“Don’t you need to go make sure Tracy hasn’t lost your balls in her purse?” Even though I hate that he’s right, I put the stopper back in the decanter and push it out of my reach.
“She and her purse are off shopping with your girlfriend. Daisy was excited about some secret date you’ve arranged for this evening. They’re buying new jewelry and whatever else they find to dress her up.”
“She told me.” He waits for me to elaborate on my plans with an arched eyebrow and a disgusted expression. “Fine. It’s a romantic dinner on a catamaran, just the two of us, besides the crew.”
“You’re going all out for her. I like it. Let’s up the stakes. You ready?”
“Hit me.”
“Tonight, give her your cell number and your address, and take hers, to show you really do want to continue this relationship after this vacation is over. Nothing says commitment like sharing street addresses.”
Have I mentioned how much I hate my best friend?
“That’s kid stuff. I don’t even have to wait until we leave for dinner to do that. I’ll give her all my information when she gets back from her shopping spree, and I’ll get hers. Happy now?”
“Ecstatic. I’ll put the bourbon away on my way out. It’s time to get dressed for my date with Tracy tonight. By the way, we’ve already shared all our contact information, even our email addresses. We’re way ahead of you.”
He swipes the glass from my hand when he stands and takes the bottle from the table, leaving me alone with my thoughts once again. He’s right about one thing, I’m in an ominous place when I turn to bourbon, and it takes me to even deeper levels of moodiness. Time to shake that shit off and make sure Daisy has a good time tonight.
After raiding the in-room snack bar to help counteract the alcohol, I take a quick shower to wash off the day’s worth of salt and sand I accumulated on the Jet Ski and beach. Standing in front of the mirror after, I take a long, hard look at myself. I can’t deny what Juliana or Kevin said about me. When it comes to my sister and my niece, I’ll fight to the death to meet their every need. My automatic response with matters of the heart with anyone else is to flee, far and fast.
That’s why I’m taking this new status with Daisy one minute at a time.
Reaching in to grab my hairbrush, I realize the bathroom vanity drawer is mostly empty. The thing is, it was full of Daisy’s makeup and hair accessories this morning. Rifling through the other drawers and cabinets reveals the same—her belongings are gone. Did she pack everything before she left to go shopping with Tracy? Was their outing a lie so she could get away from me?
I stomp over to the closet and jerk the door open, preparing myself to see more missing items. But her suitcase and clothes are still there, in the same place she left them when she first unpacked. For a minute there, I honestly believed she’d taken all her things and ghosted me.
The thought of her leaving me bothered me more than I thought it would and opened old wounds I’d rather not contend with right now. Or ever, truth be told.
Just to be sure, I want to call her and ask what time she’ll be back. But as Kevin so eloquently pointed out, I don’t have her number. I could go through the hassle of having Kevin get it from Tracy, but that makes me look desperate.
Knowing she’ll be back calms my churning stomach enough to finish dressing for our evening out on the water. It’s still hot as hell outside, so I dress in a collared pullover and khaki shorts for dinner. I can’t wait to surprise her with our reservations tonight. The cruise is usually for multiple couples, but I rented the entire boat for the night so we can enjoy the views with a modicum of privacy.
Before long, I hear the click of the doorknob turning and she walks in, dressed to the nines and all made up for our date. She stops in her tracks when her eyes meet mine, the hunger in them radiating in heated waves. I take in her appearance slowly and fully, from head to toe. When I make my way back up, her flushed cheeks and rapidly rising and falling chest leave no doubt she feels it too. The intense attraction, the powerful spell we’re under, the passion threatening to boil over at any second.
Now I realize why I’ve never grown attached to anyone else. These feelings make me feel alive and buzzing with energy, and only she invokes them in me.
“Damn, you look amazing, Daisy. Excuse me while I pick my tongue up off the floor.”
The way she fills out a little black dress should be criminal. Her matching jewelry only accentuates some of her best assets. The silver chain hangs low, drawing my eye to her cleavage. She pulled her hair up off her shoulders, leaving soft curled tendrils hanging loose around her face. Long, shiny earrings dangle from her ears and match the bracelets on her wrist and the ankle bracelet that sits above her heel.
She walks toward me, keeping her chin up, and her eyes locked on mine. Now I know why her makeup bag was missing from the bathroom. Her smoky eyeshadow adds an extra layer of sex appeal to her already sensual look. No more doubting her on my part. She’s outdone herself today, and she did it all for me.
I meet her halfway and slide my hands along her waist until they meet behind her back. Before she has the opportunity to say anything, I lean down and steal a long, lingering kiss.
“Wow. What did I do to deserve that?”
“I missed you.” That’s the truth. Despite everything that happened in this room while she was away, it all boils down to that simple answer.
“Should I go out and come back in again?”
“Are you coming back in naked, wearing nothing but those heels? If not, then forget it. I’m not letting you out of my sight again for anything less.”
“We can save that for dessert later tonight.”
“Don’t tease, woman. You’re killing me as it is. We should probably get going now before I change my mind and keep you to myself all night.”
“Lead the way, handsome. You haven’t told me what we’re doing, but I’m game for whatever you have in mind.”
We walk hand in hand to the docks with her admiring the large yachts along the way. When we reach the catamaran, I extend my arm toward the gangway, signaling for her to board first.
“We’re doing a sunset cruise?”
“We are, with dinner, music, and dancing too. Just you and me for as long as you want to stay out on the water.”
She’s beyond excited as she hurries on to the boat. The staff greets us with a glass of champagne and offers various types of hors d'oeuvres while we wait to cast off. We explore the ship together until we feel the movement as we pull out of the slip. We’re escorted to the sole table at the front of the wide deck, giving us the best view of the sky and water in every direction.
“Rod, this is incredible. I can’t believe you arranged this, but thank you so much for this experience. I love everything about it.”
“It’s my pleasure, Daisy. I’m happy you’re enjoying it.”
The small band plays softly in the background as we enjoy the multi-course meal. We’ve already had an emotion filled day, but this romantic atmosphere seems to amplify it. After the waitstaff clears the table, we move our chairs to sit side by side and enjoy the view together. With my arm draped around her and her head against the crook of my shoulder, we watch the sun disappear into the water on the horizon. Dusk turns to dark, and stars sparkle in the nighttime sky.
Daisy lifts her head and looks up at me, an innate innocence shines in her eyes. “I’ve loved every second of today, Rod. And…” She swallows hard but doesn’t avert her gaze from mine. “I’m falling in love with you.”
I dip my head to capture her lips in response, but I can’t bring myself to say those words yet.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Daisy
When the bright sun streaks through the curtains, the warmth of a hard body behind me brings an instant smile to my face. His arm is slung over my side, holding me close in his sleep. It’s early still, and his rhythmic breathing confirms he’s still in a deep sleep. My mind drifts back to the events of yesterday
and last night. The feelings he shared were so unexpected, I was in complete shock at first. But then I let go of the fear and embraced the truth.
The time we spent together last night on the boat was nothing short of pure magic. Sunset in the arms of the man I’m crazy about, a romantic cruise under the stars twinkling in the black sky, and a full night of him ravaging my body until all my energy was completely spent. He ordered midnight room service as an extra dessert, an ice cream sundae will all the toppings. But he was the sweet one, being so attentive, affectionate, and adorable.
For the first time in years, I’m happy and have hope for a genuine relationship, one where we can grow and flourish together. Even though I wouldn’t have believed it from my first impression, I think Rod feels the same. But I also think he’s much more afraid of admitting his feelings than I am. Seems we both have our own hang-ups and ghosts from the past still haunting our present. Mine has kept me from pursuing love … and accepting it. That’s how I knew Rod didn’t feel worthy to be loved. It’s easier to see the signs in someone else than to see them in myself. It’s also easier to tell him he deserves it than to convince myself of the same sentiment.
From the cadence of his gentle snores, I don’t think he’ll wake anytime soon. Instead of waking him, I close my eyes and allow sleep to pull me back under its alluring spell. I’m safe and secure in Rod’s embrace, and no dream is better than the real thing.
When I feel him stirring later, I wake again with a smile that seems to be permanently affixed to my face. He’s no longer pressed against my back, so I carefully turn to see him, so I won’t disturb him if he’s still asleep. The tortured expression on his face steals my breath. He’s so deeply lost in another world he doesn’t even realize I’ve moved beside him. He fixes his eyes on the ceiling, draws his eyebrows down, and a painful grimace mars his handsome features.
Then he drags his hand down his face and exhales a forceful breath. He squeezes his eyes shut and covers them with his forearm. Without knowing which demon he’s wrestling with this morning, I’m hesitant to strike up a conversation out of the blue. But I can’t lie here and pretend everything is all right either.
“After seeing that gorgeous sunset last night, I almost woke you up a couple of hours ago to watch the sunrise. But you were sleeping so good I didn’t want to interrupt your slumber.”
He lowers his arm and turns his gaze toward me, but his eyes are distant and cold. “You probably should have woken me after all.”
“Maybe tomorrow morning I will. Want to tell me what’s going on in that handsome head of yours?”
“It’s nothing. I’m going to shower, then we can head down to the restaurant for breakfast.”
“Okay.” Normally at this point, I say I’ll join him in the shower, but the detached tone in his voice keeps me at bay.
We walk down to breakfast in awkward silence. He holds my hand, but the intimacy I felt last night is gone, replaced by an enormous gulf separating us. When we reach the table, he pulls my chair out for me before taking his seat, then he disappears behind the menu.
“Rod?” I love rollercoasters, but not this one.
“Hmm?”
“Can you look at me for a minute?”
He slowly lowers the menu, and his gaze follows it to the table. But I’m determined to wait him out. He’s an intelligent man. He’ll pick up on the social cue, eventually. When he finally gives me his undivided attention, I reach across the table and take his hand in mine.
“Talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong, what’s on your mind. You’re not acting like yourself this morning.”
“You know the old cliché it’s not you, it’s me? In this case, it’s entirely true. Memories I’d rather forget reared their ugly heads in my dreams last night. Sometimes it takes me a while to shake off the bullshit and get back to my normal, charming self.”
“Maybe I can help move that along. You don’t seem to be in the mood for crowds or company today. How would you like to rent a couple of kayaks and do our own river tour? Later this afternoon, we can have a couple’s sunset massage on the beach. What do you say?”
“That’s a great idea. Let’s get away from everyone and escape from reality for a while. In fact, I’ll have the concierge arrange it right now. If you’ll order our breakfast, I’ll go take care of the reservations before they’re all booked.”
Though he still doesn’t seem overjoyed, at least he is livelier than he was a few minutes ago. I’m counting on the rest of the day and evening alone to help pull him out of this depressive funk. I can sympathize with bad dreams dredging up memories that are better forgotten. There was a time mine would throw me into a near catatonic state for a day or two while I dealt with the aftermath.
After a lot of therapy sessions and a lot of introspection, I realized I wasn’t handling my problems constructively. That’s when I changed my mindset and started the summer camp project, putting my focus on helping others rather than wallowing in my self-pity. It wasn’t easy, by any stretch of the imagination, but my behavior had negative effects on more than just me.
Some people are worth the extra effort, regardless of how hard it is or how much effort it takes to change.
The waitress stops by our table, and I give her both orders while waiting for Rod to return. Tracy, Kevin, Hunter, and Jace walk in and spot me sitting alone, so they fill the empty chairs.
“Hey, guys. What are you up to today?” I greet them with a smile.
“Since Hunter and Jace have alienated every single woman left at this resort, Kevin and I get the absolute pleasure of spending the day with them. If they’re left to their own devices, they’ll end up either in jail or killing each other.” Tracy rolls her eyes exaggeratedly, clearly irritated with her situation.
While I feel bad for her, there’s no way I’ll volunteer to babysit those overgrown boys for her.
“Where’s Rod?” Kevin looks around the restaurant.
“He went to make arrangements for our trip today. He should be back any minute now.”
“What are you two doing today?” Tracy cuts her brown eyes at me and flashes a sly grin.
“Kayaking today and a couple’s massage later this evening.”
“The whole paddling the boat thing is too much work. I think we’ll take the brats to a water park and let them play.” She laughs at the shocked expressions on Hunter’s and Jace’s faces.
Rod rounds the corner just as Tracy finishes. “You know, I like that idea better. Let’s go with them today, Daisy. We can cancel the kayaking trip and still spend the day playing in the water.”
He slides into his seat beside me and starts chatting with the guys. Tracy shoots me a look that says she’s sorry, but she’s also confused. To say the least, I’m puzzled too. Not only because of his sudden shift in behavior, but I thought he wanted to be alone with me. But then again, he came here with his friends, not me. If he wants to spend the day having fun as a group, I can’t begrudge him that time. The expression on Tracy’s face, however, says differently.
After breakfast, Rod and I quickly change then meet the others to ride to the water park together. The crowds have already descended, looking for another fun day in the sun. Kids run past us, elbowing their way through the masses to reach the next ride, while we wait in line for a locker to store our belongings. A group of young women wearing little more than dental floss strut by us, and one purposely slows her gait, wordlessly offering an open invitation for Rod to join her.
When I glance up at him to see his reaction, my heart plummets to my feet. One brow is arched, a sexy smirk covers his face, and his eyes wander up and down the length of her body. I stare at him in disbelief for several seconds, unable to verbalize my feelings. I’m not the type of person who thinks a man can never look at another woman, that’s just not feasible.
But he is doing more than looking, more than admiring a pretty face and nice body. He’s bordering on accepting that invitation with me standing right beside him. That’s one o
f the cruelest ways to disrespect someone he supposedly cares about. When he finally turns his attention to me, his face drops and his lips part as if he’s about to say something, but he quickly closes them again.
Tracy and Kevin openly gawk at Rod—one with pure contempt and the other with utter shock. Rod’s eyes dart between the three of us before he draws his bottom lip between his teeth. He knows he crossed a line that he never should’ve gotten close to, much less stepped over.
He clears his throat nervously, then drops his eyes to the ground.
I’m teetering on the edge of leaving the park altogether, or sending Rod with his fuck-buddy wannabe, while I spend the day with the rest of the group. At the moment, I feel like the dumbest woman on the planet. Staying with him today will make me appear weak, and I’ve worked too hard not to feel that way ever again. Walking away will make me question if I’m overreacting and being too emotional.
“That was a real dick move, Rod.” Tracy can’t hold her tongue any longer. “If I were Daisy, I’d knee you in the balls until you puked then walk away laughing. Have you ever tried not being a piece of shit?” She throws her bag in the locker along with Kevin’s stuff and slams the door.
Our four companions take a few steps away to give us room to access our locker. While Rod unlocks it and empties his pockets, I make my decision. Without saying goodbye, I turn and quietly walk away. The farther I get away from him, the quicker my pace becomes. When I reach the front entrance, I grab the taxi another group is vacating before someone else does.
As the car pulls away from the curb, I glance over and see Rod standing at the chain-link fence, his fingers gripping the metal as he watches me leave.
Back at the hotel, I approach the front desk and request a room for myself. While Rod is gone, I’ll move all my shit out of his room. Rather than upsetting Tracy and Kevin’s plans for the last couple of days on the island, I’ll get a separate room and enjoy my time alone to decompress before we go back to Atlanta.
All of Me: Rod & Daisy Duet Box Set Page 16