
Me too. I haven't just relaxed on the beach in a long time. I forgot how much I like it. I'm going to try to do it more often.”

His reply surprised her. While it appeared as if he’d been having fun, she’d assumed it'd mostly been an act. After all he had been the one to insist they spend the day together. It wouldn’t have looked right if he looked miserable all day.

Perhaps she’d been wrong though. Not that it really mattered. The day was over. It wasn’t as if they’d ever spend the day alone together again.

Since it didn’t seem as if he would say it first, Callie decided she better. “Goodnight, Dylan. Thanks again.”

Why couldn’t she seem to turn and open the door? She’d said goodnight. Now she just needed to turn and slip the key card into the slot. Simple. Yet somehow her brain couldn’t get the message to her feet. And he wasn’t helping matters. Instead of leaving he stood there looking down at her as if she was the only other person in the world.

“
Are you sure you don’t want me to send a car tomorrow to pick you up? It's not a problem.” He'd already asked her that question on the ride back to her motel. “Or if you’d be more comfortable, I can come by in the morning to get you,” he offered taking a step closer to her.

Callie smiled and shook her head. “Really, I’d rather drive myself. I remember how to get there.” She didn't want to inconvenience him anymore than she already had that weekend.